KFN #14
Knights Family News: 2024-2025 Twelfth Week of School!
Mission | Vision | Core Values
Mission: To educate and inspire every young man to think, to learn, and to succeed by offering a rigorous Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement academic program.
Vision: To empower every young man to excel academically, lead confidently, and positively impact their community.
School Hours & Bell Schedule
School Hours: 8:30am - 4:10pm
(Doors will open at 7:30am)
Dress code will be enforced beginning first day of school.
Socials
Campus Twitter: @MLelandPrep
Basketball Team Twitter: @LelandKnightsBb
Basketball Team IG: @lelandknightsbasketball
Leadership Team
Dear Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy Family,
It is with immense excitement that I join the Mickey Leland family as your new principal. I am truly honored to be a part of this exceptional community and am eager to collaborate with each and every student, parent, teacher, and stakeholder.
As we embark on this new academic year, I am committed to ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education from our dedicated and talented teachers. Together, we will create a supportive and dynamic learning environment where our young men can thrive academically, develop leadership skills, and become responsible citizens.
I look forward to an outstanding start to the year and a productive school year filled with growth, achievement, and success for all our students. Let's work together to make this year the best one yet!
Warm Regards,
RaNajee Thomas
Principal
Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men
Dr. Lakeyshure Marzell, Principal Apprentice
Joann Kalantar, Assistant Principal
Welcome!
I have had the pleasure of being part of the Mickey Leland community since it opened. I received my B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston-Downtown and my M.Ed. in Educational Leader from the University of North Texas.
Benita Champs, Counselor
Ms. Champs is a Houston native and Houston Independent School District graduate. She brings a wealth of experience and passion to the education field. Ms. Champs holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Prairie View A&M. She began her career in 2013 as a 6th-8th grade ELAR teacher at Lamar Fleming Middle School. There, Ms. Champs demonstrated leadership and versatility, holding positions like Master Scheduler, Testing Coordinator, AVID Coordinator, and Counselor.
Driven by a passion for student development, Ms. Champs transitioned to a Teacher Specialist of ELAR role at Ross Shaw Sterling High School in 2018, before fully transitioning to a Counselor role. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Champs has empowered students at Wheatley High School and Westfield High School, fostering critical thinking, lifelong learning, and responsible citizenship.
Stephanie Hernandez, Magnet Coordinator
Alicia Rocker, Special Education Chairperson
Byron Shelton, HS Athletic Coordinator
Erin McNairy, MS Athletic Coordinator
College Advisor
Latrale Walker
Calendar
Click the Calendar above to be taken to the school calendar located on the school website
Upcoming Events
October 28 - November 1: Red Ribbon Week (Flyer Below)
Tuesday 10/29: The National Catholic College Admission Association (CCAA) Texas College Tour @ YWCPA (All Juniors and Seniors) Permission Slips forthcoming & Uniform is REQUIRED to attend!
Monday 11/4 - Friday 11/8: Homecoming Week w/ Tailgate (2-6pm) & Homecoming Game (7pm) on Friday (Flyer Below)
Thursday November 21: Real Men Real Talk @ 6:30pm
2024-2025 Basketball Schedule
EF Tour Information
Please contact Mrs. Kalantar, Assistant Principal, for details!
Student Birthdays
Happy Birthday Christopher!
August 18th
Happy Birthday Oren!
August 18th
Happy Birthday Climon and Morris!
August 20th & August 19th
Happy Birthday Alfredo!
August 21st
Happy Birthday Dexter!
August 24th
Happy Birthday Ricardo!
August 21st
Happy Birthday Grayson!
August 22nd
Happy Birthday Daison!
August 29th
Happy Birthday Donovan!
Happy Birthday Adam!
Happy Birthday Alexis!
Happy Birthday David!
Happy Birthday Luis!
Happy Birthday Justin and Denzel!
Happy Birthday Robert!
Happy Birthday Jayden!
Happy Birthday Mauricio!
Happy Birthday Devin!
aka D-Rod
Happy Birthday Jacob!
Happy Birthday Matthew!
Happy Birthday Joshua!
Happy Birthday Xzavier and David!
Happy Birthday Aron, Emiliano, and Kevin!
Happy Birthday Henry!
Happy Birthday Elijah!
Happy Birthday Christian!
Weekly Communication
Twelfth Week of School 2024-2025 (10/28 - 11/1)
Greetings, Knights Family!
Welcome to Week 12. We hope you’re ready for another week of growth and opportunity. Please see the important updates and reminders below.
Weekly Schedule: (B-Week)
Monday: B-Day (Periods 5-8)
Tuesday: A-Day (Periods 1-4)
Wednesday: B-Day (Periods 5-8)
Thursday: A-Day (Periods 1-4)
Friday: B-Day (Periods 5-8)
Red Ribbon Week
This week, we celebrate Red Ribbon Week, October 28 - November 1. Students who wish to participate must follow the designated attire listed on the flyer below. Those not participating must wear the full MLCPA uniform: Shirt, Tie, Khakis, Blazer, Cardigan, or Sweater Vest. No exceptions.
Reminders:
Uniform and Appearance
A reminder to all students to pay close attention to the cleanliness and condition of the MLCPA uniform. Uniforms should be clean, wrinkle-free, free of rips or tears, and without missing buttons. Students should begin the week, particularly on Mondays, wearing clean clothing that reflects the pride we have in our school. Our uniform symbolizes the prestige of MLCPA, and we want all students to represent it well. If you need assistance ensuring your child has a clean and presentable uniform, please contact the campus, and we will provide support where possible.
Cell Phones & Headphones:
Cell phones and headphones may only be used during breakfast and lunch. They should not be visible or heard during class or hallway transitions. If a device is seen or heard, it will be confiscated. Note: Checking the time on your phone during class is considered usage. After multiple violations, a $15 fee will be applied.
Chromebook Chargers:
Please remind your child to keep track of their Chromebook charger. Lost chargers can be replaced on Amazon for approximately $10-15 (search for "45W USB-C charger laptop"). Adding colored tape to the charger can help with easy identification. For questions, contact Ms. Jordan at chelsea.jordan@houstonisd.org.
Attendance:
Attendance is essential to student success. If your child is absent, please send an excuse note. Remember, both excused and unexcused absences are recorded, and excessive absences may impact high school students' semester credit. In these cases, an attendance appeal may be needed to regain credit.
Upcoming Events:
Homecoming Tailgate:
Date: Friday, November 8
Time: 2-6 PM
Join us for food, games, and community fun!
Junior & Senior College Trip:
On Tuesday, juniors and seniors will visit Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy for the Catholic Colleges Texas Tour. All students attending this trip must be in full uniform (Shirt, Tie, Blazer, Sweater Vest, or Cardigan).
Zero Tolerance for Physical Violence:
MLCPA holds a zero-tolerance policy for physical violence. Conflict may occur, but we expect students to communicate respectfully, seek solutions, and avoid physical confrontations. Students engaging in or encouraging violent acts, including recording such incidents, will face strict consequences. These actions do not align with our Core Values.
High School Lunch Privileges:
The privilege for high school students to eat in the Commons and order outside food has been temporarily suspended due to inconsistent adherence to the uniform policy. We hope to see all students consistently following uniform expectations to earn back this privilege.
Thank you for supporting our commitment to a positive and respectful learning environment. Let’s have a fantastic week!
Go Knights!
❗🚩Urgent Reminder: Dress Code and Presentation Expectations❗🚩
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well. As the principal of Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy, I want to take a moment to reinforce the values and expectations that make our campus unique. MLCPA is not just a school; it is a college preparatory academy — a choice you made as parents — where we uphold a prestigious dress code that sets us apart from other campuses in the district. When visitors step foot on our campus, I want them to experience the same sense of awe that you did when you first heard about our school, saw what we offer, and placed your trust in MLCPA to educate your son.
With that in mind, I want to bring an urgent matter to your attention: the importance of our young men reporting to school in the required, clean, and well-maintained attire each day. There are no exceptions to our dress code, which calls for students to wear a button-up shirt and tie daily. The tie must be properly tied and placed within the collar of the shirt. Additionally, students should wear khaki pants and appropriate shoes.
I am concerned about the lack of attention to detail in how some students are dressing. I’ve noticed wrinkles in clothing, ties not placed under collars, pants not worn at the waist, and shirts that are not properly buttoned. In some cases, students are coming to school in clothing that is torn, has holes, or is missing buttons. Attending MLCPA comes with a high expectation, and part of that expectation is reflected in how our students present themselves each day.
I understand that there may be barriers to maintaining, obtaining, or replacing the required attire, and I want to stress that we are here to help. If you have any concerns about meeting these expectations, I urge you to reach out so we can assist in coordinating support where needed.
Moving forward, I ask for your cooperation in ensuring that your child is dressed in clean, ironed, and presentable attire, free from holes, tears, or missing buttons. Please take a moment each morning to check that your son’s appearance is an appropriate representation of your family and the values of our academy. Beginning Monday, October 14th, we will start making phone calls to address any issues with attire or appearance.
As a reminder, blazers will be required starting October 14th. For those who do not have a blazer at this time, a cardigan may be worn until blazers are delivered. If you have not yet ordered a blazer or need assistance, please contact the PTO or the campus, as some support may be available.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued partnership in upholding the standards that make MLCPA a place of pride and excellence.
Student Highlights
Francisco recruiting from his alma mater, Garden Villas Elementary. First recruits were his siblings
Shaking Things Up for Family Knight! Mr. Lewis, PTO VP, and his son Dexter, a proud 10th grader, serve up some fresh, flavorful tea from their own family business, Lewis Tea Co.
Gold Tie Recipients
All A Honor Roll
All A's, All A's and 1 B, & All A's and 2 B's
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Cowboy Day
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Cowboy Day
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Soccer Jerseys
Varsity 2nd Place Overall
Regional Qualifiers
JV District Champ
Freshman District Champs
Andrew Rivera - 1st Place Overall
District 20-4a Varsity Cross Country Meet
2nd Place
Regional Qualifiers
District 20-4a JV Cross Country
1st Place District Champions
Kenneth Morris 2nd Place Overall
District 20-4a Freshman Cross Country Meet
1st Place District Champions
1st Place overall Andrew Rivera
3rd Place overall Ian Jackson
Flyball Jubilee Participants
Giovanni and George, seniors, proudly represented our school at the Focus City Showcase Flyball Jubilee in Montgomery, Alabama, hosted by the Players Alliance. As the only two students selected to attend this event, they showcased their skills and dedication, making our school community proud.
Cross Country Meet Saturday 9/28 @ North Forest
Cross Country Meet Saturday 9/28 @ North Forest
Recruiting at Fleming MS!
A big shout-out to Morris, Giovanni, Dexter, Nathaniel, and Samaree for their efforts in recruiting for the upcoming 9th grade class.
Cross Country Meet at Westbury!
Huge Congrats to Vincent Zapata and Matthew Cardenas for medaling and finishing in the top 15 out of more than 150 runners!
Cross Country Meet at Westbury!
Angel, Aiden, and Christopher at R. Martinez connecting with future scholars of MLCPA!
Joshua, Senior Class President and Student Worker, getting settled into his new office! #MLCPANewestStaffMember
Caleb, a senior at MLCPA, is staying focused as he registers for the ACT. #CollegeBound
Core Value #5, Helpful, in action! #TheregoesaKnight
8th Grade Scientists in Action: Hands-on Learning in the Lab!
Debate Team First Meeting
Debate Team First Meeting
There goes a Knight!
I want to give a huge shoutout to our Freshman Class Vice President, Nicholas Grimes! He’s been putting in some serious work to update the Student Council page on our school website. It’s still a work in progress, but Nicholas has made some awesome strides already. That’s the Knight spirit in action!
Check out the progress and see what’s new by visiting the site below:
Let’s hear it for Nicholas—there goes a Knight!
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Become a Member
The PTO encourages parents/guardians to participate in the PTO by becoming a member. Membership has its privileges. Members are the first to receive announcements, invitations, events and activities. If you would like to become a member, please go onto the PTO online store to complete the information. Membership starts at:
· $25--bronze membership (per family) allows (1) vote in the general PTO meeting.
· $50--silver membership, (per family) allows (2) votes in the general PTO meeting.
· $100--gold membership, (per family), allows (2) votes+family access (up to 4 people) in (1) PTO sponsored event.
· $250--business donation, allows (1) week of the business name on PTO newsletter and on PTO social media outlets. *Donations are also welcome from friends, family members, and/or small businesses.
Uniform Store
Uniform Store
The PTO is the sole distributor of all required uniforms, except gym uniforms. The link for the PTO Uniforms Store, online platform is below but is also on the school's website:
https://leland-college-prep-pto-uniform-store.cheddarup.com
Hours:
Every other Wednesday 8-10am, starting 8/21