News from the Nest
Week of September 21, 2026

Happy Sunday Falcon Families,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open House last week! It was wonderful to welcome so many families to campus, to connect with you, and give you an opportunity to visit classrooms and learn more about what your students are experiencing each day. We truly value your partnership and appreciate the time you took to be with us.
We are making a few adjustments to the items students may bring to campus. These changes are based on concerns we have experienced during the first several weeks of school and are intended to help us maintain a safe, focused, and productive learning environment for all Falcons.
Effective immediately, students should not bring squishy toys and stuffed animals to school. We have had several squishy toys break, creating messes and disrupting instruction, while stuffed animals and other toys have increasingly become distractions during the school day.
Additionally, body sprays of any kind are no longer permitted on campus. We have experienced allergic reactions when students have sprayed these products at school. Students may continue to bring personal hygiene items, such as deodorant, but we ask that families choose non-aerosol/non-spray products.
We are also limiting students to two pouches in their school bags: one pouch for school supplies and one pouch for personal-care items. Additional pouches and unnecessary items should remain at home. This will help reduce possible safety issues and help students stay more organized. Limiting the number of pouches helps us maintain the purpose of our clear backpack policy while still allowing students to carry the supplies and personal-care items they need each day. (Lunch boxes are still allowed and are not counted in this policy).
We appreciate your help in reviewing these updated expectations with your student and checking backpacks as needed. Our goal is to ensure that students have what they need for school while keeping our classrooms focused on what matters most—teaching and learning.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can help our Falcons remain Grounded in GRIT and Ready to Soar!
With Falcon Pride,
Christina Harris
Principal, Audie Murphy Middle School
September is Attendance Awareness Month!
Every school day matters! Regular attendance helps students stay connected to their learning, build strong relationships, and keep pace with their classes. Even a few missed days can add up and make it harder to catch up. We encourage our Falcon families to make attendance a priority by ensuring students arrive on time and ready to learn each day. When students are at school, they have more opportunities to grow, connect, and succeed. Show up. Stay engaged. Soar!
What's going on at AMMS during the week of Sept. 14th- Sept.18th?
Monday, September 21st –
Happy IT Professionals Day!
Lady Falcon Volleyball vs. Manor MS (games start at 5:30PM)
- 8th grade @ ECHS
- 7th grade @ MMS
Tuesday, September 22nd –
Falcon Football vs. Manor MS (games start at 5:30PM)
- 8th grade @ AMMS
- 7th grade @ MMS
Wednesday,September 23rd –
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Thursday,September 24th –
Lip Sync Battle @ KHS
Lady Falcon Volleyball B Team Mid-Season Tournament @ TBD (games start at 5:30PM)
Friday,September 25th –
It's going to be a fabulous Friday!
Saturday,September 26th –
Lady Falcon Volleyball B Team Tournament (games start at 9:00AM)
- 8th grade @ KHS
- 7th grade @ CHS
Counselor's Corner
Week 6: Staying on Track
This Friday marks an important checkpoint for academic progress. Grade checks allow us to catch missing assignments, clarify challenging concepts, and provide extra support before small hurdles become bigger challenges.
1. Review Home Access Together
Sit down with your student and log into the district parent portal to look at current grades and missing assignments side by side.
2.Check for Missing Work:
Look specifically for any zeroes or "incomplete" markers. Many teachers accept late work for partial credit up until specific unit deadlines.
3.Encourage Self-Advocacy:15 mins.
Help your student draft a quick email or plan to speak directly with their teacher during tutorial time if they have questions or need help catching up.
Tips for a Smooth Finish to the Week
Establish a Routine: Keep a dedicated homework space at home free from phone and screen distractions.
Prioritize Rest: Middle schoolers need consistent sleep to stay focused during instructional blocks.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your student's hard work this week, even if it's just for staying organized or asking a teacher for help!
Parents, please fill out this survey so that we can assess the needs of your students and provide support as necessary.
Parent Needs Assessment: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=EZDhKYHyFkihVZnjnVteM4OHczZSKJFGsA_-QP13_q9URDNTOEVOWkg4RVYxWkZFS1YzWVdMRFY5QS4u&route=shorturl
Looking Ahead
October 9: End of Marking Period 1
October 23-31: Red Ribbon Week-"Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free." More information will be put out about this soon.
Thank you for partnering with us to make this year exceptional. Have a wonderful week ahead, Falcons!
Athletics Information
We are excited to begin 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 Texas 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 passed a law last year 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.
Lady Falcon Volleyball gets stronger with each set!
Falcon Football: Keep grinding and keep growing!
Cross Country goes the distance!
Be Their Biggest Fan! Come out and support our Falcons!
General Updates & Reminders:
- All students should have received their ID cards. Please help to ensure that they have it and are wearing it appropriately every day. Having their IDs helps to improve the timing for riding the bus and for getting their lunch. If your student did not receive an ID, please have them stop by the AP office to let them know.
- All students have also been issued a YONDR pouch and should be placing their electronic devices inside the pouch during morning entry. Electronic devices should not be seen nor heard at any time during the school day.
- One of the most important habits we can help our students develop is being where they need to be, when they need to be there, and ready to learn. Please remind your student of the importance of arriving to class on time—every minute of instruction matters!
- Students are expected to be in dress code when they arrive on campus and remain in dress code throughout the school day.
- We can only accept food deliveries for students from a parent/guardian or contact listed on the student's account.
As always, we are here to help and support you and your student in every way possible. Please reach out to us with any concerns or use the online reporter method at the following link should you have a safety concern: https:/ /forms.killeenisd.org/Forms/BullyReporter
It is our pleasure to serve you and your student every day! Please understand if you come during
specific times of the day (ex: morning duty, lunch duty, passing periods, or after school duty), you may have to wait for a short time as supervision is a top priority, and our leadership team will be on duty in the halls/bus loop/etc. Every process and system we have in place focuses on providing the safest and most positive experience that we can for our students.
We greatly appreciate your support, and look forward to seeing you at many of our upcoming events!
Applications for Free/Reduced Lunch are open!
The application for free and reduced-price school meals is still open for the 2026-2027 school year.
Apply today through SchoolCafé: https://www.schoolcafe.com/Killeenisd
Completing an application is quick and secure. We encourage all Killeen ISD families to apply, even if you're not sure you qualify.
Arrival & Dismissal
Clear Expectations Ensure a Successful Start and a Great Year!
Transportation
Expect transportation delays the first few days of the school year. However, Killeen ISD provides
the Smart Tag 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.
Stay In The Know About Your Student's Education!
Meet our Campus Leadership Team!
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are here to help!
Christina.Harris@killeenisd.org
Aimee.D.CastilloGriffin@killeenisd.org