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
We announced this yesterday but just wanted to send a reminder. There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Dear 8th Grade Families,
We want to share an important update regarding our previously published dates for 8th grade transition events.
We originally listed the North Hardin High School Field Trip and Open House as occurring on February 9, but that date was incorrect.
Updated & Correct Information:
North Hardin High School Field Trip - Feb. 10
Open House - Feb. 10 6-7:30 PM
One‑to‑One Scheduling at NHHS
📅 February 12
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(This date remains the same.)
We apologize for any confusion the incorrect date may have caused and appreciate your understanding. These events are an important part of helping our students prepare for a smooth and successful transition to high school, and we hope all families will be able to participate. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
We want to share an important update regarding our previously published dates for 8th grade transition events.
We originally listed the North Hardin High School Field Trip and Open House as occurring on February 9, but that date was incorrect.
Updated & Correct Information:
North Hardin High School Field Trip - Feb. 10
Open House - Feb. 10 6-7:30 PM
One‑to‑One Scheduling at NHHS
📅 February 12
⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(This date remains the same.)
We apologize for any confusion the incorrect date may have caused and appreciate your understanding. These events are an important part of helping our students prepare for a smooth and successful transition to high school, and we hope all families will be able to participate. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
Dear Families,
We hope you are staying safe and warm. Today marks Day 8 of NTI due to winter weather, and we appreciate your continued support during this extended stretch of at‑home learning.
To celebrate students’ hard work, any student who has 100% of their NTI lessons submitted will be invited to a pizza party! We want to recognize the responsibility and effort many students have shown during NTI days.
Tropical Escape Spirit Day – When Students Return
When we return to school on **Monday—or the first day we are able to reopen—**we want to bring some sunshine back into the building with a Tropical Escape Spirit Day!
Students are invited to wear:
Floral or Hawaiian shirts
Bright or tropical colors
Straw hats
Sunglasses
Hawaiian leis
Or any other school‑appropriate tropical attire
We are also planning a few fun surprises to welcome students back and make the return feel joyful and energizing.
Portrait of a Learner (POL) Exhibition Night – February 25
Our Portrait of a Learner Exhibition Night will be held on Wednesday, February 25. Due to the number of snow and NTI days, we moved the event from February 18 to allow students additional preparation time.
Attendance at Exhibition Night is optional, but it is a great opportunity for students to practice and for families to celebrate their growth.
What Students Are Working On
During WIN time, students are preparing a short mini‑defense of learning. Each student will:
Select one POL competency
Choose an artifact (assignment/project) that demonstrates their learning
Complete four slides in their presentation template
Practice discussing what they learned and how the artifact shows growth
This helps build the skills needed for the required End‑of‑Year Defense of Learning, where students must present three competencies:
Personal Champion (required)
Effective Communicator (required)
One additional competency of their choice
A successful end‑of‑year defense is required for students who want to attend the Holiday World trip.
About Exhibition Night
Families are invited to attend and engage with students as they present their work. During the event:
Students will present their artifact and slides
Families can ask questions about the learning process
Teachers will be present to support and guide students
Although attendance isn’t required, the event provides meaningful practice for students before their required end‑of‑year defense.
How You Can Help at Home
You can support your child by asking reflective questions like:
What did you learn from creating this artifact?
What new skills did you develop?
What challenges did you face and overcome?
How does this artifact show your growth in this competency?
These conversations help students deepen their thinking and build confidence.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to welcoming students back with a bright, tropical celebration—and to seeing families at the POL Exhibition Night on February 26!
Sincerely,
Danielle Cassady
Principal
We apologize for the second message. There was a technical issue with the audio in the first message's video. It has been corrected in the video link below.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
*Hardin County Schools will utilize Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
*Friday, February 6, 2026, will be a traditional SNOW DAY. That means that no instruction will be provided on that day.
We encourage our students, staff and families to listen to this message (see YouTube link) from HCS Superintendent Terrie Morgan. She answers some questions she has received about this prolonged time away from our physical classrooms: https://youtu.be/Sl03X8cC8es
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
*Hardin County Schools will utilize Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
*Friday, February 6, 2026, will be a traditional SNOW DAY. That means that no instruction will be provided on that day.
We encourage our students, staff and families to listen to this message (see YouTube link) from HCS Superintendent Terrie Morgan. She answers some questions she has received about this prolonged time away from our physical classrooms: https://youtu.be/Sl03X8cC8es
Dear JTA Families,
Our superintendent has announced that tomorrow will be another NTI day, and we want to make sure your student has everything they need. Attached to this email is the new Choice Board for NTI Days 7–10.
Families may print the choice board at home if they would like a hard copy, or if you prefer, you may stop by the school tomorrow, and we will gladly provide a printed copy for your student.
NTI Day Expectations:
Students should complete one activity per class each NTI day.
All activities can be completed without online access using paper and pencil.
Students will turn in their work to teachers when they return to school.
Teacher Support During NTI:
Our teachers are available in Google Meets throughout the day to answer questions, provide help, or check in with your child. You can find the full list of Google Meet links on our school webpage under the NTI tab at the top right.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate the weather. If you need anything or have questions, please call the school tomorrow—we will be here and happy to help.
Stay safe and warm,
Mrs. Cassady
Principal
NTI Lessons Days 7-10
Dear 8th Grade Families,
I hope you are all staying safe and warm. Due to the recent weather and NTI days, we have had to reschedule all 8th grade transition activities. Below is the updated calendar of events to help you plan ahead.
Updated 8th Grade Transition Events
February 9 – 8th Grade Visit to NHHS. We still need many permission slips returned for this trip.
If you have not yet turned yours in, please send it with your student on the first day back.
February 9 – NHHS Freshman Open House (6:00–7:30 PM). This is a great opportunity to tour the high school, meet staff, and learn about programs offered to incoming freshmen.
February 12 – One‑to‑One Scheduling at JTA (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM). Guidance counselors from NHHS will be at JTA to meet individually with every 8th grader to begin the scheduling process for 9th grade. Parents are encouraged to attend with their student. If this time does not work for your family, you may contact the NHHS counseling office to arrange an alternate meeting time that fits your schedule.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work around the weather. Transitioning to high school is an exciting time, and we want to make sure all families have the information they need. If you have any questions, please reach out. We’re here to help!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Cassady
Principal
I hope you are all staying safe and warm. Due to the recent weather and NTI days, we have had to reschedule all 8th grade transition activities. Below is the updated calendar of events to help you plan ahead.
Updated 8th Grade Transition Events
February 9 – 8th Grade Visit to NHHS. We still need many permission slips returned for this trip.
If you have not yet turned yours in, please send it with your student on the first day back.
February 9 – NHHS Freshman Open House (6:00–7:30 PM). This is a great opportunity to tour the high school, meet staff, and learn about programs offered to incoming freshmen.
February 12 – One‑to‑One Scheduling at JTA (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM). Guidance counselors from NHHS will be at JTA to meet individually with every 8th grader to begin the scheduling process for 9th grade. Parents are encouraged to attend with their student. If this time does not work for your family, you may contact the NHHS counseling office to arrange an alternate meeting time that fits your schedule.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work around the weather. Transitioning to high school is an exciting time, and we want to make sure all families have the information they need. If you have any questions, please reach out. We’re here to help!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Cassady
Principal
Dear JTA Families,
I hope everyone is staying safe, warm, and dry. This is a reminder that today is NTI Day 6 and can be found on the 2nd Choice Board. Students should complete one activity from each class. There is no online requirement for these lessons—just good old‑fashioned paper and pencil. Students will turn in their completed work to their teacher when we return to school. Our teachers are in Google Meets all day to provide help or just to check in and say hello. You can find all lessons and all Google Meet links on the JTA school webpage under “NTI” in the top right corner. If we move into NTI Day 7, we will send out a new choice board for students.
Mr. Payne, our FRYSC coordinator, is collecting information to better support our families.
Please take a moment to complete this quick survey—it will help him assist our JTA community.
Field Trip Updates
6th Grade – Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Louisville) is still scheduled for this Thursday, pending school being in session. If school is canceled, we will do our best to reschedule. If you have not turned in the permission slip, please send it on the first day back. The permission slip is linked below for your convenience.
8th Grade – NHHS Visit is rescheduled for February 9. Many students still need to turn in their permission slips; that form is also linked below.
All students are scheduled to attend Seusical the Musical on February 19 at the PAC. This permission slip was included with the 6th and 8th grade forms, so it is linked separately here for 7th grade families.
6th Grade Permission Slip
8th Grade Permission Slip
7th Grade Permission Slip
If your family needs anything—food, support reaching a teacher, or any other assistance—please call the school. We are here all day and happy to help. Thank you for your continued support, and please take care.
Warmly,
Mrs. Cassady
Principal
HCS will conduct Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
