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John Nowlin Elementary

Wednesday Update: November 12, 2025

Posted Date: 11/12/25 (11:39 AM)

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Wednesday Update

November 12, 2025

Two young girls pose together in front of a red wall.
Families will receive the Wednesday Update each week. Important BSSD & JNE information, reminders, and events will be included in this weekly newsletter.
 
A white outline of a school building with a flag on a black background.

JNE & BSSD Information

JNE Spelling Bee
The JNE Spelling Bee was held on Monday. We would like to give a shout out to all participants for their hard work in preparing for the Bee. Congratulations to Jillian Kester, JNE Spelling Bee Champion, and Isabella Crawford, runner up.

Thank You PTA!
Thank you JNE PTA for funding educational opportunities outside of the classroom. Last week 2nd grade had a great time at the Mavericks Game, and 5th grade enjoyed a trip to watch the KC Symphony perform.

JNE Kindness Week/Spirit Week
Thursday, Nov 13th: Wear BLUE as we ripple kindness out.
Friday, Nov 14th: Be YOU! Wear anything that represents who you are.

JNE Spirit Wear Sale: Closes Nov 30th
The JNE Spirit Wear Store is now open. This will be final spirit wear sale of the year. The online store can be accessed using the link below. All items will be delivered to JNE before winter break.

To place an order:

A Note From Lifetouch
As a token of appreciation, Lifetouch is offering discounts on school photography!
  • 50% off a purchase of $50+ with code 50THANKS
  • 40% off a purchase of $40+ with code 40THANKS
  • 30% off a purchase of $30+ with code 30THANKS
  • Valid through 12/01/25
To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account, find your student and order using your student's student ID number (if available at your school). Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card!
 
An image with the words 'IMPORTANT Reminders' above a yellow school bus.

BSSD & JNE Reminders

JNE Student Hearing Screening
This fall we will conduct annual student hearing screenings. A routine hearing screening will be conducted at school for all 1st graders, 3rd graders, kindergarten students who did not attend kindergarten enrollment last spring, and all students new to the Blue Springs School District.

These screenings will be conducted during November. You will be notified of your child’s results. If you do not wish for your child to participate in the hearing screening, please contact the school as soon as possible to inform them of your request. If you have questions, please contact Heather Wagner at hwagner@bssd.net.

Reflections Contest
JNE PTA is collecting student projects for the 2025 Reflections Contest. All projects are due to JNE by Friday, November 28th. We encourage all students to participate. If you have questions, you can contact the PTA Reflections Chair at jnereflectionschair@gmail.com.


Birthday Gram Sale
JNE PTA is selling birthday grams for $5.

Click here for more information: PTA Birthday Gram Information

Birthday Grams can be ordered online at JNE PTA | Blue Springs School District.

Join JNE PTA Today!
For more information about the JNE PTA and membership, click here: Joining JNE PTA

JNE PTA Volunteer Information
Click here for more information: PTA Volunteer Opportunities

JNE Social Media
JNE
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 Facebook Page:

JNE PTA
JNE PTA shares upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and general updates on the JNE PTA Facebook pages. 

PTA Facebook Page:

Volunteer Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LpT
 
Colorful image with the word 'VOLUNTEER' and raised hands with heart cutouts.

Lunch Guest & Volunteer Information

Lunch Guest Note: If you plan to purchase a lunch for yourself from the cafeteria, there are only two payment options.
1) Use exact payment using cash. An adult lunch costs $3.65.
2) Pay with cash and have change go towards the student's lunch account. 
Charging an adult lunch to the child's account is not an available option. The cafeteria doesn't have change and cannot take credit card payments. Thank you for your understanding.

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:
  • Please use the following link to sign-up to eat lunch with your student. Guests must sign-up at least two days in advance. This helps us better accommodate our guests and seating. 
  • The sign-up time is the time you should check in at the main office. (See lunch schedule and check in time schedule below) Once appointments are full, a different open date will need to be selected. 
  • Some dates are blocked due to school activities/events.
  • If you have multiple students, you must sign up for each student’s check-in time.
  • All lunch visitors must complete the online guest/volunteer background screening application. The online application must be completed at least 5days prior to your first visit. This process must be completed each year.
  • At check in, a photo ID will be requested. Once properly checked in, visitors must wear a visitor sticker while in the building. The process will be more efficient if all your information is updated in the Parent Portal.
  • A designated eating area will be provided for visitors and their student. Once the student’s lunch period is over, all visitors must leave the building. Guests must exit through the main office. Guests are not allowed to walk their student to the classroom or attend recess.

Lunch Guest Sign-Up Link:

Online Guest/Volunteer Background Application:

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

JNE Lunch Schedule/Guest Check In Time
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)
 
Colorful text on a white background reads 'Upcoming Events'.

Upcoming Events

November
  • 10th-14th Kindness Week
  • 17th-21st-JNE Hearing Screenings
  • 24th-Butterbraid Pickup
  • 25th-JNE PTA Rink Ratz Night
  • 26th-28th-No School/Thanksgiving Break
  • 28th-Reflections Projects Due to JNE

December
  • 3rd-JNE Papa John’s Night
  • 4th-Fifth Grade Performance
  • 4th-PTA Meeting/Title I Planning Meeting
  • 9th-BSSD Spelling Bee
  • 10th-Third Grade Field Trip
  • 22nd-Jan 2nd-No School/Winter Break

January
  • 1st-2nd-No School/Winter Break
  • 5th-No School/Professional Development Day
 
The words 'SCHOOL CLUBS' are displayed on a chalkboard with school supplies.

JNE Club Information

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

Student Council: Various Mondays, 8:15-9:00 AM
 
A cartoon illustration of a healthy lunch: apple, milk carton, and sandwich.

Breakfast and Lunch Menu

School meal information can be found at Blue Springs School District - Food and Nutritional Services.
A November K-5 breakfast menu lists daily meal options.
A school lunch menu for November, listing daily meal options for K-5 students.
 
A group of students sits in an auditorium, smiling and looking at the camera.
Three smiling children pose for a photo while seated in an arena.
 

Unpeeling Potential at JNE!

A cartoon banana wearing sunglasses holds a baseball bat and ball.