BFHS Bluejay Beat
MARCH 2024
BONDURANT-FARRAR HIGH SCHOOL CORE VALUES
- Communicate and Collaborate Effectively
- Solve Problems
- Persevere
- Be Culturally and Socially Respectful
MESSAGE FROM MR. GARNASS
We made it through February and have made it to spring break! The weather has certainly kept everyone in the state of Iowa on their toes this winter and as we entered the spring season. Registration and scholarship season is upon us as we gear up for the final stretch of the 2023-24 school year.
Seniors are preparing for scholarships and graduation. State of IA testing is also upon us. Beginning the week of April 1st, grades 9-11 will take the Iowa Student Assessment of School Progress (ISASP) assessments. More information including the schedule, etc. will be shared at a later date. Seniors may have some unique schedules on these days since they will not be assessing.
We are currently in the busy hiring season and continue to interview candidates for some vacancies for the 2024-25 school year. To date, we have hired the following with board approval: Mrs. Tammy Gaulke (Admin. Asst.), Makenzie Jones (Science), Amber Joyce (Counselor), Cormick Michael (Counselor), and Drake Bailey (Assistant Principal).
LOOKING AHEAD...
Next Grade Post: is on March 22nd.
Academic Awards Recognition: We will have our Academic Awards Evening of Excellence in April in the auditorium. We will recognize students in grades 9-11 who have maintained a rolling 3.5 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of semester one. More information will be shared at a later date. Seniors will be recognized during Senior Awards Night in May.
Commencement 2024: Mr. Garnass and the counseling team met with seniors on Friday, March 1st during WIN to discuss scholarships, end of the year expectations, and timelines between now and commencement weekend. Parents should expect a letter overviewing this information in the next couple weeks.
Have a GREAT rest of March!
Respectfully,
Erik Garnass
@erikgarnass
Follow us...
Facebook: BondurantFarrarHS
Twitter: @BF_HighSchool & @BlueJayNation
Website: bfschools.org
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT BFHS?
February Students of the Month
- Art: Cheyenne Grater (12)
- CTE: Adam Ingle (12) - Industrial Tech
- Lang Arts: Pierson Booker (9)
- Math: Nick Wyman (12)
- Music: Mallory J. Nikkel (10) - Choir
- PE/Health: Grady Gibson (9)
- Science: Aiden Enos (11)
- Social Studies: Jackson Andersen (11)
- World Language: Lily Williams (10)
February Bus Riders of the Month
Ella Teed - Freshman
Alivia Romesburg - Junior
The RANT
National Merit Scholarship Finalist
Congrats to senior, Theo Brown. Theo has recently been named a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship program. This is a very prestigious honor! Some 7,500 Merit scholarship winners will be chosen from a group of more than 15,000 finalists. This selection process is currently in progress. Congratulations!
Back 2 Back
Congratulations to the Boys Basketball team on earning a return trip to the 2024 State Tournament. The Jays earned the 6 seed and lost their opening quarterfinal round vs. MOC Floyd-Valley.
Post Season Honors
State Wrestling 2024
The Bluejays had yet another successful season on the mat in the RRC and Class 3A. They finished the season as RRC Dual & Tournament Champs.
Congratulations to the following wrestlers who competed at the 2024 IHSAA State Wrestling Championships at Wells Fargo Arena recently. The Bluejays competed in their 3nd year of Class AAA and finished 13th in the overall team standings.
106 - Coby Fiser (State Qualifier)
120 - Reid Foster (State Qualifier) - 3x State Qualifier
126 - Matthew McCrea Jr (State Qualifier) - 2x State Qualifier
132 - Connor Fiser (5th Place) - 3x State Qualifier
144 - Landon Cory (State Qualifier)
150 - Nolan Fellars (3rd Place) - 2x State Qualifier
157 - Jack Lewis (State Qualifier) - 2x State Qualifier
165 - Jordan Rial (7th Place) - 2x State Qualifier
195 - Brayton Gipple (State Qualifier)
215 - Andrew Hockett (State Qualifier)
State Bowling 2024
Congratulations to senior, Colin Britt. Colin qualified for the 2024 State Bowling Tournament this past February and finished in 8th place overall.
State Large Group Speech
State DECA Results
On Feb. 19th, B-F's DECA club members were awarded for their state competition. Students who received at least one medal in their category included Ella Cox, Emily Suntken, and Marli Vanlaningham (in 2 events).
B-F also had 7 students qualify for the International DECA competition being held this year in Anaheim California, April 27-30. To do this they had to finish in the top 3 of their event category. Here are the international qualifiers:
Individual Competitions
- Max Fick placed 2nd in Sports and Entertainment Marketing
- Myah Greubal placed 2nd in Account Applications (also medaled in Professional Selling)
- Tyler Vannoy placed 2nd in Principles of Marketing
Team Competitions
- Ava Schoen & Eden Coy placed 2nd in the International Business Plan
- Claire Meislahn & Connor Criswell placed 3rd in Travel and Tourism
Jazz Choir Shines
Congratulations to the BFHS Jazz Choir. The group earned two Division IIs and a Division I rating at the State Jazz Contest in Winterset.
RRC Honor Band Members
FFA Competes @ Districts
Recently, our B-F chapter headed to Des Moines for the South Central District FFA convention. They competed in six contest areas and the results are as follows:
Ag Sales: Silver
Chapter Test: Gold; Camryn Bruce - 4th place individual
Conduct of Meetings: Gold
Job Interview: Gold - Alternate to State
Parliamentary Procedure: Silver
Public Speaking: Silver
Izi Juhl and Elise Sanny were named delegate representatives.
Congratulations to Emma Lihs as she was elected South Central District Secretary for 2024-2025!
AP Spanish Experience
On Thursday, Feb. 29, students in AP Spanish had the opportunity to interview a native Spanish speaker about themes discussed in class. Daniel Alayola, from Mexico, joined us virtually and answered questions from the class.
For thirty minutes, students asked Daniel about a variety of factors that contribute to quality of life in Mexico including education, safety, cost of living, and wages. Students also learned about the disparities in quality of life between rural and suburban communities, and the impact socioeconomic status has on access to services and systems that improve quality of life for Mexicans.
The entire interview was conducted by students fully in Spanish, and they did a fantastic job.
Bondurant-Farrar Activities Page
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
DMACC Classes
As we approach the midterm for spring DMACC classes, we want to remind students of the following points:
This grade counts toward both the high school GPA and DMACC GPA.
The DMACC grade will count towards BFHS eligibility requirements for extracurricular activities.
If students have any questions about their current DMACC classes, they need to reach out to their school counselor.
Finishing the School Year Strong
As we approach mid-semester we want to remind students to make sure that they are continuing to do their best work. Teachers are available before and after school to get help, as well as WIN time. Mr. Guenther, Mrs. Kaufman, and Mrs. McMurray are also available to help students with organizational skills or study skills. It is also important for seniors to finish strong; post-secondary institutions will receive final transcripts and some scholarships may be awarded based on a final cumulative GPA.
Prairie Meadows Scholarship- This application must be turned into the school counseling office by Monday, April 1, 2024. This scholarship requires 2 letters of recommendation and a parent signature when it is turned in. Also, a senior picture must be sent in a file to Mrs. McMurray or Kristy Lorber. The application link that students can download to type in (applications must be typed) was sent to seniors.
Webb Scholarship- Applications must be postmarked no later than April 15th.
Mrs. Kaufman, Mrs. McMurray and Mr. Garnass had a meeting with all seniors Friday, March 1st. During this meeting the process to apply for local scholarships was discussed. The majority of the deadlines will be Friday, April 19th. We encourage seniors not to wait until the last minute to request a transcript for scholarships or to fill out the online applications.
Is your FAFSA filed? For students planning on attending a post-secondary institution in the fall, the FAFSA needs to be completed by the financial aid priority date. If you have any questions regarding post-secondary planning, please contact Mrs. McMurray, Mr. Guenther, or Mrs. Kaufman. It is important to fill out the FAFSA if you are planning on attending a two-year or four-year college. Some institutions do require the FAFSA to be completed in order to qualify for scholarships.
Financial Aid Award Letters
Due to the delay in the opening of FAFSA, many colleges have communicated that financial aid award letters will not be sent to students until April. Please make sure your student is checking their email, online college portal, and mail for financial aid award letters. Students will have to accept and/or decline the aid that has been awarded to them. If you have any questions regarding the financial aid you have received, please either contact your school counselor or the financial aid office of the college awarding the financial aid. Students must accept or decline financial aid and admission offers by May 1st.UPCOMING SENIOR DATES March 1st- Senior Meeting to discuss local scholarships and end of the year graduation timeline April 1st- Prairie Meadows Scholarship due in school counseling office April 12th- Graduation speeches are due to Mr. Garnass April 15th- Webb Scholarship due- must be postmarked no later than this date April 19th- Deadline for the majority of local scholarships May 1st- Post Secondary Decision Day May 14-15th -- Senior semester assessments May 15th -- 7:00 p.m. -- Senior Awards Night--Scholarships, Department Awards, etc.— High School Auditorium May 16th -- Last Day for Seniors — Senior checkout, Senior Walk May 17th -- 9:30 a.m. — Senior luncheon, commencement rehearsal May 19th 2:00 p.m. -- Outdoor Commencement
Looking ahead
Monday, March 4th Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thursday, March 7th Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 8th No School
Monday, March 11th-Friday, March 15th No School, Spring Break
Friday, March 22 Grade Post
Project Recovery Iowa
7-12 School Social Worker
You can contact Mr. Hotek at hotekm@bfschools.org
RESOURCES WHEN IN NEED
REMINDERS
REMINDERS
Just a reminder of a couple things at the beginning of the new semester.
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 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 (from the handbook)
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).
Students entering 12th grade next year
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Spring Break is a great time to get your child caught up on or AHEAD of all Iowa required and
recommended vaccines.
During the summer, back-to-school appointments and sports physicals fill up fast and your child
may not be able to see their provider in time.
Students who do not have proof of required vaccines on the first day of the 2024-2025 school
year, will not be allowed to start school. All students entering 12th grade next school year are
required to have proof of receiving a booster Meningitis vaccination, or alternatively, a valid
Medical or Religious Exemption Certificate on file with the school nurse before the first day of the
school year on August 23, 2024.
Hundreds of students have already been vaccinated and many more have scheduled their
appointments. Have you scheduled your child’s appointment yet?
Now is the time to make your child’s appointment to see their health care doctor or provider for
their required vaccines including the meningitis vaccine.
If you have questions regarding health insurance or do not have a doctor or medical home, please
reach out to your Polk County Health Department at the contact information below.
COUNTY OF POLK
Health Department
1907 Carpenter Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50314
Ph. 515.286.3798
Fax. 515.286.2033
SPORTS PHYSICALS
FROM THE DESK OF MR. SCHNUR (SRO)
Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth, and can pose enormous health and safety risks.
- The consequences of underage drinking can affect everyone, regardless of age or drinking status. We all can feel the effects of the aggressive behavior, property damage, injuries, violence, and deaths that can result from underage drinking.
Statistics:
- By age 15, about 35% of teens have consumed alcohol
- By age 18, about 68% of teens have consumed
- 52% of 10th graders believe it’s easy to obtain alcohol
- 8.7 million people aged 12-20 consumed alcohol in the past month
- 35% of high school students drank alcohol in the past 30 days
- People aged 12-20 drink 11% of all alcohol consumed
Underage Binge Drinking: On average, a teen drink’s more alcohol in a single sitting than adults do. The excitement of drinking, mixed with peer pressure and an overabundance of alcoholic beverages, can cause kids to drink excessively and get dangerously inebriated.
- What is binge drinking? Consuming an excessive amount over a short period of time.
- When does binge drinking typically occur? College and high school parties and social events.
Binge Drinking Stats:
- 1 in 6 teens binge drink
- Only 1% of parents believe their teen binge drinks
- 21% of high school students binge drank within the past 30 days
- 90% of alcohol consumed by teens involves binge drinking
- 210,000 ER visits are related to underage drinking
- 88,129 deaths in all ages are caused by excessive drinking each year
- 4,300 underage deaths are caused by excessive drinking each year
- 1,580 deaths from motor vehicle crashes average per year
- 1,269 from homicides average per year
- 245 from alcohol poisoning, falls, burns, and drowning average per year
- 492 from suicides average per year
Underage drinking and driving facts:
- Teens drink and drive approximately 2.4 million times a month
- 1 in 5 teen drivers involved in fatal crashes have alcohol in their system
- 85% of high school students who drink and drive say they binge drank
- In the past 30 days, 22% of high school students rode with a driver who’d been drinking
- Kids who start drinking young are 7 times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash
Additional risks include:
- Impairs judgment: Drinking can lead to poor decisions about engaging in risky behavior, including drinking and driving, sexual activity (such as unprotected sex), and aggressive or violent behavior.
- Increases the risk of physical and sexual assault: Underage youth who drink are more likely to carry out or be the victim of a physical or sexual assault after drinking than others their age who do not drink.
- Can lead to other problems: Drinking may cause youth to have trouble in school or with the law. Drinking alcohol can also be associated with the use of other drugs.
Increases the risk of alcohol problems later in life: Research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are 4 times more likely to meet the criteria for alcohol dependence at some point in their life.
- Interferes with brain development: Research shows that young people’s brains keep developing well into their 20s. Alcohol can alter this development, potentially affecting both brain structure and function. This may cause cognitive or learning problems and/or make the brain more prone to alcohol dependence.
Iowa Code:
Operating while intoxicated, Iowa Code 321J.2A: A person who is under the age of twenty-one shall not operate a motor vehicle while having an alcohol concentration of .02 or more.
First time offense with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) level less than 0.08, minors will have their license suspended for six months and are not eligible for a temporary restricted license. 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, Iowa Code 123.46: A person shall not use or consume alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer upon the public streets or highways. A person shall not use or consume alcoholic liquor in any public place except premises covered by a liquor control license. A person shall not possess or consume alcoholic liquors, wine, or beer 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, usually resulting in arrest and mandating a fine of $65 to $625 and up to 30 days in jail.
Why do teens drink?
As teens mature, it is natural for them to assert their independence, seek new challenges, and try taking risks. Underage drinking is a risk that attracts many developing adolescents and teens. Many want to try alcohol, but often do not fully recognize its effects on their health and behavior. Other reasons young people drink alcohol include:
- Peer pressure
- Increased independence
- Stress
In addition, many youths may have easy access to alcohol. 95.1% of teens reported that they got it for free the last time they drank. In many cases, youths have access to alcohol through family members, or find it at home.
The Role Parents Play
Parents and teachers can play a big role in shaping young people’s attitudes toward drinking. Parents in particular can have either a positive or negative influence.
Parents can help their children avoid alcohol problems by:
- Talking about the dangers of drinking
- Drinking responsibly, if they choose to drink
- Serving as positive role models in general
- Not making alcohol available
- Getting to know their children’s friends
- Having regular conversations about life in general
- Connecting with other parents about sending clear messages about the importance of not drinking alcohol
- Supervising all parties to make sure there is no alcohol
- Encouraging kids to participate in healthy and fun activities that do not involve alcohol
Resources:
https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/UnderageDrinking/UnderageFact.htm
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/teen-addiction/teen-drinking-stats/#gref
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