💛 Community Shout-Out: Thank You to Our Generous Partners!

We are so grateful for the wonderful community partners who have helped us provide hygiene bags to students served by the Alma Bookmobile this summer!

A special thank-you goes to Pediatrics Plus - Alma for organizing this effort and for putting together and bagging all of the items. Thanks to their leadership and the generosity of Delta Dental of Arkansas, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Smith Downtown, and Buff City Soap, students have received bags filled with essential items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, and soap.

Thank you to each of these partners for helping make a difference in the lives of our students. Your generosity and support help us provide resources that go beyond books and meals, and we are so grateful for your investment in the children and families we serve through the Alma Bookmobile!
about 1 month ago, ASD Communications
 Community Shout-Out: Thank You to Our Generous Partners!
 Community Shout-Out: Thank You to Our Generous Partners!
 Community Shout-Out: Thank You to Our Generous Partners!
 Community Shout-Out: Thank You to Our Generous Partners!
🐾 New Role Announcement

We’re excited to announce that Tabor Merritt will be taking on a new role at Alma Intermediate School as a 5th Grade Science teacher!

A 2020 Alma High School graduate, Tabor is an Airedale through and through and is excited to continue serving the Alma School District in this new role. She is looking forward to joining the AIS team and sharing her passion for learning with 5th-grade students.

Outside of school, Tabor enjoys spending time with her family and reading. She and her husband, Evan, were married in November, and she is excited for all that this new chapter has in store!

We’re excited to see Tabor take on this new opportunity and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make with our students!
about 1 month ago, ASD Communications
Tabor Merritt
📚 Professional Development Spotlight: Lisa Neihouse

From June 21–27, Lisa Neihouse participated in the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) program, “The Most Southern Place on Earth: Landmarks of Delta History.”

Lisa described the experience as “one of the most impactful professional development experiences in my career,” adding, “I learned so much that I am still processing.”

Highlights included visiting Dockery Farms, the B.B. King Museum, the Lorraine Motel, the Stax Museum, the National Civil Rights Museum, and Fannie Lou Hamer's gravesite.

One of the most emotional and empowering moments was hearing from Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr., the last surviving witness to the night Emmett Till was taken from his family and later murdered.

We are proud to support educators like Lisa as they continue to learn, grow, and bring meaningful experiences and new perspectives back to our students and classrooms. ❤️📚
about 1 month ago, ASD Communications
 Professional Development Spotlight: Lisa Neihouse
 Professional Development Spotlight: Lisa Neihouse
 Professional Development Spotlight: Lisa Neihouse
 Professional Development Spotlight: Lisa Neihouse
 Professional Development Spotlight: Lisa Neihouse
🎓 Celebrating Our 2026 AP Scholars 🎓

Alma High School is proud to recognize these outstanding students for their exceptional performance on the Advanced Placement (AP) Exams! Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence are truly worth celebrating.

🏅 AP Scholars
Scored a 3 or higher on 3 or more AP Exams.

🏅 AP Scholars with Honor
Scored a 3 or higher on 4 or more AP Exams, with an average score of at least 3.25 on all exams.

🏅 AP Scholars with Distinction
Scored a 3 or higher on 5 or more AP Exams, with an average score of at least 3.5 on all exams.

Congratulations to all of our AP Scholars! Your achievements represent an incredible level of dedication and academic excellence. We are so proud of you!
about 1 month ago, ASD Communications
AP Scholars
🐾 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 Jacob Coursey, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as an SDC teacher. Jacob will also be coaching Junior High football in the fall and Senior High softball in the spring.

About Jacob: Jacob is a 2021 graduate of Alma High School and is excited to begin his first year in education right here in the Alma School District. He is passionate about making a positive impact on students and athletes both in the classroom and on the field. Jacob recently married his wonderful wife, Sydney, and the couple has a dog named Nash. He is excited to return to the Alma community and looks forward to building relationships with students and athletes throughout the school year.

We’re excited to welcome Jacob back to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students, athletes, and community!
about 1 month ago, ASD Communications
Jacob Coursey
The countdown to the new school year is officially ON! Swipe through the graphics below to see what's coming up, and grab the Great Start schedule for August 10 below!

Key Dates:
🏫 Aug 6: District-Wide Open House (3:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
✏️ Aug 10: Kindergarten Open House (8:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
🚀 Aug 10: Great Start for Grades 3, 6, & 9 (See schedule below)
🖍️ Aug 11: FIRST DAY OF PRE-K!
🎒 Aug 12: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (K–12)!

⏰ Great Start Schedules (Monday, Aug 10):

Alma Intermediate (3rd Grade)
7:30 AM: Doors open (Parents may walk students to morning area)
8:00 AM: Released to classrooms (Parents may walk to room door)
11:05 AM: Lunch
12:10 PM: Parent Pick-Up | 12:15 PM: Bus Dismissal

Alma Middle School (6th Grade)
7:45 AM: Doors open
8:30 AM: 1st Period starts
12:27 PM: Dismissal

Alma High School (9th Grade)
7:45 AM – 8:10 AM: Arrival & Breakfast
8:10 AM – 8:25 AM: Opening at Skokos PAC
8:25 AM – 11:50 AM: Tours & Schedule Run-Through
11:50 AM – 12:25 PM: Lunch at Student Union
12:15 PM: Parent Pick-Up | 12:25 PM: Bus Dismissal

Tag an Airedale parent below so they don't miss these times!

🔗 BACK TO SCHOOL HUB: https://www.almasd.net/page/back-to-school-hub
about 1 month ago, ASD Communications
Back to School 1
Back to School 2
Back to School 3
Back to School 4
📢 Reminder for Families: Make Sure Your Student Is Fully Enrolled!

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, please make sure all required enrollment documents have been submitted to your child’s school office. Students will not be placed in a classroom until all required documents have been received and enrollment is complete.

📚 Kindergarten students must have the following turned in:
✅ Birth certificate
✅ Immunization records or approved exemption
✅ Social Security number
✅ Physical exam documentation
✅ Proof of residency
📚 New 1st & 2nd grade students:
✅ Signed and returned record release forms
✅ Student’s Social Security number

If you have questions or need assistance completing enrollment, please contact your child’s school office. We’re excited to welcome our students back for a great year!
about 1 month ago, ASD Communications
Alma School District was proudly represented at the ADE Summit 2026 in Hot Springs this week!

Assistant Superintendent Mr. Kirkendoll and Sara Hubbs, Media Specialist and Literacy Facilitator at Alma High School, were invited to present during the Schools on the Move session, sharing insights on what high-growth principals know and do. Following a visit to Alma High School by the Arkansas Department of Education's Office of Innovation in May, they were invited to join the panel and share their work with school leaders from across the state.

Alma High School Principal Mrs. Moore also represented the district as a panelist, joining a Career & Technical Education Coordinator and a Computer Science Director to discuss strategies for integrating core academics into Career and Technical Education programs.

We are proud of these outstanding leaders for representing Alma School District and showcasing the great work happening in our schools!
about 1 month ago, ASD Communications
Alma School District was proudly represented at the ADE Summit 2026 in Hot Springs this week!
Alma School District was proudly represented at the ADE Summit 2026 in Hot Springs this week!
🍎 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!
about 1 month ago, ASD Communications
 Calling All Alma Substitutes
📚 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.
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
Honor Roll Recognition: Bookmobile Team
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!
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
Airedale Sports Passes are now available!
🐾 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!
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
Lyndsie Carr
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
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
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!
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
Today is the FINAL day to vote in the Best of River Valley awards!
🌍 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.
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
🌍 Become a Host Family This Year 🌍
🐾 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!
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
Amber James
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!
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
Learning never takes a summer break!
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!
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
There’s still time to support Alma School District in the Best of River Valley awards - voting remains open through July 7!
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.
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
Free & Reduced Meal Applications
📚❤️ 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!
about 2 months ago, ASD Communications
BOOKMOBILE DAY!