Character Strong Weekly Update 

Character Strong is our schoolwide curriculum used for social-emotional learning. Students complete lessons during Team Time on Monday's and Friday's of each week. Below are highlights of lessons along with their Character Dare.

Monday, March 25th: 

• • Lesson Title/Description: Understanding Values in Conflict Resolution - This is the 1st of 2 sessions on conflict resolution. In this session, we will pick one of our personal values that could serve as motivation to work on resolving conflicts and then will work together to know when a conflict is one that should be/could be resolved or not.

  • Character Dare: The First Step   - Choose 1 person that you have been impatient with or hurtful towards. Apologize to them by reflecting on your actions and telling them you will improve for the future. 

Upcoming School Wide HERO Incentives

Our primary objective is to acknowledge students for their exemplary behavior, and we are very  proud of their progress. To achieve this, we use HERO to record positive behavior and students receive points for exemplifying the GREAT pillars. Here are some exciting incentives we have in store to celebrate our students for the rest of the year. All incentives and dates are subject to change.

• March 29th - Staff vs Student Basketball and Quick Recall Game - 175 TOTAL points by March 22nd

• May 8th - Louisville BATS Game - 225 TOTAL points by May 2nd

Bullying Prevention Parent Night!

Thank you to the families who joined us for an awesome parent! Click the link below to view the information that was presented.

Bullying Prevention Presentation

We need your help! Cellphones and Peer Conflict 

We are seeing an uptick in peer conflict that is stemming from social media and group chats (text messages) communication. We are working to educate our students at school on how to resolve conflict and how to form healthy peer relationships. This work cannot be done alone and we are asking parents and guardians to partner with us in order to navigate healthy friendships while living in a tech world. Remind your child to always “Treat yourself and others with kindness” no matter if they are speaking face to face or online. Below are a few suggestions on how you can speak to your child about their social media use:

• Help them set boundaries and limits on tech. Make sure using social media doesn't get in the way of adequate sleep. 

• Have regular conversations with your child about their mental health and well-being. Talk about the platforms they're on, app features, and how they make your child feel. 

• Make sure they know to go to a trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable about something online.

Counseling Request Form

If your student has an academic question or social-emotional need, you can reach our counselors (Mr. Rul-lan and/or Ms. Thomas) or our Mental Health Practioner (MHP) Mrs. Sanders by filling out the Counselor Google Form.

Parent and Community Volunteers

We love our parents and community members who volunteer for school functions and field trips. We couldn't do what we do without you!

All volunteers must have a background check cleared (once every 5 years) before they may volunteer or chaperone their event. If you are planning on volunteering for any upcoming field trips, please see the important info about the renewel process below:

All JCPS parent and community members whose School Volunteer Records Check were cleared prior to July 1, 2020, are required to submit a new background check.

Volunteers who submitted a School Volunteer Records Check after July 1, 2020, and were cleared will not need to resubmit a records check until July 1, 2025. 

If you need to have a new background check, fill out the form here:
https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/about/support/volunteer

Taking care of it now will ensure that you are cleared the entire time your student is in middle school!

Last Day to Order from the Athletic Sportswear Store!

Store closes at 11:59pm tonight, Monday, March 25!

Check out our All-Athletics Sportswear Store designed by our very own Mrs. Johnston!!!! 

All team shirts may be worn as school uniforms M-F, with the exception of hoodies which may be worn on Fridays. The logo shorts and sweatpants may be worn on Fridays as well.  The stores will be open through 3/25/24 and delivered to school the week of 4/15-19. All proceeds will benefit ETMS Athletics!  

Spring Athletics - click here!

Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Track

Fall Athletics - click here!

Volleyball, Football, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Tennis, Cheer, Dance

Winter Athletics - click here!    

Archery, Swim, Bowling, Basketball, Cheer, Dance

Order now before the store closes!

Spring Picture & Dress Down Day - Tuesday, March 26th 

Spring Picture Day will be on Tuesday, March 26th.  Only students who have ordered pictures online or have an order form with payment will be photographed. 

All students will be invited to dress down on Tuesday, March 26.  Students must follow the dress down guidelines - linked HERE.

General PTSA Meeting, Tuesday March 26

We have two important dates to mark on your calendar.

-> This week, the PTSA will have our second general PTSA meeting of the year on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00pm via Zoom.

All PTSA members are invited to attend.

This will be a relatively brief meeting (15-20 minutes) where we will recap some things we've done this year, talk about some upcoming things and do a brief budget overview.

-> The third general meeting where we will have elections for next school year will be on Friday, April 12 at 5:30pm at Echo Trail just before the Spring Festival.

If you have any questions or would like to be involved in the PTSA, please email echotrailptsa@gmail.com

Here is Zoom link for next Tuesday:

Joe Hulsey is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Echo Trail PTSA General Meeting

Time: Mar 26, 2024 07:00 PM America/Kentucky/Louisville

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87842135483

Meeting ID: 878 4213 5483

Thanks!

PTSA Board

MAP Testing

On April 15th-16th, your child will take the Math MAP test. The average goal for a 6th grade student in winter is 222. These average scores are a prediction that a student will answer 50% of given questions correctly at a specific difficulty level.

Please encourage your child to try his/her best on this test. Please also make sure your child is here on time each day for testing. We appreciate your continued support in ensuring your child is successful!

KDF Marathon / Mini Marathon Discount

Thinking about signing up for the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon or Marathon? 

Here is your sign! Head over to derbyfestivalmarathon.com and use code EchoTrail24 at checkout and receive 10% off race registration.
Code expires 4/22. Hope to see you out there!
-Ms. Boone

Comprehensive School Survey 

A HUGE shout out and thank you to our Wolfpack families for completing the Comprehensive School Survey.  

With your support and participation, we were able to achieve our goal of 1st place for Middle School. 

General PTSA Meetings - March 26 & April 12

If you missed the announcement in the Upcoming Events section in the newsletter, scroll back up to see details.

-> This week, the PTSA will have our second general PTSA meeting of the year on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00pm via Zoom. All PTSA members are invited to attend.

-> The third general meeting where we will have elections for next school year will be on Friday, April 12 at 5:30pm at Echo Trail just before the Spring Festival.

Thanks!

PTSA Board

Link your Kroger Card to Help Echo Trail

Whenever you shop at Kroger and use your Kroger Card, you use can help Echo Trail!

Kroger Community Rewards

• Link Echo Trail Middle School PTSA to your Kroger Card and every time you scan your card, Kroger will give back 1% of all your purchases ETMS!

• Click here to get started and search for “Echo Trail” in the organization search!

Science Olympiad

Science Club: Please check Google Classroom with an updated schedule for the remainder of the year. 

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

We will continue to meet every Wednesday in the Band Room (132) from 7:00-7:30am.  All students are welcome to attend!

If you have any questions, please email sponsors joseph.stivers@jefferson.kyschools.us or jordan.stout@jefferson.kyschools.us.

Echo Trail Spring Sports

Practice Days

Reminder that all athletes must have an updated Sports Physical and Echo Trail athletics packet turned in and on file to participate in an Echo Trail athletics program. This includes getting your packet notarized, which can be done in our front office.

Baseball:

Head Coach -  Austin Dukes

Practices: *Times and Locations Vary

F - @ Eastwood Cutoff Field 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Sa - @ Eastern HS Indoor 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Softball:

Head Coach - Elizabeth Conard

Practices: 2:45 - 5:00 PM

M W - @ Eastwood Cutoff Rd Field

Th -  @ Echo Trail

**Transportation bus provided to practice from school.

Boys Soccer:

Head Coach - Cary Hearn

Email: clhbanker@bellsouth.net

Practices: *2:45 - 4:30 PM 

T Th - @ The Parklands Egg Lawn

**Transportation bus provided to practice from school.

Boys Lacrosse:

Coach - Phil Brock (Head Coach Eastern HS Lax)

Email: philbrock15@gmail.com

Practices: Contact Coach Brock as schedule and locations may vary

Flag Football:

Coach - Dexter Bowden

Practices: *3:00 - 5:00 PM 

M W -  @ Echo Trail

Volleyball (6th grade Spring League):

Coach - Rachael Johnston 

Email: Linked to name (email last name is "Johnson")

Practices: *2:30 - 4:00 PM 

M Th - @ Echo Trail

Track and Field:

Coach -  William Jacoby

UPDATE: ET Track Team practices are held at 5:30pm on Wednesdays and Fridays at Eastern High School, weather permitting. If your child is interested in joining the team, please make sure they have a completed physical and Echo Trail athletics packet. You can contact Coach Jacoby.

Go be grEaT this spring!

Mr. Carden

Echo Trail Athletic Director

Games & Competitions

3/25 5:15p Baseball vs. HLS     @ Crosby Park

5:30p Soccer vs. Crosby   @ Crosby    

3/28 5:30p Soccer vs. Ramsey    @ Ramsey   

5:30p Softball vs. LKY    @ Eastern HS 

3/28-3/30

5:30p     Archery KY NASP State Tournament - 3D Tournament  

      @ KY Expo Center

*Echo Trail will shoot on 3/29 @ 5:30 PM

Check for Overdue Library Books

Greetings Parents and Guardians! 

Please check with your student and remind them to return any library books to the library. We have quite a few overdue books; notices will be sent out via student email as well as through ELA teachers.

Quick Reference & Reminders

• NTI Communication - Families

• Technology Plan - NTI

• Bus App Directions

• Please reference this map for AM arrival and PM dismissal 

• Echo Trail MS School Number 502-485-8398

• Expectations Slide Deck 

• Technology Slide Deck 

• Gum/Candy/Food - we ask that students do not chew gum (it finds its way to new furniture or the floor, etc.) and that any candy/food remains put away unless in the cafeteria.  

• Please review the uniform guidance and slide deck linked below:

Uniform Written Guidance

Uniform Slide Deck (visuals)

Spirit Store Items and Uniform Approved Items

Common Items we are correcting:

• Full zip jackets will need to be removed (once we have assigned lockers students will store them there)

• Hoodies that are non-Echo Trail (Echo Trail hoodies with hoods down can be worn on Fridays) Nike women’s dry tempo short, AC women’s tempo luxe 5 in short, and general athletic shorts are not approved school items to be worn. 

• The only athletic shorts approved on Friday’s are BSN Sports Agility 2 pocket Short and Nike Flex Woven Short.

School Contacts

If you need to reach out to any of our administrators, front office staff, core content teachers or other staff, you can find their names, roles and emails on our school website: bit.ly/echotrailmiddle

Homework Reminder

As your child continues to settle into middle school, we wanted to take a moment to send out a reminder about the importance of completing homework assignments. 

Homework is used to reinforce the skills and concepts that your child is learning at home. It is important that you are checking in DAILY with your child about the homework that he/she may have to complete. 

We ask that you also check Infinite Campus regularly to stay up-to-date on your child’s progress and any missing assignments that he/she may have. Completing assignments in a timely manner and practicing outside of school will help your child be successful throughout the school year. 

As always, if you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher directly. We appreciate your continued support!

Agenda Use

Starting this week, we will be helping students consistently use their agendas in each class. All teachers will have their students write down the learning target and any homework they might have.

We want to assist our students with organization skills and also completing homework when assigned. We also want to increase communication with you as you support your student.

Wolfpack Weekly in Junk Mail

Teachers and parents both found the Weekly Newsletter in the Junk folder of their email recently.

If you missed a newsletter, you can always find previous weeks listed in the navigation window.

Here are things you can do to make sure you don't miss out next time:

• Periodically look in your Junk Folder to make sure you're not missing email from JCPS Teachers

• Whitelist our email addresses

  • For the Weekly, michael.etter@jefferson.kyschools.us and echotrailmiddle_reginfo@jefferson.kyschools.us

• Bookmark bit.ly/WolfPackWeekly and use the navigation bar for the latest week's newsletter

• Update Infinite Campus Parent Portal to include your phone number to receive SMS Notifications from us

We hope this helps. We never want you to miss out on important information. Please reach out to the school with any questions or assistance!

Weekly Newsletter

Errors? Omissions? If something is missing or needs to be corrected, please email Michael Etter, michael.etter@jefferson.kyschools.us.