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Leadership Lens Vol. 2: Issue 11

"Shaping todays students into tomorrows servant leaders"

Leadership LensVol. 2: Issue 11"Shaping todays students into tomorrows servant leaders"
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Did you know... ¿Sabías que…? Did you know... ¿Sabías que…?

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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.

Brief Message From the Principal Brief Message From the Principal

Marshall Families,


We have an exciting week ahead at Marshall Leadership Academy, and we cannot wait to celebrate with our students, families, and community! As we continue to build a strong school community, these special events provide wonderful opportunities to create lasting memories together.


🎃 District Trunk or Treat – Monday, October 26 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Join us at Dubiski High School for the district’s Trunk or Treat! We look forward to seeing our Marshall Mustangs and their families enjoying an evening of fun, costumes, and Halloween festivities.


📚 Virtual Title 1 Meeting – Tuesday, October 27 | 4:30 PM

We understand that busy schedules can sometimes make it difficult to attend in person. If you were unable to join us for our Annual Title I Meeting in person don't worry! We will provide a second opportunity to participate online. Click here to Join


📚 Book Character Parade – Thursday, October 29 | 9:30 AM
Our students are getting ready to bring their favorite book characters to life! This year, we are changing things up with an outdoor parade, weather permitting. Parents and families will not need to sign in to attend. Simply bring a lawn chair or find a comfortable spot along the curb as our students parade through the driveway, just like a traditional parade!

Please remember that this event is weather permitting. If the weather does not cooperate, the outdoor parade will be canceled and will not be rescheduled.


🍬 Marshall's Trunk or Treat – Thursday, October 29 | 5:30–7:00 PM
The Halloween fun continues right here at Marshall! We are looking forward to a fantastic evening filled with costumes, candy, and community spirit. However, our trunks still need volunteers, and our Candy Monsters are still hungry for candy donations! If you can volunteer to decorate a trunk or donate candy, we would greatly appreciate your support in making this event a success for our students.


As always, thank you for your continued partnership, generosity, and support of Marshall Leadership Academy. Our school is stronger because of the incredible families and community members who stand alongside us. We look forward to seeing many of you throughout this exciting week!

Together, we are Wild About Leadership!


With Mustang Pride,
Mr. Amaton

From the Assistant Principal From the Assistant Principal

Dear Marshall Families,


Another great week at Marshall Leadership Academy! One of the things I love most about our campus is seeing the many ways we pour into our Mustangs, not just through academics, but through leadership opportunities, relationships, and experiences that help shape who they are becoming.


This week, we had the opportunity to see leadership in action during our Leaders 5, where our fifth graders spent time mentoring our first graders. There is something special about watching our older Mustangs step into leadership roles, encourage our younger students, and recognize that they have something valuable to offer. At the same time, our first graders get to learn from someone they look up to. These are the moments that remind us that leadership isn't just something we teach; it's something we practice! Our third-grade GT students also enjoyed a field trip this week, giving them an opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Thanks Mrs. Gallegos!


As we look ahead, next week is Red Ribbon Week! We are excited to celebrate making healthy, positive choices and encourage all our Mustangs to participate in our themed dress-up days. Be sure to check the Red Ribbon Week dress-up schedule so your student can join in on the fun! These activities are another opportunity to build community while reinforcing the importance of making choices that support a bright future.


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

From the Counselor From the Counselor

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October Focus: Bullying Prevention


Our Actions Make a Difference!

As we wrap up our October bullying prevention series, we are reminded that creating a safe and welcoming school community is everyone's responsibility. Preventing bullying goes beyond one month—it requires ongoing kindness, respect, inclusion, and the courage to ask for help when something is wrong.


Families can reinforce these lessons by encouraging children to think about how their words and actions affect others, include classmates who may feel left out, and tell a trusted adult when they see or experience repeated hurtful behavior. Small, positive choices can make a meaningful difference in someone's day.


7 Habits Connection: Habit 1 – Be Proactive

Habit 1 reminds us that we can choose how we respond to situations. Encourage your child to take responsibility for their actions, use respectful words, include others, and seek help when needed. We may not control how others behave, but we can control the choices we make.


At-Home Conversation Starters

  • What is one thing you can do to help someone feel included at school?

  • How can you show kindness even when someone is different from you?


Bullying prevention doesn't end when October does. Let's continue working together to ensure every student feels safe, respected, valued, and included—every day of the school year.


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

-Ms. Anderson, School Counselor

Save the Dates Save the Dates

  • OCTOBER

    • All month:

      • National Principal Month

      • Breast Cancer Awareness Month

      • Dyslexia Awareness Month

      • Down Syndrome Awareness Month

      • Bullying Prevention Month

      • Cybersecurity Awareness Month

    • 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

    • 27: Virtual Title 1 Meeting- 4:30

    • 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

🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHTS 🌟 🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHTS 🌟


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!

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🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Ms. Aguilar, 2nd Grade Teacher

Let’s get to know one of our amazing Marshall Mustangs! 🐴💙

💡 What inspired you to become an educator?

“I started my journey in education working in the school office. Seeing the impact educators had on students inspired me to take a more direct role in helping students learn and grow. Once I moved into the classroom, I knew that was where I was meant to be!”

🐴 What do you love most about being a Marshall Mustang?

“I love the sense of community! I felt welcomed from the moment I became a Marshall Mustang. I love being part of a school that focuses on academics and helping students become leaders.”

💙 What is one thing you want every student to know about you?

“I truly care about every student. I will always believe in them, encourage them, and push them to do their best. My classroom is a safe place to learn, make mistakes, grow, and be themselves!”

🎯 What is one goal you have for your students this school year?

“My goal is for every student to grow academically, build confidence and independence, and develop leadership skills. I want them to be proud of how far they have come and excited about what they can accomplish next!”

✨ Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.

“My house is a little bit like a mini farm! We have dogs, chickens, ducks, and chicks—and we are currently waiting for some ducklings to hatch! There is always some kind of animal adventure happening at our house!”

We are so thankful to have Ms. Aguilar helping our youngest Mustangs learn, grow, and shine! 🐴💙✨

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🌟 STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Ms. Bizor, 5th Grade Reading Teacher 🌟 🎓

Get to know one of our amazing Marshall Mustangs! 💙

💡 What inspired you to become an educator?
"I've always loved school, especially elementary school! I am passionate about learning, and I love to work with kids."

🐴 What do you love most about being a Marshall Mustang?
"It's in GPISD (where I grew up). It being a leadership school is also pretty cool. "

💙 What is one thing you want every student to know about you?
"I want students to know that I promote and live by a healthy lifestyle. I'm active, a life-long learner, and I'm not a quitter."

🎯 What is one goal you have for your students this school year?
"My goal is for my students to feel confident in their reading ability. No matter where they are, I want them to come to my class excited and having fun with reading."

✨ Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.
"My diet is horrid lol. I love eating junk food."

We are so glad to have Ms. Bizor as part of our Marshall Mustang family! 🐴💙

HAPPENING THIS WEEK: HAPPENING THIS WEEK:

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October Family Engagement Activity

This month, we’re focusing on Habit 1: Be Proactive! Students have an activity to complete with their families at home.

Parents/guardians: Please take a few minutes to complete the activity together with your student, then send the completed paper back to school. Students can show their teacher the completed activity to earn 200 House Points! 🎉

We appreciate your partnership in helping our students build positive habits at home and at school!

💙📚 October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! 📚💙

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! 🌟

Coming Soon... Coming Soon...

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💻 Couldn't Make Our In Person Annual Title I Meeting?

Marshall Mustang Families, we understand that busy schedules can sometimes make it difficult to attend in person. If you were unable to join us for our Annual Title I Meeting in person don't worry! We will provide a second opportunity to participate online.


Additional details and access information will be shared soon. We want to ensure every family has the opportunity to learn about our Title I program, understand how these funds support student success, and stay connected to our campus goals.


Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to help every Mustang succeed! 🐎

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📚🎭 Join us for our annual MLA Book Character Parade on Thursday, October 29th at 9:30 a.m.!

📚🎭 Join us for our annual MLA Book Character Parade on Thursday, October 29th at 9:30 a.m.!This year, we’re doing something a little different! Our Book Character Parade will move outdoors, giving parents the opportunity to watch and cheer on our students as they parade by in their favorite book character costumes.

No RSVP is required. We are currently finalizing the outdoor parade route and will share those details soon so families know where to gather and view the parade.

🌤️ Please note: The outdoor parade is weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the parade will not be rescheduled or moved indoors for parent viewing.

We look forward to celebrating a fun morning of books, characters, and Mustang spirit! 📖💙

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📚 Book Character Parade – Outdoor Parade Details

Our Book Character Parade is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 9:30 AM, and, weather permitting, we will be moving the parade outdoors this year! We are excited to welcome our families to celebrate our students’ creativity and love of reading.


Please review the following important information to help us make this event safe and enjoyable for everyone:

  • Parade Viewing: Parents may sit or stand anywhere in the areas marked in red on the parade map. Please use the designated viewing areas so everyone can enjoy the parade safely.

  • Parking: Parking will NOT be allowed on Dale Drive. Families may park along Fieldcrest or in the Dubiski High School parking lot.

  • Weather Permitting: The outdoor parade is dependent on weather conditions. If excessive wind or rain prevents us from safely holding the parade, the event will be canceled. Unfortunately, there will be no makeup date.

  • Student Dismissal: Students must remain at school following the parade. Parents will NOT be permitted to sign students out or take them home immediately after the event.

  • Thursday Lunch: Please note that lunch will be canceled on Thursday as we prepare the stage for our upcoming Trunk or Treat event.


Thank you for your flexibility, cooperation, and continued support of Marshall Leadership Academy! We look forward to seeing our Mustang families as we celebrate our students and their favorite book characters.

🎃MLA's Trunk or Treat 2026👻

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! 😊

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

We are kindly asking for donations of store-bought mini treats to use for our cake walk. Students who donate will receive 2,000 house points!

We'll start collecting on Monday! Come see Ms. Sutton in the main hallway in the morning with your treats to collect your house points! 🌟


Thank you for helping make our trunk or treat cake walk fun and a sweet success!

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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! 🌟

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🛒💰 Support Marshall While You Save!

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!

FRIENDLY REMINDERS: FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

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📢 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! ❤️🖤🐴

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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!

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Visitors/Volunteers Background Check

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!

APPLY FOR BACKGROUND CHECK

Apptegy for Marshall Parents

We will be transitioning from ClassDojo

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QUICK LINKS: QUICK LINKS:

Grand Prairie ISD Website
Grand Prairie ISD Calendar
Marshall Leadership Academy Website
Marshall Leadership Academy Facebook
MLA PTA Facebook
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