The Leadership Lens Issue #23
Making Memories and Leaving Legacies
Dear Mustang Families,
February will be a meaningful and busy month on our campus—one filled with learning, celebration, and opportunities for growth.
During Black History Month, students will engage in lessons and discussions that honor the contributions, resilience, and leadership of Black Americans throughout history. Classrooms will highlight the importance of understanding our past while helping students see how these lessons connect to the world they are shaping today.
We will also proudly recognize Counselor Appreciation Week, taking time to celebrate our amazing school counselor. Ms. Anderson will continue to support students academically, socially, and emotionally each day, and this week will give us the opportunity to thank her for the compassion, guidance, and care she provides to our school community. Thank You, Ms. Anderson!!!
February will also bring excitement and joy as classrooms host Valentine’s Day parties. These celebrations will allow students to build friendships, practice kindness, and enjoy special moments with classmates while strengthening classroom community.
In addition to celebrations, February will be an important month for academics and student growth. Students will participate in MAP testing, District Assessments, STAAR Field Testing, and TELPAS. These assessments will help teachers monitor progress, guide instruction, and ensure students are receiving the support they need to be successful.
We appreciate our families for partnering with us as we move through this busy month. February will remind us that even in a short month, there is time for reflection, gratitude, celebration, and continued learning. We look forward to all that lies ahead.
Warm regards,
Mr. Amaton
Dear Marshall Families,
This past week felt especially short, as we were only able to welcome students to campus for one day due to inclement weather. Even when we expect winter weather, the impact of ice can still surprise us, and safety will always guide our decisions. We truly missed our Mustangs and were reminded just how quickly a school day goes by when we do get to be together.
Weeks like this highlight the importance of Habit 3: Put First Things First. At Marshall, our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our students and staff. When circumstances are beyond our control, our campus staff and leadership team stay focused on how we can respond with purpose. By adjusting and planning intentionally, we are able to come back hitting the ground running and continue doing what’s best for all kids.
A special shoutout goes to our Academy 4 mentors who still showed up on Friday to support students. Your commitment and consistency do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the care you pour into our 4th graders.
As we move forward, please be sure to review our campus calendar for important testing dates and upcoming events throughout the month of February. Staying informed helps us partner together to ensure a smooth and successful semester for our students.
As we begin the month of February, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month. Our campus is named after Thurgood Marshall, a trailblazer, leader, and champion for justice whose legacy reminds us of the power of perseverance, courage, and standing up for what is right. By understanding the challenges and triumphs of leaders like Thurgood Marshall, our Mustangs are reminded that leadership is about standing up for what is right, making thoughtful choices, and positively impacting their communities every day.
Thank you for your continued understanding, flexibility, and support. We look forward to a full week ahead and can’t wait to see everyone back on campus.
Pony up,
taelor.harris@gpisd.org
💙 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,
We are wrapping up on our focus of Habit 4: Think Win-Win. Habit 4 is all about finding solutions where everyone feels happy and respected. At home, children and families can practice Think Win-Win by taking turns choosing family activities, sharing toys or screen time, and listening to each other’s ideas during disagreements. Kids can work on compromises—like setting a timer so everyone gets a fair turn or helping with chores together to finish faster. Families can model this habit by talking through problems calmly and asking, “How can we make this work for everyone?” When children see that cooperation and kindness lead to better outcomes for all, they learn that winning together is better than winning alone. 💛
-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!
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¿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.**
