Dear Gator Families,
It is hard to believe we are already wrapping up our first three weeks of the 2026–27 school year!
The Swamp has been BUSY. Our classrooms are learning, fall athletics are underway, our student sections are filling up, clubs and activities are getting started, and our Gators are beginning to settle into the routines and expectations of junior high.
As we head into the Labor Day weekend, we want to thank our families for your partnership during these first few weeks. Opening a school year takes all of us, and we appreciate your patience, communication, support, and willingness to help us reinforce expectations at home.
September is going to be a BIG month at Banks! Our Parent Booster Club is kicking things off with its first meeting Wednesday, September 2 at 6:00 PM in the Banks Library, fall sports are in full swing, and there are plenty of opportunities ahead for our families to get involved in The Swamp.
Please take a few minutes to read through this week’s newsletter for important dates, reminders, upcoming events, and ways to stay connected.
We hope every Gator family enjoys a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend. We’ll see our Gators back in The Swamp on Tuesday, ready for September!
Dr. Dickey
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Innovative School Days return August 31! We’re excited to bring back this engaging learning experience, incorporating student suggestions from last year into our curriculum. Students can look forward to hands-on STEM challenges, innovative activities, and inspiring guest speakers designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving. |
Ella Banks Clubs & Organizations
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Please note that the NJHS meetings listed in the newsletter are for current NJHS members who were inducted in 7th grade only. Prospective scholars will have the opportunity to apply for NJHS membership in January 2027. Additional information and application details will be provided in the newsletter when applicable. |
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!
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🚨 Attention 8th grade students interested in serving as an MSA officer:
If you have not already done so, please complete and submit your officer application and all required materials to Mrs. Bass by Friday, August 28.
An application is attached if needed.
It can be dropped off to Mrs. Bass in room C115 or emailed to jonquil.bass@lcisd.org.
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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!
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Updates from the Front & Dr. Dickey
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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:
- Receive messages from school by email, text, or mobile app.
- Send messages to their teachers and staff at school.
- Stay in the loop regarding late start days, extracurricular activities, and class projects.
- Subscribe to calendars, RSVP for events, complete forms, use sign-up sheets, and participate in groups.
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!
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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.
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Stop by Ms. Orepitan's Library School Store to purchase yours at any time. |
Ella Banks Junior High School is excited to celebrate Grandparents Day on Thursday, September 10th! We would love for you to join us and share this special occasion with your grandchildren.
Please scan the QR code and complete the RSVP form by Tuesday, September 8th to let us know you’ll be joining the celebration.
We look forward to celebrating with you, sharing smiles, and creating special memories together!
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Thank you to all of our Gator families who joined us to learn more about our upcoming international travel opportunities! The excitement in the room was incredible, and we are thrilled to continue providing opportunities for our students and families to experience the world together.
🇮🇹 ITALY — SUMMER 2027
Our Italy trip is almost FULL!
There are currently only 4 spots remaining for new travelers.
Families can reserve a spot with just $95, and travelers who enroll by September 4 will receive a $250 enrollment discount.
Even better: EF Educational Tours has added a $250 scholarship raffle for NEW Italy travelers!
Enroll for Italy by September 4 to be entered. The scholarship will be applied directly to the winner's trip balance.
Italy Trip Details & Enrollment:
🇯🇵 JAPAN — SUMMER 2028
Japan enrollment is officially OPEN!
We currently have only 20 spots available, and enrollment is first-come, first-served.
Families can reserve a spot with just $95, and travelers who enroll by September 4 will receive a $250 enrollment discount.
But there is MORE!
EF was so impressed by the excitement and community surrounding our Gator travelers that they have generously added another $1,000 JAPAN SCHOLARSHIP!
Anyone who enrolls for Japan by September 4 will automatically be entered into the drawing. The $1,000 scholarship will be applied directly toward the winner's trip balance.
Japan Trip Details & Enrollment:
🏆 CONGRATULATIONS, JACKSON TARVER!
A HUGE congratulations to Jackson Tarver, the winner of our previously offered $1,000 travel scholarship!
We are so excited to see one of our Gators receive this incredible opportunity.
SEPTEMBER 4 IS THE DATE TO REMEMBER!
Enroll by September 4 to take advantage of:
Japan 2028: $250 enrollment discount + entry into the $1,000 scholarship drawing
Italy 2027: $250 enrollment discount + new travelers entered into the $250 scholarship drawing.
EF also offers risk-free enrollment, allowing families to cancel within seven days of enrollment for a full refund if plans change.
Once enrolled, families have access to payment plan options, a personal fundraising page, and additional EF scholarship opportunities.
For additional information about EF Educational Tours, payment options, fundraising, safety, and traveler support, visit:
EF Traveler Support: 800-665-5364
Please feel free to share this information with other Gator families who may be interested. With only 4 Italy spots and 20 Japan spots available, we encourage interested families to take a look now!
We cannot wait to watch our Gators experience Italy in 2027 and Japan in 2028.
The Swamp is going GLOBAL!
Mr. Kracker
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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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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!
GATOR PRIDE. HOME OR AWAY.
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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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We are thrilled to announce the annual Art Contest hosted by the Houston Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (HBIDA)!
This contest is a unique platform designed to celebrate the incredible creativity, resilience, and unique perspectives of students with dyslexia.
This year’s theme is: "My Brain is a Superpower." We want to encourage our brilliant dyslexic students to channel their strengths, imagination, and individuality into a visual masterpiece that shows the world how their minds beautifully navigate the world.
Key Dates & Details
Who Can Enter: Students with dyslexia
Applications Open: August 1, 2026
Applications Close: September 14, 2026
A Special Night for Our Winners
Selected winners will be invited to showcase their artwork at Neurodiversity Night on December 7th, 2026. This special exhibition will take place at the historic Link Lee Mansion at the University of St. Thomas.
Thank you for your continued support in uplifting and empowering our amazing neurodiverse community. We cannot wait to see the incredible masterpieces our students create!
Please use this form to enter individual contestants for the Art Showcase contest.
Warm regards,
The Houston Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
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2026-2027 School Year Information |
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