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John Nowlin Elementary

Wednesday Update: October 7, 2026

Posted Date: 10/07/26 (09:41 AM)


JNE logo

Wednesday Update

October 7, 2026

A large group of elementary students and two adults pose in front of a yellow brick wall outdoors.
Families will receive the Wednesday Update each week. Important BSSD & JNE information, reminders, and events will be included in this weekly newsletter.
 
A white line drawing of a school building with a clock and flag, above the text 'SCHOOL INFORMATION'.

JNE & BSSD Information

Grandparent/Special Person Event
We are excited to welcome grandparents and other special guests to John Nowlin Elementary on Thursday, October 22nd.

Please complete the RSVP form by Wednesday, October 14th. RSVP can be found in Parent Square. Be sure to include the total number of students and adults that will attend the event.

JNE PTA will also be hosting Trunk or Treat from 6:45-7:45 PM. All guests are welcome to attend Trunk or Treat.  Students and guests are invited to wear costumes.

When: Thursday, October 22nd
Where: John Nowlin Elementary School
Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

Event Details:
5:30-7:00 Book Fair Open (other activities do NOT open until 6 PM)
6:00-7:00 Meet the Teacher, Tour the Classroom, Classroom Activity, Art Walk, Photo Op
6:00-7:00 Light Refreshments Served
6:45-7:45 JNE PTA Trunk or Treat

Fall Book Fair
The fall book fair will be open October 19-23.  Students will be able to make purchases during the school day.  The book fair will be open on Thursday, October 22 from 5:30-7:00.

Volunteers are needed!
We need help with these jobs:
  • Set Up Crew: Friday, October 16, 4:00 - 5:00 PM
  • Cashier/Personal Shoppers: Monday - Friday, October 19 - October 23, 9:15 AM - 12:00 PM and/or 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Pack Up Crew: Friday, October 23, 3:30 - 4:30 PM
  • You will get $5 in Scholastic Dollars for books or other things from the book fair for each shift you work.
Please fill out the Volunteer Form (below) if you are interested in helping. 

Please note the following:
  • All volunteers must fill out the online guest/volunteer background check form at least 5 days before volunteering. Here is the link: https://bssd.quickapp.pro
  • If you are using the Parent Square app on your phone, the link to the volunteer form is at the top of this post. If you are using a computer, the link is at the bottom of the post.

To volunteer click the link below: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/90398374

JNE Papa John's Night

JNE Social Media
In addition to the Wednesday Update, teacher newsletters, and Parent Square 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:
 
A graphic with the text 'IMPORTANT Reminders' above a yellow school bus.

BSSD & JNE Reminders

Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held Wednesday, October 28th from 4:15 PM-8:15 PM and Thursday, October 29th from 8:00 AM-7:00 PM.  There will be no school for students on Thursday, October 29th and Friday, October 30th.  Your child's teacher sent additional information about scheduling a conference on Friday, October 2nd via Parent Square.

Reflections Contest
Calling all creative Knights!  It's time for the annual Reflections ​Contest.  To learn more information, ​click the link below.  All projects are due Friday, November 13th.  


JNE PTA Trunk or Treat Information

Volunteers Needed: If you would like to volunteer or donate candy, use the link below to sign up.  All volunteers must complete the background screening process at least 5 days prior to the event.


BSSD Closet

Difference Makers
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 JNE, please contact Hollie Ryan at hryan@bssd.net or 816-874-3670.
 

JNE PTA Information

PTA Membership



PTA Member Spirit Wear
Support the JNE PTA in style!


PTA Meeting Schedule

Birthday Gram

JNE PTA 
JNE PTA shares upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and general updates on the JNE PTA Facebook pages. 
 
Colorful hands with hearts raised, symbolizing volunteering and community support.

Lunch Guest & Volunteer Information

On September 28th, we will begin welcoming lunch guests to JNE. All guests must schedule a lunch appointment and complete a background screening prior to their visit. All visitors must complete the background screening annually.

Online Guest/Volunteer Background Application:

JNE Lunch Times
Kindergarten 11:40-12:00
1st Grade 12:05-12:25
2nd Grade 12:30-12:50
3rd Grade 12:15-12:35
4th Grade 11:50-12:10
5th Grade 12:45-1:05

As in past years, all lunch guests will schedule their visit. This year we are using Parent Square for lunch guest scheduling.  Available dates are for first semester (September-December).  Second semester dates will be shared at a later time.

Lunch Guest Information:
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 $4.60.
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.
 
To help maintain a safe and orderly school environment, we ask for your cooperation by adhering to the guidelines below:
  • Lunch guests will use Parent Square to schedule a date to eat lunch with a student.
  • Only 5 guests per grade level can be accommodated each day.  
  • If a date is full, you will need to select an available open date. Some dates are not offered due to JNE activities.
  • Guests must sign up at least 2 days in advance.
  • Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes prior to the student lunch time.
  • If you are visiting more than one student, you must sign up for each individual student’s lunch time.
  • All lunch visitors must complete the online background screening application.  This process must be completed at least 5 days prior to your visit.
  • At check in, a photo ID will be requested, and guests will sign in using the visitor management system.  Once checked in, visitors must wear a visitor sticker while in the building. 
  • 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 and check out using the visitor management system.
  • Guests are not permitted to leave the designated visitor area or walk students to class/recess.

Lunch Guest Sign Up Links (must click each child's specific grade):

 

BSSD Early Childhood Information

For more information Parents as Teachers can be contacted by email at parentsasteachers@bssd.net.



 
Colorful text reads 'UPCOMING EVENTS' against a light background.

Upcoming Events


  • Oct 8: PTA Meeting/Title I Planning Meeting
  • Oct 8: 3rd Grade Performance
  • Oct 15: JNE Papa John's Night
  • Oct 19-Oct 23: Book Fair
  • Oct 20: End of 1st Quarter
  • Oct 22: Grandparent's Night/Trunk or Treat
  • Oct 26-Nov 6: JNE PTA Butter Braid Sale
  • Oct 27: Fall Party Day/Costume Day
  • Oct 28: Parent Teacher Conference
  • Oct 29: No School/Parent Teacher Conference
  • Oct 30: No School/Report Cards Sent Via Parent Square
  • Nov 3: No School/Professional Development Day
  • Nov 5: Fall Picture Retake Day
  • Nov 5: PTA Meeting/Title I Planning Meeting
  • Nov 5: 2nd Grade Performance
  • Nov 11: 5th Grade Field Trip
  • Nov 12: 2nd Grade Field Trip
  • Nov 20: JNE Spelling Bee
  • Nov 20: 5th Grade Field Trip
  • Nov 25-27: No School/Thanksgiving Break
 
A cartoon illustration of a lunchbox with a red apple, a carton of milk, and a sandwich.

Breakfast and Lunch Menu

 
A young student sits at a classroom desk, focused on reading and writing on a worksheet titled 'Pumpkin Spice Fun.'
Four children wearing handmade apple hats stand smiling behind a table in a classroom, holding cups of fruit snacks.
 
A golden heart-shaped logo with the letters JNE and the text '2026-2027'.