The Pride of Palo Alto

Happy Sunday, Patriot Families,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open House last week! It was wonderful to see so many families connecting with our teachers, counselors, and leadership team. Your support means so much as we continue working together to make this year a success for every student.

This week brings exciting opportunities for our Patriot athletes:

• Football and Volleyball games will take place, and please remember that tickets must be purchased online—no cash sales will be available at the door.

• Cross Country also competes this week, and we are proud to cheer them on!

Our Patriot Value of the Month is Proud. When we encourage our students to be proud, we want them to have a healthy sense of satisfaction in their achievements, efforts, and identity while respecting others. Being proud means celebrating successes whether big or small without putting others down.

We would love for you to take a moment to share something you are proud of your student for—big or small! Please use the link below to submit your response. Your words of encouragement go a long way in showing our students how much they are supported at home and school.

As always, safety is our top priority. Please remind your student about the importance of following campus expectations:

• Wearing their student ID at all times

• Keeping their hands, feet, and other objects to themselves

• Showing respect in both words and actions

Thank you for helping us build a safe and positive learning environment where our students can truly Lock In & Level Up.

With Patriot Pride,
Christina Harris

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the KISD District Optimization process so far. The first set of draft scenarios was shared with the Board this week, and now it’s time for the community to weigh in. Families are invited to be part of this important conversation through Town Hall meetings and an online survey. Learn more at www.killeenisd.org/optimization.

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 begins!

Monday, September 15th –

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

• 8th grade @ RJSMS
• 7th grade @ PAMS

Tuesday, September 16th –

IT Professionals Appreciation Day!

Patriot Football vs. RJSMS (games start at 5:30PM) (Girls Athletics Concessions)

• 8th grade @ RJSMS
• 7th grade @ PAMS

Wednesday, September 17th –

Cross Country Meet @ SHS (starts at 5:30PM)

Thursday, September 18th –

Lady Patriot Volleyball Mid Season Tournament (games start at 5:30PM)

• Location TBD

Saturday, September 20th –

Lady Patriot Volleyball B Team Tournament (start time TBD)

• 8th grade @ SHS
• 7th grade @ EHS

Band Spirit Spectacular @ KHS (7:00PM)

Our Patriots are now a month into the school year, and routines are starting to take root! With the first progress reports being released, this is the perfect time to help your child stay balanced, connected, and confident.

🍂 Fine-tune routines
Set out clothes and backpacks the night before, and power down screens 30 minutes before bedtime for better rest.

📚 Create a study-friendly space
Pick one quiet spot for homework each night. Keep pencils, paper, and chargers nearby to reduce frustration.

👫 Strengthen friendships
Role-play common “what if” scenarios with your child to practice problem-solving and respectful communication.

💬 Spark daily conversations
Go beyond “How was your day?” with questions like:

• “What made you laugh today?”

• “What was something challenging, and how did you handle it?”

🌟 Teach balance & time management
Use a family calendar for assignments, practices, and events. This helps kids visualize responsibilities and reduce last-minute stress.

🥗 Fuel for success
Healthy snacks and staying hydrated boost energy and focus. Breakfast is especially important for a strong start.

🛑 Monitor digital habits
Encourage device-free dinners and keep charging stations outside bedrooms overnight.

💖 Encourage resilience
Celebrate effort and perseverance (“I noticed how hard you tried”) rather than only focusing on grades.

📞 Partner with the school
Reach out to teachers or counselors early if you notice concerns with academics, behavior, or stress. We’re here to help!

✨ Together, we can make sure every Patriot feels supported both at school and at home!
—Your Counseling Team

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 schedule in Home Access Center (HAC) this week. 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).