Thunderbird Times

Friday, April 18 is a Conference Release Day. No one will have school on that day.

Monday, April 21 is an Inservice day. Students will not have school on that day.

Please join us on Tuesday, April 22 for an Earth Day celebration. We will have different Earth Day- themed stations set up including planting new plants/ flowers in front of the school, spreading new mulch, cleaning up litter, and there will be a station where attendees can plant a seed to take so they have a plant to grow at their home as well. Hot dogs, chips, and water will be provided as supplies last.

Marshall is excited to offer the following new classes next year, in addition to the classes we have offered in the past:

• Aerobics (7th and 8th Grade Exploratory)
• For those of who want the opportunity to get active in a less rigorous environment than PE but still be able to move! This class will have a focus of Yoga, with a light emphasis on cardio, strength movements, and flexibility training.

• Honors Art (7th and 8th Grade Exploratory)
• Advanced art concepts for students who have previously taken our regular art class.
• Cosmetology (Math Embedded)
• In this fun and creative class, students will learn the basics of beauty and self-care! They will explore simple skills like hair styling, skincare, and nail art. Lessons will include how to braid hair, wash faces properly, and paint nails with cool designs. Students will also learn about staying safe and clean when using beauty products. This class is perfect for anyone who wants to feel confident and express themselves through beauty!
• Future Healers (Math Embedded)
• Are you curious about the world of medicine? Do you dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, paramedic, pharmacist, or scientist? Join Future Healers: Urban Medical Explorers, a hands-on, adventure-filled class designed just for YOU! You'll experience hands-on activities- practice CPR, learn to stitch wounds, use real medical tools, and conduct cool science experiments. Exciting field trips- visit local hospitals, medical labs, and even EMS stations to see real healthcare heroes in action. Special Guest Speakers- Meet doctors, nurses, first responders, and medical students!
• I Survived! Novel Studies (ELA Embedded)
• Get ready to explore the thrilling world of survival and disasters! In this action-packed middle school course, you’ll uncover the science behind both natural and man-made disasters, from earthquakes to environmental crises. Dive into the cause-and-effect relationships that shape these events, and discover how they impact both people and animals. Through fascinating case studies of historical disasters, you’ll learn what happened, why it happened, and how the world has changed as a result. You’ll also gain valuable insights into how science helps us predict, survive, and recover from these crises. Are you ready to face the ultimate survival challenge?
• Historical Fiction Novel Studies (ELA Embedded)
• In this class you will read about real history mixed with made-up stories. When reading historical fiction books, the characters and events in the story may be based on real people or historical events. Even though some parts of the story are created by the author, you will still get to learn about the time period the books are set in, and important things that were happening in the world.
• Wild World Animal Studies (ELA Embedded)
• We will explore the fascinating world of animals and their vital role in our lives. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and a variety of text types, students will investigate how animals contribute to improving our world, from their ecological importance to their impact on human well-being. Topics will include animal communication, the benefits of human-animal interactions, and the world of animal rescue.
• Entrepreneurship (ELA Embedded)
• Students will learn about running a business through production, marketing, and sales.

Ms. Mills is one of our amazing Assistant Principals at Marshall. This is her 2nd year here, and she has been a wonderful addition to our building. She answered a few questions about herself for us :)

• What did you do before you were an Assistant Principal?

• I was a 7th grade math teacher prior to accepting an assistant principal position

• Why did you decide to change careers?

• I loved teaching and was inspired by my peer consultant, Lola Pfeifer, to further my education by pursuing a master's degree in school leadership. I gradually took on additional responsibilities within the school, including supporting the office, and discovered how much I enjoyed having a broader impact. It was fulfilling to support not only students, but also fellow educators.

• What do you enjoy about being at Marshall?

• I love being at Marshall because of the incredible staff, students, and supportive community. It's the people and the strong sense of connection within the school that make it truly special.

• What advice would you give your middle school self?

• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, it’s how you grow! All the things that matter to you now won’t in a couple years!

A shout out from Coach Demo (our Cheer Coach) - Congratulations to Greta Janssen, 8th grader, on making the Varsity Cheer Team at North for next year, and Alexa Balderas, 8th grader, on making the Junior Varsity Cheer Team at North. I am SO PROUD of them! They were among the girls who have been in cheer at Marshall since the beginning of their 6th grade year. We were the first middle school in the district to have a cheer club. I can not wait to watch them cheer on the RedHawks!

Track has started! Their first meet is 4/17 from 3:45- 5:45 at Stucky Middle School. Take a look at the April and May calendars for more track meet dates. Our track students would love to have supporters at their meets cheering them on!

Get ready to cheer on our students as they prepare for the upcoming Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) tests! We have three important assessments coming up that will measure our students' progress and provide valuable insights into their academic growth:

6th, 7th, and 8th Grade English Language Arts Assessment

April 8th and 9th

These state-required assessments will be given to ALL Marshall students. This year’s theme, "Thunderbirds Take Flight!", encourages students to focus on growth and to aim higher than before. We want them to know that every point counts!

🎉 Special Incentive!
Students who are present on their scheduled testing days (not make-up sessions) with their devices ready and charged will receive a dress down day! This is a great opportunity to reinforce responsibility while helping them shine.

✅ How You Can Help:

• Mark your calendars—attendance on these dates is crucial!
• Ensure your child gets plenty of rest before testing days.
• Provide a healthy breakfast to start their day strong.
• Encourage a positive mindset and remind them to do their best!

Your support and encouragement make a big difference in your child’s academic success. Let’s help our Thunderbirds soar! 🚀🦅

Mrs. Brown, Marshall Assessment Coordinator

They say April showers bring May flowers! If you need indoor activities to do with your kids, look no further!

Tutoring is one of the best resources students can utilize to help with their grades and understanding of material being taught in classes. It is important students get help early on if they begin to struggle - putting it off makes it more difficult to catch up! Make sure your student is getting the help they need by taking advantage of the services listed below:

After School Tutoring is available with Ms. Favre (Room 124) Tuesdays- Thursdays from 3:25- 4:25. No need to sign up - students can just show up at Mrs. Favre's room on days they want to attend tutoring after school.

Students also have the opportunity to attend tutoring during recess. 6th grade is in Ms. Favre's room (124), 7th/8th grade meet in the Art Room (120) for recess tutoring with Ms. Guldner.

After School Tutoring and Lunch Tutoring will end for the semester on Friday, May 2.

Check us out! The best way to stay up to date with Marshall current events is to follow us on social media, and regularly check the Marshall website.

Marshall Webpage: https://www.usd259.org/marshall

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallFamilies/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marshallusd259?scrlybrkr=bb4d4182

Marshall Announcements: https://bit.ly/MarshallVideos

Would you like to be more active as a Marshall parent? Joining our PTSO may be the answer! Our first meeting is coming up on Tuesday, October 15 from 6:00- 6:30 in the Marshall Library.

If you are interested in being a PTSO member and have not signed up yet, please email Angie Erway at aerway@usd259.net with the following information:

• Your name
• Your student(s) name(s)
• Your phone number
• The best email address to reach you at

PTSO members are active at events, have the option of attending at least 2 PTSO meetings per year (typically during Parent Teacher Conferences), meet other Marshall parents, and more!