Leadership Lens Vol. 2: Issue 8

At the top of this page, you can translate this whole newsletter into any language for your convenience.

En la parte superior de esta página, puede traducir todo este boletín a cualquier idioma para su comodidad.

Dear Marshall Mustang Families,

Can you believe September is almost over? This month has flown by! We are looking forward to October and, hopefully, some cooler temperatures as we continue an exciting school year together.

As we prepare for October, our Quarter 1 Assessments are coming up on October 7th and 8th. These checkpoints are an important opportunity for our students to demonstrate what they have learned and for us to identify areas where they may need additional support. Please help your child prepare by encouraging them to get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and come to school ready to do their best.

🚨 A VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT TARDIES 🚨

We are seeing an increased number of tardies, and we need your help to address this. School begins at 8:10 a.m., and students should be in their classrooms and READY TO LEARN.

Arriving late impacts more than just attendance. When students enter after the school day has started, they can miss important morning instruction, routines, and learning opportunities. Consistent on-time arrival helps students start their day successfully and sets the tone for learning.

Please make every effort to have your child on campus with enough time to get to class, unpack, and be ready to learn before 8:10 a.m.

⭐ NEW OCTOBER ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE! ⭐

Starting October 1st, we are kicking off a daily attendance contest by grade level!

Here’s how it works:

Every homeroom can help their grade level earn a daily attendance average of 96% or higher will earn a star for their grade level. Each day, we will monitor grade-level attendance and add the earned stars to the grade level’s bucket. ⭐

At the end of October, the grade level with the most stars will earn an additional 30 minutes of recess!

This is a great opportunity for our parents and students to work together, build strong attendance habits, and make sure they are here and ready to learn each day. Every student counts, and every day counts!

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can make sure every Marshall Mustang starts each day strong and ready to learn!

Proud to be a Marshall Mustang!
Mr. Amaton, Principal

Dear Marshall Families,

One of my favorite parts about being an Assistant Principal is having a front-row seat to growth. I get to see it in our students as they gain confidence, master something that was difficult, make better choices, and discover just how capable they are. I also get to see it in our teachers as they try new strategies, reflect on their practice, and continually find ways to make learning better for our Mustangs.

Some of my favorite moments are when I get a few minutes to step into a classroom, not just to observe, but to sit beside our students, ask questions, work through a problem, or learn alongside them and their teachers. Those moments remind me why we do this work. Growth does not always happen in huge leaps. Often, it happens one conversation, one lesson, one mistake, and one small success at a time.

As we continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, I think about Dr. Ellen Ochoa, whose story is a wonderful example of lifelong learning and growth. Dr. Ochoa was an engineer and inventor before becoming the first Hispanic woman to travel to space in 1993. She later became the first Hispanic director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Her journey reminds our Mustangs that where you begin does not determine how far you can go. Curiosity, perseverance, learning, and the willingness to continue growing can take you places you may not yet be able to imagine.

Families, We Want You Alongside Us!

Growth is even more powerful when school and home are connected. Please join us on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. for our Parent Meeting. This is an opportunity to connect with us, learn more about what is happening at Marshall, ask questions, and continue strengthening the partnership that helps our Mustangs thrive. Your presence matters, and your partnership helps fuel our campus.

As we close another week, I also want to connect our work to Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw. Sharpening the Saw reminds us that in order to continue giving our best, we also have to take care of and renew ourselves: body, heart, mind, and spirit. Growth requires hard work, but it also requires time to recharge.

So, this weekend, I hoped our Marshall families found time to Sharpen the Saw. Read together. Laugh. Rest. Spend time with the people you love. Ready for another week of learning and growing! Because at Marshall, we aren't just watching our Mustangs grow; we are growing right alongside them.

With Marshall Mustang Pride,
taelor.harris@gpisd.org

October Focus: Bullying Prevention

7 Habits Connection: Habit 5 – Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

October is Bullying Prevention Month. This month’s Counselor’s Corner will feature a four-week series focused on helping families understand bullying, recognize the signs, respond appropriately, and support a safe and inclusive school community.

Week 1: Understanding Bullying

Bullying prevention begins with understanding what bullying is—and what it is not. Bullying involves repeated behavior that is intentional, hurtful, intimidating, or threatening and creates an imbalance of power. Not every conflict, disagreement, or unkind interaction is bullying, but every student deserves to be treated with respect.

Families can help by talking with children about the difference between conflict, unkind behavior, and bullying and encouraging them to tell a trusted adult when they need help.

7 Habits Connection: Habit 5

Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

Habit 5 reminds us to listen before we respond. Encouraging children to listen, show empathy, and consider how others may feel can help build a school community where students feel heard, respected, and supported.

At-Home Conversation Starters

• What does being respectful look and sound like?
• How can you tell when someone might need help?

• Who are the trusted adults you can talk to at school?

Together, we can help create a school community where every student feels safe, respected, and included.

Individual & Family Support

I am available to support students and families with social-emotional needs, and challenges that may impact a student’s success at school. If your child is experiencing a concern or your family could use additional support or resources, please reach out. I am here to listen, provide support, and help connect you with appropriate resources.

(972) 522-7210

Lakedra.anderson@gpisd.org

• OCTOBER

  • All month:

  • 9/15-10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month

  • National Principal Month

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  • Dyslexia Awareness Month

  • Down Syndrome Awareness Month

  • Bullying Prevention Month

  • Cybersecurity Awareness Month

  • 5: School Community Night @ 6:30pm (School Cafeteria)

  • 5: SchoolStore.net Fundraiser Kickoff

  • 5: PTA Drop Off Ice Coffee

  • 5: World Teachers’ Day

  • 6: National Instructional Coaches Day

  • 6: PTA Member Meeting @ 6:30 (Library)

  • 7-8: Q1 Checkpoints

  • 8: Last day of Q1

  • 9-13: Fall Break (No school)

  • 14: Q2 begins

  • 14-23: Fall Service Project: Food Drive (canned chili and beans)

  • 15: Report Card Grades Due by 10:59pm

  • 16: Big Kahuna Delivery, 8:00-11:00am - Parent Pickup, 12:00-3:00pm

  • 16: Big Kahuna Creature Teacher Show, 1:00pm

  • 16: National Boss’s Day

  • 19: StuCo Meeting

  • 20: Leaders 5, 1:15-2:45

  • 20: Spirit Night @ Shake Shack for 4-8pm

  • 21: 3rd Grade GT Field Trip- Dallas Arboretum

  • 22: Q1 AttenDANCE

  • 22: Title 1 Parent Meeting

  • 26-30: Red Ribbon Week

  • 26-30: MLA-PTA Book Fair

  • 26: GPISD’s Trunk or Treat @ Dubiski HS

  • 26: Council of PTA’s Meeting

  • 29: Book Character Parade, 9:30am

  • 29: MLA’s Trunk or Treat, 5:30-7:00pm

  • 30: House Rally/Family Time 8:10-9:30

  • 30: Academy 4, 1:15-2:45

Each week, we will be shining the spotlight on our amazing Marshall Leadership Academy staff members! Our staff plays such an important role in the success of our students, and we want our families and community to get to know the incredible people who serve our Mustangs each day. Through our Staff Spotlight, you’ll learn a little more about the people who make Marshall a special place to learn, grow, and lead!

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Paige Hale, one of our amazing Marshall Mustangs! 🐴❤️🖤

1️⃣ What inspired you to become an educator?
“I have always enjoyed working with children. Even as a child, I enjoyed working with children younger than myself. Not only are children our future, but they bring so much life and energy into my life! I watched my mother, many aunts, and cousins make a difference in their little corner of the world, and I hope to make a difference in mine. I love your kids, and am thankful to spend my days enjoying their personalities and getting to make their time with me as fun as possible!”

2️⃣ What do you love most about being a Marshall Mustang?
“I moved to Marshall in 2015 as the Leadership Coordinator. I was fortunate enough to see our school grow into a National School of Character and a Leader in Me spotlight school. Our houses give students opportunities to be rewarded for awesome behavior, and who wouldn't love a day off for one of those House Field Trips?! I love ALL my Amistad friends and enjoy watching them compete for 1st place! As a teacher, it is beautiful to have a system like this in place to keep our amazing kids motivated in all aspects of school life, not just their core classes.”

3️⃣ What is one thing you want every student to know about you?
“I am a big believer in setting goals and working your plan. I am working my plan, what is your plan?”

4️⃣ What is one goal you have for your students this school year?
“I want every student who walks into the gym to have a safe place to let loose and just be kids. I will make our environment as fun as possible. I want everyone to WANT to come to my class!”

5️⃣ Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.
“I am a singer, a pretty good one! I have been singing solos in front of people since I was 6 years old. The largest group I sang for was over 2,000 people!” 🎤

❤️🖤 Thank you, Ms. Hale, for bringing energy, joy, leadership, and fun to our Mustangs! Your commitment to making the gym a place where students feel safe, motivated, and excited to be themselves is truly special.

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Marlene Curiel, one of our amazing Marshall Mustangs! 🐴❤️🖤

1️⃣ What inspired you to become an educator?
“I became an educator because I want to make a positive difference in students’ lives. I am especially passionate about supporting bilingual students and helping them see their language and culture as strengths. I want every student to feel valued, confident, and successful.”

2️⃣ What do you love most about being a Marshall Mustang?
“What I love most about being a Marshall Mustang is helping students grow into confident leaders.”

3️⃣ What is one thing you want every student to know about you?
“I want every student to know that I believe in the power of ‘yet.’ Mistakes are not failures—they are opportunities to learn, grow, and become better.”

4️⃣ What is one goal you have for your students this school year?
“My goal is to help my students grow, develop a love for education, and believe that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.”

5️⃣ Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.
“I’m a little competitive when it comes to games! My kids love to tease me by pretending to cheat because I take games way too seriously.” 😄🎲

❤️🖤 Thank you, Ms. Curiel, for helping our Mustangs see their language and culture as strengths and for reminding them that mistakes are simply opportunities to learn and grow! Your belief in our students and your commitment to developing confident leaders make a difference every day.

Through October 15th, Marshall Leadership Academy celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month! This is a special time to recognize and honor the rich cultures, traditions, languages, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Throughout the month, our students will have opportunities to learn, celebrate, and appreciate the diverse cultures that make our Mustang Family so special. Different cultures, One community!

This month, we are proud to raise awareness, celebrate our students, recognize their strengths, and continue building a school where every Mustang feels seen, supported, and empowered. 💙

Dyslexia is a difference in the way the brain processes language and can impact reading, spelling, and writing. With the right support, effective instruction, encouragement, and understanding, students with dyslexia can—and WILL—achieve amazing things! 🌟

You're invited...

Marshall Mustangs,

October 7th & 8th are our Quarter 1 Checkpoints! These assessments give us an opportunity to show what we’ve learned and celebrate our growth.

Get plenty of rest, come prepared, and SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW! 💪🏽📈

Let’s finish Quarter 1 strong!

Marshall Mustangs, mark your calendars! October 9–13 is Fall Break, and there will be NO SCHOOL. Enjoy the long break, get some rest, and make some great memories with your family! ❤️🐴

We’ll see everyone back and ready to learn on October 14!

Our annual 🎃MLA Trunk or Treat👻 is coming up soon on Thursday, October 29th, and we need your help!

We need trunks!!! 🚙 Each trunk will earn 10,000 house points for your student(s)!

If you'd like to participate:
1️⃣ Please fill out the GPISD Volunteer form and background check for every person over the age of 18 who will be at your trunk.
🚨https://www.gpisd.org/community/volunteer

2️⃣ Complete the Google form to let us know you're interested and have completed the background check!
🚨https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDH-EvzrXuZ7sXAv3lQ5fwrOVIU0M9uImyFv7tzPiGoNAzbg/viewform

3️⃣ Someone will be in contact with you once your trunk is approved! ✅

Thank you for making this event a huge success! 😊

Our annual 🎃MLA Trunk or Treat👻 is coming up soon on Thursday, October 29th, and we need your help!

We need candy!!!🍬Every bag of candy donated will receive a 500 point house ticket! Every bag makes a difference!

We'll start collecting on Monday! Come see me in the main hallway in the morning with your candy to collect your house points! 🌟

Families can join BJ’s Wholesale Club for as low as $15! Even better, Marshall Leadership Academy will receive a portion of each membership as a fundraiser.

It’s a great way to save on everyday essentials while supporting our students and campus! ❤️🐎

Join, save, and support Marshall!

Our school is at risk of losing important funding if our participation percentages remain low. We are asking all families who have not yet applied for free and reduced-price meals to please complete an application.

Even if you don’t believe you would qualify, we kindly ask that you apply. Every application makes a difference and helps support our students and school.

Thank you for your continued support of Marshall Leadership Academy! Together, we can make a difference! ❤️🖤🐴

***EXPIRES OCTOBER 31, 2026***

Schedule: Parents can come eat with students at scheduled time. (see pic.)

What to Bring: Visitors will need to bring their photo ID and check in at the front office.
Entry: Please ring doorbell to be let in. Do not hold door open for other visitors. All visitors will need to receive a sticker.

Visits: We are asking for parents to visit no more than once a week or 4x a month.

Attire: Just as we ask our students, parents must be appropriately dress for entry. No undergarments shown, see through clothing, or revealing attire.

Multiple Children: If parents have multiple children assigned to different visitation days, they may request to trade their assigned days so that all of their children can have visitors on the same day.

Please contact the front office for review at 972-522-7200.

Administration can/will deny entry if attire is deemed inappropriate.

We know parents love snapping pictures of their children at school! To respect the privacy of other students, we ask that you please refrain from taking photos while on campus. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child and chat on a personal level.

Please remember, parents will not be able to walk students back to the classroom, but your time together at lunch is special and meaningful!

We love having our Mustang families involved, and volunteers are always needed and appreciated! Whether you’re helping on campus, Presenting, attending a campus event, or chaperoning a field trip, we want you to be part of the experience.

📝 Before You Can Volunteer

All parents and guardians who wish to volunteer, visit campus, attend campus events, or chaperone field trips must complete a volunteer background check annually.

⏰ Plan Ahead!
Volunteer applications may take up to 72 hours to process. Please complete the online application at least 3 days before you plan to volunteer or chaperone an event.

📌 Important: You will not receive an email confirming your approval to volunteer. Please plan accordingly and complete the application in advance.

Thank you for partnering with us and helping make Marshall Leadership Academy a place where every student can learn, lead, and thrive!

We will be transitioning from ClassDojo