Good Evening, Wildkittens!
What a wonderful and busy week at TUE!
Thank you to all of our families who joined us for Parent Math Night with Greg Tang and Grandparents/Special Persons Night. We loved welcoming so many of you into our school and creating special memories together!
This past week, we also celebrated our incredible custodial team, Mr. Rickey, Mr. Michael, and Mr. Danny. Their hard work and care keep TUE sparkling each day, and we are so grateful for the pride they take in making our school such a wonderful place for our students and staff.
Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups have been sent through ParentSquare. If you have not received yours or have questions, please reach out directly to your child’s teacher.
As a reminder, there is no school tomorrow due to teacher professional development.
Below, you’ll find this week’s updates and important information. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership. We are so thankful for our Wildkitten families and wish you a wonderful week ahead!
Warmly,
Mrs. Casey Brownsberger
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Monday, October 5th:
Wednesday, October 7th:
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Walk to School Day – Its National Walk to School Day! This is a special day that encourages students and families to walk to school together while promoting healthy habits, safety, and a strong sense of community. PTA will have a coffee truck out front if you are interested in buying a cup of coffee. What a great way to start your day.
- Fire Drill
Thursday, October 8th:
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Title I Parent Meeting – at 5:40pm. Come and join us in planning our building needs for the year.
- PTA Meeting from 6-7:00pm in the ibrary. Wantig to make a difference? This is the perfect way too. Come and join our team.
Friday, October 9th:
- Audiologist Appreciation Day!
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BSHS Homecoming Parade – Students will get to be a part of the high school parade route.
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· October 12th – PTA’s Culver’s Night 5-8pm
· October 16th– Kindergarten Field Trip
· October 16th- October 30th – TUE’s Butter Braid Fundraiser
· October 20th– Trunk or Treat
· October 28th– Fall Party Day!
· October 28th & 29th – Parent/Teacher Conferences
· October 29th & 30th– No School for Parent/Teacher Conferences
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Simple and Fun Ways Families Can Build Lifelong Readers
As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a love of reading. While learning to read is important, wanting to read is what creates lifelong readers. Children who enjoy reading are more likely to read often, learn new vocabulary, build knowledge, and become stronger learners in every subject.
The good news? Helping your child develop a love for reading does not require expensive programs or hours of homework. It starts with making reading a positive, enjoyable part of family life.
Follow Your Child's Interests
One of the biggest reasons children lose interest in reading is because they are asked to read books that do not interest them.
Instead of asking, "What reading level is this book?" ask:
- What does my child love?
- What makes them excited?
- What do they talk about all the time?
Children can become readers through books about:
- Animals
- Sports
- Dinosaurs
- Princesses
- Outer space
- Trucks
- Cooking
- Art
- Science experiments
- Comics and graphic novels
The best book for your child is often the one they cannot wait to open.
Let Your Child Choose
Children are much more likely to read books they pick themselves.
When visiting the library or bookstore:
- Give your child choices.
- Let them explore different sections.
- Allow them to check out books that spark their curiosity.
- Don't worry if the books seem too easy occasionally.
Reading confidence grows when children experience success.
Make Reading a Family Routine
Children thrive on routines. When reading becomes a regular family activity, it feels natural rather than a chore.
Try:
- Reading together before bed.
- Having a family reading time after dinner.
- Starting the day with a book during breakfast.
- Reading while waiting for appointments or activities.
Even 15-20 minutes a day can make a tremendous difference.
Fun Family Reading Ideas
- Flashlight Reading Night: Turn off the lights, grab flashlights, build a blanket fort, and read together. Everything feels more exciting inside a fort!
Reading Picnic
- Spread a blanket in the backyard, at a park, or even on the living room floor. Pack snacks and books for a special reading picnic.
Book and Movie Night
- Read a book together and then watch the movie adaptation. Afterward, discuss:
- Which was better?
- What was different?
- Which character did you like most?
Character Dress-Up Day
- Dress like your favorite book character and share why you chose them. This is especially fun for younger children.
Reading Treasure Hunt
- Hide clues around the house that lead to books or small prizes. Each clue requires reading to solve.
Family Book Club
- Choose a book everyone can enjoy and discuss:
- Favorite parts
- Favorite characters
- Predictions
- Surprises
Family conversations around books show children that reading is meaningful.
Read to a Pet or Stuffed Animal
Many children enjoy reading aloud to:
- A family pet
- A younger sibling
- A favorite stuffed animal
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Create a Reading-Friendly Home
- A child does not need a large library to become a reader. Try creating:
- A reading basket
- A reading corner
- A cozy chair
- A reading tent
- A blanket-and-pillow reading nook
Keep books where children can easily access them. Children are more likely to read when books are visible and inviting.
Talk About Books
- Reading should be more than simply turning pages. Ask questions such as:
- What happened in your book today?
- What was the funniest part?
- Who is your favorite character?
- What do you think will happen next?
- Would you recommend this book to a friend?
These conversations help children think deeply about what they read while making books part of everyday family discussions.
Visit the Library Often
- Your local library is one of the best resources available to families. Encourage your child to:
- Explore new sections.
- Ask librarians for recommendations.
- Discover favorite authors.
- Participate in library events and programs.
Librarians are experts at matching children with books they will love.
Be a Reading Role Model
- Children notice what adults do. When they see parents:
- Reading books
- Reading magazines
- Reading recipes
- Reading instructions
- Talking about books
They learn that reading matters. One of the strongest messages we can send is simply letting our children see us read.
Celebrate Reading
- Focus on enjoyment, effort, and growth. Celebrate:
- Finishing a book
- Trying a new genre
- Reading every day for a week
- Reading to a sibling
- Visiting the library
Simple praise such as "I'm proud of how much you're reading" can go a long way.
Remember: Every Reader's Journey Looks Different
Not every child will love the same books. Some children enjoy chapter books. Others prefer graphic novels, nonfiction texts, magazines, comics, poetry, or audiobooks. All of these experiences help build a reading life.
The goal is not to create a child who reads because they have to.
The goal is to create a child who reads because they want to.
When families make reading fun, positive, and part of everyday life, children begin to see books as adventures waiting to happen. Together, we can help every child discover the joy of reading and develop the habits that lead to lifelong learning and success. Happy reading!
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Before the school day starts each day, please discuss with your child if he/she will eat breakfast and/or lunch at school.
Breakfast and lunch are offered daily.
If you think you might qualify for free or reduced meals, please complete the appropriate forms ASAP on www.schoolcafe.com. Each year, you have to apply to qualify for free or reduced. It does not roll over.
Elementary Breakfast $2.25
Elementary Lunch $3.45
Milk Price $0.70
*Reduced Breakfast $0.00 (must qualify)
*Reduced Lunch $0.40 (must qualify)
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Butter Braid Fundraiser is Coming to TUE…We are excited to announce our upcoming fundraiser! We are selling: Butter Braid® pastries – braided by hand delicious frozen pastries that you thaw – rise – bake and Wooden Spoon® cookie dough – premium frozen pre-portioned break & bake cubes! Sales will be two ways: Traditional paper forms or through your personal Online Store. All frozen products ordered through the Online Store are not shipped directly to that customer, but are included in the presorted orders delivered to your group on the scheduled delivery date. IMPORTANT DETAILS TO REMEMBER:
Fundraiser Starts: Friday, October 16, 2026
Fundraiser Ends: Friday, October 30, 2026
Scheduled delivery date for product pickup: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Fundraiser Purpose: To support our teachers and students at TUE!!
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Lunch Visitors - To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, please review the following visitor procedures:
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Schedule Your Visit: Please call the school office to schedule a lunch visit with your child. Lunch visits must be arranged at least three school days in advance to allow us to accommodate guests and seating needs. Please note that lunch visits may not be available on certain dates due to occupancy, school events or activities.
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Check-In Procedures: All visitors must check in through the front office and present a valid photo ID upon arrival. We recommend downloading the Raptor App before your visit to help speed up the check-in process. Keeping your information updated in the Parent Portal will also make check-in more efficient. Once approved through the Raptor system, visitors will receive and must wear a visitor badge while in the building.
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Background Screening Requirement: All lunch visitors must complete the Volunteer Guest Background Screening Process before visiting. The Blue Springs School District partners with DataSource to provide a screening process that is free, secure, and easy to complete. If you have children attending multiple district schools, only one application is required. After submitting your application, watch for an email from DataSource notifying you of your approval status. Complete your screening here: https://bssd.quickapp.pro
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During Lunch: Visitors will enjoy lunch with their student in the office conference room. To help maintain a positive and focused lunch environment for all students, lunch visits are limited to the visitor and their child. Other students may not join lunch visits. Additionally, siblings will not be excused from instructional time to participate in another student's lunch visit, as we strive to protect valuable learning opportunities. Families wishing to have lunch with multiple children are encouraged to schedule separate lunch visits for each student.
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After Lunch: Once your child's lunch period ends, visitors must exit through the front office to check out. Visitors may not accompany students to recess or walk them back to their classrooms.
We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all students. If you have any questions, please contact the school office. We look forward to seeing you at lunch!
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· School hours are 8:25am – 3:30pm. Doors open at 8:25am. Please do not send/drop off your student any sooner since there is not any supervision until then. The earliest that you can drop off your student(s) is 8:25am. If you need to drop off your students earlier contact our Prime Time to get your child enrolled.
· Water bottles: We highly encourage you to send your child with a water bottle filled with WATER only, every day. We have water filling stations to refill their water bottles as needed. Juice and colored liquids will be reserved for lunch time only.
· Headphones: Headphones are not on the school supply list, but if you would like for your child to have his/her own set of headphones exclusively for his/her own use, please feel free to send them on the first day of school.
· Food Delivery: We cannot deliver food orders sent to students at our school (ex. Door Dash, Grub Hub, etc). So please do not order them and send them to school unless they are addressed to Mrs. Brownsberger. This includes bringing up food to be dropped off.
· Birthday Treats: If you would like to provide treats for your child’s birthday, this must be pre-arranged with your child’s teacher at least 24 hours in advance. Also, all treats must be store-bought, individual (not whole cakes), and packaged.
· Volunteer/Background Check Information: Each year we need an updated background check if you plan on volunteering up at school. The Blue Springs School District uses DataSource to enhance and strengthen our current background screening process for Volunteer Guests. It is FREE, SECURE, and SIMPLE to register. Please visit: https://bssd.quickapp.pro to fill out an application. Once there you will see all Blue Springs School District schools will be listed. Click on the building in which you are planning to volunteer. (If you have students attending multiple buildings, you will only need to complete one application. After completing the application, please contact the Building School Resource Officer for the school you applied at and let them know you have students at additional locations). Volunteer applications MUST be submitted at least five (5) days before the event for which you are volunteering. After submission, please wait for an email from DataSource. The email will let you know whether you have been approved or denied. |
· Cell Phone and Smart Watches: We’ve noticed an increase in the number of students wearing smart watches to school. The watches and any personal electronic devices (PEDs), such as cell phones, can quickly become a distraction in the school environment. These devices are prohibited during the school day or any school-sponsored activity. Please take a few moments to review the policies related to PEDs.
· Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) The possession and use of a student or parent/legal guardian owned personal electronic device is a privilege, not a right. The district may revoke this privilege at any time at its sole discretion. Please note that the district is not responsible for lost or stolen PEDs, whether in student or district possession, or any damage to the PED, its programs, or its contents.
PEDs may be brought to school but must be stored or carried out of sight in an off or silent mode and shall not be used by students during the school day or while being transported by a district vehicle.
Additionally, PEDs may not be used to capture or share sound, video, document, or photo images at any time or anywhere during the school day or while being transported in a district vehicle (school bus) without the prior approval of administrators or staff.
· PTA…Be sure to join PTA! The PTA consists of parents and teachers working together to support and best serve all students, the needs of Thoams Ultican Elementary and our community. PTA is a team effort and we would love to have your involvement anytime! We also have business memberships available as well. To sign up, click on this link Thomas Ultican Elementary - PTA Information
· 3rd-5th Grade Devices…We are working on distributing student devices this week.
- Please be sure to read the Student Issued Device Handbook
- Please be sure to pay for your Device Insurance - $25
- Insurance may be paid with cash, check, or on RevTrak (Technology Fee)
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