The Leadership Lens Issue #17

Dear Mustang Families,

As we move into December, our campus is filled with excitement, celebrations, and big emotions. This season brings joy, but it can also be a time when routines change and students may need extra reminders about expectations—especially when it comes to how we speak to others.

At our school, we focus on building student leadership through Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Happy Kids. Through out the year, we place a special emphasis on respectful communication, guided by habits like Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood and Habit 4: Think Win-Win.

Recently, we have noticed that some students are struggling with using respectful language when speaking to adults and peers. This is an important teaching moment. Leadership starts with our words, our tone, and how we respond when we feel excited, frustrated, or overwhelmed. Being a leader means choosing respectful words—even when emotions run high.

December is a perfect time to reflect on kindness, patience, and gratitude. At school, we are reminding students to:

• Use respectful words and tone

• Listen before responding

• Treat adults and peers with kindness

We invite families to help reinforce this message at home by talking with your child about what respectful communication looks and sounds like, especially when emotions are strong.

When schools and families work together, students learn that respect is not just a school rule—it’s a life skill. Thank you for partnering with us as we guide our students to finish the semester strong and continue growing as leaders.

Warm regards,

Mr. Amaton

Dear Mustang Families,

Welcome back! We hope you had a restful and joyful Thanksgiving break. It’s hard to believe we are now just two weeks away from Winter Break and already more than halfway through the school year.

Our campus is full of festive spirit and positive energy. From Grinch Grams and dress-up days to our 12 Days of Christmas celebration, there’s a lot of joy in the air. Thank you to our PTA and all of our supportive families for helping us create such a fun and engaging environment for our students.

A special shoutout to Ms. Escarzaga’s 3rd grade class for winning our recent class competition. As their reward, they silly stringed me during recess, and we all had a great time. It’s celebrations like this that make our campus culture so memorable.

While we are having fun, we’re also staying focused. These final two weeks of the semester are important. Please continue to support your child by ensuring they are at school on time, checking Class Dojo for winter updates, and encouraging them to stay committed to their WIGs (Wildly Important Goals) in the classroom.

Our hallways are buzzing with joy and leadership, and we’re proud of the way our students are finishing strong.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Let’s make these last two weeks of 2023 full of learning, laughter, and leadership.

Pony Up,

taelor.harris@gpisd.org

Dear Mustang Families,

As the winter months bring shorter days and cozy nights, it’s a wonderful time to create simple, meaningful learning moments at home. Encourage your child to read by setting up a small “winter reading nook” with blankets, pillows, and a favorite stuffed friend.

Even 10–15 minutes of shared reading each evening can make a big difference. When you’re cooking, measuring ingredients, or counting marshmallows for hot cocoa, invite your child to help—these small activities build math and problem-solving skills in fun, natural ways.

Winter is also perfect for hands-on exploration. Notice patterns in frosty windows, compare footprints in the snow, or track the weather together to spark curiosity and scientific thinking. And remember, children learn best when they feel confident and connected. Offer lots of encouragement, celebrate small successes, and enjoy these cozy moments together. You’re helping build a strong foundation for learning, all while making warm winter memories.

Cassandra Kelley

Instructional Coach

Hello Mustang Families!

This month, we are focusing on Habit 3: Put First Things First. This habit reminds us to spend our time on the things that matter most—family, learning, kindness, and taking care of ourselves. At school, students are learning how to prioritize their responsibilities and make choices that help them reach their goals.

We encourage you to practice Habit 3 at home by talking with your child about what’s important each day, setting simple routines, and celebrating when they make responsible choices.

Together, we can help our students build strong habits that support success in school and in life!

-Ms. Sutton

DECEMBER

• 8: 5th Grade GT Field Trip

• 9: Picture Retakes 📸

• 9: Noche de Navidad, 5:00-7:00pm, Grand Prairie Family Service Center

• 10: Santa Cop, 5:00-8:00pm, Ruthe Jackson Center

• 11: 2nd & 3rd Grade Music Performance: MLA Cafeteria, 6:30pm

• 12: Academy 4

• 13: Winter Wonderland, 9:00am-12:00pm ❄️

• 16: 5th Grade Field Trip to Nature Center, 9am-2pm

• 16: Title 1 Parent Meeting, 5:00pm (VIRTUAL - link below)

• 16: Class pictures with Santa & the Grinch

• 18: Last day of Q2

• 18: Polar Express Parade, 9:30am (see below for more details) 🚂

• 18: Holidays parties (see below for more details) ☃️

Please see the calendar below for our 12 Days of Holiday Fun dress-up days for the last 12 days of school before winter break! Each day your child participates earns them 50 house points!!!

Monday, December 8th - Friday, December 12th

Day 4 - Candy Cane Couture: Wear red and white! ❤️🤍

Day 5 - Grinch Day: Wear green, Grinch, or your Whoville finest! 💚

Day 6 - Walking in a Winter Wonderland: Wear blue and white! ❄️

Day 7 - Tinsel Toes Thursday: Wear your holiday socks 🧦

Day 8 - Flannel Friday: Wear your comfy plaid or flannel

Monday, December 15th - Thursday, December 18th

Day 9 - Sparkle City: Wear something shiny, sparkly, or bright 🪩

Day 10 - Tacky Tuesday: Wear your tackiest or most festive holiday sweater 🎉

Day 11 - Holiday Hair, Don't Care: Wear holiday hats & hair accessories 👒

Day 12 - 'Twas the Night Before Winter Break: Wear your favorite pajamas! (No slippers, please!)

Each month, we'll be highlighting one student from each grade level who exemplifies one of our 7 habits of happy kids! We're a little behind, so first we're going to recognize these students who model Habit 1: Be Proactive!

These kids have shown their teachers that they are responsible, take initiative, have a can-do attitude, and try their best at everything they do! Congratulations! 🎉

Kindergarten: Joseph Gomez in Mrs. Moreno's Class

1st Grade: Kairo Bappoo in Ms. Jones's Class

2nd Grade: Gracie Gomez in Ms. Ochoa's Class

3rd Grade: Camila Vigil in Ms. Molinar's Class

4th Grade: Melanie Elias Ledesma in Mrs. Crew's Class

5th Grade: Lizbeth Bonilla in Mrs. Anguiano's Class

You can bring your donation of any new or gently used coat, scarf, or any other winter apparel to one of our NEHS student representatives in front of the art room daily during breakfast.

💫 Coats = 500 house points each
💫 Scarves, gloves, caps/beanies = 100 house points each

Our Student Council has begun their hygiene drive! They're asking for donations of various hygiene items to donate to homeless shelters and families in need. Each item donated is worth 50 house points!

Turn in items to Stuco students outside the art room daily during breakfast from December 3rd-December 18th!

They need:

• bars of soap 🧼
• body wash 🛁
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes 🪥
• dental floss 🦷
• shampoo
• conditioner
• deodorant
• baby wipes
• lotion 🧴

*Please make sure items are unopened and unused.

💚 Holiday Grinch Grams are here! 💚

Send a little festive mischief for just $1 each!
🎄Purchase yours with our STUCO students in front of the Art room every morning from 7:40–8:10 AM.
🎄On sale NOW through December 17th.
🎄All Grinch Grams will be delivered on December 18th!

Our PreK, Kindergarten, and 1st grade students will be invited to create and decorate a boxcar to participate in our annual Polar Express Parade.

Each child may have 2 adult visitors attend the parade. Please RSVP using the link or QR code by Tuesday, December 16th at 4:00pm to help our parent check-in process run more efficiently.

Please join us for class holiday parties on Thursday, December 18th. Due to the space constraints in the classroom, there will be only 2 visitors allowed per student (including adults and children). This signup will close at 4:00pm on Monday, December 16th.

Please note the party times for each grade level. We have staggered some party times to help people with multiple children be able to attend both.

• Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade: 1:15-2:00pm
• 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade: 2:15-3:00pm

*You are welcome to sign-out your child with their teacher (they will have a sign-out sheet) after the party is over. However, once a child is signed out, they must leave campus and cannot attend a sibling's party.

For ALL 2nd & 3rd Grade Parents!

Our 2nd & 3rd student musicians will perform "On With The Snow" (A holiday/winter musical for young voices) on Thursday, December 11, 2025 @ 6:30pm in the Marshall Cafetorium. More info to come! Thanks Parents!

The registration for your child to participate in this event is now closed. For questions, please reach out to Mr. Carter at terris.carter@gpisd.org.

If your child was absent on our fall picture day or you were unhappy with your child's pictures, please plan to dress to impress on Tuesday, December 9th for picture retakes! This is the photo that will be included in the yearbook!

*If unhappy with pictures, please return full original order to photographer on the day of the picture retakes.

**You may preorder pictures at myschoolpicture.com.

Join us to learn how Title I resources are used to improve instruction, support student learning, and how the school and families can work together to help every student succeed.

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!

Get ready to vote on some holiday cheer! We’re excited to announce a Winter Door Decorating Contest for all our staff members and we will need the help of our community to determine their favorite.

Voting will open then Dec. 10th and close on Dec. 13th @ 11:59pm on the the Marshall Leadership Facebook Page.

💙 Thank You, Marshall Families!

We truly appreciate every parent, student, teacher, and volunteer who continues to participate and stay engaged. Together, we are building a stronger and more connected Marshall community!

❄️ You’re Invited to Marshall’s First Winter Wonderland! ❄️

Saturday, December 13th

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Get ready for a magical morning full of sparkle, smiles, and holiday cheer! Join us for our FIRST-EVER Winter Wonderland, a family event bursting with fun, food, and unforgettable moments.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

🎅 Photos with Santa – Capture the magic!

🥞 Warm Pancake Breakfast & Hot Cocoa – The coziest winter treat!

🍪 Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus – Sweet, festive fun!

🎨 Crafts with the Marshall Elves – Creative magic for all ages!

📸 Photo Booth – Strike a pose and make memories!

❄️ Snowball Toss – Fun for the whole family!

This is truly a can’t-miss community celebration everything you need for a perfect winter morning in one place!

Admission-

• PTA Members: $5 per person
• Non-PTA Members: $10 per person
• Non-PTA Family 4-Pack: $35
• Children 2 & under: Free
• Pictures with Santa: $5

*** Entry includes one serving of pancakes and one serving of hot chocolate.

You can purchase tickets online or at the door. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Please RSVP! Your RSVP helps us prepare plenty of food, supplies, and goodies for all our families to enjoy.

RSVP closes Thursday, December 11th at 4:00 PM.

** But don’t worry tickets will also be available at the door!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you and make our first Winter Wonderland absolutely unforgettable!

👉 RSVP Here:

2025 Winter Wonderland & Breakfast with Santa

Our PTA is thrilled to share that we partnered with incredible local businesses to kick off our 12 Days of Holiday Fun for the Staff in the best way possible!

Thank you to all our PTA board members, your families, and our amazing local sponsors who helped make these events possible. We truly couldn’t have done it without your support. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and kindness that brought everything together.

Thanks to the amazing support of our community, our teachers and staff enjoyed chicken fajitas, charro beans, rice, and chips & queso with a special shoutout to Jake’s Burgers for generously donating the chips and queso!

To keep our educators fueled and smiling, we set up a delicious coffee and sweet bar that truly Baked Spirits Bright! A huge thank you to 7 Brew for donating fresh coffee and energy drinks to keep our staff energized throughout the day.

PTA Sweet Bar Sponsors

With the support of our wonderful sponsors, we treated our staff to goodies from:

• Insomnia Cookies

• Cinnaholic

• Nothing Bundt Cakes (mini Bundtinis!)

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.**

To ensure a smooth and safe dismissal process, we kindly ask that there be no student check-outs on Fridays after 2:15 PM. This helps us maintain an orderly end-of-day routine and ensures all students are accounted for our Leadership trainigs. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!