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Newsletter: April 29, 2026

Calendar Adjustments for Next School Year

for display purposes only faded image of calendar with "updated" written overtop to serve as notification for calendar change

Earlier this year, the board approved the school calendar for the 2026-27 school year. Since that time, the district identified a proposed adjustment, reducing the calendar by one student day (from 178 to 177 days) and one teacher professional development day.

Because these were changes to an already approved calendar, the district followed the same process as the original adoption. This included holding a public hearing and bringing the revised calendar to the board for consideration.

The board approved the revised calendar at its April 27 meeting.

Click to view approved calendar for 2026-27 school year

Phone: 515-967-7819

Expanded Bus Coverage for JH + HS Planned for 2026-27

Image of school bus parked in pick-up lane, waiting to take student home from school

Looking ahead to the 2026–27 school year, the district plans to expand Optional Bus Service (OBS) for junior high and high school students living in several developments on the west side of town near the newest Casey’s. These neighborhoods include Bluejay Landing, Edgeland Townhomes, Efnor Estates, Harvest Meadows, Mallard Pointe, and Quail Run.

Based on current ridership trends, the district anticipates being able to offer this service on a single route, with capacity for approximately 48 secondary students (grades 7–12).

Click to view map of anticipated new 7-12 OBS area

Transportation registration for the 2026–27 school year will open July 1, 2026.

Phone: 515-967-7819

Grant Street Traffic Study Planned for May 5

The City of Bondurant is beginning a traffic study along Grant Street to better understand current conditions and identify potential improvements. As part of this work, their civil engineering team will be observing traffic patterns on Tuesday, May 5, using both street-level observations and drones.

Families may notice individuals in high-visibility vests and drones in the area during this time. This work is part of the study. There is no cause for concern.

Phone: 515-967-7819

Groundbreaking Marks Start of New Elementary

The district recently celebrated the groundbreaking of our new elementary school, set to open in fall 2027. 

Designed to serve preschool, developmental kindergarten, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten students, this new building will create much-needed space and flexibility at Morris and Anderson Elementary schools while shifting more than 300 students from the Garfield Campus. Beginning in 2027, grade configurations will adjust with the new school serving PK-K, Morris Elementary serving grades 1-2, and Anderson Elementary serving grades 3-4. 

The building was thoughtfully designed with input from staff and with future expansion in mind, allowing for the potential to serve as a possible PK-4 neighborhood school down the road. Its unique layout, inspired by a railroad switch, reflects a meaningful connection to our community’s history.

Representatives from the school district, city of Bondurant, construction management team, and architect firm stand for a photo with shovels and hard hats at site of new elementary

VOTE: Help Name Our New Elementary School

The new elementary school needs a name and we’re inviting our community to be part of the process! Early on, we made the decision to focus on names that reflect Bondurant’s identity rather than naming the school after an individual. With input from the Bondurant Historical Society, themes like our Bluejay mascot, agricultural roots, prairie landscape, and railroad history helped guide the work.

After reviewing a larger list of ideas, three potential names have been identified: Harvest Crossing (or Harvest) Elementary, Tailfeather Elementary, and Tallgrass Elementary - each representing a unique part of our community’s story.

Learn more about each option in our short video and cast your vote!

We want to hear from you! Community feedback will help guide the final recommendation.

Girls Wrestling Program Update: Seeking Lead High School Coaches

BLuejay girls wrestling athlete participating in match versus an opponent.

Bondurant-Farrar is pleased to share an update on the continued growth of our girls wrestling program. Over the past several years, we’ve seen increased interest and participation, and we’re building on that momentum as we look ahead to the 2026–27 season.

Next year, we will continue our varsity partnership with Ankeny while also introducing a new junior varsity (JV) high school team. This addition builds on our junior high program and creates more opportunities for student-athletes to get involved and grow within the sport.

As part of this expansion, we are also seeking coaches to support and develop the program.

Learn more about girls wrestling + this coaching opportunity

Phone: 515-967-7819
 

School-Based Summer Camps: Still Time to Register

Student sitting outside tie dying a t-shirt

Bondurant-Farrar’s summer camp sessions are back for 2026, and there’s still time to register. Open to Bluejay students, each camp is led by a BFCSD educator and designed to spark creativity and imagination.

Sessions are organized by next year’s grade level (listed next to each title). For example, a camp labeled grades 5–8 is for students entering those grades next school year. Camps are $85 per session, with financial assistance available.

Spots are limited, so be sure to check out session offerings and the camp schedule as you make your summer plans.

View 2026 camp sessions and descriptions here

 

Athletics + Activities Camps: Stay Active This Summer

Two Bluejay alum, John Powers and Titus Cram, who now both play football for the UNI Panthers smile for the camera

Stay active this summer with Bondurant-Farrar’s activities and sports camps, led by Bluejay coaches and teams. Camps are open to Bluejay students and focus on skill-building, teamwork, and fun.

View BF Sports + Activities Camps and Register via BOUND 

Special Opportunity: The UNI Panther Football Team will host a camp at the high school for students entering grades 3-8 next year. Bluejay alumni and current UNI players John Powers and Titus Cram will be on-site helping lead the camp. Special offer for Bluejay students: The first 50 to register using the link below can attend this camp for FREE.

Bluejay Students - Register for the UNI Panther Football Camp Here

 

Supporting Safe and Respectful Schools

We know that questions and concerns can arise around bullying and how situations are handled in our schools. We care deeply about the well-being of our students and want to share more about how we approach these situations, as well as how we can continue working together as a community.

Creating a safe and supportive school environment takes all of us. If you have a concern, we encourage you to share it directly so we can follow up, support those involved, and take appropriate action. 
 
Phone: 515-967-7819

Need Help? We're Here for You.

If you have questions or need support, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. We're happy to assist and connect you with the right person. You can find our school directory and key contacts at the link below—we're just a message or call away.