
Bearcat Blast

Bearcat Blast • January 23, 2025 • AledoISD.org
January Bearcats of Character Recognized
The Aledo ISD Board of Trustees recognized the latest group of students named Bearcats of Character for the 2024-2025 school year on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the regular monthly school board meeting for the character trait KINDNESS.
Kindness has been a foundation of moral and spiritual life across cultures and religions throughout history. This character strength is grounded in the belief of a common humanity in which others are worthy of care, attention, affection, and compassion. Aristotle defined kindness as, ”helpfulness towards someone in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himself, but for that of the person helped.”
Congratulations to the following students, Aledo ISD's January 2025 Bearcats of Character!
Aledo High School-Daniel Ninth Grade Campus: Payton Moore, 9th Grade
Payton is truly one of the kindest individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. She consistently goes out of her way to make others feel valued and appreciated, offering a smile or a kind word to brighten anyone's day. Whether it's through her thoughtful gestures, her genuine care for others, or her ability to make people feel included, she embodies the spirit of kindness in everything she does. Personally, she always tries to make me smile, and I know her kindness has a positive impact on everyone around her.
Aledo Learning Center: Chris Johnson, 12th Grade
Chris consistently does thoughtful things for others without expecting anything in return and takes the time to check in on both students and staff." Mrs. Walker, his science teacher, said that, "Chris is very thoughtful and kind. He listens to others and is always willing to give a ride to those who need one. I don't think I've ever heard him say an unkind word to or about anyone.
Aledo High School-Daniel Ninth Grade Campus: Oleksandra Kupchynska, 9th Grade
Oleksandra embodies kindness through the thoughtful and selfless way she helped a new family enrolling in Aledo ISD. Knowing they were from Ukraine and facing language barriers, she took the time to assist in translating and make them feel welcome in their new school community. Her willingness to step in and support a family in need, despite any challenges, shows her incredible compassion and empathy. Her actions reflect the true meaning of kindness, and she has made a positive impact on both the family and the school community.
Aledo Middle School: Ryder Watkins, 8th Grade
Ryder Watkin exemplifies the character trait of KINDNESS. He is such a pleasant young man with impeccable manners. Ryder ALWAYS says thank you to me for EVERYTHING, including when he is simply leaving class period for the day. He is polite and helpful to his friends and classmates. Ryder's kind and thoughtful manner will serve him well beyond his school years.
McAnally Middle School: Cale Crenshaw, 7th Grade
Cale consistently exhibits kindness toward both classmates and teachers. His constant encouragement of others demonstrates a genuine commitment to uplifting those around him. Thank you Cale for being bearcat of character at MMS!
Early Childhood Academy: Bowen Martin, Pre-Kindergarten
Bowen has a remarkable ability to brighten their classroom with acts of kindness. He consistently shows care and empathy by always thinking of others, helping his friends and teachers, sharing, and including others in activities. Bowen always has positive things to say to encourage and uplift his classmates. A new friend recently joined their class and Bowen was the first to help him learn the routine and guide him throughout the school. Bowen treats everyone with respect and often puts their wants and needs ahead of his own. We are thankful to have Bowen part of our class family and as a shining example of kindness at the ECA.
Annetta Elementary School: TJ Majewski, 4th Grade
TJ shows kindness in all his interactions. At recess, he welcomes everyone to play, and is kind to others when they get "out" in knockout. He is always kind and respectful to teachers and staff. His positive attitude and smiling face brighten up our classroom. We love having him in our class!
Coder Elementary School: Grayson Burns, 3rd Grade
Grayson is always so compassionate and shows generosity! He is a wonderful friend to everyone, always going out of his way to make others feel included and valued. Whether he's helping his classmates, offering encouragement, or lending a hand when someone needs it, Grayson demonstrates kindness in everything he does.
McCall Elementary School: Elijah Carey, Kindergarten
Elijah is always eager to help others, whether it's by sharing supplies, comforting a friend who feels sad, or including everyone in group activities. His thoughtful actions create a warm and welcoming environment, showing that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in our classroom community.
McKinney Elementary School: Alana Lickerman, 5th Grade
Alana for demonstrates exceptional kindness in the classroom and school community. Alana consistently goes out of her way to help others, whether it’s helping a classmate with a challenging task, inviting a classmate to join a group activity, or offering a kind word of encouragement when someone is feeling down. Alana's genuine empathy, thoughtfulness, and willingness to put others first makes her the perfect example of the character strength kindness.
Stuard Elementary School: Ejona Halili, 4th Grade
Ejona consistently goes above and beyond to make others feel valued and appreciated. She warmly greets everyone with a smile, offers genuine compliments, and takes the time to check in, spreading positivity wherever she goes. Always on the lookout for opportunities to brighten someone's day, Ejona embodies kindness through her thoughtful actions. Her caring nature and willingness to lend a helping hand to her peers make her a true example of compassion and positivity. Ejona creates joy and connection in her daily interactions with others.
Vandagriff Elementary School: Wellsley Morgan, 4th Grade
Wellsley is a student who consistently exemplifies kindness in everything she does. Whether it's offering a helping hand to a teacher or a classmate, or simply sharing a kind word to brighten someone's day, Wellsley is always there to lend support. Her empathy shines through when she listens attentively to others, making them feel heard and valued. Wellsley's actions create a positive, caring environment in her school, reminding everyone that a little kindness can go a long way.
Walsh Elementary School: William Bond, Kindergarten
Will is a truly remarkable student whose kindness and thoughtfulness shine in everything he does. He is always attentive to the needs of others and consistently puts them before his own. Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a classmate in need or holding the door open with a warm smile, Will’s actions reflect his genuine care for those around him. In class, he demonstrates the qualities of a true gentleman, often allowing others to go ahead of him in line and ensuring everyone feels valued and respected. His encouraging words and positive attitude uplift his peers daily, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
🏆 AHS Cheer Takes 8th at UIL State! 📣
January is School Board Recognition Month!
Each January, we honor the dedicated individuals who are All In Aledo serving their community as volunteers - the Aledo ISD Board of Trustees! Our board members oversee the operation of the district and work to ensure that each student has exceptional experiences every day. School Board Recognition Month is an opportunity to show our trustees how much we appreciate their work, leadership, and commitment to Growing Greatness in Aledo ISD.
This year’s theme is: Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas! Our amazing trustees volunteer their time and expertise to listen to our community and help guide the district by showing their commitment to creating meaningful educational experiences and opportunities that prepare students for college, careers, and beyond.
Please join us this month in thanking and celebrating our Aledo ISD Board of Trustees!
📰 Bearcat News Update ✅
PDSES Grant Opens February 3!
Nutrition News
Harvest of the Month continues!
This month, we're shining a spotlight on citrus-based foods! Packed with the powerful benefits of vitamin C, citrus fruits are essential for keeping Bearcats healthy and strong. Adding citrus to your diet can help boost your immune system, making it a great defense against cold and flu season. Be sure to enjoy plenty of delicious and nutritious citrus fruits to support your health and well-being throughout this month!
🎉 Celebrations: We're excited to recognize these AISD students & staff members!
WATCH: AMS student & teacher share how art class helps them express themselves
Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas shines through in Aledo ISD Fine Arts! This School Board Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating the Aledo ISD Board of Trustees for their unwavering commitment to Growing Greatness and supporting Exceptional Experiences in fine arts.
We want to thank board member Jim Scott for championing programs that inspire students to find what they're passionate about and thrive. Watch as Aledo Middle School eighth grader Lillian Freeman and her art teacher Arlene Shelton share their gratitude for opportunities to create, learn and grow.
Thank you, Mr. Scott, and all of our board members for being All in Aledo!
WATCH: AHS students & teacher share the innovative ways they learn in class
Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas takes flight in Aledo! This School Board Appreciation Month, we’re proud to recognize the Aledo ISD Board of Trustees for their dedication to growing greatness and providing exceptional experiences that prepare students for the future.
We’d like to thank Board Member Hoyt Harris for supporting innovative opportunities like Aledo High School’s aviation program, where students explore the skies through using flight simulators, flying drones, and taking field trips to the DFW Airport. Hear from students Carter Page and Audrey Aptez, along with their teacher Derek Foster, about how these opportunities are helping them soar!
Thank you, Mr. Harris, and all of our board members for being All in Aledo!
WATCH: ECA parent shares the impact Pre-Kindergarten has had on his children
Leadership for Tomorrow’s Texas starts with investing in our youngest learners! This School Board Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating the Aledo ISD Board of Trustees for their commitment to growing greatness and creating exceptional experiences starting in Pre-Kindergarten.
We’d like to thank Board Member Jennifer Taylor for her dedication to programs like the Aledo ISD Early Childhood Academy, where children grow socially, academically and as part of the Bearcat community. Watch as parent and active military service member Ryan Close shares how his family has benefited from this amazing program and how it brings parents into the learning experience.
Thank you, Mrs. Taylor, and all of our board members for being All in Aledo!
AHS Artemis Club & Aledo Library Present: Story & Activity Hour
A new programming partnership between the Aledo Library and Aledo High School Student Organizations aims to bring educational experiences to students by students: Project BAT (Bringing Aledo Together).
- Activities hosted every third Saturday of the month
- Visit the Library's Website for more details
Project BAT was created by an AHS student's Gold Award Project for the Girl Scouts of America. Project BAT works to facilitate meaningful community service opportunities for high school student organizations by providing more programming for the library on subject matters the students are passionate about.
Congrats TMEA All-State Band Members!
Congrats to the Texas Music Educators Association All State Members: Josh Denton, Harper Hones, Jackson Sirois, and Jude McDonald! TMEA sponsors the Texas All-State audition process to promote students' dedication to their musical knowledge and skill and to encourage educators to support their students in the this development. Beginning each fall, over 70,000 high school students across the state audition in the TMEA Region. Individuals perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. A select group of musicians advances to compete against musicians from other Regions in their TMEA Area. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles sponsored by the Band, Orchestra, and Vocal Divisions. About 2.6% of the high school musicians who audition for a TMEA All-State ensemble are selected. Harper Jones and Judge McDonald earned first chair in their selected TEAM All-State Ensembles!
🤼 AHS Wrestling Battles Brewer on Senior Night 🏅
Congratulations to the Aledo High School varsity Bearcat & Ladycat wrestling teams for an awesome finish at home taking on the Brewer Bears last night! The team also recognized its graduating seniors last night. Congratulations to these amazing seniors: Ari Mathias, Avery Kernan and Sebastian Barberena!
🏀 Joaquin Pacheco Hits 1,000-Point Milestone! 🏀
📅 Coming up in Aledo ISD - Mark Your Calendars! ✅
Aledo Band Fair Makeup Jan. 23!
Attention 5th Graders who are aspiring musicians: Mark your calendars for the Aledo Band Fair Makeup! This event will be held in the Aledo Middle School Band Hall from 5:30pM - 7:00PM; participants will learn about the middle school band programs, meet your future directors, find new friends, and discover the instrument that is perfect for you!
- January 23: 5:30PM - 7:00PM
- Aledo Middle School Band Hall
Directions: Please park in the large lot between the middle school and the football stadium, and enter through Door #33 of the Fine Arts building (look for the large "Fine Arts" sign on the side of the building).
Friday Night is Middle School Basketball Night
Bearcat Nation, it's time to get loud and cheer on your Aledo High School Bearcat & Ladycat basketball teams this Friday, January 24 as they take on Fossil Ridge at home!
It's also Middle School Basketball Night - boys and girls middle school teams will be recognized at halftime of each respective game.
This Friday and next are the last two joint home basketball games for the Bearcats and Ladycats. Remember, Aledo ISD is cashless, so make sure to bring your card!
- Ladycats: 6:30PM - Aledo High School Gym
- Bearcats: 8PM - Aledo High School Gym
- Tickets are $2 for students and $4 for adults. Purchase via Hometown Tickets or in person
Aledo Middle School Theatre Presents Finding Nemo Jr.!
Mark your calendars for the Aledo Middle School Theatre's production of Finding Nemo Jr.! Performances will be on January 24 - 26. Tickets are available via My School Bucks or in person before the performance. Remember, Aledo ISD is cashless, so make sure to bring your card!
- January 24 & 25: 7PM
- January 26: 2PM
- Tickets are $8. Purchase via My School Bucks or in person
⛄ Stay Warm with Aledo Gear from the Bearcat Store! ⛄
As the weather begins to change and the temperature begins to drop, it becomes more and more essential to be comfortable! Stop by the Aledo ISD Bearcat Store where comfort is guaranteed! Get these new items before the semester ends!
- New Aledo A fleece vests, in men's and women's sizes, are perfect for keeping you warm!
- New Aledo A hoodies to keep you warm and show off your Aledo spirit!
- New Aledo-themed beanies to keep your ears toasty when temperatures drop after sunset!
The Bearcat Store is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Administration Building Lobby. The Aledo ISD Bearcat Store follows the Aledo ISD schedule for closures.
Give the Bearcat Store a like and follow to stay up-to-date on all of our new merch!
Construction crews have made major progress to the Steve Wood Complex Indoor Facility addition! Both the inside and the outside are taking shape, and students, staff and programs should be ready to move in the facility in the next couple of months! We can't wait to share this Aledo Bond 2023 program project with the community upon its completion!
Aledo ISD Strategic Partner Information
SAVE THE DATE!
Mark your calendars for the Aledo Education Foundation’s Bearcats n Boots — a night of boots, dancing, live music, dinner, and most importantly raising money for our teachers and students!
📅 March 28, 2025
📍 Stockyard Station
This is the MOST anticipated, BIGGEST, and most FUN event of the year, and you won’t want to miss it! Whether you’re coming for dinner, exciting live & silent auction, or to dance the night away, Bearcats N Boots has it ALL!
Stay tuned for more details, but trust us, this is going to be a night to remember!
Thank you 2024-2025 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 Bearcatstudents 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.
Gold Level Sponsors
First Financial Bank
Impact Athletic Training Center
Stroud Pediatric Dentistry
TFWG Insurance Services
Silver Level Sponsors
Bronze Level Sponsors
A2Z Promotions, Inc.
BigFoot Ink
First Bank
Kinnear Child Psychology
Olympus Willow Park
Paradigm Wealth Management
Turquant Business Services
🔍Important Links 🔎
As a reminder, we have streamlined absence reporting for all of our campuses for this school year. It is very important that we have documented reasons for absences so that we can ensure your student is given an excused absence when needed. Click here or the button below for the Absence Reporting Form!
In Aledo ISD, parents, students, community members, fellow staff members - ANYONE - can nominate ANY staff member to be recognized in this way! Take the time today to nominate someone who you've seen going above and beyond and being All in Aledo for Circle of Greatness!
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.
https://www.aledoisd.org/
1008 Bailey Ranch Road, Aledo, TX • Phone: 817-441-8327
Facebook: facebook.com/AledoISD • Twitter: @AledoISD