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Yearly Archives: 2017
Alma Intermediate School News, Sept. 2017
Jimmy & Elsie Warnock
From the Principal….
I had wonderful parents but didn’t realize this until around age 25. They’ve become more impressive to me with each passing year. I’ve been thinking about what made them such good parents. Here are a few things that stand out.
They were there! My parents made an effort to attend performances and sporting events I was involved in. More importantly, they were there emotionally at home. We had conversations, and they let me know that I was an important part of the family….not the center of attention….not the center of their universe, but an important part of the family.
They had expectations of me. They gave me jobs around the house and expected them to be done. They expected me to do well in school and continue my education after high school. They expected me to work and earn a living. They expected me to respect others. The list goes on, but you get the idea.
My parents treated each other with respect. If they had any complaints about one another, I never heard them. They may have gotten a little cross on rare occasions but always in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
My parents loved me unconditionally but also let me experience the consequences of my decisions, good and bad. They never cared less about me because I made a mistake, but they did require that I face the consequences of my actions. Sometimes this was unpleasant, but I knew they loved me no matter what.
Parenting is a difficult task! My parents have often said they weren’t perfect, but I don’t think perfection is required. Giving yourself to the job of parenting and doing the best you can each day is the key.
Thank you to all of our students’ parents for your efforts! Thank you for trusting us with your most precious possession, your child. It may seem like a thankless job but your children will recognize your good work in the future, and you’ll have the satisfaction of seeing their growth and success in life. As educators and parents, we look forward to working with you and seeing great learning during this school year!
To open newsletter: News Alma Intermediate 0917
Alma Intermediate School Newsletter, August 2017
From the Principal…
When we moved to Alma 16 years ago, my youngest daughter was entering 6th grade. Anna, who is now 27, recently celebrated her 3rd anniversary with her husband, Taylor.
The first time I walked the Lake Alma Trail with Taylor, knowing he might someday be my daughter’s husband, I didn’t wonder about his test scores! Even though I believe learning is important, at that time, I wasn’t concerned with his academic ranking in high school.
I wanted to know about Taylor’s character qualities! Was he honest, dependable, and persistent in the face of challenges? Would he treat my daughter with kindness and respect? Thankfully, he has exhibited these qualities!
Watching children grow into adults has taught me that character qualities are vital to the success of students in school and their future success with work and family.
I’m thankful that our teachers are committed to students’ academic growth as well as developing positive character qualities that will help them face future challenges with courage and confidence. Let’s make 2017-18 a year of growth for our students in academics and character!
The following link takes you to the full newsletter with school supply lists on page 2.
May-June Newsletter for Alma Intermediate School plus Suzy Ferguson’s Retirement and Jo Ann Jordan’s Recognition
Alma Intermediate School Newsletter for May-June – Link to the full newsletter which includes the school supply lists for next year.
From the Principal…
We welcome several new staff members to AIS and look forward to watching them build strong relationships with students when school begins. Please give encouragement to our new staff members as they begin their new work at AIS.
Mrs. Ralynn Wilkinson, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Marti Jo Salisbury, GT Teacher
Miss Allison Williams, Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Murl Wilson, Fifth Grade Teacher
We also welcome our incoming third graders who toured AIS on May 15. They are a great group of young people and will bring a lot of enthusiasm for learning. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 9 for Open House between 3 and 6:30 p.m.
New third graders will have the school to themselves during Great Start on August 10 from 8:30-12:30. This will give our younger students confidence when regular school begins on Monday, August 14th.
I’m proud of the work our students and staff have done this year and look forward to great things for next year!
Personal note on Suzy Ferguson, Assistant Principal: Mrs. Ferguson, who has served as assistant principal for the past 19 years, is retiring. She has had an immeasurable positive influence on our school. She has built a positive culture among students, increased student leadership, and developed schedules, structures, and school-wide procedures that greatly impact our students’ learning. We wish her the best and look forward to her continuing contributions to our community! 
Mrs. Ferguson is pictured here with some students on recess. The Buddy Bench is a gift from Mrs. Ferguson to our students, present and future.
Jo Ann Jordan received the honor of being named as Alma School District Teacher on the Year on Friday, May 19th. Candidates on each campus were nominated by their peers or a parent and voted on by the teaching staff. Then, those selected as school-level Teacher of the Year responded to several writing prompts before meeting with three state educators for interviews. The three state educators made a final decision which was sealed until being revealed by David Woolly, Superintendent, on Friday.
Jo Ann Jordan speaks to Alma District staff after being named as Teacher of the Year.
Principal Notes 