Planning a summer to remember

By Ettie Zaklos, Preschool of the Arts Founder & Director

The summer months are always exciting at Preschool of the Arts, and our summer got off to a great start with the installation of our brandnew, cutting-edge outdoor kitchen in the school’s Garden of the Arts! This is a first-of-its-kind project in Naples, and we believe that it will offer students a unique opportunity to learn about the importance of healthy eating, sustainability and the art of cooking with fresh ingredients.

Our students will be able to participate in "seed to table" activities, where they can cultivate and harvest their own plants in the garden and use them to create fresh, healthy salads, smoothies and other produce-based delicacies. The kitchen features state-of-the-art equipment and tools, along with a beautiful outdoor dining area, which provides an ideal space for students to gather and enjoy their culinary creations.

At POTA, we are committed to fostering a love for the arts, nature and healthy living in our students, and this outdoor kitchen project aligns perfectly with our values. We believe that it will be a fantastic addition to our garden, and we can't wait to see what our students will create in this beautiful new space!

Thank you to our staff, children and families for making POTA such a special place.

Summer camp

In early June, we will kick off our 19th year of summer camp fun with Summer of the Arts 2023: STEAMsational. When we opened enrollment for camp this past January, I was humbled by the tremendous interest as the camp filled to capacity within days. As I write this, our team is gearing up for the most amazing summer, with two three-week sessions that explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, art, math and music in ways that ignite your child’s imagination! Each week of camp will focus on a different field with immersive and sensory experiences. Our weekly themes include mad scientists, Einstein engineers, music maestros, little artists, math wizards and tech titans.

The exciting activities, art, cooking and games each week will tie into the theme of the week, allowing our campers to experience the joy of experimentation and discovery in each of these creative fields. The fun never stops, as our campers delve into creative arts, science, soccer, tennis, golf, Little Chefs, water play and weekly entertainers, with new and exciting discoveries awaiting them at every turn. It is sure to be a summer to remember!

Big Build project progress

But the most exciting development this summer is yet to come. I am thrilled to update our community on the progress of our historic Big Build expansion project of the Jay and Patty Baker Preschool of the Arts. We anticipate receiving building permits from the city in June, and plan to break ground soon thereafter. The Big Build is a significant expansion project that will transform our campus with new classrooms, a children’s library, a STEM center and innovative communal spaces that will enhance our community. The new facilities will enable us to expand our programming and continue to provide an outstanding early childhood education for our students.

We are so grateful for the continued support of our beloved community that has helped us reach this point of beginning construction on our dream building. We are so excited to continue to create special experiences in a space that can grow the leaders of tomorrow and ensure a vibrant community for years to come.

Celebrating our amazing teachers who inspire and guide us every day!