Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

Welcome back! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable Spring Break. As we return to school, we remain committed to creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment where all students can thrive. Your partnership is key to making that happen.

Safety and Accountability Measures:

To maintain a secure and orderly campus, the following procedures will continue:

• All students must enter through Door 15 (bus loop doors). Upon entry, cell phone pouches, student IDs, and dress code compliance will be checked.
• Any student arriving after 7:55 AM must enter through the front doors, where the same checks will take place.
• As part of our commitment to safety, daily security checks are conducted to help ensure our school remains a secure and supportive environment for all students and staff.

Key Discipline Updates:

• Fighting: Any student involved in a fight (on campus or at a school-related event) will face a mandatory due process hearing for DAEP placement (45–90 days).
• Off-Campus Incidents: If an off-campus incident causes disruption at school, students may also face DAEP placement.
• Assault on Staff: Any student who assaults a staff member will be recommended for expulsion for at least one school year.

We Ask For Your Continued Support at Home By:

• Talking with your child about the importance of following safety and dress code expectations.
• Ensuring your child arrives on time each morning, prepared for the day.
• Encouraging respectful behavior and a focus on learning.
• Checking your panther's backpack regularly.

4th 9 Weeks Culture Assemblies:

To reinforce our expectations and highlight upcoming events, each grade level will participate in a Culture Assembly during 2nd period on the following dates:

• Monday, March 24th – 6th Grade
• Tuesday, March 25th – 7th Grade
• Wednesday, March 26th – 8th Grade

These assemblies will allow us to revisit behavior expectations, celebrate progress, and share important information to help students stay on track as we move into the final stretch of the school year.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us keep our school safe, focused, and thriving. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Together, we can ensure a strong and successful finish to the year.

With Panther Pride,

Jacqulyn E. Bridge

Principal

Current Student Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open online through the Home Access Center. The deadline to complete all forms is March 28, 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!

The 8th Grade Field Trip is Monday, March 24th! Only students who have turned in a signed permission slip will be allowed to attend.

Students should pack a lunch or bring money to purchase lunch during the trip.

If your Panther needs a lunch from the cafeteria but forgot to request one, please contact Ms. Terra Schwindt terra.schwindt@killeenisd.org as soon as possible.

Thank you for your support!

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

• March 27th- UIL Evaluation Time TBD Shoemaker
• March 28th-UIL Evaluation Time TBD Shoemaker
• 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