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!
🍎 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.
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!
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!
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.
