🐾 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 Shad Vaughan, who will be joining the team at Alma High School as an Assistant Football Coach and teacher.
About Shad: Shad is from Paragould, Arkansas, and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. He brings valuable experience from his time working with the Shiloh Christian football program over the past two years.
Shad and his wife, Kylie, have been married for one year and are excited to begin this new chapter together in the Alma community. He is passionate about making a positive impact on students and athletes both in the classroom and on the field.
We’re excited to welcome Shad 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 Shad Vaughan, who will be joining the team at Alma High School as an Assistant Football Coach and teacher.
About Shad: Shad is from Paragould, Arkansas, and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. He brings valuable experience from his time working with the Shiloh Christian football program over the past two years.
Shad and his wife, Kylie, have been married for one year and are excited to begin this new chapter together in the Alma community. He is passionate about making a positive impact on students and athletes both in the classroom and on the field.
We’re excited to welcome Shad to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students, athletes, and community!
🐾 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 Michelle Lankford, who will be joining the team at Alma Middle School as Assistant Band Director.
About Michelle: Michelle brings 18 years of experience teaching band students and is passionate about helping young musicians grow both in and out of the classroom. She is a graduate of Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma and earned both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Arkansas. She also holds an Educational Specialist degree in Building-Level Administration from Arkansas State University, as well as a certificate in Teaching English Language Learners.
Throughout her career, Michelle has taught students across multiple grade levels, building successful band programs while fostering positive and inclusive learning environments. She previously taught in Hackett and Cedarville, where her students consistently achieved musical success. Michelle is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential as musicians and as individuals.
Outside of school, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She is excited for the opportunity to contribute to the tradition of excellence that defines the Pride of Alma Bands.
We’re excited to welcome Michelle 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 Michelle Lankford, who will be joining the team at Alma Middle School as Assistant Band Director.
About Michelle: Michelle brings 18 years of experience teaching band students and is passionate about helping young musicians grow both in and out of the classroom. She is a graduate of Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma and earned both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Arkansas. She also holds an Educational Specialist degree in Building-Level Administration from Arkansas State University, as well as a certificate in Teaching English Language Learners.
Throughout her career, Michelle has taught students across multiple grade levels, building successful band programs while fostering positive and inclusive learning environments. She previously taught in Hackett and Cedarville, where her students consistently achieved musical success. Michelle is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential as musicians and as individuals.
Outside of school, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She is excited for the opportunity to contribute to the tradition of excellence that defines the Pride of Alma Bands.
We’re excited to welcome Michelle to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
Third-grade summer school students have been diving into all things science through Literacy Empower Hour, where reading and science come together in fun, hands-on learning experiences.
Recently, students have focused on nature and observing the world around them. Last week, they got an unforgettable, up-close science experience! Mrs. Birchfield, Director of Special Education, visited with several of her snakes, giving students the chance to observe, ask questions, and even interact with them while learning more about how they behave in nature.
Students impressed with their knowledge and curiosity as they shared thoughtful answers and engaged in great discussion about snakes and the natural world.
A big thank you to Mrs. Birchfield for sharing her time and animals with us, and to Zach Thomas, Science Curriculum Specialist, for helping make the connection possible. Our students - and staff - had a great time experiencing science in action! 🐍
Recently, students have focused on nature and observing the world around them. Last week, they got an unforgettable, up-close science experience! Mrs. Birchfield, Director of Special Education, visited with several of her snakes, giving students the chance to observe, ask questions, and even interact with them while learning more about how they behave in nature.
Students impressed with their knowledge and curiosity as they shared thoughtful answers and engaged in great discussion about snakes and the natural world.
A big thank you to Mrs. Birchfield for sharing her time and animals with us, and to Zach Thomas, Science Curriculum Specialist, for helping make the connection possible. Our students - and staff - had a great time experiencing science in action! 🐍
Have you voted yet?
There's still time to support Alma School District in the Best of River Valley awards!
We're honored that every Alma School District campus, along with the district as a whole, has been nominated. Thank you to our incredible students, staff, families, and community for making Alma such a special place to learn and grow.
🗳️ Voting is open through July 7!
Visit www.votebestofrivervalley.com to cast your vote and show your support for Airedale Nation!
Thank you for cheering on the people and programs that make Alma Public Schools the best!
There's still time to support Alma School District in the Best of River Valley awards!
We're honored that every Alma School District campus, along with the district as a whole, has been nominated. Thank you to our incredible students, staff, families, and community for making Alma such a special place to learn and grow.
🗳️ Voting is open through July 7!
Visit www.votebestofrivervalley.com to cast your vote and show your support for Airedale Nation!
Thank you for cheering on the people and programs that make Alma Public Schools the best!
🐾 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 Sierra Koperski, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a Kindergarten teacher.
About Sierra: Sierra is a 2016 Alma High School graduate and recently earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith this spring. During the past school year, she completed her teaching internship in a Kindergarten classroom at Alma Primary School, where she discovered that Kindergarten is exactly where she is meant to be. Sierra and her husband have been married for eight years and have three wonderful daughters who also attend Alma schools. She is excited to begin her teaching career in the same community that helped shape her and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the students and families of Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Sierra 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 Sierra Koperski, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a Kindergarten teacher.
About Sierra: Sierra is a 2016 Alma High School graduate and recently earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith this spring. During the past school year, she completed her teaching internship in a Kindergarten classroom at Alma Primary School, where she discovered that Kindergarten is exactly where she is meant to be. Sierra and her husband have been married for eight years and have three wonderful daughters who also attend Alma schools. She is excited to begin her teaching career in the same community that helped shape her and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the students and families of Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Sierra to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
📚 Have plans to catch the Bookmobile today? If not, now's the perfect time!
Finding the Bookmobile is easier than ever with our live tracker. See exactly where it's headed and plan your stop!
📍 Check the live tracker here: https://cloud.samsara.com/o/9124/fleet/viewer/IEj2K1jwkDBhHPhGZ4FV
Finding the Bookmobile is easier than ever with our live tracker. See exactly where it's headed and plan your stop!
📍 Check the live tracker here: https://cloud.samsara.com/o/9124/fleet/viewer/IEj2K1jwkDBhHPhGZ4FV
🐾 New Role Announcement!
Alma School District is excited to announce that Jill Boyd has been named the district’s new Director of Child Nutrition.
Jill has been a valued member of the Alma School District family, currently serving as the manager of the Alma Middle School kitchen. She brings 24 years of food service experience to this leadership role, including eight years in restaurant management and four years in child nutrition, with two years in management positions.
Jill and her husband, Adam, have been together for 23 years and have five children, two granddaughters, and another grandchild on the way. Her family has deep ties to Alma Schools, with children who have been actively involved in school activities and athletics, including two who currently attend Alma Public Schools.
Reflecting on her new role, Jill shared that she has loved every minute of being part of the Alma School District Child Nutrition team and is excited to take on this new challenge. She is especially grateful to work alongside an incredible team that cares for students each day as if they were their own.
Please join us in congratulating Jill on this well-deserved opportunity. We are excited to see her continue serving our students, staff, and community in this new leadership role!
Alma School District is excited to announce that Jill Boyd has been named the district’s new Director of Child Nutrition.
Jill has been a valued member of the Alma School District family, currently serving as the manager of the Alma Middle School kitchen. She brings 24 years of food service experience to this leadership role, including eight years in restaurant management and four years in child nutrition, with two years in management positions.
Jill and her husband, Adam, have been together for 23 years and have five children, two granddaughters, and another grandchild on the way. Her family has deep ties to Alma Schools, with children who have been actively involved in school activities and athletics, including two who currently attend Alma Public Schools.
Reflecting on her new role, Jill shared that she has loved every minute of being part of the Alma School District Child Nutrition team and is excited to take on this new challenge. She is especially grateful to work alongside an incredible team that cares for students each day as if they were their own.
Please join us in congratulating Jill on this well-deserved opportunity. We are excited to see her continue serving our students, staff, and community in this new leadership role!
🐾 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 Ashtan Sieber, who will be joining the team at Alma High School as a Business teacher and DECA advisor.
About Ashtan: Ashtan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Arkansas in 2020 and her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2022. She is excited to begin her role at Alma High School and help students develop valuable skills for their future. Ashtan, her husband, and their two children are relocating to the River Valley and are excited to become part of the Alma community. She believes in building meaningful connections with students and creating a classroom environment where they feel encouraged, supported, and confident in exploring their abilities. She looks forward to helping students learn, grow, and discover their strengths throughout the school year.
We’re excited to welcome Ashtan 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 Ashtan Sieber, who will be joining the team at Alma High School as a Business teacher and DECA advisor.
About Ashtan: Ashtan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Arkansas in 2020 and her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2022. She is excited to begin her role at Alma High School and help students develop valuable skills for their future. Ashtan, her husband, and their two children are relocating to the River Valley and are excited to become part of the Alma community. She believes in building meaningful connections with students and creating a classroom environment where they feel encouraged, supported, and confident in exploring their abilities. She looks forward to helping students learn, grow, and discover their strengths throughout the school year.
We’re excited to welcome Ashtan to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
Things got a little messy at Alma Intermediate School during Week 2 of Summer School! 🧪✨
These 3rd graders put their science skills to work by making Oobleck - a fun substance that's not quite a liquid and not quite a solid. Hands-on learning, curiosity, and lots of smiles made for a great day of science exploration!
These 3rd graders put their science skills to work by making Oobleck - a fun substance that's not quite a liquid and not quite a solid. Hands-on learning, curiosity, and lots of smiles made for a great day of science exploration!
🐾 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 Dexter Pendergraft, who will be joining the team at Alma Intermediate School as a Physical Education teacher.
About Dexter: Dexter is excited to return to his hometown and join Alma School District as the PE teacher at Alma Intermediate School. Over the past several years, he has served as an elementary PE teacher, assistant principal, and district PE coordinator. He is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop healthy habits, and discover a lifelong love for physical activity. Dexter is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that helped shape him and looks forward to making a positive impact on students at Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Dexter to the Airedale family 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 Dexter Pendergraft, who will be joining the team at Alma Intermediate School as a Physical Education teacher.
About Dexter: Dexter is excited to return to his hometown and join Alma School District as the PE teacher at Alma Intermediate School. Over the past several years, he has served as an elementary PE teacher, assistant principal, and district PE coordinator. He is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop healthy habits, and discover a lifelong love for physical activity. Dexter is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that helped shape him and looks forward to making a positive impact on students at Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Dexter to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students and community!
🐾 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 Lyndsey Cady, who will be joining the team at Alma Intermediate School.
About Lyndsey: Lyndsey brings 14 years of teaching experience and 13 years of coaching experience to Alma. She has taught grades three through six and has coached at both the junior high and high school levels. She is happily married, and her stepson is also a student in Alma. Lyndsey is a dedicated educator who is passionate about teaching and committed to helping students reach their greatest potential.
We’re excited to welcome Lyndsey 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 Lyndsey Cady, who will be joining the team at Alma Intermediate School.
About Lyndsey: Lyndsey brings 14 years of teaching experience and 13 years of coaching experience to Alma. She has taught grades three through six and has coached at both the junior high and high school levels. She is happily married, and her stepson is also a student in Alma. Lyndsey is a dedicated educator who is passionate about teaching and committed to helping students reach their greatest potential.
We’re excited to welcome Lyndsey to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
🐾 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 Grace Accurso, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a Kindergarten teacher.
About Grace: Grace is a 2018 Alma High School graduate and earned her teaching degree from Arkansas Tech University in 2021. She has spent the past four years teaching in Ozark Schools and is excited to return home to Alma. Grace and her husband, Tyler, have two children, Lillie and Bradley, who are the light of their lives. She is grateful for the opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream of teaching Kindergarten at Alma Primary School and looks forward to building relationships with students and families.
We’re excited to welcome Grace back to Alma 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 Grace Accurso, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a Kindergarten teacher.
About Grace: Grace is a 2018 Alma High School graduate and earned her teaching degree from Arkansas Tech University in 2021. She has spent the past four years teaching in Ozark Schools and is excited to return home to Alma. Grace and her husband, Tyler, have two children, Lillie and Bradley, who are the light of their lives. She is grateful for the opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream of teaching Kindergarten at Alma Primary School and looks forward to building relationships with students and families.
We’re excited to welcome Grace back to Alma and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
🌍 Become a Host Family This Year!
Alma Schools is preparing to welcome our next group of exchange students, and we’re looking for host families!
Hosting an exchange student is a rewarding opportunity to learn about a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make a difference in a student’s life.
Interested? Check out the student descriptions in this post and consider being part of this special experience!
Alma Schools is preparing to welcome our next group of exchange students, and we’re looking for host families!
Hosting an exchange student is a rewarding opportunity to learn about a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make a difference in a student’s life.
Interested? Check out the student descriptions in this post and consider being part of this special experience!
Exciting news for Airedale Nation!
Each Alma School District campus, along with the district as a whole, has been nominated for the Best of River Valley awards!
We're proud of this recognition and grateful for the students, staff, families, and community members who make our schools exceptional places to learn and grow.
🗳️ Voting is open now through July 7.
Visit www.votebestofrivervalley.com to cast your vote and support Alma School District!
Thank you for helping us celebrate the people and programs that make Alma Public Schools a great place to be.
Each Alma School District campus, along with the district as a whole, has been nominated for the Best of River Valley awards!
We're proud of this recognition and grateful for the students, staff, families, and community members who make our schools exceptional places to learn and grow.
🗳️ Voting is open now through July 7.
Visit www.votebestofrivervalley.com to cast your vote and support Alma School District!
Thank you for helping us celebrate the people and programs that make Alma Public Schools a great place to be.
Three Alma High School students recently represented Arkansas TSA at the 2026 Arkansas Student Officers Leadership Academy (SOLA) hosted at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville!
⭐ Noel Parker, Arkansas TSA Vice President
⭐ Ruby Inman, Arkansas TSA Reporter
⭐ Sophia Kimes, Arkansas TSA Sergeant-at-Arms
During the academy, these student leaders joined peers from across the state for leadership training, networking, and team-building experiences designed to strengthen communication, professionalism, and leadership skills.
Through collaboration with other career and technical student organization officers, they gained valuable insights, built new connections, and explored how CTSOs help prepare students for success beyond the classroom.
We are proud of Noel, Ruby, and Sophia for representing Alma High School and Arkansas TSA with excellence. Their dedication reflects the power of career and technical education to develop tomorrow's leaders, innovators, and professionals.
⭐ Noel Parker, Arkansas TSA Vice President
⭐ Ruby Inman, Arkansas TSA Reporter
⭐ Sophia Kimes, Arkansas TSA Sergeant-at-Arms
During the academy, these student leaders joined peers from across the state for leadership training, networking, and team-building experiences designed to strengthen communication, professionalism, and leadership skills.
Through collaboration with other career and technical student organization officers, they gained valuable insights, built new connections, and explored how CTSOs help prepare students for success beyond the classroom.
We are proud of Noel, Ruby, and Sophia for representing Alma High School and Arkansas TSA with excellence. Their dedication reflects the power of career and technical education to develop tomorrow's leaders, innovators, and professionals.
Summer Theatre Camp has been in full swing all week, and these students have been working really hard!
Tomorrow, all of that dedication and effort takes center stage as they perform Olympus: The Greek Rock Musical - a high-energy, laugh-out-loud production where Greek gods compete for greatness. Packed with humor, catchy songs, and unexpected adventures, this is a show you won't want to miss!
Join us this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. for our Summer Theatre Camp performance at the Skokos Performing Arts Center-Alma.
🎟️ Tickets are $5
Come support these talented young performers and enjoy an afternoon of fun, music, and mythology!
Tomorrow, all of that dedication and effort takes center stage as they perform Olympus: The Greek Rock Musical - a high-energy, laugh-out-loud production where Greek gods compete for greatness. Packed with humor, catchy songs, and unexpected adventures, this is a show you won't want to miss!
Join us this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. for our Summer Theatre Camp performance at the Skokos Performing Arts Center-Alma.
🎟️ Tickets are $5
Come support these talented young performers and enjoy an afternoon of fun, music, and mythology!
📚🚌 Bookmobile Update for Today (6/5/26) 🚌📚
Our Bookmobile is still waiting on a special part before it can get back to full speed, so our substitute bus will be making the rounds again today!
Keep an eye out for the little yellow bus - your favorite Bookmobile crew will be there with plenty of smiles, great books, and summer fun!
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and continued support as we work to get the Bookmobile back on the road. We can't wait to see you today!
Our Bookmobile is still waiting on a special part before it can get back to full speed, so our substitute bus will be making the rounds again today!
Keep an eye out for the little yellow bus - your favorite Bookmobile crew will be there with plenty of smiles, great books, and summer fun!
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and continued support as we work to get the Bookmobile back on the road. We can't wait to see you today!
Reserve Your Spot in the 2026 Airedale Football Program!
Support Airedale Football while promoting your business or celebrating your favorite student!
The 2026 Airedale Football Program is now accepting submissions, and we'd love to have you be part of this longtime Airedale tradition.
📅 Submission Deadline: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Reserve your spot and access the submission form here:
🔗 https://www.almasd.net/o/ahs/page/football
📞 Questions? Contact:
Amie Nicholson
(479) 632-4791
ANicholson@almasd.net
Thank you for supporting our student-athletes, coaches, and the Airedale community!
Support Airedale Football while promoting your business or celebrating your favorite student!
The 2026 Airedale Football Program is now accepting submissions, and we'd love to have you be part of this longtime Airedale tradition.
📅 Submission Deadline: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Reserve your spot and access the submission form here:
🔗 https://www.almasd.net/o/ahs/page/football
📞 Questions? Contact:
Amie Nicholson
(479) 632-4791
ANicholson@almasd.net
Thank you for supporting our student-athletes, coaches, and the Airedale community!
🐾 New Role Announcement
Alma School District is proud to recognize members of our Airedale family who are stepping into new roles for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in congratulating Emily Banks, who will serve as the Head Coach of the Lady Airedale Soccer Program.
About Emily: A proud Alma High School graduate from the Class of 2020, Emily is entering her third year of teaching Special Education and coaching high school soccer. She earned her bachelor's degree in K–12 Special Education from Harding University in 2024 and began her career in the Cabot School District as a Special Education teacher and assistant soccer coach. Last year, she returned to Alma and had the opportunity to serve as assistant coach under her former high school coach, Cory Sturdivant. Now, she is excited to lead the Lady Airedale Soccer Program, where her own soccer journey began, and continue building upon the program's strong tradition.
We’re proud to have Emily continue serving Alma School District in this new role and look forward to the positive impact she will make on our students and athletic programs!
Alma School District is proud to recognize members of our Airedale family who are stepping into new roles for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in congratulating Emily Banks, who will serve as the Head Coach of the Lady Airedale Soccer Program.
About Emily: A proud Alma High School graduate from the Class of 2020, Emily is entering her third year of teaching Special Education and coaching high school soccer. She earned her bachelor's degree in K–12 Special Education from Harding University in 2024 and began her career in the Cabot School District as a Special Education teacher and assistant soccer coach. Last year, she returned to Alma and had the opportunity to serve as assistant coach under her former high school coach, Cory Sturdivant. Now, she is excited to lead the Lady Airedale Soccer Program, where her own soccer journey began, and continue building upon the program's strong tradition.
We’re proud to have Emily continue serving Alma School District in this new role and look forward to the positive impact she will make on our students and athletic programs!
📚Literacy in Action at Camp Airedale & Summer School📚
Our students are having a blast this summer while strengthening their reading and writing skills through engaging lessons and hands-on activities!
🌊 Ocean Animals - discovering fascinating creatures beneath the sea
🌿 Rainforests - exploring diverse habitats and amazing wildlife
🦁 Zoo Animals - researching and writing about animals from around the world
🚀 Space - learning about planets, stars, astronauts, and the wonders of the universe
Each day, students read informational texts, expand their vocabulary, write about what they learn, and create exciting projects that bring their learning to life.
We love seeing their curiosity grow as they become stronger readers, writers, and thinkers! 💚🐾
Our students are having a blast this summer while strengthening their reading and writing skills through engaging lessons and hands-on activities!
🌊 Ocean Animals - discovering fascinating creatures beneath the sea
🌿 Rainforests - exploring diverse habitats and amazing wildlife
🦁 Zoo Animals - researching and writing about animals from around the world
🚀 Space - learning about planets, stars, astronauts, and the wonders of the universe
Each day, students read informational texts, expand their vocabulary, write about what they learn, and create exciting projects that bring their learning to life.
We love seeing their curiosity grow as they become stronger readers, writers, and thinkers! 💚🐾
