The Leadership Lens Issue #29

Welcome Back, Marshall Family!

I hope everyone took full advantage of Spring Break to truly practice Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw—resting, recharging, and taking care of yourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. That time to reset is not just important—it’s necessary. When we take care of ourselves, we show up stronger, more focused, and ready to give our very best.

Now, as we return, it’s time to lock in and focus on finishing the year strong. We are in a critical stretch where every lesson, every conversation, and every intentional move we make has a direct impact on student growth. The foundation has been laid—now it’s about maximizing every opportunity we have left.

For our students, this means staying committed, pushing through challenges, and giving your best effort each and every day. For our staff, this means continuing to support one another, staying grounded in our purpose, and being mindful of the energy and example we bring into our classrooms and hallways. What we model matters.

Let’s carry that refreshed mindset from the break into our daily routines. Continue to find small ways to “sharpen the saw” even during the busy weeks—whether it’s taking a moment to reset, leaning on a colleague, or celebrating the progress we’re seeing.

We’ve come too far to slow down now. Let’s stay focused, stay positive, and finish this year with purpose and pride. Our students are counting on us—and together, we will make every moment count.

Welcome back, and let’s make it a great week!

-Mr. Amaton

Dear Marshall Families,

Welcome back! We hope you and your family had a restful and enjoyable Spring Break filled with time to recharge. We are excited to have our Mustangs back on campus and ready to jump into learning as we begin the final stretch of the school year.

As we return, this is a great time to refocus on routines, goals, and strong attendance. Being present and on time each day helps students stay connected to learning and continue building momentum in the classroom. We are proud of the growth our students have made so far and look forward to finishing the year strong.

With spring testing approaching, including STAAR assessments, our classrooms will continue focusing on key skills and concepts to ensure students are prepared and confident. We encourage students to give their best effort, ask questions, and stay committed to their learning goals.

Over Spring Break, my son Tatum and I had the chance to see the new movie Hoppers with our cousins as a fun day out. It was a great reminder of Habit 1: Be Proactive. In the movie, the main character sees a problem and chooses to take action to make a difference. This connects to what we are teaching our students every day, that their choices matter. Whether it’s asking for help, making a good decision, or doing the right thing, our Mustangs have the power to lead through their actions.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can ensure our Mustangs finish the year strong, confident, and ready for the next level.

Pony up,

taelor.harris@gpisd.org

Welcome back! I hope your family had a relaxing and refreshing Spring Break. As students return to school, this week is a great time to reset routines, refocus on learning, and finish the semester strong.

Transitions after a break can take a little time, so we are encouraging students to revisit school expectations, practice positive choices, and get back into their daily routines. Consistent sleep schedules, organized mornings, and encouraging words at home can help students feel prepared and confident as they return to the classroom.

🌱 Guidance Focus: Saying No to Smoking & Vaping-Making Healthy Choices

This month we have been discussing the importance of making healthy choices, including conversations about the dangers of vaping and how students can make decisions that support their well-being. These lessons connect to Habit 1: Be Proactive, reminding students that they are in charge of their choices and can take responsibility for doing what is best for their health and future.

Families can support this learning by asking:

• “What healthy choice did you make today?”

• “What helps you stay focused on making good decisions?”

📝 Testing Season Support

As we approach state testing season, I will be offering small group support for students who may benefit from extra help with test confidence, organization, and managing test anxiety.

If you believe your child would benefit from additional support in preparing for testing, please feel free to reach out to me. I’m happy to help students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

💙 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

As we head into testing season, think of your child’s learning like a garden—what you nurture now will bloom beautifully on test day!

🌱 Plant Daily Reading Habits

Encourage your child to read a little every day—books, articles, even recipes or instructions. After reading, ask simple questions like “What was the main idea?” or “What surprised you?” This strengthens comprehension skills tested on STAAR.

☀️ Soak Up Small Moments

Learning doesn’t have to be formal. Use car rides or dinner time to practice:

• Mental math (“What’s 25 + 37?”)

• Vocabulary (“What does that word mean?”)

Short, consistent practice builds confidence.

🌼 Grow Writing Skills Naturally

Have your child write:

• A short journal about their day

• A story about spring

• A response to a question like “What is your favorite place and why?”

Focus on clear ideas more than perfection.

🌷 Pull Weeds of Test Anxiety

Normalize feelings about the test. Remind your child:

• It’s okay to not know every answer

• Effort matters more than perfection

• They’ve been preparing all year

A calm mindset helps performance more than cramming.

🌞 Shine Light on Strengths

Celebrate what your child is doing well! Confidence grows when kids hear:

• “You explained that really clearly.”

• “I’m proud of how you kept trying.”

🌻 Practice, Don’t Pressure

If your school provides practice questions, treat them like a “warm-up,” not a high-stakes test. Keep sessions short and encouraging.

🌈 Rest, Recharge, Repeat

Just like plants need water and sunlight, kids need:

• Good sleep

• Healthy meals

• Breaks and playtime

A well-rested brain works best!

Dear Families,

We hope your family had a wonderful Spring Break and had the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful time together while practicing Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw. As we return to school, our students are preparing for their upcoming STAAR tests, and we are so proud of the hard work they are putting in each day. You can support your child at home by encouraging good sleep, reading together, and practicing problem-solving and test-taking strategies. With teamwork between school and home, our students will feel confident and ready to do their very best! 🌟📚

-Ms. Sutton

• All Month: Women's History Month

• 16-20: Spring Break 🏝️

• 24: Chuck E. Cheese Spirit Night, 3:00-9:00pm 🐭🍕

• 25: Crossing Guard Appreciation Day

• 26: NEHS Meeting, 3:45-4:15pm

• 27: Academy 4

• 27: House Rally & Family Time-H5

• 28: The Big Event MLA Garden Cleanup, 9:00-11:00am 🌱

• 31: PK-2nd Pastries with Parents, 7:15-8:00 (Sign up below!) 🥐

• 1: 3-5 Pastries with Parents, 7:15-8:00am (Sign up below!) 🥐

• 1: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day

• 3: Good Friday, No School

• 4: School Librarian Appreciation Day

• 5: Easter Sunday 🐣🐰

• 6-10: National Assistant Principal's Week

• 6-10: Scholastic BOGO Book Fair 📚

• 7: Leaders 5: Cafeteria, 1:15-2:45pm

• 7: Student Council Meeting: Mrs. Martinez's Room, 3:35-4:15pm

• 9: Fun Run, 5:30-7:00pm 🏃🏻‍♀️🌈

• 13: PTA Meeting, MLA Library, 6:30pm (Elections)

• 14: STAAR Reading 📕

• 16: Kinder & 1st Grade Spring Music Performance, MLA Cafeteria, 6:30pm 🌷🎵 🌼

• 20-24: Volunteer Appreciation Week

• 20: Kindergarten field trip to Fort Worth Zoo 🦓 🐅 🦍🦒

• 21: STAAR Science 🌎

• 22: Administrative Professional's Day

• 23: Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, 7:30-8:30am (Sign up coming soon!) 🍩

• 24: House Rally/Family Time, Academy 4

• 27-May 8: EOY MAP Testing Window

• 28: STAAR Math 🔢

• 28: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

• 30: Variety Talent Show (2nd-5th), MLA Cafeteria, 6:30pm 🎤💃🏻🎹🎭

🌱✨ Join Us for a Garden Cleanup – March 28, 2026! ✨🌱

Be part of something bigger in our community! 💚

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, we’re coming together for a garden cleanup as part of The Big Event!

The Big Event is a one-day, citywide volunteerism day in which volunteers are matched with qualifying service projects, celebrating unity in the community.

Let’s roll up our sleeves, refresh our garden space, and show what community pride looks like! 🌼🌿

🌟 Why join?

✦Make a positive impact in our shared space

✦Connect with fellow community members

✦Earn 1,000 house points for participating!

Sign up using the link below:

👉 Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/hpbwn597

We can’t wait to see you there and grow something great together! 🌻🌎

CINCO DE MAYO COMMITTEE ART CONTEST
The Cinco de Mayo Art Contest is co-sponsored by H.A.C.E.

CONTEST THEME: 🎨
“Celebrating Hispanic Heritage”

DEADLINE: 📆
• Entries must be submitted by April 3, 2026

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: 🙋🏻‍♀️
• All Students in K-12th grades who attend Grand Prairie Schools.

CONTEST RULES: ✏️
• All students must address the theme, “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage”
• One entry per student.
• The entries must be hand drawings using pen, pencil, crayon, paint charcoal,
watercolor, tempera, pastels, or any combination of these.
• The student’s description (25 words or less) of the artwork should be written on the ¼
sheet entry form
at the end of this document.
• The entry form should be placed on the back at the top right-hand corner of the artwork.
• The student’s name should not appear on the front of the artwork.
• Entries 11 1/2 - by 18 inches are preferred. Entries on colored construction paper are
acceptable. Please do not submit entries on manila paper.
• High school entries may be larger than dimensions listed, mat board frames are permitted.

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES BELOW:

We are excited to kick off Marshall Math Mania beginning Monday, March 9 for our 2nd–5th grade students! This fun challenge will give students the opportunity to show how much they have grown in their math fact fluency throughout the year. Fact fluency helps students build confidence and become stronger problem-solvers in math.

Each week, students will participate in quick and engaging fact fluency activities led by our Instructional Leadership Team in the cafeteria. The goal is to celebrate progress, challenge students, and keep math skills sharp!

Grade Level Schedule:
🧮 5th Grade: Mondays at 8:10 AM
🧮 4th Grade: Tuesdays at 8:10 AM
🧮 3rd Grade: Wednesdays at 8:10 AM
🧮 2nd Grade: Thursdays at 8:10 AM

Students will simply bring their pencils and their positive attitude as they take on the Math Mania challenge!

We could also use our parents’ help by making sure students arrive at school on time each day, especially on their grade level’s Math Mania day, so they don’t miss out on the fun and the opportunity to show their growth.

We are excited to see our students show off their hard work and progress in math. Thank you for your continued support! 📚

Purchase your child's yearbooks NOW! Purchases include 2 free customizable pages with your child's own memories from the year!

Purchase yearbooks HERE: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1016310326852888

*Yearbooks will be delivered the last week of school!

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.

FAQs: https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/virtual-care/school-based-programs/school-based-telehealth/school-based-telehealth-faq

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.

We’re so excited to invite all our Marshall families to our upcoming Spirit Night! Come enjoy a fun evening with friends and family while supporting our school.

📅 When: Tuesday, March 24th
⏰ Time: 3:00–9:00 PM
📍 Where: Chuck E. Cheese, 2760 I-20, Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Please join us for 🍩 Pastries with Parents 🥐 hosted by our PTA!

Please note there are two separate days depending on your child's grade level. If you have a student in both age groups, just pick one day! Choose the best day that works for you and bring all of your Marshall students on that day.

PK-2nd Grade: Tuesday, March 31st, 7:15-8:00am

3rd-5th Grade: Wednesday, April 1st, 7:15-8:00am

*Due to space constraints, please limit to 2 adults per family.

🌟 Register to attend using the button below 🚨by Friday, March 27th🚨 so we can ensure we have enough food!👇🏼

🍫 Chocolate sales will run through March 31, 2026! All money is due in full by this day.

🎉 Student Incentives & Prizes

• 1 Box Sold = 🟢 Slime Show (Every student who sells will receive a prize)

• 3 Boxes Sold = 🚴 BMX Show

• 5 Boxes Sold = 💦 Dunk-Amaton

• 8 Boxes Sold = 🎟️ Entry into a drawing to win 1 of 3 prizes:

• $100 Gift Card

• Nintendo Switch 2

• Andretti Family Pass

(3 winners total)

• Top 20 Sellers = 🏟️ Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour

• Grand Prize – Top Seller = 💳 $500 Gift Card

• Winning Class = 🍕 Pizza Party & Ice Cream Sundaes 🍨

Let’s make this fundraiser a huge success. Thank you for supporting our school and students!

We are now accepting nominations for the 2026–2027 PTA Board.

Open Officer Positions:

• President

• Vice President

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Parliamentarian

Chair Positions Available:

• Volunteer Chair

• Teacher/Student Chair

• Membership Chair

• Fundraiser Chair

• Social Media Chair

📅 Voting will take place during the next member meeting on April 13.

📧 To submit nominations, please email:

MarshallLeadership.pta@gmail.com

Submission deadline is April 10th.

We encourage all members to consider nominating themselves or others who are passionate about supporting our school and students.

We are so close to reaching our goal of 250 PTA members this year!👏 We currently have 228 members, up from 173 last year an incredible reflection of the strength and heart of our Marshall community.

Join the fun and help us finish strong! Becoming a PTA member is a great way to stay connected, support our school, and help create meaningful experiences for our students and school.

We’re excited about upcoming fundraisers, events, and spirit nights in the new year, and we would love for you to be part of it! We welcome new ideas, fresh energy, and new faces. If you have suggestions, questions, fun ideas, or are interested in joining the PTA, we’d love to hear from you and meet you.

marshallleadership.pta@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued support! We truly couldn’t do this without you!

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.**