
Alma TSA students recently attended the Arkansas TSA Chapter Officer Leadership Academy (COLA), where they took part in interactive leadership training and team-building activities. Throughout the event, students strengthened their communication, organization, and chapter management skills — preparing them to lead and grow their local TSA chapters this year.
Front row: Arkansas TSA State Officers – Noel Parker (Sergeant at Arms), Brenna Morris (President), and Kylee Wallis (Secretary)
Back row: Dylin Trantham, Isaac Wald, Silas Dumond, Gabriel Johnson, Sophia Kimes, Ruby Inman, Chloe Haught, Jackson Burdick, Brody Baldwin, and Malachi Houck
Front row: Arkansas TSA State Officers – Noel Parker (Sergeant at Arms), Brenna Morris (President), and Kylee Wallis (Secretary)
Back row: Dylin Trantham, Isaac Wald, Silas Dumond, Gabriel Johnson, Sophia Kimes, Ruby Inman, Chloe Haught, Jackson Burdick, Brody Baldwin, and Malachi Houck


📣 Parents & Guardians: It’s Parent-Teacher Conference Week!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Thursday, October 16: Teacher Work Day + Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences — No school for students.
- Friday, October 17: Parent-Teacher Conferences (all day) — No school for students.
Pre-K families: Pre-K students will attend school as normal both days.
You can view both the Pre-K and District Calendars at the link below.
LINK: https://www.almasd.net/documents/school-calendars/787919
Here’s what you need to know:
- Thursday, October 16: Teacher Work Day + Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences — No school for students.
- Friday, October 17: Parent-Teacher Conferences (all day) — No school for students.
Pre-K families: Pre-K students will attend school as normal both days.
You can view both the Pre-K and District Calendars at the link below.
LINK: https://www.almasd.net/documents/school-calendars/787919


On October 2, district leaders, principals, and curriculum specialists participated in NIET Learning Walk Training, a professional development opportunity through the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching.
This training helps school leaders strengthen teaching and learning by conducting short, non-evaluative classroom visits focused on instructional growth and student engagement.
The following day, October 3, NIET staff developers joined Alma school leaders on campuses across the district to put their new skills into action — observing, collaborating, and supporting teachers in their continued pursuit of excellence.
A huge thank-you to NIET and our dedicated staff for their hard work, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement across all Alma schools!
This training helps school leaders strengthen teaching and learning by conducting short, non-evaluative classroom visits focused on instructional growth and student engagement.
The following day, October 3, NIET staff developers joined Alma school leaders on campuses across the district to put their new skills into action — observing, collaborating, and supporting teachers in their continued pursuit of excellence.
A huge thank-you to NIET and our dedicated staff for their hard work, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement across all Alma schools!

October Board Meeting Recognitions
We’re celebrating our incredible staff and leaders this month!
Alma Primary School – Recognized for fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning through dedication and care.
⭐Honorees: Jessica Gillingham, Erin Sanders, Melissa Ellifrits, Amanda Nelson, Jennifer Schneider, Ashley White
Alma Intermediate School – Recognized for launching the 5th Grade Ambassador Program, creating meaningful leadership opportunities for students.
⭐Honorees: Madison Yates, Shelbi Thomas, Allie Smith
Alma Middle School – Recognized for providing nutritious meals and a welcoming environment that supports student success.
⭐Honoree: Jill Boyd
Alma High School – Recognized for exceptional teaching and demonstration of Illustrative Mathematics. Her dedication, positive attitude, and impact have inspired fellow Alma High School math teachers.
⭐Honoree: Amanda Atwell
National Principal Month
This October, we celebrate the leadership, dedication, and care of our principals who make a difference in every school:
Brian Kirkendoll – Alma High School
JD Coursey – Alma Middle School
Jennifer Lyon – Alma Intermediate School
Shawn Bullard - Alma Primary School
Thank you to all of our staff and principals for the impact you make on our students every day!
We’re celebrating our incredible staff and leaders this month!
Alma Primary School – Recognized for fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning through dedication and care.
⭐Honorees: Jessica Gillingham, Erin Sanders, Melissa Ellifrits, Amanda Nelson, Jennifer Schneider, Ashley White
Alma Intermediate School – Recognized for launching the 5th Grade Ambassador Program, creating meaningful leadership opportunities for students.
⭐Honorees: Madison Yates, Shelbi Thomas, Allie Smith
Alma Middle School – Recognized for providing nutritious meals and a welcoming environment that supports student success.
⭐Honoree: Jill Boyd
Alma High School – Recognized for exceptional teaching and demonstration of Illustrative Mathematics. Her dedication, positive attitude, and impact have inspired fellow Alma High School math teachers.
⭐Honoree: Amanda Atwell
National Principal Month
This October, we celebrate the leadership, dedication, and care of our principals who make a difference in every school:
Brian Kirkendoll – Alma High School
JD Coursey – Alma Middle School
Jennifer Lyon – Alma Intermediate School
Shawn Bullard - Alma Primary School
Thank you to all of our staff and principals for the impact you make on our students every day!

October is National Principals Month!
We’re so thankful for the leadership, dedication, and care our principals show each and every day.
Help us celebrate these incredible leaders:
🏫 Brian Kirkendoll – Alma High School
🏫 JD Coursey – Alma Middle School
🏫 Jennifer Lyon – Alma Intermediate School
🏫 Shawn Bullard – Alma Primary School
Let them know how much you appreciate them and recognize the positive impact they have on our schools the next time you see them!
We’re so thankful for the leadership, dedication, and care our principals show each and every day.
Help us celebrate these incredible leaders:
🏫 Brian Kirkendoll – Alma High School
🏫 JD Coursey – Alma Middle School
🏫 Jennifer Lyon – Alma Intermediate School
🏫 Shawn Bullard – Alma Primary School
Let them know how much you appreciate them and recognize the positive impact they have on our schools the next time you see them!


We are excited to announce that Alma High School has officially moved from a B to an A school in the Arkansas Department of Education’s accountability ratings!
This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and community in preparing every Airedale for success beyond high school. We are thrilled to see the hard work and commitment of our Airedales recognized in this way.
Together, we are proud to continue building a lasting tradition of excellence at Alma High School.
This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and community in preparing every Airedale for success beyond high school. We are thrilled to see the hard work and commitment of our Airedales recognized in this way.
Together, we are proud to continue building a lasting tradition of excellence at Alma High School.


Homecoming Week Highlights 🎉🏈💚
What a wonderful week of celebrating tradition, school spirit, and community! From start to finish, our Alma family - students, staff, alumni, parents, and friends - helped make Homecoming 2025 one to remember.
Thank you for being part of the fun and for showing your Airedale pride in so many ways!
What a wonderful week of celebrating tradition, school spirit, and community! From start to finish, our Alma family - students, staff, alumni, parents, and friends - helped make Homecoming 2025 one to remember.
Thank you for being part of the fun and for showing your Airedale pride in so many ways!










Homecoming has arrived, and we’re excited to celebrate this special tradition! A big thank-you to everyone who came out for last night’s parade. Tonight, the Airedales face the Harrison Goblins, with the coronation ceremony set for 6:30 p.m. on the field, just before kickoff. Come out and enjoy the spirit and excitement! We appreciate Heritage Portraits for beautifully capturing our homecoming court!









The homecoming fun isn’t slowing down!
Today’s the day for the homecoming parade! Queen Raleigh and her court will be leading the way, along with other amazing groups and organizations.
📍 Main Street
⏰ Tonight at 6:00 PM
Come out, cheer loud, and celebrate with us!
Today’s the day for the homecoming parade! Queen Raleigh and her court will be leading the way, along with other amazing groups and organizations.
📍 Main Street
⏰ Tonight at 6:00 PM
Come out, cheer loud, and celebrate with us!


Big Day for Alma High School! Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Ikenberry, Mrs. King, Hannah Hays from Mountainburg, and John Whitman & Jennifer Turner from the Co-Op were here today training on our brand-new Tenstar simulator – and we can’t wait for students to try it out! 🚜
Students will get to experience operating:
✅ Excavators
✅ Tractors
✅ Cranes
✅ Graders
✅ Dozers
✅ Ambulances
✅ Combine Harvesters
✅ Semi Trucks
✅ Forklifts
…and MORE — up to 22 different pieces of equipment!
Hands-on learning just got a whole lot more exciting!
Students will get to experience operating:
✅ Excavators
✅ Tractors
✅ Cranes
✅ Graders
✅ Dozers
✅ Ambulances
✅ Combine Harvesters
✅ Semi Trucks
✅ Forklifts
…and MORE — up to 22 different pieces of equipment!
Hands-on learning just got a whole lot more exciting!




This week, our Alma Primary School kindergarteners had some very special guest readers — the Airedale Varsity Basketball Team! Players traded their basketballs for books and spent time reading aloud to our youngest learners. The kids were thrilled to sit with their hometown athletes, and the players enjoyed connecting with the future Airedales. Moments like these are what make our Alma community so special — seeing our older students step up as role models and inspire the next generation of Airedales. Way to go, team!


Huge thanks to everyone who came out Friday night to cheer on the Airedales! Alma Cheer & Alma Dance brought the energy with an incredible Spirit Clinic! Always proud to be an Airedale!

Professional Learning in Action! Last week, Mrs. Hubbs and Mrs. Reeves attended a professional learning event in Little Rock for Instructional Leaders. They joined leaders from across Arkansas to explore strategies and practices designed to empower the teachers they lead this school year. Great work, Mrs. Hubbs and Mrs. Reeves — thanks for leading the way for our Airedale educators!


We are thrilled to congratulate Blake Holsted of Alma High School, who has been selected as a National Merit Semi-Finalist! This prestigious recognition honors students who score among the top performers on the PSAT/NMSQT and demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, dedication, and hard work.
Becoming a National Merit Semi-Finalist is a remarkable accomplishment, and Blake’s success reflects not only personal commitment but also the support of our teachers, family, and community. We are incredibly proud of Blake and look forward to celebrating this achievement as he moves toward the next stage of the National Merit Scholarship process!
Becoming a National Merit Semi-Finalist is a remarkable accomplishment, and Blake’s success reflects not only personal commitment but also the support of our teachers, family, and community. We are incredibly proud of Blake and look forward to celebrating this achievement as he moves toward the next stage of the National Merit Scholarship process!


Students in Mrs. Stricklin’s Education Technology and Intro to Education classes at Alma High School are turning big ideas into bold designs! Using design software and our poster printer, they’re creating powerful visuals that inspire motivation and celebrate education.



Sweet news, Airedales! Alma has been nominated for Yarnell’s Sweetest Play of Week Zero! The play: QB Chase Parker with the backward pass to Samuel Schlegel, who launches it to a wide-open Dylan Jackson for the touchdown! Vote and check out the full details here.

IMPORTANT UPDATE for Airedale fans: Tonight’s Battle of the Bone game will NOT be available on the Alma School District livestream due to illness. However, you can still catch every play and cheer on the Airedales by tuning in to the Van Buren livestream instead.
Watch live here: https://youtube.com/@pointermediavb?si=E3YPxxr444C8I9m7
Thank you for your understanding, and let’s still bring the spirit — whether in the stands or tuning in from home.
Watch live here: https://youtube.com/@pointermediavb?si=E3YPxxr444C8I9m7
Thank you for your understanding, and let’s still bring the spirit — whether in the stands or tuning in from home.

REMINDER: Alma School District will be CLOSED on Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing long weekend! Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 2nd.


It’s Battle of the Bone week! The Airedales take on the Pointers this Friday, August 29, at Blakemore Field. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at the Administration Building and Alma High School office. Let’s pack the stands and cheer loud — good luck, Airedales!


All Sports Passes are now available for purchase at the Administration Building. A valid ID is required at the time of purchase. Passes are not valid for Little League games. Payment may be made by cash or check. Senior citizens are eligible to receive up to two passes per person. Student athlete passes are available for students in grade 7 and above. Let’s pack the stands and support the Airedales all season — Go Airedales!
