The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

This week, our 8th grade students will take the STAAR assessments for Science and Social Studies on Tuesday and Wednesday. We are proud of the effort they have shown in preparing, and we encourage families to help their student be successful by ensuring they get a good night’s rest, arrive at school on time, and come ready to do their best. Our 6th and 7th grade students will follow their regular schedule and continue with normal instruction.

We also want to partner with families in reinforcing positive behavior expectations as we move through this important time of the semester. Maintaining a strong focus on learning and respectful choices helps everyone be successful. Please remind your student that they should remain in class unless there is an emergency and continue to follow campus expectations throughout the day.

As we continue our focus on perseverance, this is a great opportunity to encourage your student to keep working hard and finish the school year strong. With your support at home and our support at school, our students can continue making great progress during this final stretch of the semester. Thank you for your continued partnership!

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!

Month of the Military Child

School Librarian Appreciation Month

Autism Awareness Month

Monday, April 13th –

Let's have a marvelous Monday!

Spirit Wear: Team up or twin with a friend!

Tuesday, April 14th –

STAAR Testing Science (8th Grade)

Spirit Wear: Wear t-shirts or colors to represent military branches (see flyer for more info)

Wednesday, April 15th –

STAAR Testing Social Studies (8th Grade)

Patriot Soccer vs CPMS (5:30PM) (Shifflett on duty)

• Boys @ PAMS
• Girls @ CPMS

Patriot Golf @ Stonetree (5:00PM)

Spirit Wear: Purple Up for Month of the Military Child

Thursday, April 16th –

Patriot Tennis @ HHHS (Shifflett on duty)

Spirit Wear: Wear camo or College spirit

Friday, April 17th –

It's a fantastic Friday!

Spirit Wear: Wear shirts with a positive message or a Patriot shirt

Saturday, April 18th –

Band Solo & Ensemble Contest @ LHMS (7:00AM)

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 Positive Connections

Healthy relationships with peers create a sense of belonging and improve overall school experience.

Counselor Tip:

• Practice active listening and empathy

• Include others and show kindness in group activities

• Resolve conflicts respectfully and calmly

Tip for Families:

• Talk with your child about their friendships and group experiences

• Encourage inclusive behavior and positive social interactions

• Model respectful communication at home

Wellness Corner:

• Strong social connections reduce stress and increase happiness

• Encourage participation in clubs, teams, or group activities

• Reflect on ways to improve relationships each week

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors provide guidance for navigating friendships, resolving conflicts, and building social skills.

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.

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.

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).