Dear Panther Parents & Guardians,

We are thrilled to share that our students made incredible gains on the Interim STAAR test! Their hard work and dedication are truly paying off, and we couldn’t be prouder.

To keep the momentum going, we are kicking off our first STAAR Bootcamp on Saturday, February 22nd, from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM! This session is open to all students, but we highly encourage those who received a Did Not Meet score on the Interim STAAR to attend.

This is an amazing opportunity for students to sharpen their skills, boost their confidence, and get test-ready in a supportive, engaging, and high-energy environment.

Let’s keep striving for success together! We can’t wait to see our Panthers there.

With Panther Pride,

Jacqulyn E. Bridge

Principal

#SaveTheDate: Parents and guardians of current KISD students can register for the 2025-2026 school year through Home Access Center beginning February 3, 2025 . (Reminder: Annual transfers must be renewed at the time of registration.)

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 Kindness. Each month, we will focus on a different trait to help build a positive and supportive school culture.

What is Kindness?

Kindness is the ability and willingness to express care and compassion for others. Kindness is a choice to use our time, talent, and resources to better the lives of others and the world through genuine acts of love, compassion, generosity, and service.

Why focus on Kindness?

• Kindness boosts positive emotions. Acts of kindness create neural pathways that enhance feelings of well-being and the natural flow of feel-good endorphins and neurotransmitters.
• Kindness is self-replicating. When we perform an act of kindness, it is likely to encourage others to act in a similar way.
• Kindness reduces stress and anxiety. Kindness promotes positive relationships with other people. Anything that helps you to build bonds with other people helps decrease anxiety.

Kindness in Action:

• Celebrate small things. Start each day with Good Things as a class. Publicly and privately affirm kind and thoughtful actions and attitudes.
• Create opportunities for students to regularly affirm each other. Once a week, dedicate time for students to write notes of affirmation to classmates and school staff members.
• Model Kindness. Be mindful of body language, tone, and mindset. Kindness is learned by example.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This is a reminder that student IDs were issued prior to the holiday break. Starting January 7th, all students must wear their IDs visibly above the waist during school hours.

Please ensure your child has their ID ready for the first day back. Your support in reinforcing this policy helps us maintain a safe and organized environment for all.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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

• 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

• 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)

Our school band is raising funds, and we need your support! This fundraiser will help provide new instruments, music, and other essential resources for our talented students.

You can show your support by making a purchase through our fundraiser link: Support the Band Here. Every contribution makes a difference!

Thank you for helping us keep the music alive at EHMS!

EHMS Orchestra Events

For ALL orchestra students:

• Monday March 10- 3rd 9-Weeks Concert (5:15 p.m. call time, 6 p.m. performance in the EHMS cafeteria)
• Saturday April 5- Solo and Ensemble contest (individual times at Union Grove MS)
• Tuesday May 13- Awards Concert (5:15 p.m. call time, 6 p.m. performance in the EHMS cafeteria)

For UIL/Advanced group only:

• Thursday Feb. 27- UIL orchestra evaluation (Temple HS during the school day, schedule to be announced)

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