Alma High School student Xavier Herzig participated in the 2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, California. Competing against 1,700 students from all 50 states and over 40 countries, his project focused on testing the efficiency of a hydrogen fuel cell at different temperatures. He is the first student from Alma to compete at ISEF in several years. Congratulations, Xavier, on this outstanding achievement!
Daytona Nationals
Alma NJROTC team embarked on a memorable trip to Daytona for the National High School Drill Team Championships. Their journey included stops at Pensacola Naval Air Station to watch the Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Squadron and Jacksonville Naval Air Station for tours hosted by VP-30 and VUP-19. The cadets also had a morning Physical Training session on the beach in Daytona and participated in the prestigious drill and ceremony competition with 98 schools in attendance. The first day focused on basic components like Inspection, Regulation, and Color Guard events, while the second day featured a variety of exhibition events, including solo and dual performances. Alma competed in the advanced division for the first time and achieved 5th place in Personnel Inspection. Congratulations on a job well done!
Introducing Jen Lyon as AIS Principal - Mrs. Lyon received a warm welcome at Alma Intermediate School yesterday. We are excited about the leadership she will bring to the already fantastic team at AIS.
It's #TeacherAppreciationWeek! We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and enthusiasm in molding young minds. This week, let's come together to celebrate and show our gratitude to the amazing teachers and staff who positively impact our students' lives each day.
Morgan Braswell Receives National 180 Award. Mrs. Braswell has been chosen as one of seven recipients and the sole recipient in Arkansas to receive the 2024 National 180 Award. These awards celebrate students' advancements in literacy, math, and personal growth beyond their academic achievements. They also honor educators who are committed to supporting their students on the path to success.
Organized by HMH, a prominent learning technology company, the 18th annual 180 Awards program recognizes exceptional students and educators for their outstanding progress in and out of the classroom. Awardees are recognized for their progress in math using Math 180® and for their unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and academic development. Congratulations to Mrs. Braswell and Alma Middle School!
In Mr. Bridges' GT classroom, 4th grader Ryne Trent emerged victorious in the yearlong Stock Market Game. With an impressive 32% return on investment, he amassed over $47,000 in virtual currency within five months. Ryne not only outperformed his peers at Alma Intermediate School but also outshined all competitors statewide in grades 4 to 8, surpassing 146 students in his category. Moreover, 16 of the top 20 participants hailed from Alma. As a reward, Ryne received a trophy, certificate, and $125 from Economics Arkansas. He is also set to enjoy a complimentary lunch with Mr. B, Dr. Duffie, and Dr. Wood. This achievement marks the third consecutive year that an Alma student has claimed the top spot in the Stock Market Game statewide. Well done to all the participating students!
PRE-K PROGRAM UPDATE
We are collaborating with state officials as we progress with the planning phase to introduce a Pre-K program at Alma School District. If everything unfolds as anticipated, we aim to launch the Pre-K program by the 2024-2025 school year. Once we receive approval, we will share more details. We are thrilled about providing this program that we believe will greatly benefit our community. Stay tuned for a family survey about Pre-K interest, coming your way soon!
Airedale families - Be your child's greatest advocate by taking a moment to participate! We do not collect email addresses. The survey is short and seeks details on parent interactions and engagement. Access the survey by clicking the link below.
LINK: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeZzMQwc5h.../viewform
Recently, local daycares celebrated Transportation Week, and our crew had the opportunity to join in. Mr. Rutherford, Alma School District Director of Transportation, is shown here engaging with students at Covenant Kids Academy. He shared stories of his adventures on the road, emphasizing the importance of safety and kindness on the bus. We appreciate the warm welcome!
Friday morning held a special event at Alma Primary School as both staff and students came together to honor and celebrate our military families. The day kicked off with the traditional Muffins with Military breakfast, where military families and students gathered for a meal. This was followed by a lively parade, with every class participating and showing their support from the sidelines. Mrs. Key set the tone by singing the Star-Spangled Banner, leading the military students and their families in the parade. The impressive Alma High School NJROTC also joined in. A big thank you to all the families who participated and to everyone who made this memorable day possible! #PurpleUpForMilitaryKids
Mrs. McCarver and Mrs. Pitts recently accompanied 19 8th-grade girls from AMS to the annual Girls of Promise STEM Conference in Little Rock, marking the largest representation from the school. The Girls of Promise program, led by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, introduces girls to opportunities and mentors in STEAM fields. The program aims to boost girls' participation in advanced STEAM courses and professions to pave the way for their economic empowerment as women. This conference is tailored for 8th-grade girls in Arkansas with an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Participants had the chance to explore diverse STEAM career options, enhance their skills, and connect with successful female mentors in their respective fields.
On Friday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jerrod Burns as the new Director of Athletics and Activities. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this a warm reception. We are excited about the future of Airedale athletics and activities!
Mrs. Barrett's Introduction to Business & Marketing class had an engaging visit to the College of Business and Industry at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith today. The dean of the college, Dr. Settlage, warmly greeted the students, and two economics professors led an interactive and competitive Economics lesson.
After the lesson, the students explored the campus, including stops at the Baldor Tech Center, the Boreham Library, the Pendergraft Health Services Center, the Ballman-Spear Art Building, and the Gym. They also had the chance to check out the housing facilities and enjoy some snacks at various spots in the Campus Center.
Mrs. Barrett expressed her excitement as she observed the students realizing that attending college is an attainable goal.
The buzz among second-graders at APS lately? Bees! They were treated to a special visit from Mrs. Lindsey Johnson, a beekeeper and staff member at Alma School District, who shared interesting bee facts that left the kids buzzing with excitement!
Mrs. Johnson discussed the teamwork inside a hive, where every bee has a crucial job for the colony's success. The students were all ears as she highlighted the bees' vital role in our environment and the need to protect these special pollinators.
They even got a sneak peek at the honeycomb up close! A big shoutout to Mrs. Johnson for spreading her bee love with our students!
This week, students from Mrs. Dooley's Automation and Robotics class had the opportunity to tour the ABB Manufacturing Plant. They observed automated machinery and robots in action, producing motors. Everyone was excited to learn about how these robots are transforming various industries!
Attention Alma School District Family
The Great North American Solar Eclipse will happen soon! Please note the following important information for the Alma School District:
😎 There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, April 8, 2024. Families are encouraged to witness the eclipse together and enjoy its magic.
😎 Eclipse glasses will be provided to all staff and students, ensuring that everyone can safely observe this spectacular phenomenon. The glasses will be sent home on Friday, April 5th.
To explore safe viewing tips and engaging activities for maximizing your eclipse experience, make sure to check out NASA's Eclipse website. Learn more by visiting https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses.
Should you have any questions or require further details, do not hesitate to contact your school. Let's make this celestial event a memorable and safe one for all!
Attention: The front parking lot of Alma High School will be closed on Saturday, April 13th, to allow the AHS Key Club to paint paws in the bus lane. Please note that this lot will be inaccessible for 24 hours.
Hey Airedale Families!
By inviting a foreign exchange student into your home, you're not just hosting a guest, you're fostering global harmony - one student, one family, and one community at a time! Get ready to dive into a new culture, swap everyday tales, and form bonds that'll last a lifetime.
Exciting news - we've got a bunch of awesome exchange students gearing up to join us this summer for the 2024-2025 school year. Are you interested in being a host? Or maybe you know someone who'd be perfect? Don't hesitate, reach out today!
Curious to meet the students? Check out their profiles right here: https://www.almasd.net/o/ahs/page/student-descriptions
The Alma School District Office of Special Education is extending an invitation to private schools and homeschool parents residing within the Alma boundary to attend an informational session concerning the delivery of special education and related services.
Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Alma Administration Office, 916 Hwy 64 East, Alma, AR 72921
If you are unable to attend and require further information, please reach out to the Special Education Office at (479) 632-4717.
The March board meeting, initially canceled due to severe weather, has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 4th at 6 pm. The regular April board meeting will proceed as planned on April 11th at 6 pm.