Sharing best practices beyond our district!
We're proud of Alma Middle School Principal Mr. Coursey for presenting at the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) Conference in partnership with McNair Middle School. Together, they shared successful middle school instructional practices and highlighted the impact of the Schools to Watch program.
Thank you, Mr. Coursey, for representing Alma with excellence and for sharing innovative strategies that are making a difference for students - not only in our district, but across Arkansas. Your leadership continues to inspire others in education!
We're proud of Alma Middle School Principal Mr. Coursey for presenting at the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) Conference in partnership with McNair Middle School. Together, they shared successful middle school instructional practices and highlighted the impact of the Schools to Watch program.
Thank you, Mr. Coursey, for representing Alma with excellence and for sharing innovative strategies that are making a difference for students - not only in our district, but across Arkansas. Your leadership continues to inspire others in education!
Alma School District Career & Technical Education teachers recently attended the Arkansas ACTE State Conference in Benton, where they participated in professional learning, networking, and statewide Career & Technical Education updates.
Throughout the conference, our educators attended sessions focused on new CTE initiatives, connected with teachers from across Arkansas, and participated in CTSO meetings to bring back fresh ideas for our classrooms.
"I enjoyed networking with the other business educators and bringing home new strategies that will benefit both our students and community members," said Alma High School business teacher Ashtan Sieber.
We are also proud to share that, through Perkins funding, several Alma teachers were awarded new classroom equipment to enhance hands-on learning opportunities for our students.
We appreciate our CTE educators' commitment to continuous learning and their dedication to providing students with relevant, high-quality career and technical education experiences.
Throughout the conference, our educators attended sessions focused on new CTE initiatives, connected with teachers from across Arkansas, and participated in CTSO meetings to bring back fresh ideas for our classrooms.
"I enjoyed networking with the other business educators and bringing home new strategies that will benefit both our students and community members," said Alma High School business teacher Ashtan Sieber.
We are also proud to share that, through Perkins funding, several Alma teachers were awarded new classroom equipment to enhance hands-on learning opportunities for our students.
We appreciate our CTE educators' commitment to continuous learning and their dedication to providing students with relevant, high-quality career and technical education experiences.
Great things continue to happen for Alma School District at the AAEA Summer Conference! 🎉
Michael Bridges, Alma School District’s GT & AP Coordinator, was selected as the Arkansas Association of Gifted Education Administrators (AAGEA) Administrator of the Year and was recognized during the AAEA Summer Conference.
Congratulations to Michael on this well-deserved honor! His leadership, dedication, and commitment to supporting gifted and advanced learners make a lasting impact on our students and schools.
Pictured: Michael Bridges with Superintendent Kevin Hesslen and Assistant Superintendent Brian Kirkendoll.
Michael Bridges, Alma School District’s GT & AP Coordinator, was selected as the Arkansas Association of Gifted Education Administrators (AAGEA) Administrator of the Year and was recognized during the AAEA Summer Conference.
Congratulations to Michael on this well-deserved honor! His leadership, dedication, and commitment to supporting gifted and advanced learners make a lasting impact on our students and schools.
Pictured: Michael Bridges with Superintendent Kevin Hesslen and Assistant Superintendent Brian Kirkendoll.
On Monday, the Alma High School NJROTC Color Guard had the honor of presenting the colors during the opening session of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators Conference in Little Rock. We are proud of these students for representing Alma High School with pride and professionalism!
🚐📚 Final Week of the Bookmobile! ☀️
We’re rolling into the final week of our summer Bookmobile season! A huge thank-you to everyone who has hopped aboard this summer to check out books, find new favorites, and keep the pages turning.
This week, we’ll be focused on returning books, but meals will still be available at our scheduled stops!
If you still have books checked out, be sure to return them during our final week. We’d love to see you one more time before the Bookmobile rolls away for the summer!
Thank you for making this summer of reading so special! 💛
We’re rolling into the final week of our summer Bookmobile season! A huge thank-you to everyone who has hopped aboard this summer to check out books, find new favorites, and keep the pages turning.
This week, we’ll be focused on returning books, but meals will still be available at our scheduled stops!
If you still have books checked out, be sure to return them during our final week. We’d love to see you one more time before the Bookmobile rolls away for the summer!
Thank you for making this summer of reading so special! 💛
Congratulations, Lindsey Johnson!
Lindsey was recently recognized as an AAC Top Performing Career Coach at ACTE!
Her recognition honors her for having the highest number of students in the state who submitted applications for enrollment during the 2025 Arkansas Applied Campaign.
We are so proud of Lindsey and her dedication to helping students take the next step toward their futures!
Lindsey was recently recognized as an AAC Top Performing Career Coach at ACTE!
Her recognition honors her for having the highest number of students in the state who submitted applications for enrollment during the 2025 Arkansas Applied Campaign.
We are so proud of Lindsey and her dedication to helping students take the next step toward their futures!
💛 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!
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!
🐾 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!
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!
📚 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. ❤️📚
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. ❤️📚
🎓 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!
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!
🐾 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!
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!
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
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
📢 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!
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!
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!
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!
🍎 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!
