The summer literacy & nutrition outreach program of Alma School District

In 2011, Melinda Bailey, the media specialist at Alma Intermediate, and Jami Anne Balkman, the K-12 Literacy Specialist, aimed to provide library services to students during the summer to combat reading regression. Concerned about transportation barriers, they collaborated with Alma's superintendent at the time, David Woolly, who offered a small school bus for the initiative. The transportation director, Michael Gibson, and his team transformed the bus by removing seats to accommodate bookshelves.

Initially serving fewer than 20 children, the program quickly expanded. By 2015, the bookmobile was operating three times a week, and in 2018, it served an average of about 190 students daily. The program also included a free sack-lunch giveaway, supported by Food Services Director, Debbie Stewart, and Jami Anne Balkman.

In 2019, the Bookmobile received a makeover with custom shelves, new lighting, and a vibrant paint job, enhancing its functionality and appeal. For more information, check out the 5News story on the Airedale Book Express from 2017, AETN Cool Schools' Facebook post, or the AETN Cool Schools video from 2018.

Alma School District

Academic Opportunities

100 Book Club

Bookmobile

College Concurrent Credit

DECA

Digital Discovery Camp

History Day

Journalism/Yearbook & Newspaper

Million Word Readers

Quiz Bowl

Robotics

Scholarships

Science Fair

Skills USA

Spelling Bee