August 2020 neafamily.com
It’s Time to Go
Back To School
NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
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Providing Care for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, VPK, Kindergarten, & After School Programs K-5th GRADE
Accredited and Gold Seal Center
Private School Registered with the FL Department of Education
Asthma Friendly Platinum Level Child Care Center
Family Friendly Business Award Recipient
Nationally Recognized Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Center & Gold Level Employer
Weekly Yoga, Music, Piano, Sports, Dance, Zumba, Mindfulness, Library, and Foreign Language & Sign Language Classes Monthly field trips to destinations such as the Conservancy, Children’s Museum, Artis Naples, Barnes & Noble, Botanical Gardens, Naples Zoo and Call today to schedule a tour! 239-261-7442 PHONE
Precious Cargo Academy 5200 Crayton Road Naples, FL 34103 WEBSITE: PreciousCargoAcademy.org
EMAIL: Leanne.badham@outlook.com
A Mission of Naples United Church of Christ 2
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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
BE COOL IN AFTERSCHOOL
REGISTER for the Bonita Springs Early Learning Center
• Ages 6 weeks to 5 years old • VPK from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Swim lessons included for ages 3-5 • Breakfast, lunch, and snack provided • Scholarships available and ELC accepted • Creative Curriculum • Tuition discounts for YMCA members
Contact mtaccone@skyymca.org.
• • • •
Structured homework help Sports & physical fitness activities Healthy snacks provided Arts & crafts
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BONITA SPRINGS YMCA After school until 6 p.m. BONITA SPRINGS REC CENTER After school until 6:30 p.m.
Contact itorres@bonitaspringsymca.org.
REGISTER NOW FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP • Group and private swim lessons • Group exercise classes • Personal training • Pickleball Contact rhopkins@bonitaspringsymca.org.
239-221-7560 F swflymca.org 27200 Kent Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135
NEW CLASSES | NEW INSTRUCTORS | MORE SPACE BALLET | POINTE | JAZZ | LYRICAL | TAP | MODERN
Call for available class times today! (239) 566-3535
13020 Livingston Road #8, Naples, FL 34105 | bdaNaples.com NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
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August 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS
in every issue . . . 7
FROM THE PUBLISHER
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YOUR COMMUNITY
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YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
11
COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE
on the cover…
12 Destination: August Road Trips. If you are itching to hit the road this summer, here are three drivable trips for your family. by Karen T. Bartlett 16 Love in the Time of Corona. Nothing deterred our intern Katie and fiancé Montana from marrying on June 9. by Katie Loudermilk Roberts 18 Pandemic Teaching Through Play. How board games encourage the development of your child’s brain. by Jill Morgenstern 20 20 in 2020: What CCPS Parents Need to Know. Answers to the top 20 questions parents have for this unprecedented new school year.
Our August cover kids are sisters Jazmine and Elizabeth St. Juste. Jazmine is 6 years old and loves to run, dance, paint, and swim. Elizabeth is 9 years old and loves to paint, read, dance, swim, and travel.
Cover photo by Rochelle Shucart 239-253-1880 www.rochelleshucart.com
24 Become Educated About Community College. How to have the true college experience without drowning in debt. by Katie Loudermilk Roberts 28 Finding the Right Tutor. Tips on selecting the best assistance with remote learning or for your student who has fallen behind in school. by Jan Pierce
Covenant Church of Naples Mom’s Morning Out Providing a loving environment for children while offering parents and caregivers a needed break
Fall Classes Start August 18 – Register Now! One-, Two-, and Three-Day Options Available Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Ages 2-4 years by Aug. 1
6926 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL
239.597.3464
C H U R C H o f N A P L E S | P CA
For more information, email sherry.kendrick@covenantnaples.com. 4
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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
NOW OPEN
BY ONLINE TICKET ONLY Naples Zoo is now open to the general public by timed online tickets.
The Zoo experience will be modified to fully provide for the safety of guests, Zoo staff and the animal collection and to comply with all federal, state and local requirements and recommendations for physical distancing. The experience will be different, but we are still the same nationally accredited Zoo and garden offering a safe, outdoor experience for children and families in our community.
Safety Updates: Social Distancing Contactless Entry Limited Capacity Additional Cleaning & Sanitizing New Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Tickets Available Online ONLY
ADDITIONAL INFO & TIMED TICKETS AT
NAPLESZOO.ORG NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county
P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com 2020
2020
2020
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 Feature Writers Anna Snyder Katherine Baron
Curiouser and curiouser! That’s the phrase Alice (of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass) exclaims after she has fallen down the rabbit hole and discovers each thing stranger than the next. Since the middle of March, I, too, feel I have fallen down a rabbit hole where sometimes time stands still, yet I am always late; some things seem larger than usual, and the whole world is upside down. Sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast. Welcome to the Land of Corona. Everyone you know lives here. While everyone you know is here, they may not be in the same place. Most students will return to school this month, yet not everyone will be at school.
Cover Photographer Rochelle Shucart rochelleshucart.com
In July, Collier County Public Schools rolled out its pandemic reopening plan, giving families four options for attending school. On page 20, we have highlighted 20 of the most frequently asked questions to help you understand the changes.
Field Photographer Lisette Morales lisettemoralesart@gmail.com
If you are choosing virtual learning, or if you feel your child may have experienced learning loss, you might try a tutor to help bridge the gap. Turn to page 28 for tips on finding a good fit for your family.
Intern Katie Loudermilk Roberts 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 more than 200 distribution points throughout Collier County as well as digitally at neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2020 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
No matter which type of education you choose, Frances SanchezDuverge, Psy.D., of the Healthcare Network of SWFL helps parents deal with the emotional challenges in Helping Children Emotionally Prepare to Return to School During Covid-19 on page 9. COVID-19 was not going to stop our intern Katie Loudermilk Roberts and her fiancé Montana from getting to the altar on the second anniversary of their first date, even if their original wedding plans had to be altered. In Love in the Time of Corona, Katie shares with us the twists and turns in the timeline that led up to her wedding day in June. Finally, in the interest of public safety, we have transitioned our popular annual Back to School Expo to a virtual event with an actual swag bag. See all of the details on page 10. Welcome back to school! We’re all mad here.
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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS
Summer Dance Camps, Classes, and Intensives 2020 Come Join the Fun!!!
naplesdancearts@hotmail.com 239-513-6999
Conservancy to Expand During Closure; Reopen in 2021
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he Conservancy of Southwest Florida is undertaking a $4.5 million renovation and expansion of its Susan and William Dalton Discovery Center, which will add new interactive exhibits and galleries. Additions include an augmented reality endangered species exhibit and the John & Carol Walter Discovery Wing, which will feature an invasive species gallery and digital climate change gallery. The Conservancy Nature Center, which closed in late March due to the pandemic, will remain closed to the public until the project’s estimated completion in early 2021. During the renovation closure, Conservancy members can kayak at a 50% discount on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays by calling 239-213-2500 to make a reservation 24 hours in advance. For more information, visit conservancy.org.
NEW! Extended Day Option 7:30am-5:30pm
Estero High School 2020 graduate Maggie Chiuto with her piece, “Honey Bees”. Chiuto won the Maxine Carter/ Faculty Scholarship from the Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs.
BEST
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Music - Art - Storyland Science - Technology Gardening - Fitness & Yoga Playground - Spanish
SWFL Students Win Scholarships from Centers for the Arts
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hree students from the Estero High School class of 2020 were awarded scholarships for their entries in Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs’ annual exhibition, “Celebrate Our Students.” Students pursuing a degree in the arts were eligible to compete for the scholarships. The winner of the President’s Scholarship is Madelyn Kellum, while Kimberly Sarabia received the Loretta Sturgis Memorial Scholarship, and Maggie Chiuto took home the Maxine Carter/ Faculty Scholarship. Each award was $1,000. NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
By Frances Sanchez-Duverge, Psy.D., Healthcare Network
Helping Children Emotionally Prepare to Return to School
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aising little ones is a challenge in the best of times; however, since the coronavirus pandemic, it has presented new obstacles for parents, caregivers, and educators alike. The question of how to balance keeping our children safe, intellectually stimulated, and socially adept has been a point of concern in our community since mid-February when our new normal shocked families across the country. The upcoming academic year brings a new level of uncertainty, and questions abound. My child is nervous going back to school because of COVID-19. How can I help? In this regard, information is key. Helping your children understand what COVID-19 is and how it can impact their lives can be useful in dispelling some myths that can exacerbate anxiety. Education will depend on their age and developmental level. The Florida State University Center for Child Stress & Health has a story and activity book that can help parents explain the virus to younger children. Families can access this resource at www. fsustress.org/ebook.html. With our older children, it is important to discuss sourcing of information, ensuring that they are accessing reliable outlets of healthcare education rather than depending solely on social media. How can I encourage my child to follow precautions? Practice, practice, practice. Modeling handwashing and physical distancing, and developing them into habits will help turn these behaviors into second nature. When it comes to younger children, reminding them not to share food or drink and teaching proper mask usage will be critical. Labeling personal items will help encourage their sense of personal property and aid teachers and caregivers when organizing lunchtime and other such activities. With our teens, the conversation about the birds and the bees has never been more critical. Intimate activities such as kissing, sex, and even handholding carry an inherent risk that should be discussed within families. I’ve decided to keep my child at home. How can I help ensure he doesn’t feel isolated? Although we have a natural tendency to discourage screen time in favor of active play, the role of screens has NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
taken on new meaning since COVID-19 and a new priority. Allowing your child to engage with peers through electronic means (i.e., Xbox, PS4, FaceTime, etc.), with appropriate parental controls, may help alleviate some of the loneliness that can ensue. Likewise, thoughtful discussion with children about what led to the decision to homeschool will help keep feelings of resentment at bay since they may feel it is unfair that peers are going back to school while they are not. How can I emotionally check in with my children to ensure they are OK? Younger children are usually quite transparent in their feelings despite having difficulty articulating them. Regressive behaviors such as tantrums, thumb sucking, or requesting bed-sharing can be some indicators of emotional distress. Older children may show some self-isolation and withdrawal from the family. In both cases, engaging in activities of togetherness such as family game night, movie night, or family dinners can assist parents in staying attuned to their children’s emotional cues. Parents should not hesitate to contact their child’s pediatrician should they notice these signs, as early intervention is key to maintaining physical and emotional well-being.
Now enrolling for the 2020-2021 school year! Providing a nurturing and loving Christian environment for children 18 months to 5 years old.
Our Programs      Â
2-day, 3-day and 5-day options Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Moms Morning Out Weekly Chapel S.T.E.A.M. Lab and Spanish Low Child/Teacher Ratio
Call to schedule your tour! 239.948.6677 A ministry of First Presbyterian Church Bonita Springs | 9751 Bonita Beach Rd
wonderyearsbonita.org
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Free Stuff!
Introducing Neapolitan Family’s Back to School Expo to Go 2020! Out of an abundance of caution for public health and safety, we have changed our annual Back to School Expo to a virtual Expo to Go. Register at https//:neafamily.com to qualify for prizes and discounts from local preschools, after-school activities, and other local services. Then stop by the Greater Naples YMCA on Saturday, August 8, to pick up your FREE swag bag. This reusable shopping bag will be filled with school supplies, coupons and flyers from local family-friendly businesses, and maybe a surprise! Only 300 bags will be given away. First come, first served. Register today! Bags provided by Collier County Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Division. 10
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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
By Jennifer Kupiec
Driving Toward Success: CCPS is Hiring Bus Drivers
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n any given school day, a fleet of buses travels through our streets to pick up and safely transport our most prized possessions – our children – to the many school campuses around Collier County. Students wait anxiously as the bus pulls to a stop and the door opens. A warm, smiling face greets the students with a bright, “Hi, how are you today?” Can you picture yourself in the driver’s seat? Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) is looking to add to its #CCPSFamily by hiring additional bus drivers to meet the needs of the upcoming school year – something we’ve dubbed Transport 4 Collier. Previous experience or training is not required. CCPS will train you to become a certified school bus driver. You will need to obtain a valid Florida Commercial Driver License Class B and school bus driver endorsements within 30 days of employment. CCPS will help in the process. What are some of the benefits of joining our transportation team? • Starting salary of $16.88 per hour. • Paid personal and sick leave. • 100% district-paid employee medical insurance. Our CCPS school bus drivers are a team of professionals committed to providing safe transportation. They are trained for unusual situations that may arise, are able to maintain control of students while driving safely, and know and obey all traffic laws while driving. “We look for candidates with a commitment to safe defensive driving,” said CCPS Director of Transportation John Kasten. “Safety is a priority, but we also look for those who have a passion for the job and enjoy the kids.” Often, bus drivers are the first people our students see each morning. The interaction between bus driver and student can be powerful. A warm smile and cheerful greeting can make the difference between a good day and a bad day for some. “We love
to see our drivers build a positive rapport with their students and parents,” said Kasten. Driving a bus for CCPS certainly can be rewarding, but it also takes some compassion and patience. “One key piece of advice I like to give our drivers is not to take things that are said by students or parents personally,” Kasten added. To apply, email StaffingCCPS@collierschools.com or call 239-377-0350. If you have a good driving record, relate well to others, enjoy kids, and make safety a priority, we want to hear from you!
2017
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TRAVEL
By Karen T. Bartlett
Destination: August Roadtrips
Photos by Cristy Nielsen Photography
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his sheltering-in-place thing hasn’t been all that different for me, space-wise. My sunny home office doesn’t have to double as a breakfast nook. But here’s the thing: I’m an explorer by trade, and I haven’t clutched a boarding pass or seen a snow-capped mountain in so long it feels like another lifetime. The Japanese shrines and fairy tale castles will have to wait till next year, but for minimal social interaction, stunning scenery, and memory-book experiences in mind, here’s my plan for right now. Houseboating on St. Johns River I’ve plied the waters by Zodiac, river barge, Nordic icebreaker, bareboat charter, seaplane, cruise ship, shrimp boat, stone crab boat, and even an African Queen lookalike, but one vessel missing from my wish list is a houseboat. Luckily, one of the most picturesque houseboat destinations in the United States is a little more than four hours up the road, bordering
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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
the Ocala National Forest just north of Orlando. The St. Johns River is long and lazy, flowing north (true!) through stunning ecosystems of bird-populated marshes, swamps, quiet coves, oak and cypress forests, and the sites of ancient Timucuan Indian mounds. For local charm and authentic Old Florida cuisine, there are fish camp restaurants (and even a fancy marina restaurant). Houseboaters spend a lot of time catching their own freshwater bass and catfish and grilling on their decks. The best-loved destination on the houseboat itinerary is Blue Springs State Park, where a large population of West Indian manatees winter in the crystal clear water. The houseboats for rent at Holly Bluff Marina (Deland) range from 38 to 63 feet and sleep from 4 to 10 with living rooms, queen beds, full baths, and all the essentials, starting at $1,100 for four days/ three nights. Go for the midweek special for a free extra day. Houseboating.org/ St-Johns-River-Houseboats-for-Rent. Continued on page 14
Photo courtesy of Hawks Cay Resort
Facing page, top: Houseboats on St. Johns River north of Orlando. Facing page, bottom: A girl shows off her catch from a houseboat on St. Johns River. Above: The Dolphin Connection at Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key.
Full & Part Time Programs 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Extended Hours Available NOW ACCEPTING SUMMER VPK
239-593-6668 www.childmont.com 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr.
Naples, FL 34119 childmont101@gmail.com (Across from Super Target)
little hands...BIG achievements
Toddlers 12 - 36 mos Primary 3 yrs to Kinder VPK 4/5 yrs NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
(239) 593-6668 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. www.childmont.com Naples, FL 34119 License # C20CO0018 License # C20CO0018 neafamily.com
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Continued from page 13 Yurt Camping in Cloudland Canyon It’s true! A 10-hour drive from Naples is a 1,000-foot deep gorge, where not one but two stunning waterfalls plunge down its rocky face to the canyon floor; where sunrises and sunsets paint the sandstone cliffs in brilliant hues, and hiking trails both gentle and really strenuous wind through dense hardwood forests. The place is Cloudland Canyon State Park, atop Lookout Mountain on Georgia’s northwest corner bordering Tennessee. For families who want the mountain ambiance but prefer a teeny bit of comfort to the cold hard ground (you can guess where I stand on this), a yurt is ideal. The round, high ceilinged wood and canvas Mongolian-style structures are charming, with actual beds, hand-carved furniture, heaters, ceiling fans, lockable doors and – sorry, purists – even electrical outlets. You get a deck, a picnic table, and a fire ring, and there are hot showers nearby. Besides hiking, there’s horseback riding, bike trails and bike rentals, disc golf, geocaching, and many picnic areas. You can take the 600 steep stairs down to the spot where Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls plunge spectacularly onto the canyon floor, but beware: what goes down must climb back up! Rates are $100 per night. Other camping options, from pioneer backcountry tent sites to cabins, are available. www. GaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Learn more about the park at www.GaStateParks.org/CloudlandCanyon.
Dolphin Connection on Duck Key Three hours and 20 minutes from Naples, give or take a few depending on whether you stop for a supply of Key lime pie, lies Duck Key at Mile Marker 61 Oceanside, smack between the Middle and Upper Keys. The jewel of the island cluster is the AAA Four Diamond Hawks Cay Resort, where you can socially isolate at any level you choose. Kids can interact with Priscilla the Pirate Queen, Clarence the First Mate, and Koral the Mermaid, who perform daily; hand-feed the giant tarpon that hang out at dockside; and splash around in huge freshwater pools with fountains and slides. The resort’s 30-year-old nationally accredited Dolphin Connection program puts you as up close and personal with the friendly mammals as you wish to be, from kissing, hugging, and feeding them at dockside to actually cavorting with the pod in their own saltwater lagoon. Serious dolphin-lovers can even sign up to be Trainer for a Day. Families can book a private deep-sea fishing trip or go flyfishing in the saltwater flats; they can paddle among the mangroves, enjoy outdoor musical entertainment without the crowds, and pick from a gazillion other ways to savor the iconic Keys ambiance. After Hawks Cay got slammed by Hurricane Irma in 2017, it received a $50 million upgrade, so everything’s sparkly fresh and new. Check out the super-cute three- and four-bedroom cottage-style villas at Sanctuary Village, with full kitchens, private splash pools, and even Publix grocery delivery. www.HawksCay.com.
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NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
Neapolitan Family Magazine Membership Ad 2020 Outlines.indd 1
7/17/2020 2:36:51 PM
Need help affording child care? We offer scholarships for families that qualify
Two locations now enrolling ages 1-5 years old! Golden Gate: 3144 Santa Barbara Blvd, Naples Phone: 239.353.4144 Email: jodig@childspath.org Moorings: Emmanuel Lutheran Church 777 Mooring Line Drive, Naples (near Coastland Mall) Phone: 239.353.4144 Email: jamiee@childspath.org
High-quality early childhood education & care Open 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. School Readiness and VPK approved provider Following all CDC guidelines including lower class ratios *Child's Path was previously known as Collier Child Care Resources
www.childspath.org NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
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Neapolitan
LIFE IN A PANDEMIC
By Katie Loudermilk Roberts
Love in the Time of Corona
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eddings are believed to be the most magical day of your life. There is so much planning and decorating to make this day a dream come true. My Pinterest was covered with ideas to visualize the big picture in my head. From the moment I said yes, I was swarmed with questions from my friends and family about the details of the wedding. I was expecting the normal stress of finding a theme, location, and dress. Little did I know that we would be getting
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married in the middle of a pandemic. On June 9, 2019, my best friend proposed to me at the church where we first met, and it was on our one-year anniversary as a couple. He surprised me, and everything about the proposal was perfect. He did it on the stage in front of our loved ones and took me out to a nice dinner afterward. We decided to have a one-year engagement and get married on June 9, 2020. NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
Here is a timeline of my journey preparing for this major milestone while also experiencing the pandemic. March This is the month I noticed the world around me started changing. My college classes were moved online for the remainder of the semester. I thought we would come back toward the end of the spring for finals, but that never happened. Not a single thought went into my head about the virus affecting my wedding. There were hardly any cases near where I lived. I was convinced this would all end soon. April I had my caterer, venue, and entertainment finalized. I also mailed my invitations at the beginning of April. I checked the mailbox every day with excitement hoping to see RSVPs. We invited close to 90 people. My friends who live nearby quickly accepted the invite. Relatives in other states started calling us about their concerns with the wedding and the virus. My now-husband’s grandmother lives in Ohio and her state was beginning to shut businesses down. I tried to stay positive and had to constantly tell everyone that the wedding was still going on. The cruise for our honeymoon was canceled, along with my sister’s high school graduation. We decided to take a short trip to Miami and stay at a beach resort after our wedding. I was not too bothered by this, since we can go on our dream cruise in the future. May I decided to put the planning on hold. My dress shop and venue closed until further notice. I emailed and called the businesses, and they all said the same thing: We must wait out the virus. An acquaintance postponed her May 2020 wedding and had small ceremony instead, with plans for a reception later in the year. My eyes were opened to how real COVID-19 was after seeing everything shut down and then having to wear a face mask at work every day. My future mother- and father-in-law told my Montana and me that we should postpone the wedding altogether and wait until next year. We really did not want to wait another year. A few days later I was playing phone tag with the people at my venue, and they did not have any answers for me. They said we would know more by June 1. That clearly was not going to work for us since the wedding would be eight days later. I was able to pick up my dress, and that fueled my hope. I was stressed and anxious. As I look back, I realize it was not as serious as it was in my head. But after planning a wedding for a year, I was frustrated and angry. We waited a week to figure out what we wanted to do. It did not help to have so many people asking us what our NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
Above: Katie Loudermilk Roberts and her bridesmaids sporting masks at Katie and Montana’s wedding on June 9. Left: Newly married Montana and Katie enjoying a wedding reception tradition.
plans were when we had no idea what our next steps would be. After taking a mini vacation to the beach, we figured out our plans, and it finally came together. June Our wedding took place at the church we wanted. We invited 40 people and only 30 showed up. I had all my bridesmaids and Montana had his groomsmen. Our parents were there, but we were missing some of our grandparents due to the fear of flying during the pandemic. It was a small ceremony, but I wore my dream dress and my dad walked me down the aisle. Afterward we had cake and finger foods. In order to follow social distancing standards, we had two women serve the food and drinks so no one would pass on any germs. Masks were worn and hand sanitizer was offered to the guests. My sister also gave a beautiful speech that brought me to tears. The wedding was nothing like I pictured it before COVID-19 came to the United States. Even though our plans did not work out, my husband and I celebrated our commitment to one another among the people we care about. We plan to have a reception next June, and hopefully more people can come. Either way, the wedding was perfect, and I married the most handsome man in the world. neafamily.com
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EDUCATION
By Jill Morgenstern
Pandemic Teaching Through Play How Board Games Encourage Brain Development
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ith concerns about COVID-19 still prominent, parents are looking for productive ways to make the most of family time. In these days of uncertainty board games provide not only a cozy family memory but learning and brain development in many different areas. This is good news to parents who are facing the unknown when it comes to
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school starting soon. A 2008 study from Germany found that children who were given an extra hour of chess per week had an increased ability in basic math skills over their counterparts who were given an extra hour of traditional math instruction. Some homeschoolers already have realized the many benefits of board games and rely heavily on them to educate their children.
Math skills As the study from Germany demonstrated, math skills learned during board games may be even more beneficial than doing actual homework! But it’s not only chess that improves children’s math ability. Kids can practice counting points or board movements in all sorts of games. Other games, such as Yahtzee, also teach NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
patterns. Recognizing the patterns on dice helps children learn to count both quickly and accurately as explicitly taught in some schools in first grade. Additionally, children actually begin to learn about probability as they roll the dice or spin the spinner. Even the simplest board game can reinforce math skills. During the game of Chutes and Ladders, for example, children are beginning to internalize the idea of going back and forth on a number line as well as recognizing the patterns on the dice and the numerals on the board. Social skills Social skills are an integral part of playing board games. Children begin with the very basics of learning to take a turn and give a turn. This helps them gain patience as they wait for other players. As they grow, they can begin to internalize a sense of fairness from board games. Will the youngest player get to go first? How does it make other family members feel if someone cheats? What does it mean to be a good sport? These types of questions come up frequently when playing board games and help children understand what it means to treat someone fairly and be treated fairly. Board games also foster communication skills as players discuss whose turn it is, their plans for their next move, and strategy. Critical thinking Board games can also foster critical thinking skills. More advanced games such as Risk and Clue have greater opportunity for this type of thinking. In these more complicated games children must use advance planning to decide how they will
make their moves to have the best chance of winning. Games such as Battleship and Stratego require deductive reasoning as players attempt to analyze each other’s strategy. Language and vocabulary Games such as Scrabble or Balderdash are obvious choices for building vocabulary. In Scrabble children practice dictionary skills when they challenge an opponent. But even board games with less of a language focus can teach new words. Not only are children gaining language skills negotiating with fellow players, but even the very playing pieces and boards offer chances to expand vocabulary. Clue, for example, hosts a lounge, a conservatory, and a billiard room – rooms that probably aren’t present in a child’s day-to-day life
experience. Board games may also encourage reading as children read the rules of the game or read off a card they have drawn on their turn. Spatial skills Certain games such as Blokus, Kaboom, and Jenga expand children’s spatial skills as they build, balance, and explore how game pieces fit together. If board games are already a part of your family night, you can count those hours as well spent. If you are not yet playing games as a family, you may want to consider it, especially as the topic of how and when to safely open public schools remains steeped in confusion. The advantages are many and are all accomplished while having fun and connecting as a family.
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BACK TO SCHOOL
20 in 2020 What CCPS Parents Need to Know for Back to School
Here are the top 20 FAQs about Collier County Public Schools’ reopening plan during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information was accurate at presstime. For any updates and changes, check w w w.c o l l i e r s c h o o l s .c o m / reopening/faq.
Photo by Rochelle Shucart
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1. Start date. School will start on Aug. 19, a week later than under the original schedule. No other calendar dates will change. 2. Options. By now, parents will have chosen one of four options for their children’s schooling for this year: 1) Attend school in person; 2) Classroom Connect virtual learning; 3) eCollier Academy; or 4) Home schooling. 3. Switching options. Students may start options 1 or 2 and change to a different option at the end of the first or second quarter. Students choosing option 3 are committing to the program for at least one semester. 4. Technology. All students will receive a district-issued iPad (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten) or laptop (grades 1-12). The devices will be used both by students on campus and those learning remotely, so that if another shutdown occurs, transitioning to virtual learning will be simplified. 5. Out-of-Zone/Parental Choice. Students who attend an out-of-zone school will not lose their spot by enrolling in eCollier. According to an email from CCPS, “Looking ahead, if your child remains in eCollier Academy for the entire School Year 2020-21, but you wish to return to your parental choice/outof-zone school for School Year 2021-22, a seat will automatically be reserved, unless the parent notifies the district otherwise.” Parents with more questions on this topic can contact CCPS at zoninginfo@collierschools.com or 239-377-0540. NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
6. McKay Scholarship. CCPS said it “will work with students who are on a McKay Scholarship individually as they move between the flexible options within the next school year.” 7. Protections. Masks are required for all students on the bus and on campus at district schools, except when eating lunch and breakfast. CCPS is giving every student two face coverings (mask or buff) and a pair of safety goggles. Originally, goggles were required but CCPS responded to concerns voiced by parents and have made the safety goggles optional, although highly recommended. Children may wear their own masks, as long as they adhere to the district dress code policy. Once the positivity rate in Collier County drops below 10%, and continues to decline for two weeks, CCPS will start to remove some of the protections. Parents of children with special needs are urged to contact the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team and principal at their school to work out an individual plan for their child regarding masks. Parents of children with medical issues should talk to their medical provider to determine the best options for their child. Hand sanitizer will be provided for teachers and students to use as they enter classrooms. All high-touch surfaces in schools will be cleaned with an anti-viral product. School buses also will have hand sanitizer available and seats will be disinfected daily. 8. Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services. Students who with an existing IEP who enroll in eCollier will continue to receive the services in their IEP. An ESE program specialist will be calling parents during the first two weeks of school to schedule a meeting to review each child’s IEP and make any necessary adjustments.
14. Recess. All elementary schools will continue to hold a 20-minute daily recess. 15. Breakfast and lunch. Students will eat breakfast and lunch in their classrooms. Parents will not be permitted to use . 16. Activities. Students in both Classroom Connect and eCollier may participate in sports at their zoned schools. A start date for fall sports has not been set, and CCPS is following the recommendations of the Florida High School Athletic Association for practices and games. Whether any clubs will proceed is under review. Clubs will be offered through eCollier. 17. Pre-kindergarten. All VPK and pre-kindergarten classes will be offered on campus, as well as virtually. 18. Testing. For eCollier students, Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) and End-of-Course (EOC) exams will be administered at a designated school site by the student’s eCollier teacher. 19. New students. The registration system for students new to CCPS is now online. For more information, visit www. collierschools.com/registration, email registration@collierschools. com, or call 239-377-0540. 20. Etc. Lockers will not be used. Students will not change clothes for physical education. Middle and high school students will rotate classrooms as normal. All extraneous furniture has been removed from classrooms so that desks may be spread out as much as possible.
9. Symptoms and positive cases. Students showing symptoms of COVID-19 at school will be isolated and their parents notified immediately. Those students will transition to virtual learning. If there is a positive COVID case among students and employees, the school will notify only individuals who were within 6 feet of the infected person for at least 15 minutes without a face covering. Anyone who has been potentially exposed will be sent home and COVID-19 testing is recommended. 10. Courses. eCollier Academy (K-12) classes will be taught by certified CCPS teachers and will include classes normally available at school, including related arts, Cambridge, honors, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Currently, eCollier is offered as a full-time option only. The district hopes to later offer individual classes. 11. Music. Students in eCollier Academy can participate in band, orchestra, and chorus at their zoned school. They also must provide their own transportation to school for the class period. Chorus members will wearing masks while singing. Musical instruments will not be shared. 12. Lorenzo Walker Technical High School students can choose the virtual schooling option, but CCPS did note that many of the courses at Lorenzo Walker are hands-on. 13. Before- and after-care. After-school programs will operate in the schools as in previous years, with precautions in place. NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
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21
YOUR COMMUNITY
By Katie Loudermilk Roberts
Naples Student Talks About Pageant Life
Photo by The Painted Boxx Photography
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welve-year-old Ana Vlad of Naples competes regularly in beauty pageants, most recently for the title of Miss Pre Teen International of 2020 in Kingsport, Tenn., in late July. The Community School of Naples 8th grader qualified for this pageant by capturing the Miss Pre Teen Florida International of 2020 crown. Vlad uses her social platform to promote interest in volunteering and uplifting her generation. Neapolitan Family talked with Vlad about life in the beauty pageant world. How do you use your platform as a beauty pageant contestant to help the community? Volunteering in general is something I am very passionate about. I have volunteered with the Humane Society, where I played with the cats to prepare them for their future homes. I also read to a second grade class, and I am working on getting my SCUBA certification to work with coral reef restorations. Through my Instagram account, I post short videos on my story called Motivation Mondays. Each week I share an inspiring quote and then talk about what it means to me. I encourage people to spread kindness in the world. This world is changing a lot, so I want to shed some light into everyone’s lives. I think it is important to focus on even the smallest acts of kindness because those can make a difference.
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What have you gained over the years from participating in beauty pageants? I have met a lot of girls and built friendships with them. We have group chats on Instagram to talk about projects we are working on and upcoming beauty pageants. Beauty pageants are focused a lot on intelligence, not just beauty. I love learning about new things at each pageant, and it has helped me grow a lot as a person. My mom got me involved [in pageants] when I was 7. She and my cousin have helped me a lot over the years to become the better version of myself each day. I will be trying out for the Miss Junior High in Naples in 2021. I won the title of Little Miss Fort Myers and was runner up for Little Miss Florida at the age of 7. You recently started a website, Power of One, powerofone.club. How does this help with giving back to the community? The main message of the Power of One is that anyone can make a difference no matter how old they are. I made a love pledge for Camp Power One that will not only inspire kids but be intriguing to parents. Kids are the future, but parents can make a difference, too. I created the website so that I could become a mentor for school-aged kids to be socially conscious: to cultivate compassion, empathy, kindness and tolerance; to be eager to volunteer and get involved; to make a difference; and to create a better world. This project also has helped me understand that the desire to make a difference must be instilled in children early on. This will help them feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment while helping to build character traits of courage, caring, and achievement. All these traits are taught through the simple rules: be positive, be kind, and do good.
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EDUCATION
By Katie Loudermilk Roberts
Make an Educated Choice About Community College
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n high school, I remember the college and career counselor would constantly promote community scholarships and government grants. My dream was to attend a private college in Lakeland. My anxiety hit the ceiling when I researched the yearly costs of tuition, room and board, food plans, and textbooks. I sat in my guidance counselor’s office in tears questioning if college was worth the money. We spent an hour searching for scholarships that would make a dent in the expenses. I applied for more than 40 scholarships, from the Short People of America Scholarship to the Brown Eyes Scholarship. People would ask why I never received the Bright Futures scholarship. I had the worst testing anxiety, especially when it came to the ACT and SAT testing, and it was not until my sophomore year
of college that I learned how to cope with it. I had two options for college: go into a massive amount of debt and spend my whole adulthood paying it off, or attend my local community college for the first two years. I was torn between the two. I wanted the college experience of living in dorms and being on my own. My dad convinced me to think twice about the first option, and I decided to swallow my pride and enroll at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) in Tampa. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Because of my community college, experience I met my now best friends, saved a significant amount of money, interned with the magazine FOCUS, and built my resume through extracurricular activities that have given me numerous life skills. And, most importantly,
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if I had left my hometown, I never would have met my husband. During my second year at HCC, I planned and taught a leadership course for my colleagues. Along with three other women, I spent my summer creating lesson plans about personal and group leadership. I learned a lot about myself and improved my time management skills and working with a team. We also attended two leadership conferences in the fall and summer. One was at Walt Disney World and the other at Universal Orlando, and they were completely free. I networked with students from other colleges and learned so much from the speakers. I still have my notes to this day! Another club I was involved with was the Student Government Association (SGA). I was a senator for only one semester but enjoyed it so much. I helped with planning events and bonded with my colleagues. Our SGA offered free events, food, and trips to the students. I remember going to Mickey’s Merry Christmas Party in Disney, horseback riding in Ocala, and dropping down the volcano at Volcano Bay at Universal. We even saw Rent and the Phantom of the Opera in Tampa. The best part was that I did not have to spend a dime. One Christmas, I met with some high school friends who were home from their major universities, and all agreed that my tiny community college offered so much more than their schools did. One of the best parts was being on a small campus, which led to my learning everyone’s names and building a family. My friend Diocelina Arellano finished her associate’s degree in one year and does not regret attending HCC. “It was the best decision I could have ever made,” said Arellano. “I was able to take the same core classes as those who were in four-year universities, but I paid a lot less for those classes.” Like me, Arellano did not originally want to attend HCC; she wanted to go to Stetson University. “As the acceptance letters started to arrive, I started taking the financial aspect seriously,” said Arellano. “I earned decent scholarships, but I still needed to pay a larger portion out of pocket if I went to Stetson.” HCC offers payment plans for students who may not have all the money at once or do not want to take out loans. Arellano had her first semester of college covered through scholarships, and then took on two part time jobs to completely pay off her Continued on page 26
Advice from an Expert Amanda Sterk, Ph.D., head of Florida Southwestern State College’s (FSW) Dual Enrollment department, shared her thoughts on attending community college.
S
tudents at Florida Southwestern State College’s (FSW) are taking the same courses for their first two years as students at every other college. Each of those courses has the same course number no matter where you attend in the United States. For example, if you were to take English Composition 1 at FSW, it would transfer as credit for Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). It really does not matter where you earn that credit, because it will transfer anywhere. FSW has a 2 Plus 2 Partnership with FGCU. Many students will complete their associate’s degree at FSW and then go to FGCU. Other community colleges and four-year institutions in Florida have similar partnerships, including the University of Florida with Sante Fe Community College and University of South Florida with Hillsborough Community College. The University of Florida (UF) receives 40,000 applications every year. If a student is not accepted at UF (or any other four-year university) as a high school senior, they can start off at a community college. When they later apply as a transfer student, universities do not look at test scores or grade point averages from high school. They only look at how well a student did at the community college. I encourage students to take the community college route. They can use the extra money they save for a car, housing, or to get out of debt completely. This is a second chance for many students. If they did not do well in high school or did not get accepted in their dream schools, there is still a chance for them to graduate with their bachelor’s degree where they originally wanted. Plus, there usually are more scholarship opportunities after transferring.
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Continued from page 25 first two years of college. “Other than the financial gain, I was also able to network a lot with my professors and peers,” said Arellano. “The success center was always open, and I was able to get tutored for math without any time restrictions.” Another colleague, Casey Barnes, decided to attend HCC for the financial benefits, but little did she know there were more reasons why it was a better option for her than a four-year university. “After starting my first semester of college, I found out I needed jaw surgery,” said Barnes. “If I had gone to the four-year university as planned, I would have had to take the semester off.
But HCC allowed to me take my courses online so I could stay home and recover.” Besides the major costs of a university, Barnes would not have been able to afford her missions trip overseas for the summer if she did not go to HCC. “I really wanted to go to a private college like my friends,” said Barnes. “But after some time at HCC, I do not regret my decision at all.” Everyone has their own story for why they decided to take the
The average student leaves a four-year college with $32,731 in loans, while students graduating from community college
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are $13,606 in debt. community college route. Arellano ended up transferring to the University of South Florida (USF) after she graduated from HCC and got to be close to her family and friends. I was planning on going to USF as well, but after doing research, I realized Florida Gulf Coast University had the program I wanted for journalism. My only regret is not enrolling in dual enrollment during high school. This option was available for me to take free college courses at HCC while still in high school. It has saved my friends a lot of money, including those who decided to go straight to a university. College is very expensive, and it is common for students and parents to take out loans and go deeply into debt. According to www.Credit.com, the average student leaves a four-year college with $32,731 in loans. Some 6% of these borrowers have more than $100,000 in student debt, according to www.brookings. edu. Compare this to the average debt of $13,606 for students graduating from community college in 2020, according to www. communitycollegereview.com. More ways to save 1) Rent your textbooks. My first semester I spent hundreds of dollars on textbooks. After I discovered renting books through Amazon and Chegg, I spent less than $100 on books for four classes. 2) Take advantage of campus activities. No matter where you go to school, there are always free events happening, where you can often score free food and stuff for your dorm. One of my friends won a mini fridge from a bingo night at my school. 3) Work a part-time job. Get some experience working with a team and communicating. Future employers and internships will like that you have work experience, even if it is at a retail store. 4) Save your money now. If I could go back in time, I would stop myself from spending so much from my high school job and save it for college. I took out loans for school, and I just recently started saving money. Your future self will thank you! NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
BACK TO SCHOOL
By Sheila Oxx
Immokalee Seniors Use Summer to Virtually Prepare for College
T
he summer before their senior year of high school is usually when students get serious about college planning. By June or July, they will have ACT or SAT scores in hand and begin touring college campuses to find the right fit – financially, socially, and academically. For the class of 2021, though, this summer was different. Spring test dates were postponed, so many students don’t have any qualifying test scores to report on college applications. College campuses are closed, so tours were canceled. Admissions officers and counselors are harder to reach because they are working remotely. Despite the challenges, rising high school seniors in Guadalupe Center’s Tutor Corps Program continue to prepare for August 2021, the date when they will start college. Normally, Tutor Corps students would have opportunities to participate in one- to six-week pre-college experiences at universities across the country through the E.G. Salisbury Tutor Corps Summer Academy, a program funded by Guadalupe Center’s generous supporters. Instead, Guadalupe Center enrolled all 28 rising seniors in an online, general education course through Roberts Wesleyan College in New York. Tutor Corps students are learning how to communicate professionally with professors and classmates over video calls, email, and messaging platforms. They are beginning to understand the academic expectations of college students and recognizing that the keys to success include initiative and self-motivation. And when the course is finished, each student will have three college credits on their transcript, which puts these first-generation college students one step closer to a college degree. Beyond that, Guadalupe Center is providing an essay writing workshop over Zoom that offers assistance drafting essays required in college applications. Colleges receive thousands upon thousands
of applications from prospective students, with nearly every applicant possessing a strong GPA, academic accolades, and a lengthy list of leadership positions. What differentiates applications is the essay, so Tutor Corps students are learning writing tips and strategies to draft standout essays. One of our volunteers is leading College 101 sessions that cover the basics of college life and lingo, like explaining the difference between liberal arts institutions and research universities, general education classes and courses required for a major, and two- and fouryear schools. Another summer session focuses on leadership, professionalism, and other traits necessary to succeed in college and beyond. Guadalupe Center also is registering Tutor Corps students for virtual college fairs, where they can “visit” admissions officers to learn about degree programs, campus life, and scholarship opportunities. This most unusual of summers may be working out in students’ favor. Instead of limiting their opportunities, the move to virtual everything is creating endless possibilities for students to learn and grow. They will be better prepared for their senior year at Immokalee High School and in a great position to transition to college. Higher education may look different when they arrive on campus – or in a virtual classroom – but Tutor Corps students will be prepared. SHEILA OXX is director of the Tutor Corps Program at Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, a nonprofit organization with a mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education for the children of Immokalee.
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BACK TO SCHOOL
By Jan Pierce
Finding the Right Tutor for Your Child
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arents typically hire a tutor when their child is falling a bit behind in one school subject or another. But today, with so many families choosing virtual learning options for their students returning to school this fall, selecting a tutor to provide additional individual instruction takes on even more importance. Whatever the reason, hiring a tutor is a serious venture. You don’t want to risk adding more stress to your child’s life and the additional expense can be a strain on your budget. You definitely want the dollars spent to bring positive results, and help move your child’s education forward. Here are some things to consider when looking for the best tutor for your child: Safety and convenience Your primary concern is for the well-being of your child. You’ll be entrusting your little learner into the hands of another adult. Be sure to get references and check them out. Ask the tutor if masks are required during in-person sessions and if online sessions are available. Make sure you are comfortable with the environment in which your child will be learning. Skills and experience The best tutors are retired or currently not employed teachers. They are certified and have lots of experience with children needing additional support. Sometimes businesses that offer tutoring for children are able to provide encouraging lessons in basic subjects, but just as often their teachers are not certified and have limited experience in teaching a subject with learning styles in mind. They may not be able to present a lesson in a number of different ways to help the child understand. Occasionally a family member may be able to step in and help your child in a certain subject. In that case, work with your child’s 28
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teacher to get proper materials for the lessons. It’s important that the tutoring sessions not confuse your learner by teaching lessons that conflict in any way with the classroom expectations. Be sure that you work with your child’s teachers and the tutor to set specific goals for the time spent in tutoring sessions. One good way to build learning confidence is to see progress over time as certain goals are met. Patience, empathy, and kindness Children who have fallen behind in their classroom work often are very discouraged. They may feel they can’t learn and may have taken a hit to their self-esteem. So anything additional in their schedule can feel like punishment. Avoid that possibility by hiring someone who understands the problem and offers nothing but positive lessons presented in small, bite-sized pieces so that failure is not an option. Good tutors will have games and activities that are both instructional and fun. They may use a reward system that encourages a bit of risk-taking, but also makes your child feel hopeful and accomplished. A good tutor is on task but upbeat and friendly. He or she will be patient but expect the best so that sessions are worthwhile and have specific milestones to achieve. Often charts and stickers work very well for a child who has not been able to earn them in class. Enthusiasm for the subject, positivity Typically children who have experienced a degree of failure are sure that they’re “bad at math” or “bad at reading.” A good tutor can present material in a way so that your child can shine. And enthusiasm for the fun of reading a good book or solving a math problem literally can change your child’s mind about that subject. An enthusiastic tutor who truly loves the subject matter NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
may be able to overshadow all those unhappy experiences in the classroom and offer your child new hope. Reliability Your family’s schedule is important and adding a tutoring session may be a stretch for you. So if your tutor is not on time, or fails to measure up in any way, please feel free to find another one. It’s also a good idea to schedule tutoring sessions for a month or two at a time and then re-evaluate the need for the extra support. You may decide that the extra boost in learning was all your child needed to get back on track. Or you may decide that certain times of the year are just too busy to add another time slot. Maybe waiting until spring or even summer would be the best choice for your family. It’s important that your child never feel that working with a tutor is an embarrassment or a punishment. It may be wise to explain that throughout history children have worked with tutors and that classroom instruction is a relatively new way to learn. Finding the best tutor for your child will take some research and time. Engaging the tutor will cost some money. But a strong, capable tutor may be just the boost your child needs to become a confident, successful learner.
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We will furnish:
18 Holes of Golf Plates, forks, napkins & candles Tables & Chairs Drinks: Coke, Sprite, etc.
The all-new Second Edition is the perfect guide for visitors, local families, classrooms, homeschool groups and libraries. Twice as many colorful photos and illustrations...more super-fun attractions and experiences... more freaky factoids and inside tips. Plus, all the websites and phone numbers you need. It’s absolutely, positively not just for kids! Available in the best bookstores, gift shops, and on amazon.com. 30
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Only $10.00 per person Bi (the Birthday Child is Free and gets 1 year of free golf) These figures are based upon a minimum of 10 people. We will require 10 days notice. Thank you! 2205 E. Tamiami Trail Naples, FL 34112
(239) 793-4999 www.coralcaygolf.com NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
NEAPOLITANfamily • August 2020
neafamily.com
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M em K b on ay er et od ak Ex ay R clu !C e all nt si v 23 a 9.2 ls e 1 3.2 50 0
PUT SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IN YOUR HANDS
Become a Conservancy of Southwest Florida member and support our work to preserve the water, land, and wildlife for future generations to enjoy. We’re constantly working to achieve our mission by finding a sensible balance between the demands of a growing population and the preservation of our natural resources. Your membership supports our critical mission work such as: wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release, sea turtle monitoring and research, clean water advocacy and environmental education and outreach.
Join the 7,000+ supporting families today. 32 neafamily.com www.conservancy.org/join
1495 Smith Preserve Way Naples, Florida 34102 NEAPOLITANfamily 239.262.0304 • August 2020
