The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We’re heading into a busy stretch at Palo Alto! Basketball season is officially underway, and we’re excited to cheer on our Patriots at this week’s games. Our athletes have been working hard, and we’re proud to support them as they represent our campus with pride and sportsmanship.

As we approach the Thanksgiving break next week, we are encouraging students to stay focused and finish strong. This time of year can be full of excitement and distractions, but it’s important that students remain consistent with their attendance, classwork, and behavior. Every class period matters, and the effort they put in now sets them up for success when we return.

After-School Safety Reminder and change to dismissal process:

To help improve safety and reduce congestion at dismissal, we will be adjusting our end-of-day procedures beginning this week.

• Bus riders will dismiss first at 3:37PM.

• Walkers and parent pick-up students will dismiss at 3:42PM.

• All other students (those going to practice or tutoring) will dismiss at 3:50PM.

This staggered dismissal will help ensure students move safely and efficiently through the building and out to their designated areas.

Please also remember that students must leave campus promptly once they are dismissed or once their after-school activities end. We do not have staff available to supervise students who remain on campus beyond those times.

• Walkers should head straight home.

• Car riders must be picked up on time each afternoon.

• Students in clubs, sports, or tutorials should be picked up immediately after those activities conclude.

Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe, orderly campus and ensures a smooth end to each school day.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping our Patriots Lock In & Level Up as we move into the holiday season!

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, November 17th -

Lady Patriot Basketball vs. RMS (games start at 5:30PM)

• 8th grade @ RMS
• 7th grade @ PAMS

Tuesday, November 18th -

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Wednesday, November 19th -

Education Support Professionals Day!

Picture Day!

Thursday, November 20th –

Patriot Boys Basketball vs. RMS (games start at 5:30PM)

• 8th grade @ RMS
• 7th grade @ PAMS

Friday, November 21st –

Food reward day

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Monday, November 24th - Friday, November 28th –

Thanksgiving Break!

Starting Strong with Study Skills
Managing homework and balancing activities can feel overwhelming, but small, organized steps make a big difference. Encourage your student to break tasks into smaller pieces and plan their week ahead.

Counselor Tip: Create a checklist of assignments for the week and check them off as they go Use a planner or digital calendar to track due dates Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps

Tip for Families:

• Set aside a short daily check-in to review what your student accomplished

• Celebrate completed tasks and help prioritize remaining work

• Encourage your student to reflect on what worked well and what could improve

Wellness Corner:

• Take short 5 minute breaks while studying to refresh the mind

• Stay hydrated and eat nutritious snacks

• Get adequate sleep to support focus and memory

Counselor’s Note:
If your student is struggling with organization or feeling overwhelmed, remind them that the counseling office is here to help. Together, we can create strategies to make schoolwork more manageable.

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).