The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We hope you had a restful and enjoyable week and are ready to start a brand new marking period! The beginning of a new grading cycle is the perfect time for students to set goals, reflect on their progress, and take ownership of their learning. Please take a few minutes later this week to review your student’s report card together in Home Access Center and talk about what they’re proud of and what goals they want to achieve next.

As we continue our October focus on Accountability, we’re reminding students that being accountable means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching. This includes being prepared for class, completing assignments on time, following school expectations, and treating others with kindness and respect. These habits help students build the foundation for long-term success both inside and outside of school.

This week also brings some exciting events for our Patriots! We’ll be celebrating Pink Out Day and showing our support for breast cancer awareness. Students are encouraged to participate in the pink-out day on Tuesday to show our Patriot Pride together.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us in reinforcing the importance of accountability at home. When families and schools work together to build responsibility and self-discipline, students gain the confidence they need to Lock In & Level Up every day!

With Patriot Pride,
Christina Harris

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 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!

Bullying Prevention Month

Principal Month

School Lunch Week

Monday, October 20th –

Student Holiday--NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Tuesday, October 21st –

Patriot Football vs. LHMS (games start at 5:30PM) (Pride Riderz Concessions)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ LHMS

Spirit wear: Pink Out!

Wednesday, October 22nd –

Lady Patriot Volleyball vs. UGMS (games start at 5:30PM) (Dance Concessions)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ UGMS

Thursday, October 23rd –

PSAT Testing (select group of students)

Lady Patriot Volleyball District Tournament (TBD)

Spirit wear: College Spirit shirt

Friday, October 24th –

Spirit wear: PAMS Spirit shirt

Saturday, October 25th –

Lady Patriot Volleyball District Tournament @ HHHS (start time TBD)

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!

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).