The Pride of Palo Alto

Dear Palo Alto Middle School Families,

On Tuesday, October 28, the Killeen ISD Board of Trustees approved a series of District Optimization recommendations designed to strengthen student programs, improve long-term efficiency, and steward taxpayer resources responsibly.

As part of this plan, Palo Alto Middle School is among the campuses included in future changes that will take effect at the end of the 2025–2026 school year. The approved recommendation calls for the closure of Palo Alto Middle School at that time, and for the repurposing of the campus as the District’s Alternative Education Placement (DAEP) facility.

We understand that this decision directly affects our students, staff, and families, and we are committed to ensuring a thoughtful, student-centered transition process. To provide information, answer questions, and hear your input, the district will host a Parent Information Meeting for the Palo Alto community on the date below:

• Thursday, November 6, 2025
• 6:00 PM
• Palo Alto Middle School Cafeteria

During this meeting, district and campus leaders will:

• Review the district’s Optimization Plan and implementation timeline.
• Share specific next steps for Palo Alto students and families.
• Outline how transition planning and family engagement will occur this year and next.
• Answer questions and gather feedback from parents and guardians.

Killeen ISD remains deeply committed to academic excellence, family partnership, and smooth transitions for all students. Our goal is to ensure every child continues learning in a supportive environment while families remain informed and engaged throughout the process.

We encourage all parents and guardians to attend this important meeting. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students and school.

With appreciation,

Christina Harris

Principal, Palo Alto Middle School

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

Thank you for making last week’s Trunk or Treat such a fun, positive community event! We are very grateful to our staff, community partners, and volunteers who gave their time and candy to make this event possible. Their creativity and support helped our students feel connected and proud to be Patriots.

As we begin a new month, our Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) focus is Teamwork and being a true Team Player is one of our Patriot values. On campus, that looks like encouraging others, solving problems together, and doing our part so the whole team can succeed. We’ll be recognizing students who model these habits in classrooms and common areas.

A big way students “show up” for their team is by being present. Every day counts—missing even two days a month can add up and make learning tougher. You can help by:

• Establishing consistent bedtimes and morning routines

• Scheduling appointments after school when possible

• Turning in doctor's notes and parent notes to the attendance office if your student must be out

Impact Aid forms were due in October, but we are still accepting them, so if you didn't send yours in, please do that now. Every form is helpful in ensuring that we have accurate information related to our students.

Thank you for partnering with us to build a strong, supportive Patriot community where every student can Lock In & Level Up—together!

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!

Licensed School Psychology Week

Wednesday, November 5th -

Parenting Partners Meeting in Cafeteria (5:00PM)

Thursday, November 6th –

School Closure Parent Meeting in Cafeteria (6:00PM)

Saturday, November 8th -

Band Region auditions

Bring on the New 9-weeks

The new nine weeks is a fresh start! Encourage your student to think about what worked well last quarter and what small goals they can set for improvement.

• Choose one academic goal (like completing all assignments)

• Choose one personal goal (like staying organized or asking for help)

Report Cards Coming Home
Report cards will be sent home this week. Take a few minutes to celebrate effort and growth, not just final grades. Ask your student:

• “What are you most proud of?”

• “What’s something you want to work on next?”

Tip for Families
Try a short weekly check-in:

• “What’s one thing you learned this week?”
• “What’s one thing you want to get better at next week?”

Wellness Corner

Balance is important! Encourage your child to:

• Get enough sleep

• Eat regular meals

• Take short breaks while studying

Counselor’s Note

Our counseling team is here to support students as they set goals and work through challenges this quarter. If your child is feeling overwhelmed, remind them they can reach out to their counselor anytime. We’re proud of their effort and look forward to a strong start to the second nine weeks!

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).