Weather Watch Update – Dickinson ISD
Dickinson ISD is actively monitoring the weather conditions related to Tropical Storm Francine. At this time, based on the current forecast and direction of the storm, all campuses will remain open tomorrow, and normal operations will continue as scheduled.
We will provide updates as necessary, so please stay tuned to our official channels for the latest information. The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority.
#WeatherWatch #DISD #StaySafe
Calling all Dickinson High School alumni!
Join us for the Superintendent’s Alumni Roundtable at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, at the Dickinson ISD Education Support Center, 2218 FM 517 East, Dickinson.
This is a fantastic opportunity to meet our new Superintendent, Dr. Rebecca Brown, and reconnect with fellow alumni. Learn about the exciting developments in our school district and explore volunteer opportunities. Light breakfast treats will be served!
Don’t forget to RSVP to help us prepare for your attendance. Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit https://bit.ly/GatorAlumni.
We can’t wait to see you there!
For more information, call 281-229-6080 or email tdowdy@dickinsonisd.org.
#GatorLegacy #AlumniRoundtable #DickinsonISD #CommunityMatters
Kranz Junior High Principal Kim Kelley has accepted a new role in Dickinson ISD at the district level. Beginning September 10, Kelley will be the district's Director of School Leadership, which is a new role that aligns with Dickinson ISD's commitment to enhancing support across all campuses.
"This position was crafted to bolster our campus administrators by providing extensive support, evaluation, and strategic guidance in all facets of school and campus management. As Director of School Leadership, this role will be instrumental in aiding our campus leaders, ensuring they excel in navigating the complexities of educational administration and advancing an environment marked by excellence and continuous improvement," said Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Brown.
Kelley's journey in Dickinson ISD began in 2014 as the principal at Barber Middle School, where she as pivotal in fostering a collaborative environment that aligned seamlessly with the district's goals. In 2018, she took the helm at Eugene Kranz Junior High School, spearheading initiatives that significantly enhanced student growth and laid a robust academic foundation.
"Kelley's expertise in implementing research-based instructional strategies, driving campus improvement plans, and cultivating leadership among her staff has consistently elevated the district's educational standards. Her efforts have not only been transformative but have also earned her multiple accolades throughout her career, affirming her impact and dedication to educational excellence," said Dr. Brown. "Her dedication to continuous improvement and professional growth led her to be accepted into and attend the prestigious Harvard Leadership Program through the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she further honed her leadership skills."
In a letter to Kranz parents, Kelley said, "Kranz Junior High is in an excellent position moving forward. The Instructional Leadership team and staff is composed of dedicated and talented educators who have played a crucial role in our school’s accomplishments. Their expertise and commitment will undoubtedly ensure the continued success of Kranz. Additionally, the district is conducting a thorough and thoughtful interview process to find the best candidate to lead Kranz Junior High as its new principal. I am confident that the new principal will bring fresh perspectives and continue to build on the successful practices we have established."
Texas law now requires school districts to distribute information, preferably twice a year, to parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms. As we start the 2024-2025 school year, we are reminding parents about the importance of gun safety. The information below as well as the links provided will help you learn about options for, as well as how to talk to your child and others about the safe storage of firearms.
In 2021, 4,613 Texans experienced gun-related deaths. The Texas Department of State Health Services (SHS) reports that 55 percent of Texas firearms deaths in 2020 were suicides and that 59 percent of all suicides in Texas were by firearms. Suicide attempts involving firearms have a 90 percent fatality rate. Restricting access to guns is critical in reducing acts of violence, whether as self-harm or towards others. Acts of mass violence and interpersonal violence often end in suicide.
It is unlawful to store, transport, or abandon an unsecured firearm in a place where children are likely to be and can obtain access to the firearm. Under Texas Penal Code 46.13, a person commits the offense of making a firearm accessible to a child if the child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm, and the person with criminal negligence:
• Failed to secure the firearm; or
• Left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child would gain access
The penalty for allowing a child access to a firearm can range from a Class C misdemeanor (punishable by a $500 fine) to a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by a $4,000 fine, a year in jail, or a combination of the two). Texas exempts the purchase of firearm safety equipment from Texas Sales and Use Tax.
Remember, a gun should be stored unloaded in a safe or locked container, with ammunition stored elsewhere. You can learn more and find additional resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety at https://safegunstoragetexas.com. Safe gun storage is critical to preventing suicide, unintentional shootings, and other tragedies.
Additional information about the safe storage of firearms, is available on the Dickinson ISD website by clicking here: https://rb.gy/yxdk5o.
Important Update: New Clear Bag Policy for the 2024-2025 School Year
The Dickinson ISD Board of Trustees has approved updates to our Clear Bag Policy for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Please take note of the following changes:
?? Clutches and Purses: Starting this year, clutches and purses must be no larger than 5x7 inches. This is an update from last year's limit of 4x6 inches.
?? Purses with Shoulder Straps: All purses with shoulder straps must now be clear to meet the new requirements.
These changes are designed to enhance safety and security at our events. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the new guidelines.
Stay tuned for more details and reminders as we get closer to the start of the school year. Let's make it a great one!
Changes have been made to Dickinson ISD's bus transportation guidelines for 2024-2025 which will impact groups of students at seven different Dickinson ISD campuses. The Board of Trustees approved the changes at its June board meeting.
The campuses affected by the bus transportation include specific routes at Dickinson High School, Dickinson Junior High, Barber Middle School, Lobit Middle School, Lobit Elementary, Bay Colony Elementary and Calder Road Elementary. Detailed maps are available on the Dickinson ISD website by clicking here. They show the exact areas which will now be called "walk zones."
In these areas, bus service will no longer be provided and parents must find alternate transportation for the student, such as car rider, walker, or bike rider. Please note that these transportation changes do not apply to students in special education who receive specialized transportation services.
Dickinson ISD has traditionally provided bus service for all students, regardless of the distance the student lives to the campus.
However, districts only receive state funding for students who live more than two miles from a campus, so the district has always had to make up the difference for those students living closer than two miles to the campus. Providing bus service for all students has become increasingly difficult due to budget concerns and the struggle to find enough bus drivers to cover the district's growing student enrollment. In the past the majority of Dickinson ISD's boundaries did not include sidewalks and crosswalks; however, as Dickinson ISD has continued to grow, these amenities are now available in many of the new subdivision developments making it possible for students to easily walk to school.
Dickinson ISD’s 2023-2024 Secondary Teacher of the Year Zach Rivas has been selected as a finalist for the Region 4 Secondary Teacher of the Year honor. Rivas was celebrated this past May at the district’s annual Blue and White Employee Recognition Awards Night for the district honor. He has four years of education experience, all in Dickinson ISD, and is a ninth-grade biology teacher at Dickinson High School.
The overall Region 4 honoree will be recognized on August 1 at the Region 4 Teacher of the Year Luncheon. The regional honoree will advance to the Texas Teachers of the Year program, which is a statewide effort of the Texas Association of School Administrators and the other 19 education service centers from across Texas.
Congratulations Mr. Rivas. We are Gator Proud!
New for 2024-2025
Board of Trustees approves "limited open enrollment" application process for 2024-2025 Dickinson ISD will be offering a "limited open enrollment" application process for 2024-2025 to allow interested out of district students in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth grade to enroll in Dickinson ISD. The application process begins on Wednesday, July 24. Limited open enrollment is based on student-teacher availability. When completing the application, applicants can select their top three choices of campuses. Students in prekindergarten must meet the state requirements for Pre-k enrollment in order to apply. (Click to view Pre-K requirements). Bus transportation is not provided for non-resident students. Applicants must reapply each year and there will be a review of the student's grades, discipline, and attendance when making the decision each year to renew the open enrollment for the following year. The limited open enrollment program does not apply to high school students. If you have children in high school, they are not eligible for this program. For more information, click here or email us at info@dickinsonisd.org.
Click to Apply for the Dickinson ISD Limited Open Enrollment
Important Details:
Eligibility: The program is open to non-resident students in grades Pre-k through 8. Limited enrollment is based on student-teacher availability. Students in pre-k must meet the state requirements for Pre-k enrollment in order to apply. (Click to view Pre-K requirements)
Transportation: Transportation is not provided for non-resident students.
Application Process: Please complete the Limited Open Enrollment Application Click to apply. Applicants can designate their top three school choices.
Yearly Review: Students must apply every year. Grades, discipline, and attendance will be reviewed each year.
Criteria: Enrollment decisions will be based on previous year attendance, behavior, and academic performance.
High School Enrollment: The limited open enrollment program does not apply to high school students. If you have children in high school, they are not eligible for this program.
For more information, visit our website or email us at info@dickinsonisd.org. Stay tuned for updates and additional details about the limited open enrollment program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after my non-resident student has completed 8th grade in the Limited Open Enrollment Program? Students must apply each year. Attendance, behavior, and academic performance will be reviewed prior to approving all applicants.
What if one of my students is a high school student, but their sibling was accepted. May my high school student attend as well? The Limited Open Enrollment Program does not include grades 9-12.
Does this affect my ability to participate in activities and free and reduced lunch? Non-resident students have the same opportunities as students who are residents.
