Mrs. Price’s students at Alma Middle School have kicked off their first science unit with an exciting question: How can we make something new that wasn’t there before?
The adventure began with a hands-on mystery — dropping a bath bomb into water. Students quickly noticed the bubbling reaction and filled the room with investigative questions: Where do the bubbles come from? What if we used boiling water? What exactly are bath bombs made of?
This spark of curiosity launched an engaging investigation into chemical reactions. Over the course of the unit, students will:
- Explore the properties of matter
- Model changes at the molecular level
- Discover how new substances are created
From mixing ingredients to analyzing data patterns, they’re not only learning chemistry concepts but also building critical thinking skills — all while having fun and staying curious.
The adventure began with a hands-on mystery — dropping a bath bomb into water. Students quickly noticed the bubbling reaction and filled the room with investigative questions: Where do the bubbles come from? What if we used boiling water? What exactly are bath bombs made of?
This spark of curiosity launched an engaging investigation into chemical reactions. Over the course of the unit, students will:
- Explore the properties of matter
- Model changes at the molecular level
- Discover how new substances are created
From mixing ingredients to analyzing data patterns, they’re not only learning chemistry concepts but also building critical thinking skills — all while having fun and staying curious.
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!
All Sports Passes are now available for purchase at the Administration Building. A valid ID is required at the time of purchase. Passes are not valid for Little League games. Payment may be made by cash or check. Senior citizens are eligible to receive up to two passes per person. Student athlete passes are available for students in grade 7 and above. Let’s pack the stands and support the Airedales all season — Go Airedales!
FREE & REDUCED MEALS – 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
We encourage every family to submit an application!
For details and to apply, visit: https://www.almasd.net/.../page/free-and-reduced-information
Giveaway Reminder: Submit your application by August 31 for a chance to win!
- One winner will receive a $100 gift card
- Another winner will receive two athletic passes for the 2025–2026 school year
Alma School District is an equal opportunity provider.
We encourage every family to submit an application!
For details and to apply, visit: https://www.almasd.net/.../page/free-and-reduced-information
Giveaway Reminder: Submit your application by August 31 for a chance to win!
- One winner will receive a $100 gift card
- Another winner will receive two athletic passes for the 2025–2026 school year
Alma School District is an equal opportunity provider.
Free Virtual Sign Language Classes for Parents
The EARS Program at Arkansas Children’s Hospital is offering Beginner Signing Exact English classes for parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and use (or are learning to use) sign language.
Details:
- Format: Signing Exact English
- Cost: FREE (must meet eligibility criteria)
- Instructor: Erika Studer, M.S., CCC-SLP
- Dates: Thursdays – 9/18, 10/2, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18
- Time: 6:00–6:30 PM (via Zoom)
Register by September 5, 2025
📧 Email Jessica Newman at newmanjl@archildrens.org to sign up.
💻 Participate from your computer, iPad, or smartphone — just make sure you have a camera, microphone, and internet access!
Let’s connect, learn, and support our students together!
Off to a GREAT start! Yesterday, incoming 3rd, 6th, and 9th graders toured their new schools, met staff, learned procedures, and got comfortable before the first day. We’re ready for an amazing year!
The first day of school is TOMORROW — Wednesday, August 13, 2025! We can’t wait to welcome all our Airedales back for an amazing year!
Important Bell Times & Doors Open:
Alma Primary School:
Doors Open: 7:30 AM
Tardy Bell: 8:10 AM
Parent Pick-Up Release: 3:05 PM
Alma Intermediate School:
Doors Open: 7:30 AM
Tardy Bell: 8:10 AM
Parent Pick-Up Release: 3:10 PM
Alma Middle School:
Doors Open: 7:30 AM
Tardy Bell: 8:05 AM
Parent Pick-Up Release: 3:27 PM
Alma High School:
Doors Open: 7:15 AM
Class Begins: 8:05 AM
Dismissal Bell: 3:30 PM
Reminder: The new 'Bell to Bell, No Cell' Law is now in effect across the district and the state. To review the details, please visit: https://www.almasd.net/page/bell-to-bell-no-cell
For more back-to-school info, check out this post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19HddRnTrv/
Here’s to a great start, Airedales!
Important Bell Times & Doors Open:
Alma Primary School:
Doors Open: 7:30 AM
Tardy Bell: 8:10 AM
Parent Pick-Up Release: 3:05 PM
Alma Intermediate School:
Doors Open: 7:30 AM
Tardy Bell: 8:10 AM
Parent Pick-Up Release: 3:10 PM
Alma Middle School:
Doors Open: 7:30 AM
Tardy Bell: 8:05 AM
Parent Pick-Up Release: 3:27 PM
Alma High School:
Doors Open: 7:15 AM
Class Begins: 8:05 AM
Dismissal Bell: 3:30 PM
Reminder: The new 'Bell to Bell, No Cell' Law is now in effect across the district and the state. To review the details, please visit: https://www.almasd.net/page/bell-to-bell-no-cell
For more back-to-school info, check out this post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19HddRnTrv/
Here’s to a great start, Airedales!
We wrapped up our week of PD last week with the 2025 Teacher Appreciation Breakfast! Huge thanks to River Valley Ministerial Fellowship for the delicious food and awesome giveaways for our staff.
Today’s the day! Open House at Alma School District is happening from 3:30 – 6:30 PM for all grade levels — including Pre-K! Stop by to meet teachers, explore classrooms, and get ready for an amazing 2025–2026 school year. We can’t wait to see you!
ATTENTION PARENTS: Meal applications for the 2025–2026 school year are needed from ALL families — and submitting one could win you a great prize!
Help your student. Support your school. Win prizes.
Your completed application opens doors to valuable benefits like free school meals, free summer school, free ACT testing, reduced internet service, and lower college application costs.
Submit your application by August 31, 2025 to be entered into the drawing. Already submitted? You're automatically in!
Two winners will be selected: One will receive a $100 gift card, and another will win two athletic passes for the 2025–2026 school year.
LINK: https://www.almasd.net/page/child-nutrition-services
Let’s make it happen, Airedales.
Help your student. Support your school. Win prizes.
Your completed application opens doors to valuable benefits like free school meals, free summer school, free ACT testing, reduced internet service, and lower college application costs.
Submit your application by August 31, 2025 to be entered into the drawing. Already submitted? You're automatically in!
Two winners will be selected: One will receive a $100 gift card, and another will win two athletic passes for the 2025–2026 school year.
LINK: https://www.almasd.net/page/child-nutrition-services
Let’s make it happen, Airedales.
Back to school PD kickoff - what a great morning to launch the 2025 – 2026 school year! Staff from Alma School District — along with educators from surrounding districts in partnership with the Guy Fenter Education Cooperative — came together for a powerful professional development session featuring renowned educator and author Todd Whitaker. His insight and humor brought energy and inspiration to kick off the year strong! A huge THANK YOU to Arkansas River Valley Electric for fully sponsoring the event and showing up with swag in hand and support in full force.
We're energized, connected, and ready to take on a great year!
We're energized, connected, and ready to take on a great year!
Alma staff are getting ready for the new school year — and that includes being prepared for emergencies! This week, team members from across the district participated in CPR training to ensure they're ready to respond when it matters most. Even better — Assistant Superintendent Dr. Wood and Science Specialist Zach Thomas led the training after recently becoming certified CPR instructors themselves! We’re proud of our staff’s commitment to safety and student well-being as we gear up for another great year!
This week, educators from each campus, along with district administrators, participated in a dynamic professional development session led by Claire Murray of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). The session, "Elevating Coaching," focused on empowering teachers to take on leadership roles within their schools by utilizing student work to enhance instructional practices.
This training equips participants with the certification required to serve as mentors for both year-long residency students and novice teachers in their first, second, and third years of teaching.
Claire shared research-based strategies centered on student data analysis, reflective practice, and planning — all designed to foster the professional growth of early-career educators.
We extend our sincere thanks to Claire and the NIET team for their partnership and commitment to our instructional teams. We look forward to applying these practices throughout the school year to support teacher development and student success.
This training equips participants with the certification required to serve as mentors for both year-long residency students and novice teachers in their first, second, and third years of teaching.
Claire shared research-based strategies centered on student data analysis, reflective practice, and planning — all designed to foster the professional growth of early-career educators.
We extend our sincere thanks to Claire and the NIET team for their partnership and commitment to our instructional teams. We look forward to applying these practices throughout the school year to support teacher development and student success.
Hey Bookmobile Fans! As we wrap up the summer, we’re no longer checking out books during the final stops. The last day of the Bookmobile is next Wednesday, July 30th — be sure to swing by, say goodbye, and return any books you still have! Thanks for a great summer of reading!
Starting with the 2025–2026 school year, Arkansas’s “Bell to Bell, No Cell” law goes into effect — and Alma Schools will be following it. Students will not be allowed to use personal devices (like phones, smartwatches, or tablets) during the school day — from the first bell to the last. There are exceptions for emergencies, IEPs, and extracurricular needs. Alma's updated policy is now available in the Student Handbook and online. Make sure to talk with your student so they’re ready for this change. Full details here: www.almasd.net/page/bell-to-bell-no-cell
Now accepting ads for the Airedale Football Program! Whether you want to recognize a local business or celebrate a senior student, this is a great opportunity to show your support. To reserve your spot, contact Amie Nicholson at (479) 632-4791 or ANicholson@almasd.net. You can also access the form by visiting https://5il.co/3m9io. The deadline to submit is Friday, August 15, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this Airedale tradition!
Summer break doesn’t mean the learning stops for our incredible teachers! Alma Middle School educators Jennifer Pitts and Ashley Combs are attending Reading Beyond Words: Seeing to Understand through Visual Literacy — a 3-day arts integration conference at Crystal Bridges, hosted in partnership with Focus 5. This powerful event brings together educators from across the country and across content areas, all exploring how visual literacy can deepen student understanding. Way to go, Mrs. Pitts and Mrs. Combs!
