Palo Alto Middle School

I am extremely unhappy with this school. Palo Alto's administration is by far the worst! Their bullying policy is not exercised and Mrs. Erskine brushes issues under the rug and the Principal Mr. Widacki never has time to meet with you and they NEVER resolve any issues. You always have to go above their heads in order to resolve a simple issue. So get very familiar with Mrs. Champagne. You'll need her a lot! They NEVER assign homework and it took a MIRACLE to get 2 out of 8 teachers to start sending e-mails informing parents of up coming testing dates and things of that sort. Ask to get signed up to check your child's grades online because they won't mention. This school is HORRIBLE with communication! The teachers dress inappropriately. One female teacher wears her pants so tight that it has to be cutting off the circulation in her legs. Totally inappropriate to be around young ladies and gents! The Women in the front office are a breath of fresh air. The only people you can talk to with any type of professionalism. If only they could run the school. If your child is not a problem child, Send them to another middle school if you can. This is borderline alternative School.
—Submitted by a parent

I really would like to give this school a 2.5, I know that sounds silly. My son was homeschooled until his 6th grade year. He was given the standardized test in 2011, 2 weeks prior to school starting. Never having been standardized tested before. He scored on the 10th and 8th grade level. He rarely comes home with homework or study material. I have asked if I could know when test are coming up so I can make sure he gets regular studying in a few nights before. The communication is NOT very good at this school. I do not feel that he has been challenged. In Feb 2012 one of his teachers told me what a disruptive student he had been for months, yet I had to come to her and ask her why he was given after school detention (days prior) while at a ceremony. Which was our first means of contact. The same thing happened with his history teacher this year. My son is not an angel all the time, but overall he is normally well behaved and mature for his age. I am that parent who will correct and address when I am INFORMED! My boys have played travel sports which maintained a high level of discipline. My son's 7th grade sports season lacked disciple during football and basketball.
—Submitted by a parent

okay so before i went to PAMS i thought middle school would be terrible but on the first day people were so friendly and i made tons of friends and all the teachers were great. As the school year continued i had only two problems someone stole my binder but it was returned and the other was just two girls who bulled me but i went to ms.erskine for help (although she made the problem worse) i ended up learning to ignore the bullies and by the end of the year i came out stronger,smarter.and happier-i CANNOT wait for the first day of my seventh year!!

I really do not have anything to say because we are new to this area.

Being a military family, and bouncing from school to school... I have to say that the administration, teachers and most importantly - the principal are AMAZING! I have never seen a group of professionals truly care and take a hands on approach to teaching like those at PAMS do. My daughter attended the last 2 of her middle school years there - and Im very excited to start a new chapter at PAMS with an incoming 6th grader next year. I would HIGHLY recommended PAMS. Mr. Widacki is always showing interest in the students - the office staff always has a smile when I come in. As with any school - you child's academic success starts at home... and is furthered by amazing teachers and caring admin. THANK YOU PAMS!
—Submitted by a parent

"Great Teachers and Great Principles " This school works very hard for our students, my son has attended this school for the third year he has worked hard and his teachers have been truly a blessing. Thanks for all the concern, kindness, firmness when needed and just making sure these students are getting full advantage of there education. A little note to parent get involved with your child's education and keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your child's teacher my son has had a successful 3 yrs with the support of great teachers like Mr. Rucker , Mrs.Fulton,Mr. Williams, Ms. Terrell, Mrs.Allen and last but not least the best two principals ever Mr.Jack Ivey and Mr. Matt W. Good bless all of the teachers at PAMS and continue to promote a place where kids can strive to do there best and be the best!! Much Love, Parent
—Submitted by a parent

my son went to school there last school year. After only 2 months iwithdrew him from the school. He was bullied so bad that he would come home crying and mad. I tried talking to the school about it but was told if he doesn't say anything nothing can be done. He got sick of it and fought back one day, the other student's parents were told to press charges against my son. At 11 yrs old he has a criminal record now. Nothing as of yet has been done to remove the boy from this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love working at PAMS. The kids are wonderful, the fellow teachers make you feel like one of the TEAM and are always friendly and the administrative staff are extremely helpful and available when you need them. I travel from the Round Rock area (60 miles each way) to work at this school because it it a great place to work. I have been offered other jobs while working here and my reply to them is, " I love where I work and would hate to leave a good thing." All of us, including the parents, work really hard for these kids and want them to be successful. I am looking forward to another fun and exciting year at PAMS, where these kids are our number one priority.
—Submitted by a teacher

I think my daughter had a good experience transitioning from elementary school to middle school in the 2010-2011 school year. mr. Widacki was a very active and "present" principal. I grew up in KISD as well and am very familiar with much of the staff at Palo Alto, I would have to say that I was not satified with the way business was conducted with Asst Principal Erskine. Often times one gets the sense that rather than working with students, she's working against them. Overall, I was happy with my daughter's teachers during this past school year and look forward to her attending 7th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school!! My son is an 8th grader at PAMS and I wouldn't have it any other way.
—Submitted by a parent

Palo Alto is the greatest school! All the teachers and the principal strive for excellence and work hard to help the students achieve their highest potential. They recognize where the students are in their learning and life and assist them in growing mentally and confidently through these trying times and years. It takes a village to raise a family and Palo Alto is a wonderful village to live in :) Fabulous students, teachers, staff and school.
—Submitted by a parent

I been a student at Palo Alto for two years. I am currently in 7th grade and my life at school is great! You have lots of friends who care about you. ( Lots of cute boys). And the teachers a great. They teach the subjects and if you don't understand they will privitly help you all while they make sure you're having fun. When first came to this school, I didn't know what it felt like to get a C. Now I hyave all A's and one B. AJ from PA

It's a well balanced school...
—Submitted by a parent

This school has taught our son responsiblity and to be an all around good person! We have enjoyed this school for three years now and cant wait till our other children attend here!
—Submitted by a parent

GO PATRIOTS....beat union grove tomorrow on their own field! Go kole, alex, jamal GET EM BOYS!
—Submitted by a parent

It's a well rounded school .

This is one of the best schools ever! even thought you have to wear uniform it is a great school, the teachers are great, the principle is awesome and very nice. the kids there have respect. there isnt so many fights like other schools. its a great achool to learn more and improove skills. i suggest you put your child in this school as soon as possible.

I didn't like this school my niece was in 6th grade at this school and she always got bullied around and she said she didnt want to tell the teachers because she didnt want to get teased for being a teacher's pet i guess if she told them they would have helped.

i went to palo alto middle school for all 3 years and jus graduated from the eighth grade in 2008 and its is the best school you will find in killeen

The teachers, counselors and the principal are wonderful. Our son has received Commended Scores on the TAKS since he's been at Palo Alto. He's an opportunity to be involved in a number of activities. We really like how welcomed the parents are treated. Though the staff at Palo Alto are wonderful, we as parents still need to do our job!
—Submitted by a parent