BFHS Bluejay Beat
JANUARY 2024
BONDURANT-FARRAR HIGH SCHOOL CORE VALUES
- Communicate and Collaborate Effectively
- Solve Problems
- Persevere
- Be Culturally and Socially Respectful
MESSAGE FROM MR. GARNASS
Happy New Year!
2023 is in the rear view mirror...
We certainly hope you enjoyed the holiday break. Staff and students worked hard as the end of semester one approached. We continue to see many positive things in our building and are extremely proud of what our staff and students are accomplishing. As we engage in the end of one semester and the beginning of semester two and a fresh start, we ask our students to finish the school year strong and continue to make a difference each and every day!
Schedule/Information for Thursday, January 11 & Friday, January 12: I guess you never can have a perfect plan but we want to communicate a plan with everyone so students can be made aware of how we could potentially operate our end of the semester finals. We have a good chance of another round of inclement weather this Thursday into Friday. To be proactive, we are sharing 3 “possible” scenarios students should prepare for regarding Friday, January 12.
1. Regular school day - we would operate on Friday’s finals schedule that has previously been set.
2. 2-hour Late Start - we would run a late start schedule for only periods 2/4/6/8.
- Period 2 – 10:05-11:12
- Period 4 – 11:17-12:50
11:46-12:16 (2nd lunch)
12:20-12:50 (3rd lunch)
- Period 6 – 12:55-2:02
- Period 8 – 2:07-3:15
We understand this isn't ideal, however, it gives us the best opportunity to complete semester one in the best way possible.
We have some new faces in the building. Please help us in welcoming:
- Mr. Joe Bagley -- Long term sub in Spanish for Mrs. Vance (Mr. Bagley recently completed his student teaching at Johnston & SEP HS and is a graduate of Drake Univ.).
Looking ahead...
Future Freshman Night has been postponed to Tuesday, January 23, 2024 in the high school auditorium. Although this night is not required, it is strongly recommended that you attend with your student.
6:00-6:45 P.M. -- Display of Clubs/Activities in Gymnasium (Please enter through the Activities Entrance)
7:00-7:45 P.M. -- Presentation in Auditorium (Please enter through the Activities Entrance)
Course registration for the 2024-25 school year will take place in January (8th graders) and February (9-11th graders). Information will be provided to the appropriate groups as we near the registration process.
Have a GREAT rest of your January!
Respectfully,
Erik Garnass
@erikgarnass
Follow us...
Facebook: BondurantFarrarHS
Twitter: @BF_HighSchool & @BlueJayNation
Website: bfschools.org
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT BFHS?
December Students of the Month
- Art: Jamesyn Guthrie (11)
- CTE: Nisha Tweh (12) - FCS
- Lang Arts: Samuel Griffith (10)
- Math: Gracie Anderson (9)
- Music: Cash Hoffman (9) - Choir
- PE/Health: Brayton Fastenau (9)
- Science: Brooklyn Robben (10)
- Social Studies: Tiara Berggren (9)
- World Language: Lydia Sanderson (11)
December Bus Riders of the Month
Cayden Obermeier (9)
The RANT
SCIBA Honor Band
Congratulations to Max Fick (12), Annaleigh Lex (9), Eden Coy (11), and Caelyn Wipperman (9) who represented Bondurant-Farrar High School this past weekend at the SCIBA Honor Band on the campus of Ankeny High School.
Bondurant-Farrar Activities Homepage
Check out the Bondurant-Farrar Activities homepage for the most up to date information:
NFHS Crisis Text Line
SAFE2DRIVE
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
Suggestion Box
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!
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
High School Counseling Department
Tammy Kaufman
Mrs. Kaufman is the high school counselor for all grades, last names , A-G
Her email is kaufmant@bfschools.org
Jacob Guenther
Mr. Guenther is the high school counselor for all grades, last names, H-O
His email is guentherj@bfschools.org
Casey McMurray
Mrs. McMurray is the high school counselor for all grades, last names, P-Z
Her email is mcmurrayc@bfschools.org
COUNSELORS CORNER
College Visits: Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to take college visits to explore colleges they are thinking about attending after high school. In order for the day to count in attendance as a college visit, a parent/guardian needs to email Sara in the main office! College visits are a great way to get on campus and determine if the college would be a good fit. Some great college visit activities are to meet with admission counselors, financial aid officers, sit in on classes, take a tour, and of course have lunch! We also have a college visit checklist on our website that can be helpful as you are planning your visit and questions to ask: https://www.bfschools.org/Page/932
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We are quickly approaching the end of our first semester! The semester final schedule has been sent out and students should be aware of what final assessments they will have in their first semester classes. It is important that students begin to prepare now for final assessments to help alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with the end of the semester. Setting aside time now to work on projects and study for tests can be very helpful in ending the semester strong and performing well on final assessments.
Study Tips
-Create a productive study spot
*Put your phone away and silence it
*Remove distractions
*Set an amount of time to focusing on studying and then take a break
-Use mnemonic devices to remember order of events or names
-Make flashcards/notecards
-Rewrite your notes
-Outline your learning
-Makes copies of graphs, diagrams, and pictures without labels and label them
-Use your study guides aNd spend quality time reviewing them
-Study with a friend
-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 your choices
-Don’t assume all of the above or none of the above is the correct choice
-Evaluate the words that are being used in the questions
-If you get stuck look for clues in other 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
-If answering an essay question, make sure you have answered everything the question asks, try outlining what you want to include in your answer.
Second semester will begin on Tuesday, January 16th. Students need to double check their 2nd semester schedules to make sure they have the appropriate classes. Students in grades 9, 10, and 11, must have 6 academic classes + PE. Seniors must have at least 5 academic classes + PE. If they are missing something, please email your school counselor.
All second semester schedule changes must be made by Thursday, January 18th at 3:15 P.M.
SPRING DMACC CLASSES
Classes began Monday, January 8th. Students should have signed in Monday. If this is your first semester taking a DMACC class, you should have received login information from DMACC in the mail. If you haven’t checked to see if you have books in the school counseling office, please do so. If students decide they want to drop their DMACC class it must be done by Monday, January 22nd at 3:30 P.M. If is part of their required academic courses, they must make the decision to keep the DMACC class before Thursday, January 18th. Please remember that the failing grade in your DMACC class does count toward eligibility for extra curricular activities and would make a student ineligible to participate.
FAFSA (Seniors)
The FAFSA is now opened in a soft launch, which means there are certain times the form may not be available. Filling out the FAFSA is an important step in the post-secondary process. The FAFSA is how seniors will receive their financial aid packages for college. If your senior is planning on attending a two or four year college in the Fall 2024 please get the FAFSA filed ASAP! We will have a FAFSA completion night on Thursday, January 11th from 5:00-7:00 in the high school library. You do need to have your FSA ID completed in order to complete the FAFSA.
Looking ahead
January 12th - End of Semester
January 15th - No School, PD Day
January 16th - Start of 2nd Semester
January 18th - Last Day to Change Classes on your 2nd Semester Schedule
Project Recovery Iowa
7-12 School Social Worker
You can contact Mr. Hotek at hotekm@bfschools.org
RESOURCES WHEN IN NEED
REMINDERS
Just a reminder of a couple things at the beginning of the year.
All Juniors need a second dose of the meningococcal vaccine to be able to return to school next fall. If you completed CPR during health 1, this completes the graduation requirement.
2) All 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)
FF. 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:
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 (ie. inhalers, diabetic supplies, emergency medications).
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.
All medications will be stored in a secure area, accessible only to those who are authorized to administer the medication.
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.
ATTENTION 11TH GRADE PARENTS/GUARDIANS
SPORTS PHYSICALS
FROM THE DESK OF MR. SCHNUR (SRO)
Substance Abuse Resources
We hope you find the resources below to be helpful tools in addressing the issue of teenage vaping and substance abuse. These risky behaviors represent an unfortunate and sobering reality among many teenagers today and are behaviors that Bondurant-Farrar High School takes seriously.
According to the 2018 Iowa Youth Survey, almost one out of every four 11th grade students have used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days (Source: Iowa Department of Health). The vast majority of e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that can harm the developing adolescent brain, cause permanent damage to lungs, and disrupt attention and learning. No amount of nicotine is safe for youth.
Resources:
My Life My Quit is a free and confidential program designed for teens by the Iowa Department of Public Health
Text your quit coach or call for support
Get text messages that give you a boost while you quit
Learn how to cope with stress in healthy ways
Find out why your body craves nicotine
Get tips and the support you need to quit for good
Text “Start My Quit” to 855-891-9989
NOT for Me is a free mobile teen cessation program that includes eight self-paced online sessions to help teens quit.
The Real Cost is hosted by the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products and is a campaign to educate at-risk teens about the harmful effects of vaping.
Other vape devices may contain liquid THC, a marijuana extract. The substance abuse programs listed below are located in central Iowa and serve teens experiencing challenges at school, with peer and family relationships, and in their daily lives.
Orchard Place PACE Center is an outpatient drug treatment program for teens. Please call 515-697-5705 to schedule an assessment/evaluation.
Innovative Counseling & Consulting, Inc. - Please call 515-235-5224 for more information on progams offered.
Please note the resources listed in this letter are not an exhaustive list, nor is any particular program endorsed by Bondurant-Farrar CSD over and above any others. Our intention is to provide you with a place to start the conversation with your teen regarding substance abuse and to help support you as you look at next steps.
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