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| January 2026 |
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We recently had the privilege of shining a spotlight on a few extraordinary individuals who were named our 2025-2026 Employees of the Year! Together, these honorees reflect the heart of CCPS. Their impact is felt in classrooms, hallways, and school communities across Collier County. We are proud to recognize the following CCPS employees:
- Dyan Konicek (Immokalee Middle) - CCPS Nominee for Florida Teacher of the Year and Middle School Teacher of the Year
- Brittany Crouss (Lely Elementary) - Elementary School Teacher of the Year
- Ashley Dunlap (Gulf Coast High) - High School Teacher of the Year
- Amy McMullin (Immokalee Technical College) - Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year
- Austin Lara (Manatee Elementary) - School-Related Employee of the Year
The 2025-2026 STEAM Expo is just a few days away! Join us this Saturday, January 31 at 8:30am for an exciting and interactive morning. Kate the Chemist will be on stage to open our event with an explosive science presentation, followed by hours of hands-on activities in STEAM Village that will spark everyone's curiosity. There is still time to register at www.collierschools.com/STEAMexpo.
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| This month, the U.S. Department of Education launched the Presidential 1776 Award, a nationwide competition designed to recognize and celebrate high school students' exceptional knowledge of American civics. This award program offers students an opportunity to engage with our nation's history as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's founding. Click here to learn more about the Presidential 1776 Award. |
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| The 2026-2027 Parental Choice Application Window is currently open and will be available through February 22, 2026. Parental Choice allows parents, under specified conditions, to request another school of enrollment outside of their geographic zones. Approvals are subject to capacity and class-size restrictions. To learn more about Parental Choice, or to complete an application, visit www.collierschools.com/parentalchoice. |
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| Public education is powering Florida’s future. Whether you are a parent, staff, or community partner, thank you for choosing CCPS! |
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| ~ Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli |
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| Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed the break and has come back reenergized. The School Board kicked off the year with a very successful workshop on the 14th which featured a comprehensive health insurance overview provided by district staff. The agenda included a presentation from the Florida Educator Health Trust, and an in-depth analysis of the recent compensation and classification study conducted by Evergreen Solutions, LLC. This workshop was incredibly informative and will assist the Board in continuing to make the best and most fiscally responsible decisions for our most valuable assets - our staff. On that note, I want to congratulate the entire school district and the students on achieving the highest graduation rate ever in Collier County! |
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| In addition to the budget workshops in March and May, and the policy workshop in April, the Board intends to have information items or workshops featuring a few other topics including technology in the classroom and updates on workforce education and our technical colleges. Also, be on the lookout for a town hall meeting on AI and social media. If there is an informational item you would like the Board to address, please let me know at lucars@collierschools.com. |
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| Let’s continue to work together to make 2026 the best year yet for children of Collier County. |
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| Warmest regards, |
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| Stephanie Lucarelli, School Board 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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| Barron Collier High Dedicates Gymnasium |
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| Barron Collier High School proudly honored its very first principal, Mr. Paul “Butch” Manley, by dedicating the school gymnasium in his name. Mr. Manley opened Barron Collier in 1978 and led with integrity, vision, and heart for nearly two decades. Even after retiring in 1997, Mr. Manley remained a dedicated Cougar—supporting booster clubs, alumni efforts, scholarships, and mentoring young educators. His legacy continues to inspire generations of students and staff. |
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| Watch video |
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| 2026 pats to PATS Celebration |
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| Seniors from Aubrey Rogers and kindergarten students from Veterans Memorial gathered on the Patriots’ football field for a meaningful event that bridges the gap between their shared school community. The ceremony, dubbed “Pats to PATS,” represents the transfer of spirit, pride, and connection between the two schools that share not just a road, but a mascot as well. |
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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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