Lindsay Suarez, presenting for the district’s teaching and learning department, told the Dickinson ISD Board of Trustees that the district is offering a range of summer professional development, student summer programs and leadership preparation to ready staff and students for the 2025–26 school year.

Suarez said that “all professional teachers will complete four days of professional learning this summer” and described more than 195 in‑district sessions to choose from. She said K–8 teachers will receive Bluebonnet math training: "All K through 8 math teachers are gonna attend two days of Bluebonnet math training so that they are well equipped to start the year in that math curriculum." The district also plans a new offering called Gator University to create a consistent instructional approach across campuses.

On student programs, Suarez described bilingual summer school for pre‑K and kindergarten students with limited English proficiency at Silbernagle in June, extended school year services for students with disabilities also at Silbernagle, and a set of Dickinson High School offerings that include initial credit and credit recovery through Edgenuity (online) with in‑person tutoring available, an ESL academy and retesting and boot‑camp support for end‑of‑course exams.

Suarez said a targeted program for incoming ninth graders will enroll about 100 students to prepare them for the transition to high school. "We know that ninth grade is a pivotal year for kids that determine their trajectory of success in high school and beyond," she said.

Suarez also summarized a four‑day leadership retreat for principals and assistant principals titled Expedition Excellence (theme: hiking and climbing to success). She said the retreat focused on three priorities: creating a sense of belonging, establishing consistency across departments and campuses, and building a coherent instructional program. Leaders developed back‑to‑school plans, monthly action steps, organizational charts and data‑talk calendars during the retreat.

Discussion versus decision: Suarez’s presentation was an informational report; no board vote was required or recorded on the curriculum training, Gator University, summer programs or retreat summary.

Sources: presentation remarks by Lindsay Suarez during the Dickinson ISD board meeting.