November 17, 2024

Hello Panther Families!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting updates and reminders as we head into Thanksgiving Break.

Here’s what you need to know:

Staff vs. Student Volleyball Game:

Get ready for an epic showdown! Our Staff vs. Student Volleyball Game will be held on Friday, November 22nd during the last period of the day.

• Tickets go on sale Monday, November 18th during lunch for $2 general admission or $5 VIP.
• On game day, we will follow the Early Out Schedule, but students will not be released early.

Let’s see if our students can bring the heat or if the staff will keep their winning streak alive!

Thanksgiving Break Reminder:

There will be no school November 25th - 29th for Thanksgiving Break. We hope you enjoy this time with family and friends. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2nd.

Parent Partnership: Behavior Conversations:

As the holiday break approaches, we often see an uptick in student behavior issues. We kindly ask that you:

• Talk to your student about staying focused and making positive choices during this time.
• Remind them of our campus expectations:
• Wear student IDs at all times.
• Phones must remain in pouches during the school day.

Your partnership helps us maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone!

Campus Reset Coming After Break:

When we return from break, we’ll conduct a Campus Reset to review and reinforce expectations with all students. This ensures we finish the semester strong and prepared for success.

Thank you for your continued support of our Panther community! Let’s finish this semester with pride, positivity, and teamwork.

Warm regards,

Jacqulyn E. Bridge

Principal

This month's character trait at EHMS is Teamwork. Each month, we will focus on a different trait to help build a positive and supportive school culture.

What is Teamwork?

Teamwork is the ability to work in unity with others towards a common goal. For us to learn how to become team players, it is important that we learn to listen, encourage our peers, and allow and invite others to contribute their talents and skills.

Why focus on Teamwork?

• Teamwork improves communication: Teamwork helps us improves our verbal and non-verbal communication skills, conveying that we care and a relevant message.
• Teamwork builds interpersonal awareness: Growing a great team requires us to first build strong relationships through better understanding ourselves and others.
• Teamwork celebrates diversity. Teamwork thrives from diverse ideas that come from a mixture of different genders, cultures, expertise, experience, and problem-solving approaches.

Teamwork in Action:

• Call them a team, not a class or group. A group consists of many different people. A team, however, has a common purpose and a shared responsibility for success.
• Require teams to set expectations for and manage their own behavior. Do not tell teams what type of behavior is expected -- let them decide for themselves with a Social Contract.
• Teach and encourage affirmations. Giving affirmations helps connect the team and builds trust, promotes engagement, and boosts a positive culture.

Students are expected to keep their phones turned off and stored in their pouch.Please note that any violations will result in appropriate consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Lost or damaged pouches cost $25.50 to be replaced. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a focused and productive learning environment.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Dear Panther Parents and Guardians,

We encourage all of our panthers to take advantage of i-Ready and IXL for additional practice at home! These programs are designed to help strengthen skills in both reading and math. By spending extra time on these platforms, students can reinforce what they are learning in the classroom and make even more progress.

Here are some key benefits of using i-Ready and IXL at home:

• Personalized learning that meets your specific needs.
• Extra practice to build confidence and improve understanding.
• The ability to work at your own pace, outside of school hours.

Students can easily log in to both programs through Clever by using their student account.

Go Panthers!

• December 12th- Winter Concert 7:30 PM Killeen HS
• January 25th – Region Choir Auditions All Day Belton HS
• February 8th- Region Clinic and Concert All Day Midway PAC
• March 7th- 6th Grade Festival 6:30 PM Killeen HS
• March 11th- Pre-UIL 6:30 PM Killeen HS
• March 27th- UIL Evaluation Time TBD Shoemaker
• March 28th-UIL Evaluation Time TBD Shoemaker
• April 26th- Solo and Ensemble all Day Nolan MS
• May 12th- Spring Concert 7:30 PM Killeen HS

• Winter Concert - December 5th at 6pm (KHS)
• KHS Cluster Pre-UIL - February 11th (KHS)
• KISD Pre-UIL - February 19-20 (CHS)
• UIL C&SR - March 4-6 (CHS)
• Solo & Ensemble - April 26th (LHMS)
• All Star Band - May 2-3 (EHS)
• Spring Concert - May 8th (KHS)

Did you know that Boys & Girls Club is free? Students receive snacks and tutoring when they attend. It's also open until 6:00 PM. Click the link below to sign your student up.

Dear Parents,

As we continue to foster a positive and focused learning environment, we kindly ask for your support in ensuring that all students adhere to our dress code policy. Starting this Monday, if a student is not in compliance with the dress code, we will ask them to call home for a change of clothes or provide them with appropriate attire at school.

To help your child be prepared, please make sure they avoid the following items:

• Tights or leggings worn as pants
• Crop tops
• Jeans with holes higher than 6 inches above the knee
• Shorts or skirts higher than 6 inches above the knee
• Sagging pants

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us achieve this.

Thank you for your continued support

Eastern Hills Middle School is a community of integrity and learning. Where teachers and administrators mentor and inspire students and each other, to embrace a growth mindset. Where students are challenged to act with humility and resilience as they develop skills that will prepare them to be lifelong learners and productive members of society. Where every individual feels safe and contributes to our culture of pride, competitiveness and belonging.

Email: jacqulyn.bridge@killeenisd.org

Website: https://schools.killeenisd.org/Page/75

Location: 300 Indian Trail, Harker Heights, TX, USA

Phone: (254) 336-1100

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EHMSPanthers

Twitter: @middle_hills