August 18, 2024

Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

I'm pleased to share that our first week back was a great success! Our students embraced the new school year with enthusiasm and have been learning about what it means to have Panther Pride and be Panther Leaders.

I’d like to inform you of a few important events happening this week and beyond:

• Football Parent Meeting: Tuesday, August 20th from 6:00 - 6:30 PM in the cafeteria.
• Dance Team Tryouts: Tuesday, August 20th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM in Room 206. Registration packets are available in the front office.
• ID's and Cell Phone Pouches: Both will be issued to students this week.
• Teacher Tutoring: Begins on August 26th.
• Open House and Title I Parent Meeting: Mark your calendars for September 11th.
• Back to School Dance: September 13th 5:00 - 7:00 PM.
• Panther Learning Academy: Starting September 3rd in the library. Panther Learning Academy will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week until May 15th. Students are welcome to attend for assistance in any subject.

We’re excited about the year ahead and look forward to continuing to support your panther on their journey to excellence.

Warm regards,

Jacqulyn E. Bridge

Principal

Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Sarah Stone, 6th Grade English

We're thrilled to highlight the amazing work of Ms. Stone, our dedicated 6th grade English teacher! Every day, Ms. Stone goes the extra mile to make her students feel valued and seen. As her students enter the classroom, she greets each one with a smile and asks them how they would like to be greeted—whether it's a high-five, a fist bump, a handshake, or just a friendly wave.

This thoughtful gesture creates a warm and inclusive environment, helping our students start their day on a positive note.

Thank you, Ms. Stone, for your commitment to making every student feel special and welcomed!

To help you and your family prepare for the upcoming school year, please visit our Back to School Information page. Here, you will find important details about schedules, supplies, and other essential information.

Your Panther has been sent home with two important forms: the Student Code of Conduct form and the Financial Income Survey form. We kindly ask that you take a moment to complete both forms and return them to the campus as soon as possible.

The Financial Income Survey is especially important as it helps our school continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students at EHMS. Your participation in completing this form is crucial in ensuring that we can maintain this valuable program for our students.

Thank you for your prompt attention to these forms and for your continued support of our school community.

As we begin the new school year, I want to share some important details regarding our arrival and dismissal procedures to ensure the safety and smooth operation of our school.

Arrival Procedures:

• Students will not be permitted to enter the building until 7:30 a.m. Parents will not be allowed to walk students to their class.
• Upon entering the building, students will have the option to either eat breakfast in the cafeteria (breakfast and lunch are free) or report to the gym to receive their schedule on the first day. All students will need to get a new schedule.
• After the first day, students will eat breakfast or report directly to their first-period class during the first two weeks of school.
• After the first two weeks, students will have the option to either eat breakfast or go outside. On days with bad weather, all students will report directly to their first-period class.
• Please remind your student, that they should not congregate outside classrooms or in the hallways.

Dismissal Procedures:

• The school day ends at 3:30 p.m. At that time:
• Students who walk home or are picked up by a parent/guardian will exit through the front doors.
• Bus riders will exit through Door 15 (located near the gym concession area). An announcement will be made with further instructions on days with inclement weather.
• All students who are not participating in Boys/Girls Club, teacher-sponsored clubs, or tutoring must exit the building by 3:40 p.m.

Parent Pick-Up and Drop-Off:

• Parent drop-off and pick-up are located at the front of the school building.
• Please ensure you are following the designated traffic flow to keep everyone safe.

For bus information, please refer to the Home Access Center under the Registration tab. Please ensure that your panther knows the bus number and route number. If a bus breaks down the bus number will change but the route number will remain the same.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal process for all students. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school office.

To promote the best possible learning and social environment in Killeen ISD, students will not use their cell phones, smart watches, AirPods/earbuds, etc. during the school day. Secondary students will be assigned a personal secure pouch at the beginning of the school year. Students are expected to bring their secure pouch to school daily and return it in good condition at the end of the year. More information will be provided in upcoming newsletters, our student and parent handbooks, KISD website, and during readiness day.

Teachers begin tutoring on August 26th. The Panther Learning Academy begins on September 4th.

Did you know that Boys & Girls Club is free? Students receive snacks and tutoring when they attend. It's also open until 6:00 PM. Click the link below to sign your student up.

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

Website: https://schools.killeenisd.org/Page/75

Location: 300 Indian Trail, Harker Heights, TX, USA

Phone: (254) 336-1100

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EHMSPanthers

Twitter: @middle_hills