Dr. Dickey's Newsletter 1-26-2026

Posted Date: 01/26/26 (09:29 AM)

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Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

January 26, 2026

What's Happening Around the SWAMP!

Good morning,

Due to the cold weather, school is closed today, and we hope our students, families, and staff are staying safe and warm. Days like today are a reminder of how important it is to pause, care for one another, and prioritize safety. Thank you for your continued support, flexibility, and partnership. We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon and continuing the important work of learning together.

Dr. Dickey

Green Track Unites in Support of Blue Track Families

Our Green Track schools are united in support of our Blue Track families during this time. We stand together, ready to walk alongside our families and offer care in meaningful, practical ways.

For those who have asked how they can help, Green Track schools have created a shared Amazon wishlist with items and support that can help meet immediate needs:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2ZDBJND09K2L6...

All donations will be collected and shared among Blue Track campuses to support families in need.

Thank you for being a community that shows up with compassion, generosity, and heart. Together, we take care of our own.

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

Attention: Algebra I Families and Students

I hope this message finds you all safe and well! If you have not already heard, Gene Tomas High School is the only high school in LCISD with a dedicated pathway for students to receive a college degree while still in high school. We would like your student to be a part of the excellence we are building at GTHS. This is a special invitation for you and your student to attend an Advanced Academics Informational Session at Tomas this week! It is never too early to come and find out how to take advantage of the most rigorous educational opportunities at Tomas. Please RSVP here or scan QR Code below.

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 26th

1/26/2026:

SCHOOL CLOSED-Inclement Weather

1/27/2026:

7th Grade ELAR Spring Benchmark
UIL reception & Banquet @ 6:30 (Banks Cafeteria)
TSA Meeting @ 5:00 PM

1/28/2026:

8th Grade ELAR Spring Benchmark
TSA Meeting @ 5:00 PM

1/29/2026:

100th Day of School
7th and 8th Grade A/B Lady Gator Basketball @ Banks (DICKEY): Please note there will only be one 8th-grade game @ 5:30; 7th-grade games will remain the same.

1/30/2026:

Early Release @ 1:05 PM for Students
TSA Officer Meeting @ 8:00 AM

🎉Save the date! EBJH MSA's inaugural Iftar Ramadan Dinner

🎉Save the date! EBJH MSA's inaugural Iftar Ramadan dinner will be on Friday, February 20, 2026, insha' Allah.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4qBujxh

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.