Bearcat Blast
Bearcat Blast • October 24, 2024 • AledoISD.org
Aledo High School: Will Byrd, 11th grade
Will shows the character trait of being open-minded by actively listening to others’ viewpoints, considering new ideas without bias, and being willing to change his opinions when presented with compelling evidence or new information. He is also open to exploring different experiences and learning from them.
Aledo Learning Center: Merril McConnell, 12th grade
Her English teacher, Mrs. Robert, states that Merril has a kind heart and a level of acceptance that's rare. She takes time to understand different perspectives and is willing to listen and reconsider her views. Her thoughtful approach to others demonstrates her openness to new ideas and her ability to see beyond the surface.
Daniel Ninth Grade: Carrington Stuntz, 9th grade
Carrington is always open to learning things about others and is always respectful when listening to people. Carrington loves helping people with problems they are facing and is never afraid to show herself.
Aledo Middle School: Elliott Skinner, 6th grade
Elliott consistently shows open-mindedness in class discussions and activities. He is always willing to consider new ideas and perspectives, even when those ideas differ from his own. His ability to listen respectfully to his peers and thoughtfully reflect on different viewpoints greatly enhances classroom conversations. His openness to learning from others shows a mature and adaptable mindset, which will serve him well in future academic and personal challenges.
McAnally Middle School: Isabelle Hipps, 8th grade
Mrs. Burke nominated Isabelle for her exemplary display of open-mindedness in Yearbook class. Izzy demonstrates open-mindedness by considering a variety of design ideas, themes and story ideas, showing respect for different creative approaches. She actively seeks feedback from peers and is open to revising her work based on suggestions to improve the overall quality. Izzy embraces new techniques and perspectives, contributing positively to group projects and encouraging collaboration. Congratulations, Isabelle!
Early Childhood Academy: Phoenix Jesseph, Pre-K
Phoenix's teacher, Ms. Kimberling, shares that Phoenix has demonstrated remarkable open-mindedness this month, embracing new ideas and perspectives with enthusiasm. She actively listens to her peers and engages in thoughtful discussions, fostering an inclusive environment in the classroom. Whether exploring new topics or collaborating on group activities, Phoenix shows a genuine willingness to consider different viewpoints which inspires others to do the same. Phoenix's ability to remain curious and kind not only enriches her own learning but also contributes to our school community.
Annetta Elementary School: Hattie Stephens, 3rd grade
Hattie is always willing to help others and works well in any group situation. She is a great listener and is patient with her peers. She has a love for learning and trying new things. She is an open-minded leader in our classroom!
Coder Elementary School: Esther Wood, 5th grade
Esther shows a great willingness to listen to new ideas and consider different viewpoints, even when they are unfamiliar or challenging. She embraces each new experience with curiosity and an eagerness to learn, which helps her grow and encourages her classmates to do the same. Esther’s open-minded attitude makes our classroom a more inclusive and thoughtful place.
McCall Elementary School: Gage Larkin, 4th grade
Gage was recognized for his open-mindedness by his classmates, who voted for him to receive this recognition. His classmates noted that Gage is always willing to listen to their ideas, even when they differ from his own. He consistently listens to various perspectives, asks thoughtful questions, and shows a genuine interest in understanding others' ideas during group work!
Lynn McKinney Elementary School: Wyatt Kearns, 3rd grade
Wyatt consistently demonstrates open-mindedness in our classroom, pod space, specials, and at recess. He listens attentively when his classmates share different ideas, even if they are different from his own thinking. Wyatt is always willing to explore new approaches and tries out other peoples ideas, showing his willingness to adapt. When faced with a new challenge or task (such as coming to a new school district!), Wyatt approaches it with curiosity, eager to learn something new!
Stuard Elementary School: Grey Quinlan, 2nd grade
Grey is always willing to consider others’ perspectives with an open mind. He is empathetic and has an understanding of the beauty of people's differences and the value this brings to our world. He asks thoughtful questions and thinks outside the box with his creative ideas. Stuard is so proud of you for being so open-minded!
Vandagriff Elementary School: Brayden Turdo, 5th Grade
Brayden always follows directions and encourages others to be willing to try new things. Even though he is new to Vandagriff, he is always finding new ways to learn and grow
Walsh Elementary School: Anaya Bhandari, 4th Grade
Anaya is always eager to listen to her classmates, no matter how different their ideas may be. Whether it’s a new game at recess or a unique project in class, she approaches everything with curiosity and enthusiasm. In group discussions, Anaya encourages her friends to share their thoughts and often encourages their curiosity. She loves to learn from others and appreciates diverse perspectives, making everyone feel valued. Her ability to embrace new concepts, whether in science or math, inspires her classmates to think outside the box.
October is National Principals Month!
We're celebrating our AMAZING principals for National Principals Month! This week we are featuring Gina Henze of Coder Elementary School, Katie Griffin of Stuard Elementary School, and Dr. Chris White of McAnally Middle School. Get to know 3 new things about each of our principals throughout this month!
New to the Bearcat Store!
This week's football game is themed PINK OUT, and the Bearcat Store has all your pink gear in stock! Don't miss out on this adorable pink Bearcats hat and the perfect pink t-shirt. Pink shirts available in youth sizes only - adult sizes have already SOLD OUT.
We also have orange, black and white merch in tshirts, sweatshirts, long-sleeved tshirts, youth shirts, hats, beanies and more!
Give the Bearcat Store a like and follow to stay up-to-date on all of our new merch!
The Bearcat Store is located in the Aledo ISD Administration Building at 1008 Bailey Ranch Road, just in front of Aledo High School. The store is open weekdays when the district is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and shop for some Bearcat "A" merch!
Early Voting Has Begun!
Bearcat Nation! Early voting began for the November 5, 2024, General Election on Monday, October 21 and runs through Friday, November 1. Early voting is a safe and convenient way to make sure that your vote is counted. Make a plan to vote in the upcoming general election! For a list of voting locations and important information, visit aledoisd.org/BearcatsVote
📰 Bearcat News Update ✅
Aledo ISD Special Programs: Parent Training Night
Aledo ISD Special Programs is hosting a Parent Training Night on Monday, October 28 from 6-7:45 p.m. at the Daniel Ninth Grade Campus. There will be a variety of informative sessions designed to help you support your child and understand their needs.
Attention Bearcat Nation - Bailey Ranch Road Construction Update!
This program is focused on encouraging and enabling more children to safely walk and bicycle to school, thereby improving student health, traffic congestion, safety, and air quality around schools.
Construction will be from October 2024 - January 2025. Construction times will be from 9 AM - 3 PM. Work is scheduled around school drop-off & pick-up times to minimize negative impacts to regular school traffic!
Nutrition News
Thank you for celebrating a "Far Out" National School Lunch Week! The full school meal is the coolest value!
Go "Tubular" with omega-3s in our Baja fish sticks, delicious grains, fruits, veggies, and milk. These delicious and nutritious foods are amazing for brain power!
Next Week is National Red Ribbon Week
It's Red Ribbon Week! This year's theme is Life Is A Movie, Film Drug Free. The theme is a reminder that by staying drug free you are sending a message to yourself and others about how much you value yourself, your overall health, your community and your future. One thing's for sure, by making healthy choices, like staying drug free, you are much more likely to achieve your goals. So aim for the stars! We believe in you.
Here in Texas, October is Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month. Fentanyl is a man-made, Schedule II narcotic that is generally used in the medical field to treat severe pain. It is often used in emergency situations and given by paramedics and in emergency rooms. Sadly, an underground market has developed for this drug, and it is often marketed to youth. Fentanyl can be laced in with other pills kids may be seeking, and very often they don’t even know they are taking it. Tragically with fentanyl, one pill can kill.
The following suggestions are for parents to be sure that fentanyl does not have an impact of your family:
- Talk to your teen. Talk about the dangers that they may face at parties and social events. Let them know that they can talk to you about things that are concerning them.
- Monitor their social media and app usage. This is a common way that teens get access to this drug.
- Encourage your teen to get involved with extra-curricular activities, church, service projects, community, and school organizations. Keeping your teen involved can help battle loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness.
- Report any suspicion that fentanyl use may be occurring in the schools or that someone may be abusing it. Encourage your child to do the same. You could save a life.
- Monitor your child’s behavior. Has their behavior changed lately? Do they have a new set of “friends”? Are they keeping to themselves more often than usual?
- Seek help if your child is facing a mental health challenge or if you suspect they are using any substance.
🎉 Celebrations: We're excited to recognize these AISD students & staff members!
🎉 Bearcat and Ladycat Cross Country Qualify for State 👟
We've got our first STATE BOUND Ladycats and Bearcats! Congratulations to the Regional Champ Ladycat Cross Country team and the Bearcat Cross Country team that finished 3rd at Regionals - both qualifying for the Class 5A UIL State Cross Country Championships!
Top 20 individual finishers include:
- 2nd Girls - Molly Garrison
- 7th Girls - Micah Neal
- 8th Girls - Mykel Murry
- 13th Girls - Sofia Brandenburg
- 5th Boys - Tyler Connally
- 6th Boys - Jack Fink
Congratulations Bearcat and Ladycat Cross Country!
Bearcat Regiment Earns Clean Sweep at 2024 BOA Waco Regional Championship!
Congratulations to the Aledo High School Bearcat Regiment who took home a clean sweep of all caption awards as well as the Class 3A Champions last Saturday in Waco at the Bands of America (BOA) Super Regionals. Their hard work earned them a Top 5 overall finish at the Super Regionals.
All in Aledo: The Heartbeat of Friday Night Lights
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 and even on the road during football season.
ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE! It's Friday morning, and the Box Boys are having fun running in circles around the drumline at a pep rally. Fast forward to the third quarter at a Friday night football game, and the student section is hyped, ready to help push the Bearcats to victory. The Aledo High School Bearcat Regiment's Battery and Front Ensemble serve as the heartbeat of Friday Night Lights. The moment the bass drums start, the crowd rises, cheers erupt and everyone begins to dance!
To be "All in Aledo" means setting aside personal desires and striving for something greater than yourself. In addition to preparing for this year's UIL Marching Competition, the Bearcat Regiment's Battery and Front Ensemble are practicing tirelessly for their special showcase at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) this November. Aledo High School is one of only three high schools invited to perform multiple pieces before thousands of percussionists from around the world. Our talented percussionists exemplify what it means to be All in Aledo!
📅 Coming up in Aledo ISD - Mark Your Calendars! ✅
Aledo Football GAME DAY 🆚 Richland
Bearcat Nation! This week the Aledo Bearcats take on the Richland High School Royals at Tim Buchanan Stadium. This week's theme is PINK OUT! Show up in your pink Aledo Bearcats gear in support of breast cancer awareness. Need some pink gear? Stop by the Aledo Bearcat Store in the Admin Building.
- 7 PM
- Friday, October 25
- Buchanan Stadium
- 92.1 Hank FM
- Texan Live
- Online only: www.aledoisdathletics.com/httickets
Please be prepared to show tickets on the HomeTown Fan App or via a printed copy. NO screenshots or pictures of tickets.
Buchanan Stadium has a CLEAR BAG POLICY
Photo credit: AHS junior Breleigh Mayer
Robotics Competition this Saturday, October 26!
Aledo Robotics is hosting a competition for area high school teams on Saturday, October 26 from 10 am - 1 pm at Daniel Ninth Grade Campus. Admission is free and the community is invited to come experience our challenge for this season: "Into the Deep." The competition is held in the main gym, so please enter through the rear of the building by the tennis courts.
Aledo Players Haunted House is Saturday, October 26!
It's finally back! The Aledo Players Haunted house will be returning this year, October 26. There are two separate time slots, one that is appropriate for younger audiences that includes candy (So bring baskets!) and another for more mature audiences. We hope to see you there as we enter the Halloween Season.
- Non-Scary: 4 PM - 6 PM
- Scary: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
- Aledo High School Fine Arts Wing
- Tickets: $6 (faculty admission free)
Aledo ISD Special Programs: Parent Training Night
Aledo ISD Special Programs is hosting a Parent Training Night on Monday, October 28 from 6-7:45 p.m. at the Daniel Ninth Grade Campus. There will be a variety of informative sessions designed to help you support your child and understand their needs. Childcare is available if needed.
Aledo Basketball Meet the Bearcats & Ladycats!
You are invited to meet the Bearcat and Ladycat Basketball teams on Monday, November 4. There will be a DJ and special performances by the Cheer and Dance Teams.
- Aledo High School Gymnasium
- 6 - 7:30 PM
- Dunk Contest
- 3-Point Contest
- Team Intros
We're excited to share an update to the Ag Barn addition today! Now that the slab is poured, you can see the steel framing is in place (100% done) and some of the steel detailing is ongoing. We can't wait to see this project complete so that even more Ag students can utilize barn space!
Aledo ISD Strategic Partner Information
Register today for the Aledo Education Foundation Bearcat Blast Clay Shoot!
Be the Difference in a Child's Christmas
Angel Project 2024 has officially begun! Counselors are working hard collecting Angels and we need YOU to shop! Last year, 328 volunteers shopped for 636 students. We could not do this without you! Be a hero for an Angel this Christmas. You can sign up before Friday, November 8, to shop or donate here.
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