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February 2024
 
A Note from Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
Thank you to all the participants in our 2023-2024 STEAM Expo at the end of January! It was amazing to see more than 1,800 students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members come together on a Saturday morning to explore the underwater world. One of my favorite things about the STEAM Expo is watching parents actively engage in the variety of hands-on learning activities facilitated by our teachers and community partners. Our keynote speaker, Emmy-award winning cinematographer and shark expert Andy Casagrande gave a thrilling presentation. I appreciate all of the volunteers who helped make this a successful community event, Aubrey Rogers High School for hosting, and our sponsors-Suncoast Credit Union and Arthrex-for their continued support. Click here to watch a video from STEAM Expo.
 
We recently announced our first round of CCPS 2023-2024 Employees of the Year! Congratulations to:
  • Andrea Polanco - Collier County's Nominee for Florida Teacher of the Year (Oakridge Middle School)
  • Samantha Wilson - Middle School Teacher of the Year (Gulfview Middle School)
  • Lisa Townsend - High School Teacher of the Year (Gulf Coast High School)
  • Hunter Sayers - Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year (Adult and Community Education)
We look forward to announcing the remaining CCPS Employees of the Year soon and to celebrating them all at our May 14 Regular School Board Meeting.
 
Our Parental Choice Priority Application Window for the 2024-2025 school year will close on February 26, 2024. Parental Choice allows parents, under specified conditions, to request another school of enrollment outside of their geographical zone. Click here to learn about the Parental Choice options available and to access the application.
 
Spring Break is just under a month away (March 11-15). We hope our CCPS Family takes time to rest and recharge so we can come back ready for success during the last few months of the school year. Enjoy!
 
~ Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
 
 
UPCOMING
DATES TO NOTE
February 19
No School (President's Day)
February 20
Open House Meeting Regarding Proposed School Boundary Modifications at 6:00pm at North Naples Middle (click here for more information about the proposed modifications)
February 21
School Board Work Session (Policies) at 9:00am
February 29
ESE Expo at Gulf Coast High School (click here to learn more)
March 5
Regular School Board Meeting at 4:30pm
March 11-March 15
No School (Spring Break)
March 20
School Board Work Session (Strategic Plan) at 9:00am
March 22
No School (Teacher Planning Day)
March 29
No School for Students and Teachers
 
District Calendar
 
 
 
A Note from the School Board
 
Last week I had the opportunity (along with about 700 other people), to attend a panel discussion on civility. It was an informative and hopeful program that engaged the community in a topic I believe to be crucial to our survival as a nation.
 
One of the questions during the program focused on what schools can do to foster civility. In thinking about this, I realized that our students are actually quite good at using their words appropriately in discussions and debates. They are even learning positive life and communication skills through Leader in Me and other character education programs in our schools. It seems that a lot of the uncivil behavior we all see lately is a result of over-exposure to TV, social media, talk shows, and anything else that capitalizes on conflict. With all of these outside influences, what are we to do to increase civility in our community? First and foremost, we need to model it, as often as possible. Then, we need to understand and encourage civility as the cornerstone of a harmonious society, a guiding principle that promotes respect, understanding, and empathy. In a world often marred by conflict and discord, practicing civility becomes an act of courage and compassion. It is a commitment to treat others with dignity, kindness, and fairness, regardless of differences in opinion or background. It is through our words, actions, and interactions that we have the power to create a ripple effect of positivity, inspiring others to follow suit. Let us strive to be the embodiment of civility, recognizing that in doing so, we can sow the seeds of a more compassionate and united community and country. Our children deserve it.
 
Respectfully,
 
Stephanie Lucarelli, Board Vice Chair
 
 
CCPS
FAMILY NEWS
 
 
IMMOKALEE HIGH BETA CLUB WINS STATE TITLES
 
The skills of Immokalee High School’s Beta Club were on display at the 82nd Florida State Beta Convention. A total of 67 students traveled from Immokalee to Kissimmee, Florida, to compete for various state titles involving academics, performing arts, leadership, and creativity. The Club had a successful showing and came back with several group and individual accomplishments, including seven first place wins. Congrats!
 
Click here to view list of all Immokalee High winners.
 
 
CCPS
FAMILY NEWS
 
 
NORTH NAPLES MIDDLE "MATHLETES" EARN 1ST PLACE
 
Our CCPS “Mathletes” recently competed in our annual middle school MathCounts competition. These amazingly smart and talented students have a gift of calculating some very complex math problems! Congratulations to North Naples Middle (first place), Oakridge Middle (second place), and Pine Ridge Middle (third place). Plus, special shout-out to Brooks Brown from North Naples Middle for taking the top individual spot for the competition!
 
 
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Collier County Public Schools
p: (239) 377-0001
 
School Board
Mrs. Kelly Lichter, 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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