The Pride of Palo Alto

We are gathering data related to how our campus is doing so far. Please use the link below to give us some feedback. We will use the information gathered to improve our practices for the 2nd semester.

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We hope you’ve had a great weekend! As we enter the final two weeks of the marking period, this is a crucial time for students to stay focused, complete their assignments, and ensure they are on track to pass all of their classes before Winter Break.

Every Day Counts--with limited instructional days remaining, students should make it a priority to:

• Attend school every day and arrive on time

• Stay engaged in class and ask for help when needed

• Check grades regularly in Home Access Center

• Complete and submit all assignments, including any outstanding work

Families can help by reviewing grades together and setting small goals for the week. These final days can make a big difference in whether students maintain or improve their averages.

Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing positive behavior. As the holiday season approaches and excitement grows, clear expectations at home and school help create a safe, focused learning environment for all students.

Thank you for partnering with us as we finish this marking period strong. Your support helps our Patriots Lock In & Level Up in every way!

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, December 8th -

Lady Patriot Basketball vs. LHMS (games start at 5:30PM) (8th Grade Club concessions)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ LHMS

Spirit wear: Team Grinch or Team Who? Wear green or dress as a Who.

Tuesday, December 9th -

Picture Re-Take day

Choir Winter Concert @ EHS (6:00PM)

Spirit wear: Wear your flannel and plaid.

Wednesday, December 10th -

Patriot Boys Basketball vs. LHMS (games start at 5:30PM) (Pride Riderz concessions)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ LHMS

Spirit wear: Wear either reindeer or snowman gear!

Thursday, December 11th –

Band Winter Concert @ EHS (6:30PM)

Spirit wear: Wear your best elf outfit! Or college spirit.

Friday, December 12th –

Activity Schedule--Staff vs. Student Basketball Game

Spirit wear: Match with friends in holiday colors. Or Patriot Spirit wear.

Stress Management and Coping Skills

Handling Middle School Stress
School and life can be stressful, but healthy coping strategies help students feel in control and resilient.

Counselor Tip:

• Teach deep breathing, mindfulness, or short walks to manage stress

• Identify stress triggers and plan ways to handle them

• Encourage problem-solving rather than avoidance

Tip for Families:

• Encourage your child to share what stresses them and brainstorm coping strategies together

• Offer reassurance that challenges are normal and manageable

• Help them prioritize tasks and break work into steps

Wellness Corner:

• Regular physical activity reduces stress and improves mood

• Short hobbies or creative breaks refresh the mind

• Adequate sleep supports emotional and cognitive functioning

Counselor’s Note:
Students are encouraged to practice coping strategies and reach out to counselors for guidance when stress feels heavy.

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).