Alma School District Newsletter

Please note that due to a change in schedule last Friday, Senior Night will now be held on Friday, November 3, 2023. The Airedales will be playing against Shiloh Christian, with the game kicking off at 7:00 p.m. Before the game, we'll be honoring our incredible seniors with some pre-game fun.

Senior Night is always a special event for the students and their families. It's a time to recognize the seniors' hard work and dedication to their sports and activities over the years. The pre-game festivities will include a ceremony, where each senior will be recognized and honored.

So come out to the game and show your support for the Airedales and our seniors! Wear your green and gold and get ready to cheer them on to victory.

We are thrilled to announce that the Alma High School band received a First Division rating and secured second place in the 5A Class at the Arkansas State Marching Contest held in Little Rock on October 31st. Additionally, they earned the highest visual score in the competition. Congratulations to the Alma High School band on their impressive accomplishments!

On October 20, 2023, Alma DECA members Lauryn Lincks and Kenna Engel went to the Mayor of Alma to get a proclamation passed stating that the month of November would be recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Distracted driving can be and is very dangerous. There are many things that we can do to prevent deaths and injuries such as posting online, communicating our ideas to the public, and having activities that people can learn from. The goal of the community awareness project, undertaken by Links, Engel, and Kayla Price, is to spread awareness about how dangerous it is to drive while you are doing other tasks such as texting, changing the radio, eating, reaching for items, or even talking with another passenger. Distracted driving has many consequences and we want to do as much as we can to prevent injuries and deaths.

Submitted by Kenna Engel

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rachel Urrutia, Jessica Jernigan, and Jim Warnock, local authors who recently took the time out of their busy schedules to speak to students at Alma Intermediate School. Each author emphasized the significance of pursuing one's dreams and becoming whatever they aspire to be! They also highlighted how reading, writing, and making healthy choices can help us all achieve our goals.

On October 10, 2023, Alma DECA members Angel Martin and Virgina Skaggs went to the Mayor of Alma to get a Proclamation passed stating that the week of November 6-10, 2023 would be recognized as Underage Drug and Vaping Prevention Week.

Underage drug use and vaping can be really harmful to not only your lungs but also your brain. There are many things we can do to prevent lung damage, slowed brain development, and death. The goal of the community awareness project, undertaken by Angel Martin and Virgina Skaggs, is to spread awareness about how dangerous using drugs and vaping underage is and the long-term effects it has on your body. Underage drug use and vaping has many consequences and we want to do as much as we can to let people know the risk.

Submitted by Angel Martin

Alma Middle and High School students had a busy weekend on October 27th and 28th as they participated in the all-region clinic. The Alma High School group put on an impressive performance on October 28th at Har-ber High School, while the Alma Middle School students showcased their talents on October 27th at Springdale High School. It is worth noting that these students were chosen from among thousands of their peers in the region, highlighting their exceptional abilities and hard work.

Alma Middle School Theatre had the honor of attending the Broadway Tour of “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Kansas City Music Hall on October 28th. The students' representation of Alma Middle School was truly exceptional, and the performance was outstanding.

Join us for a scrumptious feast on Thursday, November 9th, courtesy of the Child Nutrition team. To see the full menu offered at your school, click on the link below and mark your calendar!

Career development's goal is to focus primarily on Ethical Leadership. With Ethical Leadership comes many different opinions on what Ethical Leadership is or what it might mean from people all around. So this year, there was an ethical leadership day on Wednesday, November 1st, a proclamation with the mayor, an ethical leadership matching game, social media posts that go up on Tuesdays and Thursdays going along with the Daniels Fund Core Values on the Alma DECA Instagram, marketing classes are doing an ethical leadership challenge, and then lastly an acrostic poem.

Each of these activities helps spread the word and figure out what people may or may not know about being an Ethical Leader. Being an Ethical Leader is important due to how it helps you not just be a leader during school years, but also be reliable and helpful in the workplace.

Ethical Leadership is a leader demonstrating and promoting personal actions appropriately. Daniels Fund Core Values for ethical leadership are leaders that possess: Ethics and Integrity, Honesty, Respect for people, Loyalty and Reliability, Entrepreneurial spirit, Patriotism and Dedication to Community, Commitment to Excellence, and Etiquette.

The matching game was held during an Alma DECA chapter meeting. This matching game had all Ethical Leadership Cover Value roles, and then they were told to match roles with different ethical situations. The team who could get it done the fastest and correctly received a reward. Doing this shows how well some may work with others, how others might not work as well in groups, and how the core values of an ethical leader can relate to and pertain to the workforce of everyday life.

The matching game was on October 13, 2023. This game was promoted on Alma DECA Instagram, and Twitter on November 1st.

Submitted By: Lydiah Clifford

Last Thursday, October 26th, members of the spooktacular Alma High School Drama Club teamed up with Food for Friends to present the "Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat" event. The initiative is aimed at providing canned food donations to community members who are in need.

If there is a prime example of the meaning of “natural talent”, it has to be Senior Trista Vellucci. A relative newcomer to the stage, she was definitely a scene stealer playing Lavender in last year’s production of MATILDA. Her effervescent personality and cheerful disposition have also stolen the hearts of her fellow cast members. Get ready for her to steal your heart as well as she plays Hodel, the 2nd daughter to break the traditions of her little village of Anatevka.

Trista expresses her trepidation by singing a solo for the first time. “It was hard and stressful at first, dealing with my negative self-talk, but after help from the cast and director, I’m feeling more comfortable and confident with it.”

When asked if there is a cast or crew member that she looks up to, Trista pointed to Virginia Phan. Besides keeping the Performing Arts Center in spotless condition, Virginia assists in the Box Office, Concessions, Costuming, and wherever she is needed. Trista says, “She always helps any of us when we are in need. I look up to her because of her tireless work ethic and passion for the arts and our school.”

While Trista looks forward to attending the University of Central Arkansas to major in Public Relations and Theatre, she’s also living in the here and now, inspiring the Airedale Dance Team as their manager, and just enjoying time well spent with friends and family. And the meaning of “family” is what Trista believes is the main message of FIDDLER.

“Though Tevye’s daughters went 'over his head' to go out of tradition and kick arranged marriages to the curb, he still accepts them and loves them no matter what.” Trista continues: “I hope when the audience is watching this production they feel an emotion to bring them to tears, whether that be happiness, sadness, laughter, or all of the above! This show will definitely pull at the heartstrings.”

Trista, we already feel you tugging on those heartstrings, and can’t wait to see you sharing your heart with us all in this beautiful production!

Sometimes the stars align “just so” and shine their harmonious beams on some deserving soul. It seems as though that has happened for Senior Denver Kelly. He’s the right person, at the right time, and for the right purpose. We can all say, “AMEN” when it comes to Mr. Hobson’s choice for the starring role of Tevye. Mr. Kelly possesses just the right blend of moxie and chutzpah to pull off this most iconic and demanding part.

Denver is definitely a force of life on the stage and elsewhere, for that matter. You may remember him in a number of other shows, with his role in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE listed as his favorite. But we can’t forget his last-minute stand-in and stand-out performance as Miss Trunchbull in MATILDA. He’s also active in Key Club, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, and Model UN. His energy and passion extend beyond the AHS campus as well. He loves volunteering for the community, be it at the Outreach Center, the Blood Institute, or elsewhere.

Likes? The Great Outdoors and any activity that forces him to think, such as puzzles. Dislikes? “Little people with big egos who put others down. The sound of rubbed styrofoam and the way tomatoes feel in my mouth,” says Denver. When asked who amongst his fellow cast and crew members has earned his respect, he responded, “Abbi Hayden. I respect her constant professionalism and attention to detail. I trust her as a stage manager, and wish nothing but kind things for her future.”

Those of us who know Denver loves his larger-than-life personality, and we have to wonder...what will his future look like? Denver himself envisions a wife and children living in his self-built, lavish but modestly sized mountain cabin on his own piece of land, as a retired professor of anthropology. If the acting gig doesn’t work out, that is.

In playing Tevye, Denver will no doubt leave a lasting legacy at AHS that will be talked about for years to come. When asked about the theme of the show, Denver said, “It is to retain your traditions in the wake of a constantly changing world and to find a balance between the two. Do not let your traditions control you, yet never forget them. I hope the audience feels the desperation of Tevye, and Anatevka as a whole; I hope they leave the theatre solemn, yet joyous.”

Alma Airedale Theatre Production of Fiddler on the Roof tickets are available now! Don't miss out on your chance to see this amazing show from November 30th to December 3rd. Buy your tickets online by clicking the link below, or call the box office at (479) 632-2129 for student discounts.

Alma School District invites the Alma community to take part in the Alma Forward 2040 survey series. This survey concerns feedback regarding educators. It is composed of four items. Your valuable feedback will guide the district in shaping future programs and improvements. We appreciate your participation.

Parents and guardians have received an email invitation to complete the survey. If you are a parent or guardian, kindly access the survey through the link provided in the email. This particular survey, however, is intended for community members. Thank you for your cooperation.

We're thrilled to share that on Saturday, October 28, both teams participated in Morrilton and put on fantastic performances that made us proud. The Freshman team still has one more competition ahead, while the Varsity team will be participating in STATE on November 11th at our very own Charles B. Dyer Arena.

We're thrilled to announce that both Alma High School cheer teams gave outstanding performances on Saturday, October 28th. Despite facing adversity and injuries all season, our junior high team persevered and our varsity team made last-minute adjustments before taking the floor. Both teams rose to the occasion and showcased their impressive teamwork. We're incredibly proud of their first-place finishes!

Thanks to Doc McSpadden, who made our Student Athletic Trainers' day with a piping hot Starbucks treat on Tuesday! They were all smiles during our first chilly practice of the season, and your kindness did not go unnoticed. Thank you!

Join Us in 9 Days for the Arkansas State Dance Championship at Charles B. Dyer Arena!

We're thrilled to announce that we'll be performing on our home turf, and we want you to be there to cheer us on! Purchase your tickets now by clicking the link below. We can't wait to see you there!

The Alma High School Food for Friends Club is setting up a donation station at the Green and Gold Scrimmage to collect non-perishable food items. Donations such as cake mix, icing, mac n' cheese, canned corn, canned green beans, canned carrots, box potatoes, canned cranberry sauce, boxed stuffing, and gravy packets are all welcome.

We're excited to announce that the Alma Intermediate School Honor Choir Veterans Concert is scheduled for Monday, November 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the SKOKOS Performing Arts Center. We hope to see you there!

Kevin Taylor is a retired sportswriter with 42 years of experience, including 22 years at Southwest Times Record in Fort Smith. Kevin is the author of two books, "Tiger Boogie!" and "Stat Daddy." He's married to Mardi Taylor and has two kids, Logan (19) and Landon (15). Kevin is an online teacher for Alma Schools (2015-present) and a ports reporter for Alma Schools (2020-present). He is the 2021-22 Wadie Moore Distinguished Service Award.

Read what's new on Press Row:

• Alma seniors playing for 5A-West Title Friday night
• Alma Football Senior Night

With My School Menus, you can find out what is being served at your student's school, along with nutritional information, allergens, and more!

Some key features of using My School Menus:

• See menu items offered at your school
• View allergens and ingredients
• Access nutrient info

To get started, go to the iTunes App Store or Google Play and download the app "My School Menus." Select your state, district, and school to have access to menus on the go!

Alma School District offers parents the ability to pay for student meals online. Parents will need to set up a profile before making online payments. For support, call 877-237-0946. For more information, follow the link below.

Do you have information or good news that you want to be included in the district newsletter? Please send any news items, including alumni updates, to webmaster@almasd.net.

GO AIREDALES!

Email: webmaster@almasd.net
Website: www.almasd.net
Location: 916 U.S. 64, Alma, AR, USA
Phone: 479-632-4791
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almaschools/
Twitter: @AlmaSchools