🐾 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 Drake Snyder, who will serve as an Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Softball Coach at Alma High School. He will also be teaching at Alma Middle School.
About Coach Snyder: Coach Snyder brings 11 years of coaching experience and is passionate about building strong relationships with students while helping them succeed in the classroom, in competition, and in life. He and his wife, Amy, have three children who attend Alma School District. Coach Snyder is excited to join the Alma team and become part of the Airedale community.
We’re excited to have Coach Snyder join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students and athletic programs!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Drake Snyder, who will serve as an Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Softball Coach at Alma High School. He will also be teaching at Alma Middle School.
About Coach Snyder: Coach Snyder brings 11 years of coaching experience and is passionate about building strong relationships with students while helping them succeed in the classroom, in competition, and in life. He and his wife, Amy, have three children who attend Alma School District. Coach Snyder is excited to join the Alma team and become part of the Airedale community.
We’re excited to have Coach Snyder join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students and athletic programs!
School is out. Summer is in. 😎
Thank you, families, students, and staff, for an incredible year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. Wishing everyone a summer full of sunshine, laughter, adventure, and well-deserved relaxation.
See you next school year!
Thank you, families, students, and staff, for an incredible year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. Wishing everyone a summer full of sunshine, laughter, adventure, and well-deserved relaxation.
See you next school year!
A few snapshots from this week’s kindergarten programs! From singing and dancing to big smiles and proud moments, our kindergarten students celebrated a wonderful first year on campus in the best way possible. Thank you to our teachers for all their hard work and to the families who came out to support these sweet students. We are so proud of all they’ve accomplished this year! 🎉
This week, our Alma boys' basketball team made a special return visit to Alma Primary School!
During the fall semester, the team spent time reading to our kindergartners with one goal in mind: to come back in the spring and have the students read to them. This week, they kept that promise!
Our athletes sat patiently and listened intently as the students proudly took turns reading aloud. It was a sweet full-circle moment that highlighted the importance of mentorship, encouragement, and a love for reading.
We are so proud of these student-athletes for being outstanding role models both on and off the court! ❤️🏀📚
During the fall semester, the team spent time reading to our kindergartners with one goal in mind: to come back in the spring and have the students read to them. This week, they kept that promise!
Our athletes sat patiently and listened intently as the students proudly took turns reading aloud. It was a sweet full-circle moment that highlighted the importance of mentorship, encouragement, and a love for reading.
We are so proud of these student-athletes for being outstanding role models both on and off the court! ❤️🏀📚
Highlights from the Alma Middle School Awards Ceremony
There was so much to celebrate at AMS! Students were recognized for academic excellence, leadership, character, and outstanding achievements across many activities and competitions.
Awards were presented for:
📚 All A’s
⭐ Perfect Attendance
🎨 Art
🏛️ History Day
💻 TSA
🎭 Drama
🧠 Quiz Bowl
📈 DECA
A special recognition went to the 37 students who earned the Presidential Academic Award. To receive this honor, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher for 5 semesters at AMS and score “Exceeding” on state testing in at least 2 of the 5 tested areas. Amazing accomplishment!
🏅 Most Outstanding Character Award
Ryne Trent
Jude Dumond
Jenna Rogers
📘 Most Improved Academic Student Award
Will Johnson
James Burgess
Jax Parsons
Kambreah Spencer
🎓 Most Outstanding Academic Student Award
Charlotte Shores
Anna Knesek
Eden Hamilton
Thank you to the AMS administrators and staff for all the hard work put into recognizing and celebrating these student achievements.
Congratulations to all of our students for their hard work and success this year!
There was so much to celebrate at AMS! Students were recognized for academic excellence, leadership, character, and outstanding achievements across many activities and competitions.
Awards were presented for:
📚 All A’s
⭐ Perfect Attendance
🎨 Art
🏛️ History Day
💻 TSA
🎭 Drama
🧠 Quiz Bowl
📈 DECA
A special recognition went to the 37 students who earned the Presidential Academic Award. To receive this honor, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher for 5 semesters at AMS and score “Exceeding” on state testing in at least 2 of the 5 tested areas. Amazing accomplishment!
🏅 Most Outstanding Character Award
Ryne Trent
Jude Dumond
Jenna Rogers
📘 Most Improved Academic Student Award
Will Johnson
James Burgess
Jax Parsons
Kambreah Spencer
🎓 Most Outstanding Academic Student Award
Charlotte Shores
Anna Knesek
Eden Hamilton
Thank you to the AMS administrators and staff for all the hard work put into recognizing and celebrating these student achievements.
Congratulations to all of our students for their hard work and success this year!
🐾 New Role Announcement
Alma School District is proud to recognize members of our Airedale family who are stepping into new leadership roles for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in congratulating Kent Myers, who will serve as the Head Band Director at Alma High School.
About Mr. Myers: Mr. Myers previously served as Associate Director of Bands for Alma Public Schools and will be entering his 17th year at Alma and his 20th year in education. Throughout his time at Alma, he has worked with students at both the middle school and high school levels, directing the basketball pep band, overseeing the Pride of Alma Marching Band, conducting the Alma High School Concert Band, and teaching music theory. Prior to joining Alma in 2010, he served as Director of the Music Department for the South Ripley Community School Corporation in Versailles, Indiana. Mr. Myers earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Kentucky and his Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Arkansas, where he also served as a graduate teaching assistant with the university band program. Originally from Milan, Indiana, Mr. Myers is passionate about music education, student leadership development, and continuing the strong tradition of the Alma band program.
We’re proud to have Mr. Myers continue serving Alma School District in this new role and look forward to the continued impact he will make with our students and band program!
Alma School District is proud to recognize members of our Airedale family who are stepping into new leadership roles for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in congratulating Kent Myers, who will serve as the Head Band Director at Alma High School.
About Mr. Myers: Mr. Myers previously served as Associate Director of Bands for Alma Public Schools and will be entering his 17th year at Alma and his 20th year in education. Throughout his time at Alma, he has worked with students at both the middle school and high school levels, directing the basketball pep band, overseeing the Pride of Alma Marching Band, conducting the Alma High School Concert Band, and teaching music theory. Prior to joining Alma in 2010, he served as Director of the Music Department for the South Ripley Community School Corporation in Versailles, Indiana. Mr. Myers earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Kentucky and his Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Arkansas, where he also served as a graduate teaching assistant with the university band program. Originally from Milan, Indiana, Mr. Myers is passionate about music education, student leadership development, and continuing the strong tradition of the Alma band program.
We’re proud to have Mr. Myers continue serving Alma School District in this new role and look forward to the continued impact he will make with our students and band program!
Alma High School student Enrique Garcia represented AHS at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona, May 12–16.
Enrique had the opportunity to showcase his hard work and passion for science alongside students from around the world. We are proud of the dedication and effort he put into reaching this level of competition.
Thank you to Mrs. Parker for supporting and encouraging him throughout the journey!
Enrique had the opportunity to showcase his hard work and passion for science alongside students from around the world. We are proud of the dedication and effort he put into reaching this level of competition.
Thank you to Mrs. Parker for supporting and encouraging him throughout the journey!
We are proud to celebrate several talented student artists who were chosen to represent Alma Middle School at the annual River Valley Student Art Competition at Arts on Main in Van Buren!
Congratulations to our Honorable Mention recipients:
⭐ Ryne Trent (6th Grade)
⭐ Sullivan Ware (6th Grade)
⭐ Neveah Johnson (7th Grade)
We also want to recognize these students whose artwork was selected for the exhibition:
🎨 Olivia Reimersma
🎨 Shelby Cox
🎨 Allie Osman
🎨 Troy Lewis
🎨 Kenny Fox
We are incredibly proud of these students for sharing their creativity and representing AMS so well in the regional art community!
Congratulations to our Honorable Mention recipients:
⭐ Ryne Trent (6th Grade)
⭐ Sullivan Ware (6th Grade)
⭐ Neveah Johnson (7th Grade)
We also want to recognize these students whose artwork was selected for the exhibition:
🎨 Olivia Reimersma
🎨 Shelby Cox
🎨 Allie Osman
🎨 Troy Lewis
🎨 Kenny Fox
We are incredibly proud of these students for sharing their creativity and representing AMS so well in the regional art community!
Color Run memories! Last week was another fun-filled Color-A-Thon hosted by the amazing PTO of Alma Intermediate School! 🌈
The AIS Color-A-Thon is the biggest and brightest fundraiser of the year, and our students had a blast running and walking the 1K while faculty and parent volunteers showered them with safe, non-toxic color powder - turning the bus lane into a rainbow runway of fun!
And the excitement didn’t stop there…
🎧 DJ Derrik spinning the ultimate race-day playlist
🫧 Foam cannons, bounce houses, a rock climber, and an inflatable obstacle course on the infield
🍬 Full concession stand featuring candy, snacks, drinks, and snow cones
Thank you to everyone who helped make this colorful day such a success!
The AIS Color-A-Thon is the biggest and brightest fundraiser of the year, and our students had a blast running and walking the 1K while faculty and parent volunteers showered them with safe, non-toxic color powder - turning the bus lane into a rainbow runway of fun!
And the excitement didn’t stop there…
🎧 DJ Derrik spinning the ultimate race-day playlist
🫧 Foam cannons, bounce houses, a rock climber, and an inflatable obstacle course on the infield
🍬 Full concession stand featuring candy, snacks, drinks, and snow cones
Thank you to everyone who helped make this colorful day such a success!
Last Thursday’s school board meeting included several special recognitions honoring staff members and coaches from across the district for their leadership, service, and dedication to Alma Schools.
Cortney Parker and Sari Copeland of Alma Intermediate School were recognized for their professionalism, kindness, and dedication to students, staff, and families. They help create a welcoming environment each day and play a vital role in the success of the school. Their teamwork and commitment to excellence continue to make a positive impact on the Alma Intermediate community.
Coach Darin Stahler was recognized for being named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Arkansas Basketball Coaches Association, and Coach Cody Vaught was honored for being selected to coach the AHSCA All-Star Team.
The board also recognized this year’s Classified Employee of the Year honorees:
• Tracy Dean - Alma Primary School
• Brittney Bonewell - Alma Intermediate School
• Jill Boyd - Alma Middle School
• Whitney Skadden - Alma High School
• Jenna Ogilvie - District Support Employee of the Year
In addition, Dr. Wood recognized the district’s Curriculum Specialist Team for their continued support of students and staff across Alma Schools: Brandi Brogan, Erin Reeves, Chelsie Sturdivant, Michael Bridges, Amy Brewer, and Jamie Balkman.
Congratulations to all who were recognized for their hard work and commitment to Alma Schools.
Cortney Parker and Sari Copeland of Alma Intermediate School were recognized for their professionalism, kindness, and dedication to students, staff, and families. They help create a welcoming environment each day and play a vital role in the success of the school. Their teamwork and commitment to excellence continue to make a positive impact on the Alma Intermediate community.
Coach Darin Stahler was recognized for being named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Arkansas Basketball Coaches Association, and Coach Cody Vaught was honored for being selected to coach the AHSCA All-Star Team.
The board also recognized this year’s Classified Employee of the Year honorees:
• Tracy Dean - Alma Primary School
• Brittney Bonewell - Alma Intermediate School
• Jill Boyd - Alma Middle School
• Whitney Skadden - Alma High School
• Jenna Ogilvie - District Support Employee of the Year
In addition, Dr. Wood recognized the district’s Curriculum Specialist Team for their continued support of students and staff across Alma Schools: Brandi Brogan, Erin Reeves, Chelsie Sturdivant, Michael Bridges, Amy Brewer, and Jamie Balkman.
Congratulations to all who were recognized for their hard work and commitment to Alma Schools.
The Alma Airedale Football Booster Club invites the community to Spring Showcase Game Day this Wednesday, May 20, at 6 PM at the football stadium!
Come support the team, enjoy a great night of football, and stay after the game for a community tailgate in front of the stadium.
🍔 Free food (first come, first serve)
🎯 Games & fun for the whole family
💚 A great way to celebrate Airedale pride together!
The Booster Club looks forward to seeing everyone there for an exciting night under the lights!
Come support the team, enjoy a great night of football, and stay after the game for a community tailgate in front of the stadium.
🍔 Free food (first come, first serve)
🎯 Games & fun for the whole family
💚 A great way to celebrate Airedale pride together!
The Booster Club looks forward to seeing everyone there for an exciting night under the lights!
Alma High School Student Council held its induction ceremony Tuesday morning with Mrs. Hubbs and Mrs. Medina hosting the event. The 2025–2026 council members were recognized, and students in grades 10–12 were inducted for the 2026–2027 school year. Incoming freshmen will be inducted later this summer.
Congratulations to all of our Student Council officers, representatives, and participants! We are proud of these students for stepping into leadership roles and serving their school and community.
Congratulations to all of our Student Council officers, representatives, and participants! We are proud of these students for stepping into leadership roles and serving their school and community.
☀️ Summer 2026 EBT Info for Alma Families ☀️
Eligible Alma students can receive a one-time $120 Summer EBT grocery benefit per child this summer!
Here’s what families need to know:
🍎 Summer EBT helps families buy groceries while school is out
🍎 Many students will automatically qualify, including children ages 5–17 receiving SNAP, TEA, Medicaid Free, or Medicaid Reduced during the current school year
🍎 Other families may need to apply online
✅ Check eligibility here: ar.gov/SummerEBT
✅ Apply online at: access.arkansas.gov
(Click “Apply for New Benefits” and log in or create an account.)
📄 Families should also make sure their Free & Reduced Meals Application is completed with Alma School District.
Last year, Summer EBT helped more than 336,000 Arkansas children access healthy food during the summer months.
🔍 Learn more: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/county-operations/summer-ebt/
Eligible Alma students can receive a one-time $120 Summer EBT grocery benefit per child this summer!
Here’s what families need to know:
🍎 Summer EBT helps families buy groceries while school is out
🍎 Many students will automatically qualify, including children ages 5–17 receiving SNAP, TEA, Medicaid Free, or Medicaid Reduced during the current school year
🍎 Other families may need to apply online
✅ Check eligibility here: ar.gov/SummerEBT
✅ Apply online at: access.arkansas.gov
(Click “Apply for New Benefits” and log in or create an account.)
📄 Families should also make sure their Free & Reduced Meals Application is completed with Alma School District.
Last year, Summer EBT helped more than 336,000 Arkansas children access healthy food during the summer months.
🔍 Learn more: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/county-operations/summer-ebt/
Literacy in Action! 📚✨
Our 1st grade teachers are promoting a true love of reading through engaging novel studies that bring literacy to life in the classroom.
As students read a novel together, they are diving deep into important literacy standards by making predictions, asking questions, retelling events, studying characters, building vocabulary, and sharing thoughtful discussions with classmates.
This is Literacy in Action.
Our 1st grade teachers are promoting a true love of reading through engaging novel studies that bring literacy to life in the classroom.
As students read a novel together, they are diving deep into important literacy standards by making predictions, asking questions, retelling events, studying characters, building vocabulary, and sharing thoughtful discussions with classmates.
This is Literacy in Action.
🐾 Welcome Back to the Airedale Family!
Alma School District is excited to welcome back familiar faces to our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Joshua Stark, who will serve as the Head Volleyball Coach.
About Coach Stark: Coach Stark brings nearly 25 years of volleyball coaching experience at the college, high school, and club levels. He led Paris High School to a state championship in 2021 and has guided multiple club teams to national tournaments. After previously serving two years as an assistant coach at Alma High School, he now returns to Alma as the Head Volleyball Coach. Coach Stark looks forward to continuing to build and strengthen the Alma volleyball program.
We’re excited to welcome Coach Stark back to Alma and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make with our students and athletic programs!
Alma School District is excited to welcome back familiar faces to our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Joshua Stark, who will serve as the Head Volleyball Coach.
About Coach Stark: Coach Stark brings nearly 25 years of volleyball coaching experience at the college, high school, and club levels. He led Paris High School to a state championship in 2021 and has guided multiple club teams to national tournaments. After previously serving two years as an assistant coach at Alma High School, he now returns to Alma as the Head Volleyball Coach. Coach Stark looks forward to continuing to build and strengthen the Alma volleyball program.
We’re excited to welcome Coach Stark back to Alma and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make with our students and athletic programs!
🎓 It’s Graduation Week! 🎓
We look forward to celebrating the Alma High School Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 16, at 7:00 PM in Charles B. Dyer Arena!
📍 Graduating seniors should report to the auxiliary gym by 6:15 PM on Saturday.
🎥 Livestream details will be shared later this week.
🎉 Project Graduation will take place after commencement - students should report to the Student Union by 9:45 PM.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! We can’t wait to celebrate this special milestone with you!
We look forward to celebrating the Alma High School Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 16, at 7:00 PM in Charles B. Dyer Arena!
📍 Graduating seniors should report to the auxiliary gym by 6:15 PM on Saturday.
🎥 Livestream details will be shared later this week.
🎉 Project Graduation will take place after commencement - students should report to the Student Union by 9:45 PM.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! We can’t wait to celebrate this special milestone with you!
Tonight, we celebrate the many accomplishments of our winter and spring athletes!
Recognizing our athletes in:
✨ Dance
📣 Cheer
🏀 Basketball
⚾ Baseball
🥎 Softball
🏃 Track
⚽ Soccer
🏊 Swim
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and school pride all season long!
Recognizing our athletes in:
✨ Dance
📣 Cheer
🏀 Basketball
⚾ Baseball
🥎 Softball
🏃 Track
⚽ Soccer
🏊 Swim
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and school pride all season long!
Today, we celebrate the caring hearts behind every healthy school day. Thank you to our incredible Alma School District nurses for the compassion, comfort, and care you provide to students and staff every single day. Happy National School Nurse Day! 💚🩺
🐾 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 Trent Ball, who will serve as a 6th-grade teacher at Alma Middle School.
About Trent: Trent is from Van Buren and is a graduate of Van Buren High School. This will be his third year in education. He has been happily married for two years and is expecting a baby boy this fall. Trent is excited to join Alma Middle School and begin working with students.
We’re excited to have Trent join our team and look forward to the positive impact he 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 Trent Ball, who will serve as a 6th-grade teacher at Alma Middle School.
About Trent: Trent is from Van Buren and is a graduate of Van Buren High School. This will be his third year in education. He has been happily married for two years and is expecting a baby boy this fall. Trent is excited to join Alma Middle School and begin working with students.
We’re excited to have Trent join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students and community!
A big thank you to Arvest for visiting Mrs. Dooley’s Advisory class at Alma Middle School yesterday!
Students gained valuable insight into financial planning and money management - skills that will benefit them for years to come.
We appreciate your time and support in helping our students build a strong financial future!
Students gained valuable insight into financial planning and money management - skills that will benefit them for years to come.
We appreciate your time and support in helping our students build a strong financial future!
