Ark City Schools Connection
USD 470 Newsletter – September 2024
Your Connection to Ark City Schools
Welcome back to Connection, the official newsletter of Arkansas City Public Schools. This publication is designed to keep you informed and connected. Each edition will highlight important news, celebrate achievements, and share stories that showcase the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and community. We’re excited to bring you updates as we empower dreams and create futures for everyone in our district. Stay tuned, stay connected, and Go Bulldogs!
Every Student, Every Day: Why Attendance Matters
Consistent school attendance sets students up for success! When students attend regularly, they’re more likely to achieve better grades, stay on track, and reach their goals. Even a few absences or tardies can disrupt learning time and impact academic performance.
Benefits of Regular Attendance:
- Better grades
- More opportunities
- Bright futures
What Can You Do?
✅ Make a Plan: Establish bedtime and morning routines to avoid tardiness.
✅ Schedule Appointments After School: Plan doctor and dentist visits outside school hours whenever possible.
✅ Stay Connected: If your child needs support, reach out to us so we can help!
Join the ‘No-Miss November’ Challenge!
We are challenging our schools to see who can have the best attendance during the month of November. Elementary schools will compete against each other while the middle school and high school will have a contest between the grade levels.
Can your student attend school every day in November? Encourage them to take the challenge and see the difference attendance can make!
Oct. 29 – MS/HS Orchestra
The middle school and high school orchestras will join forces for a concert at 7 p.m. at ACHS on Tuesday, October 29. Kids attending the show are encouraged to wear their costumes and candy will be handed out after the concert.
Nov. 7 – MS Girls Basketball
Our middle school girls kick off their basketball season by playing Circle on Thursday, Nov. 7. 7th Grade plays at home while 8th grade is at Circle.
Nov. 7-9: ACHS Musical
Mark your calendars for Arkansas City High School’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Dates: November 7-9, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Tickets: $8 on GOFAN.co or at the door
Nov. 11 – BOE Meeting
Nov. 19 – MS Wrestling
Arkansas City Public Schools (USD 470) has been recognized by the Kansans Can Star Recognition Program for advancing student success. The district received a Copper Award for Social-Emotional Growth and a Bronze Award for Kindergarten Readiness, reflecting its dedication to empowering dreams and creating futures.
“These awards highlight how we prepare students to thrive both academically and emotionally,” said Braden Smith, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
The awards, presented by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), align with the district’s mission to support students' well-being and early learning success.
ACMS Tennis
Congrats to Kayleigh Hughes and Cara Cales! This hardworking doubles team recently brought home 2nd place from the Patriot League Tennis Tournament!
ACHS Band
Our dedicated band gave up their homecoming dance to compete in the state marching band championships, earning 4th place in finals!
8th Grade Football
Shoutout to our 8th Grade Football team! With a perfect 7-0 season, they’ve earned the title of Patriot League South Division Champions!
ACMS Cross Country
Congrats to these Patriot League Cross Country medalists!
Reese Pieper – 7th Grade
Cooper Aldridge – 7th Grade
Julia Lyman – 8th Grade
Kody Quint – 8th Grade
Andrae Harper
Congratulations to our middle school coding teacher and high school cross-country coach, Andrae Harper, on being inducted into the Southwestern College 2024 Hall of Fame!
Leah Pappan
CharacterStrong Character Dare
Create a card or note about a favorite moment you shared (or just something you appreciate) with a neighbor or someone that lives nearby. Sign it as a family and deliver it to them.
If delivering it in person feels uncomfortable, send it in the mail or via email. Want to take it to the next level? Offer a date and time to connect for a neighborhood hangout with food or games!
Roosevelt Elementary, the oldest public school in Arkansas City, is celebrating 150 years of serving the community. Built in 1874 as the First Ward school for $10,000, Roosevelt has become a symbol of resilience, academic achievement, and community pride.
At a recent Board of Education meeting, Roosevelt staff and students showcased a gallery walk that highlighted key moments from the school’s rich history. Attendees discovered fascinating details, including that actress Elizabeth Taylor briefly attended the school in 1937 and that Roosevelt started a hot lunch program in 1970, charging just 35 cents per meal. The gallery also featured a unique science project from 1990, where students grew tomato seeds that had been sent to space by NASA.
Principal Pam Barbour shared her pride in the school’s long tradition of student engagement.
“I am honored to lead a school with such deep roots in our community,” Barbour said. “Our roadrunner mascot represents the resilience and determination that have guided Roosevelt for 150 years, and we continue to move forward with that same spirit.”
