10/29/2026
Thank you to every single cheerleader who ordered a shirt this year! I love all of your generous hearts!
An open letter to Kennedale and our surrounding communities from Mrs. Kaley Bond, teacher at Kennedale High School.
First and foremost, All Glory to God.
“And my whole life for Your glory
My whole world for You only
Everything for the honor of Your name
And if my days tell a story
Let it be of You only
Everything for the honor of Your name”
Center by Bethel Music
It’s been over 17 years since I moved to Texas from Wisconsin and over 10 years since my family made Kennedale our home. There was a time when we weren’t sure if we’d stay in Kennedale. But now, there’s no doubt this is where we’re supposed to be! This is my 6th year teaching in Kennedale ISD where I’ve taught close to 1,000 9th and 11th grade students. That’s a lot of teenagers! But the best part is that they’ve shared even more hugs, laughs, tears, handshakes, and love with me!
This year has been a fight for my family and me. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2026 where I spent weeks running to doctor appointments and tests. I began chemotherapy on May 11, but unfortunately some medical setbacks have me completing 16 rounds later than anticipated in November. I have been extremely blessed by the students, parents, coworkers, community members, and friends that have gone above and beyond to show me support emotionally, financially, and spiritually.
Special shout outs to Sarah, Key Club, Mr. Rico, and Cox Racing for coordinating a 5k race to benefit my family and me! I am in complete awe that they would be willing to put in all of this time and effort. I am forever grateful!
To Coach L. Hammonds and Cheer Kennedale: You sacrificed funds for your own program and selflessly gave up your fundraising efforts to promote Pink Out shirts honoring me. Your generous hearts do not go unnoticed!
Coach Chris and the Aristokats repped Small School. Big Bond shirts in support too!
The Pink Out Pep Rally was planned and executed seamlessly! Thank you to every person who contributed, cheered, and showed up!
To my students, past and present: You have shown me immeasurable love this year! The number of students who stop by to check-in and give me hugs during passing period! When I was first diagnosed, I received lovely gift baskets with all the necessities to battle this beast! I am so grateful for the surprises to brighten my day! Thank you to those who bought t-shirts and chose to spend a Saturday morning running and walking to Rally for a Cure! Being loved by a teenager is one of life’s greatest blessings (and accomplishments)! You’ve made what some may call a job into a calling!
Parents, community members, and friends: Thank you for the prayers! Thank you for the encouraging words! Thank you for keeping my family and me in your thoughts!
You have provided meals, gift cards, donations, texts, calls, emails, and you’ve raised kids who are compassionate, empathetic, and thoughtful! I can’t thank you enough!
To my fantastic neighbors affectionately known as “The Corner.” You have kept my family and me fed! Our crew is truly the best neighbors we could ever ask for! Thank you for checking in and being a constant support system!
Mr. Cagle and the outstanding KHS staff: I can’t even begin to share all the ways you’ve stepped up and been willing to help in any way. Mrs. Hale and Mrs. McPherson covered my classes and took morning duty for me. Thank you to Mr. Lee for driving me home when I was too sick to drive myself. Last minute help from Ms. George, Coach Burkham, Mr. Blount, and Ms. Gallegos! Mrs. Padgett, even though retired, has checked in on me weekly, brought groceries, and delivered meals. Ms. Vick and her sweet students decorated outside my classroom with an adorable sign and pumpkin. Our substitutes, Mrs. White and Ms. Marvin, have picked up jobs last minute and been a consistent presence for my kids! I’ve had countless others offer to make my copies, sit with me during chemo, cover classes, lend a hand any way possible. Staff also provided me with such incredibly generous gift cards to provide meals for us this summer. To our library lunch bunch: thank you for keeping me sane and continuing to pray!
To my big sis: She initiated, coordinated, and planned every detail of the t-shirt sales! She folds my laundry when she comes over and pulls weeds out of my front flowerbeds. She takes off work to sit with me at chemo and keep my little one. Literally anything and everything to take one more thing off my plate. She never complains! She has showed up for me in every way possible.
To my niece: You’ve been willing to take care of Madison when we’ve needed extra hands. And you did the most unfun thing: sit with your aunt during chemo and change ice packs out to help! Thank you for your selflessness.
To my husband and our family: Jon, you are the glue that holds us all together. You’ve always been the husband who takes care of me. I tell people that I’d starve if it weren’t for you! You work tirelessly to provide for our family, you’ve taken on extra duties, you’ve made sure we all have what we need, and you do this daily. You don’t give up even when you’re tired. Thank you for holding down our fort! Thank you for loving me, and thank you for never wavering in your support of me. I love you so much!
CJ and Madison: You both make this fight worth fighting! CJ, you were the first person I told about my diagnosis in person, and you stopped everything you were doing to be there for me. Thank you for your understanding and grace. Madison, you are my comedic relief! You are so determined that everyone knows I’m bald! Your curiosity and compassion have me explaining complex issues in simpler terms, but you always make sure I’m okay and not hurting. I love you both!
If I’ve missed thanking you, please don’t feel left out. And I want you to know it was not intentional.
Kennedale has done more for me than I ever imagined, and I am grateful, appreciative, and overcome with thankfulness.
Thank you, Kennedale!
Love,
Mrs. Kaley Bond
