Dr. Dickey's Newsletter 2-16-2026

Posted Date: 02/14/26 (07:07 PM)

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Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

February 16, 2026

What's Happening Around the SWAMP!

Gator Families,

There is so much to celebrate at Ella Banks Junior High.

Our students are excelling in academics, athletics, fine arts, and leadership — and we are proud of the focus and determination they continue to demonstrate each day. Thank you for your partnership in reinforcing expectations and supporting your child’s success.

Below you will find important updates, reminders, and celebrations from around campus. As always, we appreciate your continued trust and involvement.

It is a great YEAR to be a Gator.

Dr. Dickey 💚🐊

2025–2026 Campus Climate Survey Opens February 4

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

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

🐊 Support Our Green Track Family – Egg My Yard is Here!

The Tomas Band Boosters are hosting their 1st Annual Egg My Yard Fundraiser, and they need our help spreading the word!

Let the Tomas Band & Color Guard “egg” your yard the night before Easter. Students will scatter treat-filled, nut-free and chocolate-free eggs in front or side yards on Saturday, April 4th (8:00 PM–Midnight). Prefer to hide them yourself? Orders can be delivered to your porch before 8:00 PM.

This is a fun way to surprise little ones while supporting our award-winning Tomas Band & Color Guard program.

Pricing:

• $15 – 1 dozen eggs

• $27 – 2 dozen eggs

• $36 – 3 dozen eggs

• $42 – 4 dozen eggs

• $45 – 5 dozen eggs

Service area includes Green Track neighborhoods (Terrell, Hubenak, McNeill, Fagert, and parts of Adolphus).

All proceeds directly support Tomas Band & Color Guard students.

Orders must be placed by April 2nd (or while supplies last).

Be sure to scan the QR code on the flyer or use the ordering link provided in this newsletter if needed.

Let’s support our Green Track family and help make Easter morning extra special for our community’s youngest Gators!

Get ’Em, Gators! 💚🐊

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/egg-my-yard-22

Student Spotlight

Lynley Bialas

One of our very own Gators represented us at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with her doe, Queen! 🐐💚

We are so proud of the hard work, dedication, and time she put in to make this opportunity possible. Way to go and keep making our school proud!

Staff of the Month Spotlight

DECEMBER

Danielle Parker

Name & Position:

Danielle Parker, Campus Testing Coordinator

Years in Education:

My favorite thing about Banks:

My favorite thing about Banks is the family feel amongst staff. We truly all care for each other, and you can feel it the moment you walk into the building.

My students would be surprised to know…

Before becoming a CTC, I taught English for 9 years, but Math is actually my favorite subject.

Favorite snack or treat:

I truly love to eat ANYTHING.

Best piece of advice I’ve ever received:

When you say you're going to do something, follow through and get it done.

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

Chasing my two-year-old around!

My personal motto or “teacher truth”:

My "teacher truth" is that I don't believe that there are bad kids - just kids going through bad things.

Jason Mei

Name & Position: Jason Mei - 7th grade Science Teacher

Years in Education: Second Year in Education

My favorite thing about Banks: The teamwork on our campus. I’m lucky to be part of a science team that collaborates and supports one another, and that spirit extends across the whole school.

My students would be surprised to know… I used to play the tuba in high school!

Favorite snack or treat: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups ALL THE WAY!

Best piece of advice I’ve ever received: "On time is always the right time." - my high school band director

When I’m not at school, you’ll find me… on my computer desk, playing video games, or catching flights.

My personal motto or “teacher truth”: High expectations + support = real growth. I push my students because I see their potential, even when they don't know yet.

Accessing Library Materials

Breakfast Menu-February

Lunch Menu-February

Add Money to Lunch Account HERE

NJHS Applications Opening Soon!

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.

Week of February 9th

2/16/2026:

No School for Students
Professional Development for Staff

2/17/2026:

Random Acts of Kindness Day
Orchestra V Pre-UIL
7th Grade R/W-TELPAS/TELPAS Alt.

2/18/2026:

TSA Meeting @ 5:00 PM
7th Grade R/W-TELPAS/TELPAS Alt.

2/19/2026:

Pre UIL for Choir
State of Texas Anniversary
Advanced Academics Parent/Student with GTHS @ 6:30 PM- Banks Cafeteria
7th Grade R/W-TELPAS/TELPAS Alt.

2/20/2026:

MSA Ramadan Dinner @ 5:00 PM
8th Grade R/W-TELPAS/TELPAS Alt.

🎉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.