Written By:  Tania Villalón Rivera , Parent Engagement Coordinator, UCP of Central Florida As we enter the final months of the school year, consistent attendance plays a critical role in helping students finish strong. Research consistently shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, demonstrate stronger reading and math growth, and feel more connected to their school community. Even missing two days per month can add up to nea

Writen By: Amany Elganbihy , 5th Grade Teacher at UCP Returning to school after a long break, such as winter break, can be exciting for students—but it can also feel overwhelming. In my 5th-grade classroom at UCP, I believe that easing back into routines should feel welcoming, positive, and motivating rather than stressful. One of the first things I do after a break is revisit classroom expectations using bright, engaging slides that immediately capture students’ attention. I

By Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Clinical Counselor Spring break offers families something we don’t always have during the busy school year — a slower pace and a little extra time together. Between early mornings, homework, work schedules, and after-school commitments, it can be difficult to find meaningful moments to simply connect. This break provides a natural opportunity to pause, reset, and focus on strengthening your relationship with your child through intentional one-on-on

Written By:   Anna O'Connor Morin , Associate Superintendent Families often ask for a one to one (1:1) adult support person for their student because they want their child to be safe, successful, and supported—and that makes complete sense. While 1:1 support can be helpful in very specific situations, it is not always the best long-term approach for students in special education. Most Restrictive Support A full-time 1:1 adult is considered one of the most restrictive forms of

Written by: Tania Villalon, Parent Engagement Coordinator We know mornings can be busy, schedules can be tight, and life happens. Still, one of the most powerful ways families can support their child’s success is something simple but important: helping them be at school every day. Research consistently shows that regular school attendance plays a major role in how children learn, grow, and thrive over time. What Good Attendance Really Means Missing school occasionally is exp

Written By: Anna O'Connor Morin , Senior Director of Education What Is Reading Fluency? Reading fluency is a child’s ability to read smoothly, accurately, and with expression. A fluent reader doesn’t have to stop and sound out every word—they can read in a way that sounds natural, like talking. When children read fluently, they can focus on understanding the story or information, not just figuring out the words. Fluency is an important bridge between learning to read and rea

Written by: Tania Villalón Rivera , Parents Engagement Coordinator, UCP of Central Florida The holidays can be a joyful yet hectic time, full of activities, family commitments, shopping, and the distractions of screens that pull both kids and adults away from what truly matters—time together. In the rush of the season, it’s easy to overlook that the most meaningful gift isn’t found in expensive presents but in the simple, warm moments shared with loved ones. This year, the go

Written by Anna O'Connor-Morin , Associate Superintendent of Education UCP Charter Schools Core literacy and numeracy skills form the foundation of all future learning, making them essential areas for parents to support at home. Literacy begins with exposure to rich language—reading aloud, discussing stories, and encouraging children to express their thoughts verbally or in writing. Numeracy thrives when children see numbers in real-life contexts, such as cooking, shopping, o

Written by Katie Folsom, Administrative Assistant/Receptionist at UCP of Central Florida, West Orange When I first came across the job listing for an Administrative Assistant/Receptionist at UCP of Central Florida in April 2021, I was between jobs and looking for a fresh start. At the time, my son Connor was three years old and had recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder with Speech Delay. Like many parents navigating this new world, I was searching for the righ

Written By:   Tania Villalon Rivera , Parent Engagement Coordinator, UCP of Central Florida Gratitude is one of those values that can truly shape who we are. When kids learn to be thankful for what they have, they grow into happier, more empathetic, and grounded people. It helps them see what’s good in their lives, focus on the positive, and feel more connected to others. Gratitude teaches all of us to move from “I need more” to “I have enough.” But in today’s world, entitlem

Written By: Natassia Ferguson , UCP School Business Manager & UCP Parent Natassia—known to many as Nat—is one of UCP Charter School’s Business Managers and a proud UCP parent. Drawing on both her professional experience and her journey as a mom, she shares her personal story for families navigating a new diagnosis or experiencing UCP for the first time, along with reflections she wishes she’d known at the start. From the beginning I remember the day we received my son’s autis

Written By:  Cassidy Gibson-Cooper , Parenting Central Curiosity isn’t just a trait—it’s a momentum. It’s the spark that keeps kids asking “why,” even when the answers are messy or slow to come. But curiosity doesn’t survive on its own. It needs air. It needs space. And it needs parents who know when to back off, when to step in, and how to get out of the way without disappearing. If your goal is to raise a child who doesn't need constant pushing, who wants to understand the

Written By:  Meredith Jones , Fine Times Raising a leader doesn’t require a special curriculum or early enrollment in mock government. It starts in your living room, long before your child steps into a classroom or team huddle. Leadership in kids shows up as curiosity that refuses to quit, the courage to admit a mistake, the confidence to speak up — and the grace to listen. You’re not training a CEO. You’re shaping someone who’ll one day stand up for others, take ownership, a

Written by: Dr. Karyn Scott, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, K-12 The school year has started , and the daily routine is shifting from summer activities. We all know that when children come to school every day and on time, they set themselves up for success. Each day builds on the last, and missing even a little time can make it harder for them to keep up. Arriving on time also means they can enjoy a healthy school breakfast, which helps them focus and have the energy t

Written by: Anna O'Connor-Morin, Sr. Director of Education The Best Ways to Collaborate with Your Child's Teachers - A Parent-Friendly...

Written By: Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Clinical Counselor Tips for Parents to Ease Anxiety and Build Confidence The night before the first...

Written By: Anna O'Connor Morin , Senior Director of Education Play-based games are a fantastic way to support your child's education...

Written By: Anna O'Connor Morin , Senior Director of Education Preparing for the school year is essential to help your child feel...

Written by: Tania Villalon, ELA Teacher Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time for kids to have fun while continuing to learn! By...

Written by: Tania Villalón, ELA Teacher Get ready for a fun-filled summer of reading and writing with this handy checklist! Use it to...