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John Nowlin Elementary

Wednesday Update: November 19, 2025

Posted Date: 11/19/25 (5:10 PM)

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Wednesday Update

November 19, 2025

Two young girls smile while eating from plates on the floor.
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

Recess Clothing
As the weather turns cooler, please remember to send a jacket or coat with your child. Students will go outside for recess even when it’s cold. The cutoff for outdoor recess is a “feels like” temperature of 20°F. Students will stay inside during inclement weather (ie rain, snow, etc.)
To help prevent lost items:
  • Write your child’s name on jackets, mittens, and hats.
  • Teach your child to store mittens, hats, scarves inside their coat when not in use.
  • Thank you for helping us keep students warm and organized!

Butter Braid Pick Up
Butter braids will be ready to pick up on Monday, November 24th from 5:00-6:30 PM. More details below.

JNE PTA Rink Ratz Night
The November Rink Ratz Night is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25th. More details below.

No School Reminder
There will be no school Wednesday-Friday, November 26th-28th. Prime Time will also be closed. Classes and Prime Time will resume on Monday, December 1st. Happy Thanksgiving!

Spirit of Giving Concert
The JNE Heritage Singers will perform at the Spirit of Giving Concert on Sunday, December 7th. All are welcome to attend the event. More details below.

JNE Papa John's Night
The December Papa John's Night is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3rd. More details below.

Shout Out
We would like to congratulate Mrs. Lombardi and Mrs. Robinson for each receiving classroom grants from the Blue Springs Education Foundation (BSEF). We would also like to congratulate Ms. Carpenter and Ms. Caldwell for each receiving continuing education scholarships from the BSEF. We appreciate all that BSEF does to support staff and students.
Announcement for Butterbraid pick-up, with date and time details.
Flyer for a JNE PTA Skate Night at Rink Ratz, featuring roller skates and stars.
Concert poster with a blue background, musical notes, and snowflakes.
Papa John's fundraiser for John Nowlin Elementary on December 3, 2025.
 
An image with the words 'IMPORTANT Reminders' above a yellow school bus.

BSSD & JNE Reminders

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:

Reflections Contest: Projects Due Dec 1st
JNE PTA is collecting student projects for the 2025 Reflections Contest. All projects are due to JNE by Monday, December 1st. 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
 

Thank You Veterans!

JNE celebrated Veteran’s Day with a building wide read aloud. Mr. Compton and Mrs. Owings read the book Thank You for Your Service by Torthell Robinson. Students built a wall of gratitude and recognized JNE’s Veterans, Officer Thomas, Mr. Bob, and Mrs. Campbell! Thank you, Veterans!

JNE Kindness Week!

JNE celebrated Kindness Week, featuring building-wide and classroom activities, a spirit week, and the I Am Noticed Positive School Culture Day!
 
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
  • 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
  • 1st-Reflections Projects Due
  • 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

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

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.
 
Two women smile, holding certificates in a brightly lit room.
A group of students and teachers smile for a photo in a classroom.
 

Unpeeling Potential at JNE!

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