The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We’re looking forward to another great week at Palo Alto! Our athletic events are in full swing, and we hope to see many of you cheering on our Patriots at football, volleyball, and cross country.

On Friday, we will also host a Food Sales Day during lunch. Once a month, we will have concession type food for sale during the school day. Please remind your student to bring cash if they would like to purchase items.

As we close out the month, we’ve been focusing on what it means to be Proud of ourselves without putting others down. Students can be proud of their hard work in the classroom, the way they treat others with kindness, and the effort they give in activities outside of the classroom. We also encourage them to help others feel proud by lifting their classmates up and celebrating each other’s successes.

On Friday, we will celebrate top students who have earned positive points by recognizing their efforts during 2nd period.

Finally, please continue to remind your student about the importance of following school expectations—in the classroom, in the hallways, and in all common areas. These routines help keep our school safe, respectful, and a place where all students can thrive.

Together, we’re helping our Patriots Lock In & Level Up every day!

With Patriot Pride,
Christina Harris

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the KISD District Optimization process so far. The first set of draft scenarios was shared with the Board this week, and now it’s time for the community to weigh in. Families are invited to be part of this important conversation through Town Hall meetings and an online survey. Learn more at www.killeenisd.org/optimization.

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 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!

Hispanic Heritage Month!

Monday, September 22nd –

Lady Patriot Volleyball vs. JDAMS (games start at 5:30PM)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ JDAMS

Tuesday, September 23rd –

Patriot Football vs. Tennyson Middle (games start at 5:30PM)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ PAMS

Wednesday, September 24th –

Cross Country Meet @ HHHS (starts at 5:30PM)

Thursday, September 25th –

Lady Patriot Volleyball A Team Mid Season Tournament (games start at 5:30PM)

Spirit wear: College Spirit shirt

Friday, September 26th –

Food Day--Students may bring cash to purchase concession type food during the day

Spirit wear: PAMS Spirit shirt

Saturday, September 27th –

Lady Patriot Volleyball A Team Tournament (start time TBD)

• 8th grade @ KHS
• 7th grade @ CHS

• Reviewing Progress Reports: Progress reports come home this week and these reports offer a snapshot of your student's start to the year. Please review it with your child, focusing on effort and understanding, not just the final grades.
• A-B-C Conversation Strategy: When discussing grades, use the "A-B-C" approach:
  • Ask open-ended questions like, "Are there any surprises for you in these grades?".
  • Brainstorm solutions for any challenges you see together. Ask, "What could we do differently to get back on track?".
  • Celebrate successes, no matter how small. Look for improved effort or positive teacher comments on social skills.
• Get Organized for Success: The transition to middle school means more classes and responsibilities. Now is a great time to help your student create a system for staying organized. Consider using a planner or calendar to track assignments, tests, and extracurriculars.
• The Power of Effective Studying: A good study routine can prevent last-minute stress. Encourage your child to find a quiet study space, break down big projects into smaller steps, and take short breaks to stay focused.
• Navigating Peer Relationships: Middle school is a time when friendships change and social dynamics can be challenging. Remind your child that it's normal to feel left out sometimes and encourage them to be kind and inclusive towards their classmates.
• Practice Self-Regulation: Your child may seem moody or distant at times, which is a normal part of development. Help them practice managing their emotions by taking a few deep, calming breaths when they feel overwhelmed. You can also normalize these feelings by sharing your own experiences with them.
• Keep the Conversation Going: Schedule regular, informal check-ins with your child, such as at dinner or while in the car. Let them know you are always there to listen without judgment. Simply asking "What was the most interesting thing you learned today?" can keep the lines of communication open.

• Need to talk?: We are here for you and your student. If you have concerns about your child's academic or social progress, please don't hesitate to reach out to schedule a meeting. You can find our contact information on the back of this newsletter.

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 schedule in Home Access Center (HAC) this week. 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).