BFHS BlueJay Beat
MAY 2019
BONDURANT-FARRAR HIGH SCHOOL CORE VALUES
- Communicate and Collaborate Effectively
- Solve Problems
- Persevere
- Be Culturally and Socially Respectful
Wow..... We have hit that point in the school year where students can see the light at the end of the tunnel and parents begin to scramble for summer plans with kids home during the day. Our seniors last day is Thursday, May 16th with graduation practice on Friday, May 17th. The rest of the student body will complete the school year on Thursday, May 30th.
Senior Parents/Guardians: Mark your calendar! Senior Awards Night is on Wednesday, May 15th (7:00 pm) at the HS auditorium. We hope you can make this event as we congratulate those seniors who will receive various scholarship and academic awards. We have many local businesses and organizations who contribute money annually to our students. We want to also extend a big thank you to those who make this evening possible.
On Wednesday, May 8th, we shared a timeline with ALL seniors regarding important information and events leading up to graduation. Click Here
Senior semester finals schedule: Click Here
Seniors - Laptop
All laptops will be turned in by Thursday, May 16th and reviewed by the technology department. Students will have the opportunity to buy back a device per the district process once this is officially open to everyone some time in June. All devices will be set back to the factory setting prior to purchases.
Grades 9-11: End of the year final assessments will begin on Tuesday, May 28th (more info to come).
Thank You!
In conclusion, I want to personally thank all the parents/guardians for your support of your child(ren) during the course of the year. We have had many outstanding accomplishments in the areas of academics, fine arts, and activities. Many personal and group accomplishments have highlighted this 2018-19 school year.
Have a GREAT rest of the school year!
Respectfully,
Erik Garnass
@erikgarnass
Follow us on twitter @BFHS_News
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT BFHS??
Decision Day 2019
On May 1st, BFHS celebrated post-secondary decision day! #DecisionDay is a celebration of the post-secondary plans our seniors, as well as seniors around the country, have made for their future. During the day, seniors filled out an “I Decided” poster and we took pictures of them in front of a green screen. The green screen was filled with the background related to their post-secondary institution, apprenticeship, military, or job they will be doing upon graduation. We also had students write their name and plans on a graduation cap. The #DecisionDay photos and graduation caps are posted bulletin boards in the hallway at the high school (see below). What a great way for us to celebrate our seniors post-secondary plans!
Please enjoy the video below highlighting Decision Day 2019...
Academic Breakfast
On the 23rd and the 25th of April, the administrators and counselors held a recognition ceremony and breakfast for students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Class of 2022 Recipients
Class of 2021 Recipients
Class of 2020 Recipients
Class of 2019 Recipients
NHS INDUCTION CEREMONY
National Honor Society
The local chapter of the National Honor Society started with year with 24 seniors and 25 juniors in its membership. Rachael Everly was elected president, Molly Hormann vice president, Jenna Hayworth secretary, Tyler Klemme treasurer, and Ryan Eckert parliamentarian. Mrs. Erin Fynaardt served as the advisor.
On April 24th, the induction ceremony of new members was held for the first time in the new high school auditorium. 34 new members were elected for induction. These new members included 1 senior, 7 juniors and 26 sophomores. Congratulations to the following members on being inducted: Ashley Flanery, Nathan Anderson, Taylor Berggeren, Noah Coy, Hugh Holzworth, Aiden Lewis, Kennedy Miller, Margo Shafer, Rylie Anderson, Megan Boyd, Richard Burke, Kamryn Carter, Eli Clayton, Alexis Crook, Brielle Culbertson, Rachel Currant, Addison Ehlers, Isaac Ensminger, Alyssa Fick, Katie Fogarty, Avery Fried, Riley Gilroy, Thomas Hamborg, Jackson Hill, Mariah House, Jack Keuning, Rachel Kramer, Kristina Kuhlmann, Chloe Little, Alex Miner, Madisen Padgett, Jacquelynn Schwager, Casi Waterhouse, and Brooklynn Wright.
The four pillars of NHS are character, scholarship, leadership, and service. Our entire membership, both old and new, has demonstrated those pillars throughout our school and community. NHS chose to have each member complete 25 hours of community service on numerous projects: tutoring, mentoring, athletic camps, Meals from the Heartland, literacy night, After-Prom, STEAM night, Animal Rescue League, construction projects, church missions trips, among many other worthy service projects.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH - April
Congratulations to the following students for being recognized as April Student of the Month in respective departments:
CTE: Kylie Guthridge
Lang Arts: Jack Keuning
Math: Vyctoria Carroll
Music: Mariah House
PE/Health: Josh Doty (not pictured)
Science: Emily Shafer
Social Studies: Khristina Adams
World Lang.: Hugh Holzworth
JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM
The Bondurant-Farrar Jr./Sr. Prom was held on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Clover Barn by Irishman Acres in Bondurant. This year’s selected theme was A Starry Night. Although the evening outside was windy with cold rain, the guests were welcomed into the dance amid an elegant and warm setting of twinkling starlight and candles enveloped in greenery. DJ Lupe provided the music for the evening from Des Moines’ Mobile DJ Service. Ben Fuller with Photos by Ben was on hand to capture the evening with professional photographs. Junior class officers Monica Espino, Justin Burgett, Olivia Wendt, and Lacey Beck, along with Prom Coordinators Mary Atto, Josh Doty, Macy Harban, and Lexi Plumb worked diligently throughout the year to plan and provide a spectacular evening for everyone. The evening ended with the crowning of the 2019 Prom King Jordan Collins, and Prom Queen Grace Hintze. A special thank you goes to Ben and Kathy Fuller for putting together the senior video, which was shown at pre-prom. The night was an impressive event that the students will be able to treasure for years.
BFHS BIANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE
Here was the final tally:
- 27 registered
- 18 were eligible to donate
- 20 units of blood were collected
- 12 first time donors (WOW!)
- Up to 60 lives saved or sustained!
I hope the first time donors had a great experience and will be back to donate with us again! The first time donors t-shirts and Donor ID cards will be mailed to them individually.
The 2019 Fine Arts Exhibition
There were over 400 pieces submitted and after over 3 hours of jurying 80 were selected to be put on display. Of those 80, 28 were selected to receive an Honorable Mention. There was a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards as well.
Receiving 1 Honorable Mention:
Riley Standing “Flower”
Josie Carter “Sad Nights”
Kirby Daniel “Toxic Glow”
Zac Clifford “Automatic”
Natalie Hamlin ”Split”
Grace Swanson “Aftermath”
Jacquelynn Schwager “Fall Vibes”
Chloe Klein “Casanova”
Jackson McGovern “Not Your Average Joe”
Jordan Nelson “The Mystic”
Katelyn Nelson “Swag”
Regan Osborn “Inner Demons”
Jaeni Sprague “Lost Girl”
Casi Waterhouse “My Lady”
Justin Burgett “Midnight by the Shore”
Receiving 2 Honorable Mentions:
Cash Lilly “Artist’s Block” and “Alarm Clock”
Hannah Middelanis “The Visitor” and “Crowded”
Eli Clayton “Sinking” and “Secondary Pain”
Natalie McDaniels “Harmless” and “Lipstick Triptych”
Wyatt Bailey “Clifford’s Dinner” and “The Plot Escape of 0481”
Receiving 3 Honorable Mentions:
Rachael Everly “Scary Harry,” “Domestic Jungle,” and “Beauty Shot”
Receiving 3rd place overall is Wyatt Bailey with his charcoal and chalk pastel drawing “Of a Different Breed.” Receiving 2nd place overall is Rachael Everly with her chalk pastel drawing “Dandelion Delight.” Receiving 1st place is Hannah Middelanis with her watercolor “Humdrum.” Thank you to all the participants!
Music Department Earns Superior Ratings in Band and Select Choir at IHSMA Festival
On Friday, May 3rd, the band traveled to the Iowa High School Music Association’s Large Group Festival, performing Chorale and Shaker Dance II by John Zdechlik and Unraveling by Andrew Boysen Jr. for a panel of three adjudicators. The band earned a Division I (Superior) rating from all three judges. This is their 5th Division I rating in the last 6 years. Earlier in the week, the band performed in a concert in the high school auditorium where they had the opportunity to recognize the senior members in their final home performance. We are grateful for all that they have given the band program. This caps a fantastic year where the band earned Division I ratings at both IHSMA Large Group and State Marching Festivals. The band’s final performance of the year will be for the high school graduation ceremony.
Check out the official athletics site of Bondurant-Farrar HS for recent updates and news:
BFHS School Counseling Department
OUSTIDE SCHOLARSHIP FORM
Our senior awards night is on May 15th at 7:00 P.M. in the auditorium. During the program, we will award the local scholarships our seniors have earned.
If you have earned a scholarship from the institution, you will be attending or another outside group/organization, please complete this form by May 10th. We will include these scholarships in the program, but will not be announcing them.
UPCOMING SENIOR DATES:
May 14-16 -- Senior semester tests
May 15 -- 7:00 p.m. -- Senior Awards Night--Scholarships, Department Awards, etc.— High School Auditorium
May 16 -- Last Day for Seniors — Senior checkout
May 17 -- 9:30 a.m. — Senior luncheon, commencement rehearsal, graduation tickets will be handed out at commencement rehearsal.
May 17 -- 7:00 p.m. — Baccalaureate – TBD
May 19 -- 2:00 p.m. -- *Commencement — (Graduates must report no later than 1:15 p.m. to the High School Library)
SEMESTER TESTING
With second semester coming to a close, we want share with ways to help your child study/prepare for semester tests.
Study Tips for Semester Tests:
Make sure you continue to ask questions in class and make time to see your teachers if you have any questions as you review material for the test.
Review and read over the notes of the class you are working on from the beginning and stop every 15-30 minutes to check yourself for understanding. Utilize quizlet and other technology, flashcards, and have a partner quiz you to practice for your tests. Take very short breaks then get back to studying.
Retype or rewrite your notes from class in outline form to review and go over quizzes, tests, and problems from the semester. Focus on the material you don't remember or understand.
Unplug from technology as you are studying and find a place to study that is free from distractions, such as the library. Turn off your cell phone and snapchat/instant messaging as it's very distracting and will keep you from focusing on the material you are reviewing.
Start studying for your finals now! Don't wait until the day before your exams to begin studying for your tests! Cramming is not an effective way to study. Start studying now, so you will have an opportunity to ask questions if there is a concept or material you need extra help with.
Be prepared for all the types of questions you may see on your semester tests:
Essay tests are used where you are expected to analyze and/or compare and contrast information. For these tests read each question and understand what is required to answer. What are they asking you to do? Make a quick outline of the points you want to talk about then write your answer as it will then be more organized. Keep track of time if you have more than one essay question to ensure you have time to answer all the questions.
Short answer tests are used most often when you have clusters of information that are important. You might have to fill in the blank to recall facts and lists of items or write a sentence or two. Read the question carefully and understand what the question is asking you. Remember, keep your answers short but concise. Jot down ideas on the back of the test or margin before you respond to organize your thoughts. Start with the items you know best then move on to more difficult questions so that you can manage your time for the harder questions.
Multiple choice tests are used as the data is easiest to analyze for large sections of students. Read the questions carefully and if you are using a bubble sheet make sure you are filling in the correct bubbles! Don't panic if you don't know an answer. Use deductive reasoning to narrow down your choices before you select the best answer. As you work through the test, look for information that may help you in answering other questions.
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR FINALS!
DMACC CLASS INFORMATION
Sophomores and juniors who are interested in taking a DMACC online class need to see their counselor and get signed up for a class. All registrations are due by May 25th. Students must be proficient on Iowa Assessments to take an online or face-to-face DMACC class. Classes will fill up quickly, so it is important to get registered soon.
Students who signed up to attend a program through the DMACC Career Academy will meet with their counselor in May to make sure the program will fit with their BFHS schedule.
Schedule Changes
Students who have conflicts in their schedule with the courses they requested for the 2019-2020 school year will meet with their counselor in May. Students will be able to pick up a paper copy of their schedule once the registration process has been completed over the summer. We will hold office hours in August for any schedule changes that need to be made, so please check your email in August for days and times. The following reason to make a change and not make a change was shared with students during the registration process:
Reasons Not To Make A Change:
- I want a different teacher
- I want a different lunch
- I don’t know anyone in the class
- I wanted PE at the end of the day
ReasonsTo Make A Change:
- I already took the class
- I am missing a class
- I want to get rid of a study hall
- I don’t have the prerequisite
- I failed a class
COLLEGE VISITS
Please follow these procedures when scheduling a college visit:
1). Students are required to have a parent/guardian contact the high school office at least three (3) days prior to the visit.
2). Students will need to get a college visitation form from Sara Ballard in the main office. This form must be signed and dated by an official from the institution and is required to be submitted to the high school office following the first day back from the college visit to receive an excused absence.
Our school counseling website page has information on what to be thinking and asking when visiting potential schools. Please visit our website HERE!
Tammy Kaufman
Important Numbers/Websites
Suicide Prevention LIfeline 1-800-273-8255
Casey McMurray
Mrs. McMurray is the counselor for the Classes of 2019 & 2021. Her email is mcmurrayc@bfschools.org
UPCOMING DATES/EVENTS
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
ATTENTION 11th GRADE PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Please be aware that the Iowa Department of Public Health has made changes to the Iowa Immunization law regarding the Meningococcal vaccine starting the 2017/18 school year. All students entering 12th grade must have proof of having two meningococcal vaccines before school starts their senior year. There is NO grace period for the implementation of this requirement. In order for your student to attend the first day of school in August, written proof of these two vaccines must be received in the High School Health Office.
Please make arrangements now to receive these vaccines and provide written proof to your school nurse as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this new requirement.
Attention Juniors: CPR REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION
The Healthy Kids Act (Senate File 2425) requires all students by the end of grade twelve shall complete a certification course for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR can be taken with the nurse during flex your senior year, or you can take the Red Cross online CPR course at aeak12online.org Sign in using your school Google account. Select one of two CPR courses (Adult only or Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED). Once you complete the course, print off the certificate and bring it to the nurse.
FROM THE DESK OF MR. SADLER (SRO)
Make smart choices this summer!
For kids, there’s nothing better than summer vacation. More than two months free from school. But for parents, the summer months can be scary with very real hazards. Peer pressure may factor heavily into the decision making process regarding serious issues such as: drugs, alcohol, risk taking to auto accidents (Deadliest car crashes involving teens age 13 to 19 occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to the American Automobile Association).
Teens make potentially life-altering decisions every single day. As a result, some teens struggle when they're faced with decisions like: Should I get a job? What should I say to a friend who offers me tobacco? Or a drink? Or get in a vehicle with a friend that is impaired by alcohol or drugs?
Good decision-making skills can set you or your teen up for success later in life. Additionally, good decision-making skills help teens manage their stress levels better.
Some decision making steps to think about…
1. What is the problem you are facing?
2. Gather information. Ask for advice.
3. What is important to you?
4. Brainstorm and write down your possible options.
5. What are the consequences?
6. Decide on the best choice for you.
Most common encounters teens face: Some incidents you may be involved with are; Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, criminal mischief, theft, fighting and reckless driving.
Alcohol related consequences:
Operating while intoxicated: First time offense with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) level less than 0.08, minors will have their license suspended for six months. For offenses involving a BAC of 0.08 or higher, punishments include license suspension as well as up to one year in prison, and a fine of up to $1,250. You will also need to complete a course for drinking drivers and undergo a substance abuse evaluation or treatment program.
Public intoxication: A person shall not use or consume alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer upon the public streets or highways, public places except premises covered by a liquor control license, on public school property or while attending a public or private school-related function. A person shall not be intoxicated in a public place. A person shall not simulate intoxication in a public place. A first offense public intoxication charge is a simple misdemeanor, a fine up to $625 and up to 30 days in jail.
Tobacco related consequences:
All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes are prohibited in schools and on school property. This includes inside of vehicles on school grounds.
- Citation ranging from 1st offense of $75.00 to a 3rd offense of $375.00
- Jail time and/or probation and/or community service
Drug related consequences:
Possession of a controlled substance- A first offense conviction for possession of any controlled substance (except marijuana) is a serious misdemeanor.
- A fine of at least $250, but not more than $1,500; in addition, imprisonment up to one year
- Possession of a controlled substance (marijuana).
- First time offenders will face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
- Second offense include up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,500
- Any subsequent offense is a felony, and carries up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of between $500 and $5,000
Criminal mischief related consequences:
Any damage, defacing, alteration, or destruction of property is criminal mischief when done intentionally by one who has no right to so act.
- Criminal mischief has five degrees covering its entirety, ranging from being a simple misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail) to a class “C” felony (up to 10 years in prison).
Theft related consequences:
Takes possession or control of another person’s property with intent to deprive the person of that property. Or misappropriates, misuses, disposes, or conceals the property of another. Or obtains labor, services, or property by deception. Or exercises control over stolen property (when the person knows or has good reason to believe the property is stolen). Or writes bad checks. Or obtains public utility, telephone service, or cable service through an unauthorized connection to the service. Or accessing a computer knowingly and without authorization, or intentionally fails to return video rental property.
- Theft has five degrees covering its entirety, ranging from being a simple misdemeanor to a class “C” felony.
Assault related consequences:
Any act intended to cause pain or injury to another, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act. Any act intended to result in offensive physical contact or to place another in fear of imminent offensive physical contact, coupled with the apparent ability to execute the act, or intentionally pointing or displaying a dangerous weapon at someone in a threatening manner.
- Civilly sued for damages, and etc.
- Assault has multiple different degrees that fall under it. Ranging from a simple misdemeanor to a class “C” felony.
- Example: A serious misdemeanor assault in Iowa is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $315 to $1,875
- No contact order in place per Iowa courts.
Reckless driving related consequences:
Reckless driving: Any person who drives any vehicle in such manner as to indicate either a willful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving and is a simple misdemeanor.
- Up to 30 days in jail, and a fine up to $625
- Suspension/revoked driver’s license
- SR-22 insurance
Careless driving: A person commits careless driving if the person intentionally operates a motor vehicle on a public road or highway in any one of the following ways is guilty of a simple misdemeanor:
- Creates or causes unnecessary tire squealing, skidding, or sliding upon acceleration or stopping.
- Simulates a temporary race.
- Causes any wheel or wheels to unnecessarily lose contact with the ground.
- Causes the vehicle to unnecessarily turn abruptly or sway.
Texting and driving: Using a hand‐held electronic communication device to write, send or read a text message while driving is prohibited and is a simple misdemeanor unless it involves injury or death.
- Citation $100.50
*All crimes come with consequences, including parental notification, possible school suspension and a good conduct violation
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