📚 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!
🐾 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 Lyndsie Carr, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a classroom teacher.
About Lyndsie: Lyndsie brings 11 years of teaching experience to Alma, spending the majority of her career in the lower elementary grades where she has helped students develop strong foundational learning skills. She is passionate about helping every student reach their highest potential while building confidence both inside and outside the classroom. Lyndsie and her husband, Dallas, have three daughters who will also be attending Alma schools. As a family, they enjoy spending time together and staying busy with their daughters' sports and activities.
Lyndsie is excited to begin this new chapter at Alma Primary School and looks forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff.
We’re excited to welcome Lyndsie 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 Lyndsie Carr, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a classroom teacher.
About Lyndsie: Lyndsie brings 11 years of teaching experience to Alma, spending the majority of her career in the lower elementary grades where she has helped students develop strong foundational learning skills. She is passionate about helping every student reach their highest potential while building confidence both inside and outside the classroom. Lyndsie and her husband, Dallas, have three daughters who will also be attending Alma schools. As a family, they enjoy spending time together and staying busy with their daughters' sports and activities.
Lyndsie is excited to begin this new chapter at Alma Primary School and looks forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff.
We’re excited to welcome Lyndsie to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
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.
🐾 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 Amber James, who will be serving as the School Nurse at Alma Primary School.
About Amber: Amber James, also known as “Nurse AJ” around school, has served as a substitute nurse within the district for several years and is excited to officially continue caring for the students and families of Alma Primary School.
Amber shares that being a school nurse is about much more than Band-Aids and ice packs. While she supports students with everyday health needs like scraped knees, bumps, bruises, and tummy aches, she values the meaningful moments in between most of all. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of care she has learned from incredible nurses throughout her time in the district.
Outside of school, Amber enjoys spending time with her husband, Clayton, and their two children, Kensington and Jack. Their family stays busy with farm life, cheering at sporting events, and making memories together whenever possible.
Amber is grateful to be part of the Alma School family and is looking forward to an exciting year serving APS students and families!
Alma School District is excited to continue introducing new members of our Airedale family for the upcoming school year.
Please join us in welcoming Amber James, who will be serving as the School Nurse at Alma Primary School.
About Amber: Amber James, also known as “Nurse AJ” around school, has served as a substitute nurse within the district for several years and is excited to officially continue caring for the students and families of Alma Primary School.
Amber shares that being a school nurse is about much more than Band-Aids and ice packs. While she supports students with everyday health needs like scraped knees, bumps, bruises, and tummy aches, she values the meaningful moments in between most of all. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of care she has learned from incredible nurses throughout her time in the district.
Outside of school, Amber enjoys spending time with her husband, Clayton, and their two children, Kensington and Jack. Their family stays busy with farm life, cheering at sporting events, and making memories together whenever possible.
Amber is grateful to be part of the Alma School family and is looking forward to an exciting year serving APS students and families!
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.
🐾 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 Stephanie Jones, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School.
About Stephanie: Stephanie brings an incredible 32 years of teaching experience to Alma. Throughout her career, she has taught students from 2nd through 12th grade and is passionate about helping children learn and grow. Originally from south Mississippi, she now lives in Van Buren and is very active at Heritage Church. Stephanie is also the proud mother of two grown daughters and is excited to begin this new chapter at Alma Primary School.
We’re excited to welcome Stephanie 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 Stephanie Jones, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School.
About Stephanie: Stephanie brings an incredible 32 years of teaching experience to Alma. Throughout her career, she has taught students from 2nd through 12th grade and is passionate about helping children learn and grow. Originally from south Mississippi, she now lives in Van Buren and is very active at Heritage Church. Stephanie is also the proud mother of two grown daughters and is excited to begin this new chapter at Alma Primary School.
We’re excited to welcome Stephanie to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
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!
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!
🐾 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 Sierra Koperski, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a Kindergarten teacher.
About Sierra: Sierra is a 2016 Alma High School graduate and recently earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith this spring. During the past school year, she completed her teaching internship in a Kindergarten classroom at Alma Primary School, where she discovered that Kindergarten is exactly where she is meant to be. Sierra and her husband have been married for eight years and have three wonderful daughters who also attend Alma schools. She is excited to begin her teaching career in the same community that helped shape her and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the students and families of Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Sierra 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 Sierra Koperski, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a Kindergarten teacher.
About Sierra: Sierra is a 2016 Alma High School graduate and recently earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith this spring. During the past school year, she completed her teaching internship in a Kindergarten classroom at Alma Primary School, where she discovered that Kindergarten is exactly where she is meant to be. Sierra and her husband have been married for eight years and have three wonderful daughters who also attend Alma schools. She is excited to begin her teaching career in the same community that helped shape her and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the students and families of Alma.
We’re excited to welcome Sierra to the Airedale family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!
📚 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!
🐾 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 Grace Accurso, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a Kindergarten teacher.
About Grace: Grace is a 2018 Alma High School graduate and earned her teaching degree from Arkansas Tech University in 2021. She has spent the past four years teaching in Ozark Schools and is excited to return home to Alma. Grace and her husband, Tyler, have two children, Lillie and Bradley, who are the light of their lives. She is grateful for the opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream of teaching Kindergarten at Alma Primary School and looks forward to building relationships with students and families.
We’re excited to welcome Grace back to Alma 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 Grace Accurso, who will be joining the team at Alma Primary School as a Kindergarten teacher.
About Grace: Grace is a 2018 Alma High School graduate and earned her teaching degree from Arkansas Tech University in 2021. She has spent the past four years teaching in Ozark Schools and is excited to return home to Alma. Grace and her husband, Tyler, have two children, Lillie and Bradley, who are the light of their lives. She is grateful for the opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream of teaching Kindergarten at Alma Primary School and looks forward to building relationships with students and families.
We’re excited to welcome Grace back to Alma 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.
📚🚌 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! ❤️📖