RISD Parent & Community Newsletter (4/19/26 - 4/25/26)

Posted Date: 04/19/26 (12:44 PM)

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RISD Parent & Community Newsletter

Week of April 19 - April 25, 2026

April 19, 2026

Ricardo ISD announces STAAR testing dates: Social Studies on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 for 8th grade, and Science on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 for 5th & 8th grade.

Events Happening This Week at Ricardo ISD:

Monday, April 20

8th Grade Social Studies STAAR Review Night

Tuesday, April 21

STAAR Social Studies Test: 8th Grade

Wednesday, April 22

STAAR Science Test: 5th & 8th Grade

Thursday, April 23

Regular School Day: No Events
Softball & Baseball Games: Cancelled

Friday, April 24

Regular School Day: No Events

Aerial view showing traffic flow with yellow arrows, indicating 'RMS PICK UP' and 'RES PICK UP' zones.

New Campus Entrance & Traffic Flow Changes Beginning April 20th

We are pleased to share that construction of our new RES campus entrance has been completed. As a result, updated campus entry procedures will take effect on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Key Updates

New Main Entrance:

All end-of-day elementary student pick-up and all during-the-day campus business will take place at the new main entrance located at the Ricardo Elementary School entrance.

Road Closures:

School Road will be closed during the following times:
Morning drop-off: 7:00–7:45 AM
Afternoon pick-up: 2:40–4:00 PM

Traffic Flow:

One-way traffic will continue along Wagner Street, looping around the pavilion to access the designated drop-off and pick-up areas.

Morning Drop-Off:

There are no changes to morning drop-off procedures.

Elementary Afternoon Pick-Up:

Afternoon pick-up will move to the front of the new entrance. Please follow the posted signage and cones (1–4) for guidance.

For additional details, please review the updated pick-up map to help you navigate the new traffic pattern. These changes are intended to improve safety, efficiency, and overall traffic flow on campus. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this transition. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 361-592-6465.

Aerial view of Ricardo Elementary School entrance, parking lot, and surrounding roads.

Important Update: New Visitor Parking & Entrance at Ricardo Elementary Beginning April 20th

We are excited to share that with the opening of our new elementary entrance, there are updates to visitor parking and the main entrance starting April 20th.

🚗 Visitor Parking:

All visitors should park in the designated visitor parking area (Green) located in the parking lot.

🚪 New Entrance:

Please enter through the new main entrance, where all visitors will check in at the front office. Upon arrival, please ring the doorbell to be greeted and allowed entry.

🔒 Safety Reminder:

For the safety of our students and staff, all visitors must sign in and receive a visitor badge upon arrival.

We appreciate your cooperation as we transition to these new procedures and work to keep our campus safe and welcoming for everyone!

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.

KinderBoost Registration

Enrollment letter for Ricardo ISD KinderBoost program, detailing a two-week schedule for kindergarten preparation.

Advertisement for KinderBoost, a two-week kindergarten readiness program running June 1st-12th, weekdays 8:30am-12:30pm.

Yellowjacket Spotlight

A group of students and adults stand together in a room with blue curtains, some holding awards.

Student Recognition Night - Spring Activities

A group of people, some wearing blue and yellow jackets, are at a track and field event, with a banner for Ricardo Yellow Jackets Special Olympics.

Two young girls smile, wearing medals and blue shirts, at an outdoor event.

Special Olympics Track Meet @ TM

Students engage in various activities, including a large Connect Four game and cup stacking.

RMS Saturday STAAR Review Academy - 8th Grade Science & Social Studies

A young softball player in a blue and gold uniform grips her bat, ready to play.

Baseball & Softball vs. Riviera

A group of students in matching t-shirts pose for a photo in front of an airplane.

7th Grade Yellowjackets @ Blue Angels Air Show

A group of U.S. Navy personnel interact with students in a school gymnasium, holding a "Welcome to Ricardo ISD" sign.

RES Blue Angel Presentation

A diverse group of students sit at long tables in a school cafeteria, many holding food.

RES 3rd Nine Weeks Perfect Attendance

Our students enjoyed a sweet reward for their hard work and dedication!

Those with perfect attendance for the 3rd nine weeks were treated to delicious donuts as a way to celebrate their commitment to being at school every day. We are so proud of their consistency, responsibility, and determination to succeed. Keep up the great work!

Students measure distances with tape measures and record data on clipboards outdoors.

RES Science Investigations

Students hold signs saying 'Let's Rock the STAAR' and 'Time 2 Lock In' to encourage test-takers.

A collage of nine photos showing various school staff members holding blue gift bags.

Week One of STAAR Testing at RISD

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

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 I.S.D. PK-K Signing Day on May 6th, 2026, featuring a bee mascot holding a certificate.

PreK and Kindergarten Signing Day

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

RMS Spring Sports Picture Order Info

A flyer detailing photography package options, a la carte prints, and online ordering instructions.

Instructions to order sports pictures for Ricardo Middle School, featuring a QR code and order code FM503905.

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.

Poster for a CIS Shoe Drive, featuring black and yellow sneakers hanging by their laces.

Save the Children Corner

Contact information for Ashley Saenz, Program Coordinator, including email and phone.

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.