News
![A simple graphic of a purple smartphone with a purple unplugged power cord on the left side. The words “DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT” are centered on the phone screen, with “DISCONNECT” in bold purple and “TO RECONNECT” in black.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751478133/usd470com/ocauwjiwmeuezj81h2by/DisconnecttoReconnectLogo.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1751478133/usd470com/ocauwjiwmeuezj81h2by/DisconnecttoReconnectLogo.png","width":500}])
Arkansas City Public Schools will launch a bell-to-bell phone-free policy this fall for middle and high school students. The goal: helping students stay focused, build stronger relationships, and reduce stress during the school day. Learn how it will work and more!
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![Graphic with a purple background and gold circle showing students in a lunch line. Text in the center reads “Free School Meals” with “2025-2026” below, announcing free breakfast and lunch for all USD 470 students.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752179418/usd470com/pdi9sa7oxsfjtxpmhpna/FREEMEALSWebPost.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752179418/usd470com/pdi9sa7oxsfjtxpmhpna/FREEMEALSWebPost.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752179418/usd470com/pdi9sa7oxsfjtxpmhpna/FREEMEALSWebPost.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752179418/usd470com/pdi9sa7oxsfjtxpmhpna/FREEMEALSWebPost.png","width":1080}])
Good news! All USD 470 students will get free breakfast and lunch again this year to help them stay healthy and ready to learn.
- ELEM
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![“Graphic with the words ‘Facilities Survey’ in bold purple and yellow text above a black checkmark inside a square box. The graphic is bordered in purple.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752067469/usd470com/omikkwxlzyfkibxxcefw/FacilitiesSurveyWebPost.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752067469/usd470com/omikkwxlzyfkibxxcefw/FacilitiesSurveyWebPost.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752067469/usd470com/omikkwxlzyfkibxxcefw/FacilitiesSurveyWebPost.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752067469/usd470com/omikkwxlzyfkibxxcefw/FacilitiesSurveyWebPost.png","width":1080}])
We’re planning for the future at USD 470 and need your input! Share your thoughts on possible facility updates by Friday, July 18.
- Community
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![A young boy smiles while sitting at a purple table on a bus, ready to eat her free summer meal of pizza, fruit, chocolate milk, and fruit snacks provided by Arkansas City Public Schools.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751477839/usd470com/hbxth305btn1nyjr6xmb/NEWSImage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1751477839/usd470com/hbxth305btn1nyjr6xmb/NEWSImage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1751477839/usd470com/hbxth305btn1nyjr6xmb/NEWSImage.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1751477839/usd470com/hbxth305btn1nyjr6xmb/NEWSImage.png","width":1080}])
Nearly 10,000 free summer meals were served to Ark City kids in June! These meals help our students grow, play, and learn all summer long. Thank you to our food service, transportation, and summer school teams for making it happen!
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![Illustration of two hands holding a smartphone, actively texting. Surrounding the phone are digital icons including a chat bubble, paper airplane, email, and smiley face emojis. The image is framed with a purple border.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749673770/usd470com/rwhpc6n77kjcnugrslql/cellphone.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749673770/usd470com/rwhpc6n77kjcnugrslql/cellphone.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749673770/usd470com/rwhpc6n77kjcnugrslql/cellphone.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749673770/usd470com/rwhpc6n77kjcnugrslql/cellphone.jpg","width":1080}])
Beginning this fall, students in USD 470 will be expected to keep their phones out of sight during the school day. The new bell-to-bell policy aims to reduce distractions and promote student well-being. The change follows state recommendations and growing research on the impact of screen time.
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![Avery Osen, wearing a purple "Good Day Kansas" polo, stands at the front of a classroom with one hand raised as several elementary students enthusiastically raise their hands to ask or answer questions during a MindCraft summer class session.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749666194/usd470com/o8wsyt7tswaibdzawj31/Avery-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749666194/usd470com/o8wsyt7tswaibdzawj31/Avery-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749666194/usd470com/o8wsyt7tswaibdzawj31/Avery-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749666194/usd470com/o8wsyt7tswaibdzawj31/Avery-2.jpg","width":1080}])
MindCraft students got a behind-the-scenes look at the world of broadcasting during a visit from KSN’s Avery Osen. The Good Day Kansas host shared stories from his journey, including working with the KC Royals and Chiefs, and encouraged students to follow careers that match their passions and goals.
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![Stephanie (Cabrera) Madrigal smiles in front of lush green shrubs. She has long dark hair, wears a gold heart necklace and a green V-neck top, and is standing outdoors in soft natural light.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749666211/usd470com/vq2fnzutcmlygcxsffrj/StepahnieCabrera.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749666211/usd470com/vq2fnzutcmlygcxsffrj/StepahnieCabrera.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749666211/usd470com/vq2fnzutcmlygcxsffrj/StepahnieCabrera.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749666211/usd470com/vq2fnzutcmlygcxsffrj/StepahnieCabrera.jpg","width":1080}])
From a part-time job at Walgreens in Ark City to leading a specialty pharmacy team, ACHS alum Stephanie (Cabrera) Madrigal has built a career rooted in compassion, leadership, and service. The 2015 graduate shares how her high school experiences—both on and off the field—shaped her path to becoming a pharmacist and how her roots continue to guide her today.
- Alumni
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![Hannah Schandorf and Ella Duncan smile behind the counter of The Freezing Point, their rolled ice cream and snow cone stand. Bottles of flavoring syrups line the shelves behind them.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749666838/usd470com/fmq3ujwm9j2ilm2cz103/HannahandElla.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749666838/usd470com/fmq3ujwm9j2ilm2cz103/HannahandElla.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749666838/usd470com/fmq3ujwm9j2ilm2cz103/HannahandElla.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749666838/usd470com/fmq3ujwm9j2ilm2cz103/HannahandElla.jpg","width":1080}])
What started as a dream is quickly turning into a hometown favorite. With drive, creativity, and support from family and friends, Hannah Schandorf and her friend Ella launched The Freezing Point, a rolled ice cream and snow cone stand that’s teaching them more than just how to run a business—it’s preparing them for the future.
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![Graphic of a yellow sunflower with a white center on a beige background. The words "SUNFLOWER SUMMER" are written in bold, blue, all-caps text across the sunflower.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747745524/usd470com/uvhd8vqlhyj63j61pr3g/497822217_1258372142957877_5808189800705078061_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747745524/usd470com/uvhd8vqlhyj63j61pr3g/497822217_1258372142957877_5808189800705078061_n.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747745524/usd470com/uvhd8vqlhyj63j61pr3g/497822217_1258372142957877_5808189800705078061_n.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747745524/usd470com/uvhd8vqlhyj63j61pr3g/497822217_1258372142957877_5808189800705078061_n.jpg","width":1080}])
Kansas families can enjoy free admission to dozens of attractions across the state through the Sunflower Summer program. From July 12 to August 3, discover museums, zoos, and more—all at no cost with the Sunflower Summer app.
- Families
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