The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We are now halfway through the marking period, and this is an important time for students to stay focused on learning, attendance, and daily effort. Consistent engagement in class, completing assignments, and following school expectations each day make a big difference in student progress and academic success.

We also want to address an ongoing concern with student devices and Yondr pouches. Recently, many students have been arriving on campus with phones and/or headphones without their Yondr pouch and turning devices in at entry. Please work with your student to find their pouch and ensure that they bring it to school to store their devices. Additionally, students are no longer permitted to bring personal headphones to school if they do not fit in their pouch or they do not have a pouch. If headphones are needed for instructional purposes, the campus will provide them. At this time, we are no longer able to accommodate the large number of devices being turned in daily.

On Wednesday, we will conduct a Yondr pouch inventory. All students are required to bring their Yondr pouch to school that day. Students who do not have their pouch will be assessed a $26 fine. We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations at home so we can maintain a safe, focused learning environment for all students.

Please continue to remind students of the importance of:

• Arriving to school on time

• Being prepared for class each period

• Following hallway and classroom expectations

• Treating others with kindness and respect

We also encourage families to talk with students about making positive choices at school. When students demonstrate responsibility, effort, and kindness, they may earn Hero points as recognition for positive behavior.

Finally, we appreciate your ongoing partnership and support. Working together—school and home—we can help ensure a successful and productive marking period for all students.

With Patriot Pride,

Christina Harris

We are always looking for caring and dedicated volunteers to support our students and staff here at Palo Alto Middle School. Whether it’s helping at events, mentoring students, or assisting with special projects, your involvement makes a big difference!

To volunteer, all individuals must first complete the KISD Volunteer Application (https://www.killeenisd.org/o/kisd/page/volunteer). Once cleared, volunteers will then attend a volunteer orientation at Palo Alto before getting started. We would love to partner with you in building a strong Patriot community!

Black History Month

Career and Technical Education Month

Crossing Guard Appreciation Week

No after-school activities this week!

Staying on Track

Being organized helps students manage assignments, reduce stress, and feel confident in their schoolwork.

Counselor Tip:

• Encourage using a planner or digital calendar for assignments and activities
• Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks
• Check completed tasks off to track progress and stay motivated

Tip for Families:

• Set aside a short daily or weekly check-in to review your child’s schedule
• Help prioritize tasks and celebrate consistency
• Encourage a clutter-free workspace at home

Wellness Corner:

• Regular breaks and physical movement improve focus
• Adequate sleep supports attention and memory
• Eating regular, nutritious meals helps maintain energy

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors can provide strategies to help students stay organized, manage time effectively, and develop habits that support academic success.

Students watched the video linked below earlier this year in order to ensure they know what the

expectations are. We believe that knowledge is power--knowing and understanding the rules helps them to be more successful.

A few points to be aware of:

• One (1) fight SHALL result in a due process hearing with a recommendation for DAEP placement. Students placed at DAEP for fighting shall be assigned for a minimum of 45 days and may be placed up to 90 days.
• Off campus fights may be considered a disruption to the campus learning environment and students who participate may be subject to a due process hearing with a recommendation for DAEP placement for a minimum of 45 days and up to 90 days.
• A student must be placed in a DAEP if the student: Commits an assault under Penal Code 22.01(a)(1)(3). Assault is defined in part by Penal Code 22.01 as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another; intentionally or knowingly threatening another with imminent bodily injury; or intentionally or knowingly causing physical contact with another that can reasonably be regarded as offensive or provocative.
• On the 3rd cell phone offense, the student will be assigned three days of In School Suspension (ISS) and will have a District-Level Hearing (DLH) with recommendation to the District Alternative Education Program (DAEP).

We want to keep our Patriots learning and growing here at Palo Alto, so please take time to talk with your students about the impact and consequences of their choices. Our discipline process is not just about consequences—it’s about teaching responsibility, accountability, and respect for others. When students understand expectations and take ownership of their actions, they are better able to stay focused on learning and enjoy a safe, positive school environment.

We are excited to continue our after-school athletic events this week! Please remember that KISD’s clear bag policy will be in effect for all games, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. There will be no cash taken at the door/gate and there will not be devices for anyone to use to purchase at the gate. Please let grandparents, aunts, uncles and all other family members know this is the new process.

When attending, we ask that all families model the Patriot Way by being positive and supportive of our student-athletes. Our role as fans is to encourage our team, not put down the other team or use inappropriate language or behavior. Texas has recently passed a law that requires us to remove spectators immediately if a game official requires it--there will be no warnings. Please help us to make our events a positive experience for all!

Together, we can create a spirited and respectful environment that makes every game a great experience for students, families, and our community.

Bus Route information was made available to parents/guardians via Home Access Center for those who are eligible and requested transportation.

Expect transportation delays the few days of the school year. However, Killeen ISD provides

the Edulog Parent Portal Lite smartphone app to help you receive information about your student's

bus ride. The app allows you to see real-time information about the location of your student's bus

and will alert you when the bus is getting close to the bus stop.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map for Cars and Buses

Please notice the drop off and pick up areas for cars at PAMS. For the safety of our students,

please do not drop off in the bus loop.

Parents/Guardians should only be driving in the yellow area indicated on the map.

The red area is for buses only. Parents who enter the red area are putting students and staff at

risk as there is limited visibility when buses are present.

Patriot families should be able to access your student's grades in Home Access Center (HAC). HAC is a valuable resource and is one way that teachers communicate your student's progress throughout the year (see attachment below for information about HAC). If you need assistance with it, please reach out to our parent liaison, Brittanee Warren (Brittanee.warren@killeenisd.org).