Good afternoon, Banks Families—

As we move deeper into the spring semester, our campus is continuing important work around learning, growth, and student support. Over the next few weeks, students will participate in additional benchmarks as part of our ongoing efforts to monitor progress and plan instruction that meets their needs.

We are grateful for your partnership and the trust you place in us each day. Please know that alongside academics, our focus remains on supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we will continue working to ensure a positive and successful experience for every student at Ella Banks Junior High.

February 8, 2026

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Texas law now requires school districts to distribute information to parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms. The attached information will help you learn about options for, as well as how to talk to your child and others about, the safe storage of firearms.

In 2021, 4,613 Texans experienced gun-related deaths. The Texas Department of State Health Services (SHS) reports that 55% of Texas firearms deaths in 2020 were suicides and that 59% of all suicides in Texas were by firearms. Suicide attempts involving firearms have a 90% fatality rate. Restricting access to guns is critical in reducing acts of violence, whether as self-harm or towards others. Acts of mass violence and interpersonal violence often end in suicide.

It is unlawful to store, transport, or abandon an unsecured firearm in a place where children are likely to be and can obtain access to the firearm. Under Texas Penal Code 46.13, a person commits the offense of making a firearm accessible to a child if the child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm, and the person with criminal negligence:

· Failed to secure the firearm; or

· Left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child would gain access.

The penalty for allowing a child access to a firearm can range from a Class C misdemeanor (punishable by a $500 fine) to a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by a $4000 fine, a year in jail, or a combination of the two). Texas exempts the purchase of firearm safety equipment from Texas Sales and Use Tax.

Remember, a gun should be stored unloaded in a safe or locked container, with ammunition stored elsewhere. You can learn more and find additional resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety at https://safegunstoragetexas.com.

Safe gun storage is critical to preventing suicide, unintentional shootings, and other tragedies.

Sincerely,

Dr. Courtney Dickey

Principal

courtney.dickey@lcisd.org

832-223-7500

February 8, 2026

Estimado(a) padre/madre/tutor:

La ley de Texas exige ahora a los distritos escolares que distribuyan información a los padres y tutores sobre el almacenamiento seguro de las armas de fuego. La información adjunta lo ayudará a conocer las opciones para guardar armas de fuego de forma segura, así como la manera de hablar con su hijo y con otras personas sobre este tema.

En 2021, 4,613 texanos sufrieron muertes relacionadas con armas de fuego. El Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Estado (State Health Services, SHS) de Texas informa que el 55 % de las muertes por armas de fuego en Texas en 2020 fueron suicidios y que el 59 % de todos los suicidios en Texas fueron por armas de fuego. Los intentos de suicidio con armas de fuego tienen una tasa de mortalidad del 90 %. Restringir el acceso a las armas es fundamental para reducir los actos de violencia, ya sea como lesión hacia uno mismo o a otras personas. Los actos de violencia masiva e interpersonal suelen acabar en suicidio.

Es ilegal almacenar, transportar o abandonar un arma de fuego no asegurada en un lugar donde sea probable que haya niños y puedan tener acceso al arma de fuego. Según el Código Penal de Texas 46.13, una persona comete el delito de hacer un arma de fuego accesible a un niño si este tiene acceso a un arma de fuego fácilmente descargable y el negligente criminal:

· No ha asegurado el arma de fuego.

· Dejó el arma de fuego en un lugar al que sabía o debería haber sabido que el niño tendría acceso.

La pena por permitir que un niño tenga acceso a un arma de fuego puede variar desde un delito menor de clase C (castigado con una multa de $500) hasta un delito menor de clase A (castigado con una multa de $4,000, un año de cárcel o una combinación de ambas). Texas exime la compra de equipos de seguridad para armas de fuego de su impuesto sobre las ventas y uso.

Recuerde que las armas deben guardarse descargadas en una caja fuerte o en un contenedor cerrado con llave, y la munición en otro lugar. Puede obtener más información y encontrar recursos adicionales del Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Texas en https://safegunstoragetexas.com.

El almacenamiento seguro de armas es fundamental para evitar suicidios, tiroteos involuntarios y otras tragedias.

Dr. Courtney Dickey

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:

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.

Our annual Campus Climate Survey opens February 4–27, and we want to hear from you.

This survey allows students, staff, and families to share feedback about their campus experience. The information collected helps guide important decisions at both the campus and district level, including resource allocation, professional learning, and future planning.

This year’s survey has been shortened and streamlined based on feedback to make it quicker and easier to complete.

Participation matters. When more voices are represented, the data becomes more meaningful and helps us better support our students and staff.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey when it becomes available and encourage others to do the same. Your input truly makes a difference.

Thank you for partnering with us and helping ensure every voice is heard.

Dr. Dickey

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.

Years in Education: 

Favorite thing about Banks:

The application period for the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) will soon open! NJHS recognizes students who demonstrate strong character, leadership, service, and citizenship. Eligible students are encouraged to apply during the open application window and take this opportunity to showcase their achievements and commitment to making a positive impact in our school and community. Applications will be available in the counselors suite or room B232 starting on 2/17 and must be returned by end of school on 3/6.

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

 

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