Leadership Lens Vol. 2: Issue 10

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As we wrap up our recent assessments, we are using the results to identify learning needs and prepare for our next step: after-school tutoring! Tutoring is an important opportunity to provide students with additional support, strengthen skills, and build confidence. Student attendance is essential to making this time count. I have asked our teachers to keep records of students who are not attending tutoring so we can monitor participation and work together to ensure our students receive the support they need. Thank you for making tutoring attendance a priority!

⏰ Let's Be On Time, Mustangs!

One area of concern from Quarter 1 is the significant increase in student tardies. I want to challenge every Marshall family to make punctuality a priority this quarter! Students may enter the classroom for breakfast at 7:50 a.m., and instruction begins promptly at 8:10 a.m. Arriving on time allows students to eat breakfast, settle in, prepare for the day, and begin learning with their classmates. Every minute matters, and starting the day on time helps set students up for success. Let's work together to build strong habits and make every school day count!

🎃 Trunk or Treat Volunteers Needed!

Are you planning to volunteer for our upcoming Trunk or Treat event? Now is the time to make sure your volunteer background check has been submitted. Completing this step ahead of time helps ensure you are ready to participate and support our students and school community. We appreciate the families who give their time to make our school events special!

Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to our Marshall Mustangs. Together, we can make this a successful quarter filled with growth, learning, and leadership.

We Inspire Leaders Daily!

With Mustang Pride,
Mr. Amaton

Dear Marshall Families,

Welcome back, Mustangs! I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Fall Break filled with opportunities to rest, reconnect, and recharge. My son Tatum and I had a great time at the fair, enjoying the rides, delicious fair food, and, most importantly, making memories together! It was a wonderful reminder of the importance of Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw, taking time to step away from our busy schedules, enjoy the little moments, and refill our cups. I hope your family had an opportunity to do the same! As we return to a short school week, we are ready to jump back into learning and make the most of what October has left to offer!

This week, I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to our Marshall families. Thank you for getting your children to school each day, for making attendance a priority, and for understanding that every minute of learning matters. I especially want to recognize our families who support us during testing by ensuring students arrive on time and avoiding early pickups. These small but intentional actions make a big difference. They help create a calm, consistent testing environment where our Mustangs have the opportunity to show what they know without interruptions.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the families who joined us for our Parent Meeting on Monday evening. Your presence means more than you may realize. One thing I appreciate about our Marshall community is having families who show up, not just for the fun celebrations, rallies, and exciting moments, but also for the important conversations, meetings, and decisions that help move our campus forward. Showing up for both the fun and the serious moments sends a powerful message to our students: their education matters, and we are all invested in their success.

As we move through the remainder of October, I am reminded that strong schools are built on strong partnerships. We may each play different roles, but we share the same goal: helping every Mustang learn, grow, and succeed. Whether you are cheering from the sidelines, helping with homework, getting your child to school on time, or sitting alongside us at a parent meeting, you are helping fuel the work happening at Marshall every day.

Let's carry that renewed energy from Fall Break into the weeks ahead. Continue encouraging our Mustangs to show up, engage, lead, and reach for excellence. And let's remember that Habit 7 isn't just about taking a break, it's about taking care of ourselves so we can continue giving our best to the people and things that matter most.

Thank you for being the kind of community that shows up, works together, and continues to believe in what we are building at Marshall.

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

October Focus: Bullying Prevention

Week 3: Recognizing the Signs & Getting Help

Bullying Prevention: What Can Families Do?

As we continue our October bullying prevention series, this week we are focusing on recognizing when a child may need support and helping them feel comfortable speaking up. Children may not always tell an adult when something is wrong, so regular conversations about their school day can help families identify concerns early.

Watch for changes such as reluctance to attend school, withdrawing from friends, or seeming unusually upset after interactions with peers. These signs do not automatically mean bullying is occurring, but they can be opportunities to check in, listen, and offer support.

If your child shares a concern, remain calm, listen without judgment, and work with the school to determine the appropriate next steps. Remind your child that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Habit 4 encourages us to look for solutions that respect everyone's needs. We can help children practice peaceful problem-solving, show empathy, and understand that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. When bullying is involved, adult support may be necessary to help address the situation appropriately. Together, we can help every student feel safe, supported, and included.

At-Home Conversation Starters

• What helps you feel comfortable talking to an adult when something is bothering you?

• How can you support a friend who is having a difficult time?

• What would you do if a problem with another student continued after you tried to resolve it?

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

• OCTOBER

  • All month:

  • National Principal Month

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  • Dyslexia Awareness Month

  • Down Syndrome Awareness Month

  • Bullying Prevention Month

  • Cybersecurity Awareness Month

  • 19: StuCo Meeting

  • 20: Leaders 5, 1:15-2:45

  • 20: Spirit Night @ Shake Shack for 4-8pm

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

  • 22: Q1 AttenDANCE

  • 22: Title 1 Parent Meeting

  • 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

  • 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

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!

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

💡 What inspired you to become an educator?
“My teachers made me feel loved, valued, and supported when I needed it most. I want to be that person for my students and help create a safe, loving space where they feel seen and valued.”

🐴 What do you love most about being a Marshall Mustang?
“I love the family relationships I’ve built over the last 10 years! The relationships we build at Marshall go far beyond the classroom walls, and I’m so grateful for the lifelong connections I’ve made.”

💙 What is one thing you want every student to know about you?
“I want my students to know that they never have to be anyone other than themselves in our classroom. I’m here to love them, support them, and cheer them on as they grow!”

🎯 What is one goal you have for your students this school year?
“My goal is to help my students become confident learners, kind friends, problem solvers, and little leaders who know how to keep going when things get hard.”

✨ Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.
“I’m a mom to two little ones! We love finding good coffee, being outside in the sunshine, and finding new adventures together. I’m also a very creative person who loves to create and design things!”

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

Get to know one of our amazing Marshall Mustangs! 💙

💡 What inspired you to become an educator?
“I wanted to make a difference in young lives!”

🐴 What do you love most about being a Marshall Mustang?
“I love being a part of a school community that supports and encourages one another.”

💙 What is one thing you want every student to know about you?
“I want students to know that I believe in them and want them to succeed.”

🎯 What is one goal you have for your students this school year?
“My goal for my students is for each of them to grow and reach their full potential.”

✨ Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.
“I love baking, cooking, and crafting!”

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

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!

Marshall Leadership Academy Families,

We invite all parents and families to join us for our Annual Title I Meeting on Thursday, October 22, at 5:30 p.m. in the school library.

During this meeting, we will share information about our Title I program, how federal funds support student learning, and how we partner with families to help every student succeed. This is also an opportunity to learn more about our campus goals and how you can be involved in your child's education.

Your voice and participation matter! We look forward to partnering with you as we continue shaping today's students into tomorrow's servant leaders.

📅 Date: Thursday, October 22
🕠 Time: 5:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Marshall Leadership Academy Library

We hope to see you there, Marshall Mustang families!

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! 🌟

Marshall Mustang Families, join us for a fun and delicious Family Night at Shake Shack on Tuesday, October 20, from 4:00–8:00 p.m.!

Bring your family, enjoy some great food, and show your support for Marshall Leadership Academy! It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with our school community while enjoying a favorite family treat.

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 20
⏰ Time: 4:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Shake Shack

We hope to see our Marshall Mustang families come out and join the fun! Thank you for your continued support of our school. ❤️🐎

Marshall Mustangs — Stronger Together!

Students can earn 500 points for their donation!

Marshall Mustang Families, we understand that busy schedules can sometimes make it difficult to attend in person. If you are unable to join us for our Annual Title I Meeting on Thursday, October 22, at 5:30 p.m., 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! 🐎

📚🎭 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! 📖💙

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! 😊

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! 🌟

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!

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!

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