Students in Ms. Hall’s third grade class celebrated Election Day by learning all about voting and the importance of making your voice heard! They created voter registration cards, filled out ballots, and cast their votes in two delicious classroom elections — with Cheeseburgers and Donuts taking the win!
Congratulations to the Pride of Alma! What an incredible finish to an amazing season! Your hard work, dedication, and talent make Alma proud! 🎉🎶
Dino-sized fun for our second graders! Alma Primary School students are off on a special adventure today — a trip to the theater to see The Land Before Time as part of their science unit on fossils! After the movie, they’ll head to the park for some playtime and fresh air — a perfect way to end a fun, fossil-filled day of learning! 🦕🎬🦴🍿
🌟🎓 Airedale Alumni Spotlight 🎓🌟
Earlier this year, we proudly shared that Xavier Herzig had been named a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program — one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Now, we’re thrilled to announce that Xavier has officially been named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of only 161 students nationwide selected by the U.S. Department of Education for this prestigious recognition.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors outstanding high school seniors for their academic excellence, artistic achievement, leadership, service, and citizenship. Out of more than 3.9 million graduates this year, just 6,400 students qualified for consideration, with final selections based on academic records, essays, community service, and leadership.
As part of the program’s tradition, each scholar recognizes their most influential teacher — and Xavier selected Ms. Jeana Parker, acknowledging her remarkable impact on his education and success.
The Alma School District congratulates Xavier Herzig and Ms. Parker on this incredible national honor!
Earlier this year, we proudly shared that Xavier Herzig had been named a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program — one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students. Now, we’re thrilled to announce that Xavier has officially been named a U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of only 161 students nationwide selected by the U.S. Department of Education for this prestigious recognition.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors outstanding high school seniors for their academic excellence, artistic achievement, leadership, service, and citizenship. Out of more than 3.9 million graduates this year, just 6,400 students qualified for consideration, with final selections based on academic records, essays, community service, and leadership.
As part of the program’s tradition, each scholar recognizes their most influential teacher — and Xavier selected Ms. Jeana Parker, acknowledging her remarkable impact on his education and success.
The Alma School District congratulates Xavier Herzig and Ms. Parker on this incredible national honor!
We might be a couple of months into the school year, but it’s not too late to apply for Free & Reduced Meals! Every family is encouraged to submit an application — you could still qualify for valuable benefits this year.
👉 Apply today: https://www.almasd.net/o/asd/page/free-and-reduced-information
👉 Apply today: https://www.almasd.net/o/asd/page/free-and-reduced-information
Last Friday, we had the privilege of celebrating our incredible seniors! Senior Night is a special tradition — a time to honor the dedication, hard work, and commitment these students have shown in their sports and activities over the years. Thank you to everyone who came out to support them and make the night so memorable! Check out our Facebook page for more photos.
Alma High School students recently visited ATU – Ozark for Tech Out Day! They explored program booths, learned about hands-on career pathways, and toured the campus to see those programs in action. We love seeing our students explore opportunities for their future!
This week, Dr. Wood and district principals completed learning walks at Alma Primary School. These visits provided an opportunity to apply the skills learned in recent training with NIET and to develop a common language as an instructional leadership team.
During the learning walks, principals focused on what students were doing and saying in the classroom. Observations included how students engaged with lessons, collaborated with peers, and demonstrated understanding of key concepts. The goal was not to evaluate teachers, but to reflect on student learning and the instructional practices that support success across the district.
Dr. Wood noted that the visits offer valuable insight into how district initiatives are being implemented and how leaders can better support teachers. “It’s powerful to see the great things happening in our classrooms every day,” Dr. Wood said. “These walks give us the chance to celebrate what’s working and identify areas where we can continue to grow together.”
The district plans to continue these learning walks throughout the year to strengthen collaboration, consistency, and shared leadership across all schools.
During the learning walks, principals focused on what students were doing and saying in the classroom. Observations included how students engaged with lessons, collaborated with peers, and demonstrated understanding of key concepts. The goal was not to evaluate teachers, but to reflect on student learning and the instructional practices that support success across the district.
Dr. Wood noted that the visits offer valuable insight into how district initiatives are being implemented and how leaders can better support teachers. “It’s powerful to see the great things happening in our classrooms every day,” Dr. Wood said. “These walks give us the chance to celebrate what’s working and identify areas where we can continue to grow together.”
The district plans to continue these learning walks throughout the year to strengthen collaboration, consistency, and shared leadership across all schools.
BEC-O was in the building! Everyone’s favorite magician stopped by Alma Primary School this morning to wow students with a little magic, a lot of laughs, and lessons on making good choices! 🎩✨
Having trouble logging in to Rooms?
Good news — the issue has been resolved!
The recent login problem affecting iPhone (iOS) users has been fixed, and you should now be able to access the app without any issues.
If you’re still having trouble:
• Close and reopen the app to reset your session
• If that doesn’t work, delete and reinstall the app to clear the login cache
Thank you for your patience while this was being worked out!
Good news — the issue has been resolved!
The recent login problem affecting iPhone (iOS) users has been fixed, and you should now be able to access the app without any issues.
If you’re still having trouble:
• Close and reopen the app to reset your session
• If that doesn’t work, delete and reinstall the app to clear the login cache
Thank you for your patience while this was being worked out!
There's news to share from Alma School District! We are proud to announce that our schools have been honored in multiple categories of the Best of River Valley awards.
This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our students, staff, and entire community. Here are the highlights of our recent achievements:
🥇 Best Middle School: Alma Middle School was recognized as the Gold recipient, a tremendous achievement that highlights the exceptional learning environment and leadership at AMS.
🥈 Best Elementary School: Alma Primary School was selected as the Silver recipient, celebrating the strong foundation and nurturing start our youngest students receive.
🥉 Best Public School System: Alma School District earned the Bronze recipient award. This recognition reflects the high quality of education and support we provide across all our schools.
Congratulations to our students, staff, and community for helping make Alma Schools among the best in the River Valley!
This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our students, staff, and entire community. Here are the highlights of our recent achievements:
🥇 Best Middle School: Alma Middle School was recognized as the Gold recipient, a tremendous achievement that highlights the exceptional learning environment and leadership at AMS.
🥈 Best Elementary School: Alma Primary School was selected as the Silver recipient, celebrating the strong foundation and nurturing start our youngest students receive.
🥉 Best Public School System: Alma School District earned the Bronze recipient award. This recognition reflects the high quality of education and support we provide across all our schools.
Congratulations to our students, staff, and community for helping make Alma Schools among the best in the River Valley!
Band night highlights! We love shining a spotlight on our talented musicians from across the district! A big thank you to the Alma Middle School and Alma High School bands for always bringing the energy and keeping us moving to the beat! 🎶🥁🎺
Students in Mrs. Price’s science class at Alma Middle School explored physical and chemical changes during their “Campfire Chemistry” lab using one of everyone’s favorite treats: s’mores.
With graham crackers, chocolate squares, and marshmallows, students observed how heat and mixing create different types of changes. They learned that melting chocolate and softening marshmallows are physical changes, while roasting marshmallows over a “flame” (a countertop burner in this case) produces a chemical change.
To finish, students connected the experiment to real-world science by examining how our bodies break down food, showing how eating involves both physical and chemical changes.
Mrs. Price’s hands-on approach made learning about matter both educational and delicious!
Learning by Doing: Alma Middle School’s “How To Sessions”
This week during advisory, Alma Middle School students took part in the school’s engaging “How To Sessions.” During these sessions, teachers shared hands-on skills ranging from practical to creative — including making blankets, cooking pancakes, sewing, fly fishing, knitting, using power tools, changing tires, and writing in cursive. These unique activities give students valuable real-world skills while allowing teachers to connect, engage, and inspire in new and meaningful ways. Way to go, Alma Middle School — keep exploring and learning!
This week during advisory, Alma Middle School students took part in the school’s engaging “How To Sessions.” During these sessions, teachers shared hands-on skills ranging from practical to creative — including making blankets, cooking pancakes, sewing, fly fishing, knitting, using power tools, changing tires, and writing in cursive. These unique activities give students valuable real-world skills while allowing teachers to connect, engage, and inspire in new and meaningful ways. Way to go, Alma Middle School — keep exploring and learning!
Alma TSA students recently attended the Arkansas TSA Chapter Officer Leadership Academy (COLA), where they took part in interactive leadership training and team-building activities. Throughout the event, students strengthened their communication, organization, and chapter management skills — preparing them to lead and grow their local TSA chapters this year.
Front row: Arkansas TSA State Officers – Noel Parker (Sergeant at Arms), Brenna Morris (President), and Kylee Wallis (Secretary)
Back row: Dylin Trantham, Isaac Wald, Silas Dumond, Gabriel Johnson, Sophia Kimes, Ruby Inman, Chloe Haught, Jackson Burdick, Brody Baldwin, and Malachi Houck
Front row: Arkansas TSA State Officers – Noel Parker (Sergeant at Arms), Brenna Morris (President), and Kylee Wallis (Secretary)
Back row: Dylin Trantham, Isaac Wald, Silas Dumond, Gabriel Johnson, Sophia Kimes, Ruby Inman, Chloe Haught, Jackson Burdick, Brody Baldwin, and Malachi Houck
📣 Parents & Guardians: It’s Parent-Teacher Conference Week!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Thursday, October 16: Teacher Work Day + Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences — No school for students.
- Friday, October 17: Parent-Teacher Conferences (all day) — No school for students.
Pre-K families: Pre-K students will attend school as normal both days.
You can view both the Pre-K and District Calendars at the link below.
LINK: https://www.almasd.net/documents/school-calendars/787919
Here’s what you need to know:
- Thursday, October 16: Teacher Work Day + Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences — No school for students.
- Friday, October 17: Parent-Teacher Conferences (all day) — No school for students.
Pre-K families: Pre-K students will attend school as normal both days.
You can view both the Pre-K and District Calendars at the link below.
LINK: https://www.almasd.net/documents/school-calendars/787919
On October 2, district leaders, principals, and curriculum specialists participated in NIET Learning Walk Training, a professional development opportunity through the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching.
This training helps school leaders strengthen teaching and learning by conducting short, non-evaluative classroom visits focused on instructional growth and student engagement.
The following day, October 3, NIET staff developers joined Alma school leaders on campuses across the district to put their new skills into action — observing, collaborating, and supporting teachers in their continued pursuit of excellence.
A huge thank-you to NIET and our dedicated staff for their hard work, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement across all Alma schools!
This training helps school leaders strengthen teaching and learning by conducting short, non-evaluative classroom visits focused on instructional growth and student engagement.
The following day, October 3, NIET staff developers joined Alma school leaders on campuses across the district to put their new skills into action — observing, collaborating, and supporting teachers in their continued pursuit of excellence.
A huge thank-you to NIET and our dedicated staff for their hard work, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement across all Alma schools!
Fun Friday at Alma Primary School! Big thanks to the Alma Fire Department for visiting and turning fire safety into a fun and memorable experience for our students! 🚒🔥
October Board Meeting Recognitions
We’re celebrating our incredible staff and leaders this month!
Alma Primary School – Recognized for fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning through dedication and care.
⭐Honorees: Jessica Gillingham, Erin Sanders, Melissa Ellifrits, Amanda Nelson, Jennifer Schneider, Ashley White
Alma Intermediate School – Recognized for launching the 5th Grade Ambassador Program, creating meaningful leadership opportunities for students.
⭐Honorees: Madison Yates, Shelbi Thomas, Allie Smith
Alma Middle School – Recognized for providing nutritious meals and a welcoming environment that supports student success.
⭐Honoree: Jill Boyd
Alma High School – Recognized for exceptional teaching and demonstration of Illustrative Mathematics. Her dedication, positive attitude, and impact have inspired fellow Alma High School math teachers.
⭐Honoree: Amanda Atwell
National Principal Month
This October, we celebrate the leadership, dedication, and care of our principals who make a difference in every school:
Brian Kirkendoll – Alma High School
JD Coursey – Alma Middle School
Jennifer Lyon – Alma Intermediate School
Shawn Bullard - Alma Primary School
Thank you to all of our staff and principals for the impact you make on our students every day!
We’re celebrating our incredible staff and leaders this month!
Alma Primary School – Recognized for fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning through dedication and care.
⭐Honorees: Jessica Gillingham, Erin Sanders, Melissa Ellifrits, Amanda Nelson, Jennifer Schneider, Ashley White
Alma Intermediate School – Recognized for launching the 5th Grade Ambassador Program, creating meaningful leadership opportunities for students.
⭐Honorees: Madison Yates, Shelbi Thomas, Allie Smith
Alma Middle School – Recognized for providing nutritious meals and a welcoming environment that supports student success.
⭐Honoree: Jill Boyd
Alma High School – Recognized for exceptional teaching and demonstration of Illustrative Mathematics. Her dedication, positive attitude, and impact have inspired fellow Alma High School math teachers.
⭐Honoree: Amanda Atwell
National Principal Month
This October, we celebrate the leadership, dedication, and care of our principals who make a difference in every school:
Brian Kirkendoll – Alma High School
JD Coursey – Alma Middle School
Jennifer Lyon – Alma Intermediate School
Shawn Bullard - Alma Primary School
Thank you to all of our staff and principals for the impact you make on our students every day!
October is National Principals Month!
We’re so thankful for the leadership, dedication, and care our principals show each and every day.
Help us celebrate these incredible leaders:
🏫 Brian Kirkendoll – Alma High School
🏫 JD Coursey – Alma Middle School
🏫 Jennifer Lyon – Alma Intermediate School
🏫 Shawn Bullard – Alma Primary School
Let them know how much you appreciate them and recognize the positive impact they have on our schools the next time you see them!
We’re so thankful for the leadership, dedication, and care our principals show each and every day.
Help us celebrate these incredible leaders:
🏫 Brian Kirkendoll – Alma High School
🏫 JD Coursey – Alma Middle School
🏫 Jennifer Lyon – Alma Intermediate School
🏫 Shawn Bullard – Alma Primary School
Let them know how much you appreciate them and recognize the positive impact they have on our schools the next time you see them!
