Good Afternoon, Warriors!

I hope everyone is staying warm—it has certainly been chilly! This is a friendly reminder to please send your children to school dressed appropriately for the weather. As outlined in the student handbook, students will go outside for recess when the real feel temperature is 20 degrees or above. When temperatures fall below that, students will remain indoors.

Research shows that outdoor time and physical activity are incredibly beneficial for children. Fresh air, movement, and sunshine help support physical health, boost immunity, and contribute to overall mental well-being. Outdoor play also provides valuable opportunities for social interaction and skill-building with friends. As we all experienced this past weekend, keeping kids cooped up for too long isn’t best for anyone—they need opportunities to move and be active!

If your child is in need of a coat, hat, or gloves, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are more than happy to help.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or problems, please contact me. We value our partnership with families and appreciate your support as we work together to provide the very best school experience for our students. It truly takes a village, and we are grateful for you.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Major Saver fundraiser—we sincerely appreciate your support!

Below are the updates for the week. Please let me know if you need anything or have questions.

Have a fantastic week!

Warmly,

Mrs. Casey Brownsberger

Principal

In recent decades, children have experienced a significant reduction in unstructured outdoor play due to increased screen time, academic pressures, and safety concerns. Research from global health and educational organizations consistently shows that children who spend regular time outdoors demonstrate improved physical health, stronger social skills, enhanced emotional regulation, and better readiness to learn compared to peers who are primarily indoors. These benefits remain substantial during winter months when children are properly dressed and supported. [unicef.org], [cface.chass.ncsu.edu]

Outdoor play naturally encourages moderate‑to‑vigorous physical activity, which is essential for cardiovascular health, muscle strengthening, balance, and coordination. Studies show that children who engage in daily outdoor play exhibit superior motor skills and physical performance compared to children with limited outdoor exposure. Winter environments further challenge balance, strength, and spatial awareness as children walk on snow, climb, or engage in active games. [journals.plos.org], [files.eric.ed.gov]

Regular outdoor activity has been associated with fewer illness‑related absences from school and childcare. Exposure to fresh air and physical movement supports immune system regulation and reduces susceptibility to common respiratory infections. This effect remains evident during colder months, provided children are dressed appropriately. [headstart.gov]

Sunlight exposure plays a crucial role in the body’s production of vitamin D, which supports bone strength, immune function, and growth. Winter months pose a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency due to shorter daylight hours and increased indoor time. Even brief outdoor exposure during winter contributes to maintaining healthier vitamin D levels and supporting skeletal development. [health.harvard.edu], [healthandme.com]

Outdoor play increases energy expenditure and has been linked to lower childhood obesity rates. Additionally, exposure to natural light outdoors has been shown to reduce the risk of developing nearsightedness in children. [cface.chass.ncsu.edu], [headstart.gov]

Outdoor physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of seasonal mood disorders. Natural light and movement contribute to increased serotonin levels, improving overall mood and emotional regulation—particularly important during winter months when daylight is limited. [headstart.gov], [childreach.on.ca]

Unstructured outdoor play supports executive functioning skills such as problem‑solving, attention, creativity, and self‑regulation. Research indicates that children who regularly play outside exhibit improved focus and classroom behavior, directly supporting academic success. [child-ency…opedia.com], [cface.chass.ncsu.edu]

Outdoor play environments foster cooperation, communication, and conflict‑resolution skills. Children learn to negotiate rules, collaborate with peers, and build empathy through shared physical experiences. Studies indicate that outdoor play—especially in natural or open environments—promotes prosocial behaviors and emotional resilience. [childtrends.org], [academic.oup.com]

When dressed appropriately, winter provides meaningful and engaging opportunities for outdoor play. Examples include:

These activities promote physical exertion, creativity, and social interaction while allowing children to safely experience and adapt to seasonal conditions. [childreach.on.ca]

Research emphasizes that outdoor winter play is safe and beneficial when children are dressed in adequate layers, including coats, hats, gloves, and proper footwear. Regular monitoring and reasonable temperature guidelines ensure students remain warm, safe, and active without unnecessary risk. [childreach.on.ca]

Extensive research confirms that outdoor play is not an optional supplement to learning but an essential component of healthy childhood development. During winter months, outdoor play continues to provide vital physical, medical, mental, and social benefits that support the whole child. Schools that prioritize safe, structured opportunities for outdoor play—year‑round—contribute meaningfully to student health, resilience, and academic success.

At JWE, you may often hear us refer to BIST, which stands for Behavior Intervention Support Team. This approach is grounded in trauma‑informed practices and is used to support students as they develop emotional awareness, positive coping strategies, and responsible decision‑making skills. BIST focuses on building strong partnerships between educators, students, and families to help children succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

Below you will find a letter from the Director of BIST inviting parents to participate in an upcoming Zoom session designed to provide practical strategies that can be used at home. I truly cannot say enough positive things about the training, guidance, and support this program offers. If your schedule allows, I strongly encourage you to attend—these strategies are incredibly valuable and can make a meaningful difference at home and at school.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As part of ongoing support for families, your child’s school is offering a series of classes for parents and guardians through a partnership with the Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST). These training sessions are designed to provide ways you can support your child’s developing academic and behavior skills, as well as increase consistency between home and school. 

 

These classes are designed to:

·      Create consistency between school and home

·      Provide language for adults to use when redirecting children

·      Share ways to problem solve to increase your child’s success

·      Increase generosity and kindness in your children

·      Bring a sense of calm to your home

Please join us for any or all three sessions!

These virtual classes are provided free of charge, however, we do ask that you please register through our website on or before Tuesday, February 3rd. Instructions for registration are on the page below.

We are excited to offer this opportunity to you!

Sincerely,

Marty Huitt, Director

Behavior Intervention Support Team/Cornerstones of Care

8150 Wornall Rd

Kansas City, MO 64114

@MartyHuitt

1.     Go to http://BIST.org

2.    Click Log In on the home screen.

3.    If you already created a username by previously enrolling in a BIST class, just log in on this screen.

4.    If you have never registered for a BIST class, enter your information (Name, Email, and a Password). This will register you on the website, but not for the class.

5.    At the top of the page, use the dropdown menu called “Classes.” Click “Training Calendar.”

6.    Select the class you wish to attend (Parenting with BIST). Click “Register” under your preferred class.

7.    Fill out the required questions and click “Register.”

8.   On the checkout screen, complete the billing details even though this is a free class.

9.    Click “Place Order.” The Order Details page is your confirmation of registration.

10. You will receive an email containing the Zoom link for the training sessions on Wednesday, February 4th. 

If you have not received an email containing the Zoom link by noon on February 5th, 

·       BSSD’s 2026-2027 Kindergarten Screening and Enrollment Information… Do you have a child who will be 5 years of age before August 1st, 2026? If so they are eligible for kindergarten enrollment! Call the office at 816-874-3660 to schedule an appointments for anytime on Monday, March 9th noon-7pm or Tuesday, March 10th from 9am-3pm.

·       JWE Yearbooks are now on sale!...visit ybpay.com to order your yearbook today. Use yearbook ID Code: 14150226. Order deadline is March 14, 2026.

·       JWE’s Mavericks Night… JWE will be hosting a Maverick’s Night at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence on Wednesday, March 4th. Our very own JWE’s Honors Choir will be performing the National Anthem. To purchase tickets, use this link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/2526james2. This event is open to all of our JWE families. We hope to see you there.

·        JWE’s Mitten Tree….Thanks to all that have contributed! You guys are amazing! We have one more week left of collecting new mittens or gloves, hats, and scarves to give to those in need during the winter season. It is our hope that we can collect hundreds of mittens and other items to share with others. We would appreciate your help in making this project a success! Please have your child bring a pair of NEW mittens or gloves and/or a hat to school to add to our collection. We will be hanging the items on the tree in the front hallway of JWE. Thank you so much for your help! Sincerely, JWE’s Student Council

·       Family Resource Assistance…Looking for additional support with school supplies, clothing, counseling, or community resources? We can help! Fill out this link and we will be reaching out soon. Fall 25-26 Resources for JWE Families – Fill out form

·       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 James Walker Elementary, please contact Lyda McMurray at lmcmurray@bssd.net or 816-874-3660.

·       Colder Weather…It is getting cold out! Please make sure you are sending your kiddos dressed for the weather (i.e. coats, hats, gloves, etc.). Please label your child’s items that way we can find their rightful owner. If the temperature feels warmer than 20 degrees and it is not precipitating, we are going out. Thanks for your help with this!

·       Lunch Accounts/Free and Reduced Lunch Applications- It is not too late! You an apply for this at any time.  To enroll, you login to school café, click here https://www.schoolcafe.com/. The following link is a tutorial of how to enroll: https://vimeo.com/280726060/a627865334. Please remember to include everyone in your household, even if they are not students as this can impact the application being accepted. 

·       Want to opt in on School Text Messages…If you opted out of text communication and want to opt back in, text "START" to 66458.

·       Visions of Peace Art Contest Grades 2-5…See the Attached Document on Visions of Peace Contest Details and Visions of Peace Contest Entry Form

·       Elks Lodge Poster Contest Grades 3-5… See the attached Elks Lodge Poster Contest Details

·       Letters to the Lieutenant Governor Project Grades K – 5… See the attached Letters to the Lieutenant Governor Project Details 

Be sure you talk with your child before they go to school if they need to eat breakfast at school or not. 

To put money on your child's lunch account please visit: www.schoolcafe.com.

To apply for free or reduced meals, please complete the appropriate forms ASAP on www.schoolcafe.com. You can apply for this at any time.

The following link is a tutorial of how to enroll: https://vimeo.com/280726060/a627865334. Please remember to include everyone in your household, even if they are not students as this can impact the application being accepted. 

Elementary Breakfast        $1.85

Elementary Lunch             $2.95

Milk Price                           $0.70

*Reduced Breakfast           $0.00 (must qualify)

*Reduced Lunch                $0.40 (must qualify)

·      School hours are 9:15am - 4:05pm. Doors open at 9am. Please do not send/drop off your student any sooner since we do not have supervision outside until then. The earliest that you can drop off your student(s) is 9:00am. 

·      Attendance- Please make sure your child is on time to school each day. Attendance matters and is important! Check out this attached article on attendance and how you can help improve this.

·      Parent Pick Up and Drop Off-If you are a car rider, please make sure you are going through the car rider line. Student may not be dropped off on Sunnyside School Road. Lastly, please remember that we need you to mindful of our neighbors and please do not block their driveways. Thank you very much for your help with these.

·      Dismissal-If your plans change on your pick up procedures, please notify your child's teacher and the office prior to 3:30pm.

·       Water Bottles…Just a friendly reminder that if you are sending your student to school with a water bottle, it needs to be filled with water only. Please do not send water bottles with juice, tea, soda, kool-aid, etc. Thank you for your help with this!

·      Parent Square… Be sure to download this app. It is the best way to receive communication from your child’s teacher and our school.

·      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 James Walker 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 https://linktr.ee/jameswalkerpta

·        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. 

·        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.

·        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.

·       Lunch Visitors… To eat lunch with your child, you will need to complete a background check prior to coming. To complete a free background check click here: https://bssd.quickapp.pro. Then you will need to sign up for a day to be a lunch guest https://jwelunchvisitors.youcanbook.me/. We need at least 24 hours notice when signing up. That means you cannot sign up on the same day you want to eat lunch. We appreciate your help and planning with this.

·       Ronald McDonald House…Student Council is asking for your help! As part of a service project to help the families who belong to the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City we are collecting pop tabs. These pop tabs support families with children in the hospital that stay at RMHC-KC or visit the Family Room. Advantage Metals, a local Kansas City recycler, buys the tabs at market rate and makes an additional charitable contribution to the Ronald McDonald House. They generously donate their pick-up and handling services, so the income from pop tabs is pure profit. Last year, this program brought in $20,000. We want to help them raise even more this year! WHAT CAN YOU DO? Collect pop tabs in zip-lock bags, cardboard boxes, coffee cans or plastic trash bags. Student Council will have a container set up in the office to collect the tabs. Your teacher will also have a collection “house” to keep the tabs collected. If you have a workplace that would be interested in collecting pop tabs for JWE’s Student Council please email Mrs. Hartstack at khartstack@bssd.net or Mrs. Horton ahorton@bssd.net and they will send some cardboard houses home with your child. Please do not use plastic soda bottles or milk jugs because they’re hard to empty! Thank you! 

Click on the link below to learn more about our school, available resources, and grade-level information. Inside, you'll find curriculum details that outline what your child will be learning this year, along with insights into their classroom experience. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or contact our office at 816-874-3660. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way!