Ark City Schools Connection

We’re off to a great start this school year, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to welcome so many students, staff, and families back to our schools.

As we move into the fall, construction will soon begin at several of our buildings. We know this work may bring some temporary changes to parking, traffic, and school access, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as these projects move forward.

We are also preparing to begin a strategic planning process that will help guide the future of Arkansas City Public Schools. Community input will be an important part of that work, and we welcome anyone who may be interested in participating to let us know.

Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools. We’re looking forward to a great year ahead.

Sept. 4 – Cowley Cup at Winfield (7:30 kickoff)

Sept. 5 – ACHS Tennis Tourn. at ACHS

Sept. 9 – ACMS Tennis Tourn. at ACHS

Sept. 10 – Bitty Cheer Camp (5:30-7:30)

Sept. 10 – ACMS Football at Bulldog Stadium

Sept. 11 – Bitty Cheer Camp (5:30-7:30)

Sept. 11 – ACHS Football at Bulldog Stadium

Sept. 12 – ACHS Soccer Tourn. at Bulldog Stadium

Sept. 12 – ACHS Volleyball Tourn. at ACHS

Sept. 14 – ACMS Volleyball (7th) at ACMS

Sept. 14 – BOE Meeting (5:30) at Avery

Sept. 28 – BOE Meeting (5:30) at Adams

Oct. 1 – ACHS/ACMS Cross Country at Winfield Veterans Home

Oct. 2 – Band-O-Rama at Bulldog Stadium

This is just a few of the upcoming events. See calendars below for a complete list.

A big thank you to RISE Cowley for supporting the Arkansas City Middle School HOPE Squad!

Through RISE Cowley’s Pathways work, the HOPE Squad received $10,000 to support prevention efforts, including program costs, materials, and prevention and cessation programming.

We appreciate this investment in our students and the important work they are doing to build a caring, connected school community.

Pawpalooza brought students, families, staff, and community members together Friday night for one of our favorite Bulldog traditions.

The evening included the Snake Dance, team introductions, performances, scrimmages, and plenty of Bulldog spirit. It was a fun way to celebrate our students and kick off another school year together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thank you to the ACHS All Sports Booster Club for helping make the evening a success. High fives all around!

We’re off to a great start! Thank you to our students, families, staff, and community for helping make the first weeks of school positive, welcoming, and full of Bulldog pride.

We appreciate everyone who has helped our students start the year strong.

The ACHS Ag Fab class is helping Bulldog Stadium look its best by adding fresh purple and gold paint to the stadium parking lot gates. Thank you to our students for their hard work and for taking pride in the DAWG POUND!

Construction will soon begin at Adams and Roosevelt elementary schools as part of Arkansas City Public Schools’ bond projects.

Work is expected to begin the week of Sept. 14 and will include improvements to school entrances and office areas to improve safety and better control visitor access.

Families and neighbors may notice additional construction traffic, equipment, noise, fencing, and temporary changes to parking or school access. We appreciate everyone’s patience as this work gets underway.

These are the first major visible projects funded through the bond issue approved by voters in November 2025. Planning also continues for larger projects at Arkansas City Middle School and the new Early Childhood Center.

Thank you to our community for supporting this work and helping us build safer, stronger schools for students, staff, and families.

Technology is an important part of learning, but it should not be the default for every lesson.

USD 470 has developed new screen time guidelines to help staff think carefully about when technology adds value and when another approach may work better.

The guidelines support a healthy balance of screen use, reading, writing, discussion, movement, teamwork, and hands-on learning. They also provide more consistent expectations across the district while still giving teachers flexibility based on their students and lessons.

The recommendations are not strict daily limits. Some assessments, courses, and student needs require more technology than others.

The guide also addresses classroom videos, artificial intelligence, approved digital tools, online safety, and responsible technology use.

Teachers, administrators, and staff from across the district helped shape this work. We appreciate the time and feedback they shared.

Learn more at https://www.usd470.com/academics/screentime-guidelines.

USD 470 is also placing a stronger focus on independent reading this year.

Students will have regular time during the school day to choose a book and read on their own. Independent reading helps students build vocabulary, comprehension, reading stamina, and confidence.

The amount of reading time will vary by grade level, but the goal is the same: give students meaningful time to read, build strong habits, and discover books they enjoy.

Independent reading is one part of our larger effort to create a better balance in the school day — with time for technology, books, writing, discussion, movement, and hands-on learning.

Students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 will have the opportunity to take the Kansas Communities That Care (KCTC) Student Survey on Sept. 9.

The anonymous survey helps schools better understand student needs and make informed decisions about programs, prevention efforts, and support.

Parents and guardians of participating students are asked to review and return the permission form.

Permission forms:
• Middle school
• High school

Learn more about the survey at kctcdata.org/families.

Regular attendance helps students stay connected, keep up with learning, and build strong routines.

Even a few missed days each month can add up over the school year. If attendance becomes a challenge, please reach out. We’re here to help.

📘 View our Attendance Guide

Arkansas City High School Performing Arts will present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Nov. 19-21 at 7 p.m. Mark your calendar and get ready to support our talented student performers!

Email: info@usd470.com

Website: www.usd470.com
Phone: (620) 441-2000

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