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Newsletter for March, 2018
From the Principal…
The day was overcast, and I had hiked away from the trail for what seemed like a short distance. A few minutes later, disoriented and unsure of a path back to the trail, I realized there’s nothing like the feeling of being lost. To make matters worse, I had not packed my compass or map of the area. I experienced several minutes of embarrassment over this. I did know that the worst thing would be to continue walking, so I stood quietly for several minutes and thought I heard water. I began to walk toward the sound knowing it would lead me back to an intersection with the trail.
I learned a couple of lessons that day.
1. Always carry your compass and map.
2. When you leave the familiar trail, pay attention to your surroundings.
Why did I share this embarrassing moment with you? There are similarities between continuous school improvement and making your way through the woods without getting lost.
As we look at our students’ achievement data and curriculum planning, we’re studying maps that show us where we are and give guidance for moving forward without getting lost.
On our path of continuous improvement, paying attention to our surroundings means knowing our students and responding to their needs. Our school’s mission and vision are like open views from high bluffs, inspiring us to continue our journey.
Enthusiasm and commitment will keep us moving together over obstacles toward our goals. We’re thankful for students and parents who share this journey as we travel and learn together.
Click here to see the complete newsletter and calendar:News Alma Intermediate 0318
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.
Alma Intermediate School April News
Alma Intermediate School Newsletter for April, 2016 This link takes you to the full text of the newsletter that includes upcoming dates and news.
From the Principal…
Part of growing up is learning when to push and when to back off and relax. I learned this by participating in music performance groups and athletic activities. Practice and preparation were important, and those who were lazy in their approach paid a price. We practiced hard but had fun as we learned and increased our skills.
When performance day came, it was a big deal and required stepped up focus. We “put our game face on” and jumped in with full effort to show just how good we were.
As a student, I found this approach helpful. I remember a particularly difficult writing assignment in high school. I lacked confidence in writing but attacked this assignment with full effort. I ended up producing something that surprised my teacher and still makes me proud today.
This internal pride is what I hope for our students. Learning to focus and complete a demanding test with enthusiasm and effort is a life-skill that will impact our children’s future success. I look forward to what our students can do when they put their minds to it and “get their game face on.”
Alma Intermediate School August Newsletter – A Child’s Future Comes Quickly
From the Principal…
It finally happened! There stood a former student, syringe in hand, ready to administer an immunization in my arm. She recognized me and must have seen my expression because she said, “I’ve given a lot of these so you know I’ve had some practice.” I laughed and told her this is just one of the many reasons it’s wise to be nice to your students. They grow up! And sometimes they’re holding a medical needle the next time you see them.
When I first started teaching, it felt like we were preparing students for some far off future. Now, the future seems much closer. Every minute of learning time is important. When students are active learners, many more options are available to them as they move through life.
Daughters a few short years ago.
I’ve experienced this sense of urgency as a teacher and a parent. A short time ago, my daughters were in elementary school. Today they are grown, doing work that they find rewarding, and making a positive difference in the world. As a parent, I’m thankful and realize how important every stage of their education was on their path toward adulthood.
Daughters all grown up shown here with my parents and our new son-in-law.
At AIS, our goal is to squeeze as much learning as possible into grades 3, 4, and 5. Our mission is to prepare students for successful living, now and in the future, a future that will come quickly.
Thank you for giving us the honor of working with your child. We look forward to building strong relationships with our students and watching their success and growth as they move forward.
The following link will open our school newsletter.
Principal Notes 