Dozens of excited teachers were surprised this past week as the Dickinson ISD Education Foundation crisscrossed the district on its annual Sur-Prize Patrol, awarding 40 grants totaling $160,400. The grants provide DISD teachers with much-needed funding to bring their creative and innovative classroom projects to life, offering unique educational experiences for students across all grade levels.

The awarded grants cover a range of dynamic projects, each designed to enhance learning and foster creativity. From STEM labs and literacy programs to fine arts initiatives and wellness activities, these projects will support students in exploring new concepts and engaging deeply with their studies.

The funding for these grants is made possible by the generous support of the community and the dedication of Dickinson ISD employees. The Cornerstone Club, an initiative where DISD employees donate through payroll deductions, is a critical contributor to the grant fund. Additionally, major community sponsors including PBK Architects, Valero Energy, McRee Ford, Hometown Bank, Merrill Lynch, and Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott LLP have stepped up to invest in the future of education for Dickinson students. The combined efforts of employee donations and community sponsorships allow the Education Foundation to expand opportunities for students and empower teachers to make a meaningful impact.

"These grants demonstrate the incredible power of our community coming together to support innovative teaching," said Tamara Sherrod, Director of the Dickinson ISD Education Foundation. "Each grant, no matter the size, has the potential to transform a classroom and change the lives of our students. It’s truly inspiring to see the joy and excitement on our teachers' faces as they realize their ideas are being brought to life."

The Sur-Prize Patrol event is a highlight of the year for Dickinson ISD, as board members, district staff, and community partners join forces to deliver the grant news in person, celebrating with teachers and students at each campus. This year’s event underscored the Education Foundation’s mission to support excellence in education, fostering an environment where educators and students alike can thrive.

The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation extends its deepest thanks to all Cornerstone Club members and community sponsors. Their contributions make a direct impact on students’ learning experiences and help build a stronger future for the district.

The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation is proud to announce a $20,000 investment across all 16 Dickinson ISD campuses to bolster student attendance efforts for the fall semester. This funding is part of the Foundation’s commitment to supporting district initiatives aimed at ensuring students attend school consistently, which is essential for academic success, social development, and long-term growth.

Each campus will receive funding to implement innovative and engaging programs that encourage students to be present every day. This initiative aligns with the district’s commitment to fostering a positive learning environment where students are motivated to attend, excel, and thrive.

"The Foundation recognizes the vital role that daily attendance plays in each student’s educational journey," said Tamara Sherrod, Director of the Dickinson ISD Education Foundation. "We are proud to support our principals and staff as they create welcoming, inspiring school communities that students want to be part of every day."

The Foundation will continue to support attendance initiatives throughout the school year, providing additional funds each grading period. This ongoing investment underscores the Foundation’s dedication to helping Dickinson ISD create a brighter future for all students.

About Dickinson ISD Education Foundation:
The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for students and supporting the district’s commitment to excellence. Through community partnerships, fundraising events, and grant programs, the Foundation invests in initiatives that directly benefit Dickinson ISD students, teachers, and staff.

Dickinson, TX – October 18, 2024 – The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its new Micro Grant Program, designed to provide just-in-time funding for classroom projects and initiatives led by DISD teachers and staff. This program aims to enhance the educational experience by supporting small, impactful ideas that fall outside traditional budget constraints.

The Micro Grant Program is an important addition to the foundation’s efforts to empower educators with the resources they need to create engaging and effective learning environments. Unlike larger grants that are typically awarded on an annual basis, the Micro Grant Program offers a quick and easy application process, with rolling submissions accepted throughout the school year.

“We heard from our teachers and staff that more access to funding was needed to bring their creative ideas to life,” said Tamara Sherrod, Director of the Dickinson ISD Education Foundation. “Our goal is to provide timely support that helps educators better meet their classroom needs, not just for innovation, but for everyday projects that can make a big difference.”

Key features of the Micro Grant Program include:

• Up to $500 in funding for classroom projects, supplies, and student engagement initiatives.
• Rolling application process—teachers and staff can apply any time throughout the year.
• Open to all Dickinson ISD teachers and staff, making it easier than ever to access needed resources.
• Simple application, designed for quick approval and immediate impact.
  
  

The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation encourages all district educators to learn more about the Micro Grant Program and how it can help them bring their projects to life. For more information, including program guidelines and the online application, please visit the Micro Grant Program Page on the foundation’s website.

About the Dickinson ISD Education Foundation
The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation is dedicated to supporting excellence in education by providing resources that enhance learning opportunities for all students. Through partnerships, grants, and programs, the foundation aims to empower teachers, engage students, and enrich the Dickinson ISD community.

Dickinson, TX – October 16, 2024 – The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation is proud to announce the success of its second Dine Out to Donate event, which took place across the greater Dickinson area on Tuesday, October 15th. Local restaurants joined forces with the community for a night of delicious dining, with a portion of sales donated directly to support Dickinson ISD students, teachers, and educational programs.

With 21 participating restaurants—including popular spots like Gator's Bar & Grill, Pier 6, Marais, and Gio's Flying Pizza & Pasta—the event encouraged families and community members to skip cooking at home and dine out for a great cause. The funds raised from the event will go toward grants for innovative classroom projects, scholarships for graduating seniors, and resources that benefit both students and staff across the district.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of our local restaurants and the Dickinson ISD community,” said Tamara Sherrod, Director of the Dickinson ISD Education Foundation. “The success of Dine Out to Donate shows just how powerful it can be when local businesses and the community come together to support our schools. Every meal enjoyed on this special night will make a lasting impact.”

The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation thanks all who participated in this community-wide event and looks forward to continuing to work with local partners in creating opportunities that benefit the district’s students and educators. For more information on how to get involved with the foundation’s future events, visit https://bit.ly/disdedfoundation.

The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation is pleased to announce a new community partnership with JJ’s Car Wash, now open at 404 FM 517 in Dickinson, beginning in January 2023.

As part of this new partnership, JJ’s Car Wash will initiate a new perpetual giveback platform to support the DISD Education Foundation. Specifically, the first and third Tuesday of each month will be designated as DISD Education Foundation Give-Back days. JJ’s Car Wash will donate $1.00 for every car wash on these days to the Education Foundation.

“We are excited to finally be open in Dickinson, Texas and very much look forward to continuing one of our stated missions to support local education institutions and local youth education programs in Dickinson as best we can. Sponsoring a recurring give-back platform with the DISD Education Foundation just makes sense for us. We are a truly locally-owned business, and we strongly believe in supporting the local youth in the communities where we have locations,” stated JJ’s Car Wash ownership.

“We are thrilled to welcome JJ's Car Wash to this community and are incredibly grateful for their desire to pour back into Dickinson ISD. Partnerships like this help the Education Foundation build strong community relationships that foster support and create opportunities for our students, teachers, and staff,” DISD Education Foundation Director, Tamara Sherrod said.

The Dickinson ISD Education Foundation received a charitable grant of $50,000 from the Valero Benefit for Children this year, thanks to the Valero Texas Open golf tournament and associated events.

“Valero continues to make a difference in our community, and we are humbled to be selected for a grant this year. We are grateful for their support because it will allow us to help our most at-risk Dickinson ISD students bridge achievement and developmental gaps heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tamara Sherrod, director, Dickinson ISD Education Foundation.

The awarded funds will be used to provide additional Chromebook devices to Dickinson ISD students currently enrolled in accelerated remediation programs. Dickinson ISD students who do not pass the state mandated STAAR reading and/or math tests are put on an Accelerated Instruction Plan (AIP) and must complete instructional activities. This includes targeted TEKS-aligned supplemental accelerated instruction delivered in a 1-on-1 or small group setting either through after school tutoring or as part of additional class instruction.  Further impeding the development of this student population are the lingering effects of the “COVID slide” that district teachers and administrators must also address. The goal of these programs is to build robust COVID recovery and acceleration plans and prepare students for future success as the STAAR test moves to an all-digital format in Spring 2023.

Due to the incredible generosity of Valero’s business partners, donors, and sponsors, more than $22 million in net proceeds from the Valero Texas Open will be distributed to agencies across the United States, supporting the work of hundreds of charity partners like the Dickinson ISD Education Foundation.

Funded in 2007, the Dickinson ISD Education Foundation provides funds for education programs and activities that either have not been funded or have been underfunded by the normal operating budget. Its primary initiatives center around awarding Innovative Teaching Grants and student scholarships, and awarded funds are used to facilitate student achievement and skill development, to recognize and encourage staff excellence, and to expand community involvement among individuals, businesses, and civic organizations.