Third-grade summer school students have been diving into all things science through Literacy Empower Hour, where reading and science come together in fun, hands-on learning experiences.
Recently, students have focused on nature and observing the world around them. Last week, they got an unforgettable, up-close science experience! Mrs. Birchfield, Director of Special Education, visited with several of her snakes, giving students the chance to observe, ask questions, and even interact with them while learning more about how they behave in nature.
Students impressed with their knowledge and curiosity as they shared thoughtful answers and engaged in great discussion about snakes and the natural world.
A big thank you to Mrs. Birchfield for sharing her time and animals with us, and to Zach Thomas, Science Curriculum Specialist, for helping make the connection possible. Our students - and staff - had a great time experiencing science in action! 🐍
Recently, students have focused on nature and observing the world around them. Last week, they got an unforgettable, up-close science experience! Mrs. Birchfield, Director of Special Education, visited with several of her snakes, giving students the chance to observe, ask questions, and even interact with them while learning more about how they behave in nature.
Students impressed with their knowledge and curiosity as they shared thoughtful answers and engaged in great discussion about snakes and the natural world.
A big thank you to Mrs. Birchfield for sharing her time and animals with us, and to Zach Thomas, Science Curriculum Specialist, for helping make the connection possible. Our students - and staff - had a great time experiencing science in action! 🐍
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!
Things got a little messy at Alma Intermediate School during Week 2 of Summer School! 🧪✨
These 3rd graders put their science skills to work by making Oobleck - a fun substance that's not quite a liquid and not quite a solid. Hands-on learning, curiosity, and lots of smiles made for a great day of science exploration!
These 3rd graders put their science skills to work by making Oobleck - a fun substance that's not quite a liquid and not quite a solid. Hands-on learning, curiosity, and lots of smiles made for a great day of science exploration!
🐾 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 Dexter Pendergraft, who will be joining the team at Alma Intermediate School as a Physical Education teacher.
About Dexter: Dexter is excited to return to his hometown and join Alma School District as the PE teacher at Alma Intermediate School. Over the past several years, he has served as an elementary PE teacher, assistant principal, and district PE coordinator. He is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop healthy habits, and discover a lifelong love for physical activity. Dexter is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that helped shape him and looks forward to making a positive impact on students at Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Dexter to the Airedale family 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 Dexter Pendergraft, who will be joining the team at Alma Intermediate School as a Physical Education teacher.
About Dexter: Dexter is excited to return to his hometown and join Alma School District as the PE teacher at Alma Intermediate School. Over the past several years, he has served as an elementary PE teacher, assistant principal, and district PE coordinator. He is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop healthy habits, and discover a lifelong love for physical activity. Dexter is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that helped shape him and looks forward to making a positive impact on students at Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Dexter to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact he 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 Lyndsey Cady, who will be joining the team at Alma Intermediate School.
About Lyndsey: Lyndsey brings 14 years of teaching experience and 13 years of coaching experience to Alma. She has taught grades three through six and has coached at both the junior high and high school levels. She is happily married, and her stepson is also a student in Alma. Lyndsey is a dedicated educator who is passionate about teaching and committed to helping students reach their greatest potential.
We’re excited to welcome Lyndsey 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 Lyndsey Cady, who will be joining the team at Alma Intermediate School.
About Lyndsey: Lyndsey brings 14 years of teaching experience and 13 years of coaching experience to Alma. She has taught grades three through six and has coached at both the junior high and high school levels. She is happily married, and her stepson is also a student in Alma. Lyndsey is a dedicated educator who is passionate about teaching and committed to helping students reach their greatest potential.
We’re excited to welcome Lyndsey to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
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.
📚🚌 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!
📚🚌 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! ❤️📖
🎙️ 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.
📚🚍 IT'S DAY ONE OF THE BOOKMOBILE 🚍📚
The wait is over - we're hitting the road and bringing books, smiles, and summer reading fun to you!
We can't wait to see all of our readers today! Be sure to check out the schedule below to find your stop time and get ready to hop aboard.
Find your stop time below!
👇👇👇
The wait is over - we're hitting the road and bringing books, smiles, and summer reading fun to you!
We can't wait to see all of our readers today! Be sure to check out the schedule below to find your stop time and get ready to hop aboard.
Find your stop time below!
👇👇👇
Current K–8 Alma students have access to their Zearn Math accounts all summer long!
Just 30 minutes a day can help students:
✅ Maintain math skills
✅ Build confidence
✅ Stay prepared for the next school year
Getting started is easy:
🔹 Visit zearn.org
🔹 Click "Login with Clever"
🔹 Sign in with your school Google account
Make math a part of your summer routine and keep learning all season long!
Questions? Contact Chelsie Sturdivant, Math Curriculum Specialist K–12, at clsturdivant@almasd.net.
Just 30 minutes a day can help students:
✅ Maintain math skills
✅ Build confidence
✅ Stay prepared for the next school year
Getting started is easy:
🔹 Visit zearn.org
🔹 Click "Login with Clever"
🔹 Sign in with your school Google account
Make math a part of your summer routine and keep learning all season long!
Questions? Contact Chelsie Sturdivant, Math Curriculum Specialist K–12, at clsturdivant@almasd.net.
Summer Hours for all Alma School District campuses and departments are now in effect:
Monday–Thursday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(45-minute lunch)
Fridays
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Regular schedules will resume Monday, July 27.
Have a great summer, Airedales!
Monday–Thursday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(45-minute lunch)
Fridays
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Regular schedules will resume Monday, July 27.
Have a great summer, Airedales!
School is out. Summer is in. 😎
Thank you, families, students, and staff, for an incredible year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. Wishing everyone a summer full of sunshine, laughter, adventure, and well-deserved relaxation.
See you next school year!
Thank you, families, students, and staff, for an incredible year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. Wishing everyone a summer full of sunshine, laughter, adventure, and well-deserved relaxation.
See you next school year!
Color Run memories! Last week was another fun-filled Color-A-Thon hosted by the amazing PTO of Alma Intermediate School! 🌈
The AIS Color-A-Thon is the biggest and brightest fundraiser of the year, and our students had a blast running and walking the 1K while faculty and parent volunteers showered them with safe, non-toxic color powder - turning the bus lane into a rainbow runway of fun!
And the excitement didn’t stop there…
🎧 DJ Derrik spinning the ultimate race-day playlist
🫧 Foam cannons, bounce houses, a rock climber, and an inflatable obstacle course on the infield
🍬 Full concession stand featuring candy, snacks, drinks, and snow cones
Thank you to everyone who helped make this colorful day such a success!
The AIS Color-A-Thon is the biggest and brightest fundraiser of the year, and our students had a blast running and walking the 1K while faculty and parent volunteers showered them with safe, non-toxic color powder - turning the bus lane into a rainbow runway of fun!
And the excitement didn’t stop there…
🎧 DJ Derrik spinning the ultimate race-day playlist
🫧 Foam cannons, bounce houses, a rock climber, and an inflatable obstacle course on the infield
🍬 Full concession stand featuring candy, snacks, drinks, and snow cones
Thank you to everyone who helped make this colorful day such a success!
Last Thursday’s school board meeting included several special recognitions honoring staff members and coaches from across the district for their leadership, service, and dedication to Alma Schools.
Cortney Parker and Sari Copeland of Alma Intermediate School were recognized for their professionalism, kindness, and dedication to students, staff, and families. They help create a welcoming environment each day and play a vital role in the success of the school. Their teamwork and commitment to excellence continue to make a positive impact on the Alma Intermediate community.
Coach Darin Stahler was recognized for being named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Arkansas Basketball Coaches Association, and Coach Cody Vaught was honored for being selected to coach the AHSCA All-Star Team.
The board also recognized this year’s Classified Employee of the Year honorees:
• Tracy Dean - Alma Primary School
• Brittney Bonewell - Alma Intermediate School
• Jill Boyd - Alma Middle School
• Whitney Skadden - Alma High School
• Jenna Ogilvie - District Support Employee of the Year
In addition, Dr. Wood recognized the district’s Curriculum Specialist Team for their continued support of students and staff across Alma Schools: Brandi Brogan, Erin Reeves, Chelsie Sturdivant, Michael Bridges, Amy Brewer, and Jamie Balkman.
Congratulations to all who were recognized for their hard work and commitment to Alma Schools.
Cortney Parker and Sari Copeland of Alma Intermediate School were recognized for their professionalism, kindness, and dedication to students, staff, and families. They help create a welcoming environment each day and play a vital role in the success of the school. Their teamwork and commitment to excellence continue to make a positive impact on the Alma Intermediate community.
Coach Darin Stahler was recognized for being named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Arkansas Basketball Coaches Association, and Coach Cody Vaught was honored for being selected to coach the AHSCA All-Star Team.
The board also recognized this year’s Classified Employee of the Year honorees:
• Tracy Dean - Alma Primary School
• Brittney Bonewell - Alma Intermediate School
• Jill Boyd - Alma Middle School
• Whitney Skadden - Alma High School
• Jenna Ogilvie - District Support Employee of the Year
In addition, Dr. Wood recognized the district’s Curriculum Specialist Team for their continued support of students and staff across Alma Schools: Brandi Brogan, Erin Reeves, Chelsie Sturdivant, Michael Bridges, Amy Brewer, and Jamie Balkman.
Congratulations to all who were recognized for their hard work and commitment to Alma Schools.
The Alma Airedale Football Booster Club invites the community to Spring Showcase Game Day this Wednesday, May 20, at 6 PM at the football stadium!
Come support the team, enjoy a great night of football, and stay after the game for a community tailgate in front of the stadium.
🍔 Free food (first come, first serve)
🎯 Games & fun for the whole family
💚 A great way to celebrate Airedale pride together!
The Booster Club looks forward to seeing everyone there for an exciting night under the lights!
Come support the team, enjoy a great night of football, and stay after the game for a community tailgate in front of the stadium.
🍔 Free food (first come, first serve)
🎯 Games & fun for the whole family
💚 A great way to celebrate Airedale pride together!
The Booster Club looks forward to seeing everyone there for an exciting night under the lights!
