Neapolitan Family August 2023

to the BACK BOOKS

MOVING ON

Preparing for a New School

GET READY Tips for a Healthy School Year

PREVENTING GUN VIOLENCE

How Local Schools are Keeping Kids Safe +

MEET RAD DAD

Baseball Player Jason Bartlett

DESTINATION GASCONY

Floating with Family in France

Alia Steele-Kalra, 11, is the daughter of Dr. Ajay Kalra and Roxanne Steele from Fort Myers and is homeschooled. She loves math and art, and created the book jackets on our cover herself. Alia currently is writing and illustrating a children’s book series. She also enjoys ballroom dancing and playing the piano. In the wake of Hurricane Ian, Alia collected toys in her neighborhood for children affected by storm. She collected and hand delivered over 800 toys and is planning another toy drive for September.

www.studioembr.com 239-331-0529

10 Your Children’s Health Tips for keeping your kids healthy during the school year.

by Lou Romig, M.D.

20 Moving On. How to prepare you kids for a new school. by

Tanni Haas

22 One Rad Dad. Meet Jason Bartlett – husband, father, and former professional baseball player.

by Anna Snyder

24 School Safety Find out what is being done to protect our children.

by Andrea Stetson

27 Book Review. A mother and daughter share their thoughts on the Toofer & The Giblet book series by Pine Island author Paulette LeBlanc.

by Anna Snyder

28 Destination: Gascony. Sit back and relax on a barge tour along the canals of Europe. by

Karen T. Bartlett

We welcome kids ages 21/2 to18 to our Dance Academy featuring classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Broadway and more! Our classes are designed for dancers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Sign up online today, or call the office to take advantage of our multiple class discounts.

Cover photo by Emily Brockelsby

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS

Tuesdays for ages 5 -10

Thursdays for ages 11-17 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

ILAC GROUP

(I am Loving and Capable)

Wednesdays | 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS

All ages | First Friday every month

5:30 p.m - 8:30 p.m.

BACK TO SCHOOL TOOLS CAMP

In Immokalee | Ages 8 - 13 | August 7

BACK TO SCHOOL TOOLS CAMP

Ages 12 - 17 | August 8

BACK TO SCHOOL TOOLS CAMP

Ages 7 - 11 | August 9

SHY WOLF CAMP

All ages

October 8 and December 22

9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

CAMP MENDING HEART TEEN

OVERNIGHT CAMP

October 13 - October 15

AVOWLOWEEN

All ages | October 27

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

AVOWINTER FEST

All ages | December 19 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

More events to come. Visit avowkids.org to see our full calendar of FREE events and groups, or use this QR code.

P.O. Box 110656

Naples, FL 34108

info@neafamily.com

from the publisher…

Co-Publisher

Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com

239-370-5333

Co-Publisher

Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com

239-272-0529

Digital Editor

Jane MacNealy

Travel Editor

Karen T. Bartlett

Newsletter 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 ©2023 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Member of

THIS MONTH August and Everything After

This August marks the 20th year I’ve prepared a child for the first day of school.

This month will also mark the last time I will take that first day of school photo, as my third and youngest child is starting her senior year.

That doesn’t even sound right. This year I’ll be marking the firsts of many lasts, and I want to savor every second.

Getting ready for the first day of a new school year is so much more than checking off supply lists, picking out new uniforms or outfits, and dusting off the lunch boxes and backpacks that sat idle all summer. (Hopefully, you remembered to empty the lunch box on the last day of school. I have made that unfortunate mistake.) The new school year requires mental and physical preparation, too. It’s time to dial back the summer bedtime clock a bit to get used to early wake up calls. For the first timers, it’s a good idea to read books about this new place and routine called school. And for the students who are transitioning to a new school, it’s time to get used to a new building with a different schedule and meet new people.

New beginnings are often exciting, but if your child is anxious about the changes, we have ways to help. On page 20, Tanni Haas reveals strategies for starting a new school with confidence. On page 10, Dr. Lou Romig gives us four easy tips for a healthy start to the new school year.

Staying safe at school also concerns many parents and children. Unfortunately, being prepared for gun violence at school is a reality that my children have known since they started kindergarten. On page 24, Andrea Stetson talks to students, parents, administrators, and a school board member about the ways our local schools are increasing security and practicing safety plans.

As the Neapolitan Family kids have grown up, we realized it was time to bring in a younger family perspective to our media company. Check out our Facebook and Instagram and meet our new guest blogger, Liani Belcher, and her family as they begin our Neapolitan Family Adventures series. They will show you how to experience all of the fun and interesting places in Southwest Florida and beyond, through the eyes of their young children.

Have a wonderful school year!

New Pediatric Urgent Care

Opens Its Doors in Naples

Anew urgent care center dedicated to children has opened in Naples. After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care serves infants, children, and young adults up to age 21, at 6400 Davis Blvd., Suite 102, Naples.

The urgent care provides illness and injury care, as well as lab and X-ray services, and is open Monday-Friday from 5-11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1-11 p.m., including holidays.

The facility is staffed by board-certified pediatricians who also work closely with your child’s physician to ensure appropriate follow-up care.

Visit www.afterhourspediatrics.com or call 239-799-1970.

Community School of Naples

Appoints New Head of School

Thomas D. McGlinn, Ed.D., has been named head of school at Community School of Naples. McGlinn comes to CSN from Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, where he served as associate head of school for eight years.

Community School also announced three promotions: Brooks Fleming will be the assistant head of Upper School; Franchesca Whiting has been promoted to director of admissions and marketing; and Leigh Stasik will be assistant head of Middle School (academics).

For more information visit ww.communityschoolnaples.org or call 239-597-7575.

We buy & sell gently used kids stuff

• Clothing (newborn to size 16), toys, baby furniture, equipment, and more.

• We pay cash on the spot.

• No appointment necessary; clothes must be freshly laundered and brought in a plastic container. 13560 Tamiami Trail N. #4, Naples 239-596-6096

Also in: Fort Myers at 239-274-0039 Port Charlotte at 941-764-8121

www.onceuponachildnaples.com

Thomas McGlinn, Ed.D.

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

Lee County Library and Parks Team Up for Book Walk

The first book walk has opened in Lehigh Acres. Lee County Library System and Lee County Parks partnered to establish this program that combines exercise and reading.

Aluminum stands that each display a page from a book have been installed along the walking path by the tennis courts and playground at Veterans Park in Lehigh Acres. This summer’s selection is “Abrazados” (“Tree Hug”) by Marcela Caratozzolo and Eva Mastrogiulio, the first in a series of rotating bilingual Spanish/ English picture books.

For more information visit www.leegov.com/parks or www. leelibrary.net or call 239-479-4636.

High School Homeschool Support Program Launches in Naples

The Freedom Institute of Collier County, a high school homeschool support program, is open for the upcoming school year, and is hosting an open house on Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at its newly renovated building at 2706 Horseshoe Rd. S., Naples. The facility includes an upstairs e-gaming lab full of STEAM activities, a fitness room, and a lounge with a piano, ping pong table, Pac-Man game, and more.

The program offers individual success coaching with an optional 5 Cs curriculum that includes core (English language arts and math), career, consumerism, civics, and character.

For more information visit www.freedominstitute.net or email christy.vaill@freedomhomeschools.com.

Preparing Your Child for a Healthy School Year

It is time for back to school. As you are getting supplies and new school clothes, it’s also important to prepare your child to go back to school healthy and to stay healthy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children get 8 to 12 colds or other viral illnesses each school year. To help keep your children healthy and avoid disruption in your routines, here are four easy tips for a healthy start to the school year.

1. Hand washing

To help protect children from getting sick and subsequently bringing germs home, encourage your kids to wash their hands frequently, and give older children small bottles of hand sanitizer to use at school.

Talk to your doctor about when you should keep your child home and observe them when they are sick, and when it is wise to have your child evaluated urgently.

2. Adequate sleep

Children need sleep to prepare their bodies to expend the energy they need for activities in and out of school. Children who are sleep deprived may fall asleep in class, have trouble paying attention, make poor decisions about risky behaviors, and be very moody.

Toddlers and preschoolers need 10-12 hours of sleep every night, while school-aged kids require 10-11 hours, and teens need 8-9 hours. Studies show that many children don’t get adequate sleep, especially during the school year. This issue has played a role in some school systems’ decisions to move school start times to later in the morning to allow kids to be better rested.

Over the last several weeks before school starts, gradually move children’s bed and wake-up times to match their school hours. Keeping late hours until

the night before school starts will make it much harder for your child to adjust to the new schedule.

Restrict your child from TV, computer, and phone use for at least an hour, preferably two, before bedtime, as the light spectrum projected by these screens can make the brain more active and interfere with falling asleep. Try to reinforce with your kids that all cell phone use must stop during rest hours.

3. Nutrition and hydration

Children also need adequate nutrition and hydration to power their bodies and brains. Whether it’s a sit-down or on-thego meal, try to make sure your children have a nutritious breakfast that includes protein for extra energy that will keep them going until lunch.

Teach children about the building blocks of a nutritious diet, and give them guidance about choosing the proper foods for lunch at school if they don’t take a healthy lunch with them. Encourage your

children to drink as much water as they can at school.

4. Sports safety

If sports are on your child’s school agenda, talk to coaches about what precautions they take against the late summer and early fall Florida heat, and ensure that children will have free access to water and/or electrolyte solutions to drink during practice and games.

Let your child know that if they get dizzy, have a headache, get very thirsty, are nauseated, or have muscle cramps while exercising (in sports or PE), they should stop, tell the teacher or coach they are not feeling well, get to a shaded area or into air conditioning, and drink fluids.

If your child will be engaging in contact sports, ensure that coaches and athletic trainers are educated about traumatic brain injury and concussions, and that the team has a protocol for dealing with athletes with possible head injuries. Here’s wishing you and your family a healthy and happy school year!

By Jennifer Kupiec

New Gifted Programs for CCPS Elementary and Middle Schools

When students return to school this month, they will reunite with old friends, make new friends, swap summer stories, and see the smiling faces of staff ready to work and make memories. Specifically at the elementary and middle school levels, programming for gifted and academically talented students is one key area getting a refresh to better meet student needs.

This summer, district staff members have been developing our own Collier County Public Schools advanced curriculum, based on Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards. In alignment with the CCPS school board’s academic priorities to improve math and literacy learning outcomes for all students, we are enhancing the rigor in our curriculum for gifted and advanced students. Additionally, schools will have greater flexibility to schedule students based on their unique needs.

“We are excited to offer these enhancements to our programming,” said Jennifer Kincaid, executive director of elementary programs for CCPS. “Students benefit when classroom instruction presents an appropriate level of challenge and the opportunity for choice in their learning.”

For example, some students may be eligible for advanced math or advanced

English Language Arts, or both. Students in grades three through eight who scored level four or five in ELA on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking last school year, and/or meet gifted eligibility, will be placed into advanced ELA for the 2023-24 school year. Students who scored level four or five on the FAST and/ or meet eligibility in grades three through seven in mathematics will be placed into advanced mathematics. Eligibility requirements for Algebra I in eighth grade will remain the same. Current advanced and honors course offerings remain at

the high school level, including AICE Cambridge, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment.

“Everything comes back to what is best for kids and how we can help them achieve,” explains Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli. “You can change the trajectory of a student’s life by what you offer to them.”

If you have any questions regarding your child’s eligibility for participation in advanced ELA or math programming, contact your child’s school or visit www. collierschools.com/gifted.

KINDNESS CORNER By Andrea Stetson

Local Students Bring Joy and Love to Memory Care Residents

The children and teenagers smiled shyly as they walked in to meet a group of residents at Elite Assisted Living in Naples.

Soon the kids’ apprehension ended as they proudly performed songs for their audience. Some of the older people sang along. Others just smiled. Then the youngsters reached into large bins to get stuffed animals and decorative pillows that they gave to the audience members. The youngsters and residents shook hands, a few of them hugged, and they all smiled.

The Gargiulo Education Center is teaming up with the assisted living facility to spread kindness and happiness. About once a month students from the center are visiting Elite to further develop this new friendship. Gargiulo Education Center is a pro bono agricultural, migrant, and at-risk after-school program in Naples.

Angela Delgado, director of joyful moments at Elite, says the kindness that the youngsters bring is very beneficial to residents.

“Anything that brings them joy brings all of us joy,” Delgado said. “We are here to take care of people and make sure they have a dignified and happy life. I think it is great for them. The minute I told them children were coming, they got a huge smile on their faces. They are happy about it. This will just add to the quality of their life. Anything that brings them happiness is a plus in my book.”

Mary Asta, executive director of Gargiulo Education Center, spearheaded the partnership.

“We bring the kids to bring love and joy to the people with Alzheimer’s,” Asta said. “A lot of these people don’t have anyone visiting them.”

The children and teenagers say they also get happiness from the interaction.

“It is a good idea because we get to see the smiles on the people’s faces,” said Veronica Trinidad-Lopez, 14.

“This is important because we get to see people enjoy the gifts

we get to give them,” said Fernanda Deleon, 12. “It makes me feel happy.”

Elvin Alonso, 16, helped lead the group songs. “It’s important because everybody needs positivity and love in their lives,” he said.

Santiago Martinez, 8, was the youngest participant.

“I do this to be nice,” he explained.

Daniel Herrera, 12, organized the gift giving. The stuffed animals and decorative pillows were donated by Walmart in Naples.

“It helps people,” he said. “They get happier. They love seeing the young kids and hearing the songs. Seeing all their faces makes me happy.”

These same youngsters are also making occasional visits to the pediatric department at NCH and the mother and baby department at The BirthPlace to donate stuffed animals and other goodies.

Jonathan Herrera, 11, a participant in the Gargiulo Education Center after-school program, gives a stuffed bear to one of the residents at Elite Assisted Living in Naples. Photo by Andrea Stetson

9AM - 2PM

FAMILY FUN in August

1 TUESDAY

9 a.m. 4-H Florida Youth Naturalist Program. Ages 1013. Learn about Florida’s ecosystems. Located at UF/IFAS Collier Extension Office, 14700 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Visit https:// sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/collier or call 239-252-4800.

10 a.m. Toddler Storytime. Up to age 5. Stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7073.

3 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Located at YMCA of Collier County Naples 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Check www.mealsofhope.org/pantry.

3 p.m. Star Wars End of Summer Spectacular. Build your own light saber, crafts, and more. Costumes encouraged. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239252-7370.

4 p.m. Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children Class. Learn how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Children play in gym for free during session. Located at We Rock the Spectrum, 17640 Tamiami Tr. S., Fort Myers. Check www. werockthespectrumfortmyers.com or email ajudge@cac-swfl.org.

Photo by Rochelle Shucart

2 WEDNESDAY

9 a.m. Safari Squad. Ages 1-4 with an adult. Animal encounter, storytime, art, and play stations. This week’s theme is “Lounging Lizards.” Registration required. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Check www.napleszoo.org or call 239-920-2085 x158.

10 a.m. Crafty Corner: Cricut for Beginners. Learn how to make designs and use a Cricut machine. Registration is required for this two-hour class. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-4542.

10 a.m. Free Museum Admission for Kids. Beat the heat at the Baker Museum. Kids 17 and younger are admitted free. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Check www.artisnaples.org or call 239-254-2621.

11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Select dates through Aug. 12. $30 for show and lunch or dinner for ages 16 and younger. Located at Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check www.broadwaypalm.com or call 239-278-4422.

3 THURSDAY

10 a.m. Little Explorers. Weekly. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Activities, stories, and crafts. This week’s theme is “The Greedy Python.” Located at Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Check www.conservancy.org/naturecenter or call 239-262-2273.

2 p.m. Make-and-Take. Free family workshop where you create your own artwork inspired by the museum exhibitions. Located at Artis-Naples, Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Check www.artisnaples.org, email jwozniak@artisnaples.org, or call 239-254-2621.

2 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Located at Golden Gate Senior Center, 4898 Coronado Pkwy., Naples. Check www.mealsofhope.org/pantry.

3 p.m. Youth Chess Club. Ages 10-18. Competitive play and play-for-fun tables available. Competitive players should arrive on time to be part of the bracket. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7370 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

6:30 p.m. Open House. Learn about the Freedom Institute of Collier County’s new on-site high school homeschool support program. Located at Freedom Institute of Collier County, 2706 Horseshoe Dr. S., Naples. Check www.freedominstitute.net or call 239-287-5951.

4 FRIDAY

4:30 p.m. Hula Dance. Ages 3-9. Basic instruction in styles of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori, and Samoan. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check www.artinlee.org.

10 a.m. BACK TO SCHOOL EXPO 2023. Free! A day full of family fun. Meet vendors who have all of the information you need to send your kids back to school. Too Tall Torrie will be creating balloon art. Meet a princess and Stewie the Duck. Face painter, firetruck, food trucks, and more. Lots of free parking! Located at North Collier Regional Park Rec-Plex Fitness Complex (gymnasium), 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check https:// neafamily.com/neapolitanfamily_backtoschool_expo.

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.

9 a.m. Nature Explorers. Ages 5-11. $10. Take a T-rex step back in time and learn all about dinosaurs. Located at Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-275-3435 or check www.calusanature.org.

10 a.m. Free Kids Fishing. Fish on the back lake (catch and release). Located at Bass Pro Shop, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-461-7800 or check www.basspro.com.

1 p.m. End of Summer Reading Celebration. All ages. Celebrate with ice cream! All ages. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7073.

6 SUNDAY

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

10:30 a.m. Sensory Sunday. Sensory-friendly planetarium show. Everyone is welcome. Located at Calusa Nature Center, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Check www.calusanature.org.

7 MONDAY

3 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Located at River Park Recreation Center, 301 11th St. N., Naples. Check www.mealsofhope.org/pantry.

8 TUESDAY

9 a.m. Avow Kids Back to School Tools Camp. Ages 12-17. Learn how to cope with stress and anxiety and how to set and achieve measurable goals. Free. Located at Avow, Aunt Janet’s House, 1301 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. RSVP to 239-2614404 or avowkids@avowcares.org. Visit www.avowcares.org.

4 p.m. Little Builders Build With Magnetic Tiles. Ages 3-13. Build houses, skyscrapers, and more. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Check www. collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7542.

Don’t miss this treasure... we highly recommend it, especially if you have children.

natural

MAKE A CONNECTION

In addition to becoming a member - which includes FREE ADMISSION for one year to all of our interactive exhibits - there are many ways to connect with our water, land, wildlife and future through the Conservancy of Southwest Florida!

Learn more or get involved at conservancy.org.

We

9 WEDNESDAY

2 p.m. Lego Fun. Bricks are provided, so let your imagination run wild. All ages. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-2527073.

3 p.m. Alexander and Julius Tortoise Encounter. Hold, pet, and learn about tortoises in the young adult room. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7350 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

6 p.m. Reeling With a Ranger. Equipment and bait provided. Free. Located at Freedom Park, 1515 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Check www.collierparks.com or call 239-252-4000.

10 THURSDAY

2 p.m. Chess. For teens and adults. Boards supplied. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/library.

4 p.m. Lego Fun. Ages 4-11. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-252-7109 or check www.collierlibrary.org

6:30 p.m. Evening on Fifth. Live musical performances up and down the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue South. Located at Fifth Avenue South, Naples. Check www.fifthavenuesouth.com.

11 FRIDAY

10 a.m. La Leche League Monthly Meeting. All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding are welcome. Located at The Humble Hut, 2740 Bayshore Dr., Unit 5, Naples. Call 865-696-6353 or check www.lllflorida.com/naples.

12 SATURDAY

8 a.m. Bark on the Ark. Guests and their pups enjoy a sightseeing eco cruise to Keewaydin Island. Located at Pure Florida, Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-263-4949 or check www.purefl.com.

10 a.m. Baby and Me. For 18 months to 3 years. Exploring, creating, singing, and dancing. Located at Autism Support Center, 734 SW Fourth St., Cape Coral. Call Family Initiative at 239-9100712 or check www.fi-florida.org.

6 p.m. Replica Jersey Giveaway at the Mighty Mussels. The first 500 fans receive a free replica jersey. Located at Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. Call 239768-4210 or check www.milb.com/fort-myers.

7 p.m. Live Art and Music Pop Up. Listen to live music while watching a blank canvas come to life with Dani Papanikolaou all evening long. Located at Mercato Shops, Naples. Check www. experiencemercato.com or call 239-254-1080.

14

10 a.m. Yoga for Littles. Ages 3-5 and caregivers. Stories, songs, chants, movement, and mindful breathing. No experience necessary. Registration required. Located at South County Library,

X SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE

NAPLES LIBRARY

650 CENTRAL AVE., NAPLES

21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-533-4400 or check www.leegov.com/library.

239-252-5135 • WWW.COLLIERLIBRARY.ORG

15 TUESDAY

Hotel Transylvania 3, rated PG. Registration not required. Saturday, Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m.

X PRESCHOOL NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

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 239-5334400 or check www.leegov.com/library.

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO

8:15 p.m. Movies on the Lawn: Jaws. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food available for purchase. Located at Mercato Shops, Naples. Check www.experiencemercato.com or call 239-2541080.

239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

Spooktacular stories, songs, and crafts. Wear your costume for a parade inside the library. Ages 3-5. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

16

WEDNESDAY

X HALLOWEEN MAGIC WITH JOEY EVANS

SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY

21100 THREE OAKS PKWY., ESTERO

239-533-4400 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

10 a.m. Preschool Program: Vintage Schoolhouse Rocks! Ages 3-5. Get a taste of what it was like to be in school before the days of technology. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239252-8476 or check www.colliermuseums.com.

Spooky magic, mystery, and fun. Ages 6-11. Registration is required. Saturday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m.

X PRE-READERS SPOOKY DANCE PARTY

BONITA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY

10560 REYNOLDS STREET, BONITA SPRINGS

5 p.m. Women’s Self-Defense Class. Registration required. Ages 13+. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Suite 190, Estero. For details visit www.miromaroutlets.com or to register email glevine@sheriffleefl.org.

239-533-4860 • WWW.LEEGOV.COM/LIBRARY

17

THURSDAY

10:30 a.m. Little Racers. Ages 2-5. Zip around the Storytime Room with toy cars on handmade race tracks. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/library.

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

18

FRIDAY

6 p.m. Parents’ Night Out: Welcome All Superheroes. Ages 3-7. Dinner provided. $20 per kid. Games, crafts, fun, and more. Located at Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct., Cape Coral. Call 239-574-0804 or check www.capecoral.gov.

19

SATURDAY

9 a.m. Free Autism Screening. For children 1-3 years old. Screenings do not provide a diagnosis. Located at Autism Support Center, 734 SW Fourth St., Cape Coral. To register, call Family Initiative at 239-910-0712 or email info@fi-florida.org.

10 a.m. Junior Storytime. Saturdays in the children’s section. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr., Naples. Visit www. barnesandnoble.com or call 239-598-5200.

10 a.m. The Super Scaly Slimy Family Day. Crafts, games, and activities for kids of all ages. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Check www. colliermuseums.com or call 239-252-8476.

11 a.m. Latin Festival. Celebrate Hispanic heritage with live music, food, face painting, balloon art, golf cart parade, and more. Located at Ave Maria Town Center, Ave Maria. Check www.avemaria.com/events or call 239-352-3903.

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

20 SUNDAY

9 a.m. Cars & Coffee. Free. Located at Mercato Shops, Naples. Check www.experiencemercato.com or call 239-2541080.

10 a.m. The Kids’ Club. Parents and kids younger than 12 can join us for crafts, games, and fun. Located at Naples Pride Center, 2248 Airport Rd. S., Naples. Call 239-304-9407 or check www. naplespride.org.

5:30 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. Ages 2.5 to 11 years. An evening full of laughter, surprises, activity, and friends. $35. Located at My Gym, 13020 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-431-6499 or check www.mygym.com/naples/events.

21 MONDAY

2 p.m. Book Face/Book Talk. All ages; families welcome. Discuss a book in which you can see yourself as one of the characters. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7350.

22 TUESDAY

5:30 p.m. Exceptional Night. For children with autism and other sensory integration disorders or other disabilities. Located at Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Check www.cmon.org or call 239-514-0084.

23 WEDNESDAY

10 a.m. Summer Homeschool Day 2023. Join us for a taste of what schooling was like in the pioneer days of SWFL. Ageappropriate activities for preschool, elementary, middle, and high school groups. Located at Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-8476 or visit www. colliermuseums.com.

24 THURSDAY

10:30 a.m. Art Play. Ages 3-5. Hands-on sensory activities. Dress for mess. Registration required. Located at South County Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-533-4400 or check www.leegov.com/library.

10:30 a.m. Baby Play Date. Ages birth to 18 months. Play with your baby and meet new friends during this special sensory play date. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/ library.

26 SATURDAY

9 a.m. Farmers Market and Craft Fair. Shop fresh produce, unique jewelry, pottery, soaps, artwork, and more. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check www.miromaroutlets.com.

12 p.m. Anti-bullying Seminar. Free. Kids and parents learn how to recognize, prevent, and stop bullying. Located at Naples Family Martial Arts. Check www.naplesfamilymartialarts.com or call 239-315-6303.

1 p.m. ASD Social Skills Playgroup. Family Initiative’s weekly group where kids with autism fit in, progress, and make friends. Ages 4+. $20. Located at Christ Community Church, 4050 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check www.fi-florida.org or call 239-9100712.

27 SUNDAY

1:30 p.m. Live Science Show. Free. Lessons on chemistry, aerodynamics, fire experiments, and more. Located at Miromar Outlets, Suite 192, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-9483766 or check www.miromaroutlets.com.

29 TUESDAY

10:30 a.m. Family Storytime. Stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7542.

6 p.m. Paw Patrol LIVE! Heroes Unite. Also Aug. 30. Tickets start at $39. Doors open at 5 p.m. Located at Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero. Check www.hertzarena.com/events or call 239-948-7825.

30 WEDNESDAY

10 a.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Located at Max Hasse Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Check www.mealsofhope.org/pantry.

10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime. Ages 3-5. Stories, activities, and art. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-252-7109 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

10:30 a.m. Woof Walk. Meet furry friends from the Animal Refuge Center. Located at Miromar Outlets, Lee County Sheriff’s Outreach Center, Suite 190, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check www.miromaroutlets.com.

3 p.m. Mario Kart Tournament. Ages 11-17. See who can get the fastest time. Small prizes and light refreshments. Located at Bonita Springs Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-533-4860 or check www.leegov.com/library.

6 p.m. Art After Hours. A fun evening of art and entertainment for all ages. Located at Artis-Naples, Baker Museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Visit www.artisnaples.org or call 239597-1900

BACK

By Tanni Haas

Moving On Preparing Your Kids for a New School

Many kids are changing schools every year for reasons other than promotion from elementary school to middle school and on to high school. Some of the most common reasons include relocation or a switch between private and public schools. In Collier County Public Schools, 2023-24 brings the opening of the new Aubrey Rogers High School and some redistricting. Transitions can be tough on kids, especially if they are moving to a new community and have to make new friends, but there’s a lot that parents can do to help them with this transition.

Here are some suggestions from the experts:

Explain the reason for the move

Kids appreciate it when parents are open and honest with them and, alternatively, resent it when parents are opaque and hide the truth. It makes them feel that they’re not taken seriously. “When making a move,” said Sherri Gordon, a professional life

coach with expertise in children, “it’s important to explain to your child why it’s happening. Your kids need to know the real reason for the switch.” If parents are “on the phone and making lots of arrangements and there’s a flurry of activity, kids need to have an explanation for what’s going on,” agreed clinical psychologist Dr. Megan Goslin.

Stay calm and positive

Even if you too are nervous about the upcoming move, it is important to remain positive about it in front of your kids. “If you’re concerned about the transition and you let it show your child will be concerned too,” said Becton Loveless from Education Corner, a well-known education website. “Kids have an uncanny ability to pick up on the perception of the adults in their lives,” Gordon concurred, “so focus on the positive while acknowledging how challenging it can be to move.”

One way to maintain a positive attitude is to focus on the good aspects of the move. Goslin advises parents to highlight all the things that kids can look forward to, whether it’s having their own room or a backyard where they can play, or that their new school offers a sport or a language they have wanted to try.

Acknowledge their feelings

While staying calm and positive, also acknowledge your kids’ feelings. Unlike parents, who tend to focus on the academic implications of a move, kids are more concerned about the social aspects – whether they will be able to make new friends. “When you ask kids what’s uppermost on their mind,” Goslin said, “they’ll often focus, understandably, on social issues.”

Even if they can’t articulate it or choose not to say anything about it, kids often are worried about feeling isolated or, worse, being picked on or bullied. Sandra Calzadilla, a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in child development, says that parents should address head-on kids’ fears about making new friends. “Acknowledge that it might be hard and that that’s OK,” she suggested.

Say a proper goodbye to the old school

Transitions can be hard on all kids, the more so if they don’t get a sense of closure before they move on to the next phase of their lives. Gordon suggests that parents take time out of their schedules

to help their kids say a proper goodbye to their old classmates and teachers, even if they decide to stay in contact with them after the move. “Just because they’ll be in a new school,” she said, “doesn’t mean that the old one will matter less.” Talk to your kids about all the great experiences they had at their old school and all the interesting things they learned, and reminisce about all the wonderful friends they made there.

… and say hello to the new one

While you help your kids say goodbye to their old school, prepare them for what’s coming next. Lynn Louise Wonders, a licensed professional counselor with expertise in early childhood development, suggests that parents be very concrete about the changes that are about to happen and what they will do to make the transition a successful one. If the kids are still in elementary school, Wonders suggests that parents emphasize all the things that will be familiar to them, like snack time and playground time, and what they will do to maintain what is familiar to them, like packing their lunch in the same lunch box. But, Wonders emphasizes, also focus on what will be new and different, like all their new teachers and classmates.

TANNI HAAS, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

RAD DADS By Anna Snyder

could become the best version of themselves, both inside and out. They used their experience in athletics and fitness to create this community. In June, Jason and Kelly sold the business to their lead trainer and his wife so that they could be fully present for their two boys, Jayden and Jagger. I had the opportunity to interview Jason right before he left on a summer trip – he has so much wisdom to share with other Southwest Florida parents: He really is a rad dad!

What brought you to Naples?

When I played professional baseball, we came back and forth from California to Fort Myers for a few years for spring training. We loved the area. Toward the end of my career, my in-laws mentioned the idea of possibly moving to Southwest Florida. We couldn’t pass on the idea of having retired grandparents in the same town with our boys. So we moved from San Diego to Naples. Ironically enough, before we moved here, or even thought of moving here, my wife and I got married at the Naples Beach Hotel!

Tell us about 643 HIIT Room. What was your vision for it? What made it special?

When I retired from MLB, my focus was family. Anyone who knows my wife, Kelly, knows she is a go-getter. She’s an animal when she sets her mind on something. Kelly sacrificed so much of herself for my job, held down the house, and was our family rock for about 10 years. I knew she was chomping at the bit to hit the ground running when I retired. Although new to Naples, my wife and I both felt called to build a community in an area about which we were both knowledgeable and passionate: fitness. The best part was being able to do this together. 643 is a term often used in baseball that refers to a specific type of double play. So for us, 643 HIIT Room was our double play as husband and wife, as well as a combination of strength and conditioning for the community we built.  Our vision was family, fun, and an unwavering sense of belonging when people walked into our doors. We wanted our business to be a platform for and reflection of our faith.

What did you love about owning 643 HIIT Room? What made it challenging or difficult?

Meet Rad Dad Jason Bartlett

Aformer shortstop for the Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, and San Diego Padres, Jason Bartlett moved to Naples with his family when he retired from Major League Baseball in 2014. Shortly after moving to Southwest Florida, Jason and his wife, Kelly, decided to open 643 HIIT Room, a boutique fitness studio. They wanted to build a family of people who wanted to live with passion and intentionality – a place where people

What I loved most about owning 643 was seeing our vision unfold. God really brought way more than we could have imagined into our lives through that place. It was the epitome of a gym family. We met some of our best friends through it – it was the intersection of passion and work, faith and family. The most challenging area for me was making sure I wasn’t spreading myself too thin. I always wanted to be available able to help in all areas, be where my boys need me to be, plan date nights with my wife, and make time with friends. That can easily be sideswiped if you constantly say yes to all things and try to be everything to everyone. This is a fairly relatable challenge for most working parents.

What led you to handing off 643 HIIT Room in June?

Before we opened our doors, my wife and I had always said to

Jason and Kelly Bartlett with their sons Jayden and Jagger.

each other: “The moment we feel like our boys and their schedules require more of our time, we want to be able to give that to them.” We wanted to build something special and be able to hand it off to the right people who are equally as passionate as we were. We wanted to hand 643 HIIT Room off to people whose hearts were in the same place. It was absolutely God’s tim ing. Daniel (our lead trainer) and his wife, Cynthia, walked into our lives, and our seasons in life fit like a puzzle piece. It was awesome. We knew it was right in terms of timing and fit.

What advice would you give to other rad dads thinking about opening up a business?

this: If you’ve felt nudged to do it, and it’s something that keeps you up at night, why not? Risk is always there, but so is great reward. Setting an example of humble hard work and balance is something great for kids to see from their parents.

What advice would you give to other dads considering selling their business?

business – and these issues are so different for everyone. For me, it was time and family. For some, it’s as simple as: Does this business make me happy? Our God-given gifts are important and valuable, so if you feel as though they could be used to make a bigger impact elsewhere,

Preventing Gun Violence

How local schools are keeping kids safe

By Andrea Stetson

Victor Deleon, 12, has a plan to keep himself safe if there was ever a shooting at his school. “I think about it, not all the time, just sometimes,” Victor began. “I have my entire school mapped out just because of that.”

Victor went on to list his plans.

“It depends on the building,” explained the middle schooler from Naples. “If I was near the PE building, I would just get out of the classroom and get out [over] the fence. The 7th grade building would be the hardest [to get out of] because it is in the middle, so I would have to see where the shooting is coming from and run the other way.”

There was a time when students didn’t have to make this type of plan or worry about being safe in school. Now it is something they and their parents consider. For some the thoughts and worries happen only when they hear about a school shooting on television or have an active shooter safety drill. Others, like Victor, think about it more often.

“I feel safe with some of my teachers,” Victor added.

“I do feel safe,” said Veronica Trinidad Lopez,14, an Aubrey Rogers High School freshman. “There are cops on the campus, and they check if the doors are locked.”

“There is a rule about keeping the doors locked, and they are supposed to look before opening the doors, but sometimes they just open the doors,” explained Maria Deleon, 16, an Aubrey Rogers High School junior, who attended Gulf Coast High School last year before the rezoning.

“The shooting in Uvalde made me start thinking about it because we are right next to the elementary school and if they go there, they could come to our school,” added Aaron Rodriguez, 19, a 2023 graduate of Gulf Coast.

Collier County Public Schools officials want to reassure students and parents about the safety of local schools.

Marc MacDonald, administrative supervisor of district safety and security for CCPS, says Collier County schools are some of the safest in the nation.

“We live in a very fortunate community,” said MacDonald. “We have law enforcement officers on every campus all day, every day. The commitment our sheriff

has made to provide that coverage is unprecedented. We don’t have just a security person, we have a professionally trained law enforcement officer in every school.”

CCPS has enhanced the safety of its schools over the past several years. After the Parkland shooting all schools limited campus access to just one entrance, through the main office. Visitors have to ring a buzzer and be identified before that door will open for them. Schools also have lockdown safety drills. In the past these have occurred monthly, but starting this year schools will have a drill at the beginning of the school year and then one each quarter.

CCPS school board member Stephanie Lucarelli has four children; one is in middle school and another in high school. “I feel very secure with my kids being in school,” Lucarelli said. “We have put a variety of layers of protection in our schools. Our people have gone through extensive training, and our kids have also been through enough drills and training to know what to do in an emergency. I know things can happen. I know they are not 100% safe, but I feel very secure with the people who are there with them.”

Run or hide

Years ago the plan in case of a school shooter situation was for teachers to have students hide in the classroom, closet, or bathroom, but that has changed.

“Every school year, every classroom is assessed by law enforcement and administrators,” said MacDonald. “We decide: Is there a safe space in the classroom? If a classroom doesn’t have that safe space then we talk about the run option. All spaces are looked at for a run option.”

Some students say they prefer to run.

“If you run you have a better chance of living,” said Elvin Alonso, 16, an Aubrey Rogers High School junior, who attended Gulf Coast last year. “If everybody stays in the classroom, [a shooter] can take out the whole classroom and what can anyone do? They just stay in the class and wait to die.”

Added Maria, “I would run because if you hide, they can find you. People see on the news that everyone is hiding. They will know that people are hiding.”

Guns in school

The Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program was established in 2018 through the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act that was enacted following the deadly mass shooting at the Parkland school. Guardians are armed personnel who respond immediately to a school shooting. They either are school employees who volunteer or personnel hired for the specific purpose of being a school guardian. Guardians must pass psychological and drug screenings, and successfully complete a minimum of 144 hours of training. Lee County joined the program in May, and Collier County now is considering adding this area to the list of almost 50

Florida counties currently using guardians in their schools.

Janeth Deleon, 15, an Aubrey Rogers High School sophomore who attended Gulf Coast last year, says it is scary to think that teachers or other people on campus would be carrying guns.

“A student would know and they could think, ‘There is a gun there and I can get it’,” Janeth said.

Cara Naso, 16, a junior at Palmetto Ridge High School, says it could be a good idea if it is done right.

“I don’t think it is a bad idea, but you have to make sure that whoever is carrying the gun couldn’t hurt someone at the school,” she said. “You have to pick them very cautiously. You never know what kid could grab a gun from an adult’s pocket.”

Dave Gaumer, father of a freshman at Aubrey Rogers High School, doesn’t think teachers should be armed, but he likes the idea of the Guardian program.

“I just think in a matter of seconds it stops something from happening,” he explained.

Lucarelli says if the Guardian program is implemented, it needs to be in addition to the sheriff deputies.

“In Collier County we are so fortunate to have a youth [officer] relationship program that instills so much more in our kids than just having a hired gun at our school,” she stressed. “That program fosters a deep respect for law enforcement and community involvement and pride. Although I support implementing the Guardian program, I don’t want it to take away from the youth relations program.”

How scary is it?

Younger students seem to feel safer at their schools.

“I feel safe mostly because the teacher makes sure everybody is safe, and they help my classmates just feel good and safe,” said Paige Baily, 8, a third grader at Mason Classical Academy.

“I feel safe,” added Mila Bohunicky, 9, a fourth grader at St. Ann Catholic School. “There are security guards and alarms.”

Their parents share that sense of security.

“I feel very confident that the school is safe,” said Mila’s mother, Cheryl Bohunicky. “They have taken measures to embrace the safety of the students. Everyone is very diligent in keeping it safe.”

“The school does a good job ensuring there is safety,” added Paige’s mother, Elizana Baily. “There is a [youth relations officer]. But there can always be room for improvement.”

Madison Mance, 11, a sixth grader at the Village School, also feels safe. She knows about the shootings at other schools, but thinks about it only occasionally.

“That kind of puts a thought in your head that these things actually happen, and that is such an awful and scary thing,” Madison said. “But I am reassured by the fact that there are drills and we have a lot of security.”

Madison’s mother, Jennifer Mance, explained how things were

The number one priority of every one of our principals every day is the safety of our kids.

—Marc MacDonald, CCPS

very different in Ontario, Canada, where they lived until the family moved to Collier County a year ago.

“It is a bit concerning,” Mance began. “We don’t worry about the same things in Ontario. Here in the United States the chances of there being an incident are higher because we don’t have the guns in Canada. In some ways I feel safer because the schools have more things in place. You have to get through fences and gates and all the doors are locked all the time. In Ontario we only keep our doors locked when there is a threat and there is no extra fencing. There isn’t the need for it, thankfully. So, I feel fairly safe, but it is always in the back of my mind. That is sad for me as a parent and an educator.”

‘It was very scary’

On most days last year the students at Gulf Coast High School were not thinking about school safety. It popped into their minds only when they heard about a school shooting on the news, or they had a school safety drill. But things changed in February when students were in lockdown and didn’t know if it was real or a drill. Students were in the courtyard and hallways between sixth and seventh period when the alarm sounded. They were rushed into classrooms by teachers and staff.

“We were in the portables during the fake lockdown, but we didn’t know it was fake, and it is not safe in the portables,” Janeth said. “I wanted to run because we did not know if it was real.”

Janeth started texting her sister, Maria, telling her how frightened she was. Maria was scared too.

“”We thought it was a real lockdown,” Maria said. “There were so many stories about what was happening.”

“I was in class, and I was bawling my eyes out and texting my mom,” Aaron described. “A lot of people were crying.”

Students later found out that the lockdown was caused by two students fighting, and that no guns were involved. But at the time the unknown was scary. Sitting quietly in the classrooms in lockdown, they were imagining the worst.

“Some people were having panic attacks,” Maria said. “The teacher was just trying to keep us calm.”

“I kept texting my sister because I

Collier County Public Schools’ Safety Measures

CCPS has been implementing additional measures over the past several years to ensure the safety of everyone at the schools in the district, including:

• Law enforcement personnel are on CCPS campuses all day, every day.

• All schools have a single point of entry.

• Video doorbells allow front doors to remain locked at all schools.

• Classroom doors are locked.

• Classroom door windows are covered.

• Every classroom is assessed in conjunction with law enforcement.

• All staff have the ability to call for a lockdown.

• Students at all schools have ID badges.

• Every school has a school threat assessment team.

• Backpacks and large bags are not permitted at athletic events.

• First responders have key access to all campuses during an emergency.

was so scared,” Janeth said. “I thought the lockdown was real and being in a portable, I thought I had a higher chance of being hurt.”

It was even scarier at Palmetto Ridge High School earlier this year after a threat was phoned in about a possible shooter and the school went on lockdown.

“People barricaded the door and the teacher put up the curtain,” Cara said. “I was in a room with a closet, and we all went into the closet and closed the door.”

While there was no shooter on campus, there was an actual threat, so police officers had to check the classrooms. They went into each room with their guns out, pointed at the room and the kids.

“It was very scary,” Cara said. “I usually feel pretty safe at my school, except for [that time during the lockdown]. That felt real. It was very scary.”

Training opportunities

MacDonald doesn’t like to see kids scared, but said incidents like this can be helpful.

“We don’t want them thinking about it all day long,” MacDonald said. “But incidents like that create opportunities for training. Those unfortunate situations create opportunities to create improvements in our process. The number one priority of every one of our principals every day is the safety of our kids.” He added that after an incident, if parents have questions, “please call your principal. The principal wants to make you feel safe.”

MacDonald said being prepared is the best way to stay safe. Which is why Collier County schools have a wide variety of drills

and plans. MacDonald praised Victor for being aware of his surroundings and having a plan.

Not just at school

“That kid is going to be safe because he has thought about it,” MacDonald said. “That is the unfortunate thing. You have to think about it. Not just at school. You see it at the grocery store and on the street. The good thing is we have plans, and while it sounds sad, it is a reality of our lives. If you go to a parade or to school or the mall, having a plan – running here or hiding there – makes you safer. Our teachers have plans, students have plans, and they practice those plans, and it makes them safer when they are at school.

“My advice to parents is to tell their kids to listen very carefully to the instructions of their teachers,” MacDonald stressed. “Teachers will review the procedures and it is important for students to understand what the teacher is saying, and if they don’t, ask questions.”

Lucarelli also emphasized that being prepared is not just for school safety.

“I talk to my children about situational awareness,” she explained. “Know where you are and who is in charge wherever you are. You are sitting there and thinking about where you would hide if you have to, and that is not just at school. It is anywhere. It could be anything. It is about being able to do whatever we need to do and staying calm. It’s very sad the times we live in and the things our kids have to deal with, but we want them to be prepared for the worst. We hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”

BOOK REVIEW By Anna Snyder

Embark on a Sweet Summertime Adventure with Toofer & The Giblet

The award-winning children’s book series that features the adventures of Toofer & The Giblet was created by Pine Island author Paulette LeBlanc and Ukrainian artist Dmitry Morozov. “Toofer & The Giblet in the Big City” recently received more accolades from Dragon Horse Publishing during the Naples-based independent publishing house’s Spring 2023 BookFest awards.

“Toofer & The Giblet in the Big City” – the second book in the Toofer & The Giblet series – earned gold, silver, and bronze BookFest awards.

LeBlanc began writing the series of seven books in 2010. The books are suggested for children ages 6-10. For more information on “Toofer & The Giblet in the Big City” or to purchase, visit www.tooferandthegiblet. com or www.dragonhorsepublishing.com.

Summer reading is a big deal in our home – complete with both monetary incentives and big end-ofsummer prizes. This summer, we pursued a mixture of read aloud and independent reading, setting a goal for the number of read-aloud chapter books, as well as a lofty number of hours of independent reading for our daughter, Winnie, in preparation for third grade. My husband and I pay a certain price for each type of book completed, and if all goals are met, we have a massive LEGO set hidden away.

She’s currently binging the Junie B. Jones series, and we listened to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on our family road trip. But in those quiet post-breakfast moments, I like to have a chapter book to read aloud before the day’s adventures really get going. So I was excited when two Toofer and The Giblet books landed on my doorstep. We needed a break from Judy Blume’s Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing series.

Toofer and The Giblet books are beautiful hardbacks. Dmitry Morozov’s watercolor illustrations are charming and layered, perfectly capturing the action of the episodic chapters; they are nothing short of outstanding. I chose to read these books aloud to Winnie; she’s an on-gradelevel reader who adores listening.

I recommend these books without reservation. Here are a few reasons:

1. As a parent, I do not always appreciate cliffhangers. These books, though, are truly engaging and yet still episodic. There are natural breaks, though the author builds upon the overarching story, referencing previous characters and events.

2. Paulette Leblanc uses high-level vocabulary words and complex sentences – words such as “absconded” and “circumspect.” The reading level on the books is high, though the content is appropriate for an array of ages. Those as young as 4 or 5 years old and up to 10 or 11 would appreciate the stories. This quality in literature is rare – it is relatively difficult to find high level chapter books for younger readers.

3. The books are filled with applicable truth. Parents may use these charming stories about two mice to illustrate realities to children – embracing who you are instead of trying to become someone you’re not, being brave when needed, helping others and accepting them for who they are; the list goes on and on. Parents may find, as I did, that many chapters lead to a discussion of characters’ actions, particularly related to the two main characters.

4. The illustrations peppered throughout the book add to the action rather than detract. Morozov’s watercolor pictures are

artful and emotional; they are exceptionally creative and detailed. I love it when not every page has a picture, but they’re present and available just when you need them.

Winnie’s favorite story from the two books was from Toofer and The Giblet in the Big City “when the tiny giant (a human young girl) has Toofer over for cake and punch.” I also asked her if she’d recommend these books to a friend. “Yes – I like that Toofer is calm and The Giblet is always ready for adventure. I like the artwork. The books were really sweet, and the chapters were really funny.”

It felt wonderfully apropos that I finished reading the books aloud to Winnie in the back room at my parents’ cabin in Maine. The foggy, rainy, cold weather lends itself to funny and sweet stories – cuddled up for warmth, hot drinks in hand, fresh baked goods in the oven. Talking mice and other woodland creatures having adventures doesn’t seem so far-fetched in reading situations like that; the imagination runs wild. It’s childhood reading at it’s apex. I hope you enjoy Toofer and The Giblet as much as we did.

Anna Snyder and daughter Winnie enjoy the adventures of Toofer and The Giblet. Photo courtesy of Anna Snyder.

Leonardo da Vinci … a reincarnated Dutch clipper ship … a French countess … and me: a newly minted, first-time grandmother-to-be.

Unrelated? Not at all! I can explain.

In anticipation of the baby on the way, I’m already imagining the sweet three-generation house parties to come. When the stars align just right for one of our family gatherings, the locations vary but the musthaves are the same: excellent food and laughter, fresh air and nature, lively adventures when we crave them and serenity when we don’t. Extra points for places less traveled, touches of antiquity, and lots of charm. Did I mention excellent food? There’s no time to waste. So, I call The Barge Lady. Yes, she’s real! I’ve known Ellen Sack for years, and now with daughters Caroline and Stephanie on the team, they’re still the go-to source for amazing barge tours along the canals of Europe.

Their selections range from glam to casual: Ultra Deluxe, Deluxe, Premier and Charming. Because

DESTINATION: Gascony Call the Barge Lady!

“charming” is already on our must-have list, Barge Lady Stephanie suggests either the elegant little 8-passenger Rosa or the 10-passenger Athos, a favorite of multigenerational families. There happens to be an early spring availability aboard Barge Rosa. Built in 1907 as a tall-masted Dutch clipper ship, just 16 feet wide, her hull was reclaimed by French merchants who used a system of extremely narrow canals and locks to carry cargo straight from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. In the 21st century a savvy French businessman acquired her, installed four en suite staterooms, a comfy salon/dining room, a chef’s galley, and an alfresco dining and lounging deck complete with hot tub. The beautiful, polished up barge re-emerged with a hand-picked crew of four as a luxury floating hotel.

So off we’ll go, the two elders of our clan, to preview a cruise along the Canal du Garonne in the lush Gascony region of Southern France.

We’ll wind our way ever so lazily through medieval

Photography by Karen T. Bartlett unless otherwise indicated

TRAVEL By Karen T. Bartlett

Sometime around 1500, Leonardo da Vinci drew up his concept for the miter lock system, having no idea that eight centuries later, barge captains would still be using his invention to navigate some extremely elevated and impressive locks along a network of European canals, including, at the helm of Barge Rosa, atop a dramatic 1,000-foot aqueduct over the river Tarn.

villages, Stephanie says, past vineyards and apple orchards just leafing out, along canals so narrow we can almost reach out and pick the wildflowers, feel the tendrils of overhanging weeping willow trees, and exchange a nod with occasional Camino de Santiago pilgrims trekking along the tow path. We can hop off and on for bike rides, wander among cobblestone lanes, peek into chapels and walled gardens, or (my personal fave) gawk at the lemon-yellow rapeseed fields and the stone-and-pastel lockkeepers’ houses.

We’re invited for tea and homemade cookies with a young mom who happens to be a countess, raising her sons in the vast marble halls of a centuries-old chateau. We’ll visit a family of dairy farmers and cheese artisans where pampered mama cows cleverly activate personal neck massages on demand, go for private wine and Armagnac tastings, feast on the epicurean creations of an award-winning, classically trained chef, and — if we choose to wake early — shop the morning market for juicy strawberries that will reappear at lunchtime as a luscious strawberry tarte served alfresco on deck.

As it turned out, the actual experience was everything Stephanie hinted, and far richer. But assuming you’ll be going soon, why spoil the surprises? By the time we had to bid farewell to Rosa and our beloved crew, our granddaughter was already two months old. Clearly, it’s time to start French lessons in anticipation of her first house party aboard a charming barge in the luscious countryside of Gascony.

PRE- AND POST-CRUISE ACCOMMODATIONS

Barge

FARES

Regular six-night itineraries: $5,000 - $8,500 per person, everything except gratuities included. Private charters are semi-customizable, and can include individually curated menus, a selection of adventures such as horseback riding, kayaking, bicycle tours, and ziplining, plus onboard games and large movie screens (with popcorn of course).

INSIDE TIP

www.bargeladycruises.com

Lady recommends Pullman Toulouse Centre Ramblas, an artsy hotel favored by traveling families. www.Pullman-toulouse-centre-ramblas.fr

The first and last cruises of each season offer the best prices and the prettiest spring and autumn scenery.

 Fresh-made strawberry tarte

 Barges pass beneath low arched bridges

 Kids help operate the locks on a private family charter Photo courtesy of The Barge Lady Cruises

 Locks are elevators for boats to navigate waterways at different elevations.

Keeping track of which restaurants offer free (or discounted) kid’s meals is an impossible task for parents, so we’ve done the legwork for you. Check the details below for each restaurant, as days and purchase requirements vary, even among different locations of some of the chains. We’d love to hear about other restaurants in Southwest Florida where kids can eat for free, so please share with us at info@neafamily.com.

APPLEBEE’S GRILL & BAR

5082 Airport Pulling Rd. N., Naples • 239-434-7744

On Sundays a kid’s meal is $1.99 with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine-in only.

BEEF O’BRADY’S

7385 Radio Rd., Naples • 239-348-2100

A kid’s meal is $3.49 with the purchase of an adult entrée all day on Tuesdays, for ages 12 and younger. Dine-in only.

BOB EVANS

2570 Northbrooke Plaza Dr., Naples • 239-598-5255

One free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchase after 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Dine-in only.

BURNTWOOD TAVERN

9110 Strada Pl., Naples • 239-631-8964

One free kid’s meal for 12 and younger with each adult entrée purchase every Monday.

CICIS PIZZA

2650 Immokalee Rd., Naples • 239-597-0306

Kids ages 3 and younger eat free every day.

MILLER’S ALE HOUSE

6320 Hollywood Dr., Naples • 239-591-0125

Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of a $10+ menu item (excluding alcohol). Limit 2 per table.

PINCHERS CRAB SHACK

1200 5th Ave. S., Naples • 239-434-6616

28580 Bonita Crossings Blvd., Bonita Springs • 239-948-1313

One free kid’s meal every day with the purchase of adult entrée $15.99 or more.

RIB CITY

9191 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples • 239-591-3500

621 North 15th St., Immokalee • 239-657-4003

10431 Corkscrew Commons Dr., Estero • 239-949-1006

Kids under 4 years old receive a free meal (one piece of chicken and fries) with the purchase of each adult meal every day. Dine-in only.

SKILLET’S (through Sept. 30)

4170 Tamiami Tr. N, Naples • 239-262-3788

7711 Collier Blvd., Naples • 239-732-9786

5461 Airport-Pulling Rd., Naples • 239-566-1999

8845 Founders Square Dr., Naples • 239-522-4622

847 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples • 239-330-2515

5628 Strand Blvd., Naples • 239-596-8202

One free kid’s menu item with purchase of full entree on Tuesdays. Ages 10 and younger.

STEVIE TOMATO’S SPORTS PAGE

15215 Collier Blvd., Naples • 239-352-4233

814 Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral

239-573-7877

One free kid’s meal with the purchase of a full-priced adult meal on Wednesdays.

Swing

into Naples Zoo for something new!

OPENING FALL 2023

For the first time in our 50-year history, Naples Zoo is welcoming orangutans. Four of these red-haired, great apes will make their debut in fall of 2023.