🍎 Calling All Alma Substitutes 🍎
We're excited to kick off a new school year! Join us for our Substitute Workshop & Training on Tuesday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m. in the Union at Alma High School.
Whether you're new or returning, this workshop will help you get ready for a successful year. We can't wait to see you there!
We're excited to kick off a new school year! Join us for our Substitute Workshop & Training on Tuesday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m. in the Union at Alma High School.
Whether you're new or returning, this workshop will help you get ready for a successful year. We can't wait to see you there!
📚 Honor Roll Recognition: Bookmobile Team
At the July Alma School Board meeting, Alma School District proudly recognized Mrs. Balkman and the dedicated Bookmobile team as part of the Staff and Faculty Honor Roll!
For nine weeks each summer, this incredible team works to bring books, meals, and smiles directly to children throughout our community. Their commitment helps keep students reading, learning, and connected while school is out - making a lasting impact on families year after year.
☀️ Summer 2026 Impact (to date):
📚 1,672 books checked out
🍽️ 2,288 lunches served
This year’s recognized team includes:
📚 Bookmobile Staff
• Stacy King
• Hollie Bottoms
• Kathleen Bowlin
• Mackenzie Feurtado
• Lauren Deshazo
• Sara Hubbs
• Tabor Merritt
🍽️ Food Service
• Donna Foley
• Larissa Carter
🚌 Driver
• Holly Graves
A special thank you to Mrs. Balkman and the entire Bookmobile crew for your dedication, teamwork, and commitment to serving our students and community each summer. Your efforts help create meaningful experiences for children across Alma, and we are grateful for all that you do!
Not pictured: Tabor Merritt, Sara Hubbs, and Kathleen Bowlin.
At the July Alma School Board meeting, Alma School District proudly recognized Mrs. Balkman and the dedicated Bookmobile team as part of the Staff and Faculty Honor Roll!
For nine weeks each summer, this incredible team works to bring books, meals, and smiles directly to children throughout our community. Their commitment helps keep students reading, learning, and connected while school is out - making a lasting impact on families year after year.
☀️ Summer 2026 Impact (to date):
📚 1,672 books checked out
🍽️ 2,288 lunches served
This year’s recognized team includes:
📚 Bookmobile Staff
• Stacy King
• Hollie Bottoms
• Kathleen Bowlin
• Mackenzie Feurtado
• Lauren Deshazo
• Sara Hubbs
• Tabor Merritt
🍽️ Food Service
• Donna Foley
• Larissa Carter
🚌 Driver
• Holly Graves
A special thank you to Mrs. Balkman and the entire Bookmobile crew for your dedication, teamwork, and commitment to serving our students and community each summer. Your efforts help create meaningful experiences for children across Alma, and we are grateful for all that you do!
Not pictured: Tabor Merritt, Sara Hubbs, and Kathleen Bowlin.
Airedale Sports Passes are now available!
Get ready to cheer on the Airedales all season long! Sports passes can now be purchased at the Administration Building.
Pass Information:
✅ A valid ID is required at the time of purchase.
✅ Payment options include cash or check.
✅ Passes are not valid for Little League games.
✅ Senior citizens may receive up to two passes per person.
✅ Student passes are available for students in grades 7 and above.
Don’t miss a moment of the action - grab your pass, pack the stands, and support Airedale Athletics all season long!
Go Airedales!
Get ready to cheer on the Airedales all season long! Sports passes can now be purchased at the Administration Building.
Pass Information:
✅ A valid ID is required at the time of purchase.
✅ Payment options include cash or check.
✅ Passes are not valid for Little League games.
✅ Senior citizens may receive up to two passes per person.
✅ Student passes are available for students in grades 7 and above.
Don’t miss a moment of the action - grab your pass, pack the stands, and support Airedale Athletics all season long!
Go Airedales!
🐾 Welcome to the Airedale Family!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Lyndsie Carr, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a classroom teacher.
About Lyndsie: Lyndsie brings 11 years of teaching experience to Alma, spending the majority of her career in the lower elementary grades where she has helped students develop strong foundational learning skills. She is passionate about helping every student reach their highest potential while building confidence both inside and outside the classroom. Lyndsie and her husband, Dallas, have three daughters who will also be attending Alma schools. As a family, they enjoy spending time together and staying busy with their daughters' sports and activities.
Lyndsie is excited to begin this new chapter at Alma Primary School and looks forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff.
We’re excited to welcome Lyndsie to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Lyndsie Carr, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a classroom teacher.
About Lyndsie: Lyndsie brings 11 years of teaching experience to Alma, spending the majority of her career in the lower elementary grades where she has helped students develop strong foundational learning skills. She is passionate about helping every student reach their highest potential while building confidence both inside and outside the classroom. Lyndsie and her husband, Dallas, have three daughters who will also be attending Alma schools. As a family, they enjoy spending time together and staying busy with their daughters' sports and activities.
Lyndsie is excited to begin this new chapter at Alma Primary School and looks forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff.
We’re excited to welcome Lyndsie to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
Get ready for a great year, Airedales!
The 2026–2027 school year is right around the corner, and we’ve created a Back-to-School Hub with everything families need to start the year prepared.
From important dates and school supply lists to enrollment information, transportation, meals, and more - you’ll find helpful resources all in one convenient place.
Start planning today and make sure your family is ready for a smooth start to another amazing year at Alma School District!
Visit the Back-to-School Hub: https://www.almasd.net/page/back-to-school-hub
The 2026–2027 school year is right around the corner, and we’ve created a Back-to-School Hub with everything families need to start the year prepared.
From important dates and school supply lists to enrollment information, transportation, meals, and more - you’ll find helpful resources all in one convenient place.
Start planning today and make sure your family is ready for a smooth start to another amazing year at Alma School District!
Visit the Back-to-School Hub: https://www.almasd.net/page/back-to-school-hub
🚨 Last Chance to Vote 🚨
Today is the FINAL day to vote in the Best of River Valley awards!
Every Alma School District campus - and the district as a whole - has been nominated, and we'd be honored to have your support one last time.
If you've been meaning to vote, don't wait! It only takes a few minutes, and every vote makes a difference.
🗳️ Vote now before the polls close: www.votebestofrivervalley.com
Thank you for supporting our incredible students, staff, and schools. We truly have the best community, and we're proud to call Alma home!
Today is the FINAL day to vote in the Best of River Valley awards!
Every Alma School District campus - and the district as a whole - has been nominated, and we'd be honored to have your support one last time.
If you've been meaning to vote, don't wait! It only takes a few minutes, and every vote makes a difference.
🗳️ Vote now before the polls close: www.votebestofrivervalley.com
Thank you for supporting our incredible students, staff, and schools. We truly have the best community, and we're proud to call Alma home!
🌍 Become a Host Family This Year 🌍
Alma School District is preparing to welcome a new group of exchange students, and we still have 3 boys in need of host families: Andrej, Lois, and Thien.
Hosting an exchange student is a meaningful opportunity to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make a lasting impact in a student's life.
👀 View their profiles here: https://www.almasd.net/o/ahs/page/student-descriptions
If you'd like to learn more or are interested in becoming a host family, contact Eileen Parham at EPharham@almasd.net or (479) 462-5100.
Alma School District is preparing to welcome a new group of exchange students, and we still have 3 boys in need of host families: Andrej, Lois, and Thien.
Hosting an exchange student is a meaningful opportunity to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make a lasting impact in a student's life.
👀 View their profiles here: https://www.almasd.net/o/ahs/page/student-descriptions
If you'd like to learn more or are interested in becoming a host family, contact Eileen Parham at EPharham@almasd.net or (479) 462-5100.
🐾 Welcome to the Airedale Family!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Amber James, who will be serving as the School Nurse at Alma Primary School.
About Amber: Amber James, also known as “Nurse AJ” around school, has served as a substitute nurse within the district for several years and is excited to officially continue caring for the students and families of Alma Primary School.
Amber shares that being a school nurse is about much more than Band-Aids and ice packs. While she supports students with everyday health needs like scraped knees, bumps, bruises, and tummy aches, she values the meaningful moments in between most of all. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of care she has learned from incredible nurses throughout her time in the district.
Outside of school, Amber enjoys spending time with her husband, Clayton, and their two children, Kensington and Jack. Their family stays busy with farm life, cheering at sporting events, and making memories together whenever possible.
Amber is grateful to be part of the Alma School family and is looking forward to an exciting year serving APS students and families!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Amber James, who will be serving as the School Nurse at Alma Primary School.
About Amber: Amber James, also known as “Nurse AJ” around school, has served as a substitute nurse within the district for several years and is excited to officially continue caring for the students and families of Alma Primary School.
Amber shares that being a school nurse is about much more than Band-Aids and ice packs. While she supports students with everyday health needs like scraped knees, bumps, bruises, and tummy aches, she values the meaningful moments in between most of all. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of care she has learned from incredible nurses throughout her time in the district.
Outside of school, Amber enjoys spending time with her husband, Clayton, and their two children, Kensington and Jack. Their family stays busy with farm life, cheering at sporting events, and making memories together whenever possible.
Amber is grateful to be part of the Alma School family and is looking forward to an exciting year serving APS students and families!
Learning never takes a summer break!
Our Grades 6–12 educators recently came together for Summer Literacy Professional Development to sharpen their instructional practices and prep for an incredible school year ahead.
Here is a sneak peek at what our dedicated teachers were working on:
🔍 Exploring high-quality instructional materials
🎯 Aligning curriculum and standards
🧠 Analyzing best practices
📝 Planning engaging lessons to boost student success
A massive thank you to our incredible secondary teachers for investing your summer time, sharing brilliant ideas, and collaborating to make a real difference. Your dedication ensures our Middle School and High School students receive the absolute best literacy instruction!
We can’t wait to see the impact of this hard work in the classroom!
Our Grades 6–12 educators recently came together for Summer Literacy Professional Development to sharpen their instructional practices and prep for an incredible school year ahead.
Here is a sneak peek at what our dedicated teachers were working on:
🔍 Exploring high-quality instructional materials
🎯 Aligning curriculum and standards
🧠 Analyzing best practices
📝 Planning engaging lessons to boost student success
A massive thank you to our incredible secondary teachers for investing your summer time, sharing brilliant ideas, and collaborating to make a real difference. Your dedication ensures our Middle School and High School students receive the absolute best literacy instruction!
We can’t wait to see the impact of this hard work in the classroom!
Have you voted yet?
There’s still time to support Alma School District in the Best of River Valley awards - voting remains open through July 7!
We’re proud that every Alma School District campus, along with the district as a whole, has been nominated. We’re so grateful for our amazing students, staff, families, and community who make Alma such a special place to learn and grow.
🗳️ Don’t forget to cast your vote at www.votebestofrivervalley.com
Thank you for continuing to support the people and programs that make Alma Public Schools shine!
There’s still time to support Alma School District in the Best of River Valley awards - voting remains open through July 7!
We’re proud that every Alma School District campus, along with the district as a whole, has been nominated. We’re so grateful for our amazing students, staff, families, and community who make Alma such a special place to learn and grow.
🗳️ Don’t forget to cast your vote at www.votebestofrivervalley.com
Thank you for continuing to support the people and programs that make Alma Public Schools shine!
Free & Reduced Meal Applications for the 2026–2027 School Year are now available!
Don’t forget to add the Free & Reduced Meal Application to your back-to-school checklist! We encourage every family to submit an application for the upcoming school year. Applying is quick, 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.
Don’t forget to add the Free & Reduced Meal Application to your back-to-school checklist! We encourage every family to submit an application for the upcoming school year. Applying is quick, 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.
📚❤️ A little feel-good story from the Bookmobile this week...
While making its regular stops on Monday, our Bookmobile team was approached by a gentleman visiting a friend here in Alma from out of state. After watching children excitedly check out books, he shared how wonderful it was to see the joy the Bookmobile brings and generously made a donation to support the program.
It's moments like these that remind us the Bookmobile is about so much more than books - it's about inspiring a love of reading and making a difference in our community. Thank you for your kindness!
Today is Wednesday, which means BOOKMOBILE DAY! Check out today's schedule below.
Please remember that stop times are approximate and may vary based on travel and the number of students served.
Track the Bookmobile here: https://cloud.samsara.com/o/9124/fleet/viewer/lcF8SP3Iiy5Taq7rSsug
If you miss your closest stop, you're always welcome to meet us at another stop along today's route!
While making its regular stops on Monday, our Bookmobile team was approached by a gentleman visiting a friend here in Alma from out of state. After watching children excitedly check out books, he shared how wonderful it was to see the joy the Bookmobile brings and generously made a donation to support the program.
It's moments like these that remind us the Bookmobile is about so much more than books - it's about inspiring a love of reading and making a difference in our community. Thank you for your kindness!
Today is Wednesday, which means BOOKMOBILE DAY! Check out today's schedule below.
Please remember that stop times are approximate and may vary based on travel and the number of students served.
Track the Bookmobile here: https://cloud.samsara.com/o/9124/fleet/viewer/lcF8SP3Iiy5Taq7rSsug
If you miss your closest stop, you're always welcome to meet us at another stop along today's route!
🌍 Become a Host Family This Year!
Alma School District is preparing to welcome our next group of exchange students - and we have just 3 boys still needing host families: Andrej, Lois, and Thien!
Hosting an exchange student is a rewarding opportunity to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make a meaningful difference in a student’s life.
Interested? Check out their student descriptions in this post and consider opening your home to one of these amazing students and being part of this special experience!
Alma School District is preparing to welcome our next group of exchange students - and we have just 3 boys still needing host families: Andrej, Lois, and Thien!
Hosting an exchange student is a rewarding opportunity to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make a meaningful difference in a student’s life.
Interested? Check out their student descriptions in this post and consider opening your home to one of these amazing students and being part of this special experience!
Thirty-two students from Alma High School proudly represented Airedale Nation at the 2026 Technology Student Association (TSA) National Conference in Washington, D.C.!
Centered around this year's theme, "Unity Through Community," our students competed alongside some of the nation's top STEM and technology students while participating in leadership sessions, networking with peers from across the country, and building lasting connections.
Beyond the conference, students explored our nation's capital by touring the U.S. Capitol and visiting many of Washington, D.C.'s iconic museums and monuments, making the trip an unforgettable blend of competition, leadership, education, and history.
We're incredibly proud of these students for representing Alma High School with excellence and bringing home new experiences, fresh ideas, and a continued passion for STEM. Way to go, Airedales!
Centered around this year's theme, "Unity Through Community," our students competed alongside some of the nation's top STEM and technology students while participating in leadership sessions, networking with peers from across the country, and building lasting connections.
Beyond the conference, students explored our nation's capital by touring the U.S. Capitol and visiting many of Washington, D.C.'s iconic museums and monuments, making the trip an unforgettable blend of competition, leadership, education, and history.
We're incredibly proud of these students for representing Alma High School with excellence and bringing home new experiences, fresh ideas, and a continued passion for STEM. Way to go, Airedales!
🐾 Welcome to the Airedale Family!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Stephanie Jones, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School.
About Stephanie: Stephanie brings an incredible 32 years of teaching experience to Alma. Throughout her career, she has taught students from 2nd through 12th grade and is passionate about helping children learn and grow. Originally from south Mississippi, she now lives in Van Buren and is very active at Heritage Church. Stephanie is also the proud mother of two grown daughters and is excited to begin this new chapter at Alma Primary School.
We’re excited to welcome Stephanie to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Stephanie Jones, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School.
About Stephanie: Stephanie brings an incredible 32 years of teaching experience to Alma. Throughout her career, she has taught students from 2nd through 12th grade and is passionate about helping children learn and grow. Originally from south Mississippi, she now lives in Van Buren and is very active at Heritage Church. Stephanie is also the proud mother of two grown daughters and is excited to begin this new chapter at Alma Primary School.
We’re excited to welcome Stephanie to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
Alma School District will close at noon on Thursday, July 2, and will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Have a safe, happy, and wonderful 4th of July weekend, Airedales!
⚓️ What an incredible experience!
Recently, Gracelynn Edwards had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar in Annapolis, Maryland. This highly competitive, week-long program gives students a firsthand look at life at the Naval Academy while challenging them through hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities, leadership development, and teamwork.
We are incredibly proud of her for representing Alma and embracing such an outstanding opportunity. Way to go, Gracelynn!
Recently, Gracelynn Edwards had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar in Annapolis, Maryland. This highly competitive, week-long program gives students a firsthand look at life at the Naval Academy while challenging them through hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities, leadership development, and teamwork.
We are incredibly proud of her for representing Alma and embracing such an outstanding opportunity. Way to go, Gracelynn!
🐾 Welcome to the Airedale Family!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Brendan Wiley, who will be joining the team at Alma Middle School as a teacher and Senior High/Junior High Boys Assistant Basketball Coach.
About Brendan: Coach Brendan Wiley is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education along with a Coaching Endorsement. He brings nearly a decade of coaching experience and has helped build successful basketball programs at Lincoln Consolidated Schools and Ozark Catholic Academy.
Most recently, Coach Wiley played a key role in fostering a strong, positive culture within the athletic department and girls basketball program at Providence Academy. During his time at Ozark Catholic Academy, he also worked alongside current Alma Head Boys Basketball Coach Cody Vaught, helping lay the foundation for the growth and success of the girls basketball program.
Known for his passion for mentoring young athletes and developing leaders both on and off the court, Coach Wiley brings tremendous energy, character, and experience to Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Brendan to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students, athletes, and community!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Brendan Wiley, who will be joining the team at Alma Middle School as a teacher and Senior High/Junior High Boys Assistant Basketball Coach.
About Brendan: Coach Brendan Wiley is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education along with a Coaching Endorsement. He brings nearly a decade of coaching experience and has helped build successful basketball programs at Lincoln Consolidated Schools and Ozark Catholic Academy.
Most recently, Coach Wiley played a key role in fostering a strong, positive culture within the athletic department and girls basketball program at Providence Academy. During his time at Ozark Catholic Academy, he also worked alongside current Alma Head Boys Basketball Coach Cody Vaught, helping lay the foundation for the growth and success of the girls basketball program.
Known for his passion for mentoring young athletes and developing leaders both on and off the court, Coach Wiley brings tremendous energy, character, and experience to Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Brendan to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students, athletes, and community!
🚨 Important Reminder for Airedale Athletics 🚨
The annual AAA Summer Dead Period is just around the corner. From June 21 through July 4, all Alma School District athletic facilities will be completely closed, and there will be no coach-led practices, workouts, or team activities.
This mandatory rest period is the perfect time for our student-athletes and coaches to pause, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved summer downtime with family and friends.
Stay active on your own, stay hydrated, and get ready to hit the ground running when we return after the 4th of July!
The annual AAA Summer Dead Period is just around the corner. From June 21 through July 4, all Alma School District athletic facilities will be completely closed, and there will be no coach-led practices, workouts, or team activities.
This mandatory rest period is the perfect time for our student-athletes and coaches to pause, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved summer downtime with family and friends.
Stay active on your own, stay hydrated, and get ready to hit the ground running when we return after the 4th of July!
📚✈️ From Alma to the national stage!
This week, Nora Dean and Riley Bender proudly represented Alma at National History Day, held at the University of Maryland.
We're so proud of these outstanding students for showcasing their hard work, dedication, and passion for history on the national level. What an incredible opportunity and accomplishment!
Take a look at some highlights from their trip!
This week, Nora Dean and Riley Bender proudly represented Alma at National History Day, held at the University of Maryland.
We're so proud of these outstanding students for showcasing their hard work, dedication, and passion for history on the national level. What an incredible opportunity and accomplishment!
Take a look at some highlights from their trip!
