Gator Families,

This week, our hallways filled with excitement, a few nervous smiles, and hundreds of students ready to begin another year at Ella Banks Junior High. Watching our Gators walk through the doors reminded us why we do this work.

At Banks, we believe school should be more than a place students attend—it should be a place where they are known, challenged, supported, and inspired to grow. Every lesson, every activity, every conversation, and every decision is made with one purpose in mind: creating an exceptional experience for our students.

As we begin Year 2 together, thank you for trusting us with your children. We don't take that responsibility lightly, and we're excited for everything this year has in store.

Let's make it a great year together.

Principal, Ella Banks Junior High

We love having families involved at Ella Banks Junior High, and there's no better time than now to get ready! Whether you'd like to help at school events, chaperone field trips, support teachers, or become involved with our Booster Club, we encourage you to complete the LCISD VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools) application as soon as possible. (LINK BELOW)

The volunteer approval process includes a background check and typically takes 3–5 business days, so getting approved early ensures you're ready when opportunities arise.

Once you've completed your VIPS application, please take a moment to fill out our EBJH Volunteer Interest Form so we can learn more about how you'd like to serve. We can't wait to partner with you to make this an incredible year for our Gators!

Ella Banks Junior High is seeking parents, community members, and business representatives interested in serving on our 2026–2027 Campus Site-Based Decision-Making (SBDM) Committee.

As a committee member, you will help review our Campus Needs Assessment, analyze campus data, identify priorities, and provide valuable input as we develop our 2026–2027 Campus Improvement Plan.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting our students, staff, and school community.

If you are interested in serving as a:

please complete the interest form below by

Friday, August 8.

2026–2027 SBDM Committee Interest Form

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue building an exceptional learning experience for every Gator. We value your voice and look forward to working together to make Banks even stronger.

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

T shirt : https://gogandy.com/gems-dance-dept-26

Leggings:https://www.canvaqr.com/RGPH5KyrI6

Jazz shoes:https://www.canvaqr.com/RGPH6IMkI-

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

This fall, Lamar CISD will be LIVE streaming varsity football and volleyball games throughout the season on VYPELCISD.com!

Whether you can't make it to the game, have family cheering from out of town, or just don't want to miss the action, you can watch LIVE or catch the replay later—for FREE!

🏈 Football

🏐 Volleyball

🎥 Live broadcasts

▶️ Free replays anytime

Our current Gators are tomorrow's Lamar CISD high school athletes, so this is a great way to support the district, show your school spirit, and get excited for Friday night lights and volleyball season!

We'll be sure to share broadcast links throughout the season so you never miss the action.

Go Gators... and Go LCISD! 💚🐊

#GatorNation #LamarCISD #FridayNightLights #VolleyballSeason #DidYouKnow