Having trouble viewing this email?  VIEW IN BROWSER
 
 
 
April 2026
 
A Note from Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Champions For Learning 36th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner. It was truly an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing the heart of our district: our educators. Seeing our teachers honored for their passion and innovation reminds me how fortunate we are to have such dedicated professionals guiding our students every day.
 
As we near the close of the school year, students are participating in assessments that reflect individualized progress monitoring throughout the year, including the Florida Assessments of Student Thinking (F.A.S.T.) and end-of-course exams. This is an opportunity for our learners to showcase the incredible growth they’ve made throughout the year. We have full confidence our students continue to demonstrate the academic excellence that defines our district.
 
Our annual CCPS Family Night at the Ballpark is coming up next month. Join us for a night of fun on Friday, May 8, at Hammond Stadium to watch the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels take on the Tampa Tarpons. Tickets are only $9.06 and can be purchased at www.collierschools.com/ballpark. I look forward to seeing our CCPS families in the stands.
 
Finally, I want to invite you to an important event regarding student safety. In collaboration with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, we are hosting a Parent Forum titled "Social Media, Online Gaming, Child Exploitation, and Human Trafficking" on May 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Administrative Center. This session is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to help our children navigate the digital world safely. I encourage you to attend to learn about these important topics.
 
~ Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli
 
 
 
UPCOMING
DATES TO NOTE
April 27
Special Legislative Session at 4:30pm
May 1
Special School Board Meeting at 3:00pm
May 8
CCPS Family Night at the Ballpark (purchase tickets)
May 11
Parent Forum: Social Media, Online Gaming, Child Exploitation, and Human Trafficking at 6:00pm
May 13
Regular School Board Meeting at 9:00am
May 20
School Board Work Session (Budget) at 9:00am
May 21-22
High School Graduation Days
May 22
Early Dismissal Day
May 25
No School (Memorial Day)
May 29
Last Day of School for Students / Early Dismissal Day
 
District Calendar
 
 
 
A Note from the School Board
 
As a member of the Collier County School Board, it is a distinct honor to serve during this historic period as our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding.
 
In just three months, the United States will commemorate 250 years of independence. July 4, 2026, will mark a significant milestone in our nation’s history and provide an opportunity to reflect on the enduring principles of liberty, unity, and civic responsibility that have shaped America since its beginning.
 
This anniversary is more than a celebration of our past; it is also a moment to recognize the shared values that continue to guide us forward. As students, families, educators, and community members, we each have a role in honoring this occasion and making this Fourth of July a meaningful and memorable time for our nation and our local community.
 
I continue to be inspired by the students, teachers, and staff who make Collier County Public Schools such an extraordinary district.
 
Each time I visit one of our campuses—whether for classroom activities, student performances, athletic events, or after-school programs—I am reminded of the remarkable talent, commitment, and dedication present throughout our schools. These experiences reaffirm the importance of ensuring that every student has access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environment.
 
As a School Board, our focus remains on strengthening the foundations that support student achievement: academic excellence, responsible stewardship of resources, and meaningful engagement with families and the community. By remaining connected to our schools and responsive to the needs of those we serve, we can continue building on our progress and help every student reach his or her full potential.
 
Tim Moshier, School Board Member
 
 
CCPS
FAMILY NEWS
 
 
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE SCIENCE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
 
Middle school students took science beyond the classroom during their SURVIVORS field trip to Rookery Bay. From exploring invertebrates to diving into shark science and heading out on a boat adventure, students discovered how different species adapt to survive in the wild. Real-world experiences. Lasting curiosity. Future scientists in the making! Thank you to Friends of Rookery Bay for their continued partnership.
 
Click here to watch video
 
 
CCPS
FAMILY NEWS
 
 
STUDENTS COMPETE AT COMMISSIONER'S ACADEMIC CHALLENGE
 
Congratulations to three outstanding students for their incredible performance at the Commissioner's Academic Challenge! Competing in Orlando against top teams from across the state, our CCPS team earned State Runner-Up in Division II, a testament to their preparation and teamwork across subjects ranging from math and science to the arts and languages. Congrats to Fintan O'Keefe (Barron Collier High), Dainel Perez (Golden Gate High), and Christopher Fontana (Aubrey Rogers High).
 
 
FOLLOW @COLLIERSCHOOLS
twitter
twitter
twitter
 
 
FEEDBACK WELCOME
Let us know what you think about the newsletter, our website, or if you have suggestions for future newsletters.
 
CCPS Website
 
Email Feedback
 
 
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
 
Copyright © 2026 Collier County Public Schools