Bearcat Blast

Bearcat Blast

Bearcat Blast • January 19, 2023 • AledoISD.org

You're Invited! AMS + MMS Open House and Ribbon Cutting

We're excited to welcome the entire Aledo community as we showcase our two middle schools - Aledo Middle School and McAnally Middle School - in a community Open House and Ribbon Cutting for these two #aledobond2019 projects!
  • Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023
  • AMS + MMS open for tours 1-4 PM
  • AMS Ribbon Cutting and brief remarks 1 PM
  • MMS Ribbon Cutting and brief remarks 2:30 PM

2023-2024 Instructional Calendar Approved

The Aledo ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2023-2024 Instructional Calendar during their Regular January meeting on January 17.


The first day of school for 2023-2024 will be Wednesday, August 16, 2023 with the last day for students being Friday, May 24, 2024. The calendar includes 9 ½ staff development days and 12 days for planning and preparation for teachers and staff.


The 23-24 Instructional Calendar was reviewed by the Districtwide Effectiveness Improvement Committee (DWEIC) and shared with staff and community members for feedback via an online survey. Because of that feedback, the DWEIC kept the extended Fall Break - similar to the new Fall Break on the 22-23 calendar - for October 12-17. DWEIC also adjusted the Winter Break days based on feedback received; Winter Break will be December 21, 2023 through January 7, 2024.


Click here to download a copy of the 2023-2024 Instructional Calendar.

Congratulations January 2023 Bearcats of Character

The Aledo ISD Board of Trustees were honored to recognize the January 2023 Bearcats of Character for the character trait Self Control at the regular meeting in January. In tandem with launching the character education program Positivity Project - or P2 - Trustees have been able to recognize the good character on display by the great students across all of Aledo ISD since last year as Bearcats of Character.


The Bearcats of Character strength Trustees recognized in January was self-control. P2 says that SELF-CONTROL is the act of managing behavior in a way that positively influences goal attainment and living up to standards. Experts say that self-control is an important trait as it allows individuals to delay the short-term gain in pursuit of a greater, long-term success. It gives people the power to lead healthy lives,study for an exam, or practice a musical instrument. Some psychologists have likened self-control to a muscle that gets stronger the more it’s used.


Congratulations to the following students:

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Aledo High School: Kyle Scharlow, 11th grade

Kyle has shown growth and strength this year. He has exhibited maturity and self control and accepts responsibility for his actions. Kyle independently seeks out guidance and support when needed.

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Aledo Learning Center: Laurel Williams, 11th grade

Laurel comes to class and immediately gets to work. She does not get distracted by the surrounding students or her cell phone. She has the self-control to focus on her goal of finishing her classes and resists the urge to give up. Laurel has shown that she will be successful due to the her ability to exhibit self-control.

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Daniel Ninth Grade: Zayden Parker, 9th grade

I recommend Zayden Parker for the Bearcat of Character for the trait of self-control. In my time of coaching Zayden, I have grown to know that he is an intense competitor. With this personality, Zayden has always demonstrated a tremendous amount of self-control while on the basketball floor and also within his every day life. Although Zayden wants to win at everything he does, he consistently maintains composure, focus, and treats everyone with the respect they deserve.

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Aledo Middle School: Caden Seaberry, 6th grade

Caden is a smart, caring young man with a big, sensitive heart, who exercises his ability to control his emotions and to stay calm in stressful situations. He has developed this essential characteristic through hard work and by facing every single challenge that comes his way, including lots of times when he didn’t really want to.


In class, Caden has made incredible gains, but it was a long, slow, cognitively and emotionally demanding process. Facing a task that is overwhelmingly difficult and that is sure to expose all of one’s weaknesses would make anyone feel vulnerable. Those are exactly the kinds of tasks that Caden faced each day in class. There were plenty of times when he was discouraged and probably would have liked to quit and just walk away, but Caden stayed at it. Sometimes he got pretty quiet, but over time he found his voice and he began to speak up about those feelings and those impulses. And as he spoke, he began to master those thoughts and behaviors that had kept him down and made him feel small and incapable. Caden learned self-awareness and self-control and he practiced it day after day until he began to conquer his fears, and his challenges, and some pretty big goals!


Caden uses his power for good; he will speak up to help resolve an argument between friends, calming emotions without taking sides, and is kind enough to make sure both parties feel seen and heard.

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McAnally Middle School: Andrew Thomas, 7th grade

Andrew Thomas has been selected by his teacher, Mrs. Alison, as McAnally Middle School's Bearcat Character Champion! Mrs. Alison shares that Andrew has grown tremendously in the year that I have known him; especially in the area of self-control. He is pleasant, motivated and comes to class ready to learn. He is engaged, asks great questions and is making great gains in learning as a result. He recently shared that he was thinking about his life one day and the struggles he was having. He decided that he didn't want his life to be like that any more, so he thought about what kind of life he did want and decided to start being the kind of guy that did better in order to have a happier life. It was such a powerful testament to his character and the power of self-awareness. I'd say he is doing a terrific job becoming that guy that he wants to be!

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Annetta Elementary School: Caroline Klein, Kindergarten

Mrs. Smith, Caroline’s Kindergarten teacher, says about Caroline, “Caroline is an extremely dedicated student who uses her self-control to learn to read, working in her center. I notice her self-control especially when we are doing whole group on the rug while doing Really Great Read and Heggerty. I know her self-control plays extremely important in her gymnastic accomplishments. For these reasons (and a lot more) I have nominated Caroline for demonstrating self-control.

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Coder Elementary School: McCoy Minchew, 3rd grade

McCoy Minchew is a model student. He is always attentive and respectful. There are plenty of opportunities to just go crazy in the music classroom, and he shows so much self-control by not giving in. I can always count on McCoy to be ready to participate fully in whatever we are singing or playing, and I know that he will be on-task! It is a joy to have McCoy in the classroom. ~Stacy Andrews, Music Teacher


When I was asked to pick a student that possesses self-control, McCoy was the first student I thought of. McCoy is always following directions, and in control of his actions. He is always the first person to do the task that is asked of him, and do it with a smile on his face. ~Allie Sooter, 3rd Grade Teacher

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McCall Elementary School: JJ Lunsford, 5th grade

Mrs. Harbuck, JJ's Science techer says "Jeffrey, known as JJ at McCall, shows self control everyday by quietly working hard to do his work, despite temptations to join in side conversations and such. He always works hard to stay calm and makes an amazing effort to communicate his emotions to others which can be a challenge for any 5th grader. He uses self-control with kindness every day."


His ELAR teacher, Mrs. Hilton, says "JJ is a remarkable kiddo who approaches learning, communicating, and life uniquely…and always with self control. He is a young man whose mind is filled with amazing thoughts, but his articulation of his thoughts and feelings is incredibly insightful. This new year we chose words or phrases to revolve our New Year Resolutions around. We explained the whys that served as motivation, and then listed action steps to help us achieve those goals. While JJ’s word wasn’t “self control,” his thoughtful explanations about his resolution had everything to do with self control. I was simply inspired, as I perceive him as a student who thinks reflectively before he acts or says anything in class, and yet his goal showed his desire to grow that same personal strength in his home life, where many of our kiddos struggle the most in practicing discipline and self control. JJ is truly one of a kind, and I am just thrilled for him to receive this recognition."

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Stuard Elementary School: Brooks Hundley, 1st grade

Students can be great at many things, but what makes Brooks exceptional is his ability to combine greatness with self-control. He is able to recognize the needs around him and think before acting. His controlled, helpful, and thoughtful decisions are the makings of a fantastic leader. - Mrs. Getz, 1st Grade Teacher

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Vandagriff Elementary School: Lilly Happ, 5th Grade

Lilly displays self control through every situation, even difficult ones, with grace and a positive attitude. She displays great leadership and being a role model to her peers by making good choices and helping others to make good choices. Lilly is a wonderful student and friend to everyone. She sets a positive example for her classmates by being self-disciplined. Lilly is a natural leader in the classroom and in Student Council. She brightens any room she walks into! Awesome job Lilly.

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Walsh Elementary School: Knox Disney, 1st Grade

From Knox's teacher, Mrs. Tarvin: Knox shows self-control on a daily basis and I am so proud of the growth he has made this school year. He works on his school work and works towards achieving personal goals. When he is feeling frustrated/upset/or sad he is able to use self-control and advocate for himself to let me know what he needs. During unstructured time (lunch, recess, and specials) Knox uses self-control by keeping his hands and feet to himself and staying in his own personal bubble space while being respectful of others personal space. I am so proud of him!

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Trustees prepare to advocate for AISD during Legislative Session

An important role of school board trustees and school districts is to advocate for their district’s students and staff and the community as a whole. Even before the 2023 Legislative Session began on January 10, Aledo ISD Trustees and administrators met with the district’s local legislators - Senators Drew Springer and Phil King and State Representative Glenn Rogers - to share the legislative priorities of Aledo ISD.


Members of the board legislative subcommittee - Board Vice President Jessica Brown, Board Secretary Forrest Collins and Board Member David Lear - drafted a list of legislative priorities for Aledo ISD for the 2023 Legislative Session. Included are priorities that fall under the following main categories: protect local control, including the rights of local parents and citizens; protect and increase public school funding; support Texas public school students and educators and permit local parents and citizens to hold their public schools accountable; and require accountability and transparency to Texans for the use of local and state tax dollars.


“People are often surprised to learn how much of our local decision-making is impacted by mandates coming from Austin,” Board Member Lear said. “From property tax rates, to curriculum and testing requirements, to funding calculations, it is important we stay active with our legislators to make sure they understand the priorities of our Bearcat community and the impact their legislation has on our continued success.”


Said Board Secretary Collins: “The great thing about Aledo ISD is that we have incredible parent involvement so when we are talking to our legislators about issues that impact our community, they know it’s not just one school board trustee’s opinion. They know we have thousands of parents supporting us who are ready to make phone calls to their legislator in order to create positive change.”


The district will closely follow legislation that would impact Aledo ISD and Texas public schools throughout the 88th Legislative Session that ends on May 29. You can view Aledo ISD’s Legislative Priorities here.

AGC 📊Data Dig📈

As the Aledo Growth Committee gets closer to making a recommendation to the Board of Trustees for an upcoming bond election, we’re going to dig into the data they’ve been using to make their decisions. Join us for this important Data Dig of facts on our social media channels (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram)!


Review all of the AGC data and more at www.aledoisd.org/agc, and send your questions or recommendations to the AGC at agcquestions@aledoisd.org. And mark your calendar for a special board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26, when the AGC will share preliminary bond package plans with Trustees.

Data Dig Question: How much does it cost and how long does it take to build schools?


The AGC has learned that construction costs as well as timelines have escalated significantly since the district built schools in the 2019 bond. When they’re formulating what to include in a bond package, they are using these cost estimates - called an Opinion of Probable Cost - that take into consideration rising construction costs and inflation leading up to when the project would bid. The AGC is also looking at prices escalating each year and taking that into consideration in their long-range planning.

Data Dig Question: Why does a school district need to borrow money in the form of a bond?


Think about bonds for schools like a mortgage for your home! Just as most families don’t have the available funds to build or purchase a new residence without a mortgage, school districts do not have the financial resources available to pay for large capital expenditures, such as building new schools or renovating schools, without taking on debt, which is done in the form of a bond that is approved by voters.

Data Dig Question: Approximately how much money is the district projected to be able to borrow?


This is where things get a little complicated. There are two different types of bonds: Traditional Bonds and Growth Bonds. The amount that the district may borrow depends upon the tax rate and the rate of property value growth in the district over time. The two charts show the estimated amount of money the district may borrow at the current 42.5 cent Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate as well as at other I&S tax rates, based on property value growth projected by the district’s financial advisor BOK.


A growth bond is a somewhat new concept to Aledo ISD but it’s not new to many fast-growth school districts. In short, a Traditional Bond focuses more on the near-term capital needs of the District while a Growth Bond focuses on both the near-term and long-term capital needs of the district. A Growth Bond offers flexibility on implementation of bond projects and timing of bond sales, both of which can occur only after the district certifies, based on its property tax values each year, that it has the bonding capacity to issue debt. The Board of Trustees must approve issuing debt and large capital expenditures for construction.

Data Dig Question: What are the three main options under consideration for building more high school space?


While we’ve already established that AISD high school space (9-12 combined) moves above maximum capacity in 2028-29, thus giving the district some time for the need for additional space, we’ve also learned that it takes 48 months total to build a comprehensive high school from design to completion of construction. This is why the AGC is considering three main options for additional high school space, including building a new high school, adding onto and renovating Aledo High School, and building high school space in a different type of campus.


Scroll down as we explore a potential HS #2 and come back next week to find out more about another type of high school campus!

Data Dig Question: Is there an option to get a second high school through phasing the construction?


Previously, we discussed the three high school options that were presented to the community at the community meetings in December. Here, we’re going to continue to explore other, less traditional, options for high school space.


Because of the expense of construction and the fact that the borrowing power of the district is limited, the Aledo Growth Committee has analyzed the phased construction of a second comprehensive high school. The phased approach would add high school capacity in the district in an incremental way and at a lower cost than that of an entire new high school.


Phasing the construction of a second high school (into two phases) would include building all of the core spaces (like the library, kitchen, cafeteria) plus athletic and fine arts spaces and some classroom space for an enrollment of 1,500 students. The building would be designed/master planned to be expanded with additional classrooms and expanded core spaces at a later time.


This option would add space for 1,500 students (3,000 when phase 2 is complete), would take 24 months to build, and would cost about $244 million.


Phase 2 of high school No. 2 would begin at a later date and require passing another bond to complete.

Thank you, AISD Board of Trustees!

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January is School Board Recognition Month, and we are thankful to have the very best in Aledo ISD!


The theme of this year’s School Board Recognition Month is Forward, Together, which highlights the collaboration among school leadership, teachers, and parents on behalf of students. Aledo ISD Trustees, who oversee nearly 7,900 students and more than 900 employees and 12 campuses, serve as an important link between the community and the classroom.


This month, we thought we'd take a little trip down memory lane with our Trustees and find out some of their favorite memories from school during their childhood (and we can't do that without old pictures!). Stay tuned for more Trustees next week!

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Bailey Ranch Road Construction Begins Jan. 23

We have heard from the City of Aledo that the major construction project on Bailey Ranch Road will begin on Monday, Jan. 23. Throughout the duration of the construction project - which is expected to last 6-10 months - there will be NO WESTBOUND TRAFFIC on Bailey Ranch Road from FM 1187 to Champions Drive; this stretch of Bailey Ranch Road will be EASTBOUND ONLY. This means that if you are traveling to any of our buildings on Bailey Ranch Road from the east, you will need to take Bankhead Drive to Champions Drive to Bailey Ranch Road.


** Please note: Aledo ISD police officers will be directing traffic at the intersection of Bankhead and Champions Drive. Please use caution as you approach this intersection.**


There will be additional work done after this closure is complete, but it will not require a shutdown and there will be two-way traffic. The City of Aledo Facebook page will be posting updates on this construction project, and we’ll share information as we receive it!

Bearcats Celebrate State Title No. 11

We had a great time Wednesday night celebrating the Bearcats' record-extending 11th state football championship with our community!


Winning 11 state titles takes a full-team effort from not only the football team, trainers and coaching staff but also the Bearcat Regiment, the AHS color guard, AHS cheerleaders, Bearcats Dance Teams, the Spirit of Aledo and so many more groups and people. We are grateful that ALL of these people are #allinaledo!


View and download pictures from the Championship Celebration here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aledobearcats/albums/72177720305357316

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Nutrition News!

CITRUS CELEBRATION CONTINUES!


Have you ever tried a Cara Cara Orange? Blood Orange? Tangelo? Ruby Red Grapefruit?


Join us in the cafeteria for all things citrus during the month of January!

Celebrations: We're excited to recognize these AISD students and staff members!

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AHS Cheer Competes at UIL State

AHS cheer had a great performance in the UIL Class 5A Division I State Spirit competition last Friday, finishing 24th in the State of Texas! Congratulations!

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AMS SUSO Advances to State!

The Aledo Middle School Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO) team completed at UT-Arlington earlier this month and came home as Gold Medal Winners and will now advance to the state SUSO competition in Austin!


According to this website, SUSO is an innovative civic education program designed to teach third grade through high school students about their communities and equip them with the tools to make a difference.

Speak Up Speak Out participants work together as teams to identify community problems, craft innovative solutions that address them, and compete for the chance to present their findings to community leaders at the State Civics Fair each spring. Winning teams receive funds to use toward the implementation of their solutions.


The SUSO team at AMS had a project about the East Parker County Library and its funding.

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Congrats Academic All-State student-athletes in cross country, volleyball and football/athletic training

The Board of Trustees recognized the following students for being named to the Texas High School Coaches Association's Academic All-State team in their respective sport:


Cross Country- Sidney Tillotson, Henry Zedler, and Caitlyn Weimer
Volleyball- Payton Hilmer, Madison Jarvis, Madison Frank, and Mia Little


Football- Max Moeller, Christian Hillman, Toby McDonald, Caden Petty, Luke Shelton, Isaac Sohn, Brody Heimke, Isaac Knott, Andrew Chasteen, Cayson Hand, Jena Claffy, Kenneth Lohmer, Sawyer Storck, Ansel Din-Mbuh, Gabriel Sherrod, Tanner Wheaton, Clay Murador, Tabb Witt, Caden Boukadoum, Ethan Smith, Cap Mooney, Callie Stevens, and Jalen Pope

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Congratulations November Transportation Employee of the Month!

Congratulations to Debra Lindsey, bus driver, for being named the November 2022 Transportation Employee of the Month!


Here's a little about Debra:

  • Years of service with Aledo ISD: 28 years
  • What do you like most about your job? I love to decorate my bus especially at Christmas. The Elves visit my bus and the elementary kids get so excited. Elves can be pretty mischievous and the kids get a big kick out of their antics.
  • Tell us one memorable moment that happened on your bus route: Seeing a previous rider and them telling me I was their favorite bus driver.
  • What is the most exciting thing on your "bucket list"? I would love to see a whale fairly close up.
  • What is the place in the world you most want to visit? Mt. Rushmore


Coming up in Aledo ISD - Mark Your Calendars!

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Support Aledo EXCITE! at NCA Nationals

The Aledo EXCITE! Unified cheer team will compete in its first competition ever tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 20! The team competes at 6:34 p.m. at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Awards will be at 7:10 p.m. Admission is free; you will likely have to pay for parking.


Good luck, Aledo EXCITE!

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Beginner Band Fair January 21!

Current Aledo ISD 5th Graders Interested in Band: Attend the Beginner Band Fair on January 21! This is a time when parents and children can explore different instruments and students can choose the instrument that will give them the best chance at success in 6th grade. Beginner Band Fair is on Saturday, Jan. 21, in the Daniel Ninth Grade cafeteria.

  • Times (by last name):
    • A-B: 9-9:30am
    • C-E: 9:30-10am
    • F-Her: 10-10:30am
    • Hi-Kle: 10:30-11am
    • Kn-L: 11-11:30am
    • M-N: 11:30-12pm
    • O-R: 12-12:30pm
    • S-Z: 12:30-1:00pm


Please register to attend (parents and students fill out questionnaire together, please) by January 18:

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Aledo Robotics Competition at DNG Jan. 21!

Come watch your Aledo Robotics Teams take on 30 other area teams at the Daniel Ninth Grade Center on Saturday, January 21!


The meet lasts all day, but the best competition viewing will be from 12-5 pm. Stadium bleachers and a concession stand will be open. This is the LAST regular season match for Aledo Robotics and their only home event. Dress in your Aledo best and come cheer for the Aledo Robotics teams!!

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AMS+MMS Open House and Ribbon Cutting

We're excited to welcome the entire Aledo community as we showcase our two middle schools - Aledo Middle School and McAnally Middle School - in a community Open House and Ribbon Cutting for these two #aledobond2019 projects!

  • Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023
  • AMS + MMS open for tours 1-4 PM
  • AMS Ribbon Cutting and brief remarks 1 PM
  • MMS Ribbon Cutting and brief remarks 2:30 PM
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Aledo ISD Transportation JOB FAIR Feb. 4!

Aledo ISD is hiring transportation employees, and we're hosting a Transportation Job Fair on Saturday, Feb. 4.

  • 9 a.m. to Noon (doors open at 8:30 am)
  • Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023
  • Aledo Learning Center, 1016 Bailey Ranch Road, Aledo
  • Interview on the spot!
  • Apply on site with assistance available
  • Hiring Bus Drivers and Bus Driver trainees
  • Starting at $21.25/hour for licensed bus drivers; $15/hour for trainees (we will help you get trained and licensed)


Learn more about being a bus driver in Aledo ISD by watching this video!

P2 Character Trait of the Week: Perseverance!

This week's P2 Character Trait of the Week is Perseverance!


Remember P2 has a site set up for families called P2 for Families. It is password protected, but the password is simply P2. This site has all of the Character Cards that we will share each week, plus related and inspiring videos as well as questions for families to discuss around each character strength for ALL 24 character strengths AND broken down by grade bands (PK-2; 3-5; 6-8; 9-12).


See the Perseverance Character Card below, and consider using one of these Table Talk questions to start a conversation with your child about Perseverance!


PERSEVERANCE TABLE TALK for your FAMILY

Grades Pre-K-2: It can be hard to learn something new. What is something that you worked hard to learn?

Grades 3-5: Is it always easy to overcome challenges?

Grades 6-8: When have you witnessed someone demonstrating perseverance?

Grades 9-12: How are the character strengths of perseverance and bravery often connected?

Aledo Children's AdvoCats Run, Walk or Crawl 1K/5K March 25!

The Aledo AdvoCats Run, Walk or Crawl Glow Run is a nighttime fun run in the heart of Aledo that raises money for a great cause. Bring out the whole family for a night like no other – participants can choose between a 1K or a 5K race (or do both!) that begins and ends on the Aledo High School track! Every participant is given glow gear so they light the night as they run. We will have food and entertainment before and after the race for a fun family night benefiting the children in our community. Ready, set … GLOW!


Click here to register!


Aledo Education Foundation Bearcats 'N Boots March 31!

Help support the students and teachers of Aledo ISD by attending the 9th annual Aledo Education Foundation Bearcats 'N Boots event! This event will be from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, March 31, at the Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, and it will feature live entertainment by Lonestar.


Sponsorships are available at www.aledoef.org or email Valerie Kerr at Valerie@aledoef.org

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Thank you 2022-2023 Bearcat Backers!

Aledo ISD and the Aledo Education Foundation are partnering once again for the Bearcat Backer program, and we'd love your support!


As our district is #GrowingGreatness through exceptional experiences that empower learners for life, we are committed to fostering relationships and partnerships with our outstanding businesses and organizations to help support our Bearcats. Your partnership provides a direct investment and benefit to our Bearcat students and staff.


If your business is interested in joining our Bearcat Backers program, please visit our Bearcat Backers webpage that includes sponsorship levels as well as a commitment form to fill out.


Thank you to our 2022-2023 Bearcat Backers!

Gold Level Sponsors

First Financial Bank
TWFG Insurance Services - Christi James


Silver Level Sponsors

Bigfoot Ink/Ecoimprint

SkinMD


Bronze Level Sponsors

Brandon Swain REALTOR
Brookshire's Grocery Company
Bryan Insurance Agency
Camp Fire First Texas
Khill Shot Photography by Keith Hill
Lynch Legacy Realty Group
Paradigm Wealth Management - Christopher Roberts
Reading Friends Aledo
Slade & Nash

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Aledo Independent School District

The Bearcat Blast E-Newletter is managed by the Aledo ISD Communications Department. To submit news items, email communications@aledoisd.org.

Email: communications@aledoisd.org
Website: https://www.aledoisd.org/
Location: 1008 Bailey Ranch Road, Aledo, TX, USA
Phone: 817-441-8327
Facebook: facebook.com/AledoISD
Twitter: @AledoISD

Aledo ISD Communications
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