The Hardin County Schools Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council is collecting items to brighten the lives of local homebound residents and those in long-term care facilities.
A collection bin has been placed at each school in the district. Students, staff, families, parents and community members are encouraged to bring items that would help bring a smile to senior citizens. The collection drive will last from April 21 to May 5, 2026. Go to the News and Announcements section of www.hardin.kyschools.us for a list of items and for more information.
A collection bin has been placed at each school in the district. Students, staff, families, parents and community members are encouraged to bring items that would help bring a smile to senior citizens. The collection drive will last from April 21 to May 5, 2026. Go to the News and Announcements section of www.hardin.kyschools.us for a list of items and for more information.
Dear JTA Families,
We promise we’re not trying to win an award for longest email of the year—but we do have several important updates to share, so thank you in advance for sticking with us until the end! ☺️ Each item below is important, and we appreciate your time and partnership.
Site‑Based Decision Making (SBDM) Parent Nominations
We are currently accepting parent nominations for our Site‑Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council. Parent nominations are due by Friday, April 24, and parent elections will take place May 5–10. The Site‑Based Council is made up of teachers, parents, and the principal and meets once a month after school. The council is responsible for setting school policy and making decisions outlined in state statute, all with the goal of providing an environment that supports and enhances student achievement. We strongly encourage parents to consider serving in this important leadership role. Nominations should be sent to kristin.atterberry@hardin.kyschools.us
Month of the Military Child – Purple Day -April 20
April is the Month of the Military Child, and we will be recognizing this on Monday, April 20. We ask that students and staff wear purple on this day. Purple represents all branches of the military by combining their official colors—Army green, Air Force blue, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue. Let’s turn JTA into a sea of purple to show our military children how much they are seen, supported, and appreciated.
Defenses of Learning – Tuesday, April 21
Defenses of Learning will take place on Tuesday, April 21. This is an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and growth throughout the year and to show that they are more than a test score. Students in all grades will present on three of the five Portrait of a Learner competencies. We would also like to remind families that students wishing to attend Holiday World must complete a successful Defense of Learning. Students are encouraged to dress for success on this day.
KSA Testing – April 30 through May 8
During this important testing window, we greatly appreciate families ensuring strong attendance. If possible, we ask that appointments be scheduled after noon during testing days. This helps us avoid having to pull students from testing and allows them to perform their best. Thank you for helping us create the best possible testing environment for our students.
Staff Appreciation Week – May 4–8
We are looking forward to celebrating our outstanding staff during Staff Appreciation Week. Families who are able to help may sign up to donate items using the link below:
Staff Appreciation Sign‑Up
If donating items isn’t an option but you'd still like to help, monetary donations can be made here:
Donations for Staff Appreciation
Your generosity—whether time, items, or support—means so much to our staff.
Field Day Volunteers – May 18
Field Day will be held on May 18, and we are looking for parents willing to volunteer. Please note that this is an all‑day commitment, but it’s also a fun and rewarding way to support our students. Parents interested in volunteering should contact Jenny Stuecker at jenny.stuecker@hardin.kyschools.us
Thanks again for hanging in there through our “newsletter‑in‑email‑form.” We truly appreciate your support and involvement at JTA. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
Danielle Cassady
Principal
James T. Alton Middle School
We are EXCITED to welcome students back to school after Spring Break!! There are 27 school days left until summer break for K-12 students!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are beginning the process of forming our Site‑Based Decision‑Making Council for the upcoming school year and are seeking parent nominations.
We need two parent representatives to serve on the council for a one‑year term. The Site‑Based Council is made up of teachers, parents, and the principal, and it meets once a month after school. The council’s responsibility is to set school policy and make decisions outlined in state statute, all with the goal of providing an environment that supports and enhances student achievement.
If you are interested in running for a parent position, or if you know a parent who would be a great fit, please talk with them and have them email stating that they would like to be placed on the ballot. Once we receive their email, we will be sure their name is included in the election.
All nominations must be submitted no later than April 24.
Please send nominations to: kristin.atterberry@hardin.kyschools.us
Thank you for your continued support and for partnering with us to make our school the best it can be for our students.
Sincerely,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
James T. Alton Middle School
We are beginning the process of forming our Site‑Based Decision‑Making Council for the upcoming school year and are seeking parent nominations.
We need two parent representatives to serve on the council for a one‑year term. The Site‑Based Council is made up of teachers, parents, and the principal, and it meets once a month after school. The council’s responsibility is to set school policy and make decisions outlined in state statute, all with the goal of providing an environment that supports and enhances student achievement.
If you are interested in running for a parent position, or if you know a parent who would be a great fit, please talk with them and have them email stating that they would like to be placed on the ballot. Once we receive their email, we will be sure their name is included in the election.
All nominations must be submitted no later than April 24.
Please send nominations to: kristin.atterberry@hardin.kyschools.us
Thank you for your continued support and for partnering with us to make our school the best it can be for our students.
Sincerely,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
James T. Alton Middle School
Dear JTA Families,
We are so excited to celebrate the last day of school before Spring Break tomorrow, and we have a fun‑filled day planned for our students!
To kick off the celebration, tomorrow is also Pajama Day, so students are invited to come to school in their cozy, school‑appropriate pajamas.
In addition, students will enjoy a fun‑filled assembly, giving us the perfect chance to come together, celebrate, and head into spring break with lots of school spirit and smiles.
Finally, we will have a school‑wide snack cart available. Students may bring a few extra dollars if they would like to purchase a treat from the cart. Participation is optional, but it’s always a student favorite!
We’re looking forward to a joyful and memorable day as we send everyone off into a well‑deserved Spring Break.
Thank you for your continued support!
We are so excited to celebrate the last day of school before Spring Break tomorrow, and we have a fun‑filled day planned for our students!
To kick off the celebration, tomorrow is also Pajama Day, so students are invited to come to school in their cozy, school‑appropriate pajamas.
In addition, students will enjoy a fun‑filled assembly, giving us the perfect chance to come together, celebrate, and head into spring break with lots of school spirit and smiles.
Finally, we will have a school‑wide snack cart available. Students may bring a few extra dollars if they would like to purchase a treat from the cart. Participation is optional, but it’s always a student favorite!
We’re looking forward to a joyful and memorable day as we send everyone off into a well‑deserved Spring Break.
Thank you for your continued support!
Spring break is next week (April 6-10, 2026). Our friends at the Hardin County Public Library have asked us to share their calendar of fun-filled events for children.
Go to https://www.hcpl.info/events to learn more. The Hardin County Public Library is a wonderful place to learn and grow!
Go to https://www.hcpl.info/events to learn more. The Hardin County Public Library is a wonderful place to learn and grow!
Dear JTA Families,
As we head into the final stretch before Spring Break, we wanted to share a few important reminders and updates. Please take a moment to review our latest Parent Newsletter here:
Parent Update
With the final i‑Ready diagnostic right around the corner, we are encouraging students to make a strong push this last month. Please help remind your child to complete their i‑Ready lessons consistently and give their best effort so they can demonstrate their growth on the spring diagnostic.
When we return from Spring Break, we will have only about a week and a half before students present their Defenses of Learning. Please remember that completing and presenting a successful Defense of Learning is required in order to attend the Holiday World trip, so preparation during these final weeks is very important.
Finally, we are in the process of rescheduling end‑of‑year activities to reflect the updated last day of school, May 21. One important date change to note is that the 8th Grade Dance has been moved to May 15. More updates will be shared as plans are finalized.
Thank you for your continued support as we wrap up the school year strong. We appreciate all you do to help your students succeed.
Sincerely,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
Dear 8th Grade Parents and Guardians,
I’m writing to share some important information in advance about this year’s 8th Grade Dance, so families can plan accordingly.
The dance will be held on Thursday, May 22 from 6:00–8:00 PM at JTA. This is a fun, celebratory evening for our 8th graders as they wrap up their middle school years.
That said, I want to be very clear about expectations so that all students can participate without unnecessary stress or expense.
This dance is NOT a mini‑prom or a formal event.
Students are welcome to dress up if they choose, but this is not a formal dance. There is no expectation for expensive outfits, professional hair or makeup, or missing school for preparation. We want this event to be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
Please keep the following expectations in mind:
Students must be in dress code in order to be admitted to the dance.
Students must attend school for the entire school day on the day of the dance.
Students must be passing their classes for the year to attend.
Students may dress nicely if they wish, but casual, dress‑code‑appropriate clothing is perfectly acceptable.
The 8th Grade Dance has always been a great time for students, and our goal is to ensure that no student feels left out or pressured due to cost or unrealistic expectations. Providing this information early helps us keep the focus on fun, friendship, and celebration.
More specific details will be shared as we get closer to the event. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Danielle Cassady
Principal, JTA
Don’t forget to wear black tomorrow to celebrate Friday the 13th! And keep an eye out… there may be treats involved.
This message is for JTA car rider families,
With rain in the forecast throughout the day, we may need to use our rainy‑day dismissal plan this afternoon. If it is raining heavily at 3:00, students will remain in the library, and we will dismiss them as cars pull up to the front door. This helps keep students from getting soaked while still keeping dismissal moving safely and efficiently.
If possible, please have your car tag visible during dismissal today. This will make the process run much smoother and ensure we can get your child to you quickly.
Thank you for your help and flexibility!
With rain in the forecast throughout the day, we may need to use our rainy‑day dismissal plan this afternoon. If it is raining heavily at 3:00, students will remain in the library, and we will dismiss them as cars pull up to the front door. This helps keep students from getting soaked while still keeping dismissal moving safely and efficiently.
If possible, please have your car tag visible during dismissal today. This will make the process run much smoother and ensure we can get your child to you quickly.
Thank you for your help and flexibility!
Dear JTA Families,
Report cards were sent home with students on Thursday. Please take a moment to review your child’s report card with them and discuss their progress.
Our records clerk is currently preparing all 8th grade student records to be forwarded to the high school. If your child is missing any required documents in their student file, a letter will be sent home to notify you. Only families who need to submit missing documents will receive a letter.
Additionally, the high school has requested that we ensure all students’ Social Security numbers are entered into their Infinite Campus records. Please note that students cannot earn KEES scholarship money without a Social Security number on file.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Cardona at:
rosa.cardona@hardin.kyschools.us
Thank you for your support on this matter.
Report cards were sent home with students on Thursday. Please take a moment to review your child’s report card with them and discuss their progress.
Our records clerk is currently preparing all 8th grade student records to be forwarded to the high school. If your child is missing any required documents in their student file, a letter will be sent home to notify you. Only families who need to submit missing documents will receive a letter.
Additionally, the high school has requested that we ensure all students’ Social Security numbers are entered into their Infinite Campus records. Please note that students cannot earn KEES scholarship money without a Social Security number on file.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Cardona at:
rosa.cardona@hardin.kyschools.us
Thank you for your support on this matter.
Good Afternoon JTA Families, This is Principal Danielle Cassady.
I want to make you aware of a situation that occurred a short time ago. We received information that a student might be in possession of a weapon. Our staff and our school resource officer responded immediately, and we confirmed that the student did have a utility tool that had a small blade in their possession.
The item was confiscated right away. No students or staff were harmed at any time. The student will be disciplined in accordance with the Hardin County Schools Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline.
We are grateful for the quick actions of our staff and for the support of our school resource officer during this investigation. The situation has been resolved, and the building remains safe.
We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of making safe and responsible choices at school. Your partnership is essential in helping us maintain a secure learning environment for all students.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school and our community.
I want to make you aware of a situation that occurred a short time ago. We received information that a student might be in possession of a weapon. Our staff and our school resource officer responded immediately, and we confirmed that the student did have a utility tool that had a small blade in their possession.
The item was confiscated right away. No students or staff were harmed at any time. The student will be disciplined in accordance with the Hardin County Schools Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline.
We are grateful for the quick actions of our staff and for the support of our school resource officer during this investigation. The situation has been resolved, and the building remains safe.
We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of making safe and responsible choices at school. Your partnership is essential in helping us maintain a secure learning environment for all students.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school and our community.
Parents and Guardians,
Please take a moment to review this week’s parent newsletter by clicking the link below:
👉 JTA Parent Update
Title I Parent Event – This Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:30
This Wednesday is our Title I Student Exhibition Night, and we would love to see you there!
Families will have the opportunity to:
Watch students present one of their Portrait of a Learner competencies
Play against our championship Quiz Bowl team
Learn about cell phone and internet safety
Earn Parent Trojan Bucks to spend at the Trojan Store
This is a great chance to learn more about what your child is working on and to have some fun together as a family.
End‑of‑Trimester Reward Trip: Malibu Jack’s
As part of our end‑of‑trimester celebration, qualifying students will be invited to go on a reward trip to Malibu Jack’s.
Trip Dates
6th Grade and 7th Grade (last names A–M):
This Friday, February 277th Grade (last names N–Z) and 8th Grade:
Next Friday, March 6
Permission slips were sent home today with the first group (6th grade and 7th A–M).
A digital copy of the permission slip is also attached to this email.
Permission slips must be returned no later than Thursday.
Qualification Requirements
To participate in the Malibu Jack’s reward trip, students must meet the following criteria for this trimester:
No more than 2 unexcused absences
No more than 2 ISD/ASD assignments combined
No suspensions
No more than 4 behavior points
We look forward to celebrating our students’ hard work, positive choices, and strong effort during this grading period.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you for your continued support!
Good evening JTA families,
I hope you’re all doing well. I have a few important reminders as we wrap up this week.
Tomorrow is the last day of the grading period. We still have a number of students with missing NTI assignments, and those missing pieces can have a significant impact on grades. If your child has work they need to complete, tomorrow is the final day for them to turn it in. Please encourage your student to check their assignments and reach out to their teachers if they have questions.
Today we had the opportunity to take students to see Seussical the Musical, and it was an absolute joy. Our students loved seeing so many former JTA students performing on stage, and it was heartwarming to watch them cheer on familiar faces. We truly enjoyed the performance, and it was a meaningful experience for our kids.
Finally, next Wednesday, February 25, we will host our Student Exhibition Night from 5:00–6:30 PM.
This is a wonderful opportunity to:
Learn more about our work with Portrait of a Learner
See your child present a mini-defense of learning
Celebrate the skills and growth your student has demonstrated this year
Please remember:
Every student must complete a defense of learning by the end of the year, and a successful defense is one of the requirements for attending the Holiday World trip.
We would love to have you join us next Wednesday. I think you will be genuinely impressed by what your students are accomplishing.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.
Warmly,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
I hope you’re all doing well. I have a few important reminders as we wrap up this week.
Tomorrow is the last day of the grading period. We still have a number of students with missing NTI assignments, and those missing pieces can have a significant impact on grades. If your child has work they need to complete, tomorrow is the final day for them to turn it in. Please encourage your student to check their assignments and reach out to their teachers if they have questions.
Today we had the opportunity to take students to see Seussical the Musical, and it was an absolute joy. Our students loved seeing so many former JTA students performing on stage, and it was heartwarming to watch them cheer on familiar faces. We truly enjoyed the performance, and it was a meaningful experience for our kids.
Finally, next Wednesday, February 25, we will host our Student Exhibition Night from 5:00–6:30 PM.
This is a wonderful opportunity to:
Learn more about our work with Portrait of a Learner
See your child present a mini-defense of learning
Celebrate the skills and growth your student has demonstrated this year
Please remember:
Every student must complete a defense of learning by the end of the year, and a successful defense is one of the requirements for attending the Holiday World trip.
We would love to have you join us next Wednesday. I think you will be genuinely impressed by what your students are accomplishing.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.
Warmly,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
Dear JTA Families,
This is a final reminder that tomorrow is the absolute last day for students to turn in permission slips for this week’s field trips. We must have an accurate count in order to create bus lists and submit payment to the venues, so we cannot accept permission slips after tomorrow.
A few important notes:
We cannot take verbal permission over the phone. We must have written permission on file.
I am attaching the permission slips one last time. You may print the form, fill it out, and send it to school with your child tomorrow.
If it is easier, you may also email written permission directly to your child’s teacher.
(Something as simple as “I give permission for my child, ______, to attend the field trip on ______” is fine.)
If you need more time for the $5 fee, that is perfectly okay. We can wait on that. But we must have the permission slip by tomorrow.
I’m also attaching this week’s Parent Newsletter for your awareness and updates.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us finalize these details smoothly. We’re looking forward to a great trip!
8th Grade Permission Slip
Warmly,
Principal Cassady
Dear JTA Families,
This is a final reminder that permission slips and field trip money are due tomorrow for next week’s trips.
We will be creating our bus lists and cutting checks to both venues based only on the students who have turned in their permission slip and payment by tomorrow’s deadline. For this reason, it is very important that all materials are submitted on time. For your convenience, the permission slips are linked below.
If you have already turned everything in, thank you! If not, please send the completed forms and payment with your student tomorrow. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Warmly,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
6th Grade Permission Slip
7th Grade Permission Slip
8th Grade Permission Slip
Good afternoon, JTA families,
We have a couple of important reminders to share:
1. Field Trip Permission Slips (All Students)
Please remember that permission slips and payments for upcoming field trips are due this Friday, February 13. We must receive these by the deadline in order to secure seating for your child and arrange bus transportation.
2. 8th Grade – High School Scheduling (Tomorrow)
Tomorrow is one‑to‑one high school scheduling here at JTA from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stop by at any time during that window to meet with North Hardin High School guidance counselors along with their child.
If you are unable to attend tomorrow, please contact North Hardin High School directly. They will be happy to schedule an appointment at a time that works for you.
Thank you for your continued support, and please reach out if you have any questions.
We have a couple of important reminders to share:
1. Field Trip Permission Slips (All Students)
Please remember that permission slips and payments for upcoming field trips are due this Friday, February 13. We must receive these by the deadline in order to secure seating for your child and arrange bus transportation.
2. 8th Grade – High School Scheduling (Tomorrow)
Tomorrow is one‑to‑one high school scheduling here at JTA from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stop by at any time during that window to meet with North Hardin High School guidance counselors along with their child.
If you are unable to attend tomorrow, please contact North Hardin High School directly. They will be happy to schedule an appointment at a time that works for you.
Thank you for your continued support, and please reach out if you have any questions.
Dear JTA Families,
We have several upcoming field trips, and we want to make sure everyone has the information they need.
Our 8th graders will be visiting North Hardin High School tomorrow. Students must have a completed permission slip in order to attend. If a student does not have their form turned in, they will need to remain at school.
All students will be attending the performance of Seussical the Musical at the PAC on Thursday, February 19.
Our 6th graders will also be traveling to Stage One to see Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief on Friday, February 20.
Permission slips and payments for both the PAC trip and the 6th grade Stage One trip are due no later than this Friday, February 13. It is very important that we receive all forms and money by this deadline so we can finalize transportation and seating.
The permission slips for these trips are attached for your convenience. Thank you for your attention to these details and for your continued support. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.
Warm regards,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
6th Grade Permission Slip
7th Grade Permission Slip
8th Grade Permission Slip
Dear 6th Grade Families,
We wanted to let you know about an update to one of our upcoming field trips. The trip to Stage One to see Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, originally scheduled for February 5, has been rescheduled for Friday, February 20.
To ensure we have accurate counts for the theater and can finalize bus transportation, all permission slips and payments for this trip are due by this Friday, February 13.
Please note that the February 19 field trip to the PAC to see Seussical the Musical is still taking place as planned.
It is very important that we receive your child’s permission slip by this Friday so that we can secure seating and make the necessary arrangements.
Thank you for your cooperation and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Warm regards,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
Good Afternoon JTA Families,
We are so excited to welcome students back into the building tomorrow after two weeks of snow and NTI days! We’ve missed having our Trojans together, and we’re looking forward to a great day of learning and reconnecting.
As a reminder, we will be on a 2-hour delay tomorrow. However, if families need to drop students off at the regular time, staff will be in the building and students may come in at normal time.
Also, don’t forget that tomorrow is our “Tropical Escape” spirit day! Students and staff are encouraged to join in the fun by wearing bright, tropical colors, Hawaiian shirts, straw hats, sunglasses, Hawaiian leis, and anything else that brings a little sunshine into the day. We also have a few surprises planned to help make the day extra special.
Finally, students who have all 8 days of their NTI assignments completed and ready to turn in to their teachers tomorrow will earn a pizza party. Please take a few minutes tonight to finish up any remaining NTI work so it’s ready to go in the morning.
We can’t wait to see everyone back and kick off a great week together!
Warmly,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
We are so excited to welcome students back into the building tomorrow after two weeks of snow and NTI days! We’ve missed having our Trojans together, and we’re looking forward to a great day of learning and reconnecting.
As a reminder, we will be on a 2-hour delay tomorrow. However, if families need to drop students off at the regular time, staff will be in the building and students may come in at normal time.
Also, don’t forget that tomorrow is our “Tropical Escape” spirit day! Students and staff are encouraged to join in the fun by wearing bright, tropical colors, Hawaiian shirts, straw hats, sunglasses, Hawaiian leis, and anything else that brings a little sunshine into the day. We also have a few surprises planned to help make the day extra special.
Finally, students who have all 8 days of their NTI assignments completed and ready to turn in to their teachers tomorrow will earn a pizza party. Please take a few minutes tonight to finish up any remaining NTI work so it’s ready to go in the morning.
We can’t wait to see everyone back and kick off a great week together!
Warmly,
Danielle Cassady
Principal