Bearcat Blast

Bearcat Blast • September 19, 2024 • AledoISD.org

Aledo ISD Student Holiday Friday, Sept. 20

Student Holiday - Staff Workday - Friday, September 20, 2024

Friday, Sept. 20 is a student holiday and staff workday in Aledo ISD! Students, enjoy your long weekend, and we'll see you back in school on Monday, Sept. 23.

Holiday graphic by AHS senior and communications graphic design intern Kiara B.

Congratulations September 2024 Bearcats of Character!

The Aledo ISD Board of Trustees recognized this latest group of students named Bearcats of Character for the 2024-2025 school year on Tuesday night for the character trait teamwork.

An individual who demonstrates the character strength of teamwork has an ability and willingness to place overall group success as a higher priority than individual achievement. This character strength of teamwork is associated with naturally positive feelings that accompany being a member of a family, team, school, ethnic group, or country.

Congratulations to the following students, Aledo ISD's September 2024 Bearcats of Character!

Aledo High School: Robert Leite, 10th grade

Robert embodies the essence of teamwork in every way imaginable. Robert isn’t just a team player; he’s the heartbeat of the group, the one who lifts everyone up when things get tough. He never seeks the spotlight but instead shines it on others, ensuring that every voice is heard, every contribution valued. His selflessness and genuine care for his teammates create an atmosphere where everyone feels supported and motivated to give their best. When challenges arise, Robert is the one who rallies the team, reminding them that they are stronger together. His commitment to the success of others over his own is what makes him not just a great teammate, but a truly remarkable person.

Aledo Learning Center: Violet Nicolosi, 12th grade

Voilet demonstrated great teamwork during a science group assignment. She helped keep her team on-track and acted as the recorder while she listened to the input from each team member and gave suggestions. Violet's ability to keep her team focused was integral to them reaching the goals for their assignment.

Daniel Ninth Grade: Ruby Wilson, 9th grade

Ruby is a team player in both my Biology class and during Advisory. She consistently offers to help me set things up and works with her team to collaborate on class activities.

Aledo Middle School: Claire McNeal, 8th grade

Clara excels in fostering teamwork by actively sharing ideas, listening to others, organizing tasks, and analyzing information effectively. She consistently demonstrates respect for her classmates' viewpoints and learns from their perspectives. Beyond her classroom activities, Clara has shown remarkable empathy and leadership. Recently, she welcomed a new student—who has recently arrived in the country and is still learning English—into her group. Clara provided invaluable support by using a language practice app to assist her new friend and made a concerted effort to integrate her into the group.

McAnally Middle School: Ella Obana, 6th grade

McAnally RLA teacher, Amanda Douglas, nominated Ella Obana for the character strength of teamwork. Ella is observant of others and their needs. She goes out of her way to help others so that our class can achieve its goals each day. She always shows that she wants what is best for the group Ella is a joy to have in class and a great role model for our MMS Bearcats!

Early Childhood Academy: Mariah Manuel, Pre-Kindergarten

Mariah is a wonderful girl who does not need to be told when or how to help. She just does it innately. She has been seen helping diffuse situations between classmates by helping to create situations so "they can be friends again." Mariah is a student that you love to have in class to help model what a good teammate is because of her joyous nature and her go get 'em attitude toward anything that is difficult.

Annetta Elementary School: Connor Hanlon, 3rd grade

Connor is a wonderful asset to our classroom! He is kind, helpful, and always a team player. He is a leader to his peers and comes to school daily with a fun attitude. He is going to SHINE in 3rd grade!

Coder Elementary School: Bear Gray, 5th grade

Bear’s ability to collaborate with his classmates, share ideas, and support them is truly impressive. His approach to group work is with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, making sure everyone's voice is heard and valued. It’s clear that Bear’s peers enjoy working with him. Bear’s strong teamwork skills are a big asset to the class, and they show just how mature and considerate he is.

McCall Elementary School: Elijah Landrum, 1st grade

When I hear the definition of Teamwork, I automatically think of Elijah. Elijah works well with his peers, is always ready to help out a friend and is constantly in a mindset to help his friends succeed. Already this year, Elijah has lead his literacy station group on multiple occasions in completing tasks and makes sure everyone is involved. As I watch him in these groups, he always makes sure every member's voice is heard, everyone has a turn and that everyone is working towards the goal set before them.

Lynn McKinney Elementary School: Madi Kate Stahl, 1st grade

Madi Kate consistently demonstrates teamwork in class by always being willing to collaborate with classmates on group projects. She listens attentively to others' ideas and contributes her own, helping to create a positive and inclusive environment. Madi Kate's ability to encourage peers and work together toward shared goals has made her a role model for cooperation in our classroom.

Stuard Elementary School: Kendall Green, 5th grade

This student displays the character trait of teamwork both in the classroom and on the soccer field. She is able to collaborate and work with anyone to achieve common goals. In a team, she brings her teammates up with enthusiasm and encouragement. Kendall is a true team player!

Vandagriff Elementary School: Anthony Harris, 4th Grade

Anthony consistently shows so much enthusiasm during team activities. While igniting this excitement he is always encouraging others to be their best and to have fun. Anthony is a leader in teamwork.

Walsh Elementary School: Harper Prescott, 1st Grade

From the first day of school I could tell that Harper exemplified Teamwork. She has a collaborative attitude and works with an open mind with friends. She value's her peer's thinking, work, and provides both support when they struggle and celebrates them when they succeed! Harper is always looking for ways to help not only her friends, but her teacher as well. Our classmates love working with Harper, as they get to experience her passion for helping others first hand. She has a servant heart and will always lend a hand when others are in need.

It's Homecoming Week in Aledo!

Homecoming Football Game Reminders

Remember, Aledo ISD had a clear bag policy it follows for varsity home games at Tim Buchanan Stadium. You can find the Clear Bag Policy and other Gameday Reminders on this website.

We ask that you please have your tickets out and ready to be scanned through the HomeTown Fan App, which you can find in the App Store or on Google Play or via a printed copy of your ticket. We will ask fans who are having trouble scanning tickets to go to a separate troubleshooting line so that we can scan fans in as quickly as possible; this often happens with screenshots and pictures of tickets on a screen so we request that you DO NOT have a screenshot or picture of your ticket!

Gates will open an hour before the game (6PM gates open; 7PM kickoff). We know many of you have tailgates planned, and we want to remind you of a few things for tailgating:

Parking lots will be open at 5 p.m. for the Homecoming game.
Absolutely no alcohol, drugs, smoking, vaping, tobacco, or firearms on school property at any time, including before, during and after football games in the stadium and parking lots. These things are prohibited by law at all times for anyone, no matter their age, on school property.
Drive aisles and fire lanes need to be kept clear at all times for free access of emergency vehicles.
Grills are permitted provided guests do so at a safe distance from their vehicle. The disposal of hot coals in open parking spaces, under vehicles, or next to parked vehicles is prohibited.

No glass containers.

The Homecoming Court will be introduced and the Homecoming Queen will be announced at halftime. And be sure to stick around after the game to watch the Bearcat Regiment perform!

Thank you for all that you are doing to help make this an exceptional experience for all of our Bearcats and our guests from Birdville!

Aledo Moves on to Round of 32: Most Spirited School Challenge!

Aledo High School has moved on to the Round of 32 in the Dave Campbell's Texas Football Most Spirited School Challenge!

Round 2 is Aledo vs. Lewisville Hebron ... GO VOTE TODAY through September 27! Voting is UNLIMITED!

VOTE HERE!

All In Aledo: Supporting Our Athletes All Year Long!

We know our Bearcat Community is #AllinAledo on Friday nights, but this year we're taking a closer look at all that goes into the Friday Night Magic in and around Tim Buchanan Stadium.

Our athletic trainers are more than just water carriers — they provide vital support to our student-athletes throughout the year. From dawn to dusk, they monitor our athletes, help treat injuries, and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on the field.

These dedicated trainers don’t get an offseason. Their support extends beyond football, from baseball to the band, they’re always there. Many of them aspire to careers in the medical field, using this unique opportunity to gain real-world experience. Above all, they’re driven by a passion to give back, be part of the action, and support their fellow students.

🔍 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 for the district's 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!

Recognize Amazing Aledo ISD Staff for Circle of Greatness!

📰 Bearcat News Update ✅

students meeting with a farmer from Demases Farms

Nutrition News

It's Farm to School Month!

Demases Farms (Boyd, Texas) visited students at Lynn McKinney and McCall Elementary schools this week for Farm to School Month. Students had a "learning lunch" to hear all about this 100 year old family farm that supplies produce for Aledo ISD, and they were able to enjoy some delicious and nutritious farm fresh produce samples.

Aledo ISD Safety Update

Since the beginning of the school year, the Aledo ISD Police Officers have conducted 393 campus door checks. We know that the most effective way to keep our students and staff safe is to ensure exterior and classroom doors are locked. In addition, it is important that unauthorized people do not gain access to our campuses.

Please enter all campuses through the main, front door during school hours.
Please be prepared to provide identification when requesting entry to a campus.
Please do not let people in with you when you are entering or exiting a door at any school.
Always check doors before entering and after leaving to ensure they are secured
If a door is not secure, please scan the QR code on the door and report the issue. Unsecured doors are addressed and secured by police and administrative staff immediately.

Thank you for your assistance in keeping Aledo ISD safe!

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

Bearcat Nation was All In at the Homecoming Parade & Rally!

Bearcat Nation was All in Aledo this past Monday during the 2024 Homecoming Parade and Rally! The floats were spectacular, the candy was flying, and the community gathered to cheer on our favorite student athletics and student groups. There were awesome performances by the Bearcats Dance Team and AHS Cheerleaders as well as a funny skit with Mr. Bearcat. Check out the district's Flickr page to see all of the photos from the parade and rally!

The Aledo Bearcat Regiment Drumline Takes Gold!

Congratulations are in oder for the Aledo High School Percussion Section! The Percussion Section took home gold (3rd year straight!) at the 2024 HEB Drumline Contest. A special thank you to instructors Mr. Stephens and Ms. Liptak for their leadership and Mr. Greenberg for your help with all things electronic.

🏆 1st Place 5A Advanced
🏆 Outstanding Snare Line
🏆 Outstanding Bass Drum Line

Aledo Middle School Bands Earn Statewide & National Honors!

2023-2024 AMS Honor Winds

2023-2024 AMS Symphonic Winds

Last year's AMS Honor Winds (dir. by Simon Bosch) entered the Mark of Excellence project through the Foundation for Music Education and were named a National Wind Band Honors National Winner! The top 25% of bands in the country are named National Winners, while the next 25% are named Commended Winners. This places them amount the very best middle school varsity ensembles in the nation! Congratulations to Mr. Bosch and the 2023-2024 AMS Honor Winds!

Last year's AMS Symphonic Winds (dir. by Emily Moore) entered the Citation of Excellence project through the Foundation for Music Education and were named a Citation of Excellence Winner! The top 25% of non-varsity bands in Texas are named Citation Winners, while the next 25% are named Commended Winners. This places them among the very best middle school non-varsity ensembles in Texas! Congratulations to Mrs. Moore and the 2023-2024 AMS Symphonic Winds!

Aledo High School Treble Choir Shines!

Aledo High School Choir has won the Open Class in the Foundation for Music Education's Mark of Excellence Contest, which recognizes top performances by high school and middle school ensembles across the U.S. The top 25% are named National Winners, and the next 25% receive Commended status. All entrants receive valuable feedback and a recording of winning performances, with winners highlighted in national publications and conventions. This recognition helps promote performance improvement and quality music education.

AHS Art Students Express "Compassion" at Cook's Children Hospital

Last spring and summer, art students from Aledo High School had a unique opportunity to showcase "compassion" through art at Cook Children's Hospital. Alex Sharp, the school's art teacher, and her students were approached by a therapist from the hospital to create artwork that would be displayed in the hallways for patients and families to enjoy. The students were tasked with designing a piece that embodied compassion, while incorporating a mandala to evoke a sense of peace and calm for patients undergoing treatment.

This collaborative project involved several students, who carefully researched the meaning of "compassion" and explored the symbolism and therapeutic qualities of the mandala. They also thoughtfully considered the diverse cultures, perspectives and languages of the people who visit the hospital. Check out the photos above to see the completed piece as well as pieces from schools across the DFW area.

📅 Coming up in Aledo ISD - Mark Your Calendars! ✅

Student Holiday & Staff Workday - Friday, September 20

Friday, Sept. 20 is a student holiday and staff workday in Aledo ISD! Students, enjoy your long weekend, and we'll see you back in school on Monday, Sept. 23.

Holiday graphic by AHS senior and communications graphic design intern Kiara B.

Aledo Bearcats face Birdville this Friday!

PREGAME! Don't miss Ladycat Volleyball vs. Saginaw at 5PM in the AHS Main Gym!

7 PM on Friday, September 6 at Buchanan Stadium; Gates open at 6 PM
Listen on the radio: 92.1 Hank FM
Stream live: Texan Live
Tune in for postgame Player of the Game interviews on Aledo Bearcat Football Instagram (@aledobearcatfootball)
The Home side is SOLD OUT
Buchanan Stadium has a CLEAR BAG POLICY
Photo credit: AHS junior Breleigh Mayer

AISD Curriculum Nights Start Next Week!

Coming soon: Aledo ISD Curriculum Nights at ALL AISD campuses!

Elementary: September 19
Middle schools: September 23
AISD Early Childhood Academy: September 24
AHS/DNG/ALC: September 30

See your campus newsletters and social media sites for more details on the event at your child's campus!

The addition to the AHS Ag Barn has gone vertical! As was reported at this week's regular board meeting of the Aledo ISD Trustees, the foundation work is complete, steel work is at 95% complete, and steel detailing is ongoing. We are excited to see this project closer to completion to house more animals for our Ag and FFA students!

Aledo ISD Strategic Partner Information

Register today for the Aledo Education Foundation Bearcat Blast Clay Shoot!

AdvoCats Help & Hope Luncheon FRIDAY: Limited Tickets Available!

Click here for ticket information or to buy raffle tickets!

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.