News
![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/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.
- ELEM
- HS
- MS
- district
![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.
- ELEM
- HS
- MS
- district
![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.
- ELEM
- Jefferson
- Roosevelt
- district
![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.
- ELEM
- Families
- HS
- MS
- district
![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.
- Community
- ELEM
- HS
- MS
- district