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John Nowlin Elementary

Wednesday Update: January 21, 2026

Posted Date: 01/21/26 (11:42 AM)


JNE logo

Wednesday Update

January 21, 2026

A young girl uses marshmallows and a pencil to complete a "Marshmallow Math" worksheet in a classroom.
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 Yearbook
The 25-26 JNE yearbook is now on sale. Yearbooks are being sold for $20 each. The sale closes on March 12th. For additional information, use the link below.


JNE Book Fair: January 26th-30th
In conjunction with Family Game Night, the spring book fair will be open the week of January 26th-30th. Students will be able to shop during the school day. Families can shop during Family Game Night on January 29th. We are looking for volunteers to assist. For additional information and to sign up to volunteer, use the link below.


Please visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and sign up for an E-Wallet!

JNE PTA Family Dance
JNE PTA is hosting a family dance on February 12th. Students will bring home additional information later this week. Tickets can be purchased in advance or the evening of the event.

Thank you Party It Up Entertainment for donating DJ services for the event.

Information/RSVP Form: JNE PTA Family Dance 2026

Circus Skills 30th Anniversary Shirt Sale

Orders must be placed by Feb 8th

-Front and back design
-Orders delivered to JNE
-$12
-Proceeds support Circus Skills Club
Logo for 'Party It Up Entertainment' featuring golden sound waves and text.
A black t-shirt displays a 30th-anniversary design for John Nowlin Circus Skills on the front and back.
 

BSSD Kindergarten Screening & Enrollment 2026-2027

Parents of future kindergarteners in the Blue Springs School District:

It’s time to start preparing for the 26-27 school year! Screening and enrollment appointments are now open. Call your elementary school to make your appointment today. To be eligible, children must be 5 years old before August 1, 2026.

Scheduling an Appointment
Appointments are required for both enrollment and screening. To schedule an appointment, contact the elementary school your child will attend. If you’re unsure which school your child will be assigned to, visit BSSD Infofinder and enter your address to confirm the correct BSSD elementary school.

Below are the designated dates and contact information for each school:

March 3: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
March 4: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Daniel Young: (816) 874-3630
James Lewis: (816) 874-3650
Lucy Franklin: (816) 874-3690

March 5: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
March 6: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Voy Spears: (816) 874-3720
John Nowlin: (816) 874-3670
Chapel Lakes: (816) 874-3600
Cordill-Mason: (816) 874-3610

March 9: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
March 10: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Sunny Pointe: (816) 874-3700
James Walker: (816) 874-3660
William Yates: (816) 874-3740

March 11: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
March 12: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Franklin Smith: (816) 874-3640
William Bryant: (816) 874-3730
Thomas Ultican: (816) 874-3710

What to Bring on the Day of Your Appointment
To ensure a smooth screening and enrollment process, parents or guardians must bring the following items:

1. Your Enrolling Kindergartener – We will conduct a kindergarten screening.
2. Proof of Age - Enrolling kindergartner’s birth certificate (state copy, must list enrolling parent/guardian name)
3. Parent/Guardian Photo ID 4. Current Immunization Record - 2026 Immunization Requirements
5. If applicable, divorce decree, parenting plan, and/or pertinent adoption or foster care paperwork.
6. Two of the following items. They must display the home address and parent/guardian name: *Gas Bill *Electric Bill *Water Bill
7. Lease agreement or mortgage statement
8. Construction contract if building a home – including expected completion. *Current bills (within the last 30 days). No shut-off notices or FINAL notices.
For more information, contact your designated elementary school. Don’t miss this opportunity to start your child’s educational journey in the Blue Springs School District!
 
An image with the words 'IMPORTANT Reminders' above a yellow school bus.

BSSD & JNE Reminders

BSEF Major Saver Campaign: Ends Jan 23rd
Tomorrow, your child will learn about the annual Major Saver fundraiser during an all school assembly. This fundraiser benefits our school and the Blue Springs Education Foundation (BSEF). 

Additional Information: JNE Major Saver Information 
 
All Major Saver sales are now digital. Please follow these steps: 
  • Join code if asked: 5HRP-KCSB
 2. Click Join Campaign.
 3. Follow directions to download the app.
 4. Upload your child's Profile photo.
 5. Add at least 12 adult contacts as potential supporters to your "My Circle."
 6. Invite helpers who will share the fundraiser link and add additional contacts to your "My Circle."
 7. Post on social media and share with loved one.
 8. Watch this video for more information on this year's digital fundraiser: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ht8yJ2BGo1U
 
Half of the money raised directly benefits John Nowlin Elementary, and half benefits the Blue Springs Education Foundation. The Blue Springs Education Foundation supports district students, staff, and schools in various ways, such as classroom grants, scholarships, and assistance for students in need.
 
Please consider participating in the Major Saver campaign. Our students, school, and district will benefit from every card sold. The sale is January 8th through 23rd. Students who sell cards will receive their prizes on Friday, January 30th.

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

January
  • 24th-Sphero Challenge Competition
  • 26th-30th-JNE Book Fair
  • 28th-Kindergarten Field Trip
  • 29th-JNE Title I Family Game Night

February
  • 4th-JNE Papa John's Night
  • 5th-PTA Meeting/Title I Meeting
  • 5th-First Grade Performance
  • 9th-Second Grade Field Trip
  • 9th-JNE PTA Rink Ratz Night
  • 12th-JNE PTA Family Dance
  • 16th-No School/President's Day
  • 20th-Fifth Grade Field Trip
  • 27th-Spring Picture 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
 
 

Unpeeling Potential at JNE!

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