📚🚌 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 Rachel Maslakov, who will be joining Alma Primary School.
About Rachel: Rachel brings 14 years of elementary teaching experience and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University. She is passionate about creating a supportive, engaging, and joyful learning environment where students can thrive. Outside the classroom, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, Kirill, and their 9-year-old son, Bennett. She is excited to join Alma School District and looks forward to welcoming her new students this year.
We’re excited to have Rachel 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 Rachel Maslakov, who will be joining Alma Primary School.
About Rachel: Rachel brings 14 years of elementary teaching experience and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University. She is passionate about creating a supportive, engaging, and joyful learning environment where students can thrive. Outside the classroom, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, Kirill, and their 9-year-old son, Bennett. She is excited to join Alma School District and looks forward to welcoming her new students this year.
We’re excited to have Rachel 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.

Attention Alma Primary School Families!
The Parent Input Form for class placement is now available for the upcoming school year!
Your feedback is an important part of helping our placement team determine the best classroom and teacher match for your child. All responses will remain confidential.
Please read all form details carefully before submitting your response.
Access the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSxCyRY5g-YvVa2i73AB_SF54Dmd1NEYDJXzv0OBIv2TX3Xw/viewform
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child's success - we value your input!
The Parent Input Form for class placement is now available for the upcoming school year!
Your feedback is an important part of helping our placement team determine the best classroom and teacher match for your child. All responses will remain confidential.
Please read all form details carefully before submitting your response.
Access the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSxCyRY5g-YvVa2i73AB_SF54Dmd1NEYDJXzv0OBIv2TX3Xw/viewform
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child's success - we value your input!

🐾 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 Erin Anderson, who will be joining Alma Primary School.
About Erin: Erin recently graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and is excited to begin her teaching career at Alma Primary School. She is passionate about building relationships with students and families while creating a classroom environment where every child feels loved, supported, and excited to learn. Erin looks forward to walking alongside her students as they learn, grow, and shine throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Erin 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 Erin Anderson, who will be joining Alma Primary School.
About Erin: Erin recently graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and is excited to begin her teaching career at Alma Primary School. She is passionate about building relationships with students and families while creating a classroom environment where every child feels loved, supported, and excited to learn. Erin looks forward to walking alongside her students as they learn, grow, and shine throughout the school year.
We’re excited to have Erin join our team and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students and community!

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!

A few snapshots from this week’s kindergarten programs! From singing and dancing to big smiles and proud moments, our kindergarten students celebrated a wonderful first year on campus in the best way possible. Thank you to our teachers for all their hard work and to the families who came out to support these sweet students. We are so proud of all they’ve accomplished this year! 🎉
This week, our Alma boys' basketball team made a special return visit to Alma Primary School!
During the fall semester, the team spent time reading to our kindergartners with one goal in mind: to come back in the spring and have the students read to them. This week, they kept that promise!
Our athletes sat patiently and listened intently as the students proudly took turns reading aloud. It was a sweet full-circle moment that highlighted the importance of mentorship, encouragement, and a love for reading.
We are so proud of these student-athletes for being outstanding role models both on and off the court! ❤️🏀📚
During the fall semester, the team spent time reading to our kindergartners with one goal in mind: to come back in the spring and have the students read to them. This week, they kept that promise!
Our athletes sat patiently and listened intently as the students proudly took turns reading aloud. It was a sweet full-circle moment that highlighted the importance of mentorship, encouragement, and a love for reading.
We are so proud of these student-athletes for being outstanding role models both on and off the court! ❤️🏀📚

🎨 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
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/

Literacy in Action! 📚✨
Our 1st grade teachers are promoting a true love of reading through engaging novel studies that bring literacy to life in the classroom.
As students read a novel together, they are diving deep into important literacy standards by making predictions, asking questions, retelling events, studying characters, building vocabulary, and sharing thoughtful discussions with classmates.
This is Literacy in Action.
Our 1st grade teachers are promoting a true love of reading through engaging novel studies that bring literacy to life in the classroom.
As students read a novel together, they are diving deep into important literacy standards by making predictions, asking questions, retelling events, studying characters, building vocabulary, and sharing thoughtful discussions with classmates.
This is Literacy in Action.


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! 💚🩺

The heart of our schools beats because of you. Thank you for everything you do - Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! ❤️

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!

