⚓️ What an incredible experience!
Recently, Gracelynn Edwards had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar in Annapolis, Maryland. This highly competitive, week-long program gives students a firsthand look at life at the Naval Academy while challenging them through hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities, leadership development, and teamwork.
We are incredibly proud of her for representing Alma and embracing such an outstanding opportunity. Way to go, Gracelynn!
Recently, Gracelynn Edwards had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar in Annapolis, Maryland. This highly competitive, week-long program gives students a firsthand look at life at the Naval Academy while challenging them through hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities, leadership development, and teamwork.
We are incredibly proud of her for representing Alma and embracing such an outstanding opportunity. Way to go, Gracelynn!
🚨 Important Reminder for Airedale Athletics 🚨
The annual AAA Summer Dead Period is just around the corner. From June 21 through July 4, all Alma School District athletic facilities will be completely closed, and there will be no coach-led practices, workouts, or team activities.
This mandatory rest period is the perfect time for our student-athletes and coaches to pause, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved summer downtime with family and friends.
Stay active on your own, stay hydrated, and get ready to hit the ground running when we return after the 4th of July!
The annual AAA Summer Dead Period is just around the corner. From June 21 through July 4, all Alma School District athletic facilities will be completely closed, and there will be no coach-led practices, workouts, or team activities.
This mandatory rest period is the perfect time for our student-athletes and coaches to pause, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved summer downtime with family and friends.
Stay active on your own, stay hydrated, and get ready to hit the ground running when we return after the 4th of July!
🐾 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 Cortney Hicks, who will be joining the team as an Agriculture teacher.
About Cortney: Cortney is excited to join Alma School District and begin working with students. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from Southern Arkansas University and is passionate about sharing her love of agriculture with the next generation.
Cortney believes agriculture plays a vital role in everyday life and is committed to providing students with the knowledge and opportunities to grow through agricultural education. She has a passion for animals and livestock and is excited to help continue growing the agriculture program while inspiring students to discover the many opportunities the field has to offer.
We’re excited to welcome Cortney 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 Cortney Hicks, who will be joining the team as an Agriculture teacher.
About Cortney: Cortney is excited to join Alma School District and begin working with students. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from Southern Arkansas University and is passionate about sharing her love of agriculture with the next generation.
Cortney believes agriculture plays a vital role in everyday life and is committed to providing students with the knowledge and opportunities to grow through agricultural education. She has a passion for animals and livestock and is excited to help continue growing the agriculture program while inspiring students to discover the many opportunities the field has to offer.
We’re excited to welcome Cortney 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 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!
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!
📚 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!
🌍 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.
📚🚌 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!
🐾 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 Shane Ayotte, who will be joining the team at Alma High School.
About Shane: Shane recently taught in Central Arkansas and is excited to return to the River Valley to continue his teaching career. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Central Arkansas and is grateful for the opportunity to join the Alma community. Shane looks forward to building relationships with students and making a positive impact in the classroom. He is excited to become an Airedale and be part of such a great school community.
We’re excited to have Shane 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 Shane Ayotte, who will be joining the team at Alma High School.
About Shane: Shane recently taught in Central Arkansas and is excited to return to the River Valley to continue his teaching career. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Central Arkansas and is grateful for the opportunity to join the Alma community. Shane looks forward to building relationships with students and making a positive impact in the classroom. He is excited to become an Airedale and be part of such a great school community.
We’re excited to have Shane join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students and community!
📚🚌 Bookmobile Update for Tomorrow (6/3/26)
Our Bookmobile experienced some mechanical issues yesterday, and while we wait on a part to get our bus back on the road, we'll be using a substitute bus tomorrow.
Don't worry - we'll still be delivering food and bringing along a small selection of books geared toward our younger readers for checkout!
Keep an eye out for the small yellow bus on Wednesday, June 3. You'll find the same friendly faces, smiles, and services you know and love. Thank you for your patience and support as we get the Bookmobile rolling again soon! ❤️📖
Our Bookmobile experienced some mechanical issues yesterday, and while we wait on a part to get our bus back on the road, we'll be using a substitute bus tomorrow.
Don't worry - we'll still be delivering food and bringing along a small selection of books geared toward our younger readers for checkout!
Keep an eye out for the small yellow bus on Wednesday, June 3. You'll find the same friendly faces, smiles, and services you know and love. Thank you for your patience and support as we get the Bookmobile rolling again soon! ❤️📖
🐾 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 Cara Willmon, who will serve as an Agriculture Teacher at Alma High School.
About Cara: Cara is excited to begin her career as an Agriculture Teacher at Alma School District. A proud Alma High School graduate, she is thankful for the opportunity to return to the program that helped shape her passion for agriculture and education. Cara attended Arkansas Tech University, where she studied agricultural education and gained valuable classroom experience through student teaching and internships. She looks forward to building relationships with students and helping them grow through hands-on learning, leadership, and FFA involvement.
We’re excited to have Cara join our team 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 Cara Willmon, who will serve as an Agriculture Teacher at Alma High School.
About Cara: Cara is excited to begin her career as an Agriculture Teacher at Alma School District. A proud Alma High School graduate, she is thankful for the opportunity to return to the program that helped shape her passion for agriculture and education. Cara attended Arkansas Tech University, where she studied agricultural education and gained valuable classroom experience through student teaching and internships. She looks forward to building relationships with students and helping them grow through hands-on learning, leadership, and FFA involvement.
We’re excited to have Cara join our team and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
🎙️ Mr. Bridges is back with a brand-new podcast episode!
In this episode, Mr. B. sits down with Kevin Hesslen, the new Superintendent of Alma School District. Mr. Hesslen shares his journey in education, discusses the many roles he's held throughout his career, talks about his family, and outlines his vision for the future of Alma Schools.
Along the way, the two discover they have more in common than they realized, including some shared connections from the past!
We invite you to get to know the leader who will help guide Alma Schools into the future.
🎧 Listen here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s4-e8-what-s-the-deal-with-the-new-superintendent--72278593
In this episode, Mr. B. sits down with Kevin Hesslen, the new Superintendent of Alma School District. Mr. Hesslen shares his journey in education, discusses the many roles he's held throughout his career, talks about his family, and outlines his vision for the future of Alma Schools.
Along the way, the two discover they have more in common than they realized, including some shared connections from the past!
We invite you to get to know the leader who will help guide Alma Schools into the future.
🎧 Listen here: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s4-e8-what-s-the-deal-with-the-new-superintendent--72278593
Today is the final day to submit your School Choice Application for the 2026-2027 school year at Alma School District!
Join a district committed to academic excellence, student success, and outstanding opportunities in academics, athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities.
✅ Applications must be submitted by the end of the day today.
✅ Don't miss your opportunity to become part of the Airedale family!
LINK: https://www.almasd.net/page/school-choice
Questions? Contact the Alma School District Administration Office for assistance.
Join a district committed to academic excellence, student success, and outstanding opportunities in academics, athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities.
✅ Applications must be submitted by the end of the day today.
✅ Don't miss your opportunity to become part of the Airedale family!
LINK: https://www.almasd.net/page/school-choice
Questions? Contact the Alma School District Administration Office for assistance.
🐾 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 Abby Boster, who will be serving as a Counselor at Alma High School.
About Abby: Abby will begin her 10th year in education, with nearly her entire career dedicated to serving Alma School District students and families. Throughout her time at Alma, she has served in a variety of roles, including middle school math teacher, cheer coach, and elementary teacher. These experiences have strengthened her passion for supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Abby is committed to helping students feel seen, heard, and encouraged as they prepare for bright futures.
We’re excited for Abby as she begins this new role at Alma High School and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make on our students and school community!
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 Abby Boster, who will be serving as a Counselor at Alma High School.
About Abby: Abby will begin her 10th year in education, with nearly her entire career dedicated to serving Alma School District students and families. Throughout her time at Alma, she has served in a variety of roles, including middle school math teacher, cheer coach, and elementary teacher. These experiences have strengthened her passion for supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Abby is committed to helping students feel seen, heard, and encouraged as they prepare for bright futures.
We’re excited for Abby as she begins this new role at Alma High School and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make on our students and school community!
