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Ricardo ISD

Commitment Today Means Success Tomorrow

RISD Parent & Community Newsletter (4/6/26 - 4/11/26)

Posted Date: 04/06/26 (04:21 PM)


RISD Parent & Community Newsletter

Week of April 6 - April 11, 2026

April 6, 2026
Ricardo ISD celebrates military-connected students with a 'Purple Texas' theme, encouraging support by wearing purple on April 10, 2026.
Ricardo ISD Easter Holiday announcement with dates and a hashtag.

Events Happening This Week at Ricardo ISD:

Monday, April 6
  • School Holiday
Tuesday, April 7
  • Students/Staff Return From Holiday Break
Wednesday, April 8
  • RMS Scholar Academy Day
Thursday, April 9
  • Pre-K Field Trip
Friday, April 10
  • Wear Purple Day
Saturday, April 11
  • RMS Saturday Academy: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Softball District Tournament @ Premont
  • Baseball District Tournament @ Premont
Poster for Ricardo ISD honoring Month of the Military Child with purple and gold accents.
 

No Outside Food or Drinks Policy – Ricardo ISD

Dear Parents and Students,

Ricardo ISD would like to remind all families of our district-wide policy regarding outside food and beverages on campus.

To ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all students, outside food and drinks are not permitted at any Ricardo ISD campus.

Recently, we have seen an increase in students bringing and sharing outside food items. This creates potential safety concerns, especially when we may not be aware of other students’ food allergies or dietary restrictions.

This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Fast food items (burgers, fries, breakfast items, etc.)
  • Snack foods (including chips, candy, and similar items)
  • Specialty drinks (coffee, frappes, sodas, energy drinks, etc.)
  • Any food or beverage purchased outside of school

This policy is in place to help protect all students from possible allergic reactions and other food-related risks. Our food service teams across the district work hard each day to provide nutritious meals for our students.

Students are welcome to bring a lunch from home; however, all items must follow district guidelines and should not be shared with others.

We appreciate your cooperation and continued support in helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all Ricardo ISD students.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s campus.
 

🚌 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY REMINDER 🚌

Seat Belts Keep Our Students Safe!

The safety of our students is our top priority. Please remind your child that wearing a seat belt on the school bus is required at all times.
✅ Stay seated while the bus is moving
✅ Keep your seat belt fastened during the entire ride
✅ Follow the bus driver’s safety instructions
✅ Keep aisles clear for safe movement
Seat belts help protect students and make the ride safer for everyone.
We appreciate your support in reminding your child to buckle up every day!
Together we can keep our students safe, secure, and ready to learn. 🚌✨

 

🚗 Morning Drop-Off Safety Reminder 🚗

For the safety of all students and staff, we want to remind everyone of our morning drop-off procedures.

All student drop-offs must take place through the designated car line, which begins on Wagner St. and continues between the gym and the side of the RES classrooms. Staff members are present in this area each morning from 7:00 AM to 7:40 AM to safely welcome and supervise students as they arrive.

🚫 Students should NOT be dropped off in front of the administration building during this time. This area is reserved for bus drop-offs and staff parking, and there is increased traffic with buses and staff walking into the building, creating a safety concern.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep all students safe during arrival each morning.

Thank you for your continued support!


 
The PDSES Application Window for the 2025-2026 School Year is April 1-30, 2026.
A family stands together, with one person holding a laptop displaying '$1,500'.

PDSES $1,500 Grant for Families

This school year’s PDSES application opens on April 1, 2026, at 8:00am CST and closes on April 30, 2026, at 5:00pm CST.
 
The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program provides a one-time $1,500 online grant to parents/guardians of eligible students. Parents/guardians who apply can receive an online account where they shop for educational goods and services. Please visit the Eligibility Criteria section of the PDSES website to learn more about which students are eligible.
 
Because the PDSES program receives a set amount of funding from the Texas legislature each year, accounts are awarded based on available funding and prioritization. Funding for the 2025–2026 application cycle will not be available until fall 2026. Due to these funding limitations, some families may experience a wait before receiving a PDSES account, and some may not receive an account until additional funding becomes available.
 
For more information about the PDSES program, visit: PDSES.TEA.TEXAS.GOV. Outreach resources can also be found in multiple languages on the PDSES Outreach Materials webpage.
Information about the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) grant program, including application dates and requirements.
Infographic detailing the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program, including eligibility, application, and purchase information.
A guide to the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) 2025-2026 application process for parents.
 

Happening Soon at Ricardo ISD:

Spring 2026 RES Assessment Calendar showing dates for February, March, and April.
Spring 2026 RMS Assessment Calendar showing dates for February, March, and April STAAR testing.

RES & RMS Spring Assessment Calendars

 

PK3 Application Form

Ricardo ISD announces PK3 applications are open for the 2026-2027 school year, featuring a QR code for registration.
 

Military Family Recognition @ 4/15/26 Board Meeting

Ricardo ISD event flyer honoring military families for Month of the Military Child.
A black and white QR code with three distinct square finder patterns.

To register your student to be recognized as being military connected, click the link below or scan the QR code.

Link to Register
 

Yellowjacket Spotlight

A group of smiling paraprofessionals stand together in front of a "Thank you" banner.
A collage of four images celebrating Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, featuring decorations, treats, and a thank you sign.

RISD Celebrated Paraprofessional Day

 
Students collaborate on laptops and papers in an outdoor learning environment.

6th Grade STAAR EGGstravaganza

 
A group of children pose with an Easter Bunny mascot in a classroom decorated with spring imagery.
A person in a large white Easter bunny costume poses with children in various indoor settings.

Easter Bunny Visits Mrs. Adrian's and Mrs. Gonzalez's Classes

 
A school band performs on stage, with students playing various instruments.

RMS Band Earns Sweepstakes at Premont!

 
A teacher instructs students sitting on exercise balls in a gymnasium, with a math problem displayed on a large screen.

Coach Lopez Teaching Math During PE for STAAR Prep

 
Children with baskets search for Easter eggs on a playground.
Children are collecting colorful eggs on a playground with a blue and yellow play structure.
A young boy smiles while holding a bucket filled with colorful Easter eggs.
A young girl in a blue tutu and white shirt holds a pink Easter basket, smiling.

Easter Egg Hunts at RES

 
A group of young women in blue and yellow softball uniforms walk together, carrying sports bags.
Two young baseball players, one in a yellow 'Jackets' uniform, pose together on a baseball field.

RMS Softball & Baseball VS. Premont

 

RMS 8th Grade Class T-Shirt

A black t-shirt displays "CLASS OF 2026" and "Ricardo Middle School" in yellow and blue.
8th Grade Class T-Shirt Order Form for Ricardo Middle School, featuring 'Class of 2026' design.
T-Shirt Order Form Link
 

RISD Field Day Shirts

A blue t-shirt with 'RICARDO FIELD DAY 2026' printed on it.

RISD Field Day Shirt Orders Due By April 15th

Click on the link below to order field day shirts.
Field Day Shirt Order Link
 

2026-2027 Registration Information

Proof of Residency Requirements 2026-2027

A table outlines document requirements for applicants, divided into three columns: A, B, and C.
Proof Of Residency Document LINK
 

2026-2027 Transfer Information

Ricardo ISD is accepting transfer applications for the 2026-2027 school year, featuring excellent academics, outstanding programs, and a small school environment.
26-27 Transfer Application Link
 

8th Grade Completion Ceremony Info

Announcement for RMS 8th Grade Completion Ceremony on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the RMS Cafeteria.
Announcement for RMS 8th Grade Completion Ceremony on May 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the RMS Cafeteria.
 

Pre-Kindergarten Graduation

Invitation to Ricardo Elementary Pre-Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026.
 

Yellowjacket Sports

Lady Jackets Softball 2026 Game Schedule featuring dates, opponents, and times.
Ricardo Middle School 2026 Baseball Schedule with game dates and opponents.
 

Voluntary Student Accident & Athletic Insurance

This link provides information about an optional student accident insurance program that families may purchase to help cover medical expenses if a student is injured during school activities, athletics, or special events. This coverage is voluntary and not required.
Student Insurance Link
 

Counseling Corner

Illustration defining courage as choosing to be helpful, right, and kind, even when it's hard or scary.
 

Communities in Schools Corner

Poster for a clothing drive with the text 'Make a Difference Today Clothing Drive' and images of various clothing items.
A diverse group of smiling children and an adult gather in a library for the CIS Breakfast Club, advertised with bees and the text 'CIS Breakfast Club MEETS EVERY FRIDAY! From 7am to 7:30am LOCATED IN THE LIBRARY'.
 

Save the Children Corner

Ricardo ISD is partnering with Save the Children to offer Grade Level Proficiency Programs (GLP). Our programs are designed for children who need additional literacy and math support in kindergarten to fifth grade. These supplemental programs aim to meet the needs of children ensuring they receive the support necessary to succeed academically. 
 

Bell Schedules

A school bell schedule with times for drop-off, start, and pickup.
A school bell schedule poster with a music theme.
 

Cafeteria Corner

Ricardo ISD School Cafeteria Menu for April 2026, featuring daily meal options.
 

Local Community Corner

Registration form for Riviera Kaufer Early College High School Kiddie Camp for ages 3 and up.
Kiddie Camp Cheer Form
 
Girls flag football for ages 13-15, with 4 spots available.
Coed flag football for boys and girls ages 5 & 6, with 8 spots available.
 

Academic Calendar 2025-2026

2025-2026 Academic Calendar for Ricardo Independent School District.
 

District Information

Superintendent of Schools - Dr. Gina D. Garza
Director of Finance - Jenette Black
Director of Academics & Student Services - Ann Marie Garza
Director of Operations - Joey Vasquez
RES Principal - Connie Herrera
RMS Principal - Jesse Gonzalez
District Assistant Principal - Debra Carpentier
Technology Coordinator - Lucas Villarreal

Vision: Empowering minds and developing individuals for life-long success in a diverse community.
Mission: Enhance individual growth through high expectations in a safe, nurturing, and challenging environment

The RICARDO Way

  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Courage
  • Attitude
  • Responsibility
  • Determination
  • Only my best

I will show the RICARDO way each and every day.

Need to Report Bullying? Click here: BRIM Anonymous Bullying Reporting System

Phone: 361-592-6465