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| February 2026 |
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| February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! Thank you to our dedicated CTE teachers and district team for supporting our students as they turn passion into profession. We are also grateful to our local community partners who collaborate with us to give students hands-on experiences, career pathways, and skills that lead to high-demand careers. Click here to learn more about CCPS Career and Technical Education. |
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| I want to extend a special congratulations to Principal Beverly Budzynski who received the Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award recently! This program recognizes Florida's most effective principals in high-risk K-12 public schools. Ms. Budzynski was recognized specifically for her outstanding work at Village Oaks Elementary and now continues her leadership journey as she prepares to open our new Ave Maria Elementary. |
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Make sure to mark your calendars for a couple of upcoming CCPS Family events.
- Saturday, March 21, 2026: CCPS Day at the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Back for its third year, CCPS Day at the Miami Open is a world-class tennis experience. Click here to learn more and purchase discounted tickets exclusively available to CCPS Day participants.
- Saturday, March 28, 2026: CCPS Soccer Night with FC Naples at Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Join us as FC Naples takes on Forward Madison FC. More information regarding ticket purchases will be coming soon.
Spring Break is just around the corner (March 9-13). 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!
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| ~ Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli |
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| UPCOMING |
| DATES TO NOTE |
| March 4 |
| Regular School Board Meeting at 8:30am |
| March 6 |
| No School for Students (Teacher Planning Day) |
| March 9-13 |
| No School (Spring Break) |
| March 18 |
| School Board Work Session (Budget) at 8:30am |
| March 25 |
| Early Dismissal Day (Professional Learning for Teachers) |
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| The French and Indian War—Its Impact Today |
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| February is a meaningful time to reflect on the events that shaped our nation. One conflict that had a lasting influence on American history is the French and Indian War, fought from 1754 to 1763. |
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| This war was part of a larger global struggle between Great Britain and France for land and power. In North America, the fighting centered on control of the Ohio River Valley, with Native American nations playing key roles by forming alliances to protect their lands and interests. Britain ultimately won the war and gained control of vast territories east of the Mississippi River. |
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| While the victory expanded British influence, it came at a high cost. The war left Britain deeply in debt, leading Parliament to tax the American colonies through measures such as the Stamp Act. Colonists, who had fought alongside British forces, viewed these taxes as unfair because they had no representation in government. This resentment helped spark the ideas and protests that eventually led to the American Revolution. |
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| Native American nations faced severe consequences as well. British expansion after the war resulted in broken treaties, loss of land, and increased conflict. These events began patterns of displacement and inequality that continue to affect Native communities today. |
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| The French and Indian War matters because it shows how history shapes the present. It helps students understand the origins of our democracy, the importance of representation, and the lasting effects of decisions made long ago. By studying this conflict, we encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of our shared history—lessons that remain relevant today. |
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| Erick Carter, School 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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| STEAM EXPO WITH KATE THE CHEMIST! |
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| Our 2025-2026 CCPS STEAM Expo was an unforgettable adventure where imagination met innovation! This year, back by popular demand, we welcomed Kate the Chemist for an explosive presentation. Families and students of all ages explored hands-on fun in STEAM Village with robots that danced, art that sparked wonder, math that challenged your brain, and science experiments that left you saying WOW! |
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| Watch video |
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| COLLIER REGIONAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR |
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| CCPS recently held its annual Collier Regional Science and Engineer Fair at North Collier Regional Park. Students came out to present their innovative and well-researched projects to judges with their sights on getting the opportunity to move forward to the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida later this Spring. |
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| Click here to watch video and access list of regional winners |
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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 |
| Mrs. Stephanie Lucarelli, Chair • Mr. Erick Carter, Vice Chair |
| Ms. Kelly Mason, Member • Mr. Tim Moshier, Member • Mr. Jerry Rutherford, Member |
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| Superintendent |
| Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli |
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| Copyright © 2026 Collier County Public Schools |
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