Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

We have an exciting week ahead filled with performances, competitions, and celebrations! Please see the schedule below for upcoming events:

• Choir Concert – Monday, May 12th at 6:00 PM in the EHMS Cafeteria

• Orchestra Concert – Tuesday, May 13th at 6:00 PM in the EHMS Cafeteria

• Golf Tournament at Stonetree Golf Club – Wednesday, May 14th

• Band Concert – Wednesday, May 14th at 6:00 PM at Killeen High School

• Athletic Banquet – Thursday, May 15th at 5:00 PM in the EHMS Cafeteria

• Staff vs Student Basketball Game - Thursday, May 15th in the Gym. Please see flyer for more info.

Panther Learning Library Update:

Thursday, May 15th will be the last day for Panther Learning Library. After May 16th, teachers are no longer required to hold after-school tutoring. Please check directly with your student’s teachers to see if any tutoring will be offered May 19th - 22nd.

Let’s finish the year strong, Panthers!

With Panther Pride,

Jacqulyn E. Bridge

Principal

Thank you for a successful first week of our updated campus procedures. Your support and cooperation have made a noticeable difference in ensuring our school remains a safe and structured environment for all students and staff.

As a reminder, new backpack procedures are now in effect across all secondary campuses as part of Killeen ISD’s safety efforts:

• April 30 was the last day for traditional backpacks.

• Students may now bring no more than two small bags (no larger than 6x9 inches) such as a lunch kit or small purse.

• Yondr pouches do not count toward the bag limit.

• Clear or mesh backpacks of standard size are still permitted.

• Medically necessary items must be pre-approved by the campus clinic and administration.

• Athletics or fine arts bags must be checked in at the designated area before school begins.

For full details and guidelines, please visit: www.killeenisd.org/clearbags-secondary

We appreciate your partnership in helping your Panther stay prepared and focused as we close out the school year strong.

This month's character trait at EHMS is Perseverance. Each month, we will focus on a different trait to help build a positive and supportive school culture.

What is Perseverance?

Perseverance is the willingness and ability to keep going when things are tough. People who persevere show steadfastness and give the extra effort needed to do something despite how hard it is or how long it takes to reach the goal.

Why focus on Perseverance?

• Perseverance encourages positive self-talk and thinking. When faced with difficult tasks, perseverance helps students reframe with positive thoughts, such as: "I'm not good at this YET!"
• Perseverance develops empathy. Students gain a better understanding of who they are and develop more empathy and compassion for others who may struggle to reach a goal.
• Perseverance sparks personal growth. Pushing through complex tasks builds resilience and helps students discover how capable they are.

Perseverance in Action:

• Share stories and challenging experiences. Be vulnerable and share personal experiences when you have struggled with a task or concept and had to work hard to push through.
• Praise effort and process, not intelligence or performance. Affirm students for the process they used to tackle tasks and point out how their abilities grow through their own hard work.
• Give your students the chance to struggle. Struggle builds self-confidence, independence, and perseverance. Resist the urge to intervene immediately and give students time to figure it out.

Panther Families,

As we wrap up the school year, we invite you to complete the Capturing Kids’ Hearts end-of-year survey. Your feedback helps us continue building a positive school culture for our students and staff.

Please take a moment to complete the survey using the link below:
🔗 https://iheartckh.com/public-survey/drycj84b

Thank you for your continued 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.

Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

As we prepare to close out the school year, we will begin collecting Yondr pouches starting the week of May 19th.

Please ensure your student brings their assigned Yondr pouch to school for collection and inspection. A pouch is considered to be in good condition if it meets the following criteria:

• The locking mechanism functions properly

• It is free from tears, holes, or fraying

• The pouch is clean and odor-free

• Seams are secure and intact

• It effectively prevents access to the device when locked

Pouches that do not meet these standards may be subject to a replacement fee. We appreciate your help in ensuring all pouches are returned in acceptable condition.

Thank you for your continued partnership!

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 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

• May 12th- Spring Concert in Cafeteria

• Spring Concert - May 14th (KHS)

You're invited to the EHMS Orchestra Awards Concert! This concert will take place on Tuesday May 13 in the EHMS cafeteria at 6 p.m. Come enjoy some movie music, some medieval music, dancing grasshoppers, the "Limbo Rock," and our end-of-the-year awards! Hope to see you there!

Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

Please note that the last day of the Boys & Girls Club after-school program at Eastern Hills Middle School will be Friday, May 16th.

We encourage families to make any necessary arrangements for student pick-up and supervision for the remaining days of the school year.

Thank you for your continued support!

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