Trail Talk
Student Bulletin - December 1, 2024
UPCOMING EVENTS
12/10 - Concert / Orchestra & Mariachi
12/12 - Winter Band Concert
CHARACTER TRAIT FOR DECEMBER
NOVEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Sadie Carter and Makinah Faust on being selected as the November Students of the Month!
Sadie Carter
Sadie Carter is currently in Concert Choir and just recently performed in the Bison Theatre production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition Musical. This year was Sadie’s second year to help Life Skills students at the LSR7 Choose to Include Event. During Sadie’s 7th grade year she participated in Orchestra, Tennis Club, and was the Basketball Manager. She also participated in the Bison Theatre musical production of Cinderella and the ETMS Awards Show. Sadie received the Courtesy Award her 7th grade year as well.
Makinah Faust
Makinah Faust is currently a member of Student Council for a second year in a row and serves as an officer. During her 7th grade year she ran Cross Country and Track. She was on the Principal’s Honor Roll both semesters of her 7th grade year and received the October Trait Award for Patience. She also did a live radio interview with radio station KCUR. Outside of school, Makinah participates on the Empire Swim Club Team. Makinah plans to participate in track again this coming Spring.
GENERAL INFORMATION & UPDATES
Winter Dance Volunteers
ETMS Parents/Guardians,
We are looking for 15 volunteers to help with the 7th & 8th Grade Winter Dance at ETMS on December 6th. Hours are from 6:45 pm to 9:30 pm. Please click on the link below to sign up.
We greatly appreciate your help.
Thank you!
Spirit Week December 2nd - 6th!
Robotics Event Volunteers Needed
ETMS Parents / Guardians,
My name is Robert Dumler and I am one of the Robotics Coaches for ETMS.
We are hosting a large 36 team Robotics event on Feb. 15, 2025 at East Trails Middle School and need volunteers in several areas. The teams will be coming from Western Missouri and Kansas areas.
Please see the list below of the areas that we need volunteers in.
Judges
The primary role of a judge is to interview teams, and to decide which teams deserve an award based on team interviews, the robot, match play, and the engineering portfolio. Judges are paired in groups of two -3 to interview a set number of teams before the competition begins as well as interviews in the pit area. • Interview and watch teams in the judging rooms, the pit, and on the playing field. • Take part on judge panel to decide team award recipients. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training courses. Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent allowed to serve in this role with HQ approval, 21 preferred
Judge Match Observer
Most of the judges will be involved in the judge interviews and will not have much time to see the robots in action. Two or three judges should be asked to serve as judge match observers. • Watch the action on the field. • Collect data on the quality of the robot performance. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent.
Emcees
The emcee is the primary individual responsible for setting the tone of the competition and creating and sustaining an exciting and fun atmosphere throughout the event. Most visible presence at the event; embodies the spirit of FIRST and is the consummate FIRST ambassador. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event. • Hosts the opening and awards ceremonies. • Provide spectators and teams with an overview of the game and the basic rules throughout the event. • Announce teams taking part in matches. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent
Queuers
The queuer is responsible for managing team traffic to and from the playing field. Stage and position teams in preparation for the start of matches. Play a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and keeping the pace of the event. • Escorts teams from the pit to the queuing area. • Stage and position teams for matches. • Ensures access to the field is limited to authorized individuals. • Maintain an uninterrupted flow of teams to the playing field. • Direct teams to fields, and from the field. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 15 years of age or older.
Field resetters
The field resetter is responsible for resetting the playing field after each match. Plays a critical role in ensuring smooth flow of match play and maintaining pace of the event. • Reset field after each match. • Check the field for debris after the match, remove. • Check field for damage; report damage to the Head Referee. Prerequisite: FIRST experience strongly preferred, but not required. Minimum Age Requirement: 13 years of age or older.
Practice Field Attendant
The practice field attendant is responsible for supervising the practice field area, including watching team use of the field and game elements. Prerequisite: FIRST experience preferred, but not required. Minimum Age Requirement: 15 years of age or older.
Scoring refs
Referees watch the status of the game and scoring elements during match play. There will be one referee assigned to the blue alliance side of the field, and the other to the red alliance side of the field. They may track the status of the field on paper or using scoresheets. Some tournaments may use live scoring, and the referee will use an application installed on either a phone or tablet to track the status of the field. • Watching matches helps teams to avoid rule violations. • "Call" rule violations when necessary; decide penalties. • Communicates penalties and rule violations to the penalty Referee throughout the match. • Take part in deliberations about contested calls. • Watch and promote safe practices on and around the playing field. Prerequisite: Previous FIRST experience. BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years of age or older and post high school or equivalent.
Scorekeepers
The scorekeeper helps the flow of the event and provides information and match scores to the teams and to the audience. The lead scorekeeper is the person responsible for making sure the scoring system is set up correctly (including displays and user tablets for other volunteers) and that match scores are entered accurately. The volunteer should work closely with the FTA and head referee. Prerequisite: BlueVolt training course. Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years of age or older.
If you would be interested in helping, please let me know. We are trying to get all volunteers signed up by Jan. 15, 2025.
If you have any questions about any of the positions, please let me know.
ETMS Robotics Coaches,
Tom, Bill & Robert
Lost & Found
Here are this week's lost and found items.
Students, please stop by the front office to see if your lost item might be there.
GET CONNECTED
#iBELONG
Ways to get involved! We want every BISON to love being a part of our school!
See the 2024-25 Hub Link below for information about all clubs, athletics, and activities.
Book of the Month
Our new book of the month will be, The Fort. Students interested in reading the Book of the Month should stop by the library to sign up and check out a copy.
All who participate will be invited to the Discussion with Donuts (including a gluten free option) with Mrs. Brown, the school librarian, and any other staff who participate.
Discussion with Donuts will be held Wednesday, December 4th during TRAIL Time.
RECOGNITIONS & CELEBRATIONS
All-District Band
Congratulations to these 8th grade band students that made the All-District Band! They auditioned with 590 other musicians in Kansas City to make this honor band. The All-District Band performs on December 14th, 6:00pm at Lee's Summit High School.
John Paul Kean- Oboe
Paxton Welch- Horn
Sammy Barrier- Alto Sax
Vivian Blalock- Clarinet
Levi Schmidt- Tenor Sax & All-District Jazz Tenor Sax
Ryan Riegel- Euphonium
Tyler Mosakowski- Horn
BisonBots
The three BisonBot Robotics Teams participated in their second meet of the season on Saturday, November 23rd, at FL Schlagle High School. All three of the teams had a great showing. The three BisonBot teams went up against seven High School teams, one combined MS/HS team, and one other Middle School team. The KC East League consists of 21 High School teams, 5 combined Middle School and High School teams, and 6 Middle School only teams.
After the event all three teams were ranked in the top 10 of the FTC MOKS KC East League.
- BisonBots Silver is 3rd
- BisonBots Green is 4th
- BisonBots Black is 6th
- BisonBots Silver - 22nd
- BisonBots Green - 23rd
- BisonBots Black - 31st
#GoBisonBots
STUCO STAFF MEMBER OF THE WEEK!
REMINDERS & REPEATED ITEMS
7th & 8th Grade Winter Dance
7th & 8th Grade Winter Dance
Details:
- Friday, December 6th
- Students can only attend during their grade level time.
- 7th Grade 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- 8th Grade 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- The cost is $7 purchased in advance (before school in the pods), $10 at the door.
- Drop off and pick up will occur at the main entrance. Tickets and student ID's will be required to enter the dance. See the front office if you've lost your ID.
- Free snacks will be provided
Expectations:
- Only students who are enrolled at ETMS may attend the dance or be on school grounds.
- No limousines.
- Nice school or dressy clothes are appropriate for all students. Although ETMS recognizes the value of allowing individual student self-expression, the dance is an extension of the school day and student handbook policies still apply. Students who violate these guidelines will not be allowed to enter the dance.
- Students must be in attendance for no less than the last 4 periods of the school day of the dance. Students may not have been in ISS or OSS the day of the event.
- Students must meet academic and student conduct eligibility requirements outlined in our ETMS student handbook to attend the dance (based on 1st quarter grades).
- Student behavior will be expected to reflect participation in a school event. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, and discipline consequences and removal from the dance will occur.
Math Homework Help
6th, 7th, & 8th Grade students, do you need Math Homework Help? You are welcome to stay after school any Thursday until 4:15. Meet in Library Collab Lab.
Bison Spirit Wear
Looking to add to your Bison Spirit Wear Collection?!
Spirit wear can be purchased through the front office.
ETMS can only accept CASH or CHECK.
School Lunch/Breakfast Menu
- December lunch menu
- December grab & go menu
- Breakfast is $2.00; Plate lunch is $3.20
- Free and reduced lunch application
Box Tops for Education
Help East Trails Middle School raise funds by submitting your Box Tops online at: https://boxtops4education.com/s/
Code: etmsybk
*Will accept photos until end of March 2025