Our children and the community around them

By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool of the Arts Founder & Director

At Preschool of the Arts, we strive to cultivate each of our student’s intellectual, emotional, social and moral potential. The exceptional individualized care invested in every single child, from the time they walk in the door as a toddler until the day they walk out as a capable and school-ready student, is truly one of a kind.

Step onto our beautiful state-of-the-art campus and you are no longer just a face in a crowd; you and your child are important individuals that make up the mosaic of our unique community.

That community extends beyond just our students and their families. We are privileged to benefit from the support and partnership of our Greater Naples community. Throughout the months of February and March, we enjoyed numerous events that fostered warm relationships between our children and the community around them.

In late February, POTA welcomed officers from the Naples Police Department for a fun “Cookies, Cops and Classrooms” event that introduced our children to law enforcement in a warm and educational way. Our brave law enforcement officers connected with the children over some delicious cookies and the children were able to gain a sense of security and appreciation for the incredible work our police force does to keep our entire community safe. Visits like these are crucial to creating a foundation of trust and support that builds community relationships.

Thank you to the Naples Police Department for visiting Preschool of the Arts and for always going above and beyond to keep our community safe!

In early March, we continued to foster important relationships by hosting one of our most popular events of the year — Grandparents’ Day! At POTA, we know that being a grandparent is one of the greatest gifts in life and we were honored to recognize the special role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives. This year’s event was a garden party, inspired by the theme, “Grandparents Are Our Roots.” Our guests enjoyed fun-filled gardening activities and a special musical performance from our star students!

Throughout the day, we were inspired to witness the Nachat — overwhelming pride and joy — on all our grandparents’ faces, beaming as the children demonstrated their tremendous accomplishments and growth. Most wonderful of all, was the way the children burst with pride, as each one felt like a million dollars — special and loved by their beloved grandparents. It is truly only grandparents who can bring so much joy!

Preschool of the Arts children delight in friendships, playground fun and hands-on learning experiences.

The joy continued in the weeks leading up to Purim. Our children got well into the spirit of the festivities at school, dressing up in costumes, singing Purim songs and baking Hamantaschen. In art class, the children designed and decorated beautiful baskets that they filled with yummy goodies. The children then gifted their basket to a friend in the Purim custom of Mishloach Manot, encouraging sharing, giving and friendship.

The highlight of the holiday was a community-wide outdoor celebration at the Chabad and POTA campus — “Purim in the Wild West!” There was fun for the whole family, from pony rides to a rope show to rides on a mechanical bull! The ultimate Purim party also invited all our cowboys and cowgirls — and various other guests dressed in costume — to a delicious Saloon Dinner and the speediest Megillah readin’ in the Wild West. Everyone had a roaring good time with smiles and laughter galore!

Want to bring a smile to your child’s face? Sign him or her up for Summer of the Arts! Our summer experience is like dozens of specialty camps rolled into one. Families can sign up for all six weeks or either of our two, three-week sessions, which run from June 7 to July 15. Enrollment is almost full, with very limited availability in certain classes. Due to high demand, we encourage prospective families to enroll today. For more information, visit our website, NaplesPreschooloftheArts.com, or call 239-263-2620.