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Banks Junior High

Dickey's Gator Gazette Week of November 9, 2026

Posted Date: 11/08/26 (04:45 PM)

Ella Banks Junior High Gator Logo

Gator Gazette

Dr. Dickey's Newsletter

November 9, 2026

Greetings from Dr. Dickey's Desk

Dear Gator Families,

What an incredible time to be a Gator! Our campus continues to be filled with exciting accomplishments, memorable experiences, and opportunities for our students to shine. From championship victories on the football field and outstanding cross-country performances to our theater students earning second place at the district UIL One-Act Play competition, our Gators are making their mark in so many ways!

We also want to extend a special thank-you to our amazing Booster Club for hosting the Gator Glow Up Gala! Events like these remind us that middle school is about so much more than academics. It's about building friendships, creating memories, discovering talents, and developing a sense of belonging.

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, I want to share how grateful I am for the families who continue to support our campus. Your partnership, encouragement, and involvement make a tremendous difference in the experiences we can provide for our students.
With Thanksgiving break approaching, we encourage students to stay focused on academics, attend school consistently, complete assignments, and make positive choices each day. Every instructional day matters, and we want our Gators to finish these next two weeks strong!

Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being part of what makes Ella Banks Junior High such a special place.

It's a great day to be a Gator, and an even better time to be part of the Swamp!

With Gator Pride,
Dr. Dickey

Important Dates

What is Happening around the Swamp?

Shout Out to Food Drive Donations
 

Calling All Students for UIL Academic Challenges!

UIL Academic Coaches have started sending out practice information to students. Please make sure to get with your UIL Coach about practice information:

ART: CASTRO
CHESS PUZZLES: GONZALEZ/ISOM
DICTIONARY SKILLS: ROEHLING
EDITORIAL WRITING: BROUGHTON
IMPROMPTU SPEAKING: WISH/FORNEA
LISTENING SKILLS: KELLY
MAPS/GRAPHS/CHARTS: MEI
MATHEMATICS: WISH
NUMBER SENSE: THERRIEN
ORAL READING: FORNEA/WISH
READY WRITING :WALLER
SCIENCE: MCRIPLEY
SOCIAL STUDIES: ROEHLING
SPELLING: HARRIS
CALCULATOR APP: TBD


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

Month At-A-Glance

November Calendar

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

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 23โ€“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:

๐ŸŠ Shorts, Skirts & Dresses: Appropriate length and coverage are required. The district dress code references a 3โ€“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.

๐ŸŠ Leggings: Leggings worn as pants must be accompanied by a shirt, dress, or skirt that covers to the appropriate length.

๐ŸŠ Shirts & Tops: Crop tops, spaghetti straps, undershirts, or clothing that exposes the chest or the midriffโ€”including when arms are raisedโ€”may not be worn.

๐ŸŠ Pajamas & House Shoes: Pajamas and house shoes are not permitted.

๐ŸŠ 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.

๐ŸŠ 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
Family Hope Family Day
Students Against Substance

2027 Chinese Professional Club (CPC) Scholarship Program is now accepting applications!

Dear Counselors and Scholarship Coordinators,
We are excited to announce that the 2026โ€“2027 Chinese Professional Club (CPC) Scholarship Program is now accepting applications!

We sincerely appreciate your support in sharing this opportunity with your students and encouraging eligible high school seniors to apply.

About the CPC Scholarship
Founded in Houston in 1950, the Chinese Professional Club (CPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Since 1979, CPC has proudly awarded over $1 million in scholarships to deserving students.
Our scholarship program recognizes academically talented, highly motivated, and financially deserving students with at least 25% Chinese ancestry who plan to pursue higher education in any field of study.

Scholarship Awards
Last year, for the Class of 2026, CPC awarded scholarships to 25 students across the Greater Houston area, with individual awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
This year, for the Class of 2027, the number and amounts of scholarships will be determined by the CPC Fund Inc. Board of Trustees.

How to Apply
Students can find application instructions, eligibility requirements, and additional information on our website: https://cpchoustontx.org/scholarship-application

Important Dates
  • Application Deadline: January 4, 2027, at 11:59 PM CST
  • CPC Gala: Winners will attend the CPC Gala in late February 2027, to receive their awards
If you have any questions, please contact us at scholarshipcpc@gmail.com.
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us reach deserving students. We look forward to receiving applications from your students and supporting the next generation of talented young leaders!
Warm regards,

Catherine Wang
CPC Scholarship Committee Chair

Nurse Station

Important Updates from Nurse AK

November Parent Clinic Newsletter
Common Threads Clothing Drive
October's farm to Market Fruit is the Orange!

What's Happening in PVA?

Important Dates and Events

LCISD Tapeestry Event
Raising Canes Fundraiser 11-18-2026 for the Tomas Emeralds

Gifted & Talented

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

Athletics

Schedules and Upcoming Events

Week at a Glance for Nov 9- 14
 
Boys Basketball Tryouts
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

November TSA 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