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Banks Junior High

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter October 19, 2026

Posted Date: 10/18/26 (03:20 PM)

Ella Banks Junior High Gator Logo

Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

October 19, 2026

Greetings from Dr. Dickey's Desk

Happy Sunday, Gator Families! 💚🐊

We are heading into another exciting week in The Swamp, and October certainly hasn't slowed us down! Between classroom learning, athletics, student activities, and all the wonderful things happening across campus, our Gators continue to give us so much to celebrate.

As we move further into the second nine weeks, this is a great opportunity to check in with your student about grades, attendance, organization, and the goals they have set for themselves. Junior high is a time of growing independence, and the partnership between home and school makes all the difference.

We are incredibly proud of the energy, school spirit, and commitment our students and staff bring to Ella Banks Junior High each day. Thank you for continuing to support our campus, encourage your students, and help us build something special.

Make sure to review this week's newsletter for important reminders, upcoming events, and opportunities to stay connected!

Built Different. By Design. By Belief. By Choice.

With Gator Pride,
Dr. Courtney Dickey

Important Dates

What is Happening around the Swamp?

Student Service Can Food Drive
The Week of Character Counts Dress Up Monday-blue, Tuesday-Yellow, Wednesday- Orange, Thursday-Green, Friday Red and Purple
Get Ready for Red Ribbon Week Dress Up Days October 26th-30th
 
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! This can’t-miss event gets kids excited about reading and earns funds for our school. SAVE THE DATE for November 2nd - November 6th and start exploring together: EBJH Book Fair Homepage #ScholasticBookFairs
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! This can’t-miss event gets kids excited about reading and earns funds for our school. SAVE THE DATE for November 2nd - November 6th and start exploring together: EBJH Book Fair Homepage #ScholasticBookFairs
 

Calling All Students for UIL Academic Challenges!

Calling our writers, thinkers, strategists, and problem-solvers! 🧠🏆🐊
Your next challenge is waiting on the Banks 

UIL Academic Team! 💚
Love chess? ♟️
Have a way with words? ✍️
Get excited about science or social studies? 🔬🌎

With events including Maps, Graphs, and Charts, Ready Writing, Editorial Writing, Science, Social Studies, Chess, and MORE, there’s plenty to explore!

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up by Friday, October 9!
📅 Competition: Saturday, January 16, 2027
📍 Foster High School

Bring your curiosity, sharpen your skills, and represent the Swamp! Families, help your Gator find an event that lets their talents shine. 🌟

Questions? Contact Coach Roehling at christina.roehling@lcisd.org.
#BanksGators #UILAcademics #BuiltDifferent
 

Month At-A-Glance

Updated October 2026

Ella Banks Clubs & Organizations

Get Involved!

NJHS Meeting Update

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.
NJHS Meeting Dates
 
Join the Crochet Club
 
Join FCA with Coach Novosad
 
26-27 Book Club
 
 
Chess and other board games every thursday  morning
QR Code for Chess Club
Ella Banks Booster

Ella Banks Booster Club

Parent Organization

Gator GLlow Up Gala tickets are on sale LIVE

🟢⚡ GATOR GLOW UP GALA — TICKETS ARE LIVE! ⚡🟢

🟢⚡ GATOR GLOW UP GALA — TICKETS ARE LIVE! ⚡🟢
Gator families, get ready because The Swamp is about to GLOW! 💚🩷💙
The Banks JH Booster Club is bringing our students the GATOR GLOW UP GALA on Friday, November 6 from 6:00–8:00 PM — and we are going BIG!
✨ DJ
📸 Photobooth
💃 Dancing
🍕 Pizza
🍬 Candy & Snacks
🌟 Neon everything
🔥 And plenty of Gator energy!
Students — DRESS YOUR BEST and come ready for a night you do NOT want to miss!
🎟️ TICKETS ARE PREPAY ONLY.
Purchase your ticket here:
Additional tickets will also be available for pizza, snacks, candy, and the photobooth.
🚨 Do not wait until the last minute — grab your ticket now!
We will also need parent chaperones to help us make this an incredible and safe night for our Gators. Chaperone information is coming soon!
💚 Let’s pack the house, light up The Swamp, and make the Gator Glow Up Gala one our students will be talking about all year!
NOVEMBER 6 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Ella Banks Junior High
Presented by the Banks JH Booster Club
🐊💚 GATORS — IT’S TIME TO GLOW UP!
Booster Spirit Gear
Join Banks Booster Club HERE!
VIPS Application
 

Welcome to the Gator Guardians Volunteer Sign-Up!

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!
Gator Guardian Sign-Up
 

Updates from the Front & Dr. Dickey

What to Know and How to Help

Registration Documents List
Central Registration Information
Accessing Library Materials
Add Money to Lunch Account HERE
Upload Enrollment Paperwork
 
Sponsorship Level Flyer

Sponsorship Links

Rules Around the SWAMP

LCISD Policy and EBJH Rules

26-27 Tardy Policy
EBJH/LCISD Cell Phone Policy
LCISD Dress Code Image-English
LCISD Dress Code Image-Spanish

Dress Code Reminder: Help Us Start the Day School-Ready!

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.

Counselor's Corner

Check-in with Mr. Kracker, Mrs. Keller, and Mrs. Rauda

Link to EBJH Newsletter
Students Against Substance

Nurse Station

Important Updates from Nurse AK

See to succeed consent permission slips have been sent and are due 10-19-2026
Common Threads Clothing Drive
October's farm to Market Fruit is the Orange!

What's Happening in PVA?

Important Dates and Events

Contest form for the Trunk or Treat Contest at Tomas HS
Tomas HS Orchestra Trunk or Treat on 10-30-2026

Ella Banks Junior High Band Fundraiser

Ella Banks Junior Band Fundraiser

Gifted & Talented

GT Parent Referrals English
GT Parent Referrals-Spanish
GT Parent Referrals

Athletics

Schedules and Upcoming Events

Week At-A-Glance for Girls BB Week 1
Football At a Glance for Week of October 19th
 
7th Grade A/B Schedule
7th Grade C Team Schedule.
8th Grade A/B Schedule
8th Grade C Team Schedule
EBJH Football Practice Schedule
 
Fall 2026 XC Schedule
 
Lady Gator Basketball Schedule
Go Fan-Ticket Link!
Purchase junior high sporting event tickets here
Texas Kids First Insurance

Career & Technology

#1 Junior High in Texas

TSA October Calendar
Gator TSA Meeting Dates

2026-2027 School Year Information

26-27 School Calendar

26-27
26-27 School Supply List
LCISD Secondary Student Handbook

Contact Us

Campus Personnel

Admin team poster with admin and counselors