Let's Paint Chanukah!

At Preschool of the Arts, we believe in the progressive teaching model of child-led instruction and that classroom learning should transition into real life experience. By honing our curriculum to cater to the areas of learning that most intrigue our students, we teach children a love of the pursuit of knowledge. Our facility has been designed based on our belief that children are capable and curious individuals. Carefully chosen centers and nature-inspired aesthetics create an inviting and intriguing world for young children to explore. The classroom décor promotes exploration, independence, and competence.

But it’s the people inside who make the learning happen. During the day if you peek into Preschool of the Arts’ classrooms, you will see children engaged in learning, conducting and participating in meaningful conversations, inquiring, and experimenting. Questions are asked but it is up to the child to discover the answer. Most exciting of all is that we have managed to create a welcoming, warm environment where the children and their parents can experience joyful Judaism and learning during their most formative years.

We look forward to bringing this experience of joyful Judaism to the entire community with our “Let’s Paint Chanukah” holiday festival in Cambier Park on December 4th. This year’s festivities come in the wake of a terrible attack on the American Jewish community, and we believe that the best way to memorialize the eleven Jewish lives lost in Pittsburgh is to gather the entire Naples community in a show of strength and resilience. Our colorful and fun-filled Chanukah event will emphasize unity, love, and community - the ultimate declaration that love triumphs over darkness. Our preschool students will perform a medley of Chanukah and light themed songs, shining their inner light forth brighter than the candles of the Chanukah menorah. The entire community will help paint a giant dreidel masterpiece, there will be paint-themed activities, rides, a raffle, gifts, delicious treats, live Jewish music and more. We will also welcome Mayor Bill Barnett to kindle a grand Pop-Art Menorah. The Chanukah festival is free and open to all – don’t miss this incredible celebration of Jewish pride!

The holidays are a time to stop and reflect, and I want to express my tremendous gratitude to the devoted and talented staff who make this preschool a reality. It truly takes a village! From our nurturing and professional teachers to our specialists in art, yoga, gardening, music, dance, science and Spanish, to the support staff who work so diligently behind the scenes – our office staff, security officer, on-site staff – each one plays a critical role in building a supportive environment where the children can thrive. I am so grateful that the Naples community has rallied around our vision for excellence in early childhood education. Our school has been recognized for our cutting-edge programs and dedication to quality, but it is our parents and stakeholders who whole-heartedly believe in our school’s mission that drive our tremendous growth.

I feel blessed by the positive feedback and interest in our preschool as we continue to strive for excellence. I invite you to come in for a school tour and experience the magic of Preschool of the Arts and our state-of-the-art campus for yourself. Enrollment is now open (and quickly filling up!) for Preschool of the Arts 2019-2020, as well as our acclaimed Summer of the Arts programs. We are honored by the overwhelming response and encourage prospective applicants to register before all our spaces are filled. We are all excited for another fulfilling and growth-filled year at Preschool of the Arts. On to bigger and better!