Be Respectful

Excellent Effort

Stay Safe

Take Responsibility

To be a productive citizen, you will able to...

• Communicate and Collaborate Effectively
• Solve Problems
• Persevere
• Be Culturally and Socially Respectful

Wow! We have entered the home stretch of the first semester and are quickly approaching the holiday seasons. Thanksgiving break is on the horizon!

We all have many things to be thankful for...

Thanks to those who participated in the fall student conferences. We had approximately 515 conferences over the two day span.

Also, we are excited to celebrate Veteran's Day 2024 at BFHS on Monday, November 11th. Students and staff are fortunate to hear from Steve Quick, a local veteran.

* Our next progress monitoring grade post is on Tuesday, November 26.

Please enjoy more information in the remainder of the November newsletter.

Have a GREAT rest of November!

Respectfully,

Erik Garnass

@erikgarnass

Follow us...

Facebook: BondurantFarrarHS

X: @BF_HighSchool & @BlueJayNation

Website: bfschools.org

Congratulations to the following students for being recognized as 2024-2025 OCTOBER Students of the Month in respective departments!

Art: Bailey Crosby (11)

AG: Haydon McConnell (9)

Business: Eric Rodriguez-Alcaraz (10)

FCS: Lily Butler (10)

Industrial Tech: Jackson Kreuder (10)

Language Arts: Mariah Sercy (11)

Math: Gage Roberts (12)

Music: Wyatt DeMoss (10)

PE/Health: Brennan Hammond (9)

Science: Kaylee Hanson (9)

Social Studies: Nolan Fellers (11)

World Language: Annaleigh Lex (10)

BF Bluejays

Tickets on sale now through hometown ticketing
Friday November 15 7pm
Saturday November 16 7pm

Boys State Qualifiers: Nyle Davis, Brady Sanger, Jack Rieck, Grady Gibson, Clark Bennett, Preston Francois, Ryler Hanson

Alternates: Cooper Steeples, Sam Griffith

Coaches: Kyle Wagner, Donovan Hill, Jared Heitz, Angie Neville

State Meet: Boys finished 13th

Holli Hetzer won Conference with a score of 459.45 and set a pool record at the Waukee Natatorium. Next up Regionals! Regionals are November 8. Good Luck Holli! State will be November 15.

After spending the last 15 years in 3A, the Bluejay Pride Marching Band made big strides this year as a 4A marching band. Our show theme was called "Shattered" and included songs by Linkin Park, Snow Patrol, and David Guetta - we also had a fantastic draw bridge as a prop that was built by a few of the band families! We had a great week of band camp at the beginning of August and after the first few weeks of school, went to the Urbandale Marching Invitational for the first competition where we placed second. Then after a few weeks of continuing to improve and build the show we went to West Des Moines to compete in one of Central Iowa's biggest competitions, Valleyfest, where we placed 8th out of 13 bands. Our last competitions of the season were on October 19th with the Iowa High School Music Association's State contest where we received a Division 1 (Superior) rating, and the Mid-Iowa Band Championship in Ankeny that evening. The students performed a truly excellent show and were well-rewarded for their efforts with 4th place out of 13 bands! The directors are so proud of the hard work put into this season and are looking forward to a great concert band season."

Riley Ballard was recently selected for participation in the 38th annual Opus Honor Choir Festival. Over 2400 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition. The guest conductor for the 9th Grade Mixed Honor Choir will be Meg Byrne. The 2024 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4:00 p.m. November 21st in C.Y. Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames. The Opus Honor Choir Festival is made possible by the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc.

4 bowlers come in 1st place and qualify for State Bowling Special Olympics:

1st Place Finish: Mia Fine, Kinsey Cameron, Tyler Sutherland, Nick Wyman

2nd Place Finish: Alual Ging, Cayden Obermeier

3rd Place Finish: Alivia Romesburg, Zane Davis

Congratulations to Abby Chambers (left) and Caelyn Wipperman (right) for making it into the Iowa All-State Honor Band, and Max Engelbrecht (middle) for getting recalled. This is the highest individual honor a high school musician can earn from the Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA). Abby is a returning member of the Honor Band and Caelyn's first selection.

Afton McConnell was working hard on her Alg 2 review for Mrs. Hook during the fire drill.

Fundraiser box is located in the counselor's office

BF Tree will be titled: BeYOUtiful Space!

Ms Smith Casey's employee and Caden Obermeier as Pizza

The NFHS has partnered with Crisis Text Line to encourage mental health support for teens across the country. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention in English and Spanish by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need. Crisis Text Line promotes mental well-being for individuals, wherever they are. Individuals are encouraged to text the keyword “SHIELD” to 741741 if they are experiencing a mental health crisis – anything from suicidal thoughts or abusive relationships to difficult conversations with parents or anxiety about school workload.

Here's an exciting opportunity for your school to offer Driver Education to your students online. Safe2Drive’s Iowa Parent-Taught Driver Education course allows parents to teach their teens Driver Education in order to qualify for their driver’s license. The course consists of online coursework and an instruction manual for parents to teach the behind-the-wheel component of Driver Education to their teen. As of July 1st, the Parent-Taught Driver Education online course is no longer exclusive for families of homeschooled children but is available to any student who would otherwise qualify and who is currently attending a public school or accredited nonpublic school, or who is receiving homeschool education under chapter 299A.

If you’d like to offer your students Safe2Drive’s online course, we can provide you with a promo code for your students to get a discount on the course price, or we can pay you an affiliate fee for each student you refer—it’s up to you! This is a great way to provide a low-cost and convenient option for your students to fulfill their Driver Education requirement and get their driver’s license. Your school can even earn money while doing it!

So, what are you waiting for? Promo code: BFHS10

We look forward to working together to provide Iowa’s teens with the education they need to be safe on the road.

Sincerely,

Penny Beaty, Marketing Manager

www.safe2drive.com

As a valued member of our school community, your input is wanted and valued. We all have a vested interest in making sure that Bondurant-Farrar High School meets the needs of our stakeholders. We encourage your thoughts on solutions to problems you see from your perspective. Do you see a process that can be improved upon? Do you have a solution to improve current practices? Do you have creative insight into how we can grow in serving all of our students? We want to hear it!

Please fill out the fields below to outline the issue you want to address and a solution you think would be helpful. While not all suggestions may not be implemented, all will be reviewed and considered.

You can submit your suggestion and remain anonymous if you like.

You only need to submit your contact information IF you want to receive feedback regarding your suggestion.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Parent/Student/Community Suggestion Box

Many of our families have utilized our electronic form to submit COVID-related questions and comments throughout the pandemic. Because of its success, we've created a new form to electronically submit GENERAL comments, questions, and concerns. This is in an effort to increase opportunities for two-way communication with district stakeholders. The link is referenced in this communication guide and can be found anytime in the footer of our website. Visit: www.bfschools.org/contactus

It’s okay to not be okay! It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. If you need help with your mental health, please reach out to a trusted adult that can help you find the support you need. If you need any information regarding mental health resources, please reach out to your school counselor.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Text or Call

Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.

As we move into the second half of first semester, it’s important to finish the semester strong. The end of first semester is Friday, January 10th. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions regarding their progress in any class. If you have any questions that you would like to ask to your student’s school counselor, please feel free to reach out to us:

Ms. Joyce- Last Names A-G

Mr. Michael- Last Names H-O

Ms. McMurray- Last Names P-Z

The FAFSA form is to open on December 1st. A StudentAid.gov account is required to complete the FAFSA form. We encourage seniors and families to set up these accounts now. This is a very helpful tool for students and families to determine who to use as their "Parent" in the process.

https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-apply/parents?utm_source=mcp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=camp_1623

The FAFSA must be completed by the college’s financial aid priority date. If you decide to go to a different school other than the one(s) that you listed on FAFSA, you can go back into the FAFSA (even after it’s been completed) and add the school that you’ve decided to attend in the fall. When financial aid packages are ready in the spring, the student will be notified via his/her school email.

Financial Aid Priority Dates for Iowa’s Public Universities:

Iowa State- January 2nd

University of Iowa- February 1st

University of Northern Iowa- February 7th

As we move into the second half of the semester, here are some studying tips and test-testing strategies that may be beneficial for your students’ success!

Studying Tips:

• Create a productive study spot

• Use mnemonic devices to help remember important information

• Make flashcards

• Rewrite your notes

• Outline your learning

• Get copies of graphs, diagrams, and pictures without labels and label them

• Use your study guides and spend quality time reviewing them

• Begin studying 2-3 days before your test

Test-Taking Strategies:

• Circle action words and underline key words

• Take your time reading questions

• Think about what the right answer is before you look at at your choices

• Don’t assume all of the above or none of the above is the correct choice

• Evaluate the words the are being used in the questions

• Take two minutes to jot down what you don’t want to forget on your test

• Go back and review your test when you are finished.

Upcoming College & Career Rep Visits to the High School (All listed WIN opportunities are under Mrs. McMurray’s WIN offerings)

• Northwest Missouri State - 11/5 (WIN)

• ****VanWall Equipment 11/5 (WIN)**** (Will sign up under Ms. Riley’s WIN)

• Iowa State University - 11/8 (WIN)

• Trip to UNI for Juniors & Seniors 11/12 (This trip is at capacity)

• US Air Force - 11/13 (Lunch)

• *****Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship - 11/19 (WIN)*****

• Kirkwood Community College - 11/20 (WIN)

• Trip for Seniors to Iowa State University 11/22- There is still room for this trip, interested seniors need to contact Ms. Jo Riley.

***Van Wall Equipment and K.C. Nielsen Ltd. both offer tuition reimbursement and paid internships to students accepted into the DMACC Power Equipment Technology AAS degree program. During the 21-month program, students are employed as interns by their dealership sponsor – either Van Wall Equipment or K.C. Nielsen Ltd. – and receive an hourly wage while also earning college credits. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have earned an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Power Equipment Technology from DMACC and will be immediately eligible for full-time employment opportunities at a Vall Wall Equipment or K.C. Nielsen Ltd. dealership

*****Students can learn about the opportunities and process of admission to the Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship

CLICK HERE for FREE virtual counseling and assistance for all Iowans needing support

If you or someone you know is in need of resources dealing with mental health or addiction, please visit our link HERE. Please reach out to our school counselors at any time!

You can contact Mr. Hotek at hotekm@bfschools.org

November 15, 16 - Fall Play

November 27, 28, 29 - No School Happy Thanksgiving

Per the handbook (and Iowa Code 281-14.1 and 281-14.2)

Definition of medication:

Those health products covered by the medication policy include all prescription medications and over the counter products, including but not limited to pain relievers (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Alieve, etc) cold remedies, cough syrups, antacids, cough drops, throat lozenges, etc.

Written consent on a dated statement:

A parent/guardian signature on a statement requesting and authorizing the school personnel to administer medication must accompany the medication (Policy 507.2)

Security:

No medications are to be carried during school hours by students, nor stored in pockets, purses, school bags, lunch boxes, lockers, sports equipment bags, etc. The ONLY exception would be with a physician’s written orders and a parent/guardian written authorization for a student to self cary. (IA code 280-16.1)

ALL medications, either prescription or over the counter, must be brought to the school nurse by a parent or authorized and approved adult. Parents/authorized adults will be required to double count and sign a form for all medication (initial, refills and returns) Absolutely no medications are to be transported to/from school by any student. Any student found with unauthorized medication will be referred to school administration.

Just a reminder of a couple things at the end of the year.

1) All Juniors need a second dose of the meningococcal vaccine to be able to return to school this fall. If you take CPR over the summer, please bring a copy of it to school so you can get that graduation requirement checked off. If you completed CPR during health 1, this completes the graduation requirement.

2) All incoming 9th graders need a dental screening.

3) All athletes need a sports physical prior to participation - this includes marching band, as well as cheerleading, dance and sports.

4) Finally, a reminder of the policy regarding medications at school as listed below (from the handbook)

Administration of Medication to Students

A. Proper labeling:

Prescribed medication: All prescribed medications shall be maintained in the original prescription container and labeled with the following:

• Name of student

• Name of medication

• Directions for use/storage

• Name of physician

• Name and address of pharmacy

• Date of prescription

• Over the counter medication: All over the counter medications shall be maintained in the original container in which they were purchased.

B. Parent/Guardian written consent on a dated statement:

A parent/guardian signature on a statement requesting and authorizing the school personnel to administer the medication must accompany the medication. BP 507.2

C. Record of administration:

Each time the medication is administered, a record shall be maintained in the nurse's office.

The record shall include the student's name, date, time, name of the medication, amount

given per electronic charting.

D. Medication reactions:

Any unusual conditions or behaviors following the administration of medication

should be reported to the school nurse, if available or to the parent/guardian

immediately. Reactions to medication should be recorded.

E. Definition of medications:

Those health products covered by the medication policy include all prescription medications and over-the-counter products, including but not limited to: pain relievers, cold remedies, cough syrups, antacids, cough drops, throat lozenges, etc.

F. Security:

1. No medications are to be carried during school hours by students nor stored in pockets, purses, school bags, lunch boxes, lockers, teacher desks, sports equipment bags, etc. The only exception would be with a physician’s written orders and a parent/guardian written authorization for a student to carry the medication with him/her for self-administration as necessary (i.e. inhalers, diabetic supplies, emergency medications).

2. ALL medications, either prescription or over-the-counter, must be brought to the school nurse by a parent or other authorized and approved adult. Absolutely no medications are to be transported to/from school by any student. Any student found with unauthorized medications will be referred to school administration.

3. All medications will be stored in a secure area, accessible only to those who are authorized to administer the medication.

4. The building principal shall designate those in each building who are authorized to administer the medications. Those authorized will receive instructions from the school nurse concerning administration and confidentiality of medications.

At the end of the school year or the end of the dispensing time, remaining medication must be picked up by the parent or an authorized and approved adult within two weeks of the last day of school. All medication not picked up will be disposed of in an appropriate manner in accordance with medication disposal guidelines as set forth by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency)

ATTENTION 11TH GRADE PARENTS/GUARDIANS

As you are making your student’s doctor’s appointment for their physical this year, please remember that the meningococcal vaccination is required after the age of 16, but before they can enter 12th grade. The Iowa Department of Public Health made changes to the Iowa Immunization laws several years ago There is NO grace period for this requirement. In order for your child to attend the first day of school in August 2024, written proof of these vaccinations must be provided to the High School Health Office.

On July 1, 2013, the Iowa Legislature made a change to the Iowa administrative code to require a second dose of the Meningitis (Meningococcal) vaccination for all adolescents enrolled in the 12th grade. This dose must be given after their 16th birthday. All students entering their senior year are required to have these vaccinations on file with the school nurse prior to the first day of school. Please call your healthcare provider or the Polk County Health Department for more information and to set up an appointment to receive this important vaccination or to obtain a properly executed medical or religious exemption form.

All athletes need a sports physical before participation - this includes marching band, as well as cheerleading, dance, and sports .

As the School Resource Officer for the Bondurant-Farrar Community School District, I will distribute preventative information regarding several topics directed towards students and parents/guardians each month. Some topics will include, internet safety, tobacco use, drugs, alcohol use, stranger danger, vandalism/criminal mischief, assault, sexual crimes, gang activity, peer pressure, texting and driving just to name few.

How to Prevent Car Burglaries

It is no surprise that Bondurant like all cities in the metro, suffer from car burglaries fairly regularly. With Bondurant being so close to the metro and having a highway 65 run through the middle of it, we are at high risk for this type of activity. I wanted to give some simple tips to keep your vehicle and your possessions safe.

1. Keep your vehicles locked at ALL times when not being used. Most of the

the burglaries happen in Bondurant because residents leave their vehicles unlocked overnight, sometimes with their keys still inside!

2. Keep valuable items hidden or removed them from your vehicles. Too often when I make trips through the parking lot, I see all kinds of valuables left in plain view with doors unlocked.

3. Set your car alarm to go off if the vehicle is tampered with.

4. Leave your lights on where your vehicle Is parked so that it is well illuminated.

5. When away from home, park your vehicle in a well-lit area and in front of a business area so there is less chance for a crime to go unseen. If possible, park where you know your vehicle is in view of a business camera.

6. Be aware of people around you and what they are doing. Some criminals will watch and wait for a window of opportunity.

7. Do not leave your vehicle running and unattended. This makes your vehicle easy to hop in and drive away with.

At the end of the day, the most important thing you can do is make sure that you lock your vehicle at all times. Making it hard to get into your vehicle is the number one deterrent for criminals of opportunity.

As always if you have any questions or need anything, my door is always open.

Email: garnasse@bfschools.org
Website: bfschools.org
Location: 1000 Grant Street North, Bondurant, IA, United States
Phone: (515) 957-8191
Twitter: @BFHS_News

It is the policy of the Bondurant-Farrar Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district’s Equity Coordinator; Chad Carlson, Director of Administrative Services, 300 Garfield St SW, Bondurant, IA 50035, 515-967-7819, carlsonc@bfschools.org. -OR- Director of the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661-7204, Telephone: (312) 730-1560, Facsimile: (312) 730-1576, Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov

Many of our families have utilized our electronic form to submit COVID-related questions and comments throughout the pandemic. Because of its success, we've created a new form to electronically submit GENERAL comments, questions, and concerns. This is in an effort to increase opportunities for two-way communication with district stakeholders. The link is referenced in this communication guide and can be found anytime in the footer of our website. Visit: www.bfschools.org/contactus