The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

We hope you had a great weekend, Patriots! It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the final days of the first marking period. This week, students will be taking benchmark assessments in Math, Science, Social Studies and English Language Arts. These tests help teachers measure how well students have mastered key concepts and plan future lessons that meet their needs. Please encourage your student to do their best and show what they’ve learned!

As we close out this grading period, our monthly focus on Accountability is more important than ever. Accountability means taking ownership of both our academic progress and our behavior. Please take a few moments this week to review your student’s grades together in Home Access Center and talk about what went well and what they can improve on in the future. Encourage them to set goals for the new marking period and make a plan for how to stay on track. We’ll also be reinforcing accountability here at school through consistent expectations and positive recognition for students who are demonstrating responsibility.

We need your help! We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment where every student can learn and feel comfortable. Recently, we’ve noticed an increase in students “playing around” physically—pushing, hitting, or roughhousing with friends. While some of these actions may start as jokes, they can quickly escalate and lead to serious conflicts or fights.

We are asking for your support in talking with your student about the importance of keeping their hands, feet, and other objects to themselves at all times. Even playful physical contact can be misinterpreted or cause injury. Please remind your Patriot that there is zero tolerance for physical aggression and that these behaviors have disciplinary consequences under the student code of conduct (see below).

Encouraging your student to use words, not actions, to solve problems or express frustration helps them build self-control and conflict-resolution skills—both of which are part of being Accountable, our Patriot value for this month.

Thank you for partnering with us to help all students stay safe, respectful, and focused on learning. Together, we can make Palo Alto a place where every Patriot can Lock In & Level Up—academically and behaviorally.

With Patriot Pride,
Christina Harris

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 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!

Hispanic Heritage Month

Bullying Prevention Month

Principal Month

Sunday, October 5th –

World Teachers’ Day!

Monday, October 6th –

National Instructional Coach’s Appreciation Day!

Benchmark Testing schedule (ELAR)

Lady Patriot Volleyball vs. Nolan (games start at 5:30PM)

• 8th grade @ NMS
• 7th grade @ PAMS

Tuesday, October 7th –

Benchmark Testing schedule (Alg. & Math)

Patriot Football vs. Chavez MS (game starts at 5:30)

• 8th grade @ PAMS
• 7th grade @ PAMS

Wednesday, October 8th –

Benchmark Testing schedule (Science)

Theatre Performance in cafeteria (5:00PM)

Thursday, October 9th –

Impact Aid forms due date

Benchmark Testing schedule (Social Studies)

Fall Choir Concert @ EHS (6:00PM)

Spirit wear: College Spirit shirt

Friday, October 10th –

Fall Band Concert @ EHS (6:30PM)

Spirit wear: PAMS Spirit shirt

Counselor Corner – Weekly Newsletter

Study Tip of the Week

Finish strong! We’re in the final week of the first 9-weeks grading period, which makes this a perfect time for students to check missing assignments and follow up with teachers if they have questions. Encourage your child to review their grades and make a short list of priorities to wrap up the quarter with confidence.

Social Skill Spotlight

Handling stress and pressure. End-of-quarter deadlines can bring added stress. Remind your child that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed—what matters most is how they respond. Encourage them to take one step at a time and to ask for help when needed.

Parent Tip

Encourage reflection, not perfection. When reviewing grades, focus the conversation on effort, growth, and learning habits rather than just outcomes. Ask questions like, “What are you most proud of this nine weeks?” or “What’s one thing you’d like to try differently next time?”

Wellness Corner

Rest and recharge. A busy week of studying and finishing assignments makes rest even more important. Encourage good sleep, healthy snacks, and a few breaks for movement or downtime to keep your student balanced and focused.

Counselor’s Note

As we close out the first 9-weeks, we’re proud of our students for the hard work and perseverance they’ve shown adjusting to new classes and routines. Every challenge this quarter has been an opportunity to learn and grow. Please reach out if your student needs support with organization, motivation, or goal-setting for the next grading period—our counseling team is here to help!

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).