September 1, 2024

Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

This week, our Panthers will be participating in the Beginning of the Year (BOY) MAP testing. These assessments are essential in helping us understand each student's academic level so we can tailor instruction to meet their needs.

Please note that the campus testing will take place from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM each day. After testing, students will follow the attached bell schedule.

It's important for students to arrive on time, well-rested, and ready to do their best. Please let your panther know they are to report to their 2nd period Intervention class.

We appreciate your support and cooperation in making this testing week run smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your panther’s education.

Best regards,

Jacqulyn E. Bridge

Principal

Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Tiffany Roy - STEM Math Superstar!

Today, we're shining the spotlight on one of our amazing educators, Ms. Tiffany Roy. Ms. Roy is making math both fun and memorable for her students as they dive into the world of dividing fractions.

Her innovative approach? A catchy rap that helps her students retain what they've learned!

Ms. Roy's passion for teaching and her dedication to student success is truly inspiring. We're so lucky to have her as part of our team!

Let's give a big round of applause for Ms. Roy and all the hard work she puts in every day to make learning engaging and enjoyable.

This month's character trait at EHMS is Empathy. Each month, we will focus on a different trait to help build a positive and supportive school culture.

What is Empathy?

Empathy is the ability to be aware of, understand, and be sensitive to another person’s feelings. Instead of focusing on how these feelings impact ourselves, empathy motivates us to focus on others and respond with care and compassion.

Why focus on Empathy?

• Empathy builds positive classroom culture. Empathy empowers students to learn to understand each other to build trust and safety in the classroom.
• Empathy strengthens communities. Empathy helps students strengthen their relationships with classmates, other students, and adults at school, and at home.
• Empathy prepares your students to be leaders in their community. The best leaders understand the people they lead and are able to show they care.

Empathy in Action:

• Take a different perspective. When you take a different perspective, you put aside your own feelings and reactions to see the situation through another’s eyes.
• Put aside judgment. Take a pause, and rather than express conclusions about a situation based on what you see, step back and consider other things you may still need to know or understand.
• Communicate that you understand. Instead of giving advice, respond with reflective phrases like, “It sounds like you...” or “I hear that you...” to express that you understand and care.

To help you and your family prepare for the upcoming school year, please visit our Back to School Information page. Here, you will find important details about schedules, supplies, and other essential information.

Your Panther has been sent home with two important forms: the Student Code of Conduct form and the Financial Income Survey form. We kindly ask that you take a moment to complete both forms and return them to the campus as soon as possible.

The Financial Income Survey is especially important as it helps our school continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students at EHMS. Your participation in completing this form is crucial in ensuring that we can maintain this valuable program for our students.

Thank you for your prompt attention to these forms and for your continued support of our school community.

Starting this week, we will begin enforcing our campus cell phone policy. Students are expected to keep their phones turned off and stored in their pouch.

Please note that any violations will result in appropriate consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Lost or damaged pouches cost $26.50 to be replaced. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Dear Parents,

We would like to inform you that we are no longer accepting schedule change requests for this semester. Our team has worked diligently to accommodate requests and ensure all students are in the best possible classes.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out.

Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to announce that the Panther Learning Academy will begin this week! Starting on Tuesday, tutoring will be available for all core subjects in the library from 3:40 PM to 4:40 PM. Sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday until May 15th.

This is a great opportunity for students to receive extra help and support. We encourage all students to take advantage of this valuable resource.

Go Panthers!

• October 8th- Spring Concert 7:30 PM Killeen HS
• October 26th- Middle School Region Camp Girls 8 AM- 11 AM Boys 12 PM- 3 PM Nolan MS
• December 12th- Winter Concert 7:30 PM Killeen HS
• January 25th – Region Choir Auditions All Day Belton HS
• February 8th- Region Clinic and Concert All Day Midway PAC
• March 7th- 6th Grade Festival 6:30 PM Killeen HS
• March 11th- Pre-UIL 6:30 PM Killeen HS
• March 27th- UIL Evaluation Time TBD Shoemaker
• March 28th-UIL Evaluation Time TBD Shoemaker
• April 26th- Solo and Ensemble all Day Nolan MS
• May 12th- Spring Concert 7:30 PM Killeen HS

Did you know that Boys & Girls Club is free? Students receive snacks and tutoring when they attend. It's also open until 6:00 PM. Click the link below to sign your student up.

Dear Parents,

As we continue to foster a positive and focused learning environment, we kindly ask for your support in ensuring that all students adhere to our dress code policy. Starting this Monday, if a student is not in compliance with the dress code, we will ask them to call home for a change of clothes or provide them with appropriate attire at school.

To help your child be prepared, please make sure they avoid the following items:

• Tights or leggings worn as pants
• Crop tops
• Jeans with holes higher than 6 inches above the knee
• Shorts or skirts higher than 6 inches above the knee
• Sagging pants

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us achieve this.

Thank you for your continued support

Eastern Hills Middle School is a community of integrity and learning. Where teachers and administrators mentor and inspire students and each other, to embrace a growth mindset. Where students are challenged to act with humility and resilience as they develop skills that will prepare them to be lifelong learners and productive members of society. Where every individual feels safe and contributes to our culture of pride, competitiveness and belonging.

Email: jacqulyn.bridge@killeenisd.org

Website: https://schools.killeenisd.org/Page/75

Location: 300 Indian Trail, Harker Heights, TX, USA

Phone: (254) 336-1100

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

Twitter: @middle_hills