🐾 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 Brendan Wiley, who will be joining the team at Alma Middle School as a teacher and Senior High/Junior High Boys Assistant Basketball Coach.
About Brendan: Coach Brendan Wiley is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education along with a Coaching Endorsement. He brings nearly a decade of coaching experience and has helped build successful basketball programs at Lincoln Consolidated Schools and Ozark Catholic Academy.
Most recently, Coach Wiley played a key role in fostering a strong, positive culture within the athletic department and girls basketball program at Providence Academy. During his time at Ozark Catholic Academy, he also worked alongside current Alma Head Boys Basketball Coach Cody Vaught, helping lay the foundation for the growth and success of the girls basketball program.
Known for his passion for mentoring young athletes and developing leaders both on and off the court, Coach Wiley brings tremendous energy, character, and experience to Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Brendan to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students, athletes, 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 Brendan Wiley, who will be joining the team at Alma Middle School as a teacher and Senior High/Junior High Boys Assistant Basketball Coach.
About Brendan: Coach Brendan Wiley is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education along with a Coaching Endorsement. He brings nearly a decade of coaching experience and has helped build successful basketball programs at Lincoln Consolidated Schools and Ozark Catholic Academy.
Most recently, Coach Wiley played a key role in fostering a strong, positive culture within the athletic department and girls basketball program at Providence Academy. During his time at Ozark Catholic Academy, he also worked alongside current Alma Head Boys Basketball Coach Cody Vaught, helping lay the foundation for the growth and success of the girls basketball program.
Known for his passion for mentoring young athletes and developing leaders both on and off the court, Coach Wiley brings tremendous energy, character, and experience to Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Brendan to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact he will make with our students, athletes, and community!
🚨 Important Reminder for Airedale Athletics 🚨
The annual AAA Summer Dead Period is just around the corner. From June 21 through July 4, all Alma School District athletic facilities will be completely closed, and there will be no coach-led practices, workouts, or team activities.
This mandatory rest period is the perfect time for our student-athletes and coaches to pause, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved summer downtime with family and friends.
Stay active on your own, stay hydrated, and get ready to hit the ground running when we return after the 4th of July!
The annual AAA Summer Dead Period is just around the corner. From June 21 through July 4, all Alma School District athletic facilities will be completely closed, and there will be no coach-led practices, workouts, or team activities.
This mandatory rest period is the perfect time for our student-athletes and coaches to pause, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved summer downtime with family and friends.
Stay active on your own, stay hydrated, and get ready to hit the ground running when we return after the 4th of July!
🐾 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 Michelle Lankford, who will be joining the team at Alma Middle School as Assistant Band Director.
About Michelle: Michelle brings 18 years of experience teaching band students and is passionate about helping young musicians grow both in and out of the classroom. She is a graduate of Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma and earned both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Arkansas. She also holds an Educational Specialist degree in Building-Level Administration from Arkansas State University, as well as a certificate in Teaching English Language Learners.
Throughout her career, Michelle has taught students across multiple grade levels, building successful band programs while fostering positive and inclusive learning environments. She previously taught in Hackett and Cedarville, where her students consistently achieved musical success. Michelle is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential as musicians and as individuals.
Outside of school, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She is excited for the opportunity to contribute to the tradition of excellence that defines the Pride of Alma Bands.
We’re excited to welcome Michelle 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 Michelle Lankford, who will be joining the team at Alma Middle School as Assistant Band Director.
About Michelle: Michelle brings 18 years of experience teaching band students and is passionate about helping young musicians grow both in and out of the classroom. She is a graduate of Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma and earned both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Arkansas. She also holds an Educational Specialist degree in Building-Level Administration from Arkansas State University, as well as a certificate in Teaching English Language Learners.
Throughout her career, Michelle has taught students across multiple grade levels, building successful band programs while fostering positive and inclusive learning environments. She previously taught in Hackett and Cedarville, where her students consistently achieved musical success. Michelle is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential as musicians and as individuals.
Outside of school, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. She is excited for the opportunity to contribute to the tradition of excellence that defines the Pride of Alma Bands.
We’re excited to welcome Michelle to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
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!
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! ❤️📖
🐾 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 Sidney Andrews, who will serve as an 8th-grade science teacher at Alma Middle School.
About Sidney: Sidney is from Dardanelle, Arkansas, and is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. This will be her second year in education. Sidney will be getting married this summer and is excited to move to the area with her fiancé, Will, and their three dogs, Max, Mia, and Roo. She is looking forward to joining Alma Middle School and is excited to become an Airedale!
We’re excited to have Sidney join our team 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 Sidney Andrews, who will serve as an 8th-grade science teacher at Alma Middle School.
About Sidney: Sidney is from Dardanelle, Arkansas, and is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education. This will be her second year in education. Sidney will be getting married this summer and is excited to move to the area with her fiancé, Will, and their three dogs, Max, Mia, and Roo. She is looking forward to joining Alma Middle School and is excited to become an Airedale!
We’re excited to have Sidney join our team and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
🎙️ 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