📢 The PDSES Application is NOW OPEN!
The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program provides a one-time $1,500 online grant for eligible students receiving special education services in Texas public schools.
Families can use these funds to purchase:
✔️ Educational materials (textbooks, curriculum, technology)
✔️ Services like tutoring or therapy
🗓 Application Window: April 1 – April 30, 2026
⏰ Don’t wait — applications close April 30!
👉 Apply and learn more here: https://pdses.tea.texas.gov
If you have questions or need support with the application, please reach out. We’re happy to help! 979-543-9051

🗽 Start spreading the news! 🍎
The Derby Dolls are bringing the magic of the Big Apple to the stage! Join us for an unforgettable evening as we present our spring show: "New York, New York."
From the bright lights of Broadway to the bustling city streets, come support our talented dancers for a night of incredible performances!
📅 When: April 9, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 p.m.
📍 Where: El Campo High School Auditorium
🎟️ Tickets: $8 Adults | $5 Students - Available via Venmo or Cash at the door!
We can’t wait to see you there!

All participants who volunteer to allow a future phlebotomist to “stick” their arm will be entered into a drawing for gift cards ranging from $50 to $250. One entry per stick! You can participate more than once.
Location: Building H at the high school, at the corner of Ave F & Ash Street.
Volunteer days and times are
April 7: 4:00-6:30
April 11: 9:00 - 11:30 and 1:00 - 3:30
April 14: 4:00 - 6:30
April 20: 4:00 - 6:30
April 22: 4:00 - 6:30
April 23: 4:00 - 6:30
April 25: 9:30 - Noon
April 27: 4:00 - 6:30
April 28: 4:00 - 6:30
For more information, email Ms. Kacer at kkacer@ricebirds.net or 979-533-2686


Happy Assistant Principals Week!
Our APs wear more hats than a whole hat store and somehow make every single one look good!
From supporting students and staff, to solving problems on the fly, to keeping our campus running smoothly, they do it all with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of grace.
We are beyond grateful for everything you do each and every day.
Hats off to Mrs. Jung and Mrs. Marek!
❤️ Hutchins

Thank you to Janel Marcial at Myatt, Leslie Kolojaco at Hutchins, Cynthia Maffett at Northside, Lupe Callies at the middle school, and Shelby Gadake at the high school. You are all vital to our mission of empowering Ricebirds!

Myatt Elementary:
Jensen’s class winner- Cayne
Maldonado's afternoon class winner- Francisco
White’s class winner- Ariah
Hutchins:
Shumbera’s class winner- Jonathan
Weathers’ class winner- Caiden
Northside:
Wright’s class winner- Karter






Calendar reminder: No School Friday, April 3rd, due to Good Friday!
Enjoy the long weekend and see you back in class on Monday, April 6th.





The March School Board Meeting was packed with celebrations and important decisions for our district, including:
📣 Special recognition of our ECHS Cheerleaders
⭐ Honoring our latest Remarkable Ricebirds
🏗️ Approval of new accessible playground equipment
📱 Approval of ParentSquare, our 26-27 district communication tool
👍 Extension of administrative contracts for our district leadership
Catch up on the full session and see the timestamps in the video description to jump to the topics that matter most to you.
📺 Watch here: March 2026 School Board Meeting




Reminder: No school on Friday, March 27th, due to Fair Day!

El Campo ISD's Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 6:00 pm at the Administration Building, 700 W. Norris, El Campo, TX.
Board Agenda for the Regular Meeting: March Agenda
All Board meetings are open to the public and are posted on the District website. These meetings are your opportunity to witness the business of the school district, and you are always welcome to attend.
ECHS STEP II Plant Sale! Thursday, March 26, 9-noon. Entrance at the intersection of Ave F and Ash Street.
Prices
4" - $3 each or 2 for $5
Quart pots - $5 each or 2 for $8
Assorted Herbs, Veggies, Tomatoes -Roma, Beef steak, Cherry, and Spoon, Jalapenos- mild, Squash, Zucchini, Tomatillos.
Plants: Petunias, Mini roses, loquat trees, Mexican heather, aloe, hibiscus, lantana, and begonias.

Red shirts and bright smiles! Our Ricebirds had an absolute blast at Field Day! From parachute games to foot races, our students were beaming with joy all morning! ❤️ We're so thankful for the beautiful weather and that Rice, Wharton, East Bernard, and Boling joined us for all the fun!
Check out the video recap of the day.

🧦 Rock Your Socks – Friday, March 20! 🧦
We’re celebrating World Down Syndrome Day a little early this year!
Join us on Friday, March 20, by wearing your craziest, most colorful mismatched socks to show support and raise awareness.
💙 2026 Theme: Together Against Loneliness 💛
Everyone deserves connection, friendship, and a place to belong. Let’s be intentional about including others and making sure no one feels left out.
It’s more than just fun socks; it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive community.
#RockYourSocks #WDSD2026 #TogetherAgainstLoneliness #InclusionMatters #ChooseKindness

Let’s give a shoutout to our outstanding diagnosticians: Ginger Kacal, Taryn Staff, Laura Motal, Stacy Amestoy, and Stephanie Cortez. Your impact is truly remarkable!

Spring Break is just around the corner, Ricebirds! ☀️🌴 Mark your calendars: ECISD will be closed from March 9th through the 13th. We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and sun-filled break!
Don't forget:
March 6: Early Release Day
March 16: Staff Development (no school for students)
March 27: Fair Day

Mark your calendars, Ricebirds! Spring STAAR testing begins in April. Check the schedule below for your campus and grade level dates!
📍 Hutchins (3rd Grade): ELA April 14 | Math April 28
📍 Northside (4th Grade): ELA April 14 | Math April 28
📍 Northside (5th Grade): ELA April 14 | Science April 21 | Math April 28
📍 ECMS (6th-7th Grade): ELA April 14 | Math April 29
📍 ECMS (8th Grade): ELA April 14 | Science April 21 | S.S. April 22 | Math/Alg 1 April 29
📍 ECHS: English I April 7 | English II April 9 | Biology April 21 | US History April 22 | Algebra I April 29

🗓️ It’s Official: The 2026-2027 Academic Calendar is Here! 🗓️
The El Campo ISD Board of Trustees has officially approved the calendar for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year! We know how important it is for our Ricebird families to plan ahead, so we are excited to share these key dates with you.
Key Highlights:
First Day of School: August 12
Fall Break: October 12-13
Thanksgiving Break: November 23-27
Winter Break: December 18 - January 1
Spring Break: March 15-19
Last Day of School: May 26
Class of 2027 Graduation: May 27
📍 View & Download the full calendar here: Link to 2026-27 Academic Calendar

Chase’s Chapters Brings the Gift of Reading
Today, Hutchins had the privilege of welcoming Chase’s Chapters to the campus, and what a special day it was. Their team traveled all the way from North Houston to put brand-new books directly into the hands of every one of our students. That’s not just generous, that’s impactful.
There’s something powerful about a child choosing a book that’s theirs to keep. It builds pride, ownership, and a lifelong love of reading. Watching the students light up as they picked out their books was a reminder that small moments can create big sparks.
Hutchins is incredibly thankful for Chase’s Chapter and their commitment to spreading the joy of reading. Our students left with more than just books in their hands. They left with stories, imagination, and opportunity.



