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Photo by Foss Farrar click image to enlarge

By FOSS FARRAR
Traveler Staff Writer
reporter@arkcity.net

Many parents and students turned out Monday for an open house at Arkansas City High School. Grade cards were distributed and groups of students had displays to showcase activities at the school.

Another open house for those who couldn't attend Monday will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the high school.

Last night, the high school orchestra conducted by Shannon Gackstatter played in the cafeteria area downstairs from the main floor.

From the balcony, students or parents could participate in a "Barbie Bungee" using a Barbie doll.

It was intended to be a math problem for participants who were to estimate how many rubber bands were needed to tie around the doll and toss it off the balcony so that it could safely jump without hitting the floor below.

"It's 516 centimeters from here to the floor," said math teacher Kelly Hughes. "The idea is to give Barbie the most thrilling yet safe jump."

The open houses are billed as "ACHS Spring Celebration and Student Achievement Showcase."

"This is a new event to help draw more parents into the school to see student work," said USD 470 spokeswoman Alisha Call. "It will also serve as a kind of one-stop shop for parents and students preparing for the next school year."

At the open houses, parents also have an opportunity to talk with counselors regarding course options for next year, she said.

Some of the parents of juniors and seniors gathered materials to help their students prepare to enroll at colleges and universities.

Above: The Arkansas City High School Orchestra performs at an open house for parents of ACHS students held Monday evening at the high school. Shown are violin players, from left, Thomas Carver, Will Durem, Erin Frederick, Shelby Scott and Cheyenne Hinkel.