North Naples Education Center

The bunnies are back at the Center 🐰💛

Our students get to snuggle up and read to the sweetest little listener. With a soft, gentle bunny by their side, reading becomes something to look forward to. Confidence grows, skills improve, and the magic of stories comes to life in the most comforting way.

Just cozy moments, happy hearts, and lots of little bunny hops along the way 📚✨

Recently, our students explored one of Naples’ hidden gems—the Bird Gardens of Naples, a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of birds.

They wandered through lush, winding paths and experienced unforgettable, up-close encounters with incredible feathered friends—parrots, cockatoos, peacocks, macaws, and more.

It was a truly magical adventure and a day they won’t soon forget! 🦜✨

🐰📚 Bring on the Bunnies! 🥰

Reading With Rabbits has been a cherished activity at Gargiulo Education Center for many years. These photos capture a wonderful visit from local author and longtime supporter Andrea Stetson, who brings her very special “reading assistants” to the center. Her rabbits patiently listen while students read their favorite books aloud, helping them practice their reading skills and build confidence in a fun, relaxed way.

Soft, fluffy, and surprisingly therapeutic, the bunnies create a calm environment where young readers feel comfortable and engaged. The children absolutely light up with joy whenever the rabbits come to visit.

Honestly, how can you not smile at this level of cuteness? 🐰📚💛

Our incredible community partners, the Florida Lions Eye Clinic- Bonita Springs and the UF Dentistry Collier County Outreach Program, visited Gargiulo Education Center to provide on-site vision, hearing, and dental screenings for our students.

Their teams arrived early, set up at the Center, and created a welcoming, supportive environment that helped our students feel comfortable while receiving these essential checkups.

Access to care matters, and we are so grateful for partners who show up for our children in such meaningful ways. 💙

At Gargiulo Education Center, it’s always about the children . . . but it’s about the families, too. 💙

The Collier County Public School Parent Institute recently hosted an engaging workshop to support early reading success at home. Families received practical tools they can easily use in their everyday routines.

Parents and students learned side-by-side through hands-on activities designed to strengthen skills, build confidence, and support academic growth for the whole family.

Stronger families. Stronger readers. Brighter futures. ✨

Focused minds and determined hearts at work. 📚✏️

Every afternoon at Gargiulo Education Center, volunteers sit side-by-side with students — guiding, encouraging, and helping turn challenges into breakthroughs. Homework becomes more than just assignments; it becomes an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen skills, and remind each child that they are capable of success.

Growth happens one page, one problem, one encouraging word at a time. 💙

📸 Today, our Photographer in Charge, Santiago, captured the heart of Gargiulo Education Center in action.

Through his lens, you can see our incredible volunteers working side-by-side with students . . . guiding, encouraging, and celebrating every spark of creativity. He also documented the powerful vision board collages our students created, each one filled with images and words reflecting their dreams, goals, and hopes for the future.

But beyond the artwork, these photos tell a deeper story. Focused eyes, meaningful collaboration, joyful energy, and the pride that fills the room when students realize what they’re capable of.

This is what learning, mentorship, and possibility look like. 💙✨

Meet the Volunteer Making a Difference 💙

Behind every confident student is someone who showed up, listened, and believed. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Karla Van Fleet, who has been volunteering with Gargiulo Education Center for the past 18 months.

From offering extra encouragement to students who need it most to providing the consistency they depend on, Karla’s time and care make a real impact—often in ways you don’t see right away.

👉 Read the full interview to learn what inspired her to volunteer and why she says you get back 1000% of what you give.

https://gargiuloed.org/volunteer-spotlight-karla-vanfleet

Our classroom buzzes with imagination as students dive into an energetic, joy-filled theater class led by Ms. Adriana. Through playful guidance and creative exploration, gestures become stories and voices transform into entire worlds.

Laughter, focus, and fearless expression fill the room as confidence takes the stage—and each student discovers the magic of performance in their own way. 🎭✨

This is learning brought to life.