Today Governor Reynolds provided an update closing school through April 30th.

The district leadership team is meeting daily to determine the best course of action to support student learning based upon state and federal guidance. We understand there is a great deal of uncertainty and many more questions than answers. We ask for patience as we work through a plan which is best for our students and community. You should expect an update from the district early next week. In the future, the district anticipates sending general updates on Fridays in an effort to keep email communication manageable.

We are asking for questions to be submitted through this form: https://bit.ly/39zbWQX. Using this approach allows us to provide timely and accurate information. Responses will typically be provided within 24 hours.

---

• Grab-And-Go Meals: Effectively immediately, children do not have to be present when parents or caregivers pick up grab-and-go meals supplied by the school district. In a statement issued on March 26, the Iowa Department of Education stated that they received a waiver from the USDA that no longer requires children to be in attendance. To learn more about this recent change, click here. For more information regarding the district’s grab-and-go meals program, visit https://www.bfschools.org/coronavirus.

• A Resource For Families: A Bondurant-Farrar community member and registered nurse, Heather Wendt, recently shared an informational video produced by UnityPoint Health and Blank Children’s Hospital. The purpose of the video is to help parents and caregivers talk with their young children about the COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to take a moment to share this great resource with our families. Please click here to watch the video.

---

We wanted to provide you with an update on some technology related items. Please let me know if you have additional questions. 

Wireless Hotspot & Internet Availability
At this time we do not have any hotspots for students to checkout. We have been able to put in an order with both US Cellular and T-Mobile. We expect those orders to begin arriving around the week of April 6th. Once they arrive we will send out an email.

In an earlier email to parents, we included companies that were providing discounted internet
service. Here is the information again:

Technology Access
During their initial contact with parents and students, teachers will be asking a series of
questions, including if your student has access to a household technology device. If there is a need, a device may be issued to your family to ensure students have access to online learning opportunities. Please be sure to communicate this need to your student’s teacher.

With the shift to online communication and learning, we understand families may not
have access to the internet. Several providers are offering free or discounted services due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Please note, the district is not endorsing these providers and encourages families to fully investigate options before opting-in.
● AT&T
● Mediacom
● Sprint
● Verizon

Technology Support
Until further notice, please send any technology related issues or concerns to helpdesk@bfschools.org. Once we receive an email at this address it will notify all of our technology staff members and we will respond within 24-48 hours. Device pickup and drop-off will now be at the HS Auditorium entrance.

K-5 Google Account Changes
In order to give teachers and parents more flexibility to connect, we are going to enable the following settings for K-5 students normally disconnected for these age groups:
● Gmail
● Hangout
● Regular student logins for K-2 (removing requirement for Clever badges)

Please reach out to your student’s teacher for username and password information.

Online Resources
Our Technology Integration Leaders have compiled a list of resources available online to help support student learning while they're unable to attend in person. These resources are listed by building and organized by subject area for easy reference. Sites our students use on a regular
basis or have an account set up already have been marked with an asterisk(*).

Click on the link below:
Websites to Support Learning At Home

If you find your child is having issues accessing any of the sites requiring a username or password, please email the help desk at helpdesk@bfschools.org.

Technology Needs Request
If your child is enrolled at Anderson or Morris Elementary, please send those requests directly to their classroom teacher. If your child attends the Middle or High School school, please email the help desk directly.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate these difficult times.

Chris Bieghler, Director of Technology

Email: bieghlerc@bfschools.org

---

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to navigate through this historic time. The purpose of this email to hopefully answer many of your questions. To ensure we have an opportunity to address questions that may arise as we work through challenges, we ask that you please utilize an electronic form to submit questions. This form, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, will be posted on our website at www.bfschools.org/coronavirus. Although it is tempting to go to social media with questions, it is essential that questions are directed to the district so that accurate information can be provided and rumors can be avoided.

 

Schools & Facilities Closed

In accordance with Governor Reynolds’s recommendation that Iowa schools close for four weeks to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Bondurant-Farrar schools and facilities will be closed and the district has canceled all programs, activities, and classes effective immediately. The earliest students could possibly return is Monday, April 13. (Please note, this date may be extended based on advice from Governor Reynolds.) Bondurant-Farrar is following the advice and has canceled all programs, activities, and classes effective immediately. 

 

Nutrition

During the school closure, Bondurant-Farrar will provide an opportunity for families to pick up grab-and-go meals for their children ages 1 to 18 years of age. This program will be solely for pickup of meals, and meals will not be consumed on-site. All children must be present in order for meals to be provided. We encourage families to continue to be proactive in reducing the risk of COVID-19 by being mindful of social distancing, limit the number of individuals at the table to less than four at a time, and not congregate at the site once meals have been distributed. The well-being of our students, especially those who may be food-insecure, is top of mind as we work to provide this important service to the families within our communities.

• Country Living Mobile Park (6930 NE 56th Street, Altoona, IA 50009) 
• Weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays beginning March 23, between 11:30-12:00PM
• We will be delivering a total of 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches per child per week.
• Monday - 2 lunches, 2 breakfasts
• Wednesday- 2 lunches, 2 breakfasts 
• Friday - 1 lunch, 1 breakfast

 

Additionally, students can utilize meals provided by other area districts: 

• Des Moines Public Schools
• Saydel Community Schools
• Southeast Polk Community Schools

 

There are several food pantries in the area: 

• https://www.foodbankiowa.org/  
• https://www.dmarcunited.org/food/pantry-locations/ 
• https://www.caringhandsiowa.org/  

 

Picking Up Medicine

Families who may need to pick up medication should email their building nurse. They will coordinate a time for you to be able to stop by and pick up your student’s medicine by March 24.

• Morris Elementary: williamsond@bfschools.org
• Anderson Elementary: porterj@bfschools.org
• Middle School: mathisl@bfschools.org
• High School: higginsj@bfschools.org

 

Student Learning & Supports

Our first priority is the social-emotional well-being of all of our students. Starting next week, when our teachers and counselors are available, they will be reaching out to set up a time to visit with students either via phone or electronically.    

 

On Monday, March 23 a document will be shared with a list of online resources for your child. Although participation online is not required, it is one way to engage students in learning while they are at home. If students are needing a password reset, please have them fill out this form. 

 

More information from the Iowa Department of Education is linked regarding: 

• Online learning requirements
• Graduation
• School lunches
• Special Education

 

Technology Access

During their initial contact with parents and students, teachers will be asking a series of questions, including if your student has access to a household technology device. If there is a need, a device may be issued to your family to ensure students have access to online learning opportunities. Please be sure to communicate this need to your student’s teacher.   

 

With the shift to online communication and learning, we understand families may not have access to the internet. Several providers are offering free or discounted services due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Please note, the district is not endorsing these providers and encourages families to fully investigate options before opting-in. 

• AT&T
• Mediacom
• Sprint
• Verizon

 

Additional Cancellation Information

All IHSAA and IGHSAU sports are now in a prohibited period for practice, competition, and sanctioned activity until the state’s K-12 school recommended closure of four weeks is lifted. This prohibition means no in-person contact between coaches/administrators and student-athletes for the duration of the period. For more information visit their website. 

---

We have received a few inquires on the status of our schools. You can be assured that the district will be closed until at least April 12th, meaning the earliest students could possibly return is Monday, April 13th. We will hold an emergency board meeting on March 19th to officially approve the closure and review challenges. I apologize for any confusion.

 

Some of the things we have been working through include:

• Options to best support ALL students academically as well as addressing social-emotional needs.
• Ways for parents to pick up student medications from our nurses.
• Ways to provide breakfast and lunch for students during our closure. The district may not qualify to do so based on the level of need.
• A plan for the full sanitation of our buildings and transportation fleet.
• Ways to financially support hourly staff who are not able to work during the closure. Each and every staff member is critical to our success.
• Opportunities to engage and support our teachers during this time.

 

What can we do as a community to support our students? First, please be patient. There are more questions than answers in our world at the moment. If you have a specific need or question, the best way is to communicate directly with building administrators via email, or me if it is a general district question. Not all staff will be available during spring break and we will do our best to be responsive to your needs.

 

Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate this difficult time. We appreciate your support and understanding.

---

Governor Reynolds has announced that she is recommending Iowa schools close for four (4) weeks due to community spread of the COVID-19 virus. You can review the full statement from the Governor's office: https://governor.iowa.gov/press-release/gov-reynolds-recommends-iowa-schools-close-for-four-weeks-will-hold-a-press-0 

 

Our district leaders will be meeting this week to determine the next steps for our district based on the recommendations. The Governor plans to announce greater detail tomorrow. The district will communicate once we know more. In the short term that means our schools are inaccessible, meaning all offices are closed to the public, except for designated staff. For now, all athletic practices, activities, and building rentals are canceled effective immediately. Please know we are working through options for our staff, students, and families and will provide additional information soon. The COVID-19 virus pandemic and our state’s response have continued to evolve as the situation progresses. We will communicate details that more clearly define school closure expectations once they are established.

 

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility during this difficult time.

---

 

In light of recent university and public school closures, the Des Moines metro area school districts want to assure our families and communities that normal operations will continue for the time being. We also know and understand that our plans could change upon the direction of the Iowa Department of Public Health.

 

While our overarching objective is to keep students and staff members safe, we also acknowledge that we have a social responsibility to ensure the continuity of education for our students. The Iowa Department of Public Health has asserted that the risk to students and staff is minimal at this time and they do not believe that the current situation warrants closing.

 

In the event that the Iowa Department of Public Health determines that there is a need for closures or other actions, the school districts will coordinate to respond and communicate additional information at that time.

 

As districts, we are working to be proactive and preventative, while operating in a state of preparedness. We are in constant communication with the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Education. Moving forward, we will continue to partner with and follow the guidance of these agencies. For reference, the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus can be found via the Iowa Department of Public Health Coronavirus and the Centers for Disease Control-Coronavirus.

 

The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority. We all have procedures in place as part of our district emergency operating plan[s] to handle situations regarding the spread of illness.

 

As stated before, to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, the CDC recommends the following actions:

• Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water. If unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

 

SPRING BREAK TRAVEL - As we head into spring break we encourage families to reach out to local public health departments and the CDC for the most up-to-date travel information available. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with our partners. The link below provides additional information from the Polk County Health Department regarding travel during spring break. We ask that anyone who travels to high-risk areas over spring break notify the district before returning to school.
https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/media/616252/spring-break-communication.pdf

 

Whether you travel or not during spring break, if a student or staff member is sick following the break, please do not come to school.

 

We understand that this is a very fluid situation. If for some reason we need to change our plans, we will communicate the update as soon as possible.

 

We appreciate your understanding. We hope you are able to enjoy your Spring Break. Unless something changes, we look forward to seeing everyone on Monday, March 23.

Footnote: The following school leaders collaborated on this topic and communication.

• Brad Buck, Waukee CSD
• Laura Kacer, Johnston CSD
• Todd Martin, Saydel CSD
• Bryce Amos, Carlisle CSD
• Rich Powers, Bondurant-Farrar CSD
• Tony Aylsworth, Pleasantville CSD
• Matt Adams, Woodward-Granger CSD
• Greg Dufoe, ADM CSD
• Deron Durflinger, Van Meter CSD
• Dan Mart, North Polk CSD
• D.T. Magee, Norwalk CSD
• Bruce Kimpston, Ankeny CSD
• Lisa Remy, West Des Moines CSD
• Dirk Halupnik, Southeast Polk CSD
• Scott Grimes, DallasCenter-Grimes CSD
• Ottie Maxey, Ballard CSD
• Brad Jermeland, PCM CSD
• Susie Meade, Winterset CSD
• Jon Sheldahl, Heartland AEA

---

We want to take a moment and update everyone on our plans to address the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) virus. You may be aware that the Des Moines Public School District recently shared its plan to close schools and resume all classes on Monday, March 30. It is important to know that the Department of Public Health is not, at this time, recommending school closures. Please understand that this situation can change rapidly. We are expecting an update with guidance from the Iowa Department of Education and the Department of Public Health regarding schools and COVID-19 tomorrow. As a school district, we are not experts on public health and will defer to those trained to guide our decisions. We will keep our students, staff, and families well-being as our top priority during this process. We will communicate information as it becomes available.

 

Please see the attached IDPH COVID-19 PK-12 School Guidance document for your information.

---

With flu season underway and concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to take this opportunity to provide information about how to practice good hygiene, what to do if you or someone you know begins to develop cold or flu-like symptoms, and actions the district is taking to minimize the spread of germs. 

 

Consistent with the CDC recommendations, we encourage our staff, students, and families to practice these hygiene habits:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Use “respiratory etiquette,” meaning cover coughs with a tissue or sleeve. See CDC’s Cover Your Cough page. Use tissues and dispose of them immediately.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

 

If you or a child develop cold or flu-like symptoms, please protect others by following these guidelines:

• Stay home while you are sick, especially if you have a fever, and do not return until the fever has subsided for at least 24 hours without medication.
• Avoid close contact with others.
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

 

Staff members routinely clean and wipedown classrooms and high-traffic areas within buildings. The district has also invested in additional cleaning supplies for each classroom and office to aid in reducing the spread of germs amongst students and staff.

 

In regard to concerns about the coronavirus, there are no confirmed cases in Iowa to date. We will continue to monitor this in our school health offices, and with guidance from county, state, and federal health agencies. The risk of contracting the coronavirus in Iowa is currently considered low. 

 

If you are concerned about any symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider for care and treatment. 

 

For more information about the coronavirus, please refer to these agencies:

• Polk County Health Department
• Iowa Department of Public Health
• Centers for Disease Control
• CDC Coronavirus Info

---

This would best be answered by your individual teacher. Your principals can assist as needed. 

Yes, contact your building administrators. Each school sent out specific times and dates to allow students a time to collect any needed items. 

This is not a school-sponsored trip. We would recommend contacting Mrs. Heiter for details on how this may be handled. Her email is sraheiter@gmail.com. 

PLEASE keep in mind, this is subject to change. We hope to add another location and allow kids to receive multiple days of food, we first need approval from the Deptartment of Agriculture. 

UPDATE - A second location has been added and will be available beginning Wednesday, March 25, 2020. 

• Country Living Mobile Park (6930 NE 56th Street, Altoona)
• Morris Elementary (700 Garfield Street SW, Bondurant)

At this time, we do not have the option to deliver meals. We are looking at ways to address this and things could rapidly change with the state. We have asked The Department of Agriculture for additional flexibility. You may consider reviewing the food pantry options below which may be helpful as some may be able to assist with delivery. 

Please refer to the response in question #4. 

Teachers and hourly contracted staff will be paid during this three-week closure. The days will not be made up. Many of our staff are working remotely and essential staff is on-site as needed. Teachers and staff are contacting students to first check on their wellness and eventually engage academically. All student activities are optional. Our hope is to provide any needed support to students as best we can during this difficult time. 

Thank you, but at this time we are providing students who don't have a device at home, a school device. This is being handled through calls from our teachers.

A resource was sent to all parents on March 23rd with online resources organized by grade span and content area. 

• That document can also be found here: Websites to support learning at home
• UPDATE: On March 31, 2020 the Iowa Department of Education provided a list of Resources to Support Learning During COVID-19.

A community member and registered nurse, Heather Wendt, shared a video produced by UnityPoint Health and Blank Children's Hospital. It does a great job of highlighting various points. 

Watch here: https://www.unitypoint.org/blankchildrens/article.aspx?id=fa8743eb-cf7c-4a07-acfa-18b7ae9021f9&How+to+Talk+to+Your+Child+about+COVID-19