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| May 2025 |
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| It is hard to believe that the end of the 2024-25 school year is already upon us! With commencement ceremonies next week and the last day of school for students on Friday, May 30, end-of-year celebrations are in full swing. Congratulations to all who have received academic, athletic, and scholarship awards throughout the district!
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| A special congratulations to our Class of 2025 soon-to-be graduates! Graduation is truly my favorite time of the school year. There is nothing quite like seeing our students walk across the stage ready to begin their next chapter. This year, commencement ceremonies for our almost 3,300 graduates will be held on May 22 and May 23. For those who cannot attend in person, we will be live streaming all Commencement Ceremonies held on a CCPS campus. You can watch by visiting www.collierschools.com/graduation. |
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| Our Class of 2025 Senior Spotlights have been revealed! One senior from each CCPS high school was selected for this special recognition. These students have exemplified not only academic excellence, but have also demonstrated community and school involvement, resiliency to overcome adversity, and dedication to college and career readiness. To learn more about each Senior Spotlight, visit www.collierschools.com/SeniorSpotlights. |
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| I am very excited to announce the name of the new elementary school scheduled to open in August 2026 in the town of Ave Maria. On May 14, 2025, the School Board voted to name the school Ave Maria Elementary. Thank you to all who submitted name suggestions. Now, it is time to begin the input process for the official mascot. Click here to submit a suggestion. The survey will close on May 25, 2025. |
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| Have a great summer! |
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| ~ Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli |
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| UPCOMING |
| DATES TO NOTE |
| May 21 |
| School Board Work Session (Budget) at 9:00am |
| May 22 & 23 |
| High School Graduation Ceremonies |
| May 23 |
| Early Dismissal Day |
| May 26 |
| No School (Memorial Day) |
| May 30 |
| Last Day of School for Students |
| Early Dismissal |
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| It is hard to believe we are already at the end of another school year. I want to give a huge shout out to all the educators. I have seen some outstanding teaching happening this year, and I want to thank you for making education about so much more than grades. You are teaching our children about the value of knowledge, critical thinking and lifelong learning. Your dedication and compassion are apparent and appreciated. |
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| I have also enjoyed seeing the excitement of our students who are celebrating their achievements, reminiscing about the fun times they’ve had this year and looking forward to the freedoms summer brings. While the end of the year is a transition for students, it also marks an opportunity for families to reconnect and create lasting memories. Whether it’s getting out of town for the weekend, exploring the beaches or local parks, game nights or simply barbecuing in the backyard, these shared experiences foster deeper connections with our children. Whatever you and your family choose to do this summer, I hope some of it involves quality one-on-one time with your kids. I will never forget what a stranger in Publix once told me, as she watched me pushing one cart of groceries while pulling a second with my 4 kids in it, “the days are long, but the years are short”. I appreciate how true those words are, now, and try to savor every day before they all leave my nest. |
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| Lastly, congratulations to our upcoming graduates! We are so proud of you and you should be so proud of yourselves. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors! |
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| Stephanie Lucarelli, Board Vice Chair |
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| Board member notes are submitted directly by a school board member without edits from district staff. |
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| OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR |
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| Congratulations to Lely Elementary School (LES) volunteer Matthew Park for being named the CCPS Outstanding Volunteer of the Year! Matthew generously gives of his time in the LES Media Center. He was recently recognized for his commitment by the School Board at the May Regular School Board Meeting. |
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| Click here to see the video |
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| YOUNG AMERICAN CREATIVE PATRIOTIC ART CONTEST |
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| Lely High School senior Christopher Epperson earned 1st place in Florida in the VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest for his stunning colored pencil artwork. His piece now advances to the national level, where he’ll compete for scholarships of up to $15,000 at the VFW National Convention this August! Congratulations to Christopher and good luck! |
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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 © 2025 Collier County Public Schools |
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