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!
Happy National Principals’ Day! 🎉
Today, we celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools with dedication, compassion, and vision. Thank you for inspiring students, supporting teachers, and making a difference every single day.
Drop a comment below to share your appreciation and thank a principal who’s made a difference!
Today, we celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools with dedication, compassion, and vision. Thank you for inspiring students, supporting teachers, and making a difference every single day.
Drop a comment below to share your appreciation and thank a principal who’s made a difference!
🎭 Summer Theatre Camp Registration is OPEN 🎭
Calling all Alma students! Join us June 1–6 at the Skokos Performing Arts Center-Alma for a fun-filled week of creativity, teamwork, and performance. Open to current K–12 students, this camp is limited to just 60 participants - so don’t wait to sign up!
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIKMpxpHOYaTfwGvV51A7JJlbG3DnPzB9CrxSbJXO3_g1WjA/viewform
This year’s production: Olympus: The Greek Rock Musical
Get ready for a high-energy, laugh-out-loud show where Greek gods compete for greatness - packed with humor, catchy songs, and unexpected adventures!
Performance: June 6 at 3:00 PM (family & friends invited!)
Camp Schedule:
• K–4th Grade: 9:00–11:30 AM daily (full day June 6)
• 5th–12th Grade: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM daily (through performance on June 6)
Cost:
• $30 - one student
• $50 - two siblings
• $70 - three or more siblings
Build confidence, spark creativity, and have a blast on stage this summer!
Register soon - spots will fill quickly!
Calling all Alma students! Join us June 1–6 at the Skokos Performing Arts Center-Alma for a fun-filled week of creativity, teamwork, and performance. Open to current K–12 students, this camp is limited to just 60 participants - so don’t wait to sign up!
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIKMpxpHOYaTfwGvV51A7JJlbG3DnPzB9CrxSbJXO3_g1WjA/viewform
This year’s production: Olympus: The Greek Rock Musical
Get ready for a high-energy, laugh-out-loud show where Greek gods compete for greatness - packed with humor, catchy songs, and unexpected adventures!
Performance: June 6 at 3:00 PM (family & friends invited!)
Camp Schedule:
• K–4th Grade: 9:00–11:30 AM daily (full day June 6)
• 5th–12th Grade: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM daily (through performance on June 6)
Cost:
• $30 - one student
• $50 - two siblings
• $70 - three or more siblings
Build confidence, spark creativity, and have a blast on stage this summer!
Register soon - spots will fill quickly!
🐾 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 Lexi Chatman, who will serve as a Science Teacher at Alma Middle School.
About Lexi: Lexi is a graduate of Alma High School and is excited to return to her hometown to begin her teaching career. She attended the University of Central Arkansas, where she spent two years tutoring in the university’s tutoring center and gained classroom experience through internships at Conway Junior High School and Greenbrier High School. Lexi is passionate about education and is eager to share that passion with her students. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and playing games.
We’re excited to have Lexi 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 Lexi Chatman, who will serve as a Science Teacher at Alma Middle School.
About Lexi: Lexi is a graduate of Alma High School and is excited to return to her hometown to begin her teaching career. She attended the University of Central Arkansas, where she spent two years tutoring in the university’s tutoring center and gained classroom experience through internships at Conway Junior High School and Greenbrier High School. Lexi is passionate about education and is eager to share that passion with her students. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and playing games.
We’re excited to have Lexi join our team and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
Behind every safe arrival is a driver who cares - thank you to the drivers who keep Alma School District moving safely every day! 🚌💛
⛳️ Join us for the 2026 Citizens Bank Airedale Golf Classic!
We’re excited to announce that this year’s tournament will take place on Saturday, June 6th, at River Valley Golf Course. All proceeds benefit the Mikell McSpadden & Frank Vines Scholarship Funds, helping support students in our community.
This marks our 19th year, making it one of the longest-running scholarship fundraisers in Alma! Over the past 18 years, we’ve awarded more than $40,000 to over 40 students - and we’re just getting started.
🏌️ Love golf? Register a team and join the fun!
🤝 Not a golfer? Consider becoming a hole sponsor and still make a meaningful impact.
Our goal is simple: honor Mikell and Coach Vines while continuing to grow these scholarships for future students.
📄 Sponsor Form: https://aptg.co/T8kDjC
📄 Registration Form: https://aptg.co/7t6TqP
Let’s make this year’s tournament the best one yet!
We’re excited to announce that this year’s tournament will take place on Saturday, June 6th, at River Valley Golf Course. All proceeds benefit the Mikell McSpadden & Frank Vines Scholarship Funds, helping support students in our community.
This marks our 19th year, making it one of the longest-running scholarship fundraisers in Alma! Over the past 18 years, we’ve awarded more than $40,000 to over 40 students - and we’re just getting started.
🏌️ Love golf? Register a team and join the fun!
🤝 Not a golfer? Consider becoming a hole sponsor and still make a meaningful impact.
Our goal is simple: honor Mikell and Coach Vines while continuing to grow these scholarships for future students.
📄 Sponsor Form: https://aptg.co/T8kDjC
📄 Registration Form: https://aptg.co/7t6TqP
Let’s make this year’s tournament the best one yet!
🌎 Earth Week at Alma Middle School 🌎
Mrs. Price’s classes celebrated with hands-on learning and outdoor fun! Students kicked things off with a “Predator-Prey Freeze Tag” game, modeling adaptation and survival in an active, engaging way.
On Earth Day, learning moved outside for a full day of activities. Students participated in an “Invasive Species” simulation, discovering how a single bullfrog can disrupt an entire ecosystem.
They also enjoyed:
🏀 Outdoor sports like basketball, football & bocce ball
🎨 Creative time with chalk art & reading stations
🧹 Campus cleanup to support environmental stewardship
🌿 Creek exploration, examining water samples & microscopic life
A great week of learning, exploring, and caring for our planet! 🌱
Mrs. Price’s classes celebrated with hands-on learning and outdoor fun! Students kicked things off with a “Predator-Prey Freeze Tag” game, modeling adaptation and survival in an active, engaging way.
On Earth Day, learning moved outside for a full day of activities. Students participated in an “Invasive Species” simulation, discovering how a single bullfrog can disrupt an entire ecosystem.
They also enjoyed:
🏀 Outdoor sports like basketball, football & bocce ball
🎨 Creative time with chalk art & reading stations
🧹 Campus cleanup to support environmental stewardship
🌿 Creek exploration, examining water samples & microscopic life
A great week of learning, exploring, and caring for our planet! 🌱
After exploring adaptations, natural selection, and the concept of “survival of the fittest,” students in Mrs. Price’s class at Alma Middle School put their understanding into action with a hands-on camouflage challenge. They created paper butterflies designed to blend into their surroundings and hid them around the classroom.
Principals Coursey and Stone stepped in as “predators,” racing against the clock to find and tag as many butterflies as possible in just three minutes. Out of 110 butterflies, 36 remained undiscovered - highlighting how effective camouflage can be for survival.
This week, 5th-grade students at Alma Intermediate School got a fun and exciting sneak peek into the musical world of Alma School District! The Alma Middle School band and choir brought the energy with lively performances and interactive moments that had students smiling and engaged from start to finish. From powerful vocals to impressive instrumentals, the visit gave students a taste of the fun, teamwork, and school pride that make Alma’s music programs so special - and something to look forward to next year!
On Wednesday, April 8, the Alma Middle School 8th Grade Band performed at the Arkansas School Band & Orchestra Association Region 8 Concert and Sightreading Assessment. The band earned Superior ratings in both performance and sightreading, resulting in a prestigious Sweepstakes award. This marks the second consecutive year the band has achieved this outstanding honor. Congratulations to these dedicated and talented students on their continued success!
