Good Evening, Wildkittens!
I hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful weekend and taking advantage of the beautiful fall weather. As we move further into the season, I want to thank you for the incredible support, encouragement, and partnership you continue to provide our school. Together, we are creating a positive, supportive, and successful learning environment for every child at TUE.
Our Butter Braid Fundraiser is officially underway, and we are so grateful for your support of our amazing Wildkittens! This fundraiser directly benefits our students, classrooms, and school by providing resources and opportunities that enhance learning for all. Orders will be accepted through Friday, October 30, and pickup will take place on Wednesday, November 18, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the cafeteria doors. Just in time for the holiday season!
Additionally, Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups have been shared through ParentSquare, and we are working toward 100% family participation. Conferences provide a valuable opportunity to celebrate your child's successes, discuss goals, and strengthen the home-school partnership that helps students thrive. If you have not received conference information or have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher.
Below, you'll find important updates, upcoming events, and information for the week ahead. Thank you for being such an important part of our Wildkitten family. We are grateful for each of you and look forward to another incredible week together!
Sincerely,
Casey Brownsberger
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Monday, October 19th:
Tuesday, October 20th:
Wednesday, October 21st:
Thursday, October 22nd:
Friday, October 16th:
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October 16th- October 30th – TUE’s Butter Braid Fundraiser
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October 28th—Fall Parties
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October 28th and 29th—Parent Teacher Conferences
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October 29th and 30th—No School for Parent Teacher Conferences
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October 30th—Grade Cards Emailed at 5pm
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November 3rd—No School- PD Day- Voting Day!
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November 6th—5th Grade Growth and Development
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November 9th-13th—World Kindness Spirit Week
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November 10th—5th Grade Field Trip
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November 10th—PTA’s Station 7 Fundraiser Night
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November 11th—Veteran’s Day Drive Thru Parade
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November 12th—Fire Drill
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November 12th—Title I Parent Meeting at 5:40pm
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November 12th—PTA Meeting at 6pm in the LMC
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November 12th—5th Grade Performance at 7pm in the Gym
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November 13th—TUE’s Spelling Bee
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November 16th-20th—PTA’s Tat a Teacher Fundraiser
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November 16th & 17th—TUE’s Hearing Screenings for 1st, 3rd, and all new students to BSSD
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November 17th—PTA’s Sky Zone Kids Night Out Event
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November 20th—Mid Quarter
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November 25th-27th—No School-Thanksgiving Break
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In a world filled with homework, sports, activities, and screen time, sleep is often one of the first things to be sacrificed. However, sleep is one of the most important factors in a child's success both in and out of school. Research shows that elementary-aged children (ages 6-12) need 9-12 hours of sleep each night for optimal health, learning, and development. [healthychildren.org], [cdc.gov]
When children get enough sleep, they are better able to focus, learn new information, manage their emotions, and make positive choices. Adequate sleep is linked to improved attention, memory, behavior, emotional regulation, and academic performance. [aasm.org], [cdc.gov]
On the other hand, children who consistently do not get enough sleep are more likely to experience difficulty concentrating, increased irritability, behavior challenges, and lower academic performance. Lack of sleep has also been associated with higher risks for obesity, poor mental health, and other health concerns. [publications.aap.org], [cdc.gov]
Helpful Parenting Tips for Building Healthy Sleep Habits
1. Keep a consistent bedtime.
Try to have your child go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. Consistency helps regulate the body's natural sleep cycle.
2. Create a calming bedtime routine.
A predictable routine such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading a book, and turning out the lights helps signal to the brain that it is time to sleep.
3. Limit screen time before bed.
Phones, tablets, televisions, and video games can make it harder for children to fall asleep. Consider turning off screens at least one hour before bedtime.
4. Make sleep a family priority.
Children learn from what they see. When parents model healthy sleep habits, children are more likely to view sleep as an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
5. Prepare for tomorrow tonight.
Laying out clothes, packing backpacks, and discussing plans for the next day can reduce stress and help bedtime run more smoothly.
Sleep is not a luxury. It is a necessity for growing minds and bodies. By creating consistent routines and prioritizing healthy sleep habits, parents can help their children arrive at school ready to learn, participate, and thrive. A well-rested child is often a happier, healthier, and more successful child. [healthychildren.org], [aasm.org]
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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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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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Fall Party- It’s almost time for TUE’s annual Fall Party! We’re excited to celebrate together on Wednesday, October 28. Below, you’ll find the grade-level party schedule. Students are welcome to wear costumes to school and join in the fun! To help ensure a safe and enjoyable day for everyone, please choose costumes that are school-appropriate and not frightening. Costumes should not include blood, gore, props, inflatable pieces, or face masks. Please be sure students wear tennis shoes to school as we will be outside playing. Since students will wear their costumes throughout the school day, we encourage outfits that are comfortable for learning and easy for students to manage independently, including during restroom breaks. Thank you for your support in making this a fun, safe, and memorable celebration for all of our students!
Party Times:
2nd Grade 8:45-9:30
1st Grade 9:45-10:30
5th Grade 10:45-11:30
Kindergarten 11:45-12:30
3rd Grade 12:45-1:30
4th Grade 1:45-2:30
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Veteran’s Day Drive Thru Parade- TUE is excited to invite all parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other family members who have served or are currently serving in the military to participate in a special Veterans Day celebration on Wednesday, November 11th. To honor our veterans, we will host a drive-through Veterans Parade in the TUE parking lot. Our students will be lined up along the sidewalks to proudly wave, cheer, and show their appreciation as veterans drive through the parade route. Veterans should enter the parade line at the north entrance, traveling east on Vesper Drive. Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, display flags, and create signs featuring their name and branch of service. The more patriotic, the better. Our students absolutely love seeing the creativity and pride on display! Please remember that decorations should be school-appropriate for our elementary-aged students. We look forward to celebrating and honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. Thank you for your service and sacrifice!
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Parent Teacher Conferences… A link was sent out from your child’s classroom teacher. Please sign up for a time for us to meet to brag on how wonderful your child is. Be on the look out! We want the opportunity to meet with you. It takes a village and want to partner with you. We look forward to meeting with you.
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Background Checks-In order to volunteer at school or at events you will need to have a background check complete. Be sure to do this ahead of time by going to this website to fill out a free background check. https://bssd.quickapp.pro
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Items from Home…We need your help! Please remember that students should not bring items from home to school (i.e. Pokémon cards, squishy’ s, stuffed animals, Legos, etc.) We do not want them lost or broken. Thank you so much for your help with this!
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PTA’s Reflections- It's time to start getting your ideas together for the National PTA Reflections Art Contest entry! 2026-2027 Reflections theme: “What My Culture Means to Me.” This program is for students of all grades and their parents and caregivers. National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. For over 50 years, Reflections has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Students create artworks in one or more of the available arts category areas:
Dance Choreography
Film Production
Music Composition
Literature
Photography
Visual Arts
Learn More:
We just know our Wildkittens will bring the creativity this year!
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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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