🎙️ 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.
🐾 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 Drake Snyder, who will serve as an Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Softball Coach at Alma High School. He will also be teaching at Alma Middle School.
About Coach Snyder: Coach Snyder brings 11 years of coaching experience and is passionate about building strong relationships with students while helping them succeed in the classroom, in competition, and in life. He and his wife, Amy, have three children who attend Alma School District. Coach Snyder is excited to join the Alma team and become part of the Airedale community.
We’re excited to have Coach Snyder join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students and athletic programs!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Drake Snyder, who will serve as an Assistant Football Coach and Assistant Softball Coach at Alma High School. He will also be teaching at Alma Middle School.
About Coach Snyder: Coach Snyder brings 11 years of coaching experience and is passionate about building strong relationships with students while helping them succeed in the classroom, in competition, and in life. He and his wife, Amy, have three children who attend Alma School District. Coach Snyder is excited to join the Alma team and become part of the Airedale community.
We’re excited to have Coach Snyder join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students and athletic programs!
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!
Highlights from the Alma Middle School Awards Ceremony
There was so much to celebrate at AMS! Students were recognized for academic excellence, leadership, character, and outstanding achievements across many activities and competitions.
Awards were presented for:
📚 All A’s
⭐ Perfect Attendance
🎨 Art
🏛️ History Day
💻 TSA
🎭 Drama
🧠 Quiz Bowl
📈 DECA
A special recognition went to the 37 students who earned the Presidential Academic Award. To receive this honor, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher for 5 semesters at AMS and score “Exceeding” on state testing in at least 2 of the 5 tested areas. Amazing accomplishment!
🏅 Most Outstanding Character Award
Ryne Trent
Jude Dumond
Jenna Rogers
📘 Most Improved Academic Student Award
Will Johnson
James Burgess
Jax Parsons
Kambreah Spencer
🎓 Most Outstanding Academic Student Award
Charlotte Shores
Anna Knesek
Eden Hamilton
Thank you to the AMS administrators and staff for all the hard work put into recognizing and celebrating these student achievements.
Congratulations to all of our students for their hard work and success this year!
There was so much to celebrate at AMS! Students were recognized for academic excellence, leadership, character, and outstanding achievements across many activities and competitions.
Awards were presented for:
📚 All A’s
⭐ Perfect Attendance
🎨 Art
🏛️ History Day
💻 TSA
🎭 Drama
🧠 Quiz Bowl
📈 DECA
A special recognition went to the 37 students who earned the Presidential Academic Award. To receive this honor, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher for 5 semesters at AMS and score “Exceeding” on state testing in at least 2 of the 5 tested areas. Amazing accomplishment!
🏅 Most Outstanding Character Award
Ryne Trent
Jude Dumond
Jenna Rogers
📘 Most Improved Academic Student Award
Will Johnson
James Burgess
Jax Parsons
Kambreah Spencer
🎓 Most Outstanding Academic Student Award
Charlotte Shores
Anna Knesek
Eden Hamilton
Thank you to the AMS administrators and staff for all the hard work put into recognizing and celebrating these student achievements.
Congratulations to all of our students for their hard work and success this year!
🎨 Art Department Annual Digital Art Show 🎨
Please enjoy the 2025–2026 Alma School District Art Department Annual Digital Art Show!
This showcase features artwork created by talented student artists in grades 6–12. Feel free to pause the video to read artists’ statements and take a closer look at each piece.
We are so proud of our student artists and the hard work, creativity, and dedication they have shown throughout the year. We hope you enjoy the show!
LINK: https://youtu.be/J_691JZZYD8?si=Y2vB7tMpLBnnL55F
Please enjoy the 2025–2026 Alma School District Art Department Annual Digital Art Show!
This showcase features artwork created by talented student artists in grades 6–12. Feel free to pause the video to read artists’ statements and take a closer look at each piece.
We are so proud of our student artists and the hard work, creativity, and dedication they have shown throughout the year. We hope you enjoy the show!
LINK: https://youtu.be/J_691JZZYD8?si=Y2vB7tMpLBnnL55F
We are proud to celebrate several talented student artists who were chosen to represent Alma Middle School at the annual River Valley Student Art Competition at Arts on Main in Van Buren!
Congratulations to our Honorable Mention recipients:
⭐ Ryne Trent (6th Grade)
⭐ Sullivan Ware (6th Grade)
⭐ Neveah Johnson (7th Grade)
We also want to recognize these students whose artwork was selected for the exhibition:
🎨 Olivia Reimersma
🎨 Shelby Cox
🎨 Allie Osman
🎨 Troy Lewis
🎨 Kenny Fox
We are incredibly proud of these students for sharing their creativity and representing AMS so well in the regional art community!
Congratulations to our Honorable Mention recipients:
⭐ Ryne Trent (6th Grade)
⭐ Sullivan Ware (6th Grade)
⭐ Neveah Johnson (7th Grade)
We also want to recognize these students whose artwork was selected for the exhibition:
🎨 Olivia Reimersma
🎨 Shelby Cox
🎨 Allie Osman
🎨 Troy Lewis
🎨 Kenny Fox
We are incredibly proud of these students for sharing their creativity and representing AMS so well in the regional art community!
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!
☀️ Summer 2026 EBT Info for Alma Families ☀️
Eligible Alma students can receive a one-time $120 Summer EBT grocery benefit per child this summer!
Here’s what families need to know:
🍎 Summer EBT helps families buy groceries while school is out
🍎 Many students will automatically qualify, including children ages 5–17 receiving SNAP, TEA, Medicaid Free, or Medicaid Reduced during the current school year
🍎 Other families may need to apply online
✅ Check eligibility here: ar.gov/SummerEBT
✅ Apply online at: access.arkansas.gov
(Click “Apply for New Benefits” and log in or create an account.)
📄 Families should also make sure their Free & Reduced Meals Application is completed with Alma School District.
Last year, Summer EBT helped more than 336,000 Arkansas children access healthy food during the summer months.
🔍 Learn more: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/county-operations/summer-ebt/
Eligible Alma students can receive a one-time $120 Summer EBT grocery benefit per child this summer!
Here’s what families need to know:
🍎 Summer EBT helps families buy groceries while school is out
🍎 Many students will automatically qualify, including children ages 5–17 receiving SNAP, TEA, Medicaid Free, or Medicaid Reduced during the current school year
🍎 Other families may need to apply online
✅ Check eligibility here: ar.gov/SummerEBT
✅ Apply online at: access.arkansas.gov
(Click “Apply for New Benefits” and log in or create an account.)
📄 Families should also make sure their Free & Reduced Meals Application is completed with Alma School District.
Last year, Summer EBT helped more than 336,000 Arkansas children access healthy food during the summer months.
🔍 Learn more: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/county-operations/summer-ebt/
Today, we celebrate the caring hearts behind every healthy school day. Thank you to our incredible Alma School District nurses for the compassion, comfort, and care you provide to students and staff every single day. Happy National School Nurse Day! 💚🩺
🐾 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 Trent Ball, who will serve as a 6th-grade teacher at Alma Middle School.
About Trent: Trent is from Van Buren and is a graduate of Van Buren High School. This will be his third year in education. He has been happily married for two years and is expecting a baby boy this fall. Trent is excited to join Alma Middle School and begin working with students.
We’re excited to have Trent join our team 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 Trent Ball, who will serve as a 6th-grade teacher at Alma Middle School.
About Trent: Trent is from Van Buren and is a graduate of Van Buren High School. This will be his third year in education. He has been happily married for two years and is expecting a baby boy this fall. Trent is excited to join Alma Middle School and begin working with students.
We’re excited to have Trent join our team and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students and community!
A big thank you to Arvest for visiting Mrs. Dooley’s Advisory class at Alma Middle School yesterday!
Students gained valuable insight into financial planning and money management - skills that will benefit them for years to come.
We appreciate your time and support in helping our students build a strong financial future!
Students gained valuable insight into financial planning and money management - skills that will benefit them for years to come.
We appreciate your time and support in helping our students build a strong financial future!
The heart of our schools beats because of you. Thank you for everything you do - Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! ❤️
🍪⛏️ Cookie Mining Lab in Action🌲🏞️
Students in Mrs. Price’s class at Alma Middle School recently took part in a hands-on “Cookie Mining” activity to explore human impact on the environment.
They began by designing their own National Parks - complete with rivers, forests, mountains, and trails. Then came the challenge: a cookie, representing buried iron ore, was placed on their map. Using only a toothpick and two minutes, students “mined” as many chocolate chips as possible.
Afterward, they examined the crumbs left behind - representing environmental damage - and discussed how mining can impact land and water.
This engaging activity sparked thoughtful conversations about balancing resource use with protecting our natural world.
Students in Mrs. Price’s class at Alma Middle School recently took part in a hands-on “Cookie Mining” activity to explore human impact on the environment.
They began by designing their own National Parks - complete with rivers, forests, mountains, and trails. Then came the challenge: a cookie, representing buried iron ore, was placed on their map. Using only a toothpick and two minutes, students “mined” as many chocolate chips as possible.
Afterward, they examined the crumbs left behind - representing environmental damage - and discussed how mining can impact land and water.
This engaging activity sparked thoughtful conversations about balancing resource use with protecting our natural world.
Get game-ready, Airedales! Free athletic physicals for grades 7–12 on May 18–19 at Charles B. Dyer Arena - don’t miss your time slot!
May has arrived, and the final stretch is underway! As of today, there are just a few weeks left until Alma School District’s last day of school on May 21. Let’s make the most of these final days - finishing strong and celebrating a year full of learning and growth!
