Every year, the Aledo PTO gives parents the opportunity to purchase school supply packs for convenience, as we know how hectic of a time this can be for our parents. We do this as a service project, offering the school supply packs as close to cost as possible.
Previously, there have been grade level lists specific to each grade level at each elementary campus, and 6th, 7th, and 8th grades...for a total of 33 different school supply lists. In two short years, we will be adding another elementary school and another middle school, which would potentially add 9 additional school supply lists, for a total of 42 individual lists. It is extremely difficult to find volunteer support to sustain our current practices in regards to school supplies. We agreed that, either this program had to change, or the Aledo PTO could no longer support it. The growth is unavoidable, and we collectively decided that now would be an opportune time to reevaluate our school supply process.
Earlier this year, several members of the Aledo PTO Executive Board requested a meeting with Aledo ISD administration, to help devise an efficient solution. The administration graciously offered to help the Aledo PTO with this endeavor. Our wonderfully dedicated teachers met during lunch on their work day in February, after collecting feedback from fellow teachers at their campuses, and devised a district-wide school supply list for each grade level, Pre-K through 5th grades. Teachers at McAnally and Aledo Middle School verified the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade lists, as they already have grade level lists. (When the new middle school opens, we will most likely approach Aledo ISD administration again in order to consolidate those lists.) We are now in the process of pricing the lists and finalizing them with the school supply company. We aspire to begin selling school supplies for the next school year in April.
In addition to simplifying the process, the Aledo PTO envisions several other benefits because of this change:
- Prices for school supplies will be streamlined. For example, parents who purchase a 1st grade pack at one school will be paying the same as parents who purchase a 1st grade pack at another school.
- Students who transfer from one elementary school to another will still have the correct school supplies needed for their education.
- School supplies will now be more manageable for the Aledo PTO, and we are hopeful that volunteers will be more likely to give their precious time for the success of this program.
We are optimistic about these changes and are happy that we have found a way to continue this invaluable service for the staff and families of Aledo ISD. We would like to thank the Aledo ISD administration for supporting us in this change.
-Candi Lear
Aledo PTO
President
What if our teachers need specific items that didn't get included on the district-wide list?
The Aledo PTO is currently working with Aledo ISD administration to determine the best course of action. We are in agreement that teachers should be provided with everything they need for the success of their students.
What if, in the end, this process isn't as successful as previous years?
The Aledo PTO will reconvene, reevaluate, and implement a new plan that promotes the success of every student in our Bearcat community.
What if a child is zoned for McCall, but the family moves into a home that is zoned for Coder?
The school supply pack would move from McCall to Coder with that child. That family would no longer need to shop for school supplies not included on the original list.
What if a family is new to the district...will they need a specific school supply pack specific to their school?
No, they just need a school supply pack that is specific to their grade. One of our goals is to ensure equality throughout the district, and pricing will be the same from a grade level of one school to the same grade level of another school.
