Interested in working as a paraprofessional but don’t have the required college credit hours? Dickinson ISD is offering a Paraprofessional Testing Event to help remove that barrier. By passing the Paraprofessional Competency Exam, candidates may qualify for employment without college credit hours and take the next step toward a career in education.
Testing Dates:
Tuesday, March 24 and Tuesday, April 21
Start Time: 9 a.m.
Location:
Dickinson ISD Education Support Center
2218 FM 517 Rd. E
Dickinson, TX 77539
A study guide is available to help candidates prepare for the exam.
Study Guide:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pZ9XZ6i4NPj4hYxSSyolBSwr7eh3Sx4C/view
Registration:
https://forms.gle/4Kre6MtBN5eBVSJw7
We are deeply grateful to our Board of Trustees for thoughtfully selecting Ruth E. Laird Elementary School as the name of our new campus in Texas City. This meaningful decision continues our Legacy of Excellence by honoring an educator who truly made a difference in our community and in Gator Nation.
Ruth E. Laird—known affectionately as “Mrs. E”—devoted more than three decades to Dickinson ISD, serving students across multiple campuses including Dunbar, Barber, Silbernagel, and Bay Colony Elementary. She was beloved for her innovative teaching, deep care for children, and her belief that learning should be joyful and community-centered. Even after her formal retirement, she continued serving our district as a substitute teacher for nearly a decade, remaining a familiar and trusted presence in classrooms.
Beyond the classroom, Ruth was a founding member of the Dickinson Historical Society and an active supporter of local organizations and her church. Her lifelong service and impact were recognized with an official proclamation from the City of Dickinson celebrating her legacy.
Naming a school in her honor ensures that future generations of students will walk into a place rooted in the values she lived every day—learning, kindness, connection, and pride in community. We thank our Board for making a decision that beautifully reflects who we are and what we stand for in Gator Nation.
Go Gators!
***Classes Resume on Tuesday, January 27***
After consulting closely with the National Weather Service and continuing to monitor conditions, Dickinson ISD will resume classes and district operations on Tuesday, January 27.
We are grateful for your patience and flexibility as we prioritized the safety of our students and staff. As temperatures remain cold, we kindly encourage all families to help students bundle up warmly on Tuesday morning—especially those who will be standing at bus stops.
Our hearts are always with our Gator Nation families, and our hope is that everyone stays safe, warm, and well as we return to our regular school schedule.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Go Gators!
DISD is in communication with the National Weather Service and continues to closely monitor weather conditions. We encourage all families and staff to stay safe and warm. A final decision regarding school for Tuesday will be announced on Monday no later than 2:00 p.m. Thank you for your continued understanding, Gator Nation.
Dickinson ISD is proud to present the annual Rodeo Art Exhibition, featuring Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Award-Winning artwork created by talented student artists across the district.
The exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on Monday, February 9, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Dickinson ISD Administration Building. Families, staff, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate the creativity and artistic achievements of Dickinson ISD students.
The exhibit will remain open to the public during normal business hours from February 3 through February 13. Student artwork on display reflects the rich tradition of rodeo culture while highlighting the skill, creativity, and dedication of Dickinson ISD’s Fine Arts students.
Dickinson High School is offering “Summer School Now” for Spring 2026 as an option for students who need to recover credits from past failures or credits lost due to attendance problems. The program allows students to earn credits during the fall and spring semester through Edgenuity online classes.
The cost is $50 per course, payable online via Skyward or with cash at the time of registration. Courses begin Monday, February 9, 2026, and run through May 15, 2026. Coursework may be completed at home using computers, certain tablets, or iPads (no cell phones), and the library will be available during lunches or off periods. A final (cumulative) exam must be taken at school.
Registration will be held during lunches. Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 will register in the Gator Mall during all lunches Feb. 9 through 11. Grade 9 students will register in the cafeteria during all lunches Feb. 12 and 13. Students should bring the form they received showing courses needed from their counselor. Courses will not be activated until payment is received.
Online credit recovery credits cannot be used to reinstate UIL eligibility, nor are they recognized by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
Dickinson ISD Named Finalist for 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Dickinson Independent School District has been named a finalist for Large School District in the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, one of the most prestigious education recognition programs in Texas.
Dickinson ISD is one of five large school districts statewide selected as a finalist, alongside:
Each year, H-E-B recognizes educators, school boards, early childhood facilities, and school districts that go above and beyond to serve students and their communities. For 2026, 18 finalists statewide were selected across all categories.
As a finalist, Dickinson ISD will receive a $5,000 award and advance to the statewide judging phase, where a panel of judges will conduct on-site visits to engage with district leadership, staff, parents, and community members. Finalists in the Large School District category will compete for the $100,000 top award.
In total, H-E-B will award $90,000 to finalists, with major prizes announced during the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony on Sunday, May 3. The ceremony will also honor outstanding teachers, counselors, and principals from across Texas.
Being named a finalist reflects Dickinson ISD’s ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and student-centered learning, supported by strong community partnerships and dedicated educators.
Dear Gator Families,
We hope this message finds you well. We are excited to share that applications are now open for families to apply for the DISD Advanced STEM Program for the upcoming academic year. All current 4th graders are encouraged to apply. Limited spots are available for 6th - 7th graders. Existing STEM students will also need to reapply; this will be done at school. The application deadline is January 31, 2026.
APPLY HERE
The DISD Advanced STEM Program is designed to provide academic enrichment and acceleration in mathematics and science for students in grades 5-8. Our program offers differentiated, interdisciplinary instruction in language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics, delivered by highly trained teachers and staff who specialize in meeting the unique needs of advanced learners.
Key features of the DISD Advanced STEM Program include:
- Interaction with intellectual peers
- Participation in fine arts, athletics, and student activities
- Focused attention on student strengths
- Development of creative, confident leaders
- Career exploration and real-world experiments are aligned with each subject area
This program fosters a learning community dedicated to nurturing student potential and providing an environment conducive to their growth and development.
To apply for the DISD Advanced STEM Program, interested students and parents must submit the general application electronically by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31st, 2026. The application is available on the DISD STEM webpage. All 4th grade students are encouraged to apply. Limited spots are available for 6-8 grade students. You may access the application site and informational video using the links below.
We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications promptly.
Thank you for your continued support of educational excellence in our district. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact:
Nathan Robinson
STEM Program Specialist
281-229-6624