The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We are entering the final weeks of the school year, and we need your continued partnership to help our students finish strong both academically and behaviorally. While excitement for summer is growing, school expectations remain in place through the last day of school.

Please remind your student to keep their hands, feet, and objects to themselves, use appropriate language, stay focused in class, and follow directions from staff members at all times. We also ask for your support in encouraging students to avoid drama and make positive choices throughout the school day.

As a reminder, students are expected to leave campus immediately at dismissal unless they are participating in a school-sponsored tutoring session, athletic practice, or supervised activity. Student safety remains a top priority, and we appreciate your help reinforcing these expectations at home.

Starting on Wednesday May 13th, students will no longer be allowed to bring backpacks to school. Students who bring bags will need to surrender them at the door and they will need to be picked up by a parent. All bags that are dropped off will be searched. Students must have their phones in YONDR pouches.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to help our students “Lock In & Level Up” through the end of the year!

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!

Sunday, May 10th –

Happy Mother’s Day!

Monday, May 11th –

Patriot Soccer vs. MMS (5:30PM)

• Boys @ PAMS
• Girls @ MMS

Band Spring Concert @ SHS (6:30PM)

Tuesday, May 12th –

Field Trip: Band at UMHB

Field Trip: 8th grade Shadow Day at SHS

Wednesday, May 13th –

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Thursday, May 14th –

Golf tournament @ Stonetree (5:00PM)

Spirit Wear: College shirt

Friday, May 15th –

Have a fantastic Friday!

Spirit Wear: Patriot shirt

Saturday, May 16th –

Saturday Detention

Patriot Soccer Tournament (TBD)

• Boys @ HHHS
• Girls @ EHS

Patriot Girls Tennis Tournament @SHS (8:00AM)

Field Trip: Choir to Six Flags

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.

Handling Stress Effectively

Stress is normal, but practicing healthy coping strategies helps students stay balanced.

Counselor Tip:

• Teach breathing exercises or mindfulness

• Identify stress triggers and plan ways to manage them

• Encourage problem-solving rather than avoidance

Tip for Families:

• Discuss stressful moments and brainstorm coping strategies together

• Support balance between work and relaxation

• Reassure students that challenges are manageable

Wellness Corner:

• Physical activity reduces stress and boosts mood

• Creative hobbies or short breaks refresh the mind

• Adequate sleep and healthy meals support emotional health

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors help students develop coping strategies and manage stress in healthy ways.

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).