Dr. Dickey's Newsletter 10-9-2025

Posted Date: 10/09/25 (6:02 PM)

Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

October 14, 2025

What's Happening Around the SWAMP!

Howdy, Gators!

What an exciting week it has been at The Swamp! Our students have been shining in every area—from PVA performances to athletic competitions and the PSAT. We are so proud of their hard work, focus, and determination. I was especially proud of the way our students represented Banks Junior High with such positive behavior and school spirit at Tuesday night’s game. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved, fun-filled fall weekend!

Sincerely,

Dr. Dickey💚🐊

GATOR Spirit Store

Spirit Wear is HERE! Th

Order your Banks gear now before the deadline—Monday, Nov. 3rd!

i https://ellabanks25.itemorder.com/

Eat ‘Em Up, Gators! #GetEmGators

Students now have the opportunity to perform Dhur (midday) prayer.

Some students have already received a green Prayer Pass with their name on it.

This pass allows them to step out during Gator Den to perform Dhur prayer near Mrs. Bass' classroom - room C115.

Students do not need to be a member of the MSA to receive a prayer pass.

If your child would like one, please encourage them to stop by Mrs. Bass' room - C115 to pick it up.

If any student would like to bring and store clothes for salat, they are welcome to do so.

Students are welcome to stop by Mrs. Bass’ room to drop off any items they’d like to store for salat.

Please remind them to place their items in a bag labeled with their name to help keep everything organized and easy to identify.

Contact Mrs. Bass with any questions or concerns at Jonquil.bass@lcisd.org.

Staff of the Month Spotlight

September

Donna Deerfield

Name & Position: Donna Deerfield, 7th Grade Science

Years in Education: 29th year

Favorite thing about Banks: My favorite thing about Banks is the camaraderie and positive atmosphere our school has.

My students would be surprised to know… that I studied sports medicine in college before becoming a science teacher.

Favorite snack or treat: My favorite snack is Pringles. But treat is peanut butter cups.

Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: "Be yourself. Be positive. Be authentic. Be your best every day.

When I’m not at school, you’ll find me… Crafting (cross stitching, crocheting, diamond painting), reading, watching reality tv

My personal motto or “teacher truth”: Sharks Rule, Science is Cool. Sharks always swim forward.

Andrew Murray

Name & Position: Andrew Murray / Engineering & Computer Science Teacher

Years in Education: 14 Years ... I think 😬

Favorite thing about Banks: My favorite thing about Banks is how amazing our team is!

My students would be surprised to know: That I was always the runt as a kid and wasn't good at much of anything.

Favorite snack or treat: Gummy Bears / Worms

Best piece of advice I've ever received: Decide who you want to be, then behave like that every day.

When I'm not at school, you'll find me: Playing with my kids or watching a documentary.

My personal motto or "teacher truth": Always give maximum effort and never make any excuses.

Accessing Library Materials

Front Office News and Happenings

Student ID Badges

At Ella Banks Junior High, our students' and staff's safety and security remain a top priority. One important way we maintain a safe environment is through consistently using student ID badges.

All staff, students, and visitors are required to wear a visible ID badge each day upon entering the building.
ID badges help us quickly identify who belongs on campus and assist emergency personnel during emergencies.
Every student will receive a new ID badge on the first day of school.
Badges must be worn on a lanyard around the neck and kept in good condition. Defaced badges will be taken up, and students will be charged for a replacement.
Families are encouraged to purchase an extra badge as a backup for the year.

➡️ Reminder: Failure to wear an ID badge will be considered a Dress Code violation.

Skyward Family Access

Family Access is a free service for all Lamar CISD parents/guardians. Use it to view your student’s attendance, grades, schedule, progress, and assignments. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android.

For more information and support, visit the Students & Parents section of the LCISD website.

Student Check-Out Procedures

Regular School Days: The latest check-out is 4:00 PM. Parents must arrive in the lobby before 4:00 PM. After 4:00 PM, students will be released at regular dismissal (4:30 PM).
Early Release Days: The latest check-out is 12:30 PM. Parents must be inside the building before this time.

Lunch Policies

Parents may bring lunch for their student only.
Please do not bring large pizzas or food for multiple students.
Deliveries from third-party services (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats) are not allowed and will be turned away.

Attendance, Absences & Tardies

Submitting Attendance Notes

Please email absence and attendance notes directly to Holly Afinowicz at banksattendance@lcisd.org.
Include: Student full name, grade, ID (if known), date(s) of absence/tardy, reason, and a parent/guardian name and phone number.
Medical/dental appointments: Attach or send the doctor’s note so the absence/partial day can be coded appropriately.

Arriving Late / Leaving Early

Students arriving late must check in at the front office with a parent/guardian note or medical note.
Early pick-ups follow the check-out times listed above; please bring a photo ID.

Excused vs. Unexcused

Examples of excused reasons include student illness, medical/dental appointments, court, and religious observances (with appropriate documentation).
Unexcused absences typically include reasons not recognized in district guidelines or without required documentation.
If no note is received, the absence may be recorded as unexcused.

Tardies

Please ensure students arrive on time. Repeated tardies may result in campus consequences in line with the LCISD Student Handbook.
Habitual tardies or absences may trigger additional parent notifications and support plans.

Breakfast Menu-October

Lunch Menu-October

Volunteer Information Reminder

This is a reminder regarding district expectations for volunteers on campus.

All volunteers must Raptor in and wear a badge at all times while on campus. This includes volunteers who are assisting with activities outside the building but still on school grounds.
All volunteers must complete a background check prior to serving. No volunteer should begin supporting your campus until this process is complete.

Please ensure these expectations are communicated clearly to your staff and volunteers. Consistency across campuses is critical to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students.

For additional information and access to the volunteer application/background check process, please click the link below:

https://www.lcisd.org/92606_3

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued commitment to student safety.

Mark YOUR Calendars

EBJH Week-at-a-Glance

Week of October 14th

10/13/2025: NO SCHOOL- Fall Break

10/14/2025:

7th Grade A & B (Gann) @ Tomas

10/15/2025:

TSA Meeting @ 5:00 PM
8th Grade C Team @ Foster
8th Grade A & B Team @ George
Yearbook Editor's Meeting @ 8:00 AM

10/16/2025:

7th & 8th Grade Lady Gator Volleyball

10/17/2025:

Trunk or Treat @ Tomas 6:00 PM

Tomas High School Spirit Dress-Up Days

Our friends at Tomas High School are celebrating with themed spirit dress-up days this week! We encourage our EBJH students and families to join in the fun by showing support and school spirit. Check out the daily themes and plan your outfits—let’s show our Gator pride while cheering on Tomas HS!

Download Parent Square-Stay Connected

Download the ParentSquare app to stay informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with your student's campus and Lamar CISD.

As a registered parent, you can:

Receive messages from the school and district via phone, email, text, or app notification
Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once with a daily digest at 6pm
Communicate in your preferred language
Comment on school postings to engage with your school community
Direct message teachers, staff, and other parents

Student Spotlight: Vote for EBJH’s Own Emeri Arbuckle!

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Upload Enrollment Paperwork

Early Bird Yearbook Orders

Sponsorship Links

Hatchling Sponsor: https://lcisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/9674/315/False/True

Swamp Guardian: https://lcisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/9675/315/False/True

Building Legacy in the Swamp: https://lcisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/9676/315/False/True

Rules Around the SWAMP

LCISD Policy and EBJH Rules

DRESS CODE

Reminder hats are not to be worn indoors unless for religious reasons. We have been seeing a lot of baseball caps. Please leave these for the outdoors.
ID Badges are a part of the dress code, and consequences for repeated printing and not wearing badges will be given.
NO SLIDES of any type are to be worn.
Shorts: at this time, we are asking for mid-thigh; many girls differ in height.