Gator Families,
We did it—Week One of the 2026–2027 school year is officially in the books!
Thank you for trusting us with your children and for your patience as more than 1,000 Gators learned new schedules, new routines, new teachers, and what it means to be part of the Swamp.
The first week of school is always busy, but walking classrooms and hallways this week, I saw so much more than schedules and procedures. I saw students collaborating, problem-solving, setting goals, laughing, learning, meeting new friends, and beginning to find their place at Banks.
Most importantly, I saw a staff committed to knowing and loving the whole child. We are incredibly proud to officially be an A-rated campus, but our greatest responsibility will never be a letter grade. Our responsibility is making sure every child who enters Banks is known, challenged, supported, and allowed to grow.
As we head into Week Two, routines will begin to settle, academics will ramp up, and we will continue working to make communication with families as simple and consistent as possible.
Please take a few minutes to read through this week's newsletter. Our goal is for this to become your one-stop shop for what is happening in the Swamp—academics, athletics, fine arts, CTE, counseling, campus reminders, upcoming events, and everything in between.
We are excited about what is ahead.
Welcome to Year Two, Gators. We are ALL IN on the experience. — Dr. Dickey
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We are excited to begin another year of our student-led Muslim Student Association (MSA) this September!
Once the form is submitted, both you and your child will be added to the MSA ParentSquare group, where meeting dates, event information, and important updates will be shared throughout the year.
We look forward to a great year together! |
Updates from the Front and Dr. Dickey |
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:
- 🐊 Parent Representative
- 🤝 Community Representative
- 💼 Business Representative
please complete the interest form below by
Friday, August 8.
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.
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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. |
Gator Families, we need your help making sure students arrive school-ready and in dress code each day. A few reminders based on what we are seeing during these first days of school:
🐊 Shorts, Skirts & Dresses: Appropriate length and coverage are required. The district dress code references a 3–4 inch inseam for shorts; however, the garment must also provide appropriate coverage when worn.
Undergarments and body parts should remain fully covered during normal movement, including walking, sitting, and bending. Leggings worn underneath a skirt or dress do not change the required length.
🐊 Leggings: Leggings worn as pants must be accompanied by a shirt, dress, or skirt that covers to the appropriate length.
🐊 Shirts & Tops: Crop tops, spaghetti straps, undershirts, or clothing that exposes the chest or the midriff—including when arms are raised—may not be worn.
🐊 Pajamas & House Shoes: Pajamas and house shoes are not permitted.
🐊 Hats & Head Coverings: Hats, caps, sport headbands, bandanas, and other head coverings may not be worn indoors unless permitted for religious practices, safety, cleanliness, or with administrative approval.
🐊 Blankets: Blankets are not permitted at school.
What happens if there is a dress code concern?
Our goal is never to embarrass a student or unnecessarily remove them from instruction. When a dress code concern occurs, the expectation will be reviewed privately with the student. When needed, school-issued clothing will be provided so the student can correct the issue and return to class.
We know clothing styles and fits vary for every child, which is exactly why appropriate coverage matters in addition to garment measurements. When in doubt, we encourage families to choose the option that provides more coverage for the school day.
Thank you for helping us keep expectations clear, consistent, and focused on learning. |
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.
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Parents and Students, Banks is going to Japan in 2028. If you would like to learn more about this exciting travel opportunity, we are holding a meeting on Wednesday, August 26th in the Banks Cafeteria.
Food and drinks will be provided. Please come and join us to learn more about your student or family traveling abroad.
RSVP below to get a limited promotional discount on your trip. Parent meeting: Wednesday, August 26th @ 6:30 PM in the Banks Jr High Cafeteria Enrollment deadline: Friday, September 4th Sincerely, Kevin Kracker, M.Ed., CSC, YMHFA-T Counselor – Last Names O - Z Dare to Lead Trained Banks Junior High School 832-223-7516
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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
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Gator Nation... we've got some exciting news for sports fans!
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
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Calling all Gators! If you're interested in learning more about the Technology Student Association (TSA), join us for our student interest meeting on Wednesday, August 19, from 5:00-6:00 PM in the LGI Room. Students interested in becoming a chapter officer are invited to stay from 6:00-6:30 PM to learn more about leadership opportunities.
This meeting is for students only. Parent pickup will take place at the back of the building at 6:00 PM. Parents are welcome to park or wait in line until students are dismissed. Students staying for the officer interest meeting should be picked up at 6:30 PM.
Can't make it to the meeting? No problem! Stop by Mrs. Goodman's room in B113 to join.
Check out the Gator TSA PROMO VIDEO created by Esther Owomoyela (former 8th grader and State competitor!)
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2026-2027 School Year Information |
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