LA @Leonard MS Longhorn Connection

Vision: At LA@LMS, we foster a thriving academic culture where excellence in learning and character is evident, and every student is equipped to shape a brilliant future because here, success is our shared commitment.

Mission Statement: We educate, empower, and equip every student and stakeholder through collaborative leadership and dynamic partnerships, transforming aspirations into achievements

At Leonard, we believe that data guides our direction, but kindness defines our journey. Both are vital to our success. Data helps us understand where we are and what our students need, while kindness ensures that every child feels supported and valued along the way.

Educate

We use data to understand learning progress and make informed instructional decisions. Behind every number is a student with goals, challenges, and great potential.

Equip

We work as a team staff, students, and families to respond to data with compassion and collaboration. Our goal isn’t to find fault; it’s to find solutions that help every student succeed.

Empower

High expectations paired with kindness create confidence. When students know that their teachers and families believe in them, they are motivated to learn, grow, and excel.

Final Thought:

Data shows our progress; kindness sustains it. Together, we build a culture where achievement and empathy go hand in hand.

Weekly Focus: Strong Tier 1 Instruction

Our teachers are focused on ensuring that all students receive engaging, grade-level instruction every day in every subject. Families can support this work by:

• Checking Focus weekly for updated grades and assignments.
• Encouraging students to ask questions and seek help early.
• Celebrating effort and improvement, not just outcomes.

Hi Longhorn families!

Please take a moment to complete your student’s online registration and activate your Parent Portal (Focus) so you can get real-time updates on grades and attendance.

What to do (takes just a few minutes):

1. Complete Online Registration:
   https://enrollment.fwisd.org/

2. Activate Parent Portal (Focus):
   This lets you see grades, attendance, and messages in real time.

Why this matters:

• We will begin distributing the remaining uniform shirts to students whose online registration is complete.

• Parent Portal keeps you informed and helps us partner with you for your child’s success.

Need help?

Please contact Mrs. Salas or Mrs. Lopez 817.815.6200 we’re happy to assist with registration or Parent Portal setup.

Thank you for helping us pave the way for a great year at the Leadership Academy at Leonard MS!

Families can join us in celebrating by sending a positive note or shout-out to a staff member who’s made a difference! We have lots of new construction going on! Leadership Academy @Leonard MS.

Staff Shoutout!

We’re proud of our incredible staff and students who go above and beyond each week.

Help us celebrate our amazing staff this month!

• 10/13 Mrs. Fanny Sancen

• 10/18 Dr. Rose Irungu

See the great things happening at the Leadership Academy at Leonard MS. Click the link below to view the Leonard MS Photo album

General

• 10/20: HMCO Blackout Day
• 10/22: HMCO Redemption Glow Day
• 10/23: HMCO Twin/Triplet Day
• 10/24: HMCO Battle of the House & Dance

Academic / Instruction

• 10/15: PSAT (8th Grade)
• 10/27: 8th Grade Mini Expo (8:30–10:30 AM, Cafeteria)
• 10/30: Math Night & Trunk or Treat
• 10/31: PEIMS Snapshot

Fine Arts

• 10/22: District Honor Band Auditions (Wedgewood MS)
• 10/23: All City Clinic & Concert (IM Terrell)
• 10/24: Band Fall Concert (Leonard MS)

Athletics

Football

• 10/14 – Leonard vs. McLean (Farrington)
• 10/21 – Wedgwood vs. Leonard Homecoming (Western Hills HS)
• 10/28 – Monnig vs. Leonard (Farrington)
• 11/4 – Leonard vs. Benbrook (Benbrook Middle High)
• 11/11 – Playoffs Begin

Volleyball

• 10/15 – Leonard vs. Meadowbrook (Meadowbrook)
• 10/16–10/18 – City Volleyball Tournament

Family Partnership Reminder

Your involvement makes all the difference! Review your student’s progress, talk about goals, and celebrate every win, big or small. Together, we’re paving the way for a new era of Longhorn excellence.

At Leonard, we believe great learning begins with great questions. When students are encouraged to ask and explore thoughtful questions, they become curious thinkers who see learning as an adventure.

Our teachers use powerful questioning to help students dig deeper, think critically, and connect what they learn to real life. Every “why,” “how,” and “what if” helps them grow in confidence and creativity.

Family Application Tips – Building Better Questions at Home

Start with “How” and “Why.”

• These words invite children to explain their thinking instead of giving one-word answers.

Encourage “I wonder…” moments.

• When your child asks a question, don’t answer right away. Ask, “What do you think?” and explore together.

Model curiosity.

• Share your own wonderings “I wonder how that works?” or “What might happen if…?”

Celebrate every question.

• Show excitement when your child asks something thoughtful. Curiosity is a sign of growth!

Connect questions to real life.

• Turn everyday moments like cooking, driving, or watching a show into discovery opportunities.

Family Challenge – Action – Question

Challenge: Are we asking our children questions that build curiosity and reflection, or only questions that check for quick answers?

Action: This week, make space for curiosity at home. Ask your child open-ended questions like:

• “What’s something you discovered today that surprised you?”
• “How did you solve a problem at school?”
• “What’s a question you wish your teacher would ask in class?”

These kinds of questions help children express their thinking, build confidence, and see learning as meaningful.

Question: What’s one question you can ask your child this week that helps them think deeply or see something in a new way?

Please email me your response or favorite family question so we can celebrate how curiosity grows at home, too!

Closing Thought

When families model curiosity at home, students walk into school ready to think, explore, and grow. Together, we’re raising confident learners who aren’t afraid to ask why because every great question leads to a greater mind.