The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

As we move into February, our CKH focus this month is on kindness—showing care, respect, and empathy through our words, actions, and choices each day. We encourage families to continue reinforcing what kindness looks like at school: treating others respectfully, keeping hands to themselves, and contributing to a safe and positive learning environment for all.

February is also a time to recognize and celebrate important contributions and pathways. We proudly honor Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, achievements, and contributions of Black people around the world—past and present. Additionally, we celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, highlighting the real-world skills and career opportunities that help prepare students for future success.

This month also includes Counselor Appreciation Week, and we are grateful for the dedication of our school counselors. They play a vital role in supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally, and we appreciate the care and guidance they provide to our school community.

As always, we thank our families for partnering with us to reinforce expectations and encourage students to work hard in class, stay engaged, and take pride in their effort. Together, we will continue to help our Patriots lock in, level up, and grow throughout the semester.

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

Career and Technical Education Month

School Counseling Week

Monday, February 2nd -

Patriot Basketball vs. EHMS (games start at 5:30PM) (8th Grade Concessions)

• Lady Patriots @ EHMS (7th & 8th grade)
• Patriot Boys @ PAMS (7th & 8th grade)

Tuesday, February 3rd -

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Wednesday, February 4th -

Lady Patriot Basketball tournament (games start at 5:30PM) (8th Grade Concessions)

• 8th grade vs. RJSMS @ RJSMS
• 7th grade vs. LHMS @ PAMS

Thursday, February 5th -

Patriot Boys Basketball vs. UGMS (games start at 5:30PM)

• 8th grade @ UGMS (6:30PM)
• 7th grade @ UGMS (5:30PM)

Friday, February 6th -

100th Day of School!

Snowball Dance (5:30-7:00)

Saturday, February 7th -

Patriot Boys Basketball District Tournament (games start at 8:00AM)

• 8th grade @ KHS
• 7th grade @ KHS

Patriot Girls Basketball District Tournament (games start at 8:00AM)

• 8th grade @ SHS
• 7th grade @ SHS

Staying Safe Online

Middle school students spend more time online, so it’s important to practice responsible digital behavior.

Counselor Tip:

• Discuss privacy, kindness, and appropriate online interactions
• Encourage taking breaks from screens and reflecting on digital choices
• Talk about safe ways to navigate online challenges

Tip for Families:

• Monitor screen time and set family rules for social media use
• Encourage offline activities like sports, hobbies, or face-to-face social time
• Model responsible online behavior

Wellness Corner:

• Limiting screen time improves sleep, focus, and mood
• Encourage daily breaks from devices and outdoor activity
• Promote face-to-face interactions to strengthen social skills

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors support students navigating social media challenges, cyberbullying, and safe online behavior. Teaching responsible digital habits early builds confidence and responsibility. It also helps students avoid online conflict that can lead to challenges in their lives.

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).