The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

Students will take their Math STAAR test on Tuesday, April 21st. We are very proud of the hard work that our students have put in so far this year and know that they will do their very best. We also appreciate your encouragement and support--it makes all of the difference!

Attendance continues to be extremely important. Each day of instruction matters, especially as students prepare for upcoming assessments and end-of-year learning goals. Being present at school and arriving on time helps students stay confident, connected, and successful. We also ask families to reinforce the importance of positive behavior and respectful choices so that classrooms remain focused on learning.

Thank you for partnering with us to support strong attendance, positive behavior, and perseverance as our students continue working toward a strong finish to the school 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!

Month of the Military Child

Volunteer Recognition Week

Administrative Professionals Week

Monday, April 20th –

Have a magnificent Monday!

Tuesday, April 21st –

STAAR Testing Math (6th-8th Grades)

Patriot Tennis @ EHS

Wednesday, April 22nd –

Administrative Professionals Day!

Thursday, April 23rd –

Patriot Soccer vs. UGMS (5:30PM)

• Boys @ UGMS
• Girls @ PAMS

Friday, April 24th –

Student Holiday--Staff PD 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.

Organization and Study Skills

Staying on Track Academically

Being organized helps students manage assignments, reduce stress, and feel confident.

Counselor Tip:

• Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments

• Break larger projects into smaller tasks

• Check off completed tasks to monitor progress
  
  

Tip for Families:

• Help your child review and prioritize weekly tasks

• Encourage a tidy workspace at home

• Celebrate consistency and progress

Wellness Corner:

• Take breaks during study sessions to stay focused

• Adequate sleep supports memory and attention

• Balanced nutrition and hydration enhance performance
  
  

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors can help students develop strategies to stay organized and manage time effectively for academic success.

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).