Bearcat Blast
Bearcat Blast • February 16, 2023 • AledoISD.org
Congrats Circle of Greatness Special Honorees!
Congratulations to the Aledo ISD Spring 2023 Circle of Greatness Special Honorees! We are excited to recognize these employees for embodying what it means to be #growinggreatness and to be #allinaledo for our students!
Professional category: Callie Caldwell, Stuard Elementary teacher
One of her nominations read,"Mrs. Caldwell is very informative, provides support and recognition to my daughter. She truly cares about her students and their ability to perform their best. She provides a platform where students feel safe and comfortable. One of the best teachers thus far. Thank you!!!"
Another nominator shared, "Callie is not only a fabulous 4th grade teacher, but a truly amazing co-worker, friend and colleague. Everyday Callie challenges herself to meet the needs of her students. She works hard to not only teach them math but teach kids they are actually GOOD at math-which may be more difficult."
Auxiliary category: John Coffey, Annetta Elementary Police Officer
Officer Coffey's nominator said, "He continues to risk his life for our students and families of Annetta, ever doing anything with any expectation - just because he cares. This morning during the storm, he was out in hail instructing families to shelter in place, making sure all of us were safe. He dealt with an incident at the school and ensured all students were safe and handled everything with grace. On a daily basis, he knows the students, engages with them, always going above and beyond their jurisdiction."
Another nominator said, "I cannot say enough about this man! We have been in Aledo since before my children are born and have had several campus officers. While they are all great, Officer Coffey, hands down, is a whole different level. He greets every child with a smile, when the child goes in for a hug, he gives a sweet side hug to every child. I volunteer at the office weekly, and everyone’s eyes light up when they see him. He stands on FM 5 every morning and afternoon, directing traffic, which we have seen on many occasions be very scary. He loves these kids… I mean, genuinely loves them. He comes to work smiling every day! I cannot imagine a more deserving person. This morning during tornado warnings, he stood in the storm, a beacon for the Annetta families, insuring our kids get to school safely. Standing on FM 5, amid pouring rain and hail, with cars flying 50 MPH around him. He never complains… please acknowledge this man and give him the recognition deserved."
Paraprofessional category: Linda Hudson, secretary to police and technology
Linda's nominator said, "My young son needed assistance after an accident and Linda Hudson drove over to the 9th grade campus where I was working to tell me with tears in her eyes and drove me to the technology building, helped us, then drove us home. She is a special lady always helping other Bearcats, whether it is technology related or helping beyond her job description. She deserves a Growing Greatness award and to be recognized!"
Another nomination read, "I requested a new badge, and she had it ready for me the very next day. She even offered to drop it by my school! When I went to go get the badge, she was so kind, and asked me if I was ready for the year to start. She was also so kind to my daughter who was with me. Linda Hudson is definitely growing greatness!"
Substitute/Campus Guest Teacher category: Sophie Collins, Annetta Elementary Guest Teacher
Her nominator said, "Sophie is a long-term sub in 2nd grade at Annetta Elementary. She has a student who has a lot of energy and uses lots of strategies to learn differently. In her first week, she implemented a positive behavior system to encourage her student as he learned, stayed in contact with his parents with how he’s growing, and gave his family the positive hope that they’ve been longing for. She exemplifies the idea of all means all, that every student can learn, even if they learn differently!"
Aledo ISD Trustees Approve Calling May 6 Bond Election
The Aledo ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, to call a bond election for May 6, 2023.
Trustees approved the Aledo Growth Committee’s (AGC) recommendation of a $123,800,000 bond proposal that will be presented on the ballot as a single proposition and will include a 2.5 cent Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate increase.
The AGC, led by community co-chairs Dan Reilley and Kelli Stumbo, included 51 community members that met 13 times - with two additional community-wide meetings - from August 2022 to February examining the district’s increasing student enrollment, financial information, districtwide facility needs and instructional goals.
“The board appreciates how thorough the AGC was in its planning for this bond proposal and for our future,” AISD Board President Hoyt Harris said. “They met for about 40 hours altogether and thoughtfully considered our school district’s needs as representatives of our community. We are grateful for their service and commitment to our students, staff and taxpayers.”
In addition to a 2023 bond proposal, the AGC also presented a long-range plan for growth for the district for the next six years. The AGC will continue to meet and study updated data over the coming year-plus to begin to implement the long-range plan for growth.
The AGC built a bond recommendation that focuses on immediate student capacity needs at the elementary level, that includes additional and repurposed space at the high school level, that addresses the need for the district to repair, maintain and improve facilities as well as facility safety and security equipment as technology improves, and that provides additional funding for AISD to purchase buses, technology and land to meet needs due to growth.
“We are proud of the work that was completed by the Aledo Growth Committee and that we were able to come to 100 percent consensus on this bond package as well as the long-term plan for growth,” Stumbo said. “Every meeting, we made sure to hear feedback from each committee member. We also were grateful for the amount of feedback we received from the community through two community meetings, a dedicated email address and an online feedback survey distributed to the entire community. We feel like this bond proposal is representative of what our community expects and can support.”
The proposal uses two years of projected taxable value growth but not all of the district’s available bonding capacity. While the 2023 bond package proposes a $0.025 tax rate increase, the Aledo ISD expects the continued pattern of additional tax rate compression. AISD Trustees have lowered the overall tax rate each of the last four years, decreasing the tax rate 22.71 cents total, or an average of $0.057 per year over the last four years. The 2022-23 tax rate compression for Aledo ISD was $0.025.
“Through the support our community showed for the 2019 bond, we made great progress in serving our Bearcat students in our fast-growth district,” Superintendent Dr. Susan Bohn said. “The 2023 bond package and long-range plan for growth, both constructed by community members, continue to address our rapidly increasing enrollment and give the district a road map for future growth.”
PASA, the district’s demographer, projects that, by the 2024-2025 school year, projected enrollment at 5 of 6 elementary schools will exceed maximum capacity. With updated demographic reports pushing the projected need for more secondary space slightly further out - in 2027-28 projected district middle school enrollment will exceed max capacity, 2028-29 for high school enrollment - the AGC decided in its long-range plan for growth that the decision on how to build additional high school space would be better made in 2025 when committee members can reassess enrollment, bonding capacity, construction costs, and legislative actions.
“The AGC had multiple discussions about what adding significant high school space may look like for our district, whether that be starting to build high school No. 2, starting with phase one of high school No. 2, or building a College and Career Academy,” Reilley said. “Ultimately, we don’t have the bonding capacity available to begin any of those projects. The very first priority for the AGC was to build another elementary school to address that immediate need, so the AGC decided it would be prudent to continue to study enrollment, finances and construction costs over the next couple of years before making a decision on high school space.”
The proposition includes a new Elementary School No. 7 ($59.8 million) that will be located on district-owned property northwest of the new McAnally Middle School, additions/repurposed high school space ($20.2 million), replacement furniture for students in grades 9-12 ($5 million), safety and security ($5 million), technology ($6.5 million), maintenance ($5 million), school buses ($4.5 million), and land for future school sites - including additional high school facilities ($17.8 million).
The additions/repurposed high school space would include additional Ag barn space and a new multi-purpose addition and repurposed space that would create flexibility for programs like band, colorguard, cheerleading, dance, engineering/robotics, wrestling and other programs in need of large learning spaces and locker room/changing space. Renovations to AHS include restrooms, library, lecture hall, auditorium, kitchen serving lines, new flooring and paint in classrooms, and new paint and wall finishes in hallways.
Early voting for the May 6 election begins Monday, April 24 and ends Tuesday, May 2. Early voting locations include the Aledo ISD Administration building. The last day to register to vote is Thursday, April 6; go to voteTexas.gov to register to vote or to check voter registration status.
School officials will be providing informational presentations throughout the community during the spring leading to the May 6 election. Aledo ISD bond information can be found on the district’s bond website (aledoisd.org/bond) and includes demographic reports, bond presentations, frequently asked questions, financial presentations, and details about the Aledo Growth Committee process.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a bond presentation for your organization or neighborhood, contact Katherine Springer at 817-441-8327 or email at aledobond@aledoisd.org.
Elementary School No. 7 - $59,800,000
High School Addition/Repurpose - $20,200,000
AHS/DNG Furniture - $5,000,000
Land (including tracts for additional high school facilities) - $17,800,000
Safety and Security - $5,000,000
Transportation - $4,500,000
Technology - $6,500,000
Maintenance - $5,000,000
Parenting University: Digital Kids: Parenting in the Age of Smartphones
You're invited to the next FREE Aledo ISD Parenting University: Digital Kids: Parenting in the Age of Smartphones with Dr. Ryan Smith from 6:30-8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, in the Walsh/Louden Rooms in the Aledo ISD Administration Building. Dinner and drinks will be provided by Aledo PTO, and babysitting will be available. This Parenting University is open to all parents, and we strongly encourage parents of kids ages 8-14 to attend!
To learn more about this Parenting University, go to www.aledoisd.org/parentingu.
District MAP Results and Benchmark Assessment Information
MAP Growth Results
MAP Growth results for students in 3-8 grade/Algebra I/English I & II will be sent home with your student the week of February 21st. Data from these assessments provide middle-of-year data points for tracking and monitoring student progress/growth throughout the school year. Once you receive your student's report, feel free to reach out to your student's teacher with any specific questions or concerns. Click here to learn more about MAP Growth including how it works, what it measures and common questions. Haga clic aquí para obtener más información en español.
District Benchmark Assessments
The district benchmark assessment window will be February 28-March 9. (Campus specific testing dates will be communicated through your campus newsletter.) Benchmark assessments measure student proficiency on grade level essential standards and results are used to determine which specific standards students have mastered and which standards need additional time and support.CDC Students Learn About Black History Month
All of the students in the district's Child Development Center have participated in different activities to learn more about Black History Month through the first couple of weeks of February! The Preschool A and Preschool B classes celebrated by researching and presenting on an African American man or woman who has made a difference in our country. The students had help from their parents and then presented their project to their class. Great job to our youngest Bearcats!
Nutrition News!
Check out our NEW HOT/COLD BOWL concept at Aledo Middle School and McAnally Middle School. Hot Bowl choice rotates daily; Cold Bowl includes fresh salad bar and toppings.
YUMMY!!
Celebrations: We're excited to recognize these AISD students and staff members!
Sendoff in Style!
We were excited to send off State-Bound AHS/DNG swimmers and wrestlers today as they head to their respective UIL state championships.
Wrestler senior Chad Thomas won 3rd place at regionals last weekend in the 120 lb weight class while freshman Brice Bohn finished 5th (106 lb) and is headed to state as an alternate. State swim qualifiers are:
Relays:
- Girls 200 Medley - Natalie Hutson, Haley Roberson, Corah Satterfield, Victoria Crews
- Boys 200 Medley - Sam Ogden, Porter Lane, Tanner Howse, Kyle Scharlow
- Girls 200 Free Style - Natalie Hutson, Corah Satterfield, Victoria Crews, Haley Roberson
Individuals:
- Haley Roberson 200 IM and 500 Freestyle
- Victoria Crews 100 Fly
- Natalie Hutson 100 Backstroke
- Sam Ogden 100 Backstroke
Good luck swimmers and wrestlers!
Congrats All-State Band Members!
The TMEA Audition Process ended January 21 for Aledo band students. The region band auditions ended at Keller Timber Creek on December 10 with 50 Aledo students earning a chair in the All Region Bands. Ten students advanced to the TMEA Area B contest on January 7 and two students advanced to the TMEA All State Band Auditions on January 14.
Congrats to this year’s TMEA All State Band Members-Jane Claire Anderson (Junior Flute) and Isabella Stamper (Sophomore French Horn). These two students performed at the All State Band Concert on Saturday, February 11 in San Antonio at the TMEA Clinic and Convention.
Coming up in Aledo ISD - Mark Your Calendars!
AHS Girls Basketball Faces Colleyville Heritage in Second Round Playoff Game
After defeating Everman for the bi-district championship, the Aledo girls basketball team will play Colleyville Heritage in an area round matchup at 6:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday, Feb. 16) at Chisholm Trail High School.
Aledo will be the home team. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students: https://www.emsisd.com/Page/48056.
Upcoming Important Dates
- Friday, February 17: student holiday and staff professional learning day
- Monday, February 20: student holiday and staff work day
- Friday, March 10: early release day for all Aledo ISD students
- March 13-17: Spring Break
- Monday, March 20: student holiday and staff professional learning and work day
AHS Cheer Tryout Information Meeting Feb. 23
If you are interested in trying out for an AHS 23-24 cheerleading squad or for the mascot position, you are required to attend the cheer information meeting that will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 5:00 p.m. Candidates are required for attend the meeting with a parent or guardian and will need to fill out an application packet, given out after the meeting to be added to the tryout list. Please see Mrs. Martinez, Mrs. Clader, Mrs. Wheaton or Mrs. Diaz if you have any questions.
Parenting University: Digital Kids: Parenting in the Age of Smartphones Feb. 27
You're invited to the next FREE Aledo ISD Parenting University: Digital Kids: Parenting in the Age of Smartphones with Dr. Ryan Smith from 6:30-8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, in the Walsh/Louden Rooms in the Aledo ISD Administration Building. Dinner and drinks will be provided by Aledo PTO, and babysitting will be available. This Parenting University is open to all parents, and we strongly encourage parents of kids ages 8-14 to attend!
AHS Career Info Fair March 9
AHS is hosting a career fair on March 9 from 9-11am in the AHS gym. We are inviting 40 business owners and professionals to host a table and answer questions. We will have a table for each participant and students will walk though and ask questions about your career or profession. They will be encouraged to investigate; what education is necessary for your career, what is the need for your field( growing), what is a salary range that can be expected in your profession.
Please use the link below to fill out the google form if you are interested in attending and willing to participate. We will send more information prior to March 9.
https://forms.gle/t62xXfSoXmfhoao2A
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
Aledo ISD Night at the Texas Rangers Game June 5
Make plans to take the whole family to watch a Texas Rangers game and celebrate Aledo ISD Night at the Rangers game! When you purchase a special ticket through texasrangers.com/schools you'll be eligible to receive the Aledo/Texas Rangers hat!
The game is at 7:05 p.m. on Monday, June 5 at Globe Life Field against the St. Louis Cardinals.
P2 Character Trait of the Week: Love
This week's P2 Character Trait of the Week is Love!
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 Love Character Card below, and consider using one of these Table Talk questions to start a conversation with your child about Love!
LOVE TABLE TALK for your FAMILY
Grades Pre-K-2: What are some ways that you show love to other people?
Grades 3-5: What examples of love have you experienced in your life?
Grades 6-8: Is it easier to show love for others or yourself? Why?
Grades 9-12: What is your definition of love?
Aledo PTO hosting Bearcat Beginnings March 1
Are you new to Aledo ISD? Or have you been here a while and want to make new friends and help us welcome new families to the community? Come join us at our next Bearcat Beginnings event on March 1 from 6:30-7:15 at the Aledo Learning Center.
Just for coming, your family will be entered to win a $100 Main Event Gift Card as well as gift cards to local Aledo businesses.
Come spend time as a family, play games, eat treats and make some new friends! We hope you can join us!
Aledo Children's AdvoCats Run, Walk or Crawl 1K/5K March 25!
The Aledo AdvoCats Run, Walk or Crawl Glow Run is a nighttime fun run in the heart of Aledo that raises money for a great cause. Bring out the whole family for a night like no other – participants can choose between a 1K or a 5K race (or do both!) that begins and ends on the Aledo High School track! Every participant is given glow gear so they light the night as they run. We will have food and entertainment before and after the race for a fun family night benefiting the children in our community. Ready, set … GLOW!
Aledo Education Foundation Bearcats 'N Boots March 31!
Help support the students and teachers of Aledo ISD by attending the 9th annual Aledo Education Foundation Bearcats 'N Boots event! This event will be from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, March 31, at the Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, and it will feature live entertainment by Lonestar.
Sponsorships are available at www.aledoef.org or email Valerie Kerr at Valerie@aledoef.org
Thank you 2022-2023 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.
Thank you to our 2022-2023 Bearcat Backers!
Gold Level Sponsors
First Financial Bank
TWFG Insurance Services - Christi James
Silver Level Sponsors
Bigfoot Ink/Ecoimprint
SkinMD
Bronze Level Sponsors
Brandon Swain REALTOR
Brookshire's Grocery Company
Bryan Insurance Agency
Camp Fire First Texas
Khill Shot Photography by Keith Hill
Lynch Legacy Realty Group
Paradigm Wealth Management - Christopher Roberts
Reading Friends Aledo
Slade & Nash
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