GATOR FAMILY UPDATE: KEEPING OUR SWAMP CLEAN & KIND
Starting Monday, November 3, we will begin strictly enforcing consequences for dress code violations. Please take a moment to review the full policy at the bottom of this newsletter with your child. Students are reminded that ID badges must be visible and worn correctly at all times—placing them in a pocket does not meet the expectation. Beginning in the 3rd nine weeks, any student who receives more than three dress code violations (including missing or concealed ID badges) will receive In-School Suspension (ISS) on the fourth offense and further consequences as needed.
Additionally, we have noticed an increase in inappropriate restroom behavior. The boys’ restrooms have been left in unacceptable condition, and some students have been using the girls’ restrooms to access their phones and create TikToks. Please remind your child that cell phone use during the school day is prohibited and that vandalizing or damaging our facilities is a serious offense under both campus and district policy.
Ella Banks Junior High is a brand-new campus, and we take great pride in keeping our building clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. We ask for your support at home in reinforcing these expectations so that every Gator takes responsibility for our shared space and culture of respect. Together, we can ensure the Swamp stays a place we’re proud to call home. 💚🐊
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Gator Cross Country Shines in Competition
The Ella Banks Junior High Cross Country team had an outstanding showing this week.
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8th Grade Boys finished in 2nd Place with top-10 performances by William Bowser, Marwane Latchgar, and Brennan Lakowski.
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8th Grade Girls earned 1st Place, led by seven top-10 finishers: Zariah Island (1st), Julianna Phillips (2nd), Olivia Phillips (3rd), Addison Gaskins, Emilyn Ferrer, Louis Olaimolu, and Esther Owomoyela.
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7th Grade Boys took 1st Place with strong top-10 finishes from Tommy Lovato (1st), Adam Gatmen (2nd), Ryan Rodgers, Kobi Osuagwu, Lucas Gallego, Benjamine Moore, Ohm Patel, and Zaviyar Siddiqui.
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7th Grade Girls placed 2nd with top-10 finishes from Gabrielle Birts (1st), Karissa Ashong (2nd), Olivia Fernandez, and Kennedy Jones.
Congratulations to all our student-athletes and coaches for representing the Swamp with excellence and pride!
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As we approach exemption season, please ensure that all student fees are taken care of in order to remain eligible. This includes library books, ID badge fees, and any outstanding club or organization dues.
Students must have all balances cleared to qualify for semester exemptions. Please take a few minutes to log in and verify that all items have been returned or paid. Thank you for your attention and for helping us keep everything in good standing!
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Spirit Wear is HERE!
Order your Banks gear now before the deadline—Monday, Nov. 3rd!
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Staff of the Month Spotlight
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Name & Position:
Years in Education:
Favorite thing about Banks:
My students would be surprised to know…
Favorite snack or treat:
Best piece of advice I’ve ever received:
When I’m not at school, you’ll find me…
My personal motto or “teacher truth”:
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Name & Position:
Years in Education:
Favorite thing about Banks:
My students would be surprised to know:
Favorite snack or treat:
Best piece of advice I've ever received:
When I'm not at school, you'll find me:
My personal motto or "teacher truth":
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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
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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).
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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.
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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).
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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.
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11/3/2025:
- 2nd 6 Weeks Grading Close Date
- HB1416 Begins
- 5:30 7B Football Championship Game @ Traylor
- 7:00 PM 7A Football Championship Game @ Traylor
- GREEN OUT
11/4/2025:
- SPED ISD Day
- FFA Meeting @ 6:30 @ Tomas
11/5/2025:
- Yearbook Editor's Meeting @ 8:00 AM
- Student Council Meeting @ 8:00 AM
- TSA Meeting @ 5:00 PM
- 8th Grade Endorsement Day
11/6/2025:
- 8th ELAR Benchmark
- 2nd 6 Weeks Report Cards Posted
11/7/2025:
- 7th Grade ELAR Benchmark
- Swamp Soiree 6:00-8:00 PM
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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! |
- 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.
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Students who need to purchase a replacement lanyard for their ID badge can do so online. Parents may also purchase on behalf of their student.
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What's Happening Around the SWAMP?
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Here are the links for admission and food/activity tickets. |
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