Originating as an employee recognition program, the Bluejay Way Award began as a way to celebrate staff members who are kind, compassionate, and go the extra mile to support our students in a positive way. Expanding on this concept, the Bluejay Way Community Partner Award is intended to recognize outstanding Bondurant-Farrar community members or organizations who have positively impacted the school district or student experience.

Both recognition programs, staff and community, are made possible through partnership with Sheena Cochran-Foster of ReMax Hilltop and Homes for Heroes. 

During a home varsity basketball event on January 19, 2024, high school student Elise Sanny was presented with the Bluejay Way Community Partner Award for her involvement in spearheading a new food pantry within the district. 

"Elise Sanny is the first student recipient in the district to receive our Bluejay Way Award! For her 4-H project this past summer at the Polk County Fair, she put a plan in place to support the secondary food pantry right here at Bondurant-Farrar. Her plan earned her a purple ribbon and when school started, she began her work. With help from our FFA chapter, they organized and hosted two “Pack the Cab” events during a home volleyball and football game where fans brought items to donate and place them directly into a tractor cab located in the parking lot! In addition, she collects cans regularly from Williamson Auto here in Bondurant. The money from the can redemption goes directly to funding needs for the pantry.

We are so appreciative and proud of Elise for her work in helping to kickstart the secondary food pantry here in our district and believe these efforts embody exactly what it means to be doing things #TheBluejayWay!"

Thank you for being an excellent role model to your peers and all congratulations, Elise! 

On January 26, 2024, Dan Berggren was presented with the Bluejay Way Community Partner Award for his leadership with the youth Bluejay Basketball Club.

"Dan started the club in 2014, and his efforts have contributed significantly to the success of our high school basketball teams - with the girls making state tournament appearances, and the boys clinching a state championship. Beginning originally with only Bondurant teams, the club now boasts 72 teams, including 21 from Bondurant with 213 players in grades 3rd-6th. Dan's roles encompass scheduling practices and games, organizing small group workouts, hosting a 3 on 3 tournament, and extending the league post-Christmas for children of all skill levels to participate in tournament play. 

Dan’s work with the Bluejay Basketball Club goes above and beyond and he continues to be heavily involved in spite of his own kids having aged out of the club. We commend his dedication, hard work, and his positive impact on our student athletes."

Thank you for dedicating your time and talents to our young student athletes, Dan Berggren! 

As we officially entered the 2024 tax filing season this week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has requested our assistance in ensuring families within our school community are informed about possible tax credits. 

PLEASE NOTE: The information below is being shared by Bondurant-Farrar’s finance department as a public service; the district does not offer tax advice. With questions, please refer to the provided IRS resources linked below or consult with a tax professional.

The CTC is a credit that can reduce your tax by up to $2,000 for each qualifying child. To check eligibility, ensure your child is a U.S. citizen under the age of 17, has a Social Security number, is claimed as a dependent on your tax return, and meets other criteria. Utilize the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool to determine eligibility: IRS Interactive Tax Assistant - Child Tax Credit. For more information, please visit the Child Tax Credit page.

The ODC is a credit of up to $500 for each eligible dependent. Ensure the dependent meets the criteria, including being a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien, and is not used to claim the CTC or Additional CTC. The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool is your resource for eligibility: IRS Interactive Tax Assistant - Other Dependent Credit. 

Designed for moderate and low-income families, the EITC is a refundable tax credit. Thousands of eligible workers miss out on this credit, which can be as much as $3,995 for one child, $6,604 for two children, and $7,430 for three or more children. Check your eligibility using the EITC Assistant: EITC Assistant.

If you've paid for childcare to work, be a full-time student, or search for work, you may be eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Utilize the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool to see if you qualify: IRS Interactive Tax Assistant - Child and Dependent Care Credit. For additional details, please visit Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses or Topic no. 602, Child and dependent care credit.

It’s hard to believe that we’re already beginning to prepare for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Please review the timeline below to ensure your registration applications are submitted in a timely manner. With questions or for assistance in the registration process, please call our district office at 515-967-7819 and ask to speak with our registrar or email registrar@bfschools.org.

• Because space is limited, enrollment into the program is based on a lottery system.
• February 23: Lottery applications for 3 and 4 year old preschool are available on our website and must be submitted by February 23 in order to be considered for placement into our program.
• March 4: Letters of acceptance into our 3 & 4 year-old preschool program will be emailed directly to the email address attached to the application. Note: Check your junk email folder if you have not received notification by March 5.
• For more information, visit https://www.bfschools.org/Page/975

• March 25: Kindergarten registration opens. Developmental Kindergarten applications are available at this time within the online registration process. 
• April 8: Developmental Kindergarten application deadline. Applying for the DK program does not guarantee a spot in the program. You must submit this application in order for your child to be considered for DK.
• Information can be found online at https://www.bfschools.org/Page/677