Dr. Dickey's Newsletter July 27, 2026

Posted Date: 07/26/26 (03:45 PM)

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Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

July 26, 2026

Welcome to Year 2 at The Swamp!

Dear Gator Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

Whether you're returning to Ella Banks Junior High or joining our Gator family for the first time, we are thrilled you're here.

Last year, together we established the foundation of an incredible school built on strong relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to ensuring every student is known, valued, and challenged.

This year, we have an exciting opportunity to build on that foundation.

At Ella Banks, we believe a great school is created through intentional experiences, meaningful relationships, and a partnership between home and school. Our mission extends beyond academics—we are committed to helping every Gator grow as a learner, leader, and person of character.

Throughout the year, this newsletter will keep you informed about important dates, celebrations, campus events, opportunities to get involved, and the amazing things happening throughout The Swamp.

Thank you for trusting us with your child each day. We are honored to partner with your family and look forward to an incredible year together.

Let's make Year 2 our best year yet!

Dr. Dickey

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.

Stock the Teachers Lounge with treats and goodies for the new year

Important Information

New Student Registration for 2026-2027

July 23 Onward:

Grades 9-12: Turn in required documentation and complete the registration process at your zoned high school campus. Please visit the campus website for specific dates and times (Please visit lcisd.org and click on ‘Schools’ in the upper right corner).
Grades PK-8: Parents in Grades PK-8 will have the following options:Virtual Online Completion: Parents can submit the above required documentation through the online portal by scanning the QR Code below or clicking the button below:
If you choose this option, you will be contacted within 3 business days to confirm your documentation (excluding district holidays or breaks).
Please provide a phone number where you can be reached during business hours and/or an email address so we can correspond with you promptly.
In-Person Completion: Parents can receive in-person assistance with the required documentation by visiting the Lamar CISD New Student Central Registration Center located in Lamar Junior High. The address and contact information for the New Student Central Registration Center is:
4814 Mustang Avenue, Rosenberg, TX 77471
West Entrance of Lamar Junior High off Mustang Avenue between Lamar JH and Lamar CHS (see the map below)
Phone: 832-223-0197
E-Mail: registration@lcisd.org
Days and Hours:
Monday through Thursday – 8:00

26-27 Summer Registration Poster

Registration Documents List

Central Registration Information

2026–2027 Required Student Transportation Form

Banks is TIED for FIRST....Let's Keep Pushing Families

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.

Attention, Ella Banks Gator Families

As we prepare for an incredible Year 2 at Ella Banks Junior High, our 7th and 8th grade teachers have worked together to identify a few additional classroom supplies that will help students be successful from the very first day of school.

If you're heading out for school supply shopping, please use the lists below in addition to the Lamar CISD district school supply list.

🐊 7th Grade Additional Supplies

4 additional 1–1.5" binders
5 packs of notebook paper
Quart-size Ziploc bags
Dry erase markers
4 (8 oz.) bottles of hand sanitizer
Extra #2 pencils
Kleenex
Markers
Grid paper

🐊 8th Grade Additional Supplies

4 additional 1–1.5" binders
2 packs of Dividers
5 packs of notebook paper
Dry erase markers
4 (8 oz.) bottles of hand sanitizer
Quart- or gallon-size Ziploc bags
Extra #2 pencils
Kleenex

Thank you for helping us ensure our Gators have the tools they need to start the year strong. Your support and partnership make a tremendous difference, and we can't wait to welcome everyone back to Banks!

Parent Quick Links

Accessing Library Materials

Add Money to Lunch Account HERE

Upload Enrollment Paperwork

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

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.

👉 Click here to purchase a replacement lanyard

What's Happening Around the SWAMP?

Important Dates and Events

Fall Emerald's Dance Clinic

The Emeralds Dance Team is excited to host the Emeralds Experience Fall Dance Clinic for students in grades Kindergarten - 8th on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm in the Gene Tomas High School Gym. This fun and engaging clinic will give participants the opportunity to learn dance routines, build confidence, and experience what it's like to be an Emerald!

The cost is $75, which includes the clinic, a snack, t-shirt, bow, and pom poms. Families are invited to attend a parent performance, with doors opening at 11:45am and the performance begins at 12:00pm. An optional performance opportunity will be available at the GTHS vs Terry HS Football game on Thursday, September 24th at Traylor Stadium.

Registration is available by scanning the QR code on the flyer. For questions, please ask Coach Ambria Johnson at ambria.johnson@lcisd.org