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December 2024
 
A Note from Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
It's hard to believe that we are in the final month of 2024! During this past year, CCPS celebrated many accomplishments, and I look forward to continued success in 2025.
 
Congratulations to our friend Eileen Connolly-Keesler, President/CEO of the Collier Community Foundation, for receiving the prestigious SUNSPRA Margie Davidson Leading Light Award. This statewide recognition honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and support for K-12 public education in Florida. Eileen is a true champion in Collier County. Her ongoing dedication to strengthening our community and improving educational opportunities for students is sincerely appreciated.Click here to read the full announcement.
 
The School Board approved a new Attendance Boundary Modification on December 10, 2024. The Board voted to approve Option B of the two Boundary Modification Proposals presented by district staff. Click here to view the maps and access the Attendance Boundary Interactive Tool.
 
Parental Choice for the 2025-2026 school year will open in January. For students impacted by the new attendance boundary wishing to stay at their current school, we are opening a Special Parental Choice Priority Window from January 8 - January 15, 2025. The Regular Parental Choice Priority Window will be open from January 15 - February 23. Click here for more information and to access the application when available.
 
In an effort to gather feedback from our parents, students, staff, and community members, the proposed 2026-2027 academic calendar is available for review. Click here to provide input. The survey will close at 8:00am on January 6, 2025.
 
Winter Break is right around the corner (December 23 - January 3). We hope everyone takes time to relax and recharge while spending time with family and friends. Enjoy the holidays and Happy New Year!
 
~ Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
 
 
UPCOMING
DATES TO NOTE
December 23 - January 3
No School (Winter Break)
January 6
Students return to school
January 13
No School (Teacher Planning Day)
January 15
Regular School Board Meeting at 9:00am
School Board Work Session (Career Dual Enrollment) at 4:30pm
January 16
Religious Freedom Day
January 20
No School (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
January 25
STEAM Expo (click here to register)
 
District Calendar
 
 
 
A Note from the School Board
It is hard to believe we are about to close out 2024 already! After a very busy year, this is the perfect time for reflection and intention setting. I am very proud of the many successes I’ve witnessed this year, from individual student successes to the district being name an Academically High Performing School District again. An intention for myself this coming year is to focus on setting our students up for success. (I am doing this with my own children as well.) How are all of us helping to set children up for success?
 
At a recent School Board Association conference, we heard from speakers who had messages about adversity and resiliency. It reminded me of many stories of successful people and the adversity they faced somewhere along their path to success. Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, JK Rowling, to name a few. This made me think about our children. Adversity and resiliency are crucial elements in the development of children, shaping their coping skills, character, and emotional intelligence. It’s natural as parents to want to shield our children from hardships, but it is so important to recognize the valuable lessons that adversity can impart. The world today seems to almost require us to be resilient. Everything has become so fast-paced and unpredictable, the ability to be resilient is more crucial than ever to achieve lasting success. Being resilient is more than just getting up when we’ve been knocked down, too, it is about learning, adapting, and thriving when we are faced with adversity. As parents, do we allow our children to deal with enough challenges on their own, or do we step in the minute they experience something uncomfortable? This is a tough question, because I know I have been guilty of this, and in the end I think it did more harm than good. I want to dive into this, personally, as a board member, and as a community, to ensure our children understand that failures can be valuable learning experiences, that change can be an opportunity rather than a threat, that they need to be able to think clearly and act decisively under pressure, think outside the box, and remain positive while working through a challenge.
 
Together, let’s commit to supporting one another, fostering kindness, and embracing adversity as an opportunity for growth. May 2025 bring you peace, joy, and the strength to face whatever comes your way
 
Respectfully yours,
 
Stephanie Lucarelli, Board Vice Chair
 
Board member notes are submitted directly by a school board member without edits from district staff.
 
 
CCPS
FAMILY NEWS
 
 
UNIQUE ART SHOW
 
For the first time, CCPS held an art show that was a bit "UNIQUE." The art show invited students in Modified Curriculum, Intensive Behavior Intervention, and Transition Work Study classes to submit artwork to be displayed in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Administrative Center. This year’s theme centered around nature.
 
Click here to watch video
 
 
CCPS
FAMILY NEWS
 
 
U.S. AIRMAN SURPRISES PME STUDENT
 
U.S. Airman First Class Gary Parrish surprises his daughter at Pelican Marsh Elementary. After being separated for 10 months while on active duty in Kuwait, CCPS was there for the memorable moment!
 
Click here to watch video
 
 
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Collier County Public Schools
p: (239) 377-0001
 
School Board
Ms. Kelly Mason, Chair • Mrs. Stephanie Lucarelli, Vice Chair
Mr. Erick Carter, Member • Mr. Tim Moshier, Member • Mr. Jerry Rutherford, Member
 
Superintendent
Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
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