Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to share a few important updates happening this week and next here at school:

Soccer tryouts are underway this week! If your child is interested, please make sure they’ve signed up and are ready to participate.

We’ve extended the registration deadline to Friday, April 4th, so if you haven’t had a chance to complete it yet, there’s still time.

Our final STAAR Bootcamp is scheduled for Saturday, April 5th. This is a great chance for students to get in some last-minute review and boost their confidence before testing begins.

STAAR testing will begin on Tuesday, April 8th. Please help us by ensuring your child gets a good night's rest, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school on time. We’re proud of their hard work and know they’re ready to shine!

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and support. We’re in this together!

With Panther Pride,

Jacqulyn E. Bridge

Principal

Current Student Registration for the 2025-2026 school year has been extended online through the Home Access Center. The new deadline to complete all forms is April 4, 2025. After this date, you will need to complete the New Student Registration process.

Important Reminders:

• Proof of Residency must be attached before submitting the forms.
• If your student is eligible for transportation next year, you must request it now during registration. Specific routing details will be provided as we approach the start of the school year in August.
• Once submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email.

How to Complete Registration:

1. Log in to Home Access Center.
2. Click the "Registration" icon in the menu.
3. Select the "Update Enrollment" tab.
4. Click the "Start" link next to the Current Student Registration form.
5. Verify your student’s Date of Birth to proceed.

Need Assistance? Each campus will have a registration kiosk available for parents who need access or help with online registration.

If your student will not be returning to Killeen ISD in August 2025, please complete a Student Withdrawal Request form at: https://forms.killeenisd.org/Forms/student-withdrawal.

Register today to secure your student’s enrollment!

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

What is Courage?

Courage is the ability and strength to face something that may be difficult or challenging. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather perseverance in the presence of fear and the willingness to stand up for what is right or to try something new even though it may be uncomfortable or uncertain.

Why focus on Courage?

Courage in Action:

Congratulations to Ms. Martin for being selected as Teacher of the Year! Your dedication, passion, and commitment to student success make a lasting impact every day. EHMS is lucky to have you—well deserved!

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.

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!

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

HHHS Varsity/JV Auditions & Program Info

Hey, future theatre stars! Have you ever dreamed of stepping into the spotlight? Or maybe you love the magic that happens behind the scenes? Well, welcome to Knight Theatre, where we do it all!

We are thrilled to announce that applications for the 2025-2026 Varsity Theatre and Varsity Tech programs are now open! If you’re passionate about performing or technical theatre and ready for an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience, we encourage you to apply!

📅 Audition Date: Thursday, April 4

🕟 Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Location: HHHS Black Box

🚪 Closed Auditions: Only auditioning students may be present (no other students or parents).

How to Apply:

✅ All applicants (actors & technicians) must complete the application by Monday, March 31, 2025. It can be found at at https://forms.office.com/r/XtikTmuidK

🎭 Performers: Prepare two contrasting one-minute monologues to showcase your range.

🔧 Technicians: Submit an application to be considered for Varsity Tech at https://forms.office.com/r/XtikTmuidK

📩 All applicants: Have a teacher, theatre director, or theatre coach send a letter of recommendation to whitney.gilbert@killeenisd.org and brian.hersey@killeenisd.org by 6:00 PM on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Why Join Varsity Theatre & Tech?

Being part of Varsity Theatre or Varsity Tech means taking on an unforgettable, high-energy experience! Whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a team dedicated to creating incredible productions, competing in contests, and growing as artists and storytellers. Expect a fast-paced, fun environment with plenty of after-school rehearsals, performances, competitions, and fundraising events—all contributing to an amazing theatre journey!

If you’re ready to take your love for theatre to the next level, we can’t wait to see you at auditions!

What is Knight Theatre?

🌟 Our program has something for everyone!

• Non-Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Theatre – Whether you're brand new to theatre or already a seasoned performer, we have a place for you! In Non-Varsity, you’ll build confidence, learn the basics of acting, and perform in class productions. In Junior Varsity, we step it up with more advanced scene work, performance opportunities, and public performances. And in Varsity, we take on challenging productions, competition pieces, and leadership roles that push your skills to the next level!
• Technical Theatre – Love building, designing, or running the show? Our tech program covers set construction, lighting, sound, costume design, prop creation, and stage management. Tech students bring every production to life and get hands-on experience in the world of backstage magic!
• Musical Theatre – If you love singing, dancing, and acting, this is the place for you! Our musical theatre students work on vocal technique, choreography, and storytelling through song. Whether you're a Broadway-bound performer or just love to sing in the shower, we’ll help you shine on stage!
• Directing Program – Have a vision for the stage? Our directing program teaches blocking, stage composition, actor coaching, and production leadership so students can step into the role of director and bring their artistic vision to life!

🎭 And it’s not just about classes!

We’re proud to be a part of the International Thespian Society, a national honor society for theatre students! That means after-school meetings, fun socials, theatre games, exclusive events, and even a four-day trip to the Texas Thespian Festival! Imagine four days of workshops, competitions, and performances with thousands of theatre kids from across the state!

🎟️ We take field trips, too! Whether we’re heading to see a Broadway-style show, attending a professional workshop, or competing in contests, we make sure our students experience theatre beyond the classroom!

🏆 Speaking of contests… We compete in the UIL One Act Play competition! This isn’t just any play—this is a high-stakes, fast-paced, 40-minute performance where every second counts. We bring the best of the best to the stage and go head-to-head with other schools, aiming for a shot at the state championship!

🎶 Our biggest show of the year? The fall musical! It’s open to the whole campus, so if you’ve ever wanted to sing, dance, or be part of an incredible production, this is your chance to join the fun!

🎭 We’re producing NINE shows this year! That’s right—nine productions, from plays to musicals to student-directed performances! Whether you want to act, tech, or direct, there’s always a show to be part of!

👻 And don’t forget about Knightmare Heights—our annual haunted house experience! This isn’t just any haunted house—it’s an immersive horror adventure with actors, effects, and spine-chilling surprises around every corner! If you love scaring people (or being scared), this is the event for you!

✨ So, whether you're a performer, a tech wizard, a storyteller, or just someone looking for an unforgettable high school experience, Knight Theatre is the place to be! Come join us, and let’s make some theatre magic together!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to whitney.gilbert@killeenisd.org (acting) or brian.hersey@killeenisd.org (tech).

Thank you, and have a great day!

Knight Theatre Directors

Ms. Gilbert, Head Director

Mr. Hersey, Tech Director

April 1st- Boys Soccer Tryouts

• April 10th- 6th Grade Choir Festival
• April 26th- Solo and Ensemble all Day Nolan MS
• May 12th- Spring Concert 7:30 PM Killeen HS

• Solo & Ensemble - April 26th (LHMS)
• All Star Band - May 2-3 (EHS)
• Spring Concert - May 8th (KHS)

EHMS Orchestra Events

For ALL orchestra students:

• 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)

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