Dr. Dickey's Newsletter 12-8-2025

Posted Date: 12/05/25 (11:45 AM)

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Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

December 8, 2025

What's Happening Around the SWAMP!

Happy Weekend, Bank Families,

December is in full swing at Banks Junior High! As we move into another festive week, our halls are buzzing with excitement, winter cheer, and the joy of experiencing our very first holiday season together as a school community. From themed days and student activities to learning celebrations and upcoming events, there is so much happening on campus—and we are thrilled to share it with your children each day.

Thank you for partnering with us, cheering with us, and trusting us with your students during this special time of year. We hope this week brings warmth, joy, and a little extra magic into your homes as well.

Here’s a look at what’s happening around the Swamp this week.

Student SPOTLIGHT

We are thrilled to announce that Jinlin Li, an 8th-grade cello player in our Banks Junior High Orchestra, has earned 1st Chair in the Symphony Orchestra—the highest orchestra of Region 13!

This incredible achievement came after last night’s chair testing, and it reflects Jinlin’s hard work, talent, and dedication to excellence in music.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment. We are so proud to have Jinlin represent our orchestra at the highest level!

Way to go, Jinlin! Keep inspiring us with your music!

Staff of the Month Spotlight

November

Brett Waller

Name & Position:

Brett Waller — 7th Grade ELAR Teacher

Years in Education:

23 years (and somehow still showing up with the energy of a first-year teacher and the caffeine consumption of a seasoned veteran)

My favorite thing about Banks

The people — our kids, our staff, our leadership. EBJH truly feels like a family, and being part of building the culture from the ground up is something I’m incredibly proud of.

My students would be surprised to know…

I am extremely organized, my decor is fun, and I have a ton of energy at work…and extremely NOT any of these things at home.

Favorite snack or treat:

Anything salty… or sweet… or both. But if it’s Chick-fil-A, jalapeño anything, or a Dr Pepper, I’m in.

Best piece of advice I’ve ever received:

“Show up with heart, lead with clarity, and give people the grace you hope they’d give you.”

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

Cheering on my son at his college football games every weekend, out of town.

My personal motto or “teacher truth”:

Give 98% of your energy, time, positivity, and effort to the people who want to learn, grow, and do the right thing —

And don’t let the other 2% drain you.

Kenneth Caraway

Name & Position:

Kenneth — ISS Aide

Years in Education:

5 years

Favorite thing about Banks:

The energy! The students keep me laughing, learning, and on my toes every single day.

My students would be surprised to know:

I’ve traveled to 20 states and been out of the country 8 times—I’m basically collecting passport stamps like Pokémon cards.

Favorite snack or treat:

Beef jerky… the elite snack.

Best piece of advice I've ever received:

Show up, stay humble, and keep shooting your shot — in basketball and in life.

When I'm not at school, you'll find me:

Playing basketball, traveling, or searching for the best food spots in whatever city.

My personal motto or "teacher truth":

“Growth happens when effort meets opportunity.”

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-December

Lunch Menu-December

Add Money to Lunch Account HERE

Mark YOUR Calendars

EBJH Week-at-a-Glance

Week of December 8th

12/8/2025:

7th Math ISD Day

12/9/2025:

ISD Day Planning Day
Orchestra Winter Concert @ 7:00 PM @ Tomas (GANN)

12/10/2025:

7th Grade ELAR ISD Day
TSA Meeting @ 5:00
Holiday Hoop Off @ 5:30 PM

12/11/2025:

7th Grade Course Selection
7th Grade Science ISD Day
Yearbook Editors Meeting @8:00 AM
Choir Rehearsal
Choir Concert @ Banks (CRUZ)
7B/8B Lady Gator Basketball @ 5:30 PM (CRUZ)
7A/8A Lady Gator Basketball @ 6:45 PM (CRUZ)
Boys Basketball vs. Leaman JH @ Leaman JH (5:30 and 6:45)

12/12/2025:

7th Grade Social Studies ISD Day
MSA Meeting @ 4:45 in Room C115 (Bass)

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

Counselor's Corner

Check-in with Mr. Kracker, Mrs. Keller, and Mrs. Rauda

Gifted & Talented

GT Parent Referrals

Athletics

Schedules and Upcoming Events

Go Fan-Ticket Link!

Girls BB Practice Schedule

7th Grade Basketball – Preseason Tournament This Saturday

Our 7th Grade Gators are back in action this Saturday, December 6th, as they compete in the district’s preseason tournament. We hope you’ll join us in cheering on our student-athletes as they represent Banks with grit, teamwork, and heart.

B Team Tournament – Saturday, Dec. 6

Banks vs. TBA – 9:00 AM
If the B Team wins, they will advance to the semifinal game at 12:00 PM (Noon).

A Team Tournament – Saturday, Dec. 6

Banks vs. TBA – 10:30 AM
If the A Team wins, they will advance to the semifinal game at 1:30 PM.

Thank you for supporting our Gators both on and off the court. Your presence in the stands means more than you know to our athletes and coaches. Let’s pack the gym and show everyone what it means to be part of the Swamp!

PLEASE NOTE: Tournament has been moved to Fulshear HS instead of Foster

Texas Kids First Insurance

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Volunteer News and Upcoming Needs and Events

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