🐾 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!
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!
🌍 Become a Host Family This Year 🌍
Alma School District is preparing to welcome a new group of exchange students, and we still have 3 boys in need of host families: Andrej, Lois, and Thien.
Hosting an exchange student is a meaningful opportunity to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make a lasting impact in a student's life.
👀 View their profiles here: https://www.almasd.net/o/ahs/page/student-descriptions
If you'd like to learn more or are interested in becoming a host family, contact Eileen Parham at EPharham@almasd.net or (479) 462-5100.
Alma School District is preparing to welcome a new group of exchange students, and we still have 3 boys in need of host families: Andrej, Lois, and Thien.
Hosting an exchange student is a meaningful opportunity to experience a new culture, build lasting friendships, and make a lasting impact in a student's life.
👀 View their profiles here: https://www.almasd.net/o/ahs/page/student-descriptions
If you'd like to learn more or are interested in becoming a host family, contact Eileen Parham at EPharham@almasd.net or (479) 462-5100.
Learning never takes a summer break!
Our Grades 6–12 educators recently came together for Summer Literacy Professional Development to sharpen their instructional practices and prep for an incredible school year ahead.
Here is a sneak peek at what our dedicated teachers were working on:
🔍 Exploring high-quality instructional materials
🎯 Aligning curriculum and standards
🧠 Analyzing best practices
📝 Planning engaging lessons to boost student success
A massive thank you to our incredible secondary teachers for investing your summer time, sharing brilliant ideas, and collaborating to make a real difference. Your dedication ensures our Middle School and High School students receive the absolute best literacy instruction!
We can’t wait to see the impact of this hard work in the classroom!
Our Grades 6–12 educators recently came together for Summer Literacy Professional Development to sharpen their instructional practices and prep for an incredible school year ahead.
Here is a sneak peek at what our dedicated teachers were working on:
🔍 Exploring high-quality instructional materials
🎯 Aligning curriculum and standards
🧠 Analyzing best practices
📝 Planning engaging lessons to boost student success
A massive thank you to our incredible secondary teachers for investing your summer time, sharing brilliant ideas, and collaborating to make a real difference. Your dedication ensures our Middle School and High School students receive the absolute best literacy instruction!
We can’t wait to see the impact of this hard work in the classroom!
Have you voted yet?
There’s still time to support Alma School District in the Best of River Valley awards - voting remains open through July 7!
We’re proud that every Alma School District campus, along with the district as a whole, has been nominated. We’re so grateful for our amazing students, staff, families, and community who make Alma such a special place to learn and grow.
🗳️ Don’t forget to cast your vote at www.votebestofrivervalley.com
Thank you for continuing to support the people and programs that make Alma Public Schools shine!
There’s still time to support Alma School District in the Best of River Valley awards - voting remains open through July 7!
We’re proud that every Alma School District campus, along with the district as a whole, has been nominated. We’re so grateful for our amazing students, staff, families, and community who make Alma such a special place to learn and grow.
🗳️ Don’t forget to cast your vote at www.votebestofrivervalley.com
Thank you for continuing to support the people and programs that make Alma Public Schools shine!
Free & Reduced Meal Applications for the 2026–2027 School Year are now available!
Don’t forget to add the Free & Reduced Meal Application to your back-to-school checklist! We encourage every family to submit an application for the upcoming school year. Applying is quick, easy, and may also help families qualify for additional educational programs and benefits.
Apply online: https://www.almasd.net/page/child-nutrition-services
Alma School District is an equal opportunity provider.
Don’t forget to add the Free & Reduced Meal Application to your back-to-school checklist! We encourage every family to submit an application for the upcoming school year. Applying is quick, easy, and may also help families qualify for additional educational programs and benefits.
Apply online: https://www.almasd.net/page/child-nutrition-services
Alma School District is an equal opportunity provider.
📚❤️ A little feel-good story from the Bookmobile this week...
While making its regular stops on Monday, our Bookmobile team was approached by a gentleman visiting a friend here in Alma from out of state. After watching children excitedly check out books, he shared how wonderful it was to see the joy the Bookmobile brings and generously made a donation to support the program.
It's moments like these that remind us the Bookmobile is about so much more than books - it's about inspiring a love of reading and making a difference in our community. Thank you for your kindness!
Today is Wednesday, which means BOOKMOBILE DAY! Check out today's schedule below.
Please remember that stop times are approximate and may vary based on travel and the number of students served.
Track the Bookmobile here: https://cloud.samsara.com/o/9124/fleet/viewer/lcF8SP3Iiy5Taq7rSsug
If you miss your closest stop, you're always welcome to meet us at another stop along today's route!
While making its regular stops on Monday, our Bookmobile team was approached by a gentleman visiting a friend here in Alma from out of state. After watching children excitedly check out books, he shared how wonderful it was to see the joy the Bookmobile brings and generously made a donation to support the program.
It's moments like these that remind us the Bookmobile is about so much more than books - it's about inspiring a love of reading and making a difference in our community. Thank you for your kindness!
Today is Wednesday, which means BOOKMOBILE DAY! Check out today's schedule below.
Please remember that stop times are approximate and may vary based on travel and the number of students served.
Track the Bookmobile here: https://cloud.samsara.com/o/9124/fleet/viewer/lcF8SP3Iiy5Taq7rSsug
If you miss your closest stop, you're always welcome to meet us at another stop along today's route!
Thirty-two students from Alma High School proudly represented Airedale Nation at the 2026 Technology Student Association (TSA) National Conference in Washington, D.C.!
Centered around this year's theme, "Unity Through Community," our students competed alongside some of the nation's top STEM and technology students while participating in leadership sessions, networking with peers from across the country, and building lasting connections.
Beyond the conference, students explored our nation's capital by touring the U.S. Capitol and visiting many of Washington, D.C.'s iconic museums and monuments, making the trip an unforgettable blend of competition, leadership, education, and history.
We're incredibly proud of these students for representing Alma High School with excellence and bringing home new experiences, fresh ideas, and a continued passion for STEM. Way to go, Airedales!
Centered around this year's theme, "Unity Through Community," our students competed alongside some of the nation's top STEM and technology students while participating in leadership sessions, networking with peers from across the country, and building lasting connections.
Beyond the conference, students explored our nation's capital by touring the U.S. Capitol and visiting many of Washington, D.C.'s iconic museums and monuments, making the trip an unforgettable blend of competition, leadership, education, and history.
We're incredibly proud of these students for representing Alma High School with excellence and bringing home new experiences, fresh ideas, and a continued passion for STEM. Way to go, Airedales!
Alma School District will close at noon on Thursday, July 2, and will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Have a safe, happy, and wonderful 4th of July weekend, Airedales!
⚓️ 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!
