February 2024 Newsletter
Ochoa Community School
Love of Reading
Dear Ochoa Families,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to share some exciting news regarding our ongoing efforts to foster a love of reading among our students.
At Ochoa, we firmly believe in the power of reading to enrich lives, expand horizons, and ignite imaginations. As educators, we strive to instill this passion for reading in our students from an early age, knowing that it lays a solid foundation for lifelong learning and success.
I am thrilled to inform you that we are launching a new initiative aimed at involving parents more actively in our students' reading journey. We understand that parental involvement plays a crucial role in shaping children's attitudes and habits towards reading. Therefore, we would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in this endeavor.
If you are interested, you can schedule a reading time with your child's classroom teacher, during which you can join your child in reading their favorite books or exploring new ones together. This dedicated time not only strengthens the bond between you and your child but also reinforces the value of reading as a shared and enjoyable activity.
If you would like to schedule a reading time or have any questions about this initiative, please contact your child's teacher. We are here to support you.
Together, let us embark on this journey of discovery, imagination, and growth through the wonderful world of books.
Warm regards,
Rosamaria Duarte Raub
Principal, Ochoa Community School
Kinder Round-up
We have our Kinder Registration open. If you know anyone who has a child who is 5 years old or will be 5 by August 31, 2024 invite them to our Kinder Round-up February 27th at 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM. You can also schedule a tour by calling 520-225-2400.
5 Health tips for the month of February
1. Encourage Regular Physical Activity: Children should engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Encourage them to participate in activities they enjoy, such as playing outside, riding bikes, dancing, or playing sports. Limit screen time and encourage active play instead.
2. Promote Healthy Eating Habits: Offer a variety of nutritious foods at home and in school lunches. Encourage children to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sugary snacks and beverages and encourage water as the primary drink choice.
3. Emphasize Proper Hygiene: Teach children the importance of regular handwashing, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. Show them how to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, teach them to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
4. Ensure Adequate Sleep: Elementary school-age children need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and cognitive function. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping their bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable.
5. Foster Positive Mental Health: Pay attention to your child's emotional well-being and encourage open communication. Teach them coping skills to manage stress and emotions effectively, such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, and talking about their feelings. Encourage positive social interactions and provide opportunities for them to engage in activities they enjoy.
By promoting these health tips for elementary school children, you can help them establish healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Basketball Games 2024!
Come and join us for some fun games and support our Ochoa Basketball Team.
February 10, at 9:00 at Tucson High School
Neurons for the Dendrite Depot!
How can your child earn neurons for the Dendrite Depot? Here are some ways:
- Completing homework
- Reading Logs
- Class tests and assignments
- Attendance
- Class or home projects
- If you have any question, contact your child's teacher.
Calendar of Events!
February 8-9, Parent Teacher Conferences - Early Out
February 12, PTSA and Cafecito with the Principal at 10AM
February 12--28, AZELLA testing K-5
February 12-16, Spirit Week (see ClassDojo)
February 22-23, Rodeo Vacation - No School
Tips from Nurse Guerrero
5 Healthy Tips for the month of February
Bundle Up for Winter Weather: As temperatures drop, make sure your child is dressed warmly with layers, hats, and gloves to stay protected from the cold. This helps prevent illnesses and ensures their comfort during outdoor activities.
Stay Hydrated Despite the Chill: Even in colder weather, it's essential to stay hydrated. Encourage your child to drink water regularly. Dry indoor heating can contribute to dehydration, so be mindful of their fluid intake.
Nutrient-Rich Winter Foods: Explore seasonal fruits and vegetables to boost your child's immune system. Citrus fruits, berries, and dark leafy greens are excellent choices. Consider incorporating warm and nutritious soups into their meals.
Flu Prevention Practices: Remind your child to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses. Emphasize proper handwashing, covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick peers.
Maintain Consistent Sleep Patterns: Ensure your child continues to get enough sleep, even during the winter break. Consistent sleep patterns support their overall health, immune function, and ability to concentrate in school.
Support Ochoa with you AZ tax donation
Single individuals (or married, filing separately) can receive a credit of up to $200. Married couples filing a joint return can receive a credit of up to $400. We use tax donations to support academics and extra curricular activities. Thank you in advance.
We also have the Ochoa Optimist Club that supports our school with fieldtrips, school events, and classroom supplies. You can make tax donations to the club by writing a check to Ochoa Optimist Club.
Keep you tax donation money at Ochoa and make a difference in our children's education.
How can I access my child's report card, attendance, classroom assignments, etc.
Through Parentview you have access to your child's grades, attendance, class assignments, test results, and more. If you forgot or do not have your password please contact the office for support. 520-225-2400.
Community Corner
This month we are featuring Santa Rosa
The Santa Rosa Public Library is indeed a fantastic destination to take your kids. Here are some reasons why:
1. **Children's Section**: The library likely has a dedicated children's section filled with age-appropriate books, interactive displays, and comfortable seating areas. This section is designed to encourage children to explore the world of literature and foster a love of reading from a young age.
2. **Storytime Sessions**: Many public libraries, including Santa Rosa Public Library, host regular storytime sessions for kids. These sessions often include storytelling, sing-alongs, puppet shows, and other engaging activities that promote literacy and language development in a fun and interactive way.
3. **Educational Programs**: The library may offer a variety of educational programs and workshops for kids on topics such as science, art, technology, and more. These programs provide valuable learning experiences outside of the classroom and encourage children to explore their interests and talents.
4. **Summer Reading Programs**: During the summer months, libraries often run special reading programs to prevent the "summer slide" and keep kids engaged with books and learning. These programs typically include incentives, prizes, and themed events to motivate children to read regularly and develop their literacy skills.
5. **Access to Resources**: In addition to books, the library provides access to a wide range of resources that can benefit children, including audiobooks, e-books, educational games, and online databases. These resources support learning and enrichment in various subject areas and cater to different learning styles and preferences.
6. **Safe and Welcoming Environment**: The library offers a safe and welcoming environment for kids to explore, learn, and socialize. It's a place where children can feel comfortable and supported as they embark on their literary and educational journeys.
Overall, the Santa Rosa Public Library is a treasure trove of resources and opportunities for children to learn, grow, and discover the joy of reading. Whether it's attending storytime, participating in educational programs, or simply browsing the shelves for a new favorite book, there's something for every young reader to enjoy at the library.
ClassDojo
Stay in touch with what is happening at Ochoa and in your child's classroom through ClassDojo.
Character Strong
Our school district has adopted Character Strong Curriculum for our Social Emotional Learning. This month's focus is on Honesty. Here are this month's newsletters.