Gator Families,
We are heading into another busy and exciting week at Ella Banks! As we move deeper into the school year, our focus remains the same: making sure every student feels supported, challenged, connected, and ready to grow.
This week brings several important updates, opportunities, and reminders for our Gator community, so please take a few minutes to review everything below.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us and for helping us make The Swamp such a strong place for our students.
Dr. Dickey
|
|
|
Gator Families,
We are excited to celebrate our students with our first PBIS Point Redemption Party!
On Thursday, October 8, students who have earned at least 100 PBIS points will be invited to join us on the patio during their lunch for snacks, prizes, and other rewards.
This is about recognizing the positive choices our Gators make every day—being respectful, responsible, safe, and showing Gator pride.
Students should keep earning those points because good behavior pays off at Banks!
Thursday, October 8
During all lunches
On the patio
100 PBIS points required to participate
We cannot wait to celebrate our Gators!
|
Gators, are you interested in becoming an Ella Banks Office Aide?
Pick up an application from the Counseling Suite or front office.
Application Requirements:
- Complete the application in its entirety.
- Obtain TWO teacher recommendations.
- Return your completed application to the designated drop-off area in the Counseling Suite only.
- Deadline: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s counselor. We will be happy to assist!
|
Ella Banks Clubs & Organizations
|
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 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!
|
Gator Guardians are parents, grandparents, and family members who volunteer their time to support our students and staff by providing an extra set of eyes, an extra set of hands, and a positive adult presence throughout The Swamp.
Volunteer opportunities will be available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from October 6 through December 17, excluding Thanksgiving Break, November 23–27.
Please use this form to select the date(s) you can volunteer. You may sign up for more than one day.
All volunteers must complete Lamar CISD VIPS requirements before volunteering on campus. Once your date is confirmed, additional information regarding arrival, check-in, and volunteer expectations will be provided.
Thank you for being willing to invest your time in our Gators.
We are excited to have you in The Swamp!
|
Show your Banks pride and support our Gator Guardian program with the official Gator Guardian shirt. Shirts are available for parents, grandparents, family members, and community supporters who want to represent The Swamp and stand behind our Gators.
The sale ends September 27, so be sure to order before the deadline.
Order here:
https://gogandy.com/gator-guardians
Thank you for continuing to support Ella Banks Junior High and our students. 💚🐊
|
Updates from the Front & Dr. Dickey
|
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!
|
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. |
🍁🎶 Mark Your Calendars! 🎶🍁
The Orchestra Fall Concert is almost here, and you won't want to miss it!
Come support our amazing student musicians as they perform an exciting selection of music they've been preparing throughout the semester. Their hard work, dedication, and talent will be on full display in what promises to be a memorable evening.
🎻 Bring your family.
🎵 Invite your friends.
👏 Celebrate our students.
📅 9/22/2026, Tuesday
⏰ 7:00 pm
📍 Tomas HS Auditorium
See you at the concert!
|
As we kick off our new sporting season in the SWAMP, please remember that all 6th–8th grade students attending athletic events as a parent or responsible adult must be accompanied by a spectator for the duration of the event.
Students may not be dropped off and picked up after the game. The accompanying adult must remain at the event with the student. This expectation applies to junior high, junior varsity, and varsity sporting events.
Junior High/Middle School administrators will be present at athletic events to help verify that students are attending with a parent or responsible adult. Students who arrive without an accompanying adult will not be permitted to enter the event.
And remember—Gator behavior travels!
Whether we are competing at home or away, Green Track students are expected to represent our campuses with respect, sportsmanship, and appropriate behavior.
Students whose behavior is disruptive, disrespectful, unsafe, or otherwise violates campus or district expectations may be removed from the event. If a student is removed, the adult responsible for that student will also be expected to leave the event with them. Students may also lose the privilege of attending future athletic events.
We LOVE seeing our Gators in the stands supporting one another. Come out, get loud, wear your green, and help us represent the SWAMP the right way!
GATOR PRIDE. HOME OR AWAY.
Mrs. Rincon, Dr. Dickey & Dr. Henry
|
2026-2027 School Year Information |
|
|
