The Pride of Palo Alto

We are gathering data related to how our campus is doing so far. Please use the link below to give us some feedback. We will use the information gathered to improve our practices for the 2nd semester.

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

This week marks the end of the marking period, and it is an important one for our students. All students will be taking benchmark assessments throughout the week, and we will be following a testing schedule each day. These assessments help us measure student progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed, so it is important that students arrive on time, well-rested, and ready to focus.

Please help your student be successful by:

• Ensuring they arrive to school on time each morning

• Encouraging them to take their time and do their best on each assessment

• Reminding them that effort and focus matter

Early Release – Friday
Friday will be an early release day, with students dismissing two hours earlier than normal. Please note:

• There will be no tutoring or after-school activities on Friday.

• Students must leave campus immediately upon dismissal due to limited supervision.

• Walkers should head straight home, and parent pick-up should be prompt.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we close out the marking period. Your support helps our Patriots stay focused, finish strong, and Lock In & Level Up!

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!

Monday, December 15th -

ELAR Benchmark Testing (alternate schedule)

Lady Patriot Basketball vs. LORMS (games start at 5:30PM) (8th Grade Club concessions)

• 8th grade @ LORMS
• 7th grade @ PAMS

Spirit wear: Wear blue and white for our Hanukkah friends.

Tuesday, December 16th -

Math/Algebra Benchmark Testing (alternate schedule)

Spirit wear: Wear Santa hats, antlers, and headbands.

Wednesday, December 17th -

Science Benchmark Testing (alternate schedule)

Spirit wear: Wear all your Santa gear.

Thursday, December 18th –

Social Studies Benchmark Testing (alternate schedule)

Patriot Boys Basketball vs. LORMS (games start at 5:30PM) (NJHS Concessions)

• 8th grade @ LORMS
• 7th grade @ PAMS

Spirit wear: Wear red and white or gingerbread colors. Or college spirit.

Friday, December 19th –

Early Release schedule

Food reward day

Make-up Benchmark Testing (early out benchmark schedule)

Spirit wear: Wear your holiday vacation wear. Or Patriot Spirit wear.

Checking Progress

Now is a great time for students to reflect on the goals they set at the beginning of the nine weeks. Celebrate successes and adjust goals that need more focus.

Counselor Tip:

• Write down what’s working well and what needs improvement

• Adjust goals in small, achievable ways

• Encourage persistence rather than giving up on challenging goals

Tip for Families:

• Ask your child which goals they’ve accomplished and which need more attention

• Help them plan next steps to stay on track

• Praise effort and progress, not just outcomes

Wellness Corner:

• Maintain balance by including self-care activities

• Short breaks, healthy meals, and sleep improve focus and motivation

• Encourage reflection on progress and achievements

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors help students reflect, problem-solve, and adjust strategies to stay on track. Encourage your child to reach out if they feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Week 9 – Gratitude and Community

Appreciating Others
Encourage students to focus on gratitude and contribute positively to their community. Acts of kindness strengthen friendships and the school environment.

Counselor Tip:

• Write a note of appreciation to a peer, teacher, or family member

• Practice small acts of kindness daily

• Recognize and celebrate others’ accomplishments

Tip for Families:

• Talk with your child about something they’re thankful for each day

• Encourage gratitude through shared family conversations or activities

• Model appreciation and kindness in your own actions

Wellness Corner:

• Gratitude exercises, like journaling or sharing compliments, improve mood and emotional wellbeing

• Encourage reflection on positive experiences

• Build resilience by focusing on strengths and support systems

Counselor’s Note:
Ending the nine weeks by reflecting on growth, kindness, and accomplishments helps students finish strong and sets a positive tone for the next quarter.

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).