Dr. Dickey's Newsletter 11-17-2025

Posted Date: 11/14/25 (12:51 PM)

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Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

November 17, 2025

What's Happening Around the SWAMP!

Good afternoon, EBJH families,

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our school community. We are committed to keeping you informed, connected, and engaged as we work together to ensure every student feels known, valued, and equipped for success.

Pep Rally Information:

On Tuesday, November 18, and Wednesday, November 19, Pep Rally wristbands will be sold during all lunches for $3.00.

If your student would like to attend our first Pep Rally of the year, they must purchase a wristband on one of these two days.

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

Congratulations to our Gators for a great showing at their last Home meet this week.

Our 7th Grade boys team won 1st place with top ten runners: Tommy Lovato (1st Place) Lucas Gallego (3rd place), Kobi Osuagwu (6th place), Ryan Rogers (7th place)

8th Grade Boys had two top ten finishers: William Bowser (2nd Place) and Marwane Lachgar (3rd)

7th Grade Girls had two top ten finishers: Gabrielle Birts (2nd Place) Karissa Ashong (7th Place)

8th Grade Girls had 1 top ten finisher: Zariah Island (10th Place)

The Banks Gators will have their final District meet Tuesday at 8am at Daily Park in Simonton, Tx.

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: Ana Martinez, Administrative Assistant to AP- Mrs. Cruz.

Years in Education: 6 years, 5 in Elementary and 1 in Junior High.

My favorite thing about Banks is the support among staff, which makes Banks a great environment to work in.

My students would be surprised to know…

I didn’t always plan to work in a school, but now I love being here to support them.

Favorite snack or treat: Hummus with a flat original pretzel

Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: My mommy always tells me, "Love yourself, even on the days you don’t feel like you deserve it.”

When I’m not at school, you’ll find me…

At home in my garage, working out 🙂

My personal motto or “teacher truth”:

“Be proud of how far you’ve come.”

Maria Morales

Name & Position: Maria Morales (Instructional Coach)

Years in Education: 20 years

Favorite thing about Banks: I get to work alongside amazing and enthusiastic educators who care deeply about our Gators’ success here at Banks. I am a proud IC!

My students would be surprised to know: that I am bilingual.

Favorite snack or treat: Chips are my downfall!

Best piece of advice I've ever received: Every day is a new day to start again. If you didn’t get it right today, there is always tomorrow!

When I'm not at school, you'll find me: at the baseball field rooting for my son or at dance events cheering on my daughter.

My personal motto or "teacher truth": No matter your background or obstacles, persist and keep pushing, and success will eventually come your way. Do not give up and show up for yourself!

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

11/17/2025:

7th Grade Math Benchmark

11/18/2025:

8th Grade Math/Algebra I Benchmark
Cross Country District Meet @ 8:00 AM
7th Grade EBJH Dance Performing at Tomas HS Girls BB JV Game (Half Time) @ 5:30 PM
8th Grade EBJH Dance Performing at Tomas HS Girls BB Varsity Game (Half Time) @ 7:00 PM

11/19/2025:

TSA Meeting @ 5:00 PM

11/20/2025:

Progress Report 3 End Date
7th Grade Fall Sports Pep Rally
8th Grade Fall Sports Pep Rally

11/21/2025:

No School: Start of Thanksgiving Break

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.

Need a Replacement Lanyard?

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.

👉 Click here to purchase a replacement lanyard

What's Happening Around the SWAMP?

Clubs and Organizations

Support the Green Track Orchestra with a Holiday Poinsettia!

The Tomas Orchestra Booster Club is hosting a Poinsettia Fundraiser to help decorate the stage for our upcoming Winter Orchestra Concert!

For just $20 per plant, you can purchase a beautiful poinsettia that will make our stage shine — and you’ll get to take it home after the performance to enjoy for the holidays.

🗓️ Orders and payment due: December 5th, 2025

💲 Price: $20 per plant

🔗 Order here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/poinsettia-fundraising

Every purchase supports our amazing Green Track Orchestra students and helps make the winter concert truly special.

Thank you for supporting music in our schools!