The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday, Patriot Families! And Happy Grandparents Day!

This week our students will take their Beginning-of-Year MAP assessments in Reading and Math. These tests are a great opportunity for Patriots to lock in and show what they already know. Teachers will use the results to better understand student needs and plan instruction that helps each child level up. Please note that we will be on an alternate bell schedule during testing.

On Wednesday, September 10th, from 4:30–6:30 PM, we are excited to host our Open House. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to meet your student’s teachers and hear more about what they are learning this year. While this is not a time for parent/teacher conferences, it is an opportunity to schedule a private meeting for a later date. Our counselors, leadership team, and community partners will also be available. In addition, as part of our Title I program, we will hold a short session in the library from 5:00–5:30 PM to share important information and gather your feedback. Together, we can ensure our Patriots are locking in on what is most important and leveling up to success every day.

Progress reports will be sent home on Thursday during 2nd period and will also be available online through the Home Access Center. These reports give families and students a chance to reflect and identify opportunities to level up.

We are proud of the hard work our students and staff are putting in each day, and I know we will continue to make great strides together. Thank you for your partnership and support as we build a culture of excellence at Palo Alto.

With Patriot Pride,
Christina Harris

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the KISD District Optimization process so far. The first set of draft scenarios was shared with the Board this week, and now it’s time for the community to weigh in. Families are invited to be part of this important conversation through Town Hall meetings and an online survey. Learn more at www.killeenisd.org/optimization.

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 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!

Sunday, September 7th –

Grandparents Day!

Monday, September 8th –

Lady Patriot Volleyball vs. AMMS (games start at 5:30PM) (Pride Riderz Concessions)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ AMMS

Tuesday, September 9th –

Testing Bell Schedule: MAP Testing—Reading (all grade levels)

Patriot Football vs. AMMS (game starts at 5:30) (Girls Athletics Concessions)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ AMMS

Wednesday, September 10th –

Open House (4:30-6:30PM)

Thursday, September 11th –

Testing Bell Schedule: MAP Testing—Math (all grade levels)

Cross Country Meet @ JDAMS (starts at 5:30PM)

Spirit wear: College Spirit shirt or Red, White, and Blue in remembrance of those we lost on 9/11/01

Friday, September 12th –

Spirit wear: PAMS Spirit shirt

—Your Counseling Team

Rest and routines are vital to student success in school. Check out the following topics to help your child be their very best each day!

• 🍂 Establish routines early — consistent bedtimes, morning check-ins, and after-school habits help ease fall transitions.

• 📚 Stay engaged in academics — check grades online, ask about homework, and encourage daily reading.

• 👫 Support social connections — ask about friends, listen to concerns, and help your child practice positive peer interactions.

• 💬 Keep communication open — make time for daily conversations (even short ones) so your child feels heard.

• 🌟 Balance is key — help your student manage schoolwork, activities, and downtime to reduce stress.

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 schedule in Home Access Center (HAC) this week. 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).