News
![A Cowley College cosmetology student styles a young girl's hair during a Spa Day for IXL Elementary's Boost Self-Esteem/Hair Confidence group. Another student receives hair styling in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778620430/usd470com/erlmzxsl71ayyfdz4qxm/Boost.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778620430/usd470com/erlmzxsl71ayyfdz4qxm/Boost.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778620430/usd470com/erlmzxsl71ayyfdz4qxm/Boost.png","width":800}])
Students in IXL Elementary’s Boost Self-Esteem/Hair Confidence group are building confidence while learning practical hair care skills and positive self-image. The year ended with a special Spa Day at Cowley College, where cosmetology students treated participants to hair styling, nail care, and a day focused on helping each child feel valued and proud of who they are.
- IXL
- district
![A student smiles while learning to crochet during indoor recess at C-4 Elementary. She works with colorful yarn and a crochet hook at a classroom table while other students and staff members are visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778077770/usd470com/llrrmgpjexpslredlnts/crochet.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778077770/usd470com/llrrmgpjexpslredlnts/crochet.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778077770/usd470com/llrrmgpjexpslredlnts/crochet.png","width":800}])
Indoor recess at C-4 Elementary has gotten a little quieter lately. Fourth-grade teacher Deb Richardson teamed up with retired USD 470 teacher Luann Hoskins to teach students how to crochet during recess. What started as a simple activity has become a calm, focused space where students are learning patience, problem-solving, and confidence along the way.
- C-4
- district
![decorative image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777986143/usd470com/m0ivbrpfi6kubnruynlw/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px_3.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777986143/usd470com/m0ivbrpfi6kubnruynlw/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px_3.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777986143/usd470com/m0ivbrpfi6kubnruynlw/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px_3.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City High School is accepting nominations for its new Hall of Fame. The program will honor alumni who have made a positive impact through their careers, service, and leadership. Two inductees will be selected each year, with the first class to be recognized during Arkalalah 2026. Submit a nomination online.
- Alumni
- HS
- district
![decorative image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777469030/usd470com/v7r2qqyhvzrmsvsqsf7b/biliteracyseal.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777469030/usd470com/v7r2qqyhvzrmsvsqsf7b/biliteracyseal.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777469030/usd470com/v7r2qqyhvzrmsvsqsf7b/biliteracyseal.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777469030/usd470com/v7r2qqyhvzrmsvsqsf7b/biliteracyseal.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777469030/usd470com/v7r2qqyhvzrmsvsqsf7b/biliteracyseal.png","width":1254}])
ACHS seniors earn the Kansas Seal of Biliteracy, showing strong skills in two or more languages. This honor reflects years of hard work and prepares students for college, careers, and a global world.
- HS
- district
![Decorate Image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777467765/usd470com/g7tz9ndbkwwlhosujtgx/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777467765/usd470com/g7tz9ndbkwwlhosujtgx/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777467765/usd470com/g7tz9ndbkwwlhosujtgx/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px.png","width":800}])
Seven ACHS seniors have been named Kansas CTE Scholars for 2026. The honor recognizes students who have built strong academic, technical, and career-ready skills through their CTE pathways.
- HS
- district
![Eight Arkansas City High School students stand together in a hallway, smiling in black performance attire after a music event.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777303985/usd470com/ybcjgl3eprdyzomepbq0/EnsembleFestival.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777303985/usd470com/ybcjgl3eprdyzomepbq0/EnsembleFestival.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777303985/usd470com/ybcjgl3eprdyzomepbq0/EnsembleFestival.png","width":800}])
ACHS music students represented Ark City with pride at the 5A State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival in Salina, earning multiple Division I (Outstanding) and Division II (Excellent) ratings. The top honors highlight student talent and the strong support of directors and accompanists.
- Activities
- HS
- district
![A student spins a colorful prize wheel on a table while smiling, indoors near a brick wall.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777034300/usd470com/q0yvubs7kyvuzpdbhxu3/stonebones.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777034300/usd470com/q0yvubs7kyvuzpdbhxu3/stonebones.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777034300/usd470com/q0yvubs7kyvuzpdbhxu3/stonebones.png","width":800}])
At Arkansas City High School, a simple reward system is building stronger connections. Students earn “Stone Bones” for positive actions and trade them in for a prize wheel spin at lunch. More than prizes, the program focuses on recognition, relationships, and celebrating what’s going right.
- HS
- district
- students
![Graphic shows ACHS sophomore Chloe Cales. Left photo: Chloe working in a science lab. Right photo: her school portrait. Text reads “Congrats” and “Chloe Cales.”]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776772420/usd470com/tvrk7gcpi4iicywbxxbm/ChloeScienceInstituteWebNews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776772420/usd470com/tvrk7gcpi4iicywbxxbm/ChloeScienceInstituteWebNews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776772420/usd470com/tvrk7gcpi4iicywbxxbm/ChloeScienceInstituteWebNews.png","width":800}])
ACHS sophomore Chloe Cales has been selected for the highly competitive Bethel College Summer Science Institute. The hands-on program allows just 36 students to live on campus, work with faculty, and take part in real research. Chloe will study both natural ecosystems and human perception through small-group projects. She will also earn college credit while exploring future career paths in science.
- HS
- district
- students
![ACHS Women’s Chorus performs on risers in the gym, wearing purple robes, as a director conducts and a pianist accompanies.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776435839/usd470com/zdmwdemstwq7btdhdtg2/MusicContest.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776435839/usd470com/zdmwdemstwq7btdhdtg2/MusicContest.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776435839/usd470com/zdmwdemstwq7btdhdtg2/MusicContest.png","width":800}])
ACHS music students had a standout day at state. All ensembles earned Division I ratings, the highest possible, at the KSHSAA State Large Group Music Festival. Students also helped run the event, showing strong leadership and pride in Ark City.
- Activities
- HS
- district