BFHS BlueJay Beat
SEPTEMBER 2018
BONDURANT-FARRAR HIGH SCHOOL CORE VALUES
- Communicate and Collaborate Effectively
- Solve Problems
- Persevere
- Be Culturally and Socially Respectful
MESSAGE FROM MR. GARNASS
The 2018-19 school year is off and running & fall appears to be in the air!
Our theme this year is "Knowledge, Character, Pride."
Staff welcomed our student body back from summer vacation with an assembly to kick-off the day on Thursday, August 23rd (see pictures below). As an entire building, we are excited for what this 2018-19 school year will bring. Construction crews continue to plug away and provide finishing touches to the auditorium (see construction update below). We are truly excited about the opportunities our students have at BFHS
Reminder: ALL students need to have a parking permit to park on school grounds (please see parking permit info in this edition). We have been handing out parking tags to those who have paid and completed the vehicle registration form.
Also, I will once again be participating in the National SAM program. Click here for additional information regarding this process.
Please follow us via @BFHS_News on Twitter for regular updates and information on life at Bondurant-Farrar HS.
I wish each and every one of you, an OUTSTANDING 2018-19 school year and please enjoy September's edition of the Bluejay Beat!
Respectfully,
Erik Garnass
@erikgarnass
Follow us on twitter @BFHS_News
2018-19 BFHS STAFF
2018-19 WELCOME BACK ASSEMBLY
Welcoming Students...
Mr. Evans Getting Things Rolling..
Staff Awaiting...
Staff Suspense...
Mr. Garnass Welcoming New Staff...
Mr. Vandehaar Doing His Thing...
AUDITORIUM UPDATE
MEET OUR NEW TEACHERS
Mr. Golightly
His emphasis of study in college was oil painting and watercolor. He is also fluent in photography and graphic design. In the summer time Mr. Golightly teaches at the Des Moines Art Center. He could not be more excited to have the privilege of working in such a fantastic district and an engaging community.
Mr. Hucke
Besides singing, he enjoys playing percussion, reading, and board games. Mr. Hucke attended Fairfield High School and the University of Northern Iowa and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Choral Music Education.
Ms. Kerper
Allie Kerper is a Spanish II, Spanish III, and ELL teacher from central Iowa. She graduated from Iowa State University in December of 2017 with a major in Spanish and a minor in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). She worked at a bilingual elementary school in Marshalltown, Iowa before beginning her first school year at Bondurant-Farrar High School.
In her free time, Allie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing guitar, and traveling.
Ms. Klein
Mr. Liston
Justin Liston is a 1997 Simpson College graduate and has been working in education since 1998. This is his 18th year in the classroom. After moving back to Iowa from Oregon, Justin got his first fulltime teaching duties during the school year of 1999-2000 in the Brooklyn-Guernsey-Malcolm school district. He spent six years there as a business and history teacher at the high school. He also coached various sports including, football, basketball, and track. Justin left BGM in 2005 and moved to Des Moines. The next two years he spent working in the West Des Moines and Clive fire departments as a firefighter and EMT. During those years he did keep in the education world by substituting for the Des Moines public school district on his off days. After an accident, Justin returned to teaching full time in the Newton school district in 2007. He spent the next eleven years at Newton Senior High School in a variety of positions. Although teaching business was his primary subject, he also taught history, at-risk, TAG, and was one of the teachers that started the STEM program at the high school. After eleven years at Newton, Justin decided to try get closer to home and was excited to accept a job at the Bondurant-Farrar school district this year.
Ms. Remington
Caitlin Remington is the new Agriculture teacher at Bondurant-Farrar High School. She grew up in Denison, Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education. Caitlin began her teaching career in the East Marshall Community School District where she taught for six years. This year, she will be teaching two sections of Introduction to Agriculture. Additionally, she will potentially be the advisor for the Bondurant-Farrar FFA chapter pending board approval.
Currently, Caitlin lives in Bondurant with her husband, Josh, and seven-month-old son, Samuel.
Caitlin has had a passion for agriculture from a very young age and enjoys teaching and learning about livestock, especially cattle. Every summer you will find her enjoying the Polk County and Iowa State Fair. She also enjoys listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Simpson
Ms. Simpson and her children moved here from Albia where she previously taught for 10 years: 5 years as a 9-12 physical education, weight lifting, and health teacher; and 5 years as the District's K-6 physical education teacher. She also coached volleyball and basketball. Ms. Simpson also coached softball in Indianola and Algona.
Ms. Simpson graduated from Simpson College in 2007 majoring in physical education with a health endorsement. She also played volleyball and basketball for the Storm. Ms. Simpson completed her Master’s in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Emporia State University in 2017.
Ms. Simpson grew up in Algona where she was active in school, church, and community. Her time outside of school consists of raising her three kids, spending time at the lake, enjoying the outdoors, attending sporting events, and watching the Hawkeyes. Ms. Simpson is excited to have the opportunity to teach and coach at B-F.
WHAT'S HAPPENING @ BONDURANT-FARRAR HS?
MASCOT CHALLENGE
Vote Daily For Bluejay in Mascot Challenge
Through the district's plans to participate in the Healthiest State Walk on October 3rd, our Bluejay mascot has been entered into this year's mascot challenge. Round 1 opened on Monday, 9/3 and will close on Sunday, 9/9. To advance, our Bluejay mascot must receive more votes than it's competitor. The overall winner will receive $1,000 to be used to improve the school. You're encouraged to vote daily at https://woobox.com/8crzu5. Go Bluejays!
STUDENT PARKING PERMITS
All students wishing to park vehicles at the school during the school day/year are required to purchase a parking permit. Permits are $35 for the entire school year and can be purchased online via RevTrak where you'll fill the application form out.
*Once purchased, students may pick up parking passes in the HS office.
FFA INFORMATIONAL MEETING
We are excited to announce an informational meeting for high school students that are interested in starting and joining the Bondurant-Farrar FFA chapter. This meeting is for parents/guardians and students to learn more about the organization and to answer any questions or concerns that anyone may have. During a portion of the meeting, the Iowa FFA State officers will take the students to do activities and teach them a little more about the FFA organization. The meeting will take place in the Bondurant-Farrar Agriculture room (#141) starting at 6:00 pm. We hope to see you there!
Click here for additional information.
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Over the past year, Mrs. Maeder, her staff, and students have made some major changes in the high school special education program. Independent living skills are highly important for special educations students to have in order to be ready to graduate from high school. Some of the major changes include renovating Mrs. Maeder’s classroom, adding a coffee shop to the high school, and starting a school to work program.
Mrs. Maeder’s special education classroom was recently renovated into an academic and a functional classroom. Students now have space to work on their academics as well as their independent living skills. The academic classroom now has an area to attach an indoor swing for students to use to help calm themselves when upset or anxious about work. The functional classroom is set up like an apartment with a bed, dresser, couches, kitchen table and chairs, kitchen area, laundry facilities, carpeting to vacuum, and vinyl flooring to sweep. Students are now able to work on their independent living skills in a more meaningful setting. This will help make the transition from living at home to living on his or her own, or a group setting much easier.
Java Jays coffee shop opened up in January 2018. It is located in the concession stand area in the cafeteria. Students and staff are able to order different coffee drinks, smoothies, and a variety of healthy snack foods. Students and staff can order online or order at the counter. Staff members are even able to get their coffee and snacks delivered directly to their office or classroom. Mrs. Maeder’s students take orders, make the coffee and smoothies, run the cash register, restock their products, and practice their social skills. The coffee shop is not only a great addition for the students and staff, but it offers a great opportunity for Mrs. Maeder’s students to practice life skills they’ll use after high school.
Not only do Mrs. Maeder’s students get the opportunity to practice their independent life skills in the classroom and in the Java Jays coffee shop, they also have the opportunity to work outside the classroom for their school to work class. The Bondurant community and surrounding areas have been very open to allowing Mrs. Maeder’s students to work in their businesses. Currently students are working at 1884 Coffee Company, Courtyard Estates, and Salon Suites. This has been an amazing experience for the students and they come back to school excited to tell about their time at work each day.
Independent living skills are highly important for students to have in order to be ready to graduate from high school. With all of these changes to Mrs. Maeder’s classroom, students are very excited to come to school each day and they’ll be better prepared for their future!
Iowa State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition & Photography Salon
Bondurant-Farrar students had the most accepted entries in the Iowa State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition and received the most awards of any school. There were an astonishing three 1st place finishes by recent alum Lindsey Carter in photography, Junior Justin Burgett in painting, and Sophomore Cash Lilly in drawing. Other awards were alum Lindsey Carter 3rd place in drawing, alum Macie Renaud 3rd place in sculpture, and Junior Wyatt Bailey Honorable Mention in drawing. Also selected to display were Natalie Hamlin, Marilyn Schuling and Kaylee Seitzer.
MATHEMATICS NEWS
This semester we have a new face in the math department, Madison Beenken. Ms. Beenken is a student teacher in Ms. Hook’s room this semester, and will be teaching Algebra IB and Geometry. She is attending Iowa State University and is excited to be a part of our math department. She is eager to learn all about Bondurant-Farrar and what our school district can offer. We are excited to have her!
MARCHING BAND NEWS
The Bondurant-Farrar Bluejay Pride Marching Band is off to a fast start this season. Students participated in 7 days of camp in early August prepping their fall show entitled “Dia de los Muertos: A Love Eternal,” which features the music of Bach, Verdi, Grieg and “Remember Me” from the movie Coco. Performing at the first football game of the season was a special challenge, as it fell on the second day of school. The band will perform at the remaining home football games this year, as well as competitions at Pella, Urbandale, Valley, Waukee and Ankeny.
The band was also excited to move into their new band room this fall, and is eagerly anticipating playing in the new auditorium!
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
Better Citizens Anyone?
While the majority of America is complaining about our political system, elections, leaders and general american policies, the Class of 2019 is learning how to become better citizens! The mudslinging, name calling and general state of the nation is motivating this class to learn what it will take to become “The Next Generation of Leaders”
The class is based on the Buck Institute for Education. It is a project based curriculum, which requires the students to learn by doing! They will be involved in 5 different projects during the semester
Below is a quick overview of the first two..
The Better Budget requires the students to cut $1,000,000,000 from the federal budget. That is no easy task. It forces the students to come to grips with what they think will make the United States a better place! BUT, it does not stop there, in order to balance a budget they must understand political ideologies, and how they need a balance to pass a budget.
The 2nd project involves the Court System, The students are 1st year law associates, and they must prepare for a case traveling through the U.S Court System. There is a female graduate of West Point who feels she has been discriminated against. The students must do research to understand how the court system works, how judges are appointed, famous Supreme Court Cases and other workings of the Judicial Branch.
So, while we as adults get frustrated with the system, The Class of 2019, is gaining knowledge, views and passions for what will make this a better place! Check back in the spring for the other 3 projects.
WORLD LANGUAGE NEWS
¡Bienvenidos al mundo de las lenguas en BFHS! Welcome to World Languages at BFHS! We are fortunate to be home to two languages, Spanish and Chinese. Mrs. Vance and Mrs. Baucum return from last year, and we are excited to welcome Ms. Kerper, and Ms. Klein, both teaching Spanish. Our department is thrilled by the expansion that now includes middle school exploratory courses in both Chinese and Spanish, an expansion that is the fruit of many hours of research, as well as conversations concerning logistics and curriculum. Thank you to everyone who has helped this sueño come true!
We have had a great start to the school year, focusing on applicable and relevant uses of both languages through reading, writing, listening and speaking. In Spanish 1, we have been shining the spotlight on how to greet people, introduce ourselves, and have short conversations all in Spanish. Each of the Spanish levels participated in exploration and self-reflection on why learning another language is so important, and how it opens doors to opportunities we never thought possible. Stay tuned for more exciting news coming up from the World Language Department!
CTE NEWS
The Industrial Technology classes have gotten off to a good start during the first weeks of school. There are four sections of Woods 1, two sections of Electricity and one section of Understanding the Construction Industry currently enrolled.
The Woods classes are studying the Woodworking Industry and Safety during the first few weeks. Students are also learning proper use of hand and power tools in the lab. Electricity classes started with a unit on safety and electrical theory. Students will be completing electrical circuits during lab time. Students in Understanding the Construction Industry started the year exploring various career clusters and pathways in the industry. Students will then complete a unit on building codes and planning.
SCIENCE NEWS
The 2018-2019 school year marks the beginning of the new curriculum sequence for high school science. This year’s freshman will complete the new course titled “Physics and the Universe”. This course will address Next Generation Science Standards focused on Astronomy, Earth’s Systems and the impact of Human Activity on the Earth for first semester. Second semester the focus will shift to Forces and Interactions, Energy, and Wave Applications in Technology.
Throughout the year there will be a strong focus on developing the fundamental skills of science and engineering. Collaboration and project based learning will be implemented during the units and for assessments. The skills to be developed throughout high school are:
· Asking questions and defining problems
· Developing and using models
· Planning and carrying out investigations
· Analyzing and interpreting data
· Using mathematics and computational thinking
· Constructing explanations and designing solutions
· Engaging in argument from evidence
· Obtaining, evaluating and communication information
The new standards place an equal emphasis on these skills and the content.
W.I.N. UPDATE
We want to again share information about some changes that have been made to our daily schedule. As a building, two questions we continuously try to answer are:
How do we respond when students do not learn?
How do we respond when students already know the content?
This past year the high school had a FLEX period that occurred on Mondays. It provided time for students to receive academic interventions, but only one time a week, and did not provide any enrichment opportunities. Our building staff realized the need to meet more often and provide more choices that best fit our student’s needs.
Our daily schedule will have a student support time called WIN (What I Need) on Tuesday-Friday. Monday will be a regular early out day. Teachers will have the opportunity to select students they need to see, while students have the opportunity to sign up to attend an academic intervention, content study hall, or an enrichment. The 25 minute time (WIN) specifically addresses what every kid needs as all of our students are in different stages in their learning. In order to do this the daily schedule has changed.
*Please note school now begins at 8:10 for the 18-19 school year.
Monday
1st -- 8:10-8:44
2nd -- 8:48-9:22
3rd -- 9:26-10:00
4th -- 10:04-10:38
5th -- 10:42-11:51
- A - 10:42-11:01(Lunch)
- B - 11:03-11:26 (Lunch)
- C- 11:28-11:51 (Lunch)
6th -- 11:55-12:29
7th -- 12:33-1:05
8th -- 1:09-1:45
Tuesday-Friday
1st -- 8:10-8:53
2nd -- 8:57-9:40
WIN -- 9:44-10:09
3rd -- 10:13-10:56
4th -- 11:00-11:43
5th -- 11:47-12:54
- A: 11:47-12:06 (Lunch)
- B: 12:07-12:30 (Lunch)
- C: 12:31-12:54 (Lunch)
6th -- 12:58-1:41
7th -- 1:45-2:28
8th -- 2:32-3:15
LOOKING AHEAD
October 8 & 11 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (Dismiss at 1:45 pm)
October 12 - PD Day, No School
October 26 - End of Quarter 1
November 21-23 - Thanksgiving Break, No School
December 24-January 1, 2019 - Winter Break
January 2, 2019 - PD Day, No School
January 11, 2019 - End of Quarter 2, Semester 1
SILVER CORD PROGRAM
The purpose of the Bondurant-Farrar Silver Cord Program is to encourage students to make contributions to their community through service, to recognize and reward volunteerism. Students will not only benefit the community, but will develop their own leadership and citizenship skills. This is a self-directed program. The student is responsible for turning in all of their hours.
Seniors who have completed a minimum of 200 hours of approved volunteer service during their four years at Bondurant-Farrar High School will be awarded a Silver Cord to be worn at graduation and will be recognized at Senior Award Night.
When opportunities become available, they will be published for students to contact the organizations directly. For more information and ways to volunteer, please visit our website.
Check out the official athletics site of Bondurant-Farrar HS for recent updates and news:
COUNSELORS' CORNER
Casey McMurray
Tammy Kaufman
NEWS FROM THE COUNSELORS...
Welcome To the 2018-19 School Year!
We are excited to get this school year started! We hope you have all had a great summer! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help with a successful school year. Just a reminder that all students will have the same school counselor all 4 years.
Mrs. McMurray is the school counselor for the Classes of 2019 and 2021.
Mrs. Kaufman is the school counselor for the Classes of 2020 and 2022.
PSAT INFO
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This test is for juniors to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. The test is good practice for college admission tests, however this is the only test that will qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship opportunities. Sophomores are allowed to take the test as a practice for their junior year. They will not be eligible for any scholarship money, but is a good practice for their junior year. The PSAT test will be given at the high school on Wednesday, Oct. 10th at 8:00 A.M. The fee to take the test is $16. There are only 50 tests available for our school and is first come first serve in order of online registration.
Juniors and sophomores can sign up for the test with this link: https://goo.gl/forms/GZXwRAeXDfVq49ft1
DMACC Discovery Days for Sophomores: This year we will again take 10th graders to DMACC’s Career Discovery Days. This is a great opporuntunity for students to explore different professions and career pathways. Sophomores and sophomore parent/guardians should have received information regarding this from Mrs. McMurray.
Stepping Stone to provide School-Based Mental Health Services: We are looking forward to a new partnership this year with Stepping Stone to provide school-based mental health services to our students and families. Multiple research studies have found that children and adolescents are not receiving necessary mental health services due to services being limited and difficult for families to access. Providing mental health services in schools increases access to care. Children and families are more likely to access and utilize services when they are being offered at schools. School personnel refer students to school-based therapy when students' mental health needs affect their daily functioning. Stepping Stone Family Services provides school-based therapy services during the school year and the summer break. School-based services and length of service is individualized. Each referred student and his/her parent(s) will meet with a therapist from Stepping StoneFamily Services for an assessment. During the assessment, student's needs, strengths and goals are discussed. An individual treatment plan is developed for each student.
GOLDEN CIRCLE- Students of all ages are encouraged to visit the annual Golden Circle College and Career Fair. It will be held on Sunday, September 23 at the Iowa Center for Higher Education Activities Center located at 2280 Bell Avenue in Des Moines from 12:30 - 3:00 P.M. Whether you're a freshman or sophomore just starting to explore career options, or a junior or senior narrowing your list of college choices, the Golden Circle College & Career Fair is the perfect opportunity for you to gather knowledge, make connections, and begin to make informed decisions about your future. More information can be found at: http://www.icansucceed.org/en/about_us/services/special_events/golden_circle_college__career_fair/
SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
According to the CDC, each year more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind thousands of friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of his/her loss. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24; these rates are increasing.
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors are both damaging and dangerous and are therefore considered a psychiatric emergency. Someone experiencing these thoughts should seek immediate assistance from a family physician or mental health care provider.
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Know the Warning Signs:
· Threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here,” but can become more overt and dangerous
· Increased alcohol and drug use
· Aggressive behavior
· Social withdrawal from friends, family and the community
· Dramatic mood swings
· Talking, writing or thinking about death
· Impulsive or reckless behavior
· Recent death of a family or friend
· Trouble coping with recent losses, death, divorce, moving, break-ups
· Experience with a traumatic event
· Gathering lethal weapons
· Giving away prized possessions/personal belongings
· Preoccupation with death such as in a person’s writings, art, music, lyrics.
· Sudden changes in personality, attitude, appearance, chemical use, or school behavior.
What else can I do?
1. Focus on communication with your child and/or find a trusted adult for your child to feel connected to.
2. Pay attention to the warning signs but understand that many of these warning signs can be related to other factors such as substance abuse.
3. Start a dialogue with your child. Tell them that you’ve noticed that they are sad and if they’d like to talk you are available.
4. Don’t shrug off threats of suicide as typical teenage melodrama.
5. Seek professional help.
6. Share your own feeling about being sad or alone.
7. Include your child in activities with family and friends.
8. Recommend exercise.
9. Keep all firearms and weapons locked up.
10. Let them know that while a friend may have confided this information in secrecy to your child, it is important to share with an adult.
We are looking forward to a great school year!
Mrs. Kaufman and Mrs. McMurray
UPCOMING DATES/EVENTS
Wednesday, September 19 - Simpson College at BFHS
Friday, September 21 - University of Iowa at BFHS
Sunday September 23 - Golden Circle College Fair
Tuesday, September 2 5- Buena Vista University at BFHS
Tuesday, October 4 - Indian Hills CC at BFHS
Wednesday, October 10 - Iowa State University at BFHS
Wednesday, October 10 - PSAT Test for Juniors/Sophomores
Saturday, Oct 27 - ACT Test (BFHS is a testing center) (Students may sign up now at ACT.org Our high school fills up fast so register now)
Saturday, December 8 - ACT Test
Saturday, February 9 - ACT Test
Monday, April 8 - Friday, April 12 Iowa State Assessments of Student Progress
Saturday April 13 - ACT Test (BFHS is a testing center)
Wednesday, May 8 - AP English LIterature and Composition Test
Monday, May 13 - AP Biology Test
Tuesday, May 14 - AP Calculus Test
Wednesday, May 15 - Senior Awards Banquet
Sunday, May 19 - Graduation
RESOURCES WHEN IN NEED
NOTES FROM THE NURSE...
FROM THE DESK OF MR. SADLER (SRO)
September 2018 Article: Vaping
Bondurant-Farrar High School
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