The Leadership Lens Issue #32

Hello Marshall Families,

As we head into an important time in the school year, our students are ready to show what they’ve learned. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and growth our students have demonstrated, and we are excited to see them shine.

Beginning Tuesday, we will start our state assessments, with three weeks focused on Reading, Science, and Math.

Students, this is your moment. You’ve put in the effort, stayed focused, and worked hard all year—now it’s time to show what you can do. Believe in yourself and give your best on each test.

Parents, your support makes all the difference. Encouraging your child, helping them stay positive, and ensuring they get plenty of rest will go a long way in helping them feel confident and prepared.

It’s normal for students to feel a little nervous, but those feelings can be eased with encouragement and reassurance from both home and school. Together, we can help our students stay calm, focused, and confident.

We are ready—and most importantly, our students are ready.

Thank you for your continued support of Marshall and for partnering with us to help our students succeed.

—Mr. Amaton

Dear Marshall Families,

The day is almost here, STAAR Reading is this Tuesday, and we are ready. Our students have been working hard, and we are confident they will show what they know. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring students arrive on time, well-rested, and ready to do their best. Your encouragement at home truly makes a difference.

I would also like to take a moment to say thank you for all the kindness, messages, cards, and support shown during Assistant Principals Week. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve at Marshall Leadership Academy and appreciate all that I continue to learn from our students, staff, and families each day.

This week reminds me of Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. In my role, I strive to listen, support, and build strong relationships with our students, staff, and families. When we take time to understand one another, we create a stronger, more connected school community where everyone can succeed.

Thank you again for your continued partnership and for making Marshall such a special place. We are ready to support our Mustangs as they shine this week.

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,

Preparing for STAAR testing is a great opportunity for students to practice strong habits that lead to success in school and beyond. By focusing on Habit 1, Be Proactive, students take responsibility for their learning by staying positive, asking for help when needed, and making good choices each day. Habit 1 also means students focus on what they can control:

• trying their best
• completing homework
• going to bed on time
• getting up in time to eat a healthy breakfast

Parents can help by:

• making sure students are at school every day
• providing a calm, reassuring environment leading up to testing
• supporting with homework when needed

Habit 3, Put First Things First, helps students prioritize their time by completing homework, studying important material, and staying organized before doing less important activities. When students use these habits together, they build confidence, reduce stress, and set themselves up to do their very best on the STAAR test.

-Ms. Sutton

This week begins our three week STAAR testing window, so we are unable to accept lunch visitors from Monday, April 13th through Friday, May 1st.

🚫 No lunch drop-offs will be accepted on testing days.

• 13: Chalk the Walk: Mustang Edition 🖍

• 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 🍩

• 24: House Rally/Family Time, Academy 4

• 27-May 8: EOY MAP Testing Window

• 28: STAAR Math 🔢

• 28: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

• 1: School Lunch Hero Day

• 1: School Principal Day

• 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week

• 4: Cinco de Mayo Performance, 2:00pm (for students and staff)

• 5: World's Finest Chocolate BMX Show, 1:30pm

• 5: Cinco de Mayo Performance, 6:30pm (for families)

• 6: School Nurse's Day

• 6: World's Finest Chocolate Cowboys Stadium Tour

• 7: Field Day

• 8: Q3 House Field Trip

• 8: World's Finest Chocolate Slime/Yuck Show, 2:30pm

• 11: PreK Picnic, 8:30-10:30am

• 11: Kindergarten Picnic, 1:00-3:00pm

• 11: PTA Meeting, 6:30pm

• 12: 5th Grade Celebration (all day)

• 12: 2nd Grade Picnic, 9:00-11:00am

• 12: 1st Grade Picnic, 1:00-3:00pm

• 13: Kindergarten field trip to GPISD Nature Center

• 13: 4th Grade Picnic, 9:00-11:00am

• 13: 5th Grade Picnic, 1:00-3:00pm

• 14: Q4 House Field Trip

• 14: Talent Show, 2:00pm (for staff and students)

• 14: Talent Show, 6:30pm (for families)

• 15: 3rd Grade Picnic, 9:00-11:00am

• 15: Academy 4

• 15: World's Finest Chocolate Dunk Amaton

• 18: 2nd Grade Awards, 9:00-10:00am

• 18: PreK Awards, 1:30-2:30pm

• 19: 1st Grade Awards, 9:00-10:00am

• 19: Kindergarten Awards, 1:30-2:30pm

• 19: 5th Grade Awards, 6:00pm

• 20: 3rd Grade Awards, 9:00-10:00am

• 20: 4th Grade Awards, 1:30-2:30pm

• 21: Last Day of School

• 21: 5th Grade and Senior Clap Out, 3:00pm

Congratulations to these students who excel at Habit 3: Put First Things First!

Habit 3, Put First Things First, is all about learning to prioritize what matters most and manage time wisely. At school, this means students focus on their learning, complete their work before play, and stay organized with their materials and responsibilities. At home, you might see your child practicing Habit 3 by finishing homework before screen time, getting ready for the next day, or helping with chores before relaxing. When students show they understand this habit, they are demonstrating responsibility, self-discipline, and a commitment to doing their best—even when it’s not the easiest choice.

Congratulations to: Adrian Alvarez (PK), Benjamin Harris (K), Abai Abubakar (1st), Landry Brooks (2nd), Estelle Ortiz (3rd), Dulce Ruiz (4th), and Joseph Ramirez (5th).

A sincere thank you to our PTA board, PTA members, and parent volunteers for the care and dedication they show in supporting our school. The time and effort given in service to our students truly make a difference. Because of this commitment, our campus continues to grow stronger, more united, and full of support for both staff and students. Deep appreciation is extended for the impact made each and every day.

Congratulations to all staff members who were honored at the GPISD Service Awards Banquet! It’s often said that time slips away quickly—the days can feel long, but the years pass in the blink of an eye. Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to our students and school community. The difference you make each day is seen and valued, and it’s an honor to celebrate you.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible staff for organizing and executing such a successful Fun Run. The time, effort, and dedication put into making the day special for students truly showed. Appreciation is also extended to the parents and students who came out to support and participate—their energy and enthusiasm made the event even more meaningful. It was a great reflection of the strong Marshall community and what can be accomplished when everyone comes together.

This past week, we proudly recognized Ms. Harris during Assistant Principal Appreciation Week—and she truly is our Wonder Woman! She leads with strength, confidence, and heart, always uplifting both our students and staff. Her passion for kids and commitment to our campus are evident in everything she does.

We are incredibly thankful for Ms. Harris and the energy, leadership, and positivity she brings to Marshall each and every day.

STAAR TESTING ANNOUNCEMENT

🗓 Testing Dates:

April 13th – April 30th

🚨 Important Information 🚨

To ensure a quiet and focused testing environment for all students:

🚫 No Lunch Visitors

🚫 No Lunch Drop-Offs

💡 How Parents Can Help:

✔ Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep

✔ Make sure they arrive on time each day

✔ Encourage a positive and confident mindset

🎯 Our Goal:

To provide every student the opportunity to do their very best during STAAR testing!

Hello Marshall Parents & Families!

I'm excited to announce that our Kindergarten & First Grade student musicians will perform their spring musical performance titled "I'm Walking on Sunshine" on Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 6:30 pm. In order for students to perform on stage, I need them to be registered for the performance so that I can properly arrange and place our young performers on stage during rehearsals.

ALL student musicians & performers will learn & practice songs during their specials block during the school day. There will not be any after-school rehearsals for this show.

🚨The registration for the show closed on April 3, 2026.

Blessings!
T.Carter

*Please email any questions to Mr. Carter at terris.carter@gpisd.org.

Parents, please join us in cheering on our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students as they prepare for their STAAR tests!

On Monday, April 13th, we invite parents and guardians up to chalk the walk and write positive and encouraging messages for our students to see as they arrive for their STAAR Reading test the following day!

We'll have chalk set up in the back drive for parents to write messages on the sidewalk leading up to the cafeteria between 8:30am-3:00pm or 4:00-5:00pm! (Please try to avoid coming during morning drop off or afternoon dismissal times).

Thank you so much for making this an uplifting morning for our big kids! ⭐️

It's almost time for field day! Order your shirts for your students (and get one for yourself too) for $10 each! Shirts will be delivered the week of field day.

🚨Order deadline: Sunday, April 26th at 11:59pm!🚨

Order HERE 👉🏼 https://mlafieldday26.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Kindergarten: crunchberry pink

1st Grade: melon orange

2nd Grade: lagoon blue

3rd Grade: violet

4th Grade: island reef

5th Grade: watermelon

***Please be sure to order the correct size and color for your grade level as returns and exchanges cannot be made!***

📆 Thursday, May 14, 2026

⏰ 2:00pm for Marshall students and staff

⏰ 6:30pm for Marshall families

📍 Marshall Cafeteria

Hello again, Marshall parents & families!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Show us What You've Got!!

Our Marshall Variety Show of Talent 2026 will be performed on Thursday, May 14th, 2026 in the Marshall Cafetorium! We will have two shows, one at 2pm for the campus (students and Marshall staff) and our evening show for Parents & Families at 6:30pm. This show will feature our 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th grade students who would like to perform a talent on stage!

This production is completely optional and does require student performers to successfully audition (by VIDEO AUDITION ---> email or GOOGLE CLASSROOM submission) and be accepted into the show. Students may only perform with kid friendly music, kid friendly dances, and kid friendly content. Students MUST PRACTICE their act on their own time and be ready to perform their act from memory once the show is cast.

If your 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grade student is interested in performing in the Variety Show, you must register your student for this event by CLICKING THE LINK BELOW. Sign ups will close on Friday, May 1st, 2026 at 4pm. Due to the popularity of this event, slots fill up fast for this event. MLA staff are also welcome to perform in the show!! Please reach out to me if you have and questions! All information regarding signing up and sending video auditions can be found in the sign-up link below.

Thank you MLA Families!

-Mr. Carter

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SIGN UP FOR THE 2026 VarietySHOW

Register Students HERE 👉🏼 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VARIETY2026

*Please reach out to Mr. Carter at terris.carter@gpisd.org for any questions.

Ansvar and our high point earners for Q3 will be going on the field trip to...

📍The Dallas Zoo

📆 Friday, May 8th

⏰ 9:00am-2:00pm

Please be sure to:

Wear comfy shoes

Bring a sack lunch labeled with your name (ALL DISPOSABLE containers please!)

Wear your Ansvar shirt (high point earners may wear their house shirt)

Purchase your child's yearbooks NOW!

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

*Yearbooks will be delivered the last week of school!

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!

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.**