Bearcat Blast
Bearcat Blast • March 24, 2022 • AledoISD.org
Trustees approve 2022-2023 Instructional Calendar
Trustees unanimously approved the 2022-2023 Aledo ISD Instructional Calendar during the regular board meeting on Monday, March 21, 2022.
The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 17, 2022 and the last day, Thursday, May 25, 2023. The calendar includes a staff work day or flex day each month of the school year in order to give teachers more time in the classroom and for preparation.
After the initial instructional calendar draft is created by the district taking into account all state requirements as well as feedback received on previous instructional calendars, the Aledo ISD Districtwide Effectiveness Improvement Committee composed of teachers, parents, and business and community representatives from all 11 AISD campuses makes suggestions for revisions. DWEIC recommended revisions are applied to the initial draft and the official calendar draft is shared with DWEIC members who, along with the district, seek feedback from staff, teachers, parents and other stakeholders in many different ways, including a survey.
With that feedback, DWEIC made final recommendations for revisions, and the district considered, determined and applied recommended changes as necessary.DWEIC approved the final instructional calendar recommendation that was taken to the board for review during the February regular board meeting and for approval on March 21.
Support the Aledo ISD through Aledo Education Foundation + Aledo Children's AdvoCats!
NEW: BEARCAT 4 PACK!
The Aledo Education Foundation has opened up a special opportunity for Bearcats 'N Boots - an evening with Neal McCoy with the Bearcat 4 Pack! Get four seats that include a three-course meal and an open bar throughout the event. The donation made for this Bearcat 4 Pack is tax deductible!
To reserve your sponsorship, table of 10 or Bearcat 4 Pack email: shawn@aledoef.org or go online for more information or to reserve a table at www.aledoef.org/gala.
As part of the Bearcat N Boots event on April 8th there is always a fantastic silent auction. The auction is held at the event and online for those who can’t attend, but would love to support the foundation by purchasing items. Please visit aledoef.org and click BNB for more information about how to register and participate in the auction online.
We are also accepting donations of silent auction items and would welcome any of the following items: sports, concert and theater tickets, gift cards to local restaurants and businesses and gift certificates for hotel stays or passes to events and cash donations. Please contact Shawn Callaway at shawn@aledoef.org to coordinate pick-up of items. Thank you for helping us support our teachers and kids and district!
ADVOCATS GLOW RUN THIS WEEKEND!
Aledo Children’s AdvoCats will host their 16th Annual Run, Walk, or Crawl Glow Run on Saturday, March 26, with proceeds benefiting Aledo ISD children in need and their families.
This family-friendly fun run offers racegoers the choice of a 1K or 5K race that begins and ends at Bearcat Stadium in Aledo, TX. Light up gear will be provided on the night of the race to allow runners to cross the finish line glowing, not sweating. Can’t make it in person? A virtual runner option is offered for those who just want to support the cause.
Race details
Saturday, March 26, 2021
Bearcat Stadium, 1000 Bailey Ranch Rd., Aledo, TX 76008
7:00 P.M. Gates Open
7:45 P.M. Opening Ceremony
8:00 P.M. 1K Glow Run
8:30 P.M. 5K Glow Run
Since its inception in 2006, the Run, Walk or Crawl has become the flagship annual fundraising event for AdvoCats. Money raised from the race provides vital services to children with the greatest needs in the communities of Aledo ISD. The organization is dedicated more than ever to continue its mission of improving lives and making a lasting impact.
For more race information or to register, please visit www.aledoadvocats.com. Additional updates will be shared on the Aledo Children’s AdvoCats Facebook and Instagram pages leading up to the event.
March Bearcats of Character Recognized for Humility
The Aledo ISD Board of Trustees honored 11 students at the March 2022 board meeting as Bearcats of Character for the character trait humility. This character trait was a part of the district's character education program Positivity Project - or P2 - recently. P2 says that someone displaying humility does not seek the spotlight, instead they let their actions speak for who they really are. They add that humility is not thinking less of yourself, but just thinking of yourself less.
The district would like to recognize the following students for growing greatness in exhibiting humility during this school year.
Aledo High School: Jesus Garcia, 12th grade
"I was able to grab Jesus on a whim to help me translate for an enrolling student. Not only was he helpful but he was extremely polite to the parent of the newly enrolling student. Immediately he extended a handshake and introduced himself to the parent and student and assisted during part of the enrollment process. We offered to give Jesus a Sonic drink of his choice and he declined saying, 'I don't mind helping at all.' He was sincerely humble and happy to assist."
Aledo Learning Center: Kyle Marcus, 10th grade
"Kyle has come a long way since coming to the ALC. He is very intelligent and very kind. He has already earned numerous credits in just a short time at ALC, but does not announce it. He also won a trophy for BMX and he didn't share this great accomplishment with anyone. The staff at the Aledo Learning Center is very proud of him!"
Daniel Ninth Grade: Abigail Arbour, 9th grade
"Abby is full of kindness and humility. She always puts the needs of others before her own by going out of her way to make sure students feel important and visible at the school. She supports others by being a sounding board for someone to talk to or offering a hug to someone who is feeling down. She has made special treats for other students just to brighten their day and to show them that someone cares about them and expects nothing in return for these gestures.”
Aledo Middle School: Ruby Tarrant, 7th grade
"Ruby is always very down to earth and willing to help anyone in any way possible. She is so humble, so kind to everyone, and an all around wonderful student."
McAnally Intermediate School: Isabella Smith, 6th grade
"Bella displays humility daily in the way she works with others in class or helps friends who are struggling with a specific problem. She is very bright and helps others in such a quiet and kind way. Bella is so humble and quiet when she has mastered the material in class - instead of bragging about her score or ability, she just quietly offers help to any student who may need it! She is always willing to share what made her successful so others can be too! Bella is a leader and role model for all of our McCats!"
Annetta Elementary School: Caleb Gilliam, 2nd grade
"Caleb consistently shows humility. He is a student who takes his time listening to others rather than bragging about his own accomplishments. He admits when he is wrong and learns from those mistakes. He is considerate of others and looks for ways to help without boasting. He is a great influence on his peers. Caleb always does the right thing without seeking recognition."
Coder Elementary School: Marielle Stuntz, 4th grade
"Marielle was nominated by Coder staff because of her genuine compassion for the abilities of others around her. She compliments her peers without a comparison to her own unique talents, abilities, and humanistic qualities. She is not only an incredibly patient student who supports the desires of those around her, but she is an outstanding human willing to selflessly lend her time, efforts, and resources to assure that others succeed. Marielle's nature leans toward placing value in the accomplishments of peers, rather than recognizing the feats she has made this year and is truly a gift she shares with others."
McCall Elementary School: Harrison Reeder, 2nd grade
"Harrison exhibits humility as he always works to take care of issues or needs when they arise without being asked to. As an example, even with the picking up of things in the classroom, Harrison is one of the first students to make sure that trash is being picked up, pushing in others’ chairs, helping friends and classmates to make sure they have materials needed for a task. He is such a genuine, respectful student. He attempts to always do the right thing - without being asked and without ever expecting anything in return."
Stuard Elementary School: Riley DeLay, 2nd grade
"Riley is the definition of humility. She is ALWAYS encouraging her friends to be the best that they can be. She truly wants others to be successful! She strives to always be a great friend and one way she is always a great friend is by encouraging everyone around her. When I think about students that are sweet and humble Riley is the first one to pop in my head. Her heart is made of gold. The world would be a better place if everyone had an outlook on life like Riley does."
Vandagriff Elementary School: Olivia Robles, 2nd grade
"Olivia is respectful and willing to be helpful regardless of the job. She is kind-hearted and always willing to let others go first. She is very talented and always cheerful, but never uses her talents in a way that is boastful."
Walsh Elementary School: Penelope Black, 2nd grade
"When I saw the character trait for this month was humility, I immediately knew that Penelope would be who I was going to nominate. Penelope is kind, caring, smart, compassionate, friend to all, loves animals, and is passionate about the environment. At the start of this school year Penelope set up a meeting with Mrs. Street, Walsh Principal, to start an "Environmental Club" that would give up their recess time once a week to collect trash around the playground. Penelope puts the needs of others before her own, often bringing snacks for those students who forget theirs. Penelope is the PERFECT example to our class of what humility looks like."
Celebrations: Please help us congratulate these AISD students and staff members!
Aledo Middle School Winterguard
The AMS Winterguard placed 4th at the North Texas Colorguard Assocation Cadet Championships with a great run of their show! Congrats!
AHS Varsity Winterguard
The Aledo Varsity Winterguard, under the direction of Mr. Marquez, competed at the Winterguard International Competition this past weekend. The contest was a two-day regional event with guards competing from Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri schools. The Aledo Varsity guard was an 11th place finalist from the 43 competing National A groups. Great job ladies!
AHS Student Journalism
The AHS Ledoian 2021 Yearbook was recognized by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association with a Gold Crown recently. This is the first Gold Crown Award for the Ledoian! A total of 817 publications were judged for their excellence as shown by their design, photography, concept, coverage, and writing, and 20 print yearbooks were selected as Gold Crown winners.
The Columbia Scholastic Press Association also announced the winners from its 39th Gold Circle Awards program. This year, these categories attracted 4,132 entrants in 91 categories (39 yearbook and 52 digital media). The following Ledoian staff members won Gold Circle Awards:
- Taylor Tiberg - First Place, Photo Portfolio; First Place, Sports Action Photo “Hanging on”
- Elise Creed, Ashlea McIntire, Hannah Mefford - First Place, Organization Spread “Thrill the Crowd”
- James Ward - First Place, Academic Writing “New Network”
- Elise Creed, Lyla Edwards, Payne Wellman - Third Place, Academics Spread “Welding Way”
- Hailey Bogner, Claire Kennedy, Lyla Edwards - Third Place Index
- Hailey Bogner - Third Place, Photo Illustration "Winter"
AHS UIL One-Act Play
AHS UIL One-Act Play "Ruby’s Story" won First Place at the district contest and will be advancing to Bi-District on Friday, March 25 at Northwest High School in Justin. Shows begin at 12:45PM with Aledo performing last at approximately 5:45PM! District contest awards include:
- Best Overall Technical Crew
- All-Star Cast: Maddie Hinckley, Jenna White
- All-Star Technician: Kylie Edington
- Honorable Mention: Hannah Brown
Congratulations One-Act!
Debate Teams Advance to State
Aledo Debate competed at the UIL Cross Examination (Policy) Debate State Tournament over Spring Break. Aledo qualified two teams to state. Those teams included: Michael Birdwell/Daniel Bunting and Michael Worch/Hannah Harford. Birdwell/Bunting advanced past the preliminaries to the second day of competition. As far as we can tell, this is the first time Aledo has advanced past the first day of competition at the UIL State CX Tournament.
AMS UIL Medalists
Congratulations to the following students who were medalists in the recent UIL middle school academic competition.
8th grade:
- Impromptu Speaking: Finley Van Dyke-1st Place; Deogracias Mulenga-4th Place
- Oral Reading: Ellie Miller-3rd Place
- Modern Oratory: Madelyn Queen-3rd Place; Joel Stoker-4th Place
- Spelling: Mesoma Emeka-Okoye-2nd Place; Pierce Martin-3rd Place; Breleigh Mayer-4th Place
- Ready Writing: Amber Furlow-1st Place; Lauren Tinsley-4th Place
- Dictionary Skills: Anna Simmons-2nd Place
- Social Studies: Finley Van Dyke-3rd Place
- Science: Brian Freeman-1st Place; James Lesing-2nd Place; Addie Bean-3rd Place
- Maps, Graphs and Charts: Breleigh Mayer-2nd Place
- Chess Puzzle: Addison Russ-2nd Place; Carlos Sanchez-4th Place; Elizabeth Griffin-5th Place
7th grade:
- Impromptu Speaking: Olivia Lauderdale-4th Place
- Oral Reading: Rose Lindly-1st Place; Jenna Smith-2nd Place; Anna Lochner-3rd Place
- Art: Claire Babek-5th Place
- Number Sense: Paxton Psencik-2nd Place; Gabe Seastrunk-5th Place
- Spelling: Baylee Valerde-5th Place
- Social Studies: Lorelei Stillwell-2nd Place
- Maps, Graphs and Charts: Trip Hoff-5th Place
- Dictionary Skills: Julia Bettancourt-3rd Place
AHS/DNG VASE Success
Congratulations to Aledo High School and DNG art students who advanced to AREA in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (also known as the V.A.S.E. Competition). This competition recognizes exemplary high school artwork across the state of Texas. Aledo Had 10 perfect scores and 36 students advance to the Area level.
The Students Who Achieved Perfect Scores Were: Mason Bonner, Ashley Canady, Olivia Fowler, QiQi Manus, Sam Porter, Maddison Scott, Madi Warner, Arwen Wise, Ethan Shattuck and Elli Kate Bussmeir.
Congratulations to these students for advancing to the area level: Mason Bonner, Kaylynn Fisher, Journey Morrow, Grace Lefferts, Cayleigh Garner, Heather Basham, Ethan Brooks, Ashley Canady, Katelyn Carter, Payton Coppock, Anna D’avino, Alexa Davis, Sara Forrest, Olivia Fowler, Riley Greenhouse, Jacqueline Hall, QiQi Manus-2, Luke Mays, Sam Porter, Abigail Powell, Jessica Sarin, Maddison Scott, Madison Warner, Arwen Wise, Emily Yim, Cory Tilly, Ariana Storms, Elli Kate Bussmeir, Leila Voskamp, Payton Wallin, Faith Hannaway, Haley Ingram, Heidi James, Mia Mateo, Justin Nguyen and Ethan Shattuck.
Jacquelyn Selee-Blanche has advanced and will compete at the state VASE competition in April!
Parenting University: A Night of Hope with Nathan Harmon Wednesday, March 30
You're Invited to the next FREE Aledo ISD/Aledo PTO Parenting University: A Night of Hope with Nathan Harmon, paid for by the Aledo Education Foundation's Hayden Hunstable Memorial Fund. This Parenting University is for community members and parents of students of all ages and for students in sixth grade and above.
Please join us as Mr. Harmon discusses topics about general mental health and wellness, including making healthy choices, avoiding unhealthy choices and suicide awareness.
- 6 PM pizza provided by Aledo PTO
- 6:30 PM program begins
- Wednesday, March 30
- Aledo High School Auditorium
- Free admission!
Coming up in Aledo ISD - Mark Your Calendars!
Region 11/Aledo ISD "Using Technology for Success at Work" Event
- 1-2:30 PM on Saturday, April 23
- Aledo Learning Center
- Designed for students in grades 8-12 with plans under 504 of special education and their families, at this FREE event, student participants will learn how smartphones and tablets can be used as a support to be ready for work, get to work, and be successful on the job. This interactive session will provide an overview of how to utilize smartphones, tablets, and other readily available devices to facilitate student productivity, independence, and success in the workplace.
- Click here for event flyer and registration information.
Class of 2022 Graduation
- 8PM on Friday, May 27, 2022
- Bearcat Stadium
- Rainout dates May 28 & 29 at 8PM at Bearcat Stadium
- Each senior will receive 15 tickets to graduation
Aledo ISD Night at the Texas Rangers Game
- 7:05PM on Monday, May 30
- Globe Life Field
- Must purchase a special ticket through this ticket link to be eligible for the Aledo ISD/Texas Rangers hat.
Aledo ISD All-Jobs In-Person Job Fair April 2!
It's hiring season for the 2022-2023 school year, and - with the new McAnally Middle School online to open this fall - the Aledo ISD will be hiring more new employees than we ever have in our district's history! We'd love for you all to help share information about our upcoming job fair whenever possible!
Are you looking for how you and your skills can fit in in the Aledo ISD - even if you aren't a certified teacher? We're one of the largest employers in Parker County, and we'd love for you to explore our job openings at www.aledoisd.org/careers or contact one of our Human Resources representatives listed on that page.
WATCH: McAnally PE aide Garrett Thompson talks about support, family feel of AISD
WATCH: Veteran kinder teacher Amy Chumbly discusses her favorite things about Aledo ISD
P2 Character Trait of the Week: Gratitude
This week's P2 Character Trait of the Week is gratitude!
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 Gratitude Character Card below, and consider using one of these Table Talk questions to start a conversation with your child about gratitude!
GRATITUDE TABLE TALK for your FAMILY
Grades Pre-K-2: What are some things, people, or places that make you happy?
Grades 3-5: What are five things that you are grateful for?
Grades 6-8: How can showing gratitude to those who have had a positive impact in your life, be a way to give back to them?
Grades 9-12: How could increased gratitude affect not only your family, but also your school community, and your larger community?
Aledo Bond 2019 Pictures of the Week
Special thank you to Aledo Middle School 8th grader Max Howe for today's Aledo Bond 2019 Pictures of the Week! Max took these photos with a drone earlier this month. You'll see in these pictures the north side of AMS that includes the new athletics facilities, including locker rooms, training room and weight room on the right side, as well as science labs for the eighth-grade pod on the left, and a connector corridor for it all that will be enclosed.
Are you registered to vote?
As you probably already know, there will be several items on the ballot for a runoff election from the March 2022 primary election that occurred in early March. We also have some municipal elections coming up in early May. Please make sure you're registered to vote to participate in these important elections!
- Also coming up are Municipal Elections on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The deadline to register in the May 7 municipal elections is Thursday, April 7, 2022 (in person or postmarked by that date).
- The Runoff Election date for the March 2022 Texas Primary elections is Tuesday, May 24, 2022. The deadline to register to vote in this runoff election is Monday, April 25, 2022 (in person or postmarked by that date).
If you recently moved, you likely still need to take steps to make sure you are registered to vote based on your new address.
If you moved from one place to another in the same county, you’ll need to notify the Voter Registrar in your county in writing of your new address. (In most Texas counties, the Tax Assessor-Collector is also the Voter Registrar. In some counties, the County Clerk or Elections Administrator registers voters.) There are several ways to do this:
- Correct your current voter registration certificate on the back and return it to the Voter Registrar.
- Fill out a new voter registration application form and check the “change” box.
- When you apply for or change your Texas driver’s license, change your voter information at the same time.
- As long as you reside in the same county, you can change your information online at the Secretary of State’s Voter Registration Name/Address Change website. The screen will prompt you through the process and the changes that you make will be forwarded to your county Voter Registrar for processing. You will be mailed a new certificate with your new address and be able to vote in your new precinct 30 days after you submitted your change. If you miss the 30-day deadline to change information on your voter registration certificate, you may vote in your former precinct as long as you still reside in the political subdivision conducting the election.
If you moved to another county, YOU MUST RE-REGISTER! Fill out and mail a new application, or take it in person, to the Voter Registrar of your new county. (In most Texas counties, the Tax Assessor-Collector is also the Voter Registrar. In some counties, the County Clerk or Elections Administrator registers voters.) You will receive a new voter registration certificate 30 days after your application is submitted and accepted.
If you are late to register in your new county, you may be able to vote a “limited” ballot on candidates or issues common between your old and new counties. You may only vote this “limited” ballot after you have moved to your new residence, during the early voting period by personal appearance at the main early voting polling place (not on Election Day) or by mail (if otherwise qualified to vote by mail) and if:
- You are a current registered voter in your former county;
- You would be eligible to vote in your former county on Election Day, if you were still living in that county;
- You have not re-registered in the new county, or, if you have re-registered, the effective date of the new registration will not be effective on or before Election day.
- If you feel you qualify to vote a limited ballot, we recommend that you contact the office of the Early Voting Clerk in your new county.
Visiting www.votetexas.gov for help with any questions.
Support Aledo PTO!
Thank you 2021-2022 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.
Gold Level Sponsors
Ecoimprint/Bigfoot Ink
First Financial Bank
Stroud Pediatric Dentistry
SkinMD Med Spa
TWFG Insurance Services - Christi James
Silver Level Sponsors
Reading Friends Aledo
Bronze Level Sponsors
Bryan Insurance AgencyCity of Willow Park
Lynch Legacy Realty Group
Paradigm Wealth Management - Christopher Roberts
Slade & Nash
Your Personal Chef
Aledo Independent School District
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