What is it? A free program sponsored by Harvesters. The organization provides students with a bag of food each week that is meant to fill the gap for food needed over a weekend.

Who can join? Any John Nowlin student can request to join. We are allotted a certain number of bags. Initially we will try to limit one bag per family and will sign up students on a first come first serve basis.

How does it work? The food is delivered to the school every Friday, or the last day of a shortened week. The food is in a Walmart sized bag. It will be placed outside of the classroom and students pick up their bag as they leave for the day. Before extended breaks the organization will often send two bags which we try to send home on two separate days.

How do I sign up? Email our school social worker, Ms. Allen.

A few things to remember…if you should participate, please remind your students to bring home their food and not leave it at school or on the bus. Also remind your students that you should look at the food prior to them eating it. The school district does not check for expiration dates and has no way of assuring safety in cases of food allergies.

The music candy bar sale is just around the corner. We are looking for volunteers to assist with the sale. If you are interested, complete the online background screening (information below) and use the link provided to sign up for a volunteer time. Candy bar sale information can be found in the reminder section of the newsletter.

Volunteer link: Volunteers: JNE Music Candy Bar Sale

We're looking for amazing grown-ups — parents, grandparents,

guardians, and/or family friends — to help make this school year AWESOME! Whether you’ve got a little time or a lot, we’d love to have you on board. Just fill out your info below and let us know how you’d like to help. No experience needed — just good vibes and a big heart.

Click the following link to share your information with us! 

Difference Makers is a Blue Springs School District mentoring initiative that connects K-5 students with caring adult volunteers. Difference Makers mentors are positive role models who give their time, energy, and talent to build positive relationships with students and to promote student literacy. If you are interested in being a Difference Maker at John Nowlin Elementary, please contact Jenn Stotler at jstotler@bssd.net or 816-874-3670.

In addition to the Wednesday Update, teacher newsletters, and ParentSquare messages, you can stay up-to-date about JNE news by visiting the JNE website at John Nowlin Elementary - HOME or by following us on Facebook.

JNE Papa John's Night is tonight, September 3rd. Use the coupon code below and a percentage of sales will be donated to JNE.

Fall picture day is September 11th. All students will have a photo taken and it will be included in the JNE yearbook. Fall picture retake day will be on October 17th, flier below. Ordering information can be found at www.mylifetouch.com. The JNE picture day code is EVTCSR49W.

You may place an order using the online store. Purchases can be made until September 3rd. Once the online store closes, orders can no longer be made.

Online store Link: John Nowlin Elementary Spirit Wear | Rods Sports and Apparel | powered by OrderMyGear

Fourth and fifth grade students that attended the BSSD last spring will receive MAP testing reports from spring 2025 on September 19th. These will be sent home in your child’s take home folder.

The annual music candy bar sale will be kicking off on September 15th. More information below.

An informational flyer can be found below. For more information Parents as Teachers can be contacted by email at parentsasteachers@bssd.net.

On September 22nd, we will begin welcoming lunch guests at JNE. All guests must sign up and complete a background screening prior to visiting. All school/PTA volunteers will need to complete a background screening. Background screenings must be completed each new school year.

To help maintain a safe and orderly school environment, we ask for your cooperation by adhering to the guidelines below:

Online Guest/Volunteer Background Application:

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the office if you have any questions.

Kindergarten Lunch: 11:40-12:00/Check In 11:35 (sign up time)

1st Grade Lunch: 12:05-12:25/Check In 12:00 (sign up time)

2nd Grade Lunch: 12:30-12:50/Check In 12:25 (sign up time)

3rd Grade Lunch: 12:15-12:35/Check In 12:10 (sign up time)

4th Grade Lunch: 11:50-12:10/Check In 11:45 (sign up time)

5th Grade Lunch 12:45-1:05/Check In 12:40 (sign up time)

Dates are subject to change. Information will be provided by club sponsors.

Book Club: Mondays starting October 6th, 4:15-5:00 PM

Heritage Singers: Tuesdays starting October 14th, 8:15-9:00 AM

Girls On the Run: Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 15th, 4:15-5:45 PM

Robotics Club (K-2nd): Tuesdays starting September 2nd, 4:15-5:15 PM

Knight Leadership: Various Days. 8:30-9:00 AM

Robotics Club (3rd-5th): Thursdays starting September 4th, 4:15-5:15 PM

Mindful Knights: Thursdays starting September 2nd, 8:15-9:00 AM

Circus Skills: Thursdays starting September 25th, 8:15-9:00 AM

Page Turners: Fridays starting September 5th, 8:10-9:00 AM

Unicycle Club: Fridays starting October 3rd, 8:15-9:00 AM

School meal information can be found at Blue Springs School District - Food and Nutritional Services.