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May 2023
 
A Note from Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
It is hard to believe we are in the last few weeks of this school year! I am extremely grateful to our School Board for appointing me as your Superintendent of Collier County Public Schools. Thanks to all who have shown their support: old classmates, former co-workers, current employees, former and current students and parents, and community members. I am humbled, honored, and excited to continue our work of inspiring students to achieve academic excellence.
 
Thank you to the more than 800 students, parents, staff, and alumni who attended our CCPS Family Night at the Ballpark! It was a great game with a beautiful fireworks display to end the night. As we near the end of the school year, it has been wonderful to attend many student events throughout the district including theater performances, jazz concerts, Leader in Me Leadership Days, athletic events, and awards ceremonies.
 
Our high school seniors are getting ready to wrap up their K-12 academic years and many are receiving scholarships and financial aid to support their post-secondary studies. I was honored to be a part of surprise school visits as recipients of the Harold P. Bovenkerk Scholarship for Engineering and Natural Sciences learned about their awards. The joy of seeing these students realize that they could attend their top university choice or have their studies financially covered was remarkable. This $25 million endowed scholarship will provide $1.4 million annually to CCPS students for generations. Click here to learn more and watch the video from our surprise visits.
 
Speaking of seniors, graduation is right around the corner! These students have overcome so many challenges along their academic journey, but have persevered and will walk across the stage with pride. From Hurricane Irma, Parkland, and COVID-19 during their 7th through 10th grade years, and Hurricane Ian this year, our Class of 2023 has shown resilience and determination every step of the way. I look forward to sharing this special day with our students. Professional-quality recordings of all Commencement Ceremonies will be available at www.collierschools.com/graduation by the end of the week following graduation.
 
The last student day of the 2022-23 school year is Thursday, June 1, 2023. We wish our CCPS Family a great summer break and hope you take time to relax and recharge. Keep an eye out for our CCPS summer resources coming soon and if you still need activities for students to enjoy over the summer, click here to access the 2023 Spring/Summer Activities Guide brought to you by Neapolitan Family.
 
~ Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
 
 
UPCOMING
DATES TO NOTE
May 16
School Board Work Session (Budget and Board Policies) at 4:30pm
May 17
Sharing the Commitment Meeting at 4:00pm (click here to learn more)
May 25 & 26
High School Graduations (click here for schedule)
May 26
Early Dismissal Day
Project Graduation (click here to learn more)
May 29
No School (Memorial Day)
June 1
Early Dismissal Day
Last Student Day
June 13
Regular School Board Meeting at 4:30pm
 
District Calendar
 
 
 
A Note from the School Board
 
Congratulations to Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli on her recent appointment to the position of Superintendent. I wish her well in her new position; may she use her talents and abilities to further enhance our students’ progress.
 
May 1-5 was Teacher Appreciation Week. Those who have dedicated their lives to further the education of students have done great work. I have read many stories of students that have credited their success to a teacher who took time to encourage them and push them on to win the prize. I remember my 10th grade history teacher, who made a statement that I have remembered and used for over 60 years.
 
Regarding education, Frederick Douglass stated, “Without education he lives within the narrow dark and grimy walls of ignorance. Education, on the other hand, means emancipation…it means light and liberty."
 
Thomas Jefferson proclaimed, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was, nor ever will be.” We as a nation have, in the past, been blessed to have had the best education in the world. We need to get back to that standard.
 
~ Jerry Rutherford, School Board Member (District 1)
 
 
CCPS
ALUMNI NEWS
 
 
SUNDAI (WESTON) GRILLO
Class of 2009
Earlier this year, during a surprise visit to Gulf Coast High School, Literacy Coach Sundai (Weston) Grillo was named Collier County Public Schools’ nominee for 2024 Florida Teacher of the Year (FLTOY). As a Gulf Coast grad, she has the unique opportunity to work with some of the same talented teachers she once learned from as a student. This summer, Sundai will join district nominees from around the state to celebrate and collaborate as part of the annual FLTOY Roundtable and Gala.
 
Click here to find out what the award means to her.
 
 
CCPS
FAMILY NEWS
 
 
BOVENKERK ENDOWMENT AWARDS $1 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS
CCPS students are already seeing the benefits of a scholarship endowment totaling more than $25 million. During late April, District staff made surprise visits to schools and awarded 60 Harold P. Bovenkerk Scholarships for Engineering and Natural Sciences — including seven full rides — two of which are going to students attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) Eight seniors received $20,000 scholarships and 45 seniors received $7,000 scholarship, all eligible for renewal.
 
Click here to watch a video from the surprise visits and learn more about the Bovenkerk Endowment.
 
 
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Collier County Public Schools
p: (239) 377-0001
 
School Board
Mrs. Kelly Lichter, Chair • Mr. Tim Moshier, Vice Chair
Mr. Erick Carter, Member • Mrs. Stephanie Lucarelli, Member • Mr. Jerry Rutherford, Member
 
Interim Superintendent
Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
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