Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

We’ve made it to the final week of school, and we have a lot of exciting activities planned as we wrap up an incredible year at Eastern Hills Middle School!

Benchmark Testing: Monday–Wednesday
Students will participate in campus-wide Benchmark Testing to help us monitor progress and guide instruction moving forward.

• Monday & Tuesday: Students will follow the Benchmark Testing Schedule.

• Wednesday: EHMS will follow a Late Start Schedule. Testing will begin promptly at 8:00 AM to allow time for our 8th Grade Celebration, which begins at 10:00 AM in the gym.

Field Day Fun!

These events are FREE, and no money is required.

• 6th Grade Field Day: Monday after lunch

• 7th Grade Field Day: Tuesday after lunch
  🌞 Water activities will be included—students should bring a change of clothes (no white shirts, please) and sunscreen is highly recommended!

Thursday – Early Release & 8th Grade Block Party
We will follow the Early Release Schedule on Thursday, our final day.
Our 8th Graders will also celebrate with a Block Party to mark the end of their middle school journey!

Thank you for your continued support this year—we couldn’t have done it without you. Let’s finish strong, Panthers!

Very Respectfully,

Jacqulyn E. Bridge

Principal

Thank you for a successful first week of our updated campus procedures. Your support and cooperation have made a noticeable difference in ensuring our school remains a safe and structured environment for all students and staff.

As a reminder, new backpack procedures are now in effect across all secondary campuses as part of Killeen ISD’s safety efforts:

• April 30 was the last day for traditional backpacks.

• Students may now bring no more than two small bags (no larger than 6x9 inches) such as a lunch kit or small purse.

• Yondr pouches do not count toward the bag limit.

• Clear or mesh backpacks of standard size are still permitted.

• Medically necessary items must be pre-approved by the campus clinic and administration.

• Athletics or fine arts bags must be checked in at the designated area before school begins.

For full details and guidelines, please visit: www.killeenisd.org/clearbags-secondary

We appreciate your partnership in helping your Panther stay prepared and focused as we close out the school year strong.

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

What is Perseverance?

Perseverance is the willingness and ability to keep going when things are tough. People who persevere show steadfastness and give the extra effort needed to do something despite how hard it is or how long it takes to reach the goal.

Why focus on Perseverance?

• Perseverance encourages positive self-talk and thinking. When faced with difficult tasks, perseverance helps students reframe with positive thoughts, such as: "I'm not good at this YET!"
• Perseverance develops empathy. Students gain a better understanding of who they are and develop more empathy and compassion for others who may struggle to reach a goal.
• Perseverance sparks personal growth. Pushing through complex tasks builds resilience and helps students discover how capable they are.

Perseverance in Action:

• Share stories and challenging experiences. Be vulnerable and share personal experiences when you have struggled with a task or concept and had to work hard to push through.
• Praise effort and process, not intelligence or performance. Affirm students for the process they used to tackle tasks and point out how their abilities grow through their own hard work.
• Give your students the chance to struggle. Struggle builds self-confidence, independence, and perseverance. Resist the urge to intervene immediately and give students time to figure it out.

Panther Families,

As we wrap up the school year, we invite you to complete the Capturing Kids’ Hearts end-of-year survey. Your feedback helps us continue building a positive school culture for our students and staff.

Please take a moment to complete the survey using the link below:
🔗 https://iheartckh.com/public-survey/drycj84b

Thank you for your continued support!

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,

As we prepare to close out the school year, we will begin collecting Yondr pouches starting the week of May 19th.

Please ensure your student brings their assigned Yondr pouch to school for collection and inspection. A pouch is considered to be in good condition if it meets the following criteria:

• The locking mechanism functions properly

• It is free from tears, holes, or fraying

• The pouch is clean and odor-free

• Seams are secure and intact

• It effectively prevents access to the device when locked

Pouches that do not meet these standards may be subject to a replacement fee. We appreciate your help in ensuring all pouches are returned in acceptable condition.

Thank you for your continued partnership!

ID badges are required at all times while on campus, riding the bus, and attending any school-sponsored event.

If a student has lost their ID, they may purchase a replacement for $5 or complete community service with Ms. Bridge to receive a new one.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and secure school environment!

No Boys & Girl's Club May 19th - May 22nd

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