Gator Families,

It is hard to believe we are already heading into our third week of school! Our students are settling into their schedules, routines are becoming more familiar, and the Swamp is officially starting to feel like home again.

As we move beyond the first few weeks, we will continue reinforcing the expectations and routines that help more than 1,100 students move through each day safely and successfully. We know junior high is a big adjustment—not only for students, but for families too—and we appreciate your continued partnership as everyone gets acclimated.

Athletics, fine arts, clubs, and campus activities are also beginning to pick up, which means there is A LOT happening at Banks! This weekly newsletter is your one-stop shop for important dates, reminders, updates, and opportunities to get involved.

Thank you for trusting us with your Gators and for partnering with us as we continue building something special at Banks.

If you would like your child to participate, please complete the permission form via the QR code above or the link: 2026-2027 EBJH Muslim Student Association (MSA) Permission Form – Fill out form.

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!

As the 2026-2027 school year kicks off, families can stay informed by downloading the ParentSquare mobile app to receive the latest news from your students' teachers, campus, and the district. 

Students can also stay in the loop by downloading StudentSquare, the student version of ParentSquare. Both mobile apps are free to download on iOS and Android devices.  

Students can download StudentSquare to: 

Once the app is downloaded, students can log in with their District Microsoft account using their student email account.  

 

Thank you for helping keep our #LamarCISD community informed!

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: https://lcisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/14986/315/False/True

 

Swamp Guardian: https://lcisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/14987/315/False/True

 

Building the Legacy: https://lcisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/14988/315/False/True

 

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.

Stop by Ms. Orepitan's Library School Store to purchase yours at any time.

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

RSVP link: https://bit.ly/4w98bw5

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

Stop by and hear exciting news from our NEW up-and-coming Ella Banks Booster Club

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

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

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

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

As we kick off our new sporting seasons, please remember that all Banks students attending athletic events as spectators must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

Students may not be dropped off and picked up after the game. An adult must attend the event with them.

And remember—Gator behavior travels!

Whether we are competing at home or away, Banks students are expected to represent our campus with respect, sportsmanship, and appropriate behavior.

Students who are asked to leave an athletic event for any reason may lose the privilege of attending future sporting events.

We LOVE seeing our Gators in the stands supporting one another. Come out, get loud, wear your green, and help us represent Banks the right way!

It’s time to see our Gators in action!

This Tuesday evening, our football program will take the field for our Black & Green intrasquad scrimmage as our athletes prepare for the season ahead!

📅 Tuesday, August 25

⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM

🏈 7th & 8th Grade Football

PLEASE NOTE: This event is specifically for the families of our participating football athletes. It is not open to the general student body, and students should not be dropped off to attend as spectators.

We are excited to welcome our football families out for the first look at what our Gators have been working on!

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

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!)