The Leadership Lens Issue #28
Making Memories and Leaving Legacies
Dear Mustang families,
The second week of March is filled with important moments in history that remind us how leadership, courage, and determination can shape our world. At Marshall, we work every day to help our students develop these same leadership qualities.
One important day recognized during this week is International Women’s Day on March 8. This day celebrates the achievements and contributions of women throughout history who have led change in education, science, government, and communities around the world. Their perseverance and leadership remind us that everyone has the power to make a difference.
This week in history also includes many milestones in innovation, exploration, and leadership—moments when individuals stepped forward with ideas, bravery, and vision to improve the world around them.
At Marshall, we emphasize leadership in our classrooms and hallways every day. Whether it’s showing kindness to others, working hard toward a goal, helping a classmate, or standing up for what is right, our students practice the same qualities that great leaders throughout history have demonstrated.
As we recognize International Women’s Day, we also want to highlight the incredible women who serve our students at Marshall each day. From teachers and instructional staff to office staff and support personnel, these women make a lasting impact on our students through their dedication, care, and leadership.
I encourage parents to take a moment to talk with their children about the important roles the women in their lives play each day and to help us recognize and appreciate the positive impact they have on our community.
Together, we are proud to grow the next generation of leaders at Marshall!
-Mr. Amaton
Dear Marshall Families,
We are excited to welcome the new month of March at Marshall Leadership Academy. We hope many of you had the opportunity to attend the district experience event this weekend and enjoy the activities and learning opportunities. Thank you to the families who stopped by the Marshall Leadership Academy booth to visit with us. It is always a pleasure connecting with our community and sharing the great things happening on our campus.
March is also Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the achievements and leadership of women throughout history. One inspiring figure is Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Justice Sotomayor often shares how education, perseverance, and believing in herself helped her achieve her goals. Her story connects well with Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind, reminding our students that setting goals and working toward them can open doors to incredible opportunities.
Next week we will kick off March Math Mania for students in grades 2–5. During this time, students will focus on strengthening their math facts to build fluency and confidence as we prepare for STAAR testing in April. When students know their math facts automatically, they are able to spend more time focusing on problem solving and deeper thinking. Practicing these skills now helps set our students up for success as they approach their end-of-year assessments.
As we continue through the semester, we want to emphasize the importance of working together as a team to support our students academically and behaviorally. One key skill we encourage is self-advocacy. When students speak up, ask questions, communicate their needs, let an adult know when something happens or they need help with an assisgnment, they take ownership of their learning and grow into stronger, more confident leaders. Families play a vital role in reinforcing these skills, and we appreciate your partnership in helping every Mustang succeed. Thank you for your continued support of Marshall Leadership Academy. Working together, we can ensure every Mustang has the opportunity to succeed.
Pony up,
taelor.harris@gpisd.org
7 Habits Connection: Habit 1 – Be Proactive
This month in guidance lessons, we are focusing on making healthy choices and learning about the dangers of vaping. These lessons connect to Habit 1: Be Proactive, which reminds students that they are in charge of their choices and can make decisions that protect their health and future.
As part of these lessons, we will be reading I Am Vape by Julia Cook. The story helps students understand how vaping products can be misleading and harmful while encouraging them to think critically and make safe decisions.
Students are encouraged to:
Say no to harmful substances
Make choices that support their physical and emotional well-being
Escape the Vape Week: March 9-13
This week GPISD is observing Escape the Vape Week, a time dedicated to helping students learn about the importance of making healthy choices and taking care of their bodies. Throughout the week, students can participate in fun themed activities and dress-up days that promote positive, vape-free lifestyles.
These activities are designed to encourage students to stay active, make smart decisions, and understand that choosing healthy habits helps them feel their best. We look forward to seeing our students participate and show their commitment to living healthy and vape-free!
🎒 Backpack Reminder
As a reminder, students should only bring clear or mesh backpacks to school. Students may bring one small personal item bag (such as a pencil pouch or hygiene bag), but it must stay inside their backpack during the school day.
If your family needs assistance obtaining a clear or mesh backpack, please feel free to reach out to me. I’m happy to help connect you with resources to support your student.
📝 Testing Preparation Small Groups
As we approach state testing season, I will be offering small group sessions to help students build confidence, manage test anxiety, and practice positive test-taking strategies.
If you feel your child may benefit from extra support in preparing for testing, please reach out to me. These groups are designed to help students feel prepared, calm, and confident during testing.
💙 Individual & Family Counselor Support
GPISD has a wealth of resources available to students and their families. If your family is in need of assistance or counseling support, please reach out to me so that I can support you.
Phone: (972) 522-7220
Email: lakedra.anderson@gpisd.org
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping keep our school a safe, respectful, and caring community for all students.
— Ms. Anderson, School Counselor
Dear Families,
Habit 5 of the 7 Habits, Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, reminds us how important it is to truly listen to one another. At home, families can practice Habit 5 by taking time to listen carefully to each other’s thoughts and feelings, asking questions, and showing empathy before sharing their own ideas. When children feel heard, it helps build stronger relationships and encourages respectful communication.
We also invite families to visit our Open House 🏫 this Thursday evening from 5:30-7:00pm to check out your child’s hard work and celebrate their learning together. With only one week left until Spring Break, it’s also a great time to start thinking about Habit 7, Sharpen the Saw, by planning time to rest, have fun, and recharge as a family! 🌟
-Ms. Sutton
English
Spanish
CHECK THIS OUT!
Marshall is excited to offer your student School-Based Telehealth and Telehealth at Home by Children's Health℠ Virtual Care. With your permission, your child can video chat with a provider, get diagnosed and have prescriptions sent to your pharmacy – all from school or home.
Telehealth services at MLA take place in the clinic and will be billed to your insurance provider or to Medicaid. No insurance? No problem. After your visit, Children’s Health will bill you directly. Most families qualify for a discount, and no student will be turned away for a visit.
For urgent care visits at home, children and adults can access health care resources through Virtual Visit by Children’s Health Virtual Care.
Visit childrens.com/telehealth or call 844-483-5363 to enroll and download our Virtual Visit app.
Communication resources: https://www.childrens.com/landing/sbt-school-resources
*A consent through Children’s Health is required each school year before a student can be seen. It is advised that every student has a consent signed for when the time may arise the service may be needed. Reach out to Nurse Tasha if you have more questions.
Did you know GPISD offers a dinner program to students everyday? Students can receive a full packaged meal after the bell rings.
-Free to ALL students!
-Offered Monday-Friday!
-Offers an additional healthy and nutritious meal after the bell rings!
🌟Please sign up below for each child!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
¿Sabías que GPISD ofrece un programa de cena para estudiantes todos los días? Los estudiantes pueden recibir una comida completa después de que suene la campana.
-¡Gratis para TODOS los estudiantes!
-¡Disponible de lunes a viernes!
-¡Ofrece una comida adicional, sana y nutritiva después de que suene la campana!
Please join us in help completing a background check for volunteering on campus, visiting, and joining us for campus events including field trips. This would need to be completed annually.
Students have received one lanyard and one badge sleeve for free. Afterward, parents need to use the link or QR code to purchase replacements through MySchoolBucks.
You will have the option to choose:
- Badge sleeve $1
- Lanyard-red $2 ❤️
- Lanyard-orange $2 🧡
- Lanyard-yellow $2 💛
- Lanyard-green $2 💚
- Lanyard-blue $2 💙
- Lanyard-purple $2 💜
- Lanyard-black $2 🖤
- Lanyard-white $2 🤍
**Please choose the lanyard color for your child's house.**
