The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We hope your family had an enjoyable Spring Break! As we return to school, we are entering an important stretch of the year with only 9 instructional days remaining until our first STAAR test. This is a key time for students to stay focused, attend school each day, and continue putting forth their best effort. Your encouragement at home makes a big difference in helping students feel confident and prepared.

This month, our Capturing Kids’ Hearts character focus is Courage. We are encouraging students to have the courage to try their best academically, make positive choices, and be themselves—even when they feel peer pressure. Middle school can be a challenging time socially, and we are happy to see the ways our students continue to grow in confidence and responsibility each day.

Thank you for partnering with us to support strong attendance, positive behavior, and continued effort as we approach STAAR testing. Working together, we can help every student finish the year strong!

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!

Women’s History Month

Youth Arts Month

Monday, March 23rd –

No School--Student Holiday

Tuesday, March 24th –

Dance Tryouts in PAMS Gym (4:30-5:30PM)

Track Meet @ HHHS (5:00PM)

• Girls Field Events
• Boys Running Events

Wednesday, March 25th –

Dance Tryouts in PAMS Gym (4:30-5:30PM)

Track Meet @ EHS (5:00PM)

• Girls Field Events
• Boys Running Events

Thursday, March 26th –

CTE Parent Engagement Night @ PA Cafeteria (6:00PM) (see flyer below)

Dance Tryouts in PAMS Gym (4:30-5:30PM)

Spirit Wear: College shirt

Friday, March 27th –

Dance Tryouts in PAMS Gym (4:30-5:30PM)

Spirit Wear: Patriot shirt

Saturday , March 28th –

Saturday Detention

We have a number of students with many unexcused absences. Please use the link the below to submit parent notes to excuse them. If you have questions, you can contact our attendance secretary, Ana.Aponte-Sanchez@killeenisd.org.

Fresh Start for Success

The new quarter is a great time to set goals, stay organized, and approach challenges with a positive mindset.

Counselor Tip:

• Review previous goals and adjust as needed
• Identify one academic and one personal goal for the quarter
• Plan small, actionable steps to achieve them

Tip for Families:

• Talk with your child about what they want to accomplish this quarter
• Help them break goals into achievable steps
• Celebrate progress, not just final results

Wellness Corner:

• Take brief daily breaks during schoolwork
• Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and movement for focus and energy
• Practice deep breathing or mindfulness when feeling stressed

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors are here to help students set meaningful goals and stay on track. Encourage your child to reach out for support at any time.

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.

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.

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).