The Leadership Lens Issue #7
Making Memories and Leaving Legacies
Hello Mustang Families,
At Marshall Leadership Academy, we know that great leaders don’t just have dreams—they take action. That’s why we’re excited to focus on Habit 3: Put First Things First from the 7 Habits of Happy Kids.
Remember, Habit 1: Be Proactive reminds us that we are in charge of our own choices and actions. Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind teaches us to set goals and think about what we want to accomplish before we start.
Now we are adding Habit 3: Put First Things First, which focuses on using our time wisely and making sure the most important things—like schoolwork, responsibilities, and family—come before distractions. Together, these three habits help children learn to take responsibility, plan ahead, and make smart choices each day.
Habit 3 is all about prioritizing what matters most. It teaches students to focus on important tasks—like homework, responsibilities, and personal goals—before getting distracted by less important activities. By learning this habit, children discover how to manage their time, make smart choices, and take consistent steps toward their goals.
Throughout the school year, our Mustangs will practice Habit 3 by:
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Organizing daily tasks to complete the most important ones first
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Breaking big projects into smaller, manageable steps
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Using planners, checklists, or routines to stay on track
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Making intentional choices about how they spend their time
Teachers will recognize students who demonstrate Habit 3 during our weekly celebrations. By practicing this habit, students build self-discipline, responsibility, and the ability to turn plans into action—skills that will help them in school and in life.
Families can reinforce Habit 3 at home by:
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Encouraging children to complete homework and chores before leisure activities
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Helping kids plan their day or week, focusing on what matters most
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Talking about how to make time for goals and responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed
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Celebrating small steps and accomplishments along the way
At Marshall, we’re helping our Mustangs learn that success doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from putting first things first and taking charge of their time and priorities, one task at a time.
Field Trips, Popcorn, Recess, and Spirit Week—Don’t Miss Out!
Parents, we need your help! If you haven’t already, please complete your child’s SB12 document in Skyward as soon as possible. This form is a required submission and could ensure their safety while your child is on a school field trip. Without it on file, your child may not be able to participate in these important activities.
To make this fun, we’re launching a friendly competition among classes! The first class in each group—PK-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade—to reach 100% submission will earn a choice between a popcorn party or an extra 30-minute recess. But that’s not all—the first overall grade level to have every SB12 form submitted will get to create their own Spirit Week and have the chance to earn more points for their house!
Let’s work together to get 100% of our forms turned in, keep our Mustangs safe, and have some fun along the way!
We’re excited to offer the MLA Parent Academy, where we will provide support for parents who need help navigating Skyward and MySchoolBucks. Our team will guide you step-by-step to ensure you feel confident managing your child’s information and school activities online. Pre-registration is required to attend, so be sure to sign up early and reserve your spot!
Mrs. Moreno's Class
Ms. Ismail Science Class
Ms. Jones Class
Ms. Escarzaga's Math Class
Mrs. Anguiano Science Class
Mrs. Hernandez Class
Big Kahuna Top Sellers
Our race for the top selling students is neck-and-neck!
🥇Damon M. in Mr. Parker's Care Class - 41 items
🥈Brooklyn B. in Ms. Escarzaga's 3rd Grade Class - 38 items
🥉Jake M. in Mrs. Brown's 4th Grade Class - 22 items
Keep up the great work! We're getting closer and closer to our goal each day!
📧 Email: lakedra.anderson@gpisd.org
📞 Phone: 972-522-7210
Let’s make it a great year! 💙
Hello again parents,
As an instructional coach, I encourage you to create a consistent, supportive learning environment at home by setting a regular routine and designated space for schoolwork. Keep learning fun and engaging by incorporating your child’s interests into reading, math, and everyday activities—like cooking, shopping, or playing games. Encourage curiosity by asking open-ended questions and celebrating effort over perfection. Most importantly, stay connected with your child’s teacher to ensure you’re reinforcing key skills and addressing any learning gaps early. Your encouragement and involvement can make a powerful difference in your child’s academic growth
Sincerely,
Your instructional coach
Please check out our weekly Leadership and Events page for:
🏆Leaders of the week
📅Upcoming Events Calendar
- MLA Parent Academy: Skyward and MySchoolBucks 💻
- GPISD Parent Nights
- GPISD Star-B-Q 🌠
- Pink Out Day 🎀
- Picture Day 📸
🚨Senate Bill 12 Information
🍪Big Kahuna Fundraiser Information
📱iPad Insurance Information
Please check out our weekly Leadership and Events page!
A big thank-you as well to all who purchased socks during our House Spirit Sock Fundraiser—your support helps us bring more fun and meaningful activities to our students! 💙
Mark your calendars for upcoming events:
And as always, we’d love for you to support our PTA by becoming a member. Every membership makes a big difference for our students and school community. You can still join by clicking on the PTA Board picture.📅 Member Meeting: October 21st
📚 Book Fair: October 24–31, 2025
🧸 Chuck E. Cheese Spirit Night: Date TBD
Marshall PTA! 💙
We also have a few PTA chair positions still available. If you’d like to get more involved, please reach out to Hilda Márquez at (469) 682-6422 for more information.
If you have ideas or suggestions, we’d love to hear them! Reach out anytime at marshallleadership.pta@gmail.com.
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.
TRA's 2025 Art Contest has begun! Click Pic 👉👉👉👉
This year's theme, "The Future of Water", invites students to explore how ongoing challenges and emerging opportunities shape the future of water. Communities that depend on the Trinity River face long-term challenges in efforts to protect and manage water resources. Droughts, floods, pollution, and growing demand place constant pressure on our water systems. At the same time, these communities and the Authority are taking action through innovation, conservation, and long-term planning. By reflecting on past progress and current efforts, along with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, this theme encourages a thoughtful and creative vision for the future of water in Texas.
The contest is open to 1st - 8th grade students who live in or go to school in TRA Board Counties (Anderson, Chambers, Dallas, Ellis, Freestone, Henderson, Houston, Kaufman, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Navarro, Polk, San Jacinto, Tarrant, Trinity, Walker) and 1st - 8th grade students living in or going to school in TRA customer cities outside of those counties (Flower Mound, Argyle, Northlake, Roanoke, Justin, and Venus).
Winners will be chosen from each grade level and will receive prizes and recognition! Entries will close on September 30, 2025.
I have attached the full information packet by visiting the website at https://trinityra.org/art. The packet includes the contest rules, resources to learn more about the theme, and the entry form.
