Gabriel Lozada Giannini
Montessori School of Fort Myers
Fort Myers, FL
The first day of Kindergarten is an important milestone for any parent, as their child begins their educational journey. However, much of the excitement can turn to stress and uncertainty when a global pandemic and school closures are added to the mix. Such was the case for Fiorella Giannini and her young son Gabriel, a first year AAA Scholarship recipient.
Fiorella emigrated from Peru six years ago, in search of expanded opportunities and a better future for her family, which includes her daughter Kiara (now 18), and her son Gabriel (now 5), who was born shortly after the family came to the U.S.
“As a family of first-generation immigrants in the United States, it has been a big challenge to follow our dreams, but we are really happy to have been adopted by this country and we want to be people who bring positivity to our community,” says Fiorella.
For Fiorella, she knew the path to success for her children meant ensuring that they receive a good education. Kiara, who is currently in the 12th grade, attended public school, and Fiorella planned to send Gabriel to their local neighborhood school as well. However, the Covid-19 pandemic affected many things, including education, as many schools shifted to teach virtually and adapted many restrictions for in-person learning. Although nervous to have Gabriel start Kindergarten during this unprecedented time, Fiorella knew his education was important for his academic and social growth, while also providing some type of normalcy.
However, a short time after Gabriel started Kindergarten, Fiorella saw his confidence dwindling as he struggled in school and became frustrated because he was not comprehending the subject matter. Realizing that he needed a more individualized environment, Fiorella explored her options and came across the AAA Scholarship Foundation, which would enable her to find the right academic setting for Gabriel. Once approved for the scholarship, she found the right fit for Gabriel at the Montessori School of Fort Myers.
Upon enrolling in the school, Gabriel’s teacher Miss Wendy made an individualized learning plan for him to help him reach his goals. The Montessori School uses what is called “PEACEFUL” principles to provide an individualized approach to nurture each child’s love of learning, with a goal to shape independent, confident and out-of-the-box thinkers. This academic environment combined with Fiorella’s willingness to work with her son and his teacher, has helped put Gabriel on the right path.
“Gabriel is a boy who is very active, curious and free,” says Fiorella. “And the help from AAA has permitted him to access an education where they incentivize him and help him to be independent and confident and to learn in an environment of peace and integrity.”
While he has only been at the Montessori school a short time, Gabriel is already showing improvement in his work and communication. His happy demeanor and confidence have also returned. As a result, Fiorella’s mind is at ease knowing that she made the right academic choice for her child. She is grateful to the school for meeting her son’s needs and to the AAA Scholarship Program for making it possible.
“They are helping him to become a person who will accomplish his goals while having his capabilities, dreams and feelings in mind,” says Fiorella. “I thank everyone who donates to this organization – your generosity allows families like ours to raise kids that with no doubt will be men and women who will generate good actions to our community and this country.”
About AAA Scholarship Foundation
AAA Scholarship Foundation promotes the advancement of education by administering educational choice programs. The typical AAA Scholarship student is an ethnic minority living with a struggling single parent/caregiver in a high crime community. More than 80 percent of these children are initially awarded AAA scholarships while living in households with annual incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Many are either below grade level, failing at their previous school or both when they first receive a scholarship. Parents, who find their children in these circumstances and are concerned about their future, look for viable options. They seek an atmosphere that challenges their children and will reverse inadequate learning, social patterns and potential lifelong negative impacts. They wish to change their children’s learning environment, acquaintances and the unfortunate predictable outcomes associated with school failure.
AAA Scholarships are funded in Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Nevada by companies that redirect a portion of their state tax liability to the AAA Scholarship Foundation in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. AAA Scholarship Foundation is one of the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship organizations approved to administer these legislatively-authorized tax credit scholarship programs in multiple states. AAA Scholarship Foundation provides your company with the convenience and efficiency of a single solution for participating in multiple state tax credit scholarship programs. For more information, or to learn how your company can participate in the program, visit www.AAAScholarships.org, or contact Kerri Vaughan at kerri@aaascholarships.org or 888-707-2465 ext. 730.