Leadership Lens Vol. 2: Issue 6

Dear Marshall Mustang Families,

As we begin the month of October, I want to thank you for your continued partnership, support, and belief in Marshall Leadership Academy. Our students and staff continue to work hard each day, and we remain focused on creating a school where every Mustang has the opportunity to learn, grow, lead, and succeed.

🏆 Finishing Quarter 1 Strong

As we approach the end of our first nine weeks, I want to encourage our students to finish strong! Thursday, October 8 marks the end of Quarter 1. This is a great time for students to reflect on their progress, take ownership of their learning, and continue giving their very best effort.

We also want to remind families that October 5 is the kickoff of our SchoolStore.net fundraiser. We appreciate your support as we continue looking for opportunities to provide additional experiences and resources for our students.

🤝 Community Meeting — Updated Information

We have updated our upcoming Community Meeting! Please mark your calendars for:

📅 Monday, October 5
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📍 Marshall Leadership Academy Cafeteria

This meeting will be an important opportunity for families and community members to come together, learn more about our campus goals, discuss important information, and share ideas about how we can continue strengthening Marshall Leadership Academy.

Your voice, questions, ideas, and partnership matter. We hope you will join us!

🗳️ Student Council Elections

Our Student Council candidates have been working hard, and it certainly shows! The posters around campus look amazing, and we are so proud of the creativity, effort, and leadership our students are demonstrating.

We also know that many of our candidates have been putting in the time to prepare and practice their speeches. We are excited to hear from our student leaders and see them step outside of their comfort zones to share their ideas and their vision with their fellow Mustangs.

This is what student leadership is all about—finding your voice, taking ownership, and having the courage to lead! We are proud of every student who has stepped forward to participate.

Thank you for being an important part of the Marshall family. When families, staff, and students work together, we create the conditions for our Mustangs to thrive.

Together, we are Shaping Today’s Students into Tomorrow’s Servant Leaders.

With Mustang Pride,
Mr. Amaton
Principal

Dear Marshall Families,

This week, I found myself reflecting on one word that continues to resonate with me: trust.

Trust has the power to change the energy of a school community. When trust is present, there is greater joy, connection, confidence, and energy in the work we do together. It allows us to listen more openly, communicate more honestly, extend grace, and remain focused on what matters most, our students.

That reflection connects beautifully to two of our Marshall LEADER expectations:

E – Engage in Learning and R – Reach for Excellence.

We ask our Mustangs to engage by being present, participating, asking thoughtful questions, and giving their best. We challenge them to reach for excellence by setting goals, persevering through challenges, and continuing to grow. As adults, we have the opportunity to model those same behaviors in the way we engage with one another and work together for our children.

Stephen R. Covey said, “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”

I believe that when there is trust between our school, our families, and our community, we create an energy our students can feel. There is more joy in the partnership, more willingness to work through challenges together, and greater confidence that we are all moving toward the same goal.

One way we continue building that trust is by inviting our families into the work. I hope you will join us for our Parent Meeting on October 5 and consider becoming a member of our PTA. Our parent and PTA meetings provide opportunities to connect, ask questions, share ideas, and see more closely how we fuel our campus and create experiences for our Mustangs.

Trust grows through connection, and connection requires all of us. Thank you for continuing to show up, engage, ask questions, and partner with us as we reach for excellence together.

When we trust one another, we strengthen our partnership. When we strengthen our partnership, we increase the joy and energy that fuels our campus.

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

September Focus: I Am Enough

7 Habits Connection: Habit 1 – Be Proactive

This month, we are celebrating I Am Enough! Throughout our guidance lessons, students are exploring the importance of recognizing their strengths, appreciating what makes them unique, and understanding that they are valuable just as they are.

Our focus connects to Habit 1: Be Proactive, which reminds students that they have the power to choose their attitudes, actions, and responses. Being proactive also means believing in yourself, recognizing your strengths, and making positive choices even when things feel difficult.

Encourage your child to identify something they like or appreciate about themselves. Ask:

• “What is something you are proud of about yourself?”

• “What is one thing you like about yourself?

• What is one thing you want to improve?

Remind your child that being “enough” does not mean being perfect. We all have strengths, areas where we are growing, and qualities that make us special.

Thank you for helping us encourage confidence, self-worth, and positive self-talk in our students.

Together, we can remind every child: I am enough. I am valuable. I belong.

Individual and Family Support

As students continue adjusting to new teachers, classmates, schedules, and expectations, please remember that I am here to help. If your child needs additional support settling into the new school year, feel free to reach out.

(972) 522-7210

lakedra.anderson@gpisd.org

SEPTEMBER:

• 9/15-10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month

• 22: Fall Picture Day (No Visitor Lunches)

• 23: Big Kahuna Brochure Sales End

• 24: 4th Grade Field Trip to Nature Center

• 25: House Rally/Family Time

• 25: Academy 4, 1:15-2:45

• 28: Council of PTA’s Meeting

• 30: Big Kahuna Online Sales End

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: Family Community Night @ Marshall

• 5: SchoolStore.net Fundraiser Kickoff

• 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

• 16: Big Kahuna Parent Pickup, 12:00-2:30pm

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

• 20: Leaders 5, 1:15-2:45

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

• 22: Q1 AttenDANCE

• 22: GPISD Trunk or Treat @ Dubiski HS

• 26-30: Red Ribbon Week

• 29: Book Character Parade, 9:30am

• 29: 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 Traci Gallegos, one of our amazing Marshall Mustangs! 🐴❤️🖤

1️⃣ What inspired you to become an educator?
“An amazing educator, Mrs. Murray.”

2️⃣ What do you love most about being a Marshall Mustang?
“Our House System.”

3️⃣ What is one thing you want every student to know about you?
“I strive to be a life long learner.”

4️⃣ What is one goal you have for your students this school year?
“I want my students to learn to set personal goals, track, and achieve.”

5️⃣ Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.
“I am an only child.”

❤️🖤 Thank you, Ms. Gallegos, for inspiring our Mustangs to embrace lifelong learning, set meaningful goals, and take ownership of their growth! Your commitment to helping students become goal-driven leaders is making a difference every day.

🐴 Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang! ❤️🖤

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

1️⃣ What inspired you to become an educator?
“I’ve always enjoyed helping others and feeling like I could make a difference. I enjoy seeing people light up when they learn something new.”

2️⃣ What do you love most about being a Marshall Mustang?
“The staff! Everyone is always willing to help one another whenever needed.”

3️⃣ What is one thing you want every student to know about you?
“That I only want to see them try. You don’t always have to be the best but you should always try! Math is my favorite but I work to be better in the other subjects.”

4️⃣ What is one goal you have for your students this school year?
“To grow and be better. I want them to enjoy learning new things.”

5️⃣ Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.
“I have almost 1000 nutcrackers and I spend about 2 months decorating for Christmas.” 🎄🎅

❤️🖤 Thank you, Ms. Novicio, for reminding our Mustangs that success starts with trying, growing, and never giving up! We are grateful for the heart and support you bring to our students and staff every day!

🐴 Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang! ❤️🖤

From September 15th 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!

Throughout the school year, Marshall Leadership Academy would like to recognize and honor members of our Mustang community who have served or are currently serving in the United States Military. We are proud to celebrate the men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving our country.

We invite families to send us a copy of a photo (no larger than 4x6) of their military family member in uniform, along with the following information:

🎖️ Branch of Military
🎖️ Full Name & Rank
🎖️ Relation to Student(s)

Help us shine a light on the incredible heroes within our Mustang Family! 🇺🇸🐎

Click the link below:

Marshall Mustangs, Tuesday, September 22nd is Picture Day! We can’t wait to capture those beautiful smiles and memories. 🐴❤️🖤

Please have students come ready to smile, shine, and show their Mustang pride! 📷✨

There will be no lunch visitors on this day due to pictures being taken on stage.

Proud to be a Leader!

We’re excited for our first House Rally of the year! This will also be our first Family Time, as we come together to build school spirit, celebrate our houses, and strengthen our Marshall family.

📸 HOUSE PHOTOS: We’ll be taking our official House photos, so we ask that all students wear their House shirt or something in their House colors on Friday.

Let’s show our House pride and Mustang spirit! 🐴🔥

WILD About Leadership! 🌿🦁

We are excited to introduce Academy 4, a special leadership experience designed to help our students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and strengthen relationships with their fellow Mustangs.

Through Academy 4, students will have opportunities to:
⭐ Discover and develop their leadership strengths
🤝 Build meaningful relationships with students and staff
💡 Practice problem-solving, teamwork, and communication
❤️ Learn how to lead with character, empathy, and integrity

Academy 4 is about more than just being a leader—it’s about learning how to make a positive difference in our school and community.

We can’t wait to see our students step up, take ownership, and show us what it means to be a Marshall Servant Leader!

🌿 WILD About Learning. WILD About Leadership. 🐴❤️🖤

We are excited to recognize and celebrate our student leaders for Weeks 5! These Mustangs have demonstrated leadership, character, and a commitment to making a positive difference in our school community.

Help us congratulate our House Leaders of the Week! 🎉👏 Keep leading, Mustangs! ❤️🖤

Proud to Be a Leader! 🐎

We had 4 more bonus prize winners today! Congratulations to these lucky kiddos! 🎉

Thank you, Bronx, Kameron, Christopher, and Victoria! Keep up the great work! 🎖️

It's not too late to get started! 🚨 Click HERE:

https://bigkahunaprime.net/marshallleadershipacademy/bkfun2026f/volunteers/register?a=r2&as=q

📆IMPORTANT DATES:
∙Paper order forms and payment are due on Wednesday, September 23rd.
∙Online sales end on Wednesday, September 30th!
∙Ship-to-school items will be delivered to school on Friday, October 16th!

📢 Marshall Families, We Need Your Help! 🐴❤️🖤

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! ❤️🖤🐴

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!

***DUE TO SCHOOL CLOSURE ON SEPT. 7th, MONDAY CLASSES WILL BE ALLOWED ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 11***

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

***Expires Soon***