2025-2026 Bearcat Blast
August 12, 2025
Bearcat Blast • aledoisd.org • December 17, 2025
Happy Holidays from the Aledo ISD Family to Yours!
From the Aledo ISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent, and the entire Aledo ISD family, we wish you a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and dreams come true. 💫🎄
Because of the dedication of our teachers, staff, administrators, and parents and the unwavering support of our community, when our students dream big, they truly can achieve anything. From victories on the field and court to excellence in the classroom and beyond, our students continue to reach extraordinary heights—made possible by your commitment and belief in them.
Thank you for being #AllinAledo. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright new year!
⛄ Winter Break is Almost Here! 🎄
Aledo ISD families, winter break is almost here! The district will have an early dismissal on Thursday, December 18:
- Elementary Schools (PK-5) release at 11:40 am
- Secondary Schools (6-12) release at 12:40 pm
Winter holiday break begins Friday, December 19. All campuses and offices will be closed December 19 through January 2. Staff will return on Monday, January 5, and students will return on Wednesday, January 7.
We hope everyone enjoys a restful and refreshing break as we look forward to a great start in the new year!
Thanks to communications department intern and AHS senior Macy W. for creating our holiday graphic!
THANK YOU Aledo ISD Community for stepping up BIG!
This week, we were able to gift many of our staff members with $25 gift cards thanks to the generosity of our community! Our amazing Aledo PTO stepped up with 80 gift cards and we had several other donations from local businesses and families to the tune of 132 total gift cards!
Thank you so much for your generosity and LOVE for our Bearcat staff! This is what it means to be #AllinAledo!
SilverCats Enjoy Extra Holiday Cheer at Mingle & Jingle!
The SilverCats Mingle and Jingle on Monday night was a great way to celebrate the holiday season! Thanks to the SilverCats members who joined us for hot cocoa, snacks, good conversation, time with Aledo High School band members, and reserved seats for the fabulous AHS Band Winter Concert!
Did you know that SilverCats get together a few times a year to get to know one another and keep our community connected in support of all of our Bearcats? If you are 55 or older, join SilverCats today! Visit: aledoisd.org/silvercats.
Bearcat News Update
Report Cards Available Jan. 9
The grading cycle 2 report card grades will be accessible in Ascender Parent Portal on the afternoon of Friday, January 9. Paper report cards will not be sent home.
- Click here for instructions for accessing report card grades in Parent Portal.
- Click here for information regarding K-2 standards-based report cards.
Thank you for your continued support and for your partnership! Please reach out to your child's teacher if you have any specific questions related to grades.
Proposed Library Book Purchase List Open for 30-Day Community Review From December 11-January 9
In compliance with state law, Aledo ISD provides a public list of all library materials that are proposed to be procured by a school library, accessible for review by the public for at least 30 days before final board approval.
Parents, students and/or community members are welcome to ask questions or provide feedback on the library materials list by submitting an email to: Library@aledoisd.org. All comments received within the 30-day comment period will be reviewed by the School Library Advisory Council and considered prior to finalizing the purchase.
Use the link below to review the proposed book titles for purchase. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find tabs for Elementary, Middle and High School to help you navigate the lists by grade band
Proposed Library Book List 25-26
How to share feedback:
Please email the book title, author, and your questions/ feedback to: Library@aledoisd.org
Nutrition News
Happy Holidays from Aledo ISD Cafeteria Services! We wish you a happy and healthy holiday break!
Register NOW for Spring Bearcats Beyond the Bell After-School Enrichment!
Elementary Parents: Bearcats Beyond the Bell After-school Enrichment Program Registration is Open!
Registration for the Bearcats Beyond the Bell after-school enrichment programs for our elementary schools for the Spring semester is open! Find more information for Bearcats Beyond the Bell at https://www.aledoisd.org/community/beyond-the-bell.
Celebrations: We're excited to recognize these AISD students & staff members!
Congratulations AHS Choir for TMEA Recognition!
Congratulations to our talented Aledo High School Choir students who earned top honors through the highly competitive TMEA audition process!
- 🏅 Region Mixed Choir: Kaitlin Brummer, Jane Wood
- 🏅 District Treble Choir: Cadence Elliott
- 🏅 Region 9/10 Choir: James Boltwood, Madeline Hudson, Karley Jones, Brooks Larkin
We are proud of these students for representing Aledo so well at the regional level and beyond. Way to go, Bearcats!
Congratulations Aledo Bearcat Football for an Amazing Season!
Congratulations AHS Wrestling!
Aledo High School Wrestling brought the heat at the EMS-ISD Tournament this past weekend! The Bearcats battled their way to a 2nd place overall team finish, highlighted by multiple podium finishes and an outstanding performance from Charles Anderson, who was named Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Congratulations to all of our Bearcat and Ladycat wrestlers who represented Aledo with grit, determination, and pride. Way to compete!
Boys:
- 🥇 Dylan Chandler – 120
- 🥇 Charles Anderson – 126 (Most Outstanding Wrestler)
- 🥇 Brice Bohn – 138
- 🥈 Cameron Robbins – 113
- 🥈 Benjamin Hungerford – 165
- 🥈 Ian Crosby – 190
- 🥈 Cam Becera – 285
- 🥉 Gabriel Opsahl – 132
- 🥉 Oliver Tatro – 144
- 🥉 Jonathan Neff – 150
- 🥉 Grayson McNeal – 157
- 🥈 Lillian Carruthers – 100
- 🥈 Joy Stephens – 120
- 🥉 Madison Elliott – 170
McKinney Elementary Performance Ensemble Spreads Holiday Cheer!
The McKinney Elementary Performance Ensemble brought festive energy and Bearcat pride to Christmas Tyme in Aledo with a joyful community performance! Students showcased their musicianship through singing, speaking, dancing, and playing a variety of classroom instruments, creating a lively and engaging program for families and community members. Their performance highlighted creativity, collaboration, and the spirit of the season—what a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and represent McKinney Elementary in our community!
Congrats December 2025 Bearcats of Character!
The Aledo ISD Board of Trustees recognized this latest group of students named Bearcats of Character for the 2025-2026 school year on Tuesday, December 17, 2025 for the character trait GRATITUDE.
According to the Positivity Project, Gratitude is the quality of feeling and expressing thankfulness and appreciation. It is an affirmation that there is goodness in other people and the world, and that we have received that goodness. People with the strength of gratitude have a readiness to show appreciation for kindness and also to return kindness.
Congratulations to the following students, Aledo ISD's December 2025 Bearcats of Character!
Aledo High School: Delaynee Tatro, 12th Grade
Delaynee shows gratitude every day. Delaynee can quickly see the bright side of a situation and uplift others by providing them with thoughtful advice! She is not only thankful for the things she has, and the situations God has placed her in, but she repeatedly reminds the people in her life how much she appreciates them. She is a great example of what it looks like to walk in gratitude.
Aledo Learning Center: Sophee Moreno Wheeler, 12th Grade
Sophee is an exceptionally grateful and polite student who consistently shows appreciation for the support she receives. Her teachers note that she always expresses thanks and treats everyone with kindness and positivity. Sophee’s genuine gratitude and thoughtful spirit make her a pleasure to know and a bright presence in the school community.
Daniel Ninth Grade: Mackenzie Nunn, 9th Grade
Mackenzie is always showing gratitude, she is always looking on the positive side of things, even if she is having a bad day, she never brings others down. She is always bringing out the best in me, she is always pointing out good, positive things about me and others, rather than the negatives.
Aledo Middle School: Gunner Anguiano, 7th Grade
Gunner consistently demonstrates the true spirit of gratitude, making him an exceptional candidate for Bearcat of Character. Three different teachers shared how he goes out of his way to express appreciation—offering a sincere “thank you,” leaving thoughtful sticky notes, or showing respect through his words and actions. His gratitude is genuine, constant, and uplifting, positively impacting both his peers and the classroom environment. Gunner’s maturity, kindness, and intentional connections with others set him apart. He truly embodies this month’s trait and is wholeheartedly deserving of this recognition.
McAnally Middle School: Trinity Outland, 8th Grade
Trinity was nominated because of the thoughtful ways she shows gratitude in our school. She consistently thanks her peers for help and encouragement, recognizes the efforts of others, and expresses appreciation for the opportunities she is given to learn and grow. Whether it’s saying a kind word, helping a classmate, or showing respect to our classroom routines, Trinity demonstrates a genuine awareness of the support and guidance around her. Her gratitude creates a positive and welcoming environment, and it inspires others to be thankful as well. The staff at MMS is truly grateful to have an amazing student like Trinity!
Aledo ISD Early Childhood Academy: Luna Collazo Vazquez, Pre-K
Luna is a beautiful example of what it means to show gratitude in Pre-K. She consistently uses wonderful manners and treats others with kindness and respect. Luna is thoughtful and considerate of her peers, always noticing and appreciating the little things they do. She expresses genuine thanks to her friends and teachers for acts of kindness, support, and even everyday classroom routines. Her warm, thankful spirit shines throughout the school day, making her a joy to be around and a role model for her classmates.
Annetta Elementary School: Luke Latimer, 4th Grade
Luke displays gratitude in class when we learn something new. He always has a positive attitude and brings us so much joy. He is a hard worker, and he is never discouraged- even when things are difficult. He is kind to his classmates and teachers and makes us laugh all the time. Through the lens of gratitude, he provides new perspectives for our class discussions during P2 in the mornings. We are so lucky to have him in our class!
Coder Elementary School: Evelynn McElyea, 5th Grade
Evelynn consistently shows gratitude by recognizing the efforts of others and expressing appreciation without being prompted. Her positive attitude helps create a supportive and welcoming classroom environment.
McCall Elementary School: Jianah Girdner, 5th Grade
Jianah shows gratitude through her thoughtful appreciation of others’ kindness and support. She expresses thanks sincerely and often, recognizing the generosity and care people show her. Jianah always has a positive outlook, and her classmates recognize her selflessness as she is constantly showing up for others with a smile on her face!
McKinney Elementary School: Beau Hickey, Kindergarten
Beau demonstrates gratitude through his words, his willingness to help others, and his appreciation for the good things around him. He is often the first to say thank you when our class receives a compliment and to celebrate classmates when they are recognized as bucket fillers. Beau even notices and values the little things—like when a friend helps him remember a direction or when I give him a hug and acknowledge his leadership. He has also learned to manage the moments when he misses his mom and dad, shifting from feeling a little sad to being thankful that he gets to learn and spend his day with a classroom family that cares for him very much!
Stuard Elementary School: Alexander "Alex" Wilkerson, Kindergarten
Alex is always kind, thankful, and quick to show appreciation to teachers and classmates. Alex’s positive attitude and thankful heart make our classroom a happier place for everyone! He takes time to notice the little things others do and always says thank you with a smile. Alex is the perfect example of gratitude.
Vandagriff Elementary School: Maddox Benavides, 1st Grade
Maddox is full of joy and greets each day with a bright smile. He is a hard worker who never gives up, even when something feels challenging. When he reaches a goal, his excitement is contagious—you can see the confidence and genuine appreciation he has for his own growth. Maddox shows gratitude not only through celebrating his accomplishments, but through the way he values the people around him. He cherishes his friendships, shows deep appreciation for his family, and treats others with kindness and thankfulness. Maddox truly exemplifies gratitude in both his work and his relationships.
Walsh Elementary School: Liahm Colon, Kindergarten
Liahm is the kindest, most gracious, and genuinely thankful friend you could ever ask for. He expresses appreciation effortlessly- whether he’s thanking a classmate for help, acknowledging a teacher’s support, or celebrating others’ successes. His positive spirit is contagious, and he truly lights up every room he enters. Liahm’s consistent gratitude inspires those around him to show kindness and appreciation as well. He is a shining example of what it means to lead with a thankful heart, and our school community is better because of him.
Coming up in Aledo ISD - Mark Your Calendars
Winter Break Ahead for Aledo ISD
As the end of the semester wraps up this week, we want to remind you about upcoming Aledo ISD closures for Winter Break:
- Thursday, Dec. 18: Early Release Day for ALL students:
- Elementary Schools (PK-5) release at 11:40 am
- Secondary Schools (6-12) release at 12:40 pm
- December 19-January 2: Aledo ISD CLOSED
- Monday, Jan. 5: AISD Staff Professional Learning Day/Student Holiday
- Tuesday, Jan. 6: AISD Staff Work Day/Student Holiday
- Wednesday, Jan. 7: Students return to start the Spring semester!
We hope you enjoy the long break, and we can't wait to welcome you back in 2026!
Come support our Bearcat and Ladycat Wrestlers!
We have two great opportunities to come out and cheer on your Aledo Wrestlers!
Wednesday, December 17:
Join us for a home tri-meet against Benbrook and Eagle Mountain in the main gym, starting at 6 PM. Concessions will be available, and Aledo Wrestling t-shirts will be for sale for $15. We only have adult sizes currently. We’ll accept cash or credit card for t-shirts only.
Thursday, December 18 & Saturday, December 20:
The Bearcats and Ladycats will be competing in the Santa Slam at Coppell High School. Be there and show off your Bearcat Pride!
- Thursday — Our JV team will travel to Coppell to compete in the JV Santa Slam.
- Saturday — Varsity will wrap up the week competing in the Santa Slam.
Aledo ISD Substitute Orientation - January 22
Make a difference as a Substitute Teacher in Aledo ISD!
This flexible role lets you support students, keep learning on track and build connections across our schools. If you’re ready to serve your community and inspire students of all ages, step into the classroom with Aledo ISD.
If you have not applied to become a Substitute Teacher, apply today! Once you have applied, register for the mandatory orientation that will be held on January 22 from 10 AM - 12 PM in the Aledo ISD Administration Building Boardroom.
Parenting University is Back! Add These Events to Your Calendar!
New at the Bearcat Store!
Show off your Bearcat Pride with a new Aledo Bearcats license plate holder. Nothing says being All in Aledo more than showing off your support of Aledo Bearcats on your morning drive. They make great gifts and are perfect stocking stuffers! Get yours while they last!
The Bearcat Store is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Administration Building Lobby. The Aledo ISD Bearcat Store follows the Aledo ISD schedule for closures. The Aledo ISD Bearcat Store will be closed from Friday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, January 4 for Winter Break!
Give the Bearcat Store a like and follow to stay up-to-date on all of our new merch!
You are cordially invited to this year's Bearcats 'n Boots!
Bearcat's N Boots is the Aledo Education Foundation’s annual spring fundraiser, to raise community support for AISD's immediate teacher and student needs. Last year's event allowed us to give back over $150,000 across our schools. This districtwide initiative brings together the greater Aledo Community in support of the high-quality education we all work so hard to provide for our kids.
Sold out over the past two years, your Bearcats N Boots sponsorship empowers our future by strengthening education & investing in teachers across our 12 schools. Come support the Aledo Education Foundation with a night of dinner, dancing, and endless fun with Aledo parents, grandparents, friends, and longtime AISD supporters.
We cannot achieve this year's goal without our community's continued investment. Sponsorships will be available soon!
Thank you 2025-2026 Bearcat Backers!
We appreciate your support!
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
Christi James - TWFG Insurance Services
First Financial Bank
Institute for Hormonal Balance
Nothing Bundt Cakes
P1 Roofing and Solar
Redwood Financial
Silver Level Sponsors
Bearcat Financial Network
Brookshire's
Kisselburgh Law Firm
The Little Gym of Aledo
One Rock Carwash
SBK Electrical
Bronze Level Sponsors
Aaron Valencia, The A GAME Agent, Realtor
Aledo InterBank
Bigfoot Ink
First Bank
NBT Financial Bank
Paradigm Wealth Management
Rebecca DeLuca, Compass, Realtor
Turquant Builder Services
🔎 Important Links 🔍
Attendance Matters
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 or the button below for the Absence Reporting Form!
Employee Recognition - Circle of Greatness
There are many Aledo ISD team members who are doing great work every single day! You can nominate any employee serving in the district for the Circle of Greatness Award.
We are looking for employees who are bringing Aledo ISD #GrowingGreatness to life, positively impacting our community, and helping us grow each and every Aledo ISD student. Click here or the button below to recognize a staff member today!
In Aledo ISD, BELL TO BELL, NO CELL!
The intent behind House Bill 1481 is to limit distractions in the classroom and across campus so students can stay focused on learning. As a public school district, our Board of Trustees must adopt a policy that implements the law. Click here or the button below to learn more and check out common frequently asked questions!
Campus breakfast & lunch menus all in one place!
Each Aledo ISD student has access to nutritious and delicious meals prepared by our amazing Child Nutrition staff. Breakfast and lunch are served everyday throughout the school week. Click here or the button below to view this month's breakfast and lunch menus.
Did you know that Aledo ISD has a Flickr account? And it's free!
Aledo ISD is capturing Bearcat pride all year long on our official Flickr account! From Friday night lights and fine arts performances to classroom moments and community events, you’ll find photos that showcase the heart of Bearcat Nation. Take a look, relive the memories, and find yourself on Flickr!
Find fulfillment in Aledo ISD - Become a Bearcat!
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