Student Welcome Packet

1. Respect
2. Responsibility
3. Pride
4. Belonging

We're so glad you're here! Go Bulldogs!

Important Dates for 2025-2026

• August 19 – Freshman/New Student Orientation
  • Pick up schedule
  • Tour the building
  • Receive school-issued technology
  • Ask questions and ease first-day nerves
• August 20 – First Day of School
• September 17 – Picture Day
• October 6-10 – Fall Conferences

Find the full school calendar at hs.usd470.com/calendar.

Attendance Basics

• Call the office before 9 a.m. to report an absence – 620-441-2010.
• Attendance matters every day. Students do best when they are in class on time and ready to learn. Missing school can make it harder to keep up.
• Make on-time attendance a daily habit.
• Reach out if your student needs support.

Free School Meals

• All ACHS students can receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day.
• Add money to student meal accounts in PowerSchool for any extra items.

• Find current menus at usd470.nutrislice.com/menu.

Pro Tip

“Sally” the Bulldog is our mascot. Show her respect by not stepping on her outside the main entrance, in the foyer, or at the stadium!

Bulldog Day Schedule (Monday - Tuesday - Friday)

Odd/Even Day Schedule (Wednesday [Odd] / Thursday [Even])

ACHS Homework Center

The ACHS Homework Center offers academic support to students who need help. Students may attend voluntarily or be assigned by staff or parents.

Hours of Operation

• Before School: Monday–Friday, 7:00–7:50 a.m.
• After School: Tuesday–Thursday, 3:26–4:26 p.m.
• Both the Before and After School Programs are held in the ACHS Library.
• Attendance is not mandatory; however, regular school behavior expectations still apply.

PowerSchool houses student grades, attendance, schedules, lunch balances, and daily bulletins.

• Parents/Guardians may obtain login information through school offices or the technology department.
• Student and parent logins are separate and secure.
• PowerSchool can be accessed through any browser or the app.

Sign in to the PowerSchool parent portal . You can also download a free app. Use the download code GZZT. 

TalkingPoints

TalkingPoints is how our schools share important updates with families. Messages are sent by text or app and can be translated into many languages. Families can reply with questions or comments, making it easy to communicate back and forth. It’s a simple way to stay informed and connected with your school.

Facebook/Instagram

Our school and district Facebook and Instagram pages share news, photos, and highlights from our schools. These accounts are a great way to see what’s happening, celebrate students and staff, and stay connected to our school community. We encourage families to follow along and engage with our posts.

Follow us: @arkcityhigh and @arkcityschools

26 credits required

Students should meet with their counselors regularly to ensure they are on track for graduation. Course changes are limited and based on availability.

Credit Breakdown

• English / Communication (4 Credits)
• Social Studies (3 Credits)
• Math (3 Credits)
• Science (3 Credits)
• Health / PE (1 Credit)
  • Class of 2028+: 0.5 Health + 0.5 PE
• Career & Technical Ed/Financial Literacy (1 Credit)
  • Class of 2028+: 0.5 Financial Literacy
• Fine Arts (1 Credit)
• Electives (10 Credits)
  • Class of 2028+: 9.5 Credits
• STEM (Class of 2028+: 1 Credit)

Find all options in the Enrollment Catalog.

About Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

AP exams are administered each May. The district covers the cost of all exams for enrolled students.

AP Courses Offered

• English: AP Lang, AP Lit, AP Language & Composition, AP Literature & Composition
• Math: AP Calculus
• Science: AP Biology, AP Chemistry
• Social Studies: AP World History, AP U.S. History, AP Government

Note: Students who drop an AP course at the semester are responsible for a $40 College Board cancellation fee.

Fall Sports

• Cheerleading
• Cross Country
• Dance Line
• Football
• Golf
• Boys Soccer
• Girls Tennis
• Volleyball

Winter Sports

• Cheerleading
• Basketball
• Wrestling
• Dance Line

Spring Sports

• Baseball
• Golf
• Girls Soccer
• Softball
• Boys Tennis
• Track & Field

Pawpalooza

Pawpalooza is our annual back-to-school celebration and a fun way to kick off the year with Bulldog Pride. Families, students, and staff gather at Bulldog Stadium to cheer on our teams, enjoy the Snake Dance, hear the ACHS band, and celebrate together. From fall sports previews to activities with our younger students, Pawpalooza highlights the community, tradition, and school spirit that make Ark City special.

Students can attend most athletic events for free with their ID. To participate, a physical form must be on file. To access the forms and learn more about our athletics programs, visit our athletics/activities webpage.

The arts are a key part of life at ACHS. Through music, theatre, and visual arts, students create, perform, and grow while building confidence, teamwork, and Bulldog pride.

Programs

• Marching Band
• Jazz Band (by audition)
• Concert Band
• Orchestra
• Men’s Choir
• Ark Highs (by audition)
• Arkettes (by audition)
• Symphonic (by audition)
• Women’s Choir
• Drama / Theatre
• Drawing
• Painting
• Ceramics
• Creative Writing

There’s something for everyone at ACHS. Clubs and organizations help students explore interests, build friendships, and get involved.

• AC Players (Drama)
• FBLA
• FCA
• FFA
• GSA
• HOPE Squad
• In‑Stitches Crochet Club
• KAY
• Multicultural Student Union
• National Forensics League
• National Honor Society
• SADD
• Scholar’s Bowl
• Usherettes
• Spikeball Club

Disconnect to Reconnect

To help everyone stay focused and connected, Arkansas City High School is a phone-free learning environment. Students secure cell phones, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds in district-issued locking pouches from the first bell to the final bell, including passing periods and lunch.

With devices away, classrooms are calmer, learning improves, and students have more time to connect with each other.

Devices may be used before and after school. Families can contact students during the day through the main office.

Our goal is simple: fewer distractions and a better school day for everyone. Learn more about our cell phone policy.

How to Open Your Locker

• Turn the dial right three full turns, then stop at your first number.
• Turn left one full turn, passing the first number, and stop at your second number.
• Turn right directly to your third number.
• Pull the handle to open.

Academic

• Before and After School Programs
• Cowley College Partnerships
• Career Internship Program
• Graduation Information

Resources

• District Calendar
• Team Store
• Clothes Closet
• Community Resource Directory
• Parent–Teacher Conferences

Policies

• Family–Student Handbook

Our staff is here to support students and families. If you have a question or concern, we’re happy to help connect you with the right person. Call the ACHS main office at 620-441-2000, and we’ll be glad to help.

• Principal – Ryan Taylor

• Assistant Principal – Adam Dorsey

• Assistant Principal – Sarah O'Rear

• Athletic Director – Aaron Bucher

• Dean of Student Services – Sarah O'Donnell

• Registrar – Linda Enderud

• Nurse –Ashley Monroe

• Safety Coordinator – Eric Burr

• Lunch Cards – Shelly Simpson

• Tech Support – Ben Whitener

Counseling Team

• Michala Taylor (Students with Last Names A-D)
• Jordan McDowell (Students with Last Names E-K)
• Chad Hopkins (Students with Last Names L-Q)
• Dustin Atkins (Students with Last Names R-Z)