The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday Patriot Families,

It has been great having our students back on campus. This is an important time to lock in and level up—re-establishing strong routines, setting goals, and committing to doing our best each day.

We appreciate your support in reminding students of our expectations, especially the importance of following the Student Code of Conduct. This includes keeping hands to themselves, using respectful language, and making positive choices that contribute to a safe and focused learning environment for everyone. When students meet these expectations, it allows our teachers to focus on instruction and helps all students succeed.

We also ask for your continued encouragement at home for students to work hard in class, stay engaged in their learning, and take pride in their effort. Together, we can ensure this semester is one of growth, accountability, and success for all of our Patriots.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support as we work together to help every student lock in, level up, and make this semester the best.

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!

Monday, January 12th -

Have a magnificent Monday!

Tuesday, January 13th -

Field trip: Choir Evening Sing @ Rancier MS

Wednesday, January 14th -

Lady Patriot Basketball B-Team Tournament (game 1)

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

Thursday, January 15th -

Field Trip: 7th grade to Career Center (9:00AM-12:30PM)

Patriot Boys Basketball B-Team Tournament (game 1)

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

Spirit wear: College spirit shirt

Friday, January 16th -

Have a fantastic Friday!

Spirit wear: Patriot spirit shirt

Saturday, January 17th -

Patriot Boys Basketball B-Team Tournament (games start at 8:00AM)

• 8th grade @ (TBD)
• 7th grade @ (TBD)

Patriot Girls Basketball B-Team Tournament (games start at 8:00AM)

• 8th grade @ (TBD)
• 7th grade @ (TBD)

Building Daily Routines
Good habits support academic and personal success. Encourage your student to create consistent routines for studying, sleeping, and daily responsibilities.

Counselor Tip:

• Pick one habit to focus on each week, like a homework schedule or preparing materials the night before
• Track progress and celebrate consistency
• Use reminders or alarms to help establish routines

Tip for Families:

• Model routines at home and check in on your child’s progress
• Celebrate effort and consistency rather than perfection
• Offer guidance for adjusting routines as needed

Wellness Corner:

• Routines support mental and physical health
• Encourage adequate sleep, healthy meals, and daily movement
• Small consistent actions build long-term success

Counselor’s Note:
Counselors can provide strategies for building habits and routines that make schoolwork and daily life more manageable and balanced.

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).