Dear Panther Parents/Guardians,

We hope this message finds you well! Here are a few friendly reminders to help keep things running smoothly this week:

1. Student IDs
   All students have been given new ID badges and are expected to wear them each day when entering the building.

2. Phone Pouches
   Please remind your Panther to keep their phone in their pouch during school hours.

3. Benchmark Testing

   • Monday - Thursday: We’ll be on the benchmark testing bell schedule this week.
   • Friday: Don’t forget we’ll follow an early release schedule, with students dismissed two hours early.

4. Impact Aid Forms
   If you haven’t already, please turn in your Impact Aid forms as soon as possible. Your quick response makes a big difference!

Thank you for your support in helping our Panthers stay on track. We appreciate all that you do!

Warm regards,

Jacqulyn E. Bridge

Principal

Did You Know?

Returning the Impact Aid form helps Killeen ISD secure funding for our students’ education! These funds make a difference in classrooms across our district.

If you have not already do so, please complete the form sent home with your student and return it ASAP. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for our kids!

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

What is Responsibility?

Responsibility is the willingness and ability to take ownership of our thoughts, words, and actions. We have a responsibility to our school, family, and community to be accountable for our choices and how they impact ourselves and others.

Why focus on Responsibility?

• Responsibility teaches resilience. It is not possible to persevere and achieve our dreams without taking personal responsibility seriously.
  
• Responsibility empowers us to own our actions. There is great power in being able to make conscious, calculated choices to reach goals and manage those things in our control.
• Responsibility teaches us to manage our time and resources. Responsibly organizing and prioritizing needs is an executive function of the brain that improves with practice.

Responsibility in Action:

• Give students roles and responsibilities. When students have a leadership role in class, they are accountable for contributing positively to the classroom culture.
  
• Empower students with self-management tools. Provide students with tools to help manage stress and impulsivity while motivating them to meet goals.
• Clearly communicate consequences. Empower students to make choices and experience the consequences of their actions, both positive and negative.

Dear Panther Parents/Guardians,

As we continue to foster a positive and supportive school environment, we’d love your input! Please take a few minutes to complete the Mid-Year Capturing Kids’ Hearts Survey by clicking the link below:

👉 https://iheartckh.com/squrl/gs3dagha

Your feedback helps us better understand how we’re doing and how we can continue to build strong relationships that support student success.

Thank you for partnering with us to make our school the best it can be!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are pleased to announce that all students will be receiving new school IDs this week during their 2nd-period class. To ensure a smooth and organized process, we have designated specific days for each grade:

• Monday, December 9th: 8th Grade
• Tuesday, December 10th: 7th Grade
• Wednesday, December 11th: 6th Grade

Students will receive their IDs during their 2nd period class. If your child is absent on their scheduled day or does not receive their ID, we will make arrangements for distribution during lunch periods later in the week. Please note that if ID's are lost students will have to pay $5 to replace their ID. Students are also required to wear their ID at all times while on school property or riding the bus. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office at 254-336-1100

Thank you for your support in helping us provide a safe and efficient process for our students.

December 16th – 20th Benchmark Testing

December 20th – Early Release

December 23rd – January 6th Christmas Break

Benchmark testing will take place from Monday, December 16th, through Thursday, December 19th.

The schedule is as follows:

• Monday: Math
• Tuesday: English
• Wednesday: Science
• Thursday: Social Studies

During these days, the campus will follow the benchmark testing schedule.

Additionally, please note that Friday, December 20th, will follow an early release schedule, with students being dismissed two hours earlier than usual.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your student is prepared and on time each day.

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 $25.50 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 Panther Parents and Guardians,

We encourage all of our panthers to take advantage of i-Ready and IXL for additional practice at home! These programs are designed to help strengthen skills in both reading and math. By spending extra time on these platforms, students can reinforce what they are learning in the classroom and make even more progress.

Here are some key benefits of using i-Ready and IXL at home:

• Personalized learning that meets your specific needs.
• Extra practice to build confidence and improve understanding.
• The ability to work at your own pace, outside of school hours.

Students can easily log in to both programs through Clever by using their student account.

Go Panthers!

Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

We want to remind you of the purpose and expectations for students attending the Panther Learning Academy. This program is designed to provide students with additional support in a focused learning environment, supplementing teacher-led tutoring sessions.

Expectations for Students Attending Panther Learning Academy

• Active Participation: Students are expected to engage in academic work while attending the Panther Learning Academy.
• Respectful Behavior: Students must respect their peers, staff, and the learning environment. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

Consequences for Rule Violations

Any student who fails to meet these expectations or disrupts the learning environment will face disciplinary action, which could include being removed from the Panther Learning Academy.

Please note that students removed from the Academy for disciplinary reasons can still attend their assigned teacher’s tutoring sessions on designated days.

Program Purpose

The Panther Learning Academy is a supplement to teacher tutoring and offers additional opportunities for students to receive academic assistance. However, teacher tutoring remains an essential component of student success, and students are encouraged to continue attending these sessions as assigned.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a productive and respectful environment for all students.

Thank you

• 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

• KHS Cluster Pre-UIL - February 11th (KHS)
• KISD Pre-UIL - February 19-20 (CHS)
• UIL C&SR - March 4-6 (CHS)
• Solo & Ensemble - April 26th (LHMS)
• All Star Band - May 2-3 (EHS)
• Spring Concert - May 8th (KHS)

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We’ve noticed that many students remain outside on campus after school dismissal until 5 PM or 6 PM. With the weather changing, we encourage you to consider enrolling your Panther in the Boys & Girls Club.

This program offers:

• Snacks
• Engaging activities
• Tutoring support
• Supervision until 6 PM

Please note that students are not permitted to remain inside the building after hours while waiting for a ride.

To sign your Panther up, please use the following link: https://mts.bgctx.org/onlinemembership.aspx

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students.

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