James Lewis Elementary marked its place in BSSD history this fall, celebrating its 50th anniversary. The school celebrated the occasion with a schoolwide assembly during the day and a public open house in the evening. There were 50th year t-shirts, performances of both school songs by the Supercat Singers choir, and a proclamation from Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross declaring November 2, 2023, as “James Lewis Elementary Day.”
Current and former JLE staff members gathered for the evening celebration. Former BSSD Superintendent Dr. Charles McGraw spoke to visitors about what JLE was like in 1973, when he served as the school’s first principal. Current Principal Devin Ceperley discussed the changes to the school over the years, including the new entrance and playground provided by the 2021 no tax increase bond issue.
Former principals Pat Crowe and Lori Reynolds also attended.