Dr. Dickey's Newsletter 1-19-2026

Posted Date: 01/16/26 (03:25 PM)

Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

January 20, 2026

What's Happening Around the SWAMP!

This week has been one filled with celebration and pride at The Swamp. We were honored to recognize our four HAABSE Teacher of the Year—Myra Washington, along with other finalists Daryn Freeman, Amanda Ross, and Jonquil Bass—whose dedication and impact are felt daily in classrooms across our campus.

We also proudly celebrated our LCISD Support Staff of the Year nominees: Tiffany Koteras, Maria Morales, Danielle Parker, and Kenneth Caraway, as well as our LCISD Teacher of the Year nominees: Andrew Murray, Donna Deerfield, Brianna Castro, and Brett Waller. In total, we are grateful to celebrate all 12 outstanding individuals who exemplify excellence, commitment, and heart for students.

In addition to these recognitions, our campus successfully completed middle-of-the-year MAP assessments—an important milestone that reflects the hard work and focus of our students and staff. We are incredibly proud of all that has been accomplished at The Swamp.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dickey

Ella Banks Junior High Site-Based Decision-Making Committee

We invite parents, community members, and business leaders to help shape our campus by joining the site-based decision-making committee. Please share your interest and relevant background below.

2025-2026 Ella Banks Junior High Site-Based Decision Making Committee Interest Form – Fill out form

READ BOWL – Campus Reading Challenge

We are excited to share that Brett Waller and Donna Deerfield will be hosting a READ BOWL, a campus-wide reading challenge designed to motivate students and celebrate reading.

This will be a competition between Gator Den classes, adding a fun and engaging element for our students. Please see the attached document for full details about the READ BOWL.

ELA teachers will be passing out reading logs on Monday.

At this time, we simply ask that all staff and families encourage students to read and participate.

Thank you for your support in helping build a strong reading culture across our campus.

Best regards,

Brett Waller & Donna Deerfield

READ Bowl Flyer

Read Bowl Parent Info Guide

Student Reading Log

Staff of the Month Spotlight

DECEMBER

Elodie Jenkins

Name & Position:

Elodie Jenkins, Theatre Teacher

Years in Education:

1 (but I was a student teacher and substitute for two years before).

My favorite thing about Banks:

It feels like a big family. I feel supported, celebrated, and valued every day!

My students would be surprised to know…

I got to hang out backstage with Taylor Swift after her 1989 concert when I was in the 8th grade!

Favorite snack or treat:

Chocolate

Best piece of advice I’ve ever received:

Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.

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

Baking something with my sourdough starter!

My personal motto or “teacher truth”:

The best performances aren't flawless, they're fearless.

Estella

Name & Position:

Estela Lopez Custodian

Years in Education:

8 years working for LCISD

Favorite thing about Banks:

All teachers and the front office.

My students would be surprised to know:

I am the Gator of the month.

Favorite snack or treat:

I like all the sweet snacks.

Best piece of advice I've ever received:

Be patient at all times.

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

At home.

My personal motto or "teacher truth":

Always stay true to myself.

Accessing Library Materials

Breakfast Menu-January

Lunch Menu-January

Add Money to Lunch Account HERE

Mark YOUR Calendars

EBJH Week-at-a-Glance

Week of January 19th

1/19/2026:

NO SCHOOL: MLK Jr. Day

1/20/2026:

1/21/2026:

Yearbook Editor's Meeting @ 8:00 AM
Student Council Meeting @ 8:00 AM
TSA Meeting @ 5:00 PM
Gator Spirit Wear

1/22/2026:

7th and 8th Grade A/B Boys Basketball @ Banks (DICKEY)

1/23/2026:

Tomas FFA Chop and Chomp BBQ Cook Off Day 1

1/24/2026:

Tomas FFA Chop and Chomp BBQ Cook Off Day 2

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.