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| November 2024 |
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| I want to start by extending a big congratulations to the 2024-2025 Champions For Learning Collier County Teachers of Distinction! A total of 54 CCPS outstanding educators were selected for this distinguished honor which is the starting point for the Golden Apple Program. Now, a volunteer selection committee with Champions For Learning will visit the classrooms of all Teachers of Distinction to observe their high-impact teaching practices and identify those who will become this year's Golden Apple recipients. Click here to see a list of our Collier County Teachers of Distinction. |
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| Congratulations to two school administrators recently recognized by our district. Mr. Joe Mikulski from Golden Gate High was named Collier County's Principal of the Year and Mr. David Miller from East Naples Middle was named Assistant Principal of the Year. Thank you for your dedication to student achievement and to our CCPS Family. These two administrators will now be our nominees for Florida Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year. |
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| Thank you Collier County voters for your continued trust in our school district. The Collier County Public Schools Tax-Neutral Referendum that was on the General Election ballot on November 5, 2024, passed with nearly 85% voter approval. This referendum approval will give the District School Board of Collier County flexibility in how operating funds (teacher pay, academic programs, arts, athletics) and capital funds (facilities, debt service, maintenance) are used. |
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| At the end of October, a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Collier County Education Association (CCEA) and CCPS was successfully negotiated. Teacher salary increases for the 2024-25 school year add up to $24 million across the entire Unit and total more than $50 million in the last two years and almost 34% increase since the 2022-23 school year. Thank you to everyone involved in the negotiations process for your commitment to retaining and recruiting staff who inspire students to achieve academic excellence. |
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Finally, a reminder that Fall Break will be November 25-November 29. The days designated as Hurricane Make-Up Days this month will NOT be used to compensate for the missed time from Hurricane Milton. Instead, the School Board approved a revised 2024-2025 Academic Calendar at their recent Regular School Board Meeting, adjusting the end of Quarter 2 and Quarter 3. Additionally, the following changes have been made:
- Students will return from Winter Break on Monday, January 6
- January 13 will now be a Teacher Planning Day (no school for students) instead of January 6
- March 24 will now be a Teacher Planning Day (no school for students) instead of March 17
Click here to view the revised 2024-2025 Academic Calendar. |
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| Happy Thanksgiving! |
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| ~ Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli |
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| Thank you to the voters of Collier County for supporting the tax-neutral referendum with nearly 85% voter approval! We will continue our efforts to be good stewards of tax-payer dollars while ensuring we provide the best educational opportunities, facilities, and competitive teacher salaries. |
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| Last month the School Board held a work session to discuss legislative priorities that we want to share with our elected representatives. A final version was unanimously approved at the November regular school board meeting. During the most recent legislative session in Tallahassee, legislators addressed deregulation and gave districts more local control. We hope this trend continues, so we can make decisions that are unique to our district's needs. |
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| One major issue we would like our elected representatives to address is the school start time mandate. Our school district would like to have local control regarding school start times, since not all districts in Florida are the same size and all have different challenges. Any exemptions or flexibility would be helpful as this current bill will negatively impact transportation, athletics, after school activities, as well as local non-profits that do so much for our students. |
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| Finally, the school board will hold an Organizational Meeting on November 19th, 2024, to determine next year’s board chair and vice chair position. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your school board chair, and I appreciate your support and confidence in me this past year. I hope to continue leading our school board this coming year. I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to our students, families, faculty, and staff! |
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| With gratitude, |
| Kelly Mason, Board Chair |
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| "Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter what befalls us in life, we can take the charred remnants, and we can reconstruct a life unimaginably richer than that from which the shards and pieces fell." - Craig D. Lounsbrough |
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| Board member notes are submitted directly by a school board member without edits from district staff. |
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| COLLIER COUNTY BAND SHOW |
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| This year's Collier County Band Show and Marching Band Music Performance Assessment was held on October 26 at Barron Collier High School. Eight CCPS high school marching bands showcased their talents and were assessed by the Florida Bandmasters Association. Six schools receiving a final rating of Superior and two received Excellent. |
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| Click here to watch entire show
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| HONORING OUR VETERANS |
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| Every year, our schools do a fabulous job celebrating Veterans Day by honoring those who have served our country. Through heartfelt performances, personal stories, and thoughtful presentations, students express their gratitude and appreciation for our veterans. It’s a wonderful reminder of the values of service, sacrifice, and community that continue to inspire future generations. |
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| Click here to watch 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 |
| Ms. Kelly Mason, Chair • Mrs. Stephanie Lucarelli, Vice Chair |
| Mr. Erick Carter, Member • Mr. Tim Moshier, Member • Mr. Jerry Rutherford, Member |
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| Superintendent |
| Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli |
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| Copyright © 2024 Collier County Public Schools |
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