News
![decorative image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776268393/usd470com/yrtwdbtxxjjm5qi3wlhm/SummerMeals2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776268393/usd470com/yrtwdbtxxjjm5qi3wlhm/SummerMeals2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776268393/usd470com/yrtwdbtxxjjm5qi3wlhm/SummerMeals2026.png","width":800}])
Keep your kids fueled this summer with free meals for ages 1–18. No cost. No registration. Just stop by a location near you.
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![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.
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![Portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length light brown hair and bangs, wearing a light-colored blouse against a gray studio background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776172062/usd470com/gqchrwfbxlzikts27pjf/Lauren.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776172062/usd470com/gqchrwfbxlzikts27pjf/Lauren.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776172062/usd470com/gqchrwfbxlzikts27pjf/Lauren.png","width":800}])
USD 470 has named Lauren Rosales as the next Director of Curriculum and Instruction. A 14-year district leader and current Jefferson Elementary principal, Rosales brings experience across grade levels. The move is part of a broader leadership transition as the district prepares for its next chapter.
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![Graphic with a blue background and green border featuring a gold shooting star design. Text reads “All Star High School,” indicating recognition for school achievement.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775659348/usd470com/uzvdro3ky8xsvecy6xme/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px_2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775659348/usd470com/uzvdro3ky8xsvecy6xme/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px_2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775659348/usd470com/uzvdro3ky8xsvecy6xme/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px_2.png","width":800}])
Our school has been named a 2026 All-Star High School, recognizing our commitment to empowering dreams and creating futures for every student.
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![Graphic with the message “Be All In: Attendance Is Up.” It shows overall attendance increasing from 93.1% to 94.6% and chronic absenteeism decreasing from 29.5% to 16.2%.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775141053/usd470com/k49vg7mahr2imlucoq0l/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775141053/usd470com/k49vg7mahr2imlucoq0l/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775141053/usd470com/k49vg7mahr2imlucoq0l/WebNewsStoryImage800x867px.png","width":800}])
Attendance is improving across Arkansas City Public Schools. See the latest district attendance data and find helpful resources in our Family Attendance Guide.
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![A group of elementary students stand in a school gym and form heart shapes with their hands. The students are smiling and standing on a purple-and-wood gym floor in front of a white wall, showing their support for the Kids Heart Challenge.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773317921/usd470com/p2jqnkznrfrhblujkbxl/NewsStoryImage_4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773317921/usd470com/p2jqnkznrfrhblujkbxl/NewsStoryImage_4.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773317921/usd470com/p2jqnkznrfrhblujkbxl/NewsStoryImage_4.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools elementary students raised $13,768.08 through the Kids Heart Challenge to support the American Heart Association. Roosevelt Elementary was the district’s top fundraising school with $5,195.96, and Jefferson Elementary student Rylee Catron was the top individual fundraiser with $654.45. Several students also raised $250 or more, earning a Pizza Ranch celebration.
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![Will Pfannenstiel greets a student at a school entrance on the first day of school.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772811008/usd470com/odg5811gq7rwcxvfjzoh/NewsStoryImage_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772811008/usd470com/odg5811gq7rwcxvfjzoh/NewsStoryImage_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772811008/usd470com/odg5811gq7rwcxvfjzoh/NewsStoryImage_1.png","width":800}])
The USD 470 Board of Education has selected longtime Ark City educator Will Pfannenstiel as the district’s next superintendent. Learn more about his experience and the Board’s decision in the full announcement.
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![A person in a brown jacket extends their hand forward for a handshake, with the background softly blurred. A purple and gold “A” logo appears in the bottom right corner.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772127472/usd470com/mw2zrhuxhf2e8wi9mgyy/Handshake.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772127472/usd470com/mw2zrhuxhf2e8wi9mgyy/Handshake.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772127472/usd470com/mw2zrhuxhf2e8wi9mgyy/Handshake.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools will host four superintendent finalists next week as part of the Board of Education’s interview process. Each candidate will spend a day in Ark City meeting with staff, students, and the community.
The public is invited to daily meet-and-greets from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. at Arkansas City High School. Candidate announcements will be shared each morning.
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![A 3-by-3 collage of colorful “Youth Art Month” graphics from Arkansas City Public Schools. Each square features a watercolor-style background with a student photo and their artwork displayed like a Polaroid. Students shown include Maria Zetino-Lorenzo (Adams Elementary) with “Form Creature,” Jocelyn Schmeidler (C-4 Elementary) with “My Favorite Thing,” Auberlee Byrd (Frances Willard Elementary) with “Sulking Sunflowers,” Sophie Woods (ACHS) with “Ethereal Bloom,” Piper Waugh (ACHS) with “The Fur]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772114763/usd470com/beygdnxgqyppoyqgksqx/NewsStoryImage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772114763/usd470com/beygdnxgqyppoyqgksqx/NewsStoryImage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772114763/usd470com/beygdnxgqyppoyqgksqx/NewsStoryImage.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools is proud to have eight students selected for the Kansas Art Education Association Youth Art Month Exhibit. The statewide event features student artwork and includes a reception and awards ceremony on March 28.
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