January 11, 2023

Board Highlights from the January 9 Meeting

Electronic agendas and supporting documents can be viewed at least 24 hours in advance of each meeting. The full agenda of the January 9, 2023 board meeting can be viewed here (Board Docs).

Meeting Highlights: 

• Received an update from Thad Long of SVPA Architects regarding current facilities projects. Click here to view the complete project list.
• Reviewed the proposed high school course handbook for the 2023-24 school year.
• Received an update regarding the January 6 finance committee meeting, in which members gather to review invoices, large purchases, and budgets prior to each board meeting.
• Discussed temporary stop signage on Grant Street at the south entrance to the high school. It would be active during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal times, helping to slow traffic and alleviate congestion. This would be used on a trial basis for 60-90 days to measure the impact. If successful, it would become permanent during the AM and PM times. The district will share additional details prior to implementation. 
• Discussed plans for radon proactive radon testing to be carried out throughout the district, as well as how results will be communicated.

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

Input Needed: Next Year's Proposed School Calendar

Community stakeholders are invited to review the proposed 2023-24 academic calendar and provide input prior to the end of the day on January 18, 2023. Responses received will be shared with the Bondurant-Farrar Board of Education in advance of their January 23, 2023 meeting.

We appreciate the community's feedback throughout this process and we thank you in advance for your participation.

Learn more: https://www.bfschools.org/Page/1206

Managing Growth & Current Facilities Projects Planned

In a growing district, it can be challenging to build the right facility at the right time due to borrowing limitations. Join Superintendent Powers as he takes a closer look at Bondurant-Farrar’s infrastructure committee and some of the facilities projects currently being prioritized. This is the second episode of a new video series we are launching to help inform community members of BFCSD news, initiatives, and events.  

Featured Videos: https://www.bfschools.org/Page/1278

Culinary Arts I Students Learn Through Frequent In-Class Labs

In Ms. Estergaard’s Culinary Arts I class, high school students gain important culinary and nutrition skills for personal living as well as develop an awareness of the food industry. In addition to learning about the fundamentals of cooking, students develop a number of other important life skills, such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, time management, and responsibility. 

With over 135 students enrolled this semester, we recently stopped by her classroom to see one of the groups in action! During our visit on January 4, students were on part two of a three-day lab which included making homemade butter, using the leftover buttermilk to prepare homemade biscuits, and then baking the biscuits. Click here to learn more about this hands-on learning activity.

Preschool Lottery Applications Open for 2023-24

The Bluejay Beginnings Preschool program is here to welcome your child next school year! Lottery applications for our 3 and 4 year old programs are currently being accepted through February 24, 2023. Because space is limited, applications are approved through a lottery system.

Submit your child's application today at https://www.bfschools.org/Page/975.

Proactive Radon Testing to Occur Throughout the District

The safety of Bondurant-Farrar students, staff, and community members is our #1 responsibility. Over the next few weeks, teams will be testing the radon levels within our buildings. The testing is not harmful in any way and is a proactive measure taken by the district. In 2027, radon testing will become required for all Iowa public schools, with testing to occur at least every five years. 

Radon is naturally occurring everywhere, but, if elevated, can cause an increased risk of lung cancer over the course of a person’s lifetime. To date, previous testings have not detected elevated levels of radon within Bondurant-Farrar learning spaces. If detected, results will be shared and steps will be taken to mitigate radon levels using methods suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.   

If you have questions regarding radon testing at Bondurant-Farrar, please contact our district office at 515-967-7819 or www.bfschools.org/contactus.

Learn more: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/community/how-to-sign-up-for-amazonsmile

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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