
Bearcat Blast

Bearcat Blast • December 18, 2024 • AledoISD.org
⛄🎉 Early Release, December 19! 🎉⛄
Don't forget: Aledo ISD will have an early dismissal on Thursday, December 19.
- Elementary campuses will dismiss at 11:40 a.m.
- Secondary campuses will dismiss at 12:40 p.m.
🎄✨ Winter Break is Almost Here! ✨🎄
Aledo ISD will be closed for the winter holiday starting after an early release on Thursday, December 19. Staff will return on Monday, January 6 with a Professional Learning Day followed by a Staff Work Day on January 7. Students will return on Wednesday, January 8 for the start of the second semester.
We wish all of our Bearcat families a joyful and restful winter break filled with cheer and togetherness!
Thanks to Aledo High School senior and communications graphic design intern Kiara B. for our Winter Break graphic!
📰 Bearcat News Update ✅
Draft 2025-2026 Instructional Calendar: Give Your Feedback Today!
Aledo ISD Parents and Guardians: The Aledo ISD is seeking your feedback on the proposed 2025-2026 Instructional Calendar.
The instructional calendar draft process is outlined below:
- Initial instructional calendar draft is created by the district taking into account all state requirements as well as feedback received on previous instructional calendars.
- Aledo ISD DWEIC - Districtwide Effectiveness Improvement Committee - which is composed of teacher, parent, business and community representatives from all 12 AISD campuses - reviews initial drafts, provides feedback and reaches consensus on a draft to be shared with staff and community.
- DWEIC recommended revisions are applied to the initial draft and the official calendar DRAFT is shared with DWEIC members to assist in seeking feedback.
- DWEIC members and district seek feedback from staff, teachers, parents and other stakeholders (CURRENT STEP)
- DWEIC meets and reviews all feedback and makes final recommendations for revisions.
- After revisions are considered, determined and applied as necessary, DWEIC makes the final instructional calendar recommendation to the Aledo ISD Board of Trustees.
- Trustees will consider approval of the 2025-2026 Instructional Calendar during the February 17, 2025, regular board meeting after first discussing it during the January 21, 2025, regular board meeting.
WATCH: Apply today to be a Special Education Teacher Aide in Aledo ISD!
Aledo ISD Community: We are actively recruiting special education teacher aides to become a part of our Bearcat Staff!
Benefits to being a teacher aide in Aledo ISD include:
Teacher aides are eligible to transfer their own children into Aledo ISD to attend our schools, even if they don’t live in the Aledo ISD boundaries.
Teacher aides are eligible to send their babies and young children to the Aledo ISD Child Development Center employee daycare.
Teacher aides follow the same school calendar as their kids/students in Aledo ISD.
Teacher aides who are hired to work in a special education centralized program will receive a $600 sign-on bonus [when hired between September 20, 2024, and March 7, 2025, after completing 45 days of employment and maintaining an attendance rate of 90%].
No experience required - we will train you!
Want to become a certified teacher? We will work with you on your path to teacher certification.
You can learn more about our special education centralized programs positions on our continuum of services page, and see the positions accepting applications now on our website. Please click the button below or visit our website to apply today!
Nutrition News
The Aledo ISD Child Nutrition Department wishes all students a joyful and festive holiday season filled with cheer and delicious, nutritious treats! Stay safe, enjoy the break, and we’ll see you in the new year! 🎄✨
🎉 Celebrations: We're excited to recognize these AISD students & staff members!
Congratulations December 2024 Bearcats of Character!
Aledo High School: Micah Billingsley, 10th grade
Micah is the most grateful person I know! She approaches every situation with a positive outlook and never takes anything for granted. Her constant smile and upbeat attitude, whether faced with challenges or successes, truly reflect her gratitude. She consistently finds the silver lining in all circumstances, making those around her feel appreciated and uplifted.
Aledo Learning Center: Simon Bocanegra, 12th grade
Simon's math teacher, Ms. Gray, said, "Simon consistently shows heartfelt gratitude for the things done for him or given to him. His appreciation is sincere, and he never takes even the smallest gestures for granted."
Daniel Ninth Grade: Adelyn Martin, 9th grade
Adelyn consistently exhibits gratitude through her positive attitude and the joy she brings to everyone around her. She has been a source of inspiration and has helped me become a better version of myself. Her kindness and support have made a significant impact!
Aledo Middle School: Kalyn Gregg, 6th grade
Kalyn exhibits this month’s strength of Gratitude because she is consistently kind, respectful, and helpful to both her peers and teachers. She goes out of her way to show appreciation, thanking me every day at the end of class. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make her a joy to have in class.
McAnally Middle School: Hope Marra, 6th grade
Hope was selected by Ms. Posey for the character strength of gratitude. Hope is full of positivity and has a grateful heart. She says "thank you" everyday to her teachers and shows appreciation to those around her. Ms. Posey says that Hope brings a smile to her face everyday! MMS is grateful for the joy Hope brings to all of us at MMS!
Early Childhood Academy: Gavin Escobar, Pre-Kindergarten
Ms. Hopkins shares that Gavin shows gratitude each and everyday in her classroom. He is always eager to learn, loves to help others, and is always appreciative of any help he receives. Gavin is a great friend and is always kind and respectful to his peers and teachers. He loves learning new things and Ms. Hopkins is so thankful that he is in her class this year.
Annetta Elementary School: Estela Zamorano, Kindergarten
Estela's teacher, Ms. Baum says, "Estela is always so kind and gracious to teachers and her classmates. It could be something as simple as me handing a paper to her, and her telling me thank you. She is also that way with her classmates, always thanking them for helping her when she needs it."
Coder Elementary School: Audrey Kunkel, 4th grade
Audrey consistently shows appreciation for her classmates and teachers. Audrey goes out of her way to thank others for their help and kindness, and she always expresses gratitude for the little things. Her positive attitude and thoughtfulness create a warm, welcoming environment in our classroom. I love being her teacher!
McCall Elementary School: Everley McWilliams, 3rd grade
Third grade teacher Mrs. Blanchard says, "Everley is a joy, and one grateful student. She is such a hard worker and asks questions when she doesn't understand. THEN she takes the time to write me, her teacher, thank you notes for helping her, even though it’s my job!! She is genuine with her words and gives great thank you hugs. She also takes the time to thank her classmates when they help her. I am proud of Everley in so many ways!"
Lynn McKinney Elementary School: Presley Thompson, 5th grade
Presley always brightens the classroom with her warm, appreciative attitude. Every day, she makes it a point to thank her teachers with a little note or saying things like, "Thank you for helping me understand!" Whether it’s a classmate lending her a pencil or a group project partner putting in extra effort, Presley never hesitates to acknowledge their kindness with heartfelt words or a cheerful smile. Her gratitude creates a positive atmosphere, inspiring those around her to feel valued and appreciated.
Stuard Elementary School: Stella Martin, 4th grade
Henry Ward Beecher said, “Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” The beauty in Stella is not only outward; it is a beauty that radiates from within. Her spirit of gratitude shines through in her interactions with everyone she encounters. She approaches life with a thankful heart and makes our classroom a better place.
Vandagriff Elementary School: Isley Pitchford, 5th Grade
Isley is an incredible, kind, and hardworking student. She shows appreciation daily to her teachers and her classmates and always makes sure to say "thank you" even for the little things. She is grateful for everything and is a wonderful example of what it looks like to show gratitude in every situation.
Walsh Elementary School: Jack Bristow, 2nd Grade
Jack exemplifies gratitude through his appreciation of life's simple pleasures, finding joy in moments that others might take for granted like playing outside during recess. During science STEM building activities, Jack showcases his creativity, immersing himself in the process and celebrating the little victories, whether it's constructing a new musical instrument or discovering a new technique. His understanding of humor adds an extra layer to his gratitude; he often cracks jokes with his peers and teachers, lightening the mood and fostering a sense of camaraderie. Jack’s ability to recognize and appreciate these small yet significant moments not only enriches his own experiences but also spreads positivity among our class.
🎉🏅 AHS Wrestling Brings Home Hardware! 🏅🎉
Results from the EMS-ISD Tournament
What a fantastic showing from the Aledo High School Wrestling Team at the EMS-ISD Tournament this past Friday, December, 13! 28 schools participated in the tournament with many AHS wrestlers taking home some hardware. Congratulations!
Varsity Boys
- Brice Bohn (4-1), took 2nd place!
Varsity Girls
- Lillian Carruthers (3-1), took 3rd place!
- Avery Kernan (4-1), took 3rd place!
- Arianna Mathias (4-1), took 3rd place!
Don't miss the HOME Tri-Meet on Wednesday, Dec. 18 beginning at 6 p.m. in the AHS main gym!
📅 Coming up in Aledo ISD - Mark Your Calendars! ✅
Upcoming Important Dates
Mark your calendars with these important dates:
- Thursday, December 19: Early Dismissal for students: 11:40 a.m. (elementary); 12:40 p.m. (secondary); Aledo staff will also have half of a work day
- Friday, December 20-Friday, January 3: Aledo ISD Closed - Happy Holidays!
- Monday, January 6, 2025: Staff Professional Learning Day/Student Holiday
- Tuesday, January 7: Staff Work Day/Student Holiday
- Wednesday, January 8: Beginning of Second Semester; First day of the third nine-week grading cycle
- Monday, January 20: Student and Staff Holiday; Aledo ISD Closed
AHS Wrestling Varsity Boys & Girls Tri-Meet on Dec. 18!
Aledo Wrestling will be competing at the Aledo ISD Tri-Meet this Wednesday, December 18.
- 12/18/24: 6:00PM
- Aledo High School Main Gym
- Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for students
- Link for tickets
- Aledo ISD is cashless
- There will be concessions
Please bring any new or gently used clothing items to be donated to homeless men and women throughout DFW. You will receive an Aledo Wrestling sticker for your donation (while supplies last). Go Bearcats!
🚨 Pick Up Your Lululemon Purchase Before Dec. 19! 🚨
🚨 If you made a purchase during the Lululemon online pop up shop, please pick up your purchases before we close for the winter break! Last day is Thursday, Dec. 19! 🚨
Next week, the Bearcat Store will be open Monday - Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Administration Building Lobby. The store will be closed throughout the winter holiday and will reopen following normal hours on January 6, 2025.
Give the Bearcat Store a like and follow to stay up-to-date on all of our new merch!
Progress at the Steve Wood Complex indoor facility addition is moving right along! The structural steel is 90 percent complete and the roof decking is being installed. You can see major changes pretty much daily at this construction site! It should be finished by about the middle of the Spring semester.
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.
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