BFHS BlueJay Beat
OCTOBER 2018
BONDURANT-FARRAR HIGH SCHOOL CORE VALUES
- Communicate and Collaborate Effectively
- Solve Problems
- Persevere
- Be Culturally and Socially Respectful
MESSAGE FROM MR. GARNASS
The first month of school is in the books and Homecoming has come and gone! It's hard to believe we are soon embarking on the halfway point of semester one.
Parent/Teacher conferences are on Monday, October 8th and Thursday, October 11th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. We hope that you will take the time to stop by to visit with your student's teachers. This is a great time to ask questions about what your student has been learning and/or to visit with them about any concerns you may have.
For a list of where staff members will be located, click on the appropriate date below.
- Monday, October 8th Schedule: Click here
- Thursday, October 11th Schedule: Click here
Please continue to follow us via @BFHS_News on Twitter for regular updates and information on life at Bondurant-Farrar HS.
Respectfully,
Erik Garnass
@erikgarnass
Follow us on twitter @BFHS_News
WHAT'S HAPPENING @ BONDURANT-FARRAR HS?
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
STUDENT OF THE MONTH - SEPTEMBER
Art: Natalie Hamlin (12)
World Language: Ryan Boston (12)
Social Studies: Campbell Ralph (12)
Science: Jackson Raitt (11)
PE/Health: Isaiah Ebner (12)
Music: Haleigh Penton (12)
Math: Teontaie Millikan(9)
Lang Arts: Jackson Peltz (10)
CTE: Cade Collison (11)
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON YOUTH LEADERSHIP (NCYL)
Participants heard from speakers on student leadership in high school and beyond. Jennie Baranczyk, head coach of the 2017-18 Missouri Valley Conference champion Drake Women's Basketball team, delivered a keynote address titled "Leading With Integrity."
NCYL is dedicated to recognizing, encouraging and developing the leadership skills of youth. The mission of NCYL is to create public awareness of the importance and power of youth leadership, provide information to help build advanced leadership skills, and encourage community involvement in recognition and support our youth. The Greater Des Moines chapter is facilitated by the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, which offers a variety of public awareness activities and programming, including CHARACTER COUNTS!, a widely used character education program.
Bondurant-Farrar HS recipients include:
Maddie Agans
Erin Bailey
Gloria Bailey
Camden Coon
Jacob Hayworth
Congratulations to these individuals!
IOWA STEM TEACHER EXTERNSHIP
HIGH SCHOOL MASONRY DAY
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋节 (zhōng qiū jié/ jong-chyoh-jyeah)
On September 24th our Chinese language students celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is also called the Moon Festival. Its origins come from the agricultural harvest season and its date each year is based on the lunar calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family gatherings with lots of food similar to Thanksgiving. This is a happy time to be thankful for the harvest season and to take time to be with family and friends. Our students learned about this important Chinese festival and had a chance to try moon cakes and other traditional snacks donated by the C-Fresh Market in Des Moines. Students made a craft based on a legend of the Moon Festival and decorated our classroom with their work. We had a great time experiencing this important festival and learning about its history and meaning.
Personal Finance
Currently, Personal Finance students are going over the chapter that includes DEBT. They have
learned about things that keep them out of debt and also things that can put them right into
debt! Some of the main points that they learned about:
- 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck
- Be careful when deciding to co-sign for a loan or not
- Cash Advance and Title Pawning can charge 300-400% for an interest rate
- The average car payment is $464 – pay cash for your car
- Try to have a 15-year vs. 30-year mortgage to save on interest payments
- A debit card can do everything a credit card can do, but not put you in debt
- Identity theft can cause a person to spend hours and hours of doing research
The last part of the debt lesson was to go over “The Debt Snowball”, so if someone does have
debt and they want to be able to figure out how to pay it off faster vs. paying the minimum.
Below is a picture of students going over a scenario of utilizing the snowball and realizing that paying the minimum is not the best way to pay off debt.
Biology
STUDENT PARKING PERMITS
We have completed the first month of school and are now issuing parking citations for school lot violations. Just a reminder that ALL students wishing to park vehicles at the school are required to purchase a parking permit. Permits are $35 for the entire school year. The permits can be purchased online via RevTrak where you will fill out the application form or at the high school. If there are any questions or concerns regarding this policy please click here to see the student handbook for more information.
**To pick up purchased permits or to pay for citations please see HOLLY KEUNING: in the morning - main Office, in the afternoon - counseling office**
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...
Hello Fall! We are off to a great school year!
We had the opportunity to attend the Iowa ACAC’s Colleges to Counselors (C2C) event at Drake University in September. This event provided the opportunity for colleges and universities to connect with high school counselors by updating them with admissions requirements, scholarships, popular majors, etc. on each participating college and university. Please let us know how we can help you and your child with post-secondary planning.
We held our post-secondary application day for seniors on Thursday, September 27. We had 80 seniors participate in the day by either filling out a post-secondary application or had already applied! The application is the first step in the post-secondary planning process. If your senior has not applied yet, please have them see Mrs. McMurray so we can get that done.
THE FAFSA IS OPEN$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
THE FAFSA IS OPEN$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
FAFSA Info- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form opened on October 1 and it’s time to complete the FAFSA! Students must have applied and been accepted to receive a financial aid package from the school(s) they are interested in attending. The FAFSA form will be filled out using taxes from the 2017 tax year. The FAFSA form can be filled out at https://fafsa.gov. (This is a free service, so make sure you are on the correct website!)
Financial Aid Deadlines: Post-secondary institutions do have financial aid deadlines. The FAFSA must be filled out by the financial aid deadline to be eligibile for financial aid. Please check out the following link to see the deadline(s) of the school(s) that your senior is applying to: www.icansucceed.org/priority
FSA ID: The FSA ID serves as a legal signature. Student and parent each need to request an FSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov. (Students should use a personal email that they will always have access too when requesting a pin number.)
Need Help Filling Out the FAFSA?
Make an appointment with ICAN. Appointments are free and our schedule fills up fast, book your appointment today - www.icansucceed.org/apt
Visit a FAFSA Ready Iowa site. Professional help and no appointment necessary - www.icansucceed.org/fafsareadyiaevents
SCHOLARSHIPS
It’s never to early to start looking for scholarships. Local scholarships will be available in February/March. We will put them on our school counseling website and communicate when new scholarships have been added.
Other places to look for scholarships:
-Colleges and universities that you’re applying too
-State of Iowa Scholarship Application at www.iowacollegeaid.gov
- ICAN’s website: www.icansucceed.org
Registration for Online Spring DMACC Classes
DMACC Discovery Days
We have attended two DMACC Discovery Days already. This is a great opportunity for our 10th graders to learn about different programs available at DMACC. If you still want to attend one of the fall dates, please see Mrs. McMurray. We will have spring dates and programs as well and will email students and parents/guardians once those are available.
UPCOMING DATES/EVENTS
Monday, October 8 - DMACC Discovery Day
Wednesday, October 10 - PSAT Test for Juniors/Sophomores
Thursday, October 11 - DMACC Discovery Day
Thursday, October 18 - Waldorf Campus Visit
Wednesday, October 24 - DMACC Campus Visit
Friday, October 26 - ISU Campus Visit
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)
Wednesday, October 31 - Drake Campus Visit
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...
The Flu and You
· What is Influenza (Flu)?
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
· Signs and Symptoms of Flu
People who have flu may feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not gradually:
· Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Muscle or body aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue (very tired)
· Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
· How Flu Spreads
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
· Period of Contagiousness
You may be able to pass on flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
· People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins.
· Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
· Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others with flu viruses for an even longer time.
· Onset of Symptoms
The time from when a person is exposed and infected with flu to when symptoms begin is about 2 days but can range from about 1 to 4 days.
· Preventing Seasonal Flu
The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.
Content source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), August 27, 2018.
FROM THE DESK OF MR. SADLER (SRO)
HARASSMENT
What is harassment?
A person commits harassment when, with intent to intimidate, annoy, or alarm another person.
Bullying: Bullying may be characterized as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behavior, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.
Examples of bullying could be:
- abuse of power or authority
- verbal, written and/or physical intimidation e.g. threats, mocking
- persistent unjustified criticism
- public humiliation
Stalking: The act of pursuing game, prey, or a person by stealth; the act of harassing an individual in an aggressive, threatening, or illegal manner.
What is sexual harassment?
Harassment is uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature.
Examples of sexual harassment are:
· Sexual Jokes
· Touching in an inappropriate way
· Rubbing up against someone in a provocative way
· Inappropriate gestures
· Drawing sexually explicit pictures and passing them around
· Spreading rumors about another person’s sexual behavior
· Calling other students names in a sexual context
What should I do if I am being harassed/sexually harassed?
1. Don’t blame yourself. The person who is harassing you is the one doing something wrong and you haven’t done anything to cause the harassment, even if you flirted with this person or liked him/her.
2. Say “No” Clearly. Tell the person who is harassing you that his/her behavior offends you. They may not realize how hurtful their behavior is and may need a clear message from you to stop.
3. Write down what happened. When someone harasses you or makes you feel uncomfortable, document it. Document in a notebook, or in your phone what happened, the date it happened, where it happened, and who else may have seen or heard the harassment. Also document what you did in response, and how the harassment made you feel. Save any notes, e-mails, text messages, or pictures the harasser sent or posted about you. It is a good idea to keep these records somewhere besides school, such as in your home or another safe place. If the harassment takes place online, take steps to save and store the harassing content in case it gets removed or deleted later.
4. Report the Harassment. It is very important that you tell your parents or another adult, like a teacher, counselor, school resource officer, assistant principal or principal about the harassment. If you want the school to do something about the harassment.
· If the incident happened outside of school, inform your parents and make the determination if you should report it to law enforcement.
How to respond to harassment/sexual harassment:
- Be firm. Look them in the eye and denounce their behavior with a strong, clear voice. Many people prefer to name the behavior. For example, you can say “Do not [what they’re doing], that’s harassment.” You can also simply say “that is not okay” or “don’t speak to me like that.”
- Don’t engage. Harassers may try to argue with you or dismiss you through further conversation or by making fun of you. As tempting as it may be get into a verbal war with them, it is not recommended. The attention may further feed their abusive behavior.
- Keep moving. Once you’ve said your piece, keep it moving. Harassers don’t deserve the pleasure of your company.
708.7 Harassment
· Harassment in the first degree is an aggravated misdemeanor.
· Harassment in the second degree is a serious misdemeanor.
· Harassment in the third degree is a simple misdemeanor.
Resources:
https://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/what-you-can-do/index.html
https://www.lawyers.com/legal-info/research/education-law/harassment-at-school.html
https://www.equalrights.org/legal-help/know-your-rights/sexual-harassment-at-school/
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/sexual-harassment.cfmBondurant-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