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| February 2023 |
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| I want to begin by extending a big congratulations to students who received their diplomas at our annual mid-year graduation! These young adults have persevered to overcome challenges on their journey to donning their caps and gowns. I am proud of each of them and know they will succeed in their future endeavors. Also, kudos to the winners of the annual Collier Regional Science and Engineering Fair who were announced at our STEAM Expo at the end of January. The 13 State Finalists will now head to the 68th State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida in April.
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| I had the honor of making surprise classroom visits alongside Deputy Superintendent Darren Burkett to recognize our employees of the year this month! These outstanding six individuals give their all to students. We could not be more proud to acknowledge their incredible work. Click here to see the full announcement. |
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| The Florida Department of Education recently released 2021-2022 graduation rates, with Collier County Public Schools’ rate at 91.5%. CCPS outperformed the state by 4.2 percentage points, increasing our rank for graduation rate among Florida’s 67 counties to 11th in 2022 from 14th in 2021. This highlights the successful instructional efforts CCPS implemented to mitigate the challenges experienced by many students as a result of the pandemic. |
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| We are nearly five months post-Hurricane Ian and many local organizations continue to provide needed recovery assistance. I want to sincerely thank Champions For Learning and the Collier Community Foundation for distributing nearly $1.2 million to CCPS employees affected by the storm. Many in our CCPS Family, from teachers to support staff, suffered tremendous loss, but have found opportunities to remain with our school district. I extend a personal thank you to those individuals for their unwavering dedication to our students. |
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| As we continue in February and move into March, we have many academic and athletic competitions taking place. Good luck to all participating students! Additionally, our annual ESE Expo returns to an in-person event on February 28 at Immokalee High and March 28 at Gulf Coast High. Parents will have an opportunity to explore the many local resources available for students with disabilities. Click here to learn more. |
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| Finally, Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is now available. Saving for college is one of the many important steps you can take to secure your child’s future. I encourage you to get started today by clicking here to learn more about finding your Prepaid Plan. |
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| ~ Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli |
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| It is with great pride I enter the task of being part of the Collier County School Board as the newly elected Vice Chair. The awesome task of guiding the path to success for all our Collier County 50,000 students is my top priority.
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| I am not deterred by being a new member, rather I’m laser focused on what is best for students, teachers, staff, and every stakeholder in our great community. I see the future of our school board as a collaborative effort to serve the community by visiting schools, attending events, and most of all listening to the needs of students. |
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| My short tenure has included attending the winners of the grant from the Benison Center to two students with entrepreneurial spirit, a tour of the Immokalee Foundation, as well as attending the STEAM expo and visiting schools and various events. |
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| With great gratitude to the members of our school board, staff, and Collier County residents who have given me the honor to serve our community, I will do what’s best for ALL! |
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| Saving the best for last, kudos to the Principal of the Year, Clara Calderon, Immokalee High School Principal. |
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| ~ Tim Moshier, Board Vice Chair (District 5) |
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| DR. JEFF MILLER |
| Class of 1998 |
| Each year, CCPS band directors and Coordinator of Fine Arts Skip Pardee select and contract a renown conductor/clinician to work with our students for the CCPS Honors Concert series events. This year, the band directors reached out to Naples native and Director of Bands at Tennessee Tech, Dr. Jeff Miller, proud 1998 graduate of Barron Collier High. Jeff was thrilled to conduct this wonderful ensemble of student musicians – an ensemble that he was once a part of as a student musician at BCH. On the night of the concert, he was introduced by his former BCH band director and current Pine Ridge Middle School band director, Kelly Parker: “It’s my honor today to introduce Dr. Jeff Miller -- my student, my colleague, and now my very dear friend. Jeff, thank you.” |
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| 2022-2023 STEAM EXPO |
| Mission Success! |
| Students, parents, staff, and community members launched into space at our STEAM Expo in January! Thank you to our out-of-this-world keynote speakers, Elias Myrmo (NASA Flight Director), Janet Ivey (Creator of Janet's Planet), and Don Thomas (Former NASA Astronaut), for sharing insight into space travel. We also extend sincere gratitude to our STEAM Village volunteers and our sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union. Watch the video linked below to take a look at the fun and learn the importance of bringing these experiences to students. |
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| Click here to view video |
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| FEEDBACK WELCOME |
| Let us know what you think about the newsletter, our website, or if you have suggestions for future newsletters. |
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| Collier County Public Schools |
| p: (239) 377-0001 |
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| School Board |
| Mrs. Kelly Lichter, Chair • Mr. Tim Moshier, Vice Chair |
| Mr. Erick Carter, Member • Mrs. Stephanie Lucarelli, Member • Mr. Jerry Rutherford, Member |
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| Interim Superintendent |
| Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli |
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| Copyright © 2023 Collier County Public Schools |
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