The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We hope you are enjoying the long weekend. There will be no school on Monday (2/16) in observance of Presidents’ Day, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday ready to learn. As we move deeper into the marking period, this is an important time for students to stay focused and consistent with their effort. Daily attendance, completing assignments, and staying engaged in class make a big difference in overall success.

Student attendance is critical to academic success. It is extremely important that students are at school every day and arrive on time to each class. Please remember that if a student is more than five minutes late to any class period, they are considered absent for that class. When students miss instructional time — even just a portion of it — they miss key explanations, guided practice, and opportunities to ask questions. This often makes upcoming assignments and lessons more difficult. Consistent, on-time attendance ensures students are fully prepared and able to keep pace with their learning. We appreciate your support in helping your student arrive to school and to each class on time each day.

On Wednesday, we will host our Honor Roll Assembly in the gym to celebrate students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement. If your student met the criteria, you received an invitation via email earlier this week. We are proud of the hard work our students are putting in, and we look forward to recognizing their accomplishments.

Benchmark assessments will begin on February 25th this marking period. These assessments will be conducted in a format similar to STAAR testing. Our goal is to ensure students are comfortable with testing procedures and are prepared to show what they have learned. You can support your student by encouraging good sleep, positive mindset, and focused effort each day.

As always, we appreciate your partnership. When school and home work together, students are more confident, more accountable, and more successful.

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

Career and Technical Education Month

Random Acts of Kindness Week!

Monday, February 16th -

Staff and Student Holiday

Tuesday, February 17th -

Spirit wear: Wear purple and stand up for someone who has a hard time making friends

Wednesday, February 18th -

Honor Roll in gym (2:30PM) (invites were emailed to families of those who made the honor roll)

Spirit wear: Wacky Tacky Wednesday:wear wacky clothes or come with wacky hair and

celebrate that it’s ok to be different

Thursday, February 19th -

Band Pre-UIL @ CHS

Spirit wear: We're going with "Kind Green" (instead of Mean Green). Wear something green and show integrity by picking up trash, sitting with someone new at lunch or helping out just because.

Friday, February 20th -

Spirit wear: Royalty Day: wear a tie or a tiara and Treat everyone like royalty today. Lead by example, use kind words and treat others the way you would like to be treated

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.

Building Strong Friendships

Friendships play a key role in middle school. Encourage your student to practice empathy, kindness, and active listening with peers.

Counselor Tip:

• Include others in activities and conversations
• Practice respectful communication even when disagreements arise
• Build new friendships by joining clubs or group activities

Tip for Families:

• Ask your child about their friendships and how they handle challenges
• Encourage positive social interactions and problem-solving
• Model respectful communication in your own relationships

Wellness Corner:

• Positive social connections reduce stress and support emotional health
• Encourage time with supportive peers and adults
• Reflect on ways to strengthen relationships each week

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors are available to help students navigate friendships, build social skills, and develop strategies for positive peer interactions.

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).