September 29, 2022

  • Bondurant-Farrar E-Briefing

  • Board Highlights from the September 26 Meeting

    Electronic agendas and supporting documents can be viewed at least 24 hours in advance of each meeting. The full agenda of the September 26, 2022 board meeting can be viewed here (Board Docs).

    Meeting Highlights: 

    • Molly Rockefeller, the district’s STEM teacher leader, provided an update on PK-12 STEM programming and integration as well as growth within the department. Click to view the STEM presentation.
    • Received updates from the district’s finance committee. 
    • Approved a motion requesting increased spending authority from the state to cover special education expenses.
    • Selected board president Kristin Swift to serve as the district’s representative at the Iowa Association of School Board’s annual meeting and delegate assembly.
    • After reviewing public comments on additional titles to be added to the AP Language & Composition curriculum, the board approved the proposal to add identified titles to the originally approved list.
    • Entered a closed session, per Iowa Code, to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate.

    For information regarding upcoming meetings, contacting board members, and detailed agendas, please visit www.bfschools.org/Page/854.

  • Homecoming Week in Bluejay Nation

    BFHS student council members and advisors have been busy planning and preparing for this week’s homecoming festivities. Throughout that planning, the goal was to promote school spirit and unity within the district and to provide opportunities for our students, the school community, and alumni to be involved in the celebration. 

    To allow all students to attend, the parade will begin at 2pm on Friday, September 30, starting from the high school, travelling south to the intermediate school, Anderson Elementary, and Morris Elementary. 

    For those planning to attend the home football games (4:45pm freshman, 7:30pm varsity): 

    • Purchasing Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in advance online via Ticket Spicket or with debit/credit card at the gate. There will NOT be a cash option at the gate. 
    • Stadium Expectations: Children aged 6th grade or younger must enter with a responsible adult. No outside food or drink allowed. No re-entry. Full list available online.
    • Accessing the Stadium: Highlights the stadium's location, access and entry points, and designated parking areas.

    We ask for support from families as we encourage students to celebrate homecoming in a positive and safe way throughout the week. Go Bluejays!
Inside the Classroom: LEGO Robotics

  • Inside the Classroom: LEGO Robotics

    Now housed at the new junior high, LEGO Robotics is an elective course that has been offered to Bondurant-Farrar students since the fall of 2018. With the additional space this year, the program was able to expand to three sections, serving nearly 50 seventh grade students this semester.

    Throughout this semester-long course, students work together to build LEGO Robotics pieces in order to solve challenges. These challenges include using a variety of sensors, motors, and parts to complete tasks. During our visit on September 27, students were using code to program the robots to maneuver forward and backward, turn at various degrees, and even utilized sensors to control their robot to stop/start with color blocks. Students are able to add personal flair to their robots, each unique to their personalities and interests. Later in the semester, students will participate in competitive challenges to showcase their building and coding abilities. 

    LEGO Robotics is one of six STEM focused courses offered to students in grades 7-8. The district’s PK-12 STEM program and course offerings continue to expand and exceed standards set by the state. As a district, we are proud to offer such a robust, STEM-focused curriculum to PK-12 students.

  • We're Hiring!

  • Consider Participating in Statewide Survey

    The Iowa Department of Education is seeking input from parents and/or guardians regarding Iowa’s current rules for public school districts. These accreditation standards, which are outlined in Iowa Administrative Code 281 chapter 12, define requirements for providing a standard-level of education with a focus on improving the learning, achievement and performance of all students.

    Please consider completing this state survey.

  • Contact Us

    Thank you for taking time to review the latest issue of the Bondurant-Farrar E-Briefing. The purpose of this publication is to provide board updates, news, and events from around the district. If you have suggestions, comments, or feedback regarding this publication, please reach out!

    Jessica Hartgers
    Communications Specialist 
    hartgersj@bfschools.org
    515-967-7819