The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We hope that you are having a good weekend and are staying comfortable in this ever-changing weather!

This week, students will take their 3rd 9 Weeks Language Arts Benchmark assessment. This benchmark provides valuable information about your child’s progress. The results help us identify strengths, address gaps, and ensure each student is fully prepared for success moving forward.

We ask for your support in encouraging your child to take this assessment seriously and give their very best effort. Please help ensure they get a good night’s rest, arrive at school on time, and come prepared with a positive mindset. Remind them to read carefully, use the skills and strategies they’ve learned in class, and stay focused from beginning to end.

These practice opportunities are critical in helping us “lock in and level up” academically. When students give strong effort now, it builds confidence and sets them up for success on STAAR and beyond.

We also have a few events happening this week after school. Track season has started and our students are excited to show what they can do! The KISD Art Exhibition and Festival will be taking place at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center all week and is open to the public. Our Theatre One Act Play group will be performing their show this week. And we will finish with a Black History Month program on Friday. We hope that you are able to show up for one of these events to support our students.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s academic growth. Let’s continue to lock in and level up, Patriots.

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!

Black History Month

CTE Month

Monday, February 23rd -

Track Meet @ EHS (5:00PM)

• Girls Field Events
• Boys Running Events

KISD Art Show @ KCCC (5:30-7:30PM)

Tuesday, February 24th -

Choir Pre-UIL @ EHS (6:00-7:00PM)

KISD Art Show @ KCCC (1:00-7:00PM)

Wednesday, February 25th -

3rd 9 weeks Benchmark Testing Schedule: RLA Benchmark Testing

Track Meet @ EHS (5:00PM)

• Boys Field Events
• Girls Running Events

KISD Art Show @ KCCC (10:00AM-4:00PM)

Thursday, February 26th -

Theatre One Act Play Performance in Cafeteria (5:30-7:00PM)

KISD Art Show @ KCCC (10:00AM-4:00PM)

Friday, February 27th -

KISD Art Show @ KCCC (10:00AM-4:00PM)

Black History Month Program in Cafeteria (5:30PM)

Saturday, February 28th -

UIL Academic Meet @ NMS (7:00AM)

KISD Art Show @ KCCC (11:00AM-3:00PM)

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.

Embracing Challenges

Encourage students to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. A growth mindset helps them stay resilient and motivated.

Counselor Tip:
Add the word “yet” when faced with difficulties (“I don’t understand this… yet”)
Encourage reflection on mistakes as learning opportunities
Praise effort and persistence, not just outcomes

Tip for Families:

• Celebrate your child’s effort and progress rather than only results

• Discuss times they overcame challenges and what they learned

• Model a growth mindset by talking about your own learning experiences

Wellness Corner:

• Reflect on small successes to boost confidence

• Take deep breaths or short breaks when feeling frustrated

• Encourage positive self-talk to build resilience

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors help students develop a growth mindset and provide support for navigating academic and social challenges with confidence.

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).