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Banks Junior High

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter 5-4-2026

Posted Date: 05/03/26 (05:43 PM)


Gator

Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

May 4, 2026
 

What's Happening Around the SWAMP!

Calling all Gator families—we need you.

Teacher Appreciation Week is THIS week (May 4–8), and while we have some things covered, Monday and Wednesday are still wide open. We cannot do this without our community.

Our teachers have poured everything into Year One. They’ve built something special from the ground up—and this week is our chance to show them it mattered.

We’re asking for something simple:
➡️ Sign up to donate
➡️ Send an item
➡️ Help us make sure no table is empty

Even small contributions make a big impact. When we come together, it shows our staff just how supported they are—and that matters more than anything.

👉 Breakfast Bar (MONDAY):

👉 Grilled Cheese Bar (WEDNESDAY):

Let’s show up for them the way they show up for our kids every single day.

— Dr. Dickey💚🐊
 
Slide
 

Hot Fresh TACOS for Breakfast-$3 each on 5/5/2026

Taco

Cinco de Mayo-Taco Tuesday

Ella Banks Junior High will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Taco Tuesday fundraiser on Tuesday, May 5.

Breakfast tacos will be available for $3 each:
• Egg & Cheese
• Bacon, Egg & Cheese
• Sausage, Egg & Cheese

To make purchasing easy, families can pay online using the link below or by scanning the

QR code on the flyer:

Online payment systems like SchoolCash allow families to conveniently purchase school items without sending cash to campus.

All proceeds will support our students and campus initiatives.

Thank you for your continued support of Ella Banks Junior High.

 

SALES Begin During LUNCHES this WEEK

Pep Rally
 

2026–2027 Required Student Transportation Form

All Lamar CISD parents and guardians must complete the required Student Transportation Form. This form confirms each student’s main mode of transportation and allows families to officially request bus transportation for the 2026–2027 school year. The form is available on Skyward for parents and guardians.


Important deadlines for 2026-2027:
  • Submit the form no later than August 2, for students to ride the bus for the first day of school.
  • If a form is not submitted by August 2, students WILL NOT receive bus transportation until August 24.
  • For all forms submitted between August 3-21, bus transportation will begin on August 24.
  • Contact the student's campus to request any change in transportation choice after August 21. Please note that any changes made after August 21 may take up to five business days to go into effect.

REMINDER: All families are required to complete the student transportation form. Even if your child is a car rider or attends daycare, please still select “bus” as an option. This ensures your child can be assigned a bus route number if needed.
Bus

Save the Date – 5th Annual Block Party


Our 5th Annual Lamar CISD Back to School Block Party will be Saturday, August 1, 2026. This free, family-centered event invites students and their families to meet their principal and enjoy learning experiences, carnival games, food, music, and more. The event will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Tomas High School. More info to come.
 

Important Updates: Semester Exam Exemptions & Early Checkout Procedures

Dear Gator Families,
We have some important updates and reminders regarding semester exam exemptions at Banks Junior High. With the recent update to LCISD Board Policy EIAA (Local), there are new expectations for student attendance on exam days even if a student is exempt from the assessment. Please review the guidelines below to ensure your child maintains their exemption and that checkout on exam days runs smoothly.

Attendance Requirements for Exempt Students
  • All students must report to their regularly scheduled class each exam day and be counted present by the teacher no later than 10:45 AM.
  • Students arriving after 10:45 AM will be marked absent for the entire day and will lose their exemption.
  • If a student is absent on the day of the exam, they will be required to take the assessment at a later date set by campus administration.
  • If the assessment is not completed, the student will receive a zero for the final/semester exam grade, per district policy (EIAA Local).
On-Campus Plan for Exempt Students
  • After attendance is taken, an announcement will be made releasing exempt students.
  • Exempt students who remain on campus will move to designated locations by grade level.
Early Checkout Procedures
If parents/guardians choose to check out an exempt student early:
  • All normal campus checkout procedures must be followed.
  • The adult checking out the student must:
  • Present a valid ID
  • Be listed on the student’s Skyward emergency contact list
  • Please expect possible delays during peak checkout times and plan accordingly. We appreciate your patience as we ensure a safe and orderly process.
Please refer to the attached schedule for exact exam dates and times. We have made a few small updates to reflect these procedures.
Thank you for your partnership and support as we work to provide a smooth and successful exam experience for all students. We wish our Gators the best of luck on their finals!
Ella Banks Final Exams Letter
Page 1
Page 2
 

Staff of the Month Spotlight

April

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-May
Lunch Menu-May
Add Money to Lunch Account HERE
 

Looking Ahead:

5/4/2026:
  • Teacher Appreciation Week
  • NJHS Field Trip to Main Event
  • 8th Grade Award Ceremony @ 6:30 PM

5/5/2026
  • Food Food Day: TACO Tuesday
  • 7th & 8th Grade EOY Map Testing

5/6/2026:
  • 7th & 8th Grade Math EOY Map
  • National Nurse's Day
  • 6th Period Spring Theater Performance (DICKEY)

5/7/2026:
  • 6th Period Spring Theater Performance (CRUZ)

5/8/2026:
  • PVA End of Year Field Trip
  • SBDMC Meeting on Teams @ 8:30 AM
  • FCS Meeting @ 8:30 AM
  • Gator Grind (Wish/Koteras)

5/9/2026:
  • Gator Gauntlet (Mei/Wish)

 
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

 

Counselor's Corner

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

Counselor May

Gifted & Talented

GT Parent Referrals

Athletics

Schedules and Upcoming Events

 
Go Fan-Ticket Link!
SAC
Physical
Texas Kids First Insurance
 

Get Involved

Volunteer News and Upcoming Needs and Events

Contact Information

EBJH Leadership Team
 
2025-2026 LCISD Instructional Calendar