"Why not just fix what we have?"

Lincoln Elementary has documented structural issues — and the most recent engineering assessment found those problems have continued to worsen, despite ongoing maintenance. When a structural problem keeps growing, the responsible question shifts from "can we patch it?" to "should we keep sending students in every day?"

After years of monitoring and multiple professional engineering assessments, the answer is clear: Lincoln has reached the end of its safe functional life as a school.
That conclusion wasn't reached quickly or casually. It came from the people whose job it is to keep kids safe inside buildings.

“I believe if the repairs are done as stated above, in the future similar structural issues will develop. The 60+ year-old building and infrastructure below the building are reaching the end of their design life. New issues will develop or reveal themselves over time. In my opinion, future repairs to this building will be regular and costly, above and beyond what has already been identified,” Scott E. Holtzen, P.E., S.E

You can see the full history of Lincoln Elementary at: https://www.alvaschools.com/page/aps-2026-bond-issue

Longfellow Principal Alysson Tucker: Washington has to go across the street for a basement, Longfellow has nothing. During storm season, that is something she thinks about every single day.

#ASymbolOfExcellence

Last week, two Alva students (Frankie Evans, Conner Shafer) and Mr. Eckhardt participated in the inaugural Social Media Team for the K101 Classic Bowl. We couldn't be prouder of what they accomplished. Their task was to follow the band and get videos and images from the week. Many people don't know how hard and long the band works on this show, and they wanted to make sure that everyone saw their hard work (and some fun, too). They embedded themselves in the band and were at all the rehearsals and field practices. They even walked the parade with the band to ensure complete coverage. Throughout the week, the team produced over 40 minutes of video and hundreds of photos that have been posted on the K101 Classic Bowl Facebook page. The students made AHS proud!

For those who are attending the softball and baseball youth camps today: the camp will be held at the indoor facility due to the weather. Please help spread the word. Thank you.

Join us TOMORROW — Tuesday, June 2nd — for a Town Hall Meeting at the Carmen 'After 55 Club' (Senior Citizen Center) on Main Street at 6:00 PM. Hear about the 2026 Student Investment Plan and bring your questions. All community members are welcome.

#ASymbolOfExcellence

Alva business owner and alumnus Adam Jordan: a good school system that invests in itself brings people to town. People bring their kids, spend money, and keep the community growing.

Learn more about the Student Investment Plan and view the most current, updated FAQ at
https://www.alvaschools.com/page/aps-2026-bond-issue

#ASymbolOfExcellence

2026 Graduate Packets!

Former Alva teacher and lifelong farmer Dan Heaton: the only way to finance a school bond is through property taxes. He has had many conversations with farmers and ranchers — and almost all agree on the need and on this being the only available mechanism.

Learn more about the Student Investment Plan and view the most current, updated FAQ at
https://www.alvaschools.com/page/aps-2026-bond-issue

#ASymbolOfExcellence

The proposed tax increase for the 2026 Student Investment Plan is 29.5%. For a property owner currently paying $1,000/year, that is an additional $295.02/year — or $24.59 per month. Alva's proposed millage rate of 22 would bring the district in line with similar neighboring districts.

Learn more about the Student Investment Plan and view the most current, updated FAQ at
https://www.alvaschools.com/page/aps-2026-bond-issue

#ASymbolOfExcellence

Want to see Alva's elementary schools for yourself? Join us TOMORROW — Saturday, May 23rd — for Come-and-Go Site Tours at Washington, Longfellow, and Lincoln Elementary Schools from 1:00–4:00 PM.

Come see building conditions firsthand and learn more about the 2026 Student Investment Plan. No registration required.

Have questions? We want to answer them! Submit your questions at the following link:

https://forms.gle/VTUWPvyqeHVRucsV8

You can also find information on the school webpage at the following link. Check back for updated and new information!

https://www.alvaschools.com/page/aps-2026-bond-issue

#ASymbolOfExcellence

Services for Mr. Jack Staats: Friday, May 22, 2026 Salt Fork Event Center 27251 County Road 460 Alva, OK 73717

Just 1 day left to register to vote in the June 16th election. The deadline is tomorrow, May 22nd. Register at:

https://okvoterportal.okelections.us/Home/RegWizard

#ASymbolOfExcellence

Washington Early Childhood Principal Madison Williams: all three elementary schools have one entry point that opens directly to the entire building. That is a daily safety concern for every administrator.

#ASymbolOfExcellence

Woods County Gulp and Gallop is providing a summer food program to children under the age of 18 from June 3 through August 5. Food can be picked up in Alva on Wednesdays between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. To sign up, please use the following link.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddb7AVope-26Fj_uK2cxSQ2QKMP2ZVRcUOklPezHSVZyZNfQ/viewform

Longfellow Elementary Principal Alysson Tucker on what becomes possible when teachers can focus on academics and student character — rather than roof leaks and gaps in the stairs.

#ASymbolOfExcellence

Alva Athletics is excited to announce a full lineup of summer camps! This year, we’re making registration easier than ever with convenient online sign-ups. Even better, thanks to our partnership with Windy Ford, all camps are being offered completely FREE of charge. Register today and join us for a great summer of learning, competition, and fun!
https://forms.gle/WQ3h7XoL1DqWnt9U8

AHS 2026 Graduation May 15th | 7:00 PM AHS Gymnasium Congratulations and best wishes to all of our graduates! 🎓

Congratulations to the AHS April & May Rotary Students of the Month

April: Tory Shafer and Daxton Egner
May: Vinnsinn Pegg and Asia Blackledge