Alma School District Newsletter
March 13, 2020
Coronavirus Update
Circumstances around this issue continue to change rapidly. There are many things being said that turn out not to be correct. For instance, as of 1:00 Friday afternoon, it was being reported that there was an Alma student that had been diagnosed, that Alma School District was closing, and that the Fort Smith School District had an active case. NONE OF THIS WAS TRUE! Always try your best to be sure that the information you hear has come from a reliable source.
Alma School District is regularly disinfecting all school facilities with a product designed to kill viruses and bacteria. You are encouraged to practice the following common-sense precautions and talk with your family about doing so also. These ideas are applicable to everyone, all the time, whether at school or in some other place.
Wash your hands frequently.
Try not to rub your eyes or touch your face.
If you cough or sneeze, do so into your elbow, not your hand.
Avoid physical contact with other people.
If you are sick, stay home.
Any decision about closing school in Alma, or in any other Arkansas School District will be made by state officials in the Department of Health and the Department of Education. We are in constant contact with them and they are keeping us informed of the most current information.
If we are directed to close the school, it will be immediately announced through all of our regular information channels. If this does occur, we plan to continue to provide education in as normal a manner as possible by utilizing the technology systems that our teachers and students use every day. If a student does not have access to an appropriate computer at home, they will be able to check out a Chromebook from their school for this purpose. If the students have no internet access, paper copies of work will be available. We intend for teaching and learning to continue if there is a school closing in Alma.
We also are making arrangements to provide breakfast and lunch for students during any closing. We are working out the details of how we would get breakfast and lunch to the students that desire us to do so.
If a student or any member of their family has a health condition that makes them particularly susceptible to something like this virus, we are anxious to work with the family in whatever way is most appropriate. Simply contact the principal at your child’s school. You can be sure that we will find a workable solution.
The Arkansas Activities Association has canceled all school competitive activities at least until March 30. That decision will be reevaluated at that time.
There is nothing more important than the safety of our students and staff. This situation is as challenging as any we have ever experienced. You can be confident that we will spare no effort to assure the safety of all, and do everything possible to continue a strong educational program.
Call us if you need help or have questions.
If you’ve been around Alma School District for even a short amount of time in the past few decades, you’ve heard “The Voice”. It was the voice that announced an Airedale touchdown or a made three-pointer. It was the voice that introduced the homecoming queen and the next batter in the lineup. It was the voice that every Airedale and future Airedale wanted to hear call their name. It was a low and silvery voice, but the man behind the voice was pure Airedale gold.
The Man Behind the Voice was a teacher. To be his student was to know you were in the presence of a master. Toney McMurray loved American History and he knew his content inside and out and didn’t need notes to teach. He was an expert storyteller who drew his students in and made history come alive. But his passion for history was always second to his passion for his students. He was committed to seeing them learn, but his real mission was to see them become better people over the course of their time with him. He had a genuine concern for their well-being and made each one feel like they mattered. He saw the study of history as an opportunity to teach life lessons that would build better humans, and in most instances, he succeeded.
The Man Behind the Voice was a leader. He held formal leadership positions such as History Department Chair and Regional History Day Coordinator. He was a mentor teacher to dozens of apprentices over his career. But aside from all that, he was just someone who everyone in the room listened to. This was partially because he didn’t shy away from sharing his opinions, but mainly because he had such courage and conviction. TMac was never afraid to stand up for what he thought was best for students. Even when someone disagreed, they always respected him because his heart was in the right place. His devotion to students also found him leading them through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization. He provided opportunities for hundreds of students over the years to use sports as a platform for personal and spiritual growth and to develop their own leadership skills. He equipped his FCA members to be leaders themselves, which is the mark of a great leader.
The Man Behind the Voice was a coach. He coached many tennis players over the years and produced state champions. He coached like he taught, with constant encouragement and gentle correction. He made it a point to recognize improvement and growth and made sure his players knew that hard work was often more valuable than talent. Tennis was enjoyable to his players because they knew TMac supported them with every swing of the racquet.
The Man Behind the Voice was a dedicated Airedale fan. He took pride in his school and its accomplishments- in academics, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. He was all about celebrating success. For every test in his AP United States History class, he awarded the top scorer with a certificate and candy bar. He had a bulletin board in his room for the sole purpose of posting newspaper clippings and other mementos that acknowledged his students’ success, both in and out of school. He wanted his students to know that he saw their hard work, he recognized how amazing they were, and that he was so very proud of them. TMac’s students knew that he wanted them to be successful and that he was always behind them cheering them on.
Most of all, though, the Man Behind the Voice was an example for all of us in Airedale Nation. May we all follow Toney’s lead and be committed to excellence, not afraid to stand up for what is right, encouragers to those around us, and celebrators of each others’ success. And as we move forward from this great loss for our community, may we always remember “The Voice” calling us together as one, reminding us that we share a common goal: “As always, Go Airedales!”
-Manesseh Moore
Visitation and Celebration of Life Service Information
The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2020, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
A celebration of life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Concord Baptist Church, 6105 Alma Hwy in Van Buren. A private family interment will follow at Macedonia Cemetery near Uniontown, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.
Toney McMurray Spirit of History Day Scholarship by the Alma Education and Arts Foundation
1. Send a check to the Alma Education and Arts Foundation @ PO Box 2139, Alma, AR 72921 You will need to write your designation on the memo line or include in the envelope paperwork that designates the money to The Toney McMurray Spirit of History Day Scholarship.
2. You can also call 479-632-2129 during normal box office hours and you can use a credit card to make a donation.
Alma High School
Airedale Experience
JAG and Career Classes
Alma Middle School
AMS Junior Theater
Alma Intermediate School
Kindness is Always in Action at AIS!
Quiz Bowl
PAC Performance
Diamond Award
Alma Primary School
APS Star Students
Airedales in Action
AHS Soccer
AHS Softball
JV and Varsity Softball
Congratulations to Coach Flenor on is 450th win!
Airedales Upcoming Events
Kindergarten Registration
Little Miss Alma Pageant
The Alma Performing Arts Center Presents
March 14 @ 7:30
2020 Citizens Bank Airedale Golf Classic
The 2020 Citizens Bank Airedale Golf Classic will be held on Saturday, June 6th at River Valley Golf Course.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Mikell McSpadden / Frank Vines Scholarship funds.
Alma Youth Baseball Sign-Ups
Sat. March 7th and Sat March 14th, 11 am -1 pm @ The Pizza Place.
Sign up fee is $40.00
You can also sign up online at www.almabaseball.com
For more information or to print forms: www.almabaseball.com Also like us on Facebook: Alma Youth Baseball
Looking for Host Families
Are you or your family interested in hosting an exchange student? Applications for next year are already starting to arrive. To fill out a form of interest and receive information about students click here, for more information on hosting, please visit the Alma School District Website.
Airedale News
Airedale Alumni
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Alma Safety Tip Line-STOPit
Alma School District
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
Please send any news items including Alumni News to webmaster@almasd.net