Students in Ms. Hall’s third grade class celebrated Election Day by learning all about voting and the importance of making your voice heard! They created voter registration cards, filled out ballots, and cast their votes in two delicious classroom elections — with Cheeseburgers and Donuts taking the win!
We might be a couple of months into the school year, but it’s not too late to apply for Free & Reduced Meals! Every family is encouraged to submit an application — you could still qualify for valuable benefits this year.
👉 Apply today: https://www.almasd.net/o/asd/page/free-and-reduced-information
👉 Apply today: https://www.almasd.net/o/asd/page/free-and-reduced-information
This week, Dr. Wood and district principals completed learning walks at Alma Primary School. These visits provided an opportunity to apply the skills learned in recent training with NIET and to develop a common language as an instructional leadership team.
During the learning walks, principals focused on what students were doing and saying in the classroom. Observations included how students engaged with lessons, collaborated with peers, and demonstrated understanding of key concepts. The goal was not to evaluate teachers, but to reflect on student learning and the instructional practices that support success across the district.
Dr. Wood noted that the visits offer valuable insight into how district initiatives are being implemented and how leaders can better support teachers. “It’s powerful to see the great things happening in our classrooms every day,” Dr. Wood said. “These walks give us the chance to celebrate what’s working and identify areas where we can continue to grow together.”
The district plans to continue these learning walks throughout the year to strengthen collaboration, consistency, and shared leadership across all schools.
During the learning walks, principals focused on what students were doing and saying in the classroom. Observations included how students engaged with lessons, collaborated with peers, and demonstrated understanding of key concepts. The goal was not to evaluate teachers, but to reflect on student learning and the instructional practices that support success across the district.
Dr. Wood noted that the visits offer valuable insight into how district initiatives are being implemented and how leaders can better support teachers. “It’s powerful to see the great things happening in our classrooms every day,” Dr. Wood said. “These walks give us the chance to celebrate what’s working and identify areas where we can continue to grow together.”
The district plans to continue these learning walks throughout the year to strengthen collaboration, consistency, and shared leadership across all schools.
Having trouble logging in to Rooms?
Good news — the issue has been resolved!
The recent login problem affecting iPhone (iOS) users has been fixed, and you should now be able to access the app without any issues.
If you’re still having trouble:
• Close and reopen the app to reset your session
• If that doesn’t work, delete and reinstall the app to clear the login cache
Thank you for your patience while this was being worked out!
Good news — the issue has been resolved!
The recent login problem affecting iPhone (iOS) users has been fixed, and you should now be able to access the app without any issues.
If you’re still having trouble:
• Close and reopen the app to reset your session
• If that doesn’t work, delete and reinstall the app to clear the login cache
Thank you for your patience while this was being worked out!
📣 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!
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!
What an exciting week in the Alma Intermediate School Library! Students explored the newly upgraded Maker Lab for the first time — and it was a huge hit. From building and designing to problem-solving and creating, they dove into every Maker Station with energy and imagination. It’s inspiring to see them collaborate, invent, and let their creativity shine. This is just the start of all the amazing things they’ll make and discover this year. A big thanks to Mrs. Feurtado for making it all possible!
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!
Mrs. Hunter’s 3rd graders took their math outside! With whiteboards in hand, they explored equal groups and making arrays while enjoying the beautiful Fall weather. They’re finishing up their Introducing Multiplication unit and doing an amazing job!
Ms. Hall’s crew at Alma Intermediate School have been busy learning in the most fun ways!
Math in Action: Young mathematicians across the entire 3rd-grade are tackling multiplication with Play-Doh! By building arrays with rows and columns, they explored equal groups and discovered how numbers connect. Hands-on math = creativity + engagement + fun!
Science Spotlight: During their Animals Through Time unit, students headed to the safe room to test their speed against dinosaurs! Third graders became dino detectives, comparing their steps to fossil tracks to see just how fast dinosaurs really were. Lots of laughs, learning, and maybe even a few future paleontologists in the making!
Math in Action: Young mathematicians across the entire 3rd-grade are tackling multiplication with Play-Doh! By building arrays with rows and columns, they explored equal groups and discovered how numbers connect. Hands-on math = creativity + engagement + fun!
Science Spotlight: During their Animals Through Time unit, students headed to the safe room to test their speed against dinosaurs! Third graders became dino detectives, comparing their steps to fossil tracks to see just how fast dinosaurs really were. Lots of laughs, learning, and maybe even a few future paleontologists in the making!
Fresh air and good books made the perfect learning combination at Alma Intermediate School! Ms. Hall’s third graders took class outdoors, partnering up to practice fluency and then finding their own spot on the lawn to enjoy a book of their choice. A great reminder that reading — and learning — can happen anywhere!
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!
