🍎 Free & Reduced Meal Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are still available!
Now that the school year is underway, we encourage families who have not yet submitted an application to do so. Applying is quick and easy and may also help families qualify for additional educational programs and benefits.
Apply online: https://www.almasd.net/page/child-nutrition-services
Alma School District is an equal opportunity provider.
Now that the school year is underway, we encourage families who have not yet submitted an application to do so. Applying is quick and easy and may also help families qualify for additional educational programs and benefits.
Apply online: https://www.almasd.net/page/child-nutrition-services
Alma School District is an equal opportunity provider.
Big news for our students! Thanks to Airedale Nutrition, ALL Alma Middle School and Alma High School students will receive FREE admission to Friday night’s first home varsity football game - the Battle of the Bone against Van Buren! Tickets will be distributed to students at each campus this week and must be presented at the gate for free admission. Come fill the stands, cheer on the Airedales, and help us kick off the home season with an incredible atmosphere! 🏈🐾💚💛
Last Friday, Alma Intermediate School students put service into action by delivering Cinnabon cinnamon rolls to the wonderful staff members who help make their school such a special place! In addition to learning the importance of serving others, these monthly projects give students an opportunity to practice appropriate and meaningful conversations with adults.
A special thank-you to King Elite Cheer, the A. Price Family, the J. Fisher Family, the Schwartz Family, the R. Simon Family, and the S. Leding Family for sponsoring the August project. We appreciate your continued support as we teach our students that serving others is an important part of being a successful member of their school and community! 💚💛
Attention, Airedale fans! 🏈🐾 Battle of the Bone tickets are officially on sale at the Alma School District Administration Building and Alma High School office! Scruffy and Battle of the Bone T-shirts are also available at the Administration Building. Cash or check only.
Club Fair Day at Alma High School! 🎉 Students had the opportunity to explore the many clubs and organizations available, meet current members, and discover new ways to get involved throughout the school year!
🌎 Spanish I students at Alma High School recently explored countries around the world where Spanish is an official language! Students researched their assigned countries and drew each country’s flag, using their artwork to create this colorful “¡Hola!” display. Ms. Trenity Myers is new to the district this year and is already off to a great start with her students!
🔬🐛 Science is already in action in Mrs. Price’s class at Alma Middle School!
Students kicked off the year with “Investigate the Teacher,” using observations and inferences to learn more about Mrs. Price and her classroom expectations.
Next, they put their collaboration, planning, and problem-solving skills to the test as they worked within specific constraints to save Fred the gummy worm from shark-infested waters!
What a fun, hands-on way to begin the school year while practicing important scientific-thinking skills!
Students kicked off the year with “Investigate the Teacher,” using observations and inferences to learn more about Mrs. Price and her classroom expectations.
Next, they put their collaboration, planning, and problem-solving skills to the test as they worked within specific constraints to save Fred the gummy worm from shark-infested waters!
What a fun, hands-on way to begin the school year while practicing important scientific-thinking skills!
🎓 Attention, Alma High School seniors and families!
Please hold off on submitting college applications for now! The new AR ACCESS Portal is expected to open in October 2026 and may help simplify the application process while saving students money.
Through AR ACCESS, students will be able to:
• Complete one application for multiple participating Arkansas colleges
• Receive application fee waivers for up to five state-approved applications
• Explore colleges and manage documents in one convenient location
• Have transcripts processed automatically
• Apply directly for faster admission processing and notifications
• Protect personal information through multi-factor authentication
Students may be able to register and begin setting up their accounts in September before applications open in October. In the meantime, continue monitoring individual college deadlines - especially those related to scholarships and housing.
📅 Upcoming Dates
• College and Career Day: September 23
• FAFSA Night: October 15 during Parent-Teacher Conferences
The AR ACCESS Resources Toolkit includes user guides, tutorials, videos, and other helpful materials for students and families. We will share additional information as it becomes available!
🔗 Learn more: https://araccessportal.adhe.edu/resources
Please hold off on submitting college applications for now! The new AR ACCESS Portal is expected to open in October 2026 and may help simplify the application process while saving students money.
Through AR ACCESS, students will be able to:
• Complete one application for multiple participating Arkansas colleges
• Receive application fee waivers for up to five state-approved applications
• Explore colleges and manage documents in one convenient location
• Have transcripts processed automatically
• Apply directly for faster admission processing and notifications
• Protect personal information through multi-factor authentication
Students may be able to register and begin setting up their accounts in September before applications open in October. In the meantime, continue monitoring individual college deadlines - especially those related to scholarships and housing.
📅 Upcoming Dates
• College and Career Day: September 23
• FAFSA Night: October 15 during Parent-Teacher Conferences
The AR ACCESS Resources Toolkit includes user guides, tutorials, videos, and other helpful materials for students and families. We will share additional information as it becomes available!
🔗 Learn more: https://araccessportal.adhe.edu/resources
📚 History Is Closer Than You Think!
Students in Mrs. Stricklin’s U.S. History classes kicked off the school year by exploring senior composite photos featuring generations of Alma High School graduates.
Using the photographs displayed throughout the AHS hallways as historical evidence, students searched for examples of change and continuity, connected local experiences to broader moments in U.S. history, and considered an important question: Why do we study history?
What a meaningful way to discover that history isn’t limited to textbooks - it can be found all around us!
Students in Mrs. Stricklin’s U.S. History classes kicked off the school year by exploring senior composite photos featuring generations of Alma High School graduates.
Using the photographs displayed throughout the AHS hallways as historical evidence, students searched for examples of change and continuity, connected local experiences to broader moments in U.S. history, and considered an important question: Why do we study history?
What a meaningful way to discover that history isn’t limited to textbooks - it can be found all around us!
Saydee Hammonds Earns Junior Board Position and Show Honors
Congratulations to Alma High School freshman Saydee Hammonds on an outstanding accomplishment! Saydee recently applied for and earned a position on the Midwest American Aberdeen Association Junior Board.
She also had a successful showing in the Junior Show, where her cattle earned third place, first place and Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair.
We are proud of Saydee for her dedication, leadership and success!
Congratulations to Alma High School freshman Saydee Hammonds on an outstanding accomplishment! Saydee recently applied for and earned a position on the Midwest American Aberdeen Association Junior Board.
She also had a successful showing in the Junior Show, where her cattle earned third place, first place and Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair.
We are proud of Saydee for her dedication, leadership and success!
🏈 Airedale Football is BACK!
The Airedales kick off the season tomorrow with a scrimmage against Southside at Southside. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
🎟️ Digital ticketing only:
https://gofan.co/event/6571394?schoolId=AR72396
Let’s go, Airedales! 🐾
The Airedales kick off the season tomorrow with a scrimmage against Southside at Southside. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
🎟️ Digital ticketing only:
https://gofan.co/event/6571394?schoolId=AR72396
Let’s go, Airedales! 🐾
🌎 This summer, Alma High School students Cameron Cockburn and Madison Montague were selected to attend the AEGIS International Affairs Summer Camp at the University of Central Arkansas!
The weeklong program brought together 50 high school students from across Arkansas to explore international affairs, diplomacy, the United Nations and Model UN. Through workshops and interactive simulations, students represented countries, debated current global issues and collaborated to draft resolutions.
We are proud of Cameron and Madison for representing AHS and taking advantage of this unique leadership opportunity!
The weeklong program brought together 50 high school students from across Arkansas to explore international affairs, diplomacy, the United Nations and Model UN. Through workshops and interactive simulations, students represented countries, debated current global issues and collaborated to draft resolutions.
We are proud of Cameron and Madison for representing AHS and taking advantage of this unique leadership opportunity!
Airedale families, we know it’s HOT!
With these temperatures, afternoon bus rides can feel extra long. Today, we’re happy to provide cold bottled water for our bus riders to help keep students cool and hydrated on the ride home!
A big thank you to our Transportation team for getting everything iced down and ready to go. Stay cool, Airedales!
With these temperatures, afternoon bus rides can feel extra long. Today, we’re happy to provide cold bottled water for our bus riders to help keep students cool and hydrated on the ride home!
A big thank you to our Transportation team for getting everything iced down and ready to go. Stay cool, Airedales!
☕📚 SPOTTED: Mr. Hesslen enjoying hot chocolate - courtesy of The Coffee Parlor - and visiting with students in Ms. Yates’ fifth-grade literacy class during today’s “Starbooks” book tasting! Students explored a variety of genres while sipping a special treat. Thank you to The Coffee Parlor for generously providing enough hot chocolate for everyone!
Celebrating Two Outstanding Airedales
During Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting, Alma School District proudly recognized two individuals for their exceptional achievements and service.
🏆 Michael Bridges, Gifted and Talented and Advanced Placement Coordinator, was honored as the Arkansas Association of Gifted Education Administrators Administrator of the Year. His leadership and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on gifted and advanced learners across our district.
🚌 Lawrence Mirus was recognized for 19 years of dedicated service as a trip bus driver. Throughout countless miles, he safely transported students and staff while always leading with care, knowledge, and commitment.
Congratulations to Michael and Lawrence, and thank you both for the difference you have made throughout Alma School District!
During Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting, Alma School District proudly recognized two individuals for their exceptional achievements and service.
🏆 Michael Bridges, Gifted and Talented and Advanced Placement Coordinator, was honored as the Arkansas Association of Gifted Education Administrators Administrator of the Year. His leadership and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on gifted and advanced learners across our district.
🚌 Lawrence Mirus was recognized for 19 years of dedicated service as a trip bus driver. Throughout countless miles, he safely transported students and staff while always leading with care, knowledge, and commitment.
Congratulations to Michael and Lawrence, and thank you both for the difference you have made throughout Alma School District!
📚 Help Us Find Missing AHS Yearbooks!
As the Skokos Performing Arts Center-Alma prepares for an upcoming reunion event, Alma School District is asking our community to help locate Alma High School yearbooks from the following years:
1971, 1972, 1974, 1962, 1958, 1951, 1949, and all years from 1947 and earlier.
If you have one of these yearbooks to donate or temporarily lend, please contact Alma School District or drop it off at the Administration Building.
Thank you for helping us preserve our school’s history!
As the Skokos Performing Arts Center-Alma prepares for an upcoming reunion event, Alma School District is asking our community to help locate Alma High School yearbooks from the following years:
1971, 1972, 1974, 1962, 1958, 1951, 1949, and all years from 1947 and earlier.
If you have one of these yearbooks to donate or temporarily lend, please contact Alma School District or drop it off at the Administration Building.
Thank you for helping us preserve our school’s history!
Two days down, and we’re off to a great start! From one campus to the next, our students and staff have filled these first two days with plenty of smiles and special moments. Here’s to a wonderful school year ahead!
Two great shirt options are now available for Alma students, families and fans!
🐾 Team Scruffy Shirts - $12
Available for Alma students in kindergarten through fifth grade. As an added perk, students can wear their Scruffy shirt to receive free admission to most home Alma athletic events!
View the Team Scruffy order form:
https://aptg.co/HMJfKn
🏈 Battle of the Bone Shirts - $15
Get ready for this annual rivalry tradition and help pack Airedale Stadium in black! Shirts are available for students, staff, families and fans.
View the Battle of the Bone order form:
https://aptg.co/z_GP8Q
Sizes are limited, so order early! Each order form includes sizing, payment options and additional details.
🐾 Team Scruffy Shirts - $12
Available for Alma students in kindergarten through fifth grade. As an added perk, students can wear their Scruffy shirt to receive free admission to most home Alma athletic events!
View the Team Scruffy order form:
https://aptg.co/HMJfKn
🏈 Battle of the Bone Shirts - $15
Get ready for this annual rivalry tradition and help pack Airedale Stadium in black! Shirts are available for students, staff, families and fans.
View the Battle of the Bone order form:
https://aptg.co/z_GP8Q
Sizes are limited, so order early! Each order form includes sizing, payment options and additional details.
This Friday, August 14, join us at 7:30 PM at Airedale Stadium for a night full of school spirit, excitement, and Airedale pride!
We’ll introduce our 7th–12th grade athletes and activities, including band, football, dance, cheer, volleyball, cross country, and tennis. We’ll also celebrate our younger Airedales by introducing our 2nd–6th grade tackle football players and cheerleaders!
Following the introductions, get ready for the second annual Big Dog–Little Dog Game, where our 3rd- and 4th-grade Little Airedales will take on the high school football team!
Bring your family and friends, and join us this Friday as we kick off another exciting year of Airedale athletics and activities!
We’ll introduce our 7th–12th grade athletes and activities, including band, football, dance, cheer, volleyball, cross country, and tennis. We’ll also celebrate our younger Airedales by introducing our 2nd–6th grade tackle football players and cheerleaders!
Following the introductions, get ready for the second annual Big Dog–Little Dog Game, where our 3rd- and 4th-grade Little Airedales will take on the high school football team!
Bring your family and friends, and join us this Friday as we kick off another exciting year of Airedale athletics and activities!
THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS TOMORROW!
The 2026–2027 school year officially begins tomorrow for our K–12 Airedales! Before heading to bed tonight, take a few minutes to make sure your family is ready.
🚌 Transportation
Double-check your student’s bus route, pick-up time, and transportation plan. Please remember that routes may run a little slower during the first few days as everyone settles into a routine.
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/page/transportation
⏰ Arrival & Dismissal Times
Review your child’s campus handbook for school hours, arrival and dismissal procedures, attendance information, and other important expectations.
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/documents/state-required-information/student-handbooks/452404
🍎 Breakfast & Lunch
Take a look at what’s being served and talk with your child about their meal plans for tomorrow.
➡️ https://menus.healthepro.com/organizations/820
💳 Meal Payments
Parents may add money to student meal accounts online through MyPaymentsPlus. New users will need to create a profile before making a payment.
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/o/asd/page/mypaymentplus
🥪 Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families are encouraged to complete a meal application. Until an application is processed, households are responsible for the full price of meals.
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/page/child-nutrition-services
📱 Stay Connected
Make sure you have the Alma Schools app downloaded and notifications turned on. Rooms will be our primary tool for classroom and school-to-home communication throughout the year. Pre-K and kindergarten families, please stay tuned - we are still working to provide you with Rooms access!
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/o/asd/page/rooms-support
A Few Final Reminders for Tomorrow:
✅ Pack backpacks and lay out clothes tonight.
✅ Label lunchboxes, water bottles, jackets, and other belongings.
✅ Make sure your child knows how they will get home.
✅ Allow extra time for heavier traffic and longer drop-off and pick-up lines.
✅ Get a good night’s rest - we’ll see you in the morning!
You can also find these resources, school supply lists, health information, enrollment details, and more in our Back-to-School Hub:
🔗 https://www.almasd.net/page/back-to-school-hub
We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as our students, families, drivers, and staff settle into a new routine. We can’t wait to welcome our Airedales tomorrow for an amazing first day! ✏️📚🚌
The 2026–2027 school year officially begins tomorrow for our K–12 Airedales! Before heading to bed tonight, take a few minutes to make sure your family is ready.
🚌 Transportation
Double-check your student’s bus route, pick-up time, and transportation plan. Please remember that routes may run a little slower during the first few days as everyone settles into a routine.
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/page/transportation
⏰ Arrival & Dismissal Times
Review your child’s campus handbook for school hours, arrival and dismissal procedures, attendance information, and other important expectations.
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/documents/state-required-information/student-handbooks/452404
🍎 Breakfast & Lunch
Take a look at what’s being served and talk with your child about their meal plans for tomorrow.
➡️ https://menus.healthepro.com/organizations/820
💳 Meal Payments
Parents may add money to student meal accounts online through MyPaymentsPlus. New users will need to create a profile before making a payment.
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/o/asd/page/mypaymentplus
🥪 Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Families are encouraged to complete a meal application. Until an application is processed, households are responsible for the full price of meals.
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/page/child-nutrition-services
📱 Stay Connected
Make sure you have the Alma Schools app downloaded and notifications turned on. Rooms will be our primary tool for classroom and school-to-home communication throughout the year. Pre-K and kindergarten families, please stay tuned - we are still working to provide you with Rooms access!
➡️ https://www.almasd.net/o/asd/page/rooms-support
A Few Final Reminders for Tomorrow:
✅ Pack backpacks and lay out clothes tonight.
✅ Label lunchboxes, water bottles, jackets, and other belongings.
✅ Make sure your child knows how they will get home.
✅ Allow extra time for heavier traffic and longer drop-off and pick-up lines.
✅ Get a good night’s rest - we’ll see you in the morning!
You can also find these resources, school supply lists, health information, enrollment details, and more in our Back-to-School Hub:
🔗 https://www.almasd.net/page/back-to-school-hub
We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as our students, families, drivers, and staff settle into a new routine. We can’t wait to welcome our Airedales tomorrow for an amazing first day! ✏️📚🚌
