The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

This week is a shorter school week, as students will not have school on Friday, but it remains an important time for learning as we continue preparing for the upcoming STAAR tests. Our teachers are working closely with students to review key skills and build confidence so they are ready to do their very best.

You can support your child by encouraging them to stay focused, complete their assignments, read each evening, and come to school prepared and on time each day. A positive mindset and consistent effort make a big difference as we approach testing. We also hope that you will join us on Thursday for some STAAR Night fun! (See flyer below)

We are talking about perseverance as part of our Capturing Kids’ Hearts character focus this month. We are encouraging students to keep trying even when learning feels challenging and to take pride in their effort and progress.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s success as we get closer to STAAR testing!

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!

Women’s History Month

Youth Arts Month

Monday, March 30th –

Academic Achievement Awards in the cafeteria (You received an email if your child is invited)

Tuesday, March 31st –

Track Meet @ KHS (5:00PM)

• Girls Field Events
• Boys Running Events

School Librarian Appreciation Month

Autism Awareness Month

Wednesday, April 1st –

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Thursday, April 2nd –

STAAR Family Night @ PAMS(5:30-7:00PM)

Track Meet @ KHS (5:00PM)

• Girls Running Events
• Boys Field Events

Friday, April 3rd –

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day

No School-Staff & Student Holiday

Saturday, April 3rd –

School Librarian Appreciation Day

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.

Finishing Strong

The start of the last quarter is a great time for students to check their progress, celebrate early successes, and stay motivated for the months ahead. Maintaining consistent effort now will help finish the year strong.

Counselor Tip:

• Review progress toward goals set at the start of the quarter
• Break tasks into weekly or daily steps to stay on track
• Celebrate small accomplishments to maintain motivation
• Identify areas that need extra focus and make a simple plan

Tip for Families:

• Ask your child about their progress and any challenges
• Offer support in prioritizing tasks and staying organized
• Encourage positive reinforcement for effort, not just results
• Help them set mini-goals for the week to build momentum

Wellness Corner:

• Take short, daily breaks to recharge during study sessions
• Practice deep breathing or mindfulness to reduce stress
• Maintain healthy routines with sleep, meals, and activity
• Encourage reflection on successes and areas for improvement

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors are here to help students stay focused, motivated, and organized during the final stretch of the school year. Encourage your child to reach out for guidance whenever needed.

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).