The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We hope you and your family enjoyed a good holiday season. We are excited to welcome our students back to campus on Wednesday, January 7th as we begin a new semester filled with fresh opportunities for learning and growth.

As we reset routines and expectations, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank our parents and families for your continued support. Your partnership makes a difference every day—whether it’s ensuring students arrive on time, encouraging positive habits at school and at home, or staying connected with our school community.

The start of a new semester is the perfect time for students to set goals, stay focused, and commit to doing their very best. We look forward to working together to help every student make this semester count.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we can’t wait to see our students back on Wednesday!

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, January 5th -

Student Holiday/Staff Workday

Tuesday, January 6th -

Student Holiday/Staff Professional Development Day

Wednesday, January 7th -

Lady Patriot Basketball A-Team Tournament (game 1

• 7th grade @ MMS (5:30PM)
• 8th grade @ MMS (6:30PM)

Thursday, January 8th -

Patriot Boys Basketball A-Team Tournament (game 1)

• 7th grade @ RJSMS (5:30PM)
• 8th grade @ RJSMS (6:30PM)

Spirit wear: College spirit shirt

Friday, January 9th -

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Spirit wear: Patriot spirit shirt

Saturday, January 10th -

Saturday Detention

Patriot Boys Basketball A team Tournament (games start at 8:00AM)

• 8th grade @ HHHS or SHS (TBD)
• 7th grade @ HHHS or SHS (TBD)

Patriot Girls Basketball A team Tournament (games start at 8:00AM)

• 8th grade @ CHS or EHS (TBD)
• 7th grade @ CHS or EHS (TBD)

Appreciating Others & Goal Setting
Encourage students to focus on gratitude and contribute positively to their community. Acts of kindness strengthen friendships and the school environment. Encourage students to think about how they can positively impact their school environment for themselves and others.

Counselor Tip:

• Write a note of appreciation to a peer, teacher, or family member
• Recognize and celebrate others’ accomplishments
• Recognize your own accomplishments or shortcomings and reflect

Tip for Families:

• Talk with your child about goals they can make for the 3rd 9-weeks
• Encourage them to begin strong this quarter
• Model goal-setting and resilience in your own actions

Wellness Corner:

• Gratitude exercises, like journaling or sharing compliments, improve mood and emotional wellbeing
• Encourage reflection on positive experiences
• Build resilience by focusing on strengths and support systems for both the self and others

Counselor’s Note:
Ending the nine weeks by reflecting on growth, kindness, and accomplishments helps students finish strong and sets a positive tone for the next quarter.

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).