Neapolitan Family August 2022

AUGUST 2022

COMPLIMENTARY

What Does Your School Board Do? Life Skills Learning Lab Gets a New Home How to Set A Successful Back-to-School Routine Youth Sports Directory

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

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NEAPOLITAN FAMILY

BACK To SCHOOL EXPO

SATURDAY AUG. 13 10AM-2PM

NORTH COLLIER REGIONAL PARK GYM FREE ADMISSION!

FREE FAMILY FUN! Vendors, Too Tall Torrie, Face Painting, Meet a Princess, Food Trucks, Activities, Raffles, Giveaways, and More!

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Clean Florida

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For Vendor Booth Information visit https://neafamily.com or email info@neafamily.com

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” –Aristotle

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Visit our website to learn more.

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Classical Curriculum with Traditional Teaching Methods Proven Track Record Variety of AP Courses & Athletics “Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.”

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

https://masonacademy.com/ 3073 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples South Campus 2647 Professional Cr., Naples North Campus 239-227-2838 Info@Masonacademy.com neafamily.com

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August 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

in every issue . . .

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Back to School Giveaway. Check out the latest products for kids, and find out how to win them!

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It’s Elementary. CCPS’s popular entrepreneurial and engineering programs are branching out into elementary schools.

by Andrea Stetson

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Exceptional Life Skills. ESE students are learning life skills as part of an innovative new program, in a new location.

by Andrea Stetson

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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YOUR COMMUNITY

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COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE

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EVENT CALENDAR

on the cover…

Our cover kids this month are siblings Sophia and D’Artagnan McGregor.

Sophia, 8, is in third grade at Lake Park Elementary, where brother D’Artagnan, 7, is in second grade. The pair enjoy roller skating, biking, swimming, having family movie/game night, baking, and reading. Sophia loves creative arts, and D’Artagnan is very athletic. They also surfed some choice waves when the family visited Waikiki this May. Cover photo by Monica Alvarez www.monicaalvarezphotography.com 305-815-3495 info@monicaalvarezphotography.com

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School Board Election. Before you head to the polls, learn more about the responsibilities and power held by board members.

by Andrea Stetson

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Setting a Routine. Children thrive under routines. Here’s how to set up one for back to school.

by Jim Ragusa

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SWFL Youth Sports Directory.

Local organizations offer a wide variety of sports for beginner to advanced young athletes.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

DANCE must go on!

Fall Classes have begun!

Email for available class times

frontdesk@bdaNaples.com CLASSES FOR AGES 2 AND OLDER BALLET | JAZZ | LYRICAL | TAP | MODERN | POINTE

www.bdaNaples.com | 239.566.3535 13020 Livingston Road #8, Naples, FL 34105 NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

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®

Helping Hands•Caring Hearts•Healing Support

avowkids@avowcares.org | (239) 649-3693

Check out our free groups for children experiencing grief or loss September 18 & October 16 - Shy Wolf Camp September 24 - Family Zoo Day Camp September 30-October 2 - Teen Overnight Camp October 21 - Avow-loween November 17, 2022 - Children’s Grief Awareness Day Visit us at Aunt Janet’s House on the Avow campus for a special event!

WEEKLY GROUPS Mondays at 4:00 p.m. - Teen Time Bereavement Support Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. - Art Therapy for ages 5-10 Wednesdays - New Families in Transitions Groups starting in September Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. - Art Therapy for ages 11-17

More events to come, visit avowcres.org/avow-kids to see the calendar of FREE events and groups, or use this QR code.

We’ve been helping Southwest Florida’s children Funding provided cope and process grief since 1983 in part by all at no cost to families.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com 2021

2021

2020

2021

THIS MONTH Back to School

2020

Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Digital Editor Emily Brockelsby Feature Writers Anna Snyder Andrea Stetson Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials.

Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at distribution points throughout Collier County, as well as digitally at https://neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2022 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

How can it be time to go back to school already? It seems like we go from flipping through the yearbook to turning the pages in a brand new text book in the blink of an eye.

This school year brings lots changes, which you will learn about in this issue. Students will begin entrepreneurship and engineering programs now in our elementary schools. A new high school is being built that boasts a performing arts center, multiple art and science labs, and a student union.

Students with special needs now have access to a pilot program where they can learn and practice life skills in a model home near Naples High School purchased by Collier County Public Schools, which is in the process of purchasing more locations convenient to all high schools.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes all parents can participate in is voting on three open seats in the Collier County school board election. The next board, in addition to its regular tasks, will be selecting our next superintendent, as well as determining which neighborhoods will be zoned for the new high school.

You can prepare for the new school year AND vote for your choice of school board candidates on the same day in August, in practically the same location. Your family is invited to attend our Back to School Expo on Saturday, Aug.13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the North Collier Regional Park gym, where you can enjoy family-friendly entertainment and food trucks, and sign up for after-school activities such as performing arts, sports, clubs and scouting, and learn about other local resources while collecting complimentary items and registering to win valuable raffle prizes.

Collier County is holding early voting on the same day, in the exhibition hall next to the gym. You can talk to several of the candidates at our event, and then walk across the courtyard to go fulfill your civic duty and vote. You can read the biographies and platforms of all of the candidates on https://neafamily.com.

Happy first day of school!

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The Perfect Family Compound 2140 Canna Way, Naples, Florida 34105 $12,900,000 A dream home out of a storybook, this beautiful, custombuilt French country estate was curated with utmost attention to quality and detail. Unique, handcrafted elements are complemented by a large and welcoming floor plan offering 8 bedrooms, 10 baths and abundant indoor/outdoor living and entertaining spaces.

The main living rooms open to a spacious stone lanai with sunken bar, electric screens, a stately pool and breathtaking lake views overlooking the Palm Course fifth hole. With built-in breakfast seating, a butler’s pantry and wine galley leading to the dining room, the gourmet kitchen is fit for a chef. Elevator, 2 offices, home theater, billiards room, brick motor court and an attached 2-story gatehouse with guest rooms, living spaces and game room complete the home.

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Meticulously maintained. Finished with cut stone exterior, Ludowici clay tile roof and dual-pane hurricane-rated mahogany doors/windows, no expense was spared in creating this Grey Oaks masterpiece.

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Contact me today to schedule your complimentary consultation Jordan Delaney 239.404.3070 | JD@PremierSIR.com JordanDelaney.PremierSothebysRealty.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

I would be serving during a global pandemic, but I am so proud of When I was nearly 4 years ago, I could notwe have imagined our staff andelected students for meeting the challenges faced head-on.

IDuring wouldthat be serving during a global pandemic, but I am so proud of time we:nearly 4 years ago, I could not have imagined When I was elected Whenour I was elected nearly 4 years ago, I could not have imagined staff and students for meeting the challenges we faced head-on.

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As a result, we were able to: created multiple learning options for our students including in-person, and families, asand well as over 1tomillion meals band, theater, orchestra increase our graduation rate a record high 92.7% for the new high school, which will save taxpayers an estimated '""'J Paying preserved the student experience by ensuring access to clubs, sports, As a cash result, we were able to: "') Paying cash for the new high school which will save taxpayers an estimated synchronous online, and E-Collier Academy $41 million dollars in interest payments. '""'J band, theater, and orchestra increase our graduation rate to a record high 92.7% $41 million dollars in interest payments As a result, we were able to: '""'J outperform distributed thousands computers wifi ourever students '"":) the state inofall 21 tested and areas forhotspots the first to time '""'J preserved the student experience by ensuring access sports, The only cash district in the new state high to pass atoTAX NEUTRAL referendum ...to weclubs, didn’t ask increase our graduation rate a record high 92.7% "') Paying for the school which will save taxpayers an... estimated "') The only district in the state to pass a TAX NATURAL referendum we didn't and families, as well as over 1 million meals '""'J for distributed thousands ofall computers and wifi hotspots to ourever students '"":) outperform the state in 21 testedto areas for thefrom firstthe time more money; weand simply asked permission move money capital side band, theater, orchestra $41 million dollars in interest payments ask for more money, we permission to move money from the and as were well as over million mealsfor the '"":) of outperform the state insimply allside 211asked tested areas first time ever thea families, budget towe the operational of the budget.

As result, able "') Paying cash forthe the newstate high school which will save an... estimated capital side of budget to to: the operational side of taxpayers the budget "') The only district in the to pass a TAX NATURAL referendum we didn't '""'J distributed thousands of computers and wifi hotspots to our students '""'J to increase our graduation rate to a record high 92.7% $41 million dollars in interest payments It has been the honor of my lifetime serve the students of Collier County, and I hope I can count on your votethe As a result, we were able to: asked permission to move money from ask for more money, we simply and families, as well as over 1 million meals on August 23 to continue the forward progress we have made. '""'J increase our rate to a record high capital side of graduation the budget to the operational side92.7% of the budget ... we didn't "') The only district in the state to a TAX NATURAL referendum '"":) outperform the state in all 21pass tested areas for the first time ever "') ask Paying cash for the new high school which will save an estimated As a result, we were able to: for more money, we simply asked permission to taxpayers move money from the Website: www.votejenmitchell.com Cell: 239-216-2056 Email: votejenmitchell@gmail.com '"":) outperform the state in all 21 tested areas for the first time ever million dollars in interest payments '""'J $41 increase our graduation rate to a record high 92.7% side of to the operational side of taxpayers the budget "') capital Paying cash forthe thebudget new high school which will save an -estimated PAID FOR BY JEN MITCHELL FOR SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 3 $41 million dollars in interest payments "') The Paying cash for the new highto school which will save taxpayers an... estimated only district in the state pass a TAX NATURAL referendum we didn't

'"":) outperform the state in all 21 tested areas for the first time ever

$41 for million dollars in we interest ask more money, simply asked permission to move money the "') The only district in the state topayments pass a TAX NATURAL referendum ...from we didn't capital side ofmoney, the budget to theasked operational side of the budget ask for more we simply permission to move money from the "') The only district in the state to pass a TAX NATURAL referendum... we didn't "') capital Paying cash for the new high school which will save taxpayers an estimated side of the budget to the operational side of the budget ask for more money, we simply asked permission to move money from the $41 million in interest payments "') capital side dollars of to the operational side of taxpayers the budget Paying cash forthe thebudget new high school which will save an estimated "') "') "')

$41 only million dollars in interest The district in the state topayments pass a TAX NATURAL referendum... we didn't ask for more money, we simply asked permission to taxpayers move money from the Paying cash for the new high school which will save an... estimated The only district in the state to pass a TAX NATURAL referendum we didn't capital side of the budget to the operational side of the budget $41 million dollars in interest payments ask for more money, we simply asked permission to move money from the

capital side of the to to the operational side of the budget ... we didn't "') The only district inbudget the state pass a TAX NATURAL referendum ask for more money, we simply asked permission to move money from the capital side of the budget to the operational side of the budget

District 3 www.kellylichter.com

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

New Athletic Director and Head of Middle School for Village School

• Top Rated VPK Program

• Preschool Classes for 2-5 Year Olds

• Summer Camp

• Owned/Operated by a Certified Teacher with 25 Years Experience

DCF license #C20CO7400

868 94th Ave. N. Naples, FL 34108

www.LittlePeoplesSchool.info

NEW! INFANT CLASS OPENING JUNE 2022

Your child deserves the BEST! Creative Learning Outstanding Education Nurturing Environment For more information or to schedule a tour: 239-455-3227 preschool@naplestemple.org

Music - Art - Storyland Science - Mini Market Gymnastics - Playground Outdoor Classroom - VPK Baby & Me Temple Shalom Preschool 4630 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34119

WWW.TEMPLESHALOMPRESCHOOLNAPLES.ORG

T

he Village School of Naples has appointed Andrew Miranti as its new athletic director, and has named Jeff Cavallo to fill Miranti’s previous role as head of middle school.

TVS is an independent school serving students in preschool through 12th grade.

Miranti has been in education for 20 years. Over the past six years at the Village School, he Andrew Miranti has taught science and physical education classes in the upper and middle schools, and served as dean of students and head of the middle school. He has had teaching and coaching stops at Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie, La.; Bishop Kenney High School in Jacksonville, Fl.; and Gulf Coast High School in Naples, where he also was head varsity football coach.

Most recently, Cavallo served as dean of students, boys’ Jeff Cavallo varsity head basketball coach, department chair, communications arts teacher, and director of remote learning for the Benjamin School, a private day school in Palm Beach, Fl. Cavallo began his career as a classroom teacher at Bishop Feehan High School (his alma mater) in Attleboro, Mass. After that, he served as director of admissions and head basketball coach at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood, Fl. He will be relocating to Naples this summer with his wife, Niki.

For information visit www.villageschoolnaples.org.

Young Philanthropists Support Golden PAWS With Donations

G

olden PAWS Assistance Dogs received two special donations recently, and hosted check presentations to honor the young men who made the contributions.

The first check, for $2,000, was presented by Brantley Garcia. Every year for his birthday, Garcia raises money to give to an organization that he feels passionate about. For his ninth birthday in June, he selected Golden PAWS. In May, Brantley purchased dog toys from the Golden PAWS

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

Above: Nico, Marc, and Andrew Sanchez of Brothers Unleashed present a donation to Golden PAWS cadet Hank and Ariana Campos, service dog care manager with Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs in Naples. Below: Brantley Garcia visits with Golden PAWS pup cadet Max. wish list and attended an open house, where he fell in love with the Golden PAWS mission and the dogs.

A motorcycle escort was provided by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and the VFW for Garcia as he arrived at Golden PAWS. Two veteran recipients and their dogs, Craig Layton with Palmer, and Reid Erickson with Melton, were on hand to show Garcia what their service dogs do for them.

The second check, for $338, was presented by Brothers Unleashed, a company started by three young brothers who make and sell dog leashes. Each year they donate 10% of their gross sales to local pet charities.

Brothers Unleashed – Andrew Sanchez (13), Marc Sanchez (11), and Nico Sanchez (7) – work out of their home with some help from their parents. They started the business to give back while also beginning their journey into the business world. Their products can be found at brothersunleashed. com.

Golden PAWS is a nonprofit that promotes independence for combat wounded veterans and children with life-changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs. Golden PAWS dogs are always placed at no cost to those they serve.

For more information, visit www.GoldenPaws.org or call 239-775-1660.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

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COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Jennifer Kupiec

Collier Community Foundation Steps Up to Supply Uniforms

P

encils, erasers, scissors, glue … it’s back-to-school time!

Stores are filled with parents and children inspecting the many aisles of school supplies and picking out the necessary, and sometimes fun, items. For some students here in Collier, school uniforms also are part of the mix.

A number of our Collier County public schools – including all middle schools – have a school uniform dress policy. But what happens when a family simply cannot afford this added expense?

It was a worry for many principals this summer when previous funding to support these families had run out.

For years a local group of “angels” covered the cost of school uniforms for children in need. “We are so thankful for the past support of Angels Undercover,” said Lisa Morse, director of community engagement and district initiatives. “This generous group has since disbanded, but they definitely left a legacy in our schools.”

To help ease the concerns of school leaders, Morse began searching for ways to help families again this year.

“With so much to prepare for the new school year, I wanted to take the stress off of our school administrators,” explained Morse.

“We have some amazing community partners, and when the Collier Community Foundation heard about our challenges, they quickly stepped up to support our students.”

Collier Community Foundation covered the entire cost of $115,000 to ensure families who could not afford school clothing were able to receive the necessary items to start the new school year – an action that provided relief for school leaders and took the pressure off of worried parents.

“We are excited that several of our donors helped to make this happen,” added Eileen Connolly-Keesler, president and CEO of Collier Community Foundation. “Because we educate our donors on needs in our community, they understand that children in our district need uniforms and are willing to step up. The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation committed $60,000, and the Melkus Family committed $50,000, along with numerous other donors, to close the gap for the school district.”

“The current economic conditions are tough for many families, especially our single-parent households,” concluded Morse. “To see our community come together time after time to support one another ... it’s something that always warms my heart.”

Find Your Community Here.

Dance With Us This Fall!

We are the church of the Open Mind, Helping Hands, and Loving Hearts.

Program Hightlights • Creative Art & Music Expression • Community Service Projects • Social Justice, Action, & Awareness • Eco-Education, Gardening & Field Trips • Acceptance & Encouragement of Spiritual Growth

AGES 2-18 ALL STYLES ALL LEVELS

Join us on Sundays for our free programs.

10-11 AM : Spirit Play (Ages 5-12) Our Whole Lives (Ages 13-15) Playroom Childcare (Ages 5 and under) 11–11:30 AM: All Ages Music Program Programs Start Sept. 11 For more information email yre@uunaples.org yre@uunaples.org..

6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples • www.uunaples.org/youth

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Join the Fun! www.naplesdancearts.com 239-513-6999 NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

We LOVE it!

New Products Your Kids Will Love

Come to our Back to School Expo Aug. 13 at North Collier Regional Park Gym, and enter a free raffle to win these prizes!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Apple Lunch Bag from World of Eric Carle $32.95, https://myfunkins.ca Now you can invite everyone’s favorite little caterpillar to lunch with this adorable lunch bag, featuring a bright and cheerful image from beloved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle.

Bilingual Learning Clock from iPlay, iLearn $30.99, www.amazon.com This interactive clock reads out the shown time as you turn the minute hand. The quiz mode tests your child on time, shapes, and numbers.

Wooden Round World Puzzle from iPlay, iLearn $18.99, www.amazon.com This 36-piece wooden floor puzzle helps children learn about the continents, oceans, and animals of the world. Includes a guidebook.

Solar System Puzzle from iPlay, iLearn $18.99, www.amazon.com This 48-piece wooden floor puzzle features a fun solar system theme, and is durable enough to be used over and over. Comes with a guidebook to explore the solar system.

Bowling Set With Numbers from iPlay, iLearn $19.99, www.amazon.com The lightweight set includes 10 foam pins and two foam balls that are easy for little hands to pick up.

ENROLLING NOW Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Offering 1 or 2 day options Ages 2– 4 year olds (by August 1st)

To enroll or for information please contact kelly.eastman@covenantnaples.com | 239-597-3464 NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

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BACK TO SCHOOL

By Andrea Stetson

Entrepreneur and Engineering Programs Expand to Elementary

F

ourth and fifth graders in Collier County Public Schools will be learning some new high tech ideas this school year as the district launches entrepreneurship and engineering programs at the elementary school level.

All fifth graders will work on entrepreneurship projects in their technology class. The students will work in groups to identify a problem or need and then come up with a solution that they will market to others.

Naples Park Elementary School offered a mini pilot program this past spring.

Technology teacher Darcie Argabright said it was a great way for students to learn how to work well with a group.

“The whole process was theirs,” said Argabright. “We just guided them through it. It was really, really fun. I was surprised at how much I liked it, and the kids really liked it. We haven’t done grouping activities as much because of [the pandemic] and other things.”

Argabright began the program with team-building activities to help create the best groups.

“It starts with grouping the students.

Then they look for a problem – the solution is the product, and then they pitch the product,” she explained.

“Sometimes what they think would be a great idea might not be something that would sell, so we would send it back,” Argabright said. “They had to do a presentation during their pitches.”

Many of the groups pinpointed a problem as being tired, hungry, or stressed.

Then they came up with inventions to reduce that concern. Students had to devise their solutions using recycled materials.

“We made a stress toy,” said student Victor Deleon Jose. “It was using materials to make something. We really don’t get to work with other kids much, and we got to work with other kids.”

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the beginning the team-building activities are really important. You can’t have all the power people in one group.”

Argabright said the program will be even better this year. The pilot program was only seven weeks, but going forward the full program will span the first three quarters of the school year.

“This year it will take a lot longer, and we will end with the marketplace,” she said. Products are pitched and then evaluated. Each group has a small budget to produce the product, which they will sell at a marketplace at school. “So they will have taste of being an entrepreneur,” she added.

Argabright anticipated that the projects will carry over to other related arts.

“In music class they could make jingles. In art class they could build their products. My team is all on board,” she said.

One of the projects made by a student in the pilot entrepreneurship program this past school year at Naples Park Elementary.

Jocelyn Cerapia agreed that the best part was working in groups.

“We came up with ideas together,” she said. “You can have fun with other people.”

While learning entrepreneurship is the goal, Argabright said the best part is how the students learned to work together.

“Unless they really needed me, I let them hash things out,” she said. “It was a lot of consensus building, a lot of communication. Sometimes it was a struggle, but it was a powerful learning opportunity. Just because [one student] thought it was a good idea, other people on the team might not think it was a good idea. Some of them had that struggle. Or when one person tried to commandeer everything – they had to work it out. That’s why in

Designing a roller coaster Fourth graders also will be part of a pilot program this school year. Their goal will be to learn engineering skills. Carlos Artime, executive director of teaching and learning for CCPS, says students will learn coding and work with a Minecraft program to design an amusement park with a roller coaster.

Artime said both the entrepreneurship and the engineering program are designed to streamline learning. All the middle and high schools in the county already have these programs, so starting them now on the elementary school level will give students a head start on this learning.

“These are our flagship programs, and creating this pipeline from elementary to middle to high school is a natural progression,” Artime said. “This provides that STEM education. This gives students a leg up.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

DISCOVER IRISH DANCE THIS FALL Where dance is an adventure The Naples School of Irish Dance, 875 94th Ave. N., Naples FL 34108 Contact Robin Maki at 516-314-7404 or RLRBM@msn.com NaplesIrishDance@gmail.com

Naples of IrishCamp!

Dance Drop-inSchool Mini Summer Fall Classes Start August 15 June 20-Aug. 5, 9 am to 12 pm, Monday-Friday Ages 7+, Registration $20 per day. Pre-registration is Now Open! required Registration for Our Annual Workshop is Open!

Naples Irish Dance Company June 1-30, Ages 7+, Some Experience Necessary Registration is Open, Ages 7+ Some for Experience Fall Classes Ages 7+ Necessary Start August 15 Registration is Open!

Naples Irish Dance Preschool Program Jump'n Jig Class for Ages 4-6 Registration for Fall Classes is Open!

Registration for August is Open!

For AgesLimited 4-6, Limited Availability Availability NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

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15

BACK TO SCHOOL

By Andrea Stetson

Above: This house, located next to Naples High School, was purchased by Collier County Public Schools to be used by high school students in CCPS’s transition program. Students with special needs learn about everything from taking care of a house to doing laundry to practicing socialization skills.

Below: Student Jake Mitalo sweeps up spilled popcorn, assisted by Bernice Amisano, an ESE assistant. Photos by Andrea Stetson.

Innovative Program Teaches Life Skills

E

li Rodriguez dusts the blinds and makes a bed. Chadni Cox washes dishes, while Jake Mitalo sweeps the floor. These students are part of a unique program piloted by Collier County Public Schools.

“It is really pretty innovative,” said Emily Kafle, CCPS director of exceptional student education. “As far as I know there isn’t anything else like this in Florida. We are very fortunate and proud to have this opportunity. These students need this authentic setting to have the transfer of the skills.”

Students with special needs can be part of the transition program in CCPS until they are 22 years old. The program teaches them everything from job skills to everyday living skills.

About 100 students from five Collier County high schools with a transition program (Naples, Palmetto Ridge, Barron Collier, Immokalee, and Golden Gate high schools) take turns using the home, but the county plans to add another house in Immokalee and have an apartment built into the new high school that will open in August 2023. When the program debuted this past year, classes of 12-14 students got onsite time about twice a month.

When those additional houses open, students will get even more hands-on time.

“We acquired the house a year ago,” Kafle explained. “It had always been a dream to have a space for our students to practice home living skills. The lady who owned the house was trying to decide whether to sell it. She loved the idea. She could have sold it for more money. Instead she sold it to the school district for this.”

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

During their time at the two-bedroom, two-bathroom house students do everything: prepare meals, do laundry, fold clothes, make beds, vacuum, and more. They have learned how to plunge a toilet and take out the garbage.

“Some of the prep happens in the classroom, but then the students do the shopping and put the groceries away in the house.

They do the measuring and the cooking. Then they sit and eat the meal and then they clean up,” Kafle described.

They also learn how to prepare for the unexpected. One day the washing machine overflowed.

“One of the students wanted to call 911, so it was a great opportunity to talk about when do we call 911 or when do we call our parents or a caregiver. We also had the fire department come out to talk about fire safety. Students are practicing those skills they might need to live independently or semi-independently.”

When they are done with their chores, the students play games, or eat a meal together.

“Many struggle with social skills, such as making small talk,” Kafle explained. “They practice with friends. We have ping pong, yard games, corn hole; they learn sportsmanship. They also celebrate holidays and birthdays. They have collected different decorations, and decorate the house for holidays and birthdays. That really relates and translates to skills the students need for getting and maintaining employment.”

The students range in abilities. Some can do the work independently. Others need help from an assistant. Rooms and items have Braille labels on the wall for those who are visually impaired.

Many of the students took part in the extended school year program, so they were able to use the house this summer. Sonny Hogle spent one morning taking out the trash and folding laundry.

“Doing laundry,” Sonny responded when asked about his favorite chore.

“I did cleaning, and I made the bed,” added Alex Guzman.

Mikensy Boyer proudly pointed to the clothes she hung on hangers when asked about the chores she enjoys.

A sense of family Joy Bonnaig, coordinator for the transition program, touts the many benefits she sees. “It’s the lifestyle,” she said. “It’s the sense of family. You can put a bed in a school, but it is not the same. You can’t replicate this in school.”

“It’s been really nice to have the house during the holiday time,” added Nicole Rennie, transition teacher. “We had it all decorated, and we opened presents and spent time together.”

Sonny was proud to show off all the work he did in the house.

Then he flopped down on one of the beds and relaxed.

“I love this house,” Sonny exclaimed.

Kafle hopes this trailblazing program catches on in other school districts across the state or even across the country. She is so proud to have this unique opportunity for Collier County students.

“It is one of a kind, which is really neat,” Kafle said. “I love to hear the stories from the students and the teachers. One teacher told me that on the fourth visit, one student walked into the house, kicked off his shoes, and said ‘I’m home.’ They have really made it their home. It is really special, and they really feel like it is theirs.

It is a neat thing.”

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

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Discounted admission for residents of Collier, Lee, & Charlotte counties through September 30

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

OUT & ABOUT in August Join Too Tall Torrie for a free day of family fun at Neapolitan Family’s Back to School Expo on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Collier Park’s Gym

1

MONDAY

10:30 a.m. Family Storytime and Craft. Stories, songs, and crafts. All ages. Registration not required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4549 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

2

TUESDAY

2 p.m. Introduction to Birding for Teens. Learn why birds are important, and how to bird. Registration not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7369.

3

WEDNESDAY

9 a.m. Safari Squad. Also Saturdays. Ages 3-5 and an adult.

Animal encounter, storytime, art, and play stations. August’s theme is Pond Buddies. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Check www.napleszoo.org or call 239-315-7626, ext. 158.

4

THURSDAY

8:45 a.m. U.S. Coast Guard Birthday. Enjoy patriotic music, special readings, and cake. Located at Avow, Ispiri Community Center, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. Call 239-261-4404 or visit www.avowcares.org.

10:30 a.m. Family Storytime. Stories, songs, and a craft for children of all ages and caregivers. Registration not required. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island.

Call 239-252-7064 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

2 p.m. Lego Fun. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Bricks provided. Grades K-5. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Check www. collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7542.

5:30 p.m. The Wizard of Oz. Select dates through Aug. 13. Fly over the rainbow with Dorothy. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or visit www.broadwaypalm.com.

5

FRIDAY

1 p.m. End of Summer Reading Celebration. Games, face painting, and pizza. All ages. Registration not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-2527073 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

6

SATURDAY

9 a.m. Free Zoo Admission for Collier Residents. Present qualifying ID for free entry on the first Saturday of the month.

Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-315-7626 or check www.napleszoo.org.

Photo by Lisette Morales

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

9 a.m. School’s Out, Museums are In! Come in for a special trading card that features a one-of-a-kind Collier County Museums artifact. Located at Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-252-8419 or visit www.colliermuseums.com. neafamily.com

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10 a.m. Junior Storytime. Storytime is back! Every Saturday.

Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr., Naples. Call 239598-5200 or visit www.barnesandnoble.com.

Miguel Argumosa, DMD, Erin M. Taylor, DMD, Nicole Eastham, DMD Sarah Vanderbosch, DMD Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

Three Locations to Serve You. BONITA SPRINGS

9510 Bonita Beach Rd. Ste. 101

239.333.2990

CAPE CORAL

1508 S.E. 12th Terrace

239.322.5222

PORT CHARLOTTE

3872 Tamiami Trail, Unit D&E

941.391.8090

11 a.m. Astrology with Miss Donna. For teens. Learn about astrology, and discover what your birth chart reveals. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7371.

1 p.m. Autism Social Skills Playgroup. Family Initiative’s weekly group where kids with autism fit in, progress, make friends, and are happy. $20. Located at Christ Community Church, 4050 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check www.fi-florida.org or call 239910-0712.

1 p.m. Back to School Craft Make and Take. Make a craft.

Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4549 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

1:30 p.m. Live Science Show. Saturdays and Sundays. Fun experiments that change with every show. Located at STEMLab at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Suite 192, Estero. Check www.miromaroutlets.com or call 239-948-3766.

Most Insurances Accepted

2 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee: Turning Red. Rated PG. Registration not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239252-5135.

2 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee: Turning Red. Rated PG. Registration not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7073.

7

SUNDAY

8-11 a.m. Dogs in the Garden. Sundays and Tuesdays. One dog per adult. No retractable leashes permitted. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-6437275 or check www.naplesgarden.org.

NACS Naples Adventist Christian School

We are a K-8th grade school centrally located in Naples. We are proud to have a committed staff teaching a nationally certified and accredited curriculum in a Christ-filled environment. We accept Step Up For Students and Florida Empowerment scholarships. The NACS family exists to show children Jesus, teach them to think, and empower them to serve. All students are welcome!

Contact us to schedule a visit, or explore online.

2629 S. Horseshoe Drive, Naples, FL 34104 239-261-NACS (6227) • nacs@flcoe.org www.NaplesACS.org

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10 a.m. Free Wonder Gardens Admission. Free entry with Bonita Spring address on a photo ID on the first Sunday of the month. Located at Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-2591 or check www.wondergardens.org.

10:30 a.m. Sensory Sundays. Our sensory-friendly planetarium shows are for guests with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, or young children. Everyone is welcome $5. Located at Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239275-3435 or visit www.calusanature.org.

9

TUESDAY

9 a.m. Back to School Tools for Teens. Learn coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Limited space. Call or email to RSVP. Located at Avow, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. Visit www.avowcares.org, email avowkids@avowcares, or call 239261-4404.

10 WEDNESDAY 10 a.m. All Aboard for Storytime. Ages 2-5. Explore NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

transportation books with museum staff on a train. Registration required. Located at Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Ave. S., Naples. Check www.colliermuseums.com or call 239-252-8419.

10 a.m. Compass Kids: Wilderness Education Course. A four-week beginner course for kids 6 and older to gain an understanding of nature. Located at Shaker’s Acres, North Fort Myers.

Check www.exploremyfl.com or email exploremyfl@gmail.com.

10:30 a.m. Bouncing Babies Storytime. Bouncing, playing, singing, rhyming, and books. For birth to 3 years. Drop-in. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/library.

5:30 p.m. Families in Transition. A support group for families experiencing loss due to divorce, separation, deployment, or other life-changing events. Located at Avow, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. RSVP to avowkids@avowcares.org or 239-261-4404.

11 THURSDAY 10 a.m. Preschool STEAM: All About Me. Ages 3-5. Fun, hands-on STEAM activities to learn about ourselves. Dress for mess. Registration required. Located at South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Check www.leegov.com/library or call 239-533-4400.

3 p.m. Lego Fun. All ages. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Bricks provided. Registration not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7073.

A lifelong joy of learning, An education for life.

INFANT TODDLER CHILDREN’S HOUSE VPK ELEMENTARY

Call to schedule a private tour

239-597-2255

More information can be found on our website

www.naplesmontessori.org 2655 Northbrooke Drive Naples, Florida 34119 License #C20CO0132

Daily hours from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

4 p.m. Lego Fun. Ages 4-11. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Bricks provided. Registration not required. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-252-7109 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

13 SATURDAY BACK TO SCHOOL EXPO ’22 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Back to School Expo ‘22.

Neapolitan Family’s annual free family fun event is back! Vendors have all of the information parents need for a successful school year. Plus, Too Tall Torrie, face painting, meet a princess, food trucks, activities, raffles, giveaways, and more! Located at North Collier Regional Park Gym, 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check https://neafamily.com or email info@neafamily.com for more information.

9 a.m. Free Rookery Bay Admission for Collier Residents.

Free entry to Rookery Bay for Collier County residents with proper ID. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239530-5972 or check www.rookerybay.org.

2 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee: Dog. Rated PG. Registration not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

Ave., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-5135.

3 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books. Read to a dog or just pet one. All ages.

Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-7160 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

3 p.m. Teen Book Club. Ages 11-17. No assigned reading.

Snacks provided. Registration not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7364 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

8 p.m. Family Comedy Night. Some of Southwest Florida’s best family-friendly comedy. This month’s theme is Class Reunion.

Located at The Naples Players, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Check www.naplesplayers.org or call 239-263-7990. neafamily.com

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-Fun Wariver, ssion se 48 ounty er are aller, $5 by

gives a laid tories Point to 30 plash and a , and 5 for

Happy kids.

Sparkly smiles.

Dr. Sandor.

15 MONDAY 3:30 p.m. Kindness Club. Fun activities designed to encourage kindness. Ages 7-11. Registration required. Located at South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-533-4400 or check www.leegov.com/library.

16 TUESDAY 10 a.m. Tiny Tots Yoga. Gentle movement, stretches, poses, and songs. For birth to 5 years with a caregiver. No experience necessary. Registration closes Aug. 16. Located at South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-533-4400 or check www.leegov.com/library.

8:15 p.m. Movies on the Lawn: The Upside. Gates open at 7:15 p.m. Located at Mercato Shops, Naples. Call 239-254-1080 or visit www.mercatoshops.com.

18 THURSDAY

orldtrees, njoy,”

7 p.m. PFLAG Naples. A safe, loving, and supportive environment for the parents, family, and friends of the LGBTQ people. Located at Naples Pride Center, 2248 Airport Rd. S., Naples. Call 239-304-9407 or check www.naplespride.org.

0-foot 5 for rsday rding eting.

20 SATURDAY 9 a.m. Build a Muscle Car With Your Mini-Mechanic. Free.

We’ll provide all the parts needed to roll away with a fun, hand-built car. Located at Lowe’s, 6415 Naples Blvd., Naples. Check www. lowes.com or call 239-596-2570.

Download & call today!

aples. at the eight tube to six es for unge ottled curity ys it’s

12 p.m. Auditions for KidzAct: Disney’s Newsies Teen & Newsies Jr. Ages 9-14 for Newsies, Jr. and 13-18 for Newsies Teen. Select an audition time online. Performances for Newsies Teen are Dec. 17-19, and for Newsies Jr. Dec. 10-12. Located at The Naples Players, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-263-7990 or check www.naplesplayers.org.

1:30 p.m. Pups ‘n’ Books. Read to a dog or just pet one. All ages. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7369.

2 p.m. Cricut Basics for Teens. Learn how to make designs and use the machine. Ages 12-17. Registration is required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-2527073 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

Naples Pediatric Dentistry

239.592.0800 www.drmarilynsandor.com

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2 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee: Untamed Spirit. Rated PG. Registration not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-5135.

21 SUNDAY 9 a.m. Cars and Coffee. See cool cars and enjoy live music.

Located at Mercato Shops, Naples. Call 239-254-1080 or visit www.mercatoshops.com.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

23 TUESDAY ELECTION DAY! All Day. Election Day. Three school board seats could be decided today. Go to your local polling station and make your voice heard! For more information check www.colliervotes.gov.

5:30 p.m. Exceptional Night. An immersive monthly event for children with autism, physical, or neurological disabilities, and other sensory integration disorders. Free for members, $5 for nonmembers. Located at Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check www.cmon.org or call 239- 514-0084.

25 THURSDAY 10 a.m. Little Explorers. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Multisensory, interactive activities, stories, and crafts. August’s theme is Land Animals. Located at Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Visit www.conservancy.org or call 239-262-0304.

1 p.m. Avow Kids Afternoon Matinée and Lunch. Have your child join us for The Greatest Showman and lunch on this halfday of school. Located at Avow, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples.

RSVP to avowkids@avowcares.org or 239-261-4404.

26 FRIDAY 6 p.m. Retro Game Night. Bring friends and family and revisit your childhood. Enjoy the free ice cream sundae bar. All ages.

Located at Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-252-8419 or visit www.colliermuseums.com.

29 MONDAY 4:30 p.m. Avow Kids Teen Time. A safe and supportive environment for teens to talk about their feelings. Located at Avow, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. RSVP to 239-261-4404 or avowkids@avowcares.org.

30 TUESDAY 10:30 a.m. Family Storytime. Stories, songs, and handson activities. Registration is required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

6 p.m. Teen Stop-Motion Animation. Ages 11-17. Learn about stop-motion animation. Create footage for TikTok and other social media. Drop-in. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www. leegov.com/library.

31 WEDNESDAY 6 p.m. Art After Hours. Live music and free admission to all museum exhibitions makes for a fun evening of art and entertainment for all ages. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1900 or check www.artisnaples.org.

Full & Part Time Programs 8 am - 3 pm Extended Hours Available

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23

BACK TO SCHOOL

By Andrea Stetson

What Does Your School Board Do?

A

n August primary in a non-presidential election year doesn’t spark a lot of voter interest. In Collier County only 21%-32% of registered voters head to the polls. But for parents, grandparents, and even residents without kids, the Aug. 23 election is an important one. That’s because three of the five seats on the Collier County Public Schools school board are up for election this year, and the winners could be decided in the primary.

The new board will have a plethora of important issues to decide this coming school year. One of the most important will be selecting a new superintendent.

Kamela Patton currently holds the job and will retire at the end of this school year after 12 years of service.

The new high school in North Naples is set to open in the fall of 2023, forcing the school board to choose the new zoning. The district also plans to rezone some elementary schools to move students from overcrowded schools to those that are underutilized.

Responsibilities Many voters might not know exactly 24

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what school board members do and the issues they face. To learn more about the inner workings of the CCPS board, we spoke to school board member Stephanie Lucarelli, who is not up for reelection this year. Lucarelli said there are three main areas that school board members are responsible for: • hiring and evaluating the superintendent • controlling policy • setting the budget Given Patton’s long tenure, the school district does not have a lot of experience with the process of hiring a superintendent. Lucarelli says it’s important for board members to understand the direction the schools are going in and to find a leader who supports that vision. She also believes board members should spend time in the community to see what residents want in the next superintendent.

“Finding a new superintendent is going to be more challenging this year than other years because so many are leaving,” she explained. “We want to make sure we have the pick of the best of the best. We

have to hire the perfect person to do what the community wants and needs.”

Rezoning is a hot issue that usually sparks controversy and leaves some parents angry about their child being moved to another school. Rezoning has not happened for many years, so there are significant issues for the board to discuss.

“Do we look at the boundary lines for the whole county or do we just look at the boundary lines for the schools we need to address?” Lucarelli questioned.

“Do we look at it county-wide because it has not been done in a really long time?

That is going to be a really big question.

We need board members to be involved enough and be willing to listen and to be connected to the people. Obviously there are people that are going to be upset. It is a matter of keeping in mind that what the school board does is in the best interest of the kids.”

The school board also will be responsible for naming the new high school.

Money matters A good school board is fiscally responsible, according to Lucarelli. Collier County has a good financial track record.

The new high school is being paid for with cash. The school district will be debt free in 2026.

“That comes from good foresight,” she stated. “We need people who understand where we are and where we are going. You always need to tighten the purse strings, because you never know what will happen at the state level. It is important to make sure we are keeping everything in check.”

As voters research what the candidates plan to do if elected, Lucarelli said it is also important for voters to understand what board members can’t do.

“The day-to-day functions and operational stuff, the school board has no say in,” she stressed. “That’s why it is so important to hire a great CEO as the superintendent.”

While the school board doesn’t make the curriculum and policies, the members do weigh in on many controversial issues.

Lucarelli says they could discuss what NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

teachers can say and not say in the classroom. They discuss books for classrooms and media centers.

“The school board has control over any book or any teaching material that comes into the school – we approve or deny not just textbooks but media center books or any teaching materials,” she explained.

The board also oversees the code of conduct and things like dress codes. It approves new programs such as the entrepreneurship program that is expanding to elementary schools this year.

“It is like a board of directors and a CEO of an organization,” Lucarelli said as she described how the board and superintendent work together.

This year there are new state testing requirements that switch from one big test in the spring to tests that are administered three times a year. Since Collier County already conducts benchmark tests three times a year, a decision needs to be made on whether to do both the state and county tests.

“That is something that the school board will weigh in on,” Lucarelli said.

“It is being able to understand the new requirements and how that will impact our students and what the school board needs to discuss with the superintendent on how we want things to go.”

What parents want It’s not easy being a school board member. Collier is a large county with 46,000 students spread out in 62 schools.

The needs of Immokalee and Everglades City schools are quite different from the needs of children in schools in Naples.

“Obviously it is important to have people who are engaged with our schools and have been in them and have seen the programs,” Lucarelli said. “We need people who have talked to students and teachers and have the pulse of the community on the needs of our students and schools.”

Parents and grandparents have their own ideas on what they are looking for in school board members. Rik Cryderman has three grandchildren who attend school in Collier County.

“The traits I value and that would influence my voting include: respecting and protecting parents’ involvement and influence in academic issues; asking parents for more than baking cookies for classroom parties; seeking parents’ input in critical curriculum selection; and making the effort to assure parents fully understand the trends and topics that have become focal in the schools today,” Cryderman said. “I would like to see a commitment to serve as a liaison with the home – listening, clarifying, advocating.

We have been extraordinarily impressed with Collier County schools and, in particular, the understanding and affirming staff of Pelican Marsh Elementary. Candidates committed to continue the solid tradition of a partnership with parents for the best outcome for the students would seal my vote.”

Laura Born is the mother of six children in Collier County.

“I’m thinking the important traits would be making sure there’s equality – serving all students equally no matter what kind of level of education is needed,” Born said. “Education for children

should be like when I was a kid. ‘Teach the children’ not teach the certain test requirements. I feel like proper education is lost nowadays.”

Lucarelli says a good school board leading a good school system affects more than your child’s education – it affects your property value.

“The first thing people ask a real estate agent, whether they have kids or not, is ‘How are the schools?’ Your property value is directly affected by how good our public schools are,” she explained.

Traditionally school board races are won in August.

“These elections are pretty much decided in the primary elections,” said Trish Robertson, public relations officer for Collier County Elections. “I have not seen the school board elections go all the way to the November election. They are decided in the primary.”

Some of the candidates have raised a huge amount of money, allowing them more access to advertising. For example, as of the beginning of July, one candidate in the District 5 race raised more than $72,500 compared with the other candidates, who raised between $3,000 and $11,200. That’s why Lucarelli hopes voters will research the candidates, look at their experience and ties to Collier County, and their abilities before heading to the polls.

“It is important for people to do their homework on the candidates,” Lucarelli stressed.

For information on the candidates, visit https://www.colliervotes.gov/candidates/ candidate-committee-party-reports.

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BUSINESS LITIGATION

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BACK TO SCHOOL

By Jim Ragusa, Senior Director of Early Childhood Education, Guadalupe Center

The Benefits of a Back-to-School Routine

C

Students at the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee thrive in the routine and structure that the after-school program provides.

ollier County students return to school on Aug. 10, and that means children – whether they like it or not – must get back into a routine. Students thrive when they follow a routine, both inside the classroom and at home.

That means doing the same things in the same order at the same time until those activities become habits: eating breakfast, brushing teeth, getting dressed, packing lunch, and leaving home.

Routines continue throughout the school day. Class periods and lunch start and end at the same time each day. Students see the same teachers, learn in the same classrooms, and sit in the same seats. This structure ensures students stay on task, remain focused, and maximize their educational time.

After school, routines continue to guide the day. Many students participate in after-school programs. Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, for instance, operates an after-school program for 800 students in kindergarten, first, and second grades. The structured environment helps extend the school day. Educational researchers point to additional instructional time as a key in increasing student achievement, especially among children from lower socioeconomic families, and the results are phenomenal – 100% of students in Guadalupe Center’s after-school program have shown significant learning gains on reading and math assessments.

After arriving home, it’s time to complete any remaining schoolwork, wind down, clean up, and get a good night’s sleep in preparation for another day of quality learning.

So how do you get children and teens to follow a routine? By maintaining a routine of your own.

For parents, routines help reduce stress, because you’re not rushed. Routines improve time management, because you’re always keeping an eye on the clock. Routines allow you to control your own schedule, which always should include a little “me” time.

There are three areas in which a parent’s routine has a significant impact on a child’s growth and development: 1. Academics Parents are a child’s first teacher and their longest-serving, most-vested teacher. Non-educator parents may not feel comfort-able providing instruction, but they can help their child succeed academically by incorporating these three items into their routine during the school year: • Homework times. Designate a specific time after school for homework. If they have none, children can use that block of time to read a book. Parents can use this quiet period to prepare dinner or complete household tasks.

• Monitor grades. Teachers post grades on a secure online portal. Reviewing grades at least once a week allows parents to

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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

monitor progress between report cards. Early intervention is critical to ensuring students don’t fall behind.

• Parent-teacher conferences. Back-to-school open houses allow parents to meet their child’s teacher face-to-face. Commit to attending parent-teacher conferences, performances, and group activities during the school year, and volunteer if possible. If school is a priority in your life, it will be a priority for your child.

The start of the school year offers parents an opportunity to explore options that foster academic growth.

Across Collier County, there are a variety of after-school programs coordinated by schools, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. The key is identifying a high-quality program with an academic focus. The best programs employ credentialed instructors and give students two to four hours of additional learning time without it feeling like school. Reading and math always should be emphasized.

Another way to foster academic growth is through tutoring.

Today’s classroom is a fast-paced environment, and teachers are not always able to halt instruction to help students understand complex topics. If a student struggles with math, for instance, seeing a math tutor once or twice a week can help bridge that gap.

Another option especially valuable for middle and high school students is participating in a mentoring program. Pre-teens and teens benefit from guidance provided by mentors as they consider life after high school.

2. Nutrition A balanced diet provides energy that fuels the body and the brain. Working parents often struggle to prepare weekday meals, which is why time management and meal planning are so important. Waiting to think about breakfast until after waking up a child is too late, and swinging by a fast-food restaurant on the way to school is not the solution. Meal planning takes the stress out of meal times and ensures children are receiving the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals they need to grow their bodies and their brains.

3. Sleep Ample sleep helps students achieve peak performance in the classroom, just like it helps adults function better in the workplace. Researchers say a full night of sleep improves concentration, mood, and overall health, and it also allows the body to recover and rejuvenate. Experts recommend nine to 12 hours daily for elementary-age children, and the number of hours needed drops slightly as children age. That’s why a rigid bedtime is so important.

For children who are fussy or resistant to going to bed on time, dim the lights 30 minutes before bedtime and make sure they are not using a cell phone or watching TV. In the morning, it might be tempting for parents to hit the snooze button, but that extra five or 10 minutes means you, and your child, will be rushed.

The key to having children stick to a routine is having parents who stick to a routine. Of course, we all must be flexible because traffic, weather, overcooked dinner, or temper tantrums can derail the best of plans. The start of school offers an opportunity to set a framework for success.

JIM RAGUSA is senior director of early childhood education at Guadalupe Center, which provides educational services to more than 1,750 students annually in Immokalee. Visit www.guadalupecenter. org or call 239-657-7711.

NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

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SWFL Youth Sports Directory

There are many opportunities in SWFL for kids of all ages to learn about a sport or to join a competitive team. The directory below is a year-round resource of athletic organizations offering sports for both beginners and advanced athletes. If your group is missing from the list, send us the details at info@neafamily.com. Visit https://neafamily.com for the most up-to-date list.

Multiple Sports AMAZING ATHLETES www.amazingathletesparadisecoast.com THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF COLLIER COUNTY www.bgccc.com

NAPLES CAL RIPKEN www.naplescalripken.com NAPLES GIRLS SOFTBALL BABE RUTH LEAGUE www.naplesgirlssoftball.com NORTH NAPLES LITTLE LEAGUE www.northnapleslittleleague.com

CITY OF NAPLES PARKS & REC www.naplesgov.com/parksrec

Basketball

COLLIER COUNTY PARKS & REC www.collierparks.com

FLORIDA ELITE SW BASKETBALL www.floridaelitesw.com

FIRST NAPLES SPORTS OUTREACH www.firstnaples.org/sports GREATER NAPLES YMCA www.greaternaplesymca.org i9 SPORTS www.i9sports.com SPECIAL OLYMPICS www.specialolympicscollier.org SPORTS CLUB www.sportsclubnaples.org UPWARD SPORTS www.upward.org YMCA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA www.ymcaswfl.org

Baseball/Softball CLOVERS TRAVEL SOFTBALL www.sjnceltics.org ESTATES SOFTBALL LITTLE LEAGUE estatessllsecretary@gmail.com GREATER NAPLES LITTLE LEAGUE www.greaternapleslittleleague.com GULF COAST LITTLE LEAGUE www.gulfcoastll.com 28

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FOR THE LOVE BASKETBALL www.4tlbasketball.com

NAPLES HURRICANES FOOTBALL & CHEER www.facebook.com/naplescanes SOUTH NAPLES TROJANS FOOTBALL & CHEER www.southnaplestrojans.org SWFL YOUTH FOOTBALL & CHEER www.facebook.com/swfyfl

Golf FIRST TEE – NAPLES/COLLIER www.firstteenaplescollier.org

Gymnastics

NAPLES BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION www.naplesbasketballassociation.com

GYMNASTIC WORLD www.gwnaples.com

NAPLES YOUTH BASKETBALL www.playnybl.com

NAPLES PROGRESSIVE GYMNASTICS www.naplesgymnastics.wordpress.com

BMX

Hockey

NAPLES BMX www.naplesbmx1916.com

FLORIDA JUNIOR BLADES www.floridajrblades.com

Fencing

HERTZ ARENA YOUTH HOCKEY www.skateeverblades.com

NAPLES FENCING ACADEMY www.naplesfencingacademy.com

Field Hockey GULF COAST FIELD HOCKEY www.gulfcoastfieldhockey.com

Football & Cheer NAPLES BEARS FOOTBALL & CHEER www.naplesbears.com NAPLES FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE www.naplesflagfootballleague.com NAPLES GATORS YOUTH FOOTBALL & CHEER www.naplesgators.com

JUNIOR EVERBLADES www.jreverblades.org NAPLES ROLLER HOCKEY www.rollerhockeynaples.com

Horseback Riding PROVIDENCE EQUESTRIAN CENTER www.providenceequestriancenter.com

Lacrosse COLLIER COUNTY LACROSSE ASSN. www.collierlax.com LAX MANIAX LACROSSE www.laxmaniax.com NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2022

LEE COUNTY YOUTH LACROSSE www.leelax.org

GULF COAST RUNNERS YOUTH www.gcrunner.org

GOMEZ TENNIS ACADEMY www.gomeztennisacademy.com

NAPLES LACROSSE CLUB www.napleslacrosseclub.com

Scuba Diving

Martial Arts

SCUBA MARCO www.scubamarco.com

POSITIVE PERFORMANCE TENNIS www.positiveperformancetennis.com

ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS www.napleskarate.com

SCUBA OUTFITTERS www.scubaoutfittersnaples.com

INTEGRITY MARTIAL ARTS www.integrityata.com

Soccer

NAPLES FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS www.naplesfamilymartialarts.com PR BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU www.prbjjnaples.com PREMIER MARTIAL ARTS www.premiermartialarts.com/naples RUPERT’S KARATE ACADEMY www.rupertkarate.com TEAM THIRD LAW ACADEMY www.teamthirdlaw.com TIGER-ROCK MARTIAL ARTS www.tigerrocknaples.com

AZZURRI STORM YOUTH SOCCER www.azzurristorm.com FLORIDA WEST FC www.floridawestfc.com NAPLES CITY FC www.naplescityfc.com OPTIMIST SOCCER CLUB www.optimistsoccer.org

Swimming GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL www.goldfishswimschool.com/ bonita-springs SWIM FLORIDA SWIM TEAM www.swimflorida.com

Pickleball MY PICKLEBALL LEAGUE www.mypbleague.com

T2 AQUATICS SWIM TEAM www.t2aquatics.com

TENNIS DYNAMICS www.tennisdynamicsnaples.com

Training BEYOND MOTION www.go2beyondmotion.com FLORIDA ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER www.floridaadc.org GULF COAST PERFORMANCE www.gulfcoastperform.com THINK OUTSIDE THE DIAMOND www.ricksaggese.com

Volleyball ADRENALINE USA VOLLEYBALL www.adrenalineusavolleyball.com FLORIDA GULFSIDE VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY www.floridagulfsidevolleyball.com USA SOUTH NAPLES ELITE www.usasouth.club

Running

Tennis

GIRLS ON THE RUN www.gotrswfl.org

EMILIO SANCHEZ ACADEMY www.emiliosanchezacademy.com/ florida

S u m m e r P r o g r a m s & C a m p Re g i s t r a t i o n I s N o w O p e n !

Amazing Athletes & Naples Basketball Association with Coach Mike!

Multi-sport programs with locations across Collier County for children 18 months to 8 years old.

www.amazingathletesparadisecoast.com

Dates, Times, & Registration

Little Lightning Ages 4 - 8 yrs Naples Thunder Training All skills levels Grade 3 - Grade 8 Wednesdays & Saturdays 8 weeks www.naplesbasketballassociation.com

Contact Coach Mike at paradisecoast@amazingathletes.com for more information!

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1 4 9 5 S m i t h P r e s e r v e Wa y , N a p l e s , F L 3 4 1 0 2 • 2 3 9 . 2 6 2 . 0 3 0 4 • w w w. c o n s e r va n c y . o r g