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,

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break and enjoyed time with family and friends! As we return to campus, we are entering an important three-week stretch before the end of the marking period. This is a great time for students to refocus, finish strong, and set themselves up for success before Winter Break.

Instructional Time Matters
With only 15 school days left in the grading period, consistent attendance and engagement in class are more important than ever. We encourage families to help students:

• Arrive on time each morning

• Stay focused in class

• Stay on top of assignments in all subjects

• Check grades regularly in Home Access Center

The effort students put in during these next few weeks has a big impact on their academic progress.

Behavior & Expectations
Thank you for reinforcing our campus expectations at home. As we head into a busy holiday season, reminders about positive behavior, responsible decision-making, and treating others with respect help ensure a safe and productive school environment.

Dismissal Procedures Continue
As a reminder, our updated dismissal schedule will continue:

• Bus riders: 3:37 PM

• Walkers and parent pick-up: 3:42 PM

• Students going to practice, clubs, or tutoring: 3:50 PM

We appreciate your support in ensuring students are picked up promptly and leave campus once their school day or activity has ended.

We’re excited to finish this marking period strong—together. Thank you for your ongoing support and for helping our students 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 1st -

Lady Patriot Basketball vs. CPMS (games start at 5:30PM) (7th Grade Club concessions)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ CPMS

Tuesday, December 2nd -

Special Education Appreciation Day

ECHS Visit (Cafeteria)

Wednesday, December 3rd -

Patriot Boys Basketball vs. CPMS (games start at 5:30PM) (NJHS concessions)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ CPMS

Celebrating Strengths
Middle school is a time of growth and change. Encourage your student to notice their strengths and accomplishments, no matter how small, and practice believing in themselves.

Counselor Tip:

• Have your student make a weekly list of three things they did well

• Encourage positive self-talk, replacing negative thoughts with affirmations

• Try new challenges to build confidence

Tip for Families:

• Ask your child about something they’re proud of each day

• Recognize effort and progress, not just results

• Praise perseverance and small wins

Wellness Corner:

• Journaling or mindfulness exercises help students manage negative thoughts

• Even 5–10 minutes of reflection daily supports self-awareness

• Encourage breathing exercises to calm and focus the mind

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors are available to help students develop confidence, celebrate achievements, and navigate challenges with a positive mindset.

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).