News
![Two students sit at classroom desks, one using a laptop with headphones and the other reading a book.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786626721/usd470com/n8ag54qh60tgyhqtocd4/ScreenTime.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786626721/usd470com/n8ag54qh60tgyhqtocd4/ScreenTime.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786626721/usd470com/n8ag54qh60tgyhqtocd4/ScreenTime.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools has developed new screen time guidelines to help staff use technology with purpose and create more balance in the school day. The guidelines support teacher judgment while encouraging a healthy mix of technology, reading, writing, discussion, collaboration, movement, and hands-on learning.
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![Graphic titled “Budget Fact” explaining that school funding comes from several sources. A pie chart highlights state aid, local property taxes, federal funds, grants, and fees and other revenue. Brief descriptions explain how each source supports student programs, daily operations, facilities, and other district needs.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785327557/usd470com/ssyfodwncn09ohhqf8ci/23764.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1785327557/usd470com/ssyfodwncn09ohhqf8ci/23764.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785327557/usd470com/ssyfodwncn09ohhqf8ci/23764.png","width":800}])
Arkansas City Public Schools is helping community members better understand school finance through its Building Our Future: Budget Breakdown series. The series explains how the district budget is developed, where funding comes from, how funds may be used, and how property taxes, Revenue Neutral, and voter-approved bond funding affect local schools.
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![Will Pfannenstiel smiles at the camera in a professional headshot, wearing a dark suit jacket, light checkered dress shirt and glasses against a gray background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782925324/usd470com/lwtsfvndkm20txp9dfj1/WillNewsImage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782925324/usd470com/lwtsfvndkm20txp9dfj1/WillNewsImage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782925324/usd470com/lwtsfvndkm20txp9dfj1/WillNewsImage.png","width":800}])
Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Arkansas City Public Schools. In his first message as superintendent, Will Pfannenstiel shares his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, reflects on the values that have shaped his leadership, and outlines his commitment to working alongside students, families, employees, and the community as USD 470 builds for the future.
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![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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![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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