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December 2025
 
A Note from Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
The theme of this school year is The Power of WE. On that note, I am thrilled to share the recent statewide recognition for Reinhold Schmieding, Founder and President of Arthrex, who was named the recipient of the Margie Davidson Leading Light Award by the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association (SUNSPRA). This prestigious statewide award recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate extraordinary and sustained commitment to public education. Mr. Schmieding and Arthrex exemplify what it means to be a true partner in education. Their sustained support of career pathways, scholarships, early learning, and community programs strengthens not only our schools but the entire Collier County community.
 
On December 10, 2026, the School Board approved the attendance boundary for Ave Maria Elementary School. Families impacted by this attendance boundary modification have received direct communication with more information. Click here to view the maps and access the Attendance Boundary Interactive Tool.
 
Parental Choice for the 2026-2027 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 13, 2026. The Regular Parental Choice Priority Window will be open from January 14 - February 22. Click here for more information and to access the application when available.
 
Collier County Public Schools will present the proposed 2027-2028 academic calendar at the January 20, 2026, Regular School Board Meeting. Click here to view the proposed 2027-2028 Academic Calendar. If you have feedback, please email humanresources@collierschools.com or provide your input HERE.
 
In January, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners will consider whether to adopt proposed changes to school impact fees. In June 2025, the School Board unanimously voted to recommend the maximum allowable school impact fee, recognizing that impact fees ensure growth pays for growth. These fees fund the construction of new schools needed to serve our rapidly growing community. School impact fee rates have not been updated since 2015, and since that time, construction costs have risen dramatically, significantly increasing the cost of building schools today. Click here to learn more.
 
Winter Break is just a few days away (December 22 - January 5). 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 22-January 2
No School (Winter Break)
January 5
No School for Students (Teacher Planning Day)
January 6
Students Return from Winter Break
January 14
School Board Meeting Work Session at 8:30am
January 16
Religious Freedom Day
January 19
No School (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
January 20
Regular School Board Meeting at 4:30pm
 
District Calendar
 
 
 
A Note from the School Board
 
It’s hard to believe we are coming to the end of a year filled with school openings, sports successes, academic achievements, graduations and career training opportunities.
 
As the Holiday Season rapidly approaches with Chanukah, Christmas, and New Years ahead, please remember these 3 things for you and your child to achieve success.
  1. Show up early whether it’s for school, work or social activities. This shows respect and gives you a chance to be prepared for event, job duties and social or sports activities. If you are committed to attend keep a smile on your face and show appreciation by asking how you can help.

  2. Whatever you do in life be the best you can be no matter what path you follow whether career choices, military, academia or the Arts. People will see and appreciate your effort and recognize your true value.

  3. Remember to be nice to people and friendly especially since the Holiday Season is about goodness. Carry that behavior throughout the year. Please play it forward by always including please and thank you when asking for anything. Hold doors for others and "good morning and good evening" can make their day. Honor the holidays of others and respect their celebrations these are your friends and neighbors.
In closing use this time to read to your children and have them read to you while enjoying family time. Recharge and renew to make 2026 best it can and will be.
 
Life is a gift and appreciate it. Childhood goes by in a heartbeat.
 
It seems like just yesterday I got married and now I’m a father and a grandfather.
 
Wishing all a safe and Happy Holiday Season.
 
Respectfully,
 
Tim Moshier, School Board Member
 
Board member notes are submitted directly by a school board member without edits from district staff.
 
 
CCPS
FAMILY NEWS
 
 
CELEBRATING SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS
 
CCPS is proud to celebrate two remarkable students who will represent our community as this year’s Sunshine State Scholars: Maximus (Max) Bogert from Palmetto Ridge High School and Sarah Dabees from Aubrey Rogers High School. Chosen for their academic excellence, passion for science, and commitment to future STEM careers, Max and Sarah embody the spirit of this prestigious statewide honor.
 
Watch video
 
 
CCPS
FAMILY NEWS
 
 
INAUGURAL VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION AT EVERGLADES CITY SCHOOL
 
Everglades City School hosted an inaugural Veterans Day Celebration featuring contributions from its elementary, middle, and high school students. It was wonderful to see the many alumni of the school come back to be honored for their service. Big thanks to the school's media specialist, Jill Whitcomb, for her coordination!
 
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Collier County Public Schools
p: (239) 377-0001
 
School Board
Mrs. Stephanie Lucarelli, Chair • Mr. Erick Carter, Vice Chair
Ms. Kelly Mason, Member • Mr. Tim Moshier, Member • Mr. Jerry Rutherford, Member
 
Superintendent
Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
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