Dr. Dickey's Newsletter 11-10-2025

Posted Date: 11/07/25 (1:51 PM)

Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

November 10, 2025

What's Happening Around the SWAMP!

There’s so much to be thankful for at Banks JH! From our fall sports wrapping up strong to classrooms buzzing with hands-on learning and Gator spirit everywhere you look — The Swamp is alive with energy, growth, and gratitude. As we head into November, we’re celebrating the people and moments that make our inaugural year unforgettable.

Banks JH Thankful Luncheon – Donations Needed!

Date: Thursday, November 20

Location: Banks JH Front Office

Let’s show our amazing Gator teachers and staff how thankful we are for all they do! Our EBJH Thankful Luncheon is coming up, and we’re asking our Gator community to help make it special.

💚 Two Easy Ways to Help

1️⃣ Donate a Pie or Fall Dessert

Drop off a pie or fall-themed dessert — think pumpkin rolls, cookies, pecan, chocolate, or apple pies — between November 17–19 at the Banks JH front office.

These desserts will go home with staff members to enjoy with their families over the break.

2️⃣ Support the Luncheon Entrée

We’ll be serving delicious turkey and ham from Spring Creek Barbecue, and you can help cover the cost with a simple online donation:

👉 Click here to donate via School Cash Online

Student SPOTLIGHT

Good luck to the 55 students trying out this weekend for the LCISD District Band!

Fee Reminders for Exemption Eligibility

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!

Staff of the Month Spotlight

October

Ana Martinez

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”:

Maria Morales

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":

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-November

Lunch Menu-November

Add Money to Lunch Account HERE

Mark YOUR Calendars

EBJH Week-at-a-Glance

Week of November 10th

11/10/2025:

11/11/2025:

11/12/2025:

8th Grade Science Benchmark
2nd 6 Weeks Failure Conferences
TSA Meeting @ 5:00 PM

11/13/2025:

8th Grade SS Benchmark
Kindness Day

11/14/2025:

Fall Picture Retakes

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.