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Community School District
NEWSLETTER
From the Superintendent's Desk...
District Web Site
We recognize our district web site is in need of improvement. Having four
separate schools, we are considering a more building-based approach to better
serve students and families. We have a team assembled to survey community
members, consider improvements, and review options. Our goal is to have a plan
in place by the end of the year and hopefully a new site in place for the 2015-16
school year.
School Calendar Survey
Thanks to everyone who participated in our calendar survey, it provided valuable
feedback that will guide future calendar planning. I would like to thank Mr.
Carlson, our middle school principal, and Jessica Hartgers in our district office
for their work on this. The results are available at the back of this newsletter on
page 7.
School Calendar Drafts
We have created a calendar draft that complies with the law and begins on Aug.
29 for the 2015-16 school year. If the law changes, we have an option beginning
on Aug. 24 that the board may consider at a future date. The calendar options are
included at the back of the newsletter on pages 8 and 9. Please remember that
the calendar drafts are only a starting point and are subject to public comment as
well as final board approval. The calendars will be officially shared with the board
at the March 23rd meeting. This meeting includes a segment to allow public
comment. We recognize that attending a board meeting may not fit into everyone's
calendar, to accommodate community members I will be compiling comments for
the board to review. Please feel free to email comments to me at
[email protected]
Make-up Days
We have had to cancel school due to severe weather on two occasions as of March
2nd. We will be re-coding our spring conferences to count as one of the days as
allowed by the state. The second day will be made up on May 26.
Winter Weather Schedule Adjustments
In the future, if we have a 2-hour weather delay on a Monday we will dismiss
school at 3:30 p.m. and cancel the early release we typically have scheduled for
teacher training. Again, this is only in the event we have a late start for weather
on a Monday. We would not want to have a late start and an early release on a
Monday, as this would result in less than four hours of instruction once lunch is
factored in.
Sincerely,
Rich Powers, Superintendent of Schools
March 2015
DIRECTORY:
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS:
Chris Freese, President
Tom Looft, Vice President
Kristin Swift
Susan Ugulini
Steve Davis
DISTRICT & BUSINESS OFFICE:
515-967-7819
Superintendent: Rich Powers
Curriculum Director: Becky Durand
Support Services: Paul Mills
Business Manager: Jared Abel
Food Service Diretor: Dave Walker
MORRIS ELEMENTARY:
515-967-6361
Principal: Ben Anderson
Assoc. Prin: Kevin VanderLinden
Secretary: Natalie Wilson
ANDERSON ELEMENTARY:
515-967-7494
Principal: Mel Hewitt
Assoc. Prin.: Kevin VanderLinden
Secretary: Julie Hall
MIDDLE SCHOOL:
515-967-3711
Principal: Chad Carlson
Assoc. Prin./AD: Jeremiah Ostrem
Secretary: Holly Roby
HIGH SCHOOL:
515-957-8191
Principal: Mike Kramer
Assoc. Prin./AD: Maury Ruble
Secretary: Sara Ballard
Athletic Secretary: Holly Keuning
TRANSPORTATION:
515-967-2891
Transport. Director: Rick Sullivan
WEBSITE:
www.bondurant.k12.ia.us
BUILDING NEWS
Bondurant's B.E.S.T.
2
M.S. Student Council Trip:
A new program was started this year at Morris and
Anderson using a clip system. This program is
comprised of five levels. Every student starts their day
off of ready to learn. Throughout the day, as they display
B.E.S.T. behavior they are allowed to move their clip up.
After warnings and expectations have been established,
students will be directed to move their clip down. This
new clip system is a part of our school-wide initiative
that promotes positive behavior expectations, also known
as Bondurant’s B.E.S.T.
Bondurant’s B.E.S.T. is defined as when staff members
spend extensive time teaching desired behaviors (in
order to prevent bad behaviors) versus focusing on the
punishment of undesired behaviors. Staff members are
encouraged to reward students with a BEST ticket when
they are observed being kind and respectful, putting
forth excellent effort, exhibiting safe behaviors, or being
responsible. Every Friday at Anderson Elementary, a
BEST ticket drawing is held and five students from
each grade level are rewarded for showing Bondurant’s
BEST. These students receive a certificate and the choice
of a prize from the Bondurant’s BEST prize cart. Please
encourage your child/children to show their Bondurant’s
BEST!
M.S. Literature & Lunch:
The MS Library celebrated literature and new books with
a free lunch for a few students on February 11th. It was
a great opportunity for librarians to connect with rapid
readers and to spend time with students that deserve a
bit of extra attention. After lunch, students had time to
browse through the new book collection.
Bondurant-Farrar’s 6th and 7th grade Student Council
members traveled to Washington D.C. in early February
to participate in the LEAD Conference.
Over a thousand students from 32 states and 8 different
countries attended the conference, with 8 of those
students representing Bondurant-Farrar’s finest. The
LEAD (Leadership Experience and Development)
Conference focuses on improving student’s leadership
skills through breakout sessions and hands-on activities.
The conference covered topics such as how to help
students feel more connected to school, taking risks to
stand up for their beliefs, overcoming challenges that
student leaders face, fundraising strategies, and activity
ideas.
Students enjoyed meeting new people, getting fresh ideas
to bring back to their school, and learning that sometimes
being a leader is tough, but that they feel more confident
being in that role with what they were taught at the
LEAD Conference. Outside of the conference, students
had the opportunity to visit many attractions including
the White House, Smithsonian, Washington Monument,
Lincoln Memorial, and MLK Memorial.
BUILDING NEWS
National Reading Day:
3
H.S. Student Council:
The H.S. Student Council raised money the week
before winter break by playing annoying music before
class, during passing time, and throughout the lunch
period. Each day, an annoying song would repeat on the
announcement system until the monetary goal of $100
per day was met. The money raised was used to pay
for meals to families in need in our community during
the holiday and for a donation to the Freedom for Youth
organization in Mitchellville.
The picture shows the presentation of the check to Site
Director, Shannon DeLouis on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014,
at the Mitchellville location.
In honor of National Reading Day on January 23rd,
Morris and Anderson elementaries invited a special guest
to celebrate! Non-fiction author, Kate Riggs, talked to
students about the process that goes into publishing a
book and then read "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible,
No Good, Very Bad Day" to the group. Happy Reading!
Jayz Elite Danz Team:
The Jayz Elite Danz Team sent six members to the Iowa
State Dance and Drill Team Association’s (ISDTA) State
Solo contest in November. Team members competed
in Class IV which consisted of 57 competitors from 17
different high schools. Senior, Lupita Mejia, sophomores,
Faith Benson, Amanda Demers, Holly Haines, and
freshman, Kayleigh Clark all received a division I rating
for their performances. Senior, Kinzee Epperly received
a division II rating for her performance. Sophomore,
Amanda Demers was awarded a 12th place overall
trophy.
From left to right: Kayleigh Clark, Amanda Demers, Holly
Haines, Lupita Mejia, Faith Benson, and Kinzee Epperly.
Left to right
are: President
Olivia Denham,
Shannon DeLouis,
Vice President
Emily Wilson and
Secretary Annika
Ekstam.
H.S. Cheerleaders Perform:
Congratulations to the H.S. cheerleaders for an excellent
half time performance! The group was selected by
Worldstrides Heritage to perform at the Holiday Bowl
football game in San Diego, California on December 27,
2014.
The performers are: (front row) Lydia Shinogle, Natalie
Hale, Samantha Dewey, Isla Ekstam. (back row) Lindsey
Ross, Carrie Norton, Star Farrell, Kiersten Kreuder.
DISTRICT NEWS
4
Kindness Week:
Anderson and Morris Elementary Schools celebrated
Kindness Week during the week of February 23rd. Staff
and students used the week to step out of their normal
routines and encourage/attempt acts of kindness all
week long! It was a great opportunity to emphasize the
importance of being a caring individual and at the same
time, discourage and deter unkind, hurtful behaviors.
Students also celebrated each day of the week with a fun,
kindness-related theme.
Monday, 2/23: "Count on Kindness" Jersey day
Tuesday, 2/24: "It's No Sweat to be Kind" Sweat Pants
Wednesday, 2/25: "Crazy about Kindness" Crazy Hair
Thursday, 2/26: "Hats Off to Kindness" Hat Day
Friday, 2/27: "Bluejays are Kind" Bluejay Attire
Kindess Week doesn't stop after 5 days. Each grade level
will be participating in a service project through Friday,
March 13th. Please see the list below for a description of
these fun and meaningful activities.
Kindergarten: Supporting the United Way of Central
Iowa's Women's Leadership Connection by bringing new
and/or gently used children's books to school.
Student Council
supported Kindness
Week by making
posters and posing
with signs that
display random acts
of kindness, then
placing the signs
around the building.
Four B-F
kindergarten
teachers
participating in
"Crazy about
Kindness" day on
Wednesday. We
love the outfits,
Ladies!
First Grade: Supporting literacy programs at Blank
Children's Hospital by donating new and/or gently used
books.
Students at
Anderson show
their support
on "Hats Off to
Kindness" day.
Second Grade: Participating in the Cell Phone for
Soldiers program by donating old/used cell phones, with
proceeds being used to purchase calling cards for activeduty military members.
Third Grade: Supporting Blank Children's Hospital by
donating new/gently used books, new batteries, new
markers, and new DVDs and video games.
Fourth Grade: Supporting Furry Friends Refuge, a
no-kill animal shelter that helps area animals in need.
Students can donate cat/kitten food, dog/puppy food,
blankets, leashes, collars, and other items.
Fifth Grade: Participating in the Cell Phone for Soldiers
program by donating old/used cell phones, with proceeds
being used to purchase calling cards for active-duty
military members.
Triplets! Morris
guidance counselor,
Mrs. Barber,
pictured with two
fellow Chicago
Bears fans on "Count
on Kindness" day.
DISTRICT NEWS
5
Olivia Denham NAMED "STUDENT OF THE YEAR" BY CITY:
Congratulations to B-F senior, Olivia Denham, who was
named "Student of the Year" by the City of Bondurant!
The award is granted to one student who has shown
responsibility in his or her personal and school life. He or
she should have a record of assisting and volunteering in the
Bondurant community and been involved in more than one
area of community interest.
Olivia has a reputaiont with teachers for being a reliable
student, which is directly reflected in her strong GPA. She is
well-liked by both classmates and adults, very personable and
candid in her conversations. Olivia's involvement in athletics
has led to a greater understanding of her classroom success, as
she is not only a relentless worker, but also a competitor. She
practices with great effort each day, taking to the competitive
arena with tenacity, yet while always displaying outstanding
sportsmanship. She treats her teammates and opponents
alike with respect at all times.
Pictured Above: Maury Ruble (H.S. Assistant
Principal/A.D.), and Olivia Denham
Olivia Denham is a true example of Bondurant's BEST.
Emily Knuth - FINALIST FOR E. WAYNE COOLEY SCHOLARSHIP:
The E. Wayne Cooley Scholarship Award was established in 1993 as a tribute to the man who served as Executive
Director of the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union from 1954 through 2002. The recipient of this award is
recognized as being representative of the most elite of the superlative Iowa Girl, not only on the playing field,
but also in the classroom, in her school and in her community. Her profile will reflect discipline, perseverance,
character, citizenship and leadership, which personified the life and expectations of E. Wayne Cooley. B-F senior,
Emily Knuth was selected as one of only five finalists for this scholarship, an honor in itself. As a result of being
nominated, Emily received a $1,000 scholarship grant.
Emily has been a great representative for our school in interscholastic athletics. Her involvement in that arena has
led to a greater understanding of her classroom success. Emily can always be counted on to give maximum effort and
lead from the positive. She practices with great effort each
day, and competes with a full heart while always displaying
outstanding sportsmanship. She treats her teammates and
opponents with respect and is a model for leadership.
In the classroom, Emily is second to none. She is reliable,
respectful, disciplined, and a pleasure to be around. She will
complete this year as the Valedictorian of the BondurantFarrar Class of 2015 having maintained a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA for four years. She scored incredibly well on
her ACT exam and will move on to her collegiate studies with
an impressive high school record.
Please join us in congratulating Emily!
Pictured: Maury Ruble (H.S. Asst. Princ./A.D.), and Emily Knuth
DISTRICT NEWS
6
B-F Community Page:
Building Newsletters:
For the most up to date information on fundraisers and
community events, please check out the Community
page on the district's website: www.bondurant.k12.ia.us
In efforts to stay well-connected, schools are now
sending out building newsletters to families via email.
These newsletters contain information that is pertinent
to each respective building. The district newsletter,
which is what you are reading now, will not only contain
information that applies to the entire community, but
also showcase select building news.
PARTY OF BLUE JAYS 2015: Save the date! Saturday,
April 25th from 5-10pm at the Courtyard Marriot in
Ankeny. See the Community page for ticket information
and other details.
PRE-SCHOOL APPLICATION DEADLINE: In
preparation for the 2015-16 school year, we are taking
applications for the openings in the three and four-year
old classrooms. Applications must be received at school
or postmarked on or before March 13 to be considered
for the lottery. See the Community page for more details
and to download the application.
OTHER INFORMATION ON COMMUNITY PAGE:
• Breakfast/Lunch Menus
• Bricks 4 Kidz
• Fine Arts Booster Fundraiser
• And More!
Empolyment Opportunities:
The Bondurant - Farrar CSD is currently hiring for the
following positions:
• BUS DRIVERS
• SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Apply online at www.bondurant.k12.ia.us
(click on the "Employment" tab to see all openings)
The B-F CSD also accepts applications for
substitute food service, custodial, para/associate, and
transportation positions.
Call Human Resources at
515-967-7819 with questions.
EEO/AA
If you are a parent/guardian who has not received a
building newsletter via email, please contact your
building secretary at the numbers listed on the front
page.
Please Note: Newsletters
are typically sent out the
last week of each month.
M.S. Student Published Article:
Bondurant-Farrar Middle School’s very own Natalie
McDaniels is a published author! Natalie was notified
in January that her story “Always an Iowa Girl” would
appear in the February/March 2015 edition of Our Iowa
magazine. Natalie, now a 7th grader, was thrilled to hear
the news. She shared that this was a “dream come true”
and a great start in her goal to pursue a career as a writer.
Natalie’s story starts out as a memoir of 5th grade when
a teacher asked her class what state they wanted to live
in when they grew up. Without hesitation, Natalie said
“Iowa.” The rest of her story she shares her memories
and what it means to live in Iowa. These include family
traditions, as well as, summer and winter activities.
M.S. teacher, Mrs. Wilson, encouraged Natalie to
revise her story and helped her submit it to Our Iowa
for consideration. Natalie continues her writing pursuits
this year as a chief contributor
of the middle school newspaper
as well as having her own blog.
Congratulations to Natalie, a
great example of Bondurant’s
BEST!
DISTRICT NEWS
7
Bondurant - Farrar Community School District
SCHOOL CALENDAR SURVEY
February 2015
Which of the following best describes you?
Community Member
Parent/Guardian
Staff Member
TOTAL
Responses
8
513
96
617
Percentage
1.30%
83.14%
15.56%
100.00%
My preference for Thanksgiving break is:
No preference
No school the Wednesday before Thanksgiving
School in session the Wednesday before Thanksgiving
TOTAL
Responses
140
271
206
617
Percentage
22.69%
43.92%
33.39%
100.00%
My preference for Winter break is:
Begin break on December 23
Begin break on December 24
No preference
TOTAL
Responses
372
182
63
617
Percentage
60.29%
29.50%
10.21%
100.00%
My preference for Spring break is:
5 week days in mid-March that aligns with metro school districts
Less than 5 week days in mid-March, but aligning with metro school districts
Less than 5 week days in late March/early April
No Spring break
No preference
TOTAL
Responses
321
52
97
71
76
617
Percentage
52.03%
8.43%
15.72%
11.51%
12.32%
100.00%
My preference for the school start/finish date is:
Start 3rd week of August, approx. finish 3rd week of May
Start 4th week of August, approx. finish 4th week of May
Start after August 31st, approx. finish in early June
No preference
TOTAL
Responses
107
325
159
26
617
Percentage
17.34%
52.67%
25.77%
4.21%
100.00%
My preference for release time for teacher professional development is:
Early dismissal
Late start (Approximately 90 minutes later than a typical day)
No preference
TOTAL
Responses
454
74
89
617
Percentage
73.58%
11.99%
14.42%
100.00%
DISTRICT NEWS
8
2015-2016 8/31 Start (Assumes no waiver)
August
Summary of Calendar
Days in classroom:
First Semester . . . . . . 90
Second Semester . . . . . 90
TOTAL DAYS
180
CALENDAR LEGEND
Start/End/Qtr.
P/T Conf.
No School/PD
Holidays
Vacation Days
HOLIDAYS:
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
180
5
10
195
(9/7)
(11/26)
(12/25)
(1/1)
(5/30)
Student Days
Paid Holidays
Contract PD Days*
Teacher Contract Days
*2 additional PD days will occur
outside of this calendar as
determined by each building.
Every Monday will be used for
professional development.
School will be dismissed at
2:00 p.m. each Monday.
Dismissal times may vary
slightly by building.
Snow Make-Up Days:
M
T
03
04
10
11
17
18
24
25
31
September
01
07
08
14
15
21
22
28
29
October
W
05
12
19
26
02
09
16
23
30
Th
06
13
20
27
F
07
14
21
28
Student
Days/Hours
180 Day Calendar
Date
Events
Aug. 24-25
Aug. 26-28
Aug. 31
New Teachers
Pre-Service PD
st
Begin 1 Semester
Sept. 7
Labor Day (No School)
Oct. 19,22
Secondary P/T Conferences
2:00 Dismissal
PD (No School)
1
03
10
17
24
04
11
18
25
5
9
14
19
22
05
06
12
13
19
20
26
27
November
02
03
09
10
16
17
23
24
30
December
01
07
08
14
15
21
22
28
29
January
07
14
21
28
01
08
15
22
29
02
09
16
23
30
24
29
34
38
43
04
11
18
25
05
12
19
26
06
13
20
27
48
53
58
60
61
02
09
16
23
30
03
10
17
24
31
04
11
18
25
65
70
75
77
04
05
11
12
18
19
25
26
February
01
02
08
09
15
16
22
23
29
March
01
07
08
14
15
21
22
28
29
April
06
13
20
27
07
14
21
28
01
08
15
22
29
82
87
92
97
03
10
17
24
04
11
18
25
05
12
19
26
102
106
111
116
117
02
09
16
23
30
03
10
17
24
31
04
11
18
25
121
125
130
134
04
11
18
25
May
02
09
16
23
30
June
05
12
19
26
06
13
20
27
07
14
21
28
01
08
15
22
29
135
140
145
149
154
03
10
17
24
31
04
11
18
25
05
12
19
26
06
13
20
27
159
164
169
174
175
06
13
07
14
01
08
15
02
09
16
03
10
17
178
180
Oct. 23
st
Nov. 3
Nov. 9,12
End 1 Qtr. (45 Days)
Elementary P/T Confernces
2:00 Dismissal
Nov. 26
Nov. 25,27
Thanksgiving Holiday
Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 23-31
Dec. 25
Winter Break (No School)
Christmas Holiday
Jan 1
Jan 20
New Year’s Day (No School)
st
End 1 Semester (90 Days)
Feb. 12
PD (No School)
Mar. 7, 10
Mar. 11
Mar. 14-18
P/T Conferences
2:00 Dismissal
Teacher Comp Day (No School)
Spring Break
Apr. 1
Apr. 18
End 3 Qtr. (45 days)
PD (No School)
May 30
Memorial Day Holiday
June 7
June 8, 9
End 4 Qtr/2
PD
rd
th
nd
Sem. (90 days)
DISTRICT NEWS
9
2015-2016 8/24 Start (Assuming Waiver/Law Change)
August
Summary of Calendar
Days in classroom:
First Semester . . . . . . 90
Second Semester . . . . . 90
TOTAL DAYS
180
CALENDAR LEGEND
Start/End/Qtr.
P/T Conf.
No School/PD
Holidays
Vacation Days
HOLIDAYS:
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
180
5
10
195
(9/7)
(11/26)
(12/25)
(1/1)
(5/30)
Student Days
Paid Holidays
Contract PD Days*
Teacher Contract Days
*2 additional PD days will occur
outside of this calendar as
determined by each building.
Every Monday will be used for
professional development.
School will be dismissed at
2:00 p.m. each Monday.
Dismissal times may vary
slightly by building.
Snow Make-Up Days:
M
T
03
04
10
11
17
18
24
25
30
September
01
07
08
14
15
21
22
28
29
October
W
05
12
19
26
02
09
16
23
30
Th
06
13
20
27
F
07
14
21
28
Student
Days/Hours
180 Day Calendar
Date
Events
Aug. 17-18
Aug. 19-21
Aug. 24
New Teachers
Pre-Service PD
st
Begin 1 Semester
Sept. 7
Labor Day (No School)
Oct. 12, 15
5
6
03
10
17
24
04
11
18
25
10
14
19
24
27
05
06
12
13
19
20
26
27
November
02
03
09
10
16
17
23
24
30
December
01
07
08
14
15
21
22
28
29
January
07
14
21
28
01
08
15
22
29
02
09
16
23
30
29
34
39
44
49
Oct. 16
Secondary P/T Conferences
2:00 Dismissal
PD (No School)
Oct. 26
End 1 Qtr. (45 Days)
04
11
18
25
05
12
19
26
06
13
20
27
54
58
63
65
66
Nov. 9,12
Nov. 26
Nov. 25,27
Elementary P/T Conferences
2:00 Dismissal
Thanksgiving Holiday
Thanksgiving Break
02
09
16
23
30
03
10
17
24
31
04
11
18
25
70
75
80
82
Dec. 23-31
Dec. 25
Winter Break (No School)
Christmas Holiday
04
05
11
12
18
19
25
26
February
01
02
08
09
15
16
22
23
29
March
01
07
08
14
15
21
22
28
29
April
06
13
20
27
07
14
21
28
01
08
15
22
29
87
92
96
101
Jan 1
Jan. 13
Jan 18
New Year’s Day (No School)
nd
st
End 2 Qtr./1 Sem (90 days)
PD (No School)
03
10
17
24
04
11
18
25
05
12
19
26
106
111
116
120
121
Feb. 29
Mar. 3
P/T Conferences
2:00 Dismissal
02
09
16
23
30
03
10
17
24
31
04
11
18
25
125
130
Mar. 4
Mar. 14-18
Mar. 25
Teacher Comp Day
Spring Break
rd
End 3 Qtr. (45 days)
Apr. 18
PD (No School)
May 30
May 31
Memorial Day Holiday
th
nd
End 4 Qtr/2 Sem. (90 days)
June 1, 2
PD
135
139
04
11
18
25
May
02
09
16
23
30
June
05
12
19
26
06
13
20
27
07
14
21
28
01
08
15
22
29
140
145
150
154
159
03
10
17
24
31
04
11
18
25
05
12
19
26
06
13
20
27
164
169
174
179
06
13
07
14
01
08
15
02
09
16
03
10
17
st
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FYI... For the Spring Newsletter
Be sure to follow the district on Twitter and "like" us
on Facebook for updates and annoucements. With
the winter weather season quickly approaching look
for posts regarding weather-related delays and/or
cancellations on the district social media accounts.
The next newsletter deadline is March 25, 2015. Only
information related to school activities are published. If you
have any questions, please call the District Office at 9677819. Print copies are available only upon request.
FACEBOOK: You can find us on Facebook
by searching "Bondurant-Farrar Community
Schools (Official)"
TWITTER: You can find us on Twitter by
searching "@BF_District"
The newsletter and athletic schedules can be found at the
Bondurant-Farrar home page listed below:
www.bondurant.k12.ia.us
The Altoona Herald-Mitchellville Index newspaper reports
weekly on the athletic events of the Bondurant-Farrar teams.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE:
Please contact your building principal with any
behavioral issues that occur on the bus.
For all other transportation concerns please contact
Melissa Jurgensen, transportation secretary, at
[email protected] or
515-967-7819. Thank you!
REQUIRED STATEMENTS
The Bondurant – Farrar Community School District does not discriminate
on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity,
sexual orientation, marital status, national/ethnic origin, socio economic
status, genetic information or disability.