News from the Nest

Happy Sunday Falcon Families,

We have a busy and exciting week ahead as we wrap up the first marking period! It is hard to believe how quickly these first weeks have passed. I am proud of the progress our Falcons have made as they have settled into routines, embraced our expectations, and continued to demonstrate Growth, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork throughout our campus.

This week, students will complete benchmark assessments in their core academic classes. These assessments give our teachers valuable information about what students have learned, where they are experiencing success, and where additional support may be needed. Please help your student come to school each day on time, well-rested, and ready to do their best. Although our class periods will be shorter due to testing, meaningful teaching and learning will continue throughout the week.

We are also excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this week with special activities, including our spirit week and campus celebration. We look forward to celebrating the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities with our students and families.

There is plenty happening outside the classroom as well, with several athletic and fine arts events taking place this week. We encourage our Falcon families to come out, support our students, and celebrate the many ways they represent Audie Murphy Middle School.

We will be hosting a Trunk or Treat here at AMMS on October 30th! If you are able and willing to donate some candy for the event, we would be very appreciative! You can drop any donations off in the front office. The Trunk or Treat will be open to our Fort Hood community!

Finally, remember that there will be no school next week for Fall Break. We hope our students and families enjoy the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time together before we begin the second marking period.

Thank you for a wonderful first marking period and for your continued partnership in helping our Falcons remain Grounded in GRIT and Ready to Soar!

With Falcon Pride,
Christina Harris
Principal, Audie Murphy Middle School

Hispanic Heritage Month

Bullying Prevention Month

Principal Month

Monday, October 5th –

RLA Benchmark (Testing Schedule)

Lady Falcon Volleyball vs. Jimmy Don Aycock MS (games start at 5:30PM)

• 8th grade @ ECHS
• 7th grade @ JDAMS

Spirit Wear: Fiesta Day--wear bright colors

Tuesday, October 6th –

Campus Instructional Specialist Day!

Math Benchmark (Testing Schedule)

Falcon Football vs. Jimmy Don Aycock MS (games start at 5:30PM)

• 8th grade @ AMMS
• 7th grade @ JDAMS

Band Fall Concert @ SHS (6:00PM)

Spirit Wear: Flag Day--wear colors or designs inspired by flags from Hispanic countries

Wednesday, October 7th –

Science Benchmark (Testing Schedule)

Cross Country District Meet @ Long Branch Park (starts at 5:30PM)

Choir Fall Concert @ SHS (6:30PM)
Spirit Wear: Dos/Tres Amigos Day--dress up as a twin or triplet with some of your friends

Thursday, October 8th –

Social Studies Benchmark (Testing Schedule)

Hispanic Heritage Celebration @ AMMS (5:30-7:30PM)

Spirit Wear: Si Se Puede Day--wear college or career t-shirt

Friday, October 9th –

Final day of MP1

Benchmark Make-Up Day (schedule will depend on # of make-up testers)

Spirit Wear: Latino Sports Day--wear a jersey to honor a Hispanic sports team/player or wear AMMS spirit wear

We have officially reached the final stretch of the first marking period! This is the crucial time for all Falcons to check their grades on HAC (Home Access Center), communicate with teachers about any missing assignments, and finish strong before we head into a well-deserved break.

• End of Marking Period 1: Friday, October 9, 2026

• Fall Break: Monday, October 12 – Friday, October 16, 2026 (No School for Students or Staff)

Looking Ahead: The Second Marking Period

As we close out the first quarter, it is a great time for students to reflect on their academic and personal goals, celebrate their successes, and reset for a fresh start in the next grading cycle.

• Student Holiday & Staff Workday: Monday, October 19, 2026 (No School for Students)

• First Day of Marking Period 2: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Counselor's Corner Tips for Success

1. Check HAC Together: Sit down with your student this week to review their current grades and missing assignments.

2. Establish a Routine for Break: While Fall Break is a time to rest and recharge, keeping a consistent sleep schedule helps make the return to school much smoother on October 20.

3. Reach Out: If your student is feeling stressed about upcoming end-of-period assignments or grades, please do not hesitate to reach out to the counseling office. We are here to support our Falcons!

Please help us by clicking the link and filling out the: Parent Needs Assessment. It will allow us to better serve our AMMS Families.

Thank you!

AMMS Counselors

We are excited to begin 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 Texas 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 passed a law last year 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.

• All students should have received their ID cards. Please help to ensure that they have it and are wearing it appropriately every day. Having their IDs helps to improve the timing for riding the bus and for getting their lunch. If your student did not receive an ID, please have them stop by the AP office to let them know.
• All students have also been issued a YONDR pouch and should be placing their electronic devices inside the pouch during morning entry. Electronic devices should not be seen nor heard at any time during the school day.
• One of the most important habits we can help our students develop is being where they need to be, when they need to be there, and ready to learn. Please remind your student of the importance of arriving to class on time—every minute of instruction matters!
• Students are expected to be in dress code when they arrive on campus and remain in dress code throughout the school day.
• We can only accept food deliveries for students from a parent/guardian or contact listed on the student's account.

As always, we are here to help and support you and your student in every way possible. Please reach out to us with any concerns or use the online reporter method at the following link should you have a safety concern: https:/ /forms.killeenisd.org/Forms/BullyReporter

It is our pleasure to serve you and your student every day! Please understand if you come during

specific times of the day (ex: morning duty, lunch duty, passing periods, or after school duty), you may have to wait for a short time as supervision is a top priority, and our leadership team will be on duty in the halls/bus loop/etc. Every process and system we have in place focuses on providing the safest and most positive experience that we can for our students.

We greatly appreciate your support, and look forward to seeing you at many of our upcoming events!

The application for free and reduced-price school meals is still open for the 2026-2027 school year.

Apply today through SchoolCafé: https://www.schoolcafe.com/Killeenisd

Completing an application is quick and secure. We encourage all Killeen ISD families to apply, even if you're not sure you qualify.

Expect transportation delays the first few days of the school year. However, Killeen ISD provides

the Smart Tag 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.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are here to help!

Christina.Harris@killeenisd.org

Aimee.D.CastilloGriffin@killeenisd.org

Lusiana.Akech@killeenisd.org

Betty.Selvy@killeenisd.org

Keri.Luepke@killeenisd.org

Christine.NotestineDouglass@killeenisd.org

April.Reeves@killeenisd.org

Megan.Schneider@killeenisd.org