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Banks Junior High

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter 3-2-2026

Posted Date: 02/27/26 (04:37 PM)


Gator

Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

March 2, 2026
 

What's Happening Around the SWAMP!

Good evening Gator families,

As we move deeper into the spring semester, our campus continues to be filled with meaningful learning, student growth, and opportunities for our students to shine. This time of year is always special because we begin to see the results of the hard work, perseverance, and commitment our students have shown since August.

We are proud of the way our students are representing Banks Junior High, not only in the classroom, but in fine arts, athletics, and the many activities that make our school community so strong.

Your partnership plays a vital role in this success. Thank you for the encouragement you provide at home, the conversations you have with your child about their day, and the trust you place in us each morning.

We remain committed to ensuring every student feels supported, challenged, and proud to be a Gator.

Dr. Dickey 💚🐊
 

2025–2026 Campus Climate Survey Opens February 4

Good morning Banks families,
We have received feedback that the original link to the K-12 Parent Climate Survey was not working. Please use the corrected Ella Banks Junior High survey link below to complete the survey:

Our goal is to reach at least 50% parent participation, and your feedback is extremely important in helping us continue to grow and improve as a campus.

Once you have completed the survey, please take a moment to fill out the Microsoft Form below so our staff can award PBIS points to your student as a thank you for your time:

We truly value your voice and appreciate your partnership in supporting Ella Banks Junior High.

Thank you,
Dr. Dickey

Parent Survey Count: ONLY 2% have completed the survey.
 

🐊 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
 
Mc Neil
 

Student Spotlight

Shout OUT to Choir and Orchestra

Our Ella Banks Junior High Fine Arts students continue to make us incredibly proud!
At Pre-UIL, our Junior High Girls Choir earned two Division I ratings and one Division II rating. This is a fantastic start, and they are already focused on the adjustments needed as they prepare for UIL on March 4.

Our Junior High Boys Choir earned all Division II ratings, and they are working hard and refining their performance as they prepare for UIL on March 5.

In addition, our Orchestra students received outstanding compliments from judges and directors, who shared that our students were among the most prepared across many campuses and tracks.

This level of preparation, commitment, and excellence speaks volumes about our students and the educators who pour into them daily.
We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Agold and Ms. Riley, whose leadership, dedication, and belief in our students continue to elevate every Gator in the Green Track.

We are proud of you, Gators. The best is still ahead.

Staff of the Month Spotlight

FEBRUARY

COMING SOON

Name & Position:


Years in Education: 


My favorite thing about Banks:


My students would be surprised to know…


Favorite snack or treat: 


Best piece of advice I’ve ever received:


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


My personal motto or “teacher truth”:
 

COMING SOON

Name & Position:  

Years in Education: 

My favorite thing about Banks: 

My students would be surprised to know…

Favorite snack or treat:  

Best piece of advice I’ve ever received:

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

My personal motto or “teacher truth”:
 
Accessing Library Materials
 
Breakfast Menu-February
Lunch Menu-February
Add Money to Lunch Account HERE
 

Looking Ahead:

3/2/2026:
  • Read Across America Day
3/3/206:
  • Choir PreUIL
  • Orchestra UIL
  • Track Meet @ Foster HS
3/4/2026:
  • Choir PreUIL
  • TSA Mandatory Student Meeting @ 5:00 PM in Room E121
  • TSA Mandatory Parent Meeting @ 6:15 PM in Room E121
  • Mandatory Parent/Cheer Meeting @ 6:00 PM
3/5/2026:

3/6/2026:
  • Early Release @ 1:05 PM
  • 5th Nine Weeks Progress Reports
  • FCS Meeting @ 8:30
  • SBDMC Meeting 1 @ 8:30 on Teams

SPRING BREAK
Week of March 9th
 
 
Upload Enrollment Paperwork
Early Bird Yearbook Orders
Sponsorship Level Flyer

Sponsorship Links

 

Rules Around the SWAMP

LCISD Policy and EBJH Rules

Tardy Policy

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.

Dress Code
Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phone-Spanish

What's Happening Around the SWAMP?

Clubs and Organizations

 
TSA Dates (Jan & Feb)
Student Club

Counselor's Corner

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

Fairness
Newsletter
 

Gifted & Talented

GT Parent Referrals

Athletics

Schedules and Upcoming Events

 
Go Fan-Ticket Link!
 
Updated
Track Schedule
Emeralds 2
 
Cheer
 
Updated
Boys Soccer
Texas Kids First Insurance
 

Get Involved

Volunteer News and Upcoming Needs and Events

Contact Information

EBJH Leadership Team
 
2025-2026 LCISD Instructional Calendar