Wolf Pack Weekly
Echo Trail Middle School Weekly Newsletter
Echo Trail Middle School Weekly Newsletter
April 22, 2024
Hello Wolf Pack Families!
We will be launching our HERO Store today during Team Time. We are excited for our students to have the option to purchase items such as: Greatie Socks, ETMS Belt Bags, Water Bottles, and more with their HERO points. HERO Points earned this school year will not carry over to next school year.
Our festival was a success and the total (minus the coin jug) resulted in profiting over $3,200 with $2,220 of that going to our clubs and athletic teams. The rest will go to PTSA to continue supporting our school in all of the grEaT things coming up!
We have sent home a few reminders that are coming up with Chromebook/Charger collection, the Book Fair, and EOY activities. If you have any questions about:
Chromebook/Charger Collection: The JCPS Chromebook and charger assigned to your student will be collected by their 1st period teacher on Thursday, April 25th. It is very important that we receive all devices and chargers as we end the school year and prepare for state testing.
kari.ward@jefferson.kyschools.us or emily.rickert@jefferson.kyschools.us or 502-485-8398
Book Fair: kari.ward@jefferson.kyschools.us or 502-485-8398
EOY Activities: adrienne.thomas@jefferson.kyschools.us or emily.rickert@jefferson.kyschools.us or 502-485-8398
Check out the new JCPS website at www.jefferson.kyschools.us and you will see Echo Trail featured in a variety of ways!
Save the Date(s):
4/22-4/26/24 Spring Book Fair In-Person and Online
5/22/24 Explore Selection Ceremony
5/24/24 End of Fourth Grading Term/Last Student Day
#ExpectgreaTness
Dr. Ammerman, Principal
Twitter: @KaraJo_Ammerman
We are excited to launch our HERO Store to celebrate students who are exemplifying the GREAT pillars. Students can select their items using the HERO Store Google Form that is located in their counseling google classroom. Items will be delivered during 6th period on Friday’s. Check out our HERO Store Launch Video!
Check out our HERO point leaders for last week!
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.
May 8th - Louisville BATS Game - 225 TOTAL points by May 2nd
Thank you to the families who joined us for an awesome parent! Click the link below to view the information that was presented.
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.
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.
Our Kentucky Summative Assessments are right around the corner. Below you'll see our schedule for end-of-year testing:
Tuesday, May 7 - Quality of School Climate and Safety Survey
Thursday, May 9 - Reading
Friday, May 10 - Math
We will begin testing each morning at 8:00 AM. 6th graders only complete the Survey, Reading, and Math. If a student misses a section of the state test, they will complete during a makeup session. Students must have all sections complete to participate in end of the year activities.
Has your child outgrown his/her uniform? Please consider donating gently used uniforms and Echo Trail gear to our Youth Service Center. Thank you so much for your kind generosity!
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 today, Monday, 4/22. Hope to see you out there!
-Ms. Boone
We have a lot of important information about our library and media services. Please read carefully below and contact our Library and Media Specialist, Ms. Ward, kari.ward@jefferson.kyschools.us, for any questions.
When can students go to the book fair?
Hours: 7:10-7:30, 7:40-2:00 pm daily running thru Wednesday, April 24th
What do students need to go to the book fair?
Students will need a BLUE library pass, signed and dated by their teacher, and money to purchase items (cash, check made out to ETMS, credit card, apple pay or Ewallet)
Set up an Ewallet!
You can set up an Ewallet and browse the online fair at scholastic.com/bf/echotrailmiddleschool.
If you have questions that aren't answered here, please reach out to Ms. Ward.
Dear Echo Trail Parents and Guardians,
The JCPS Chromebook and charger assigned to your student will be collected by their 1st period teacher on Thursday, April 25th. It is very important that we receive all devices and chargers as we end the school year and prepare for state testing.
To participate in end of the year activities, all students must turn in all school-issued items. If the items have been misplaced, a fine may also be issued to cover the cost of replacement in accordance with the JCPS Device Usage Agreement. If students have added stickers to their device, please have them remove those prior to turning in so that the only labels remaining are the school issued student name and asset tag located on the bottom of the device.
Students who return their assigned Chromebook and charger on the 25th will be given a dress down pass for Thursday, May 2nd. We appreciate your time and attention and continuing partnership in your child's education.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Ms. Ward, Ms. Rickert or call 485-8398.
We want to share with you that the rest of the world is figuring out what we already know - that our Boss Lady and fierce and fabulous leader is TODAY’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR!
Dr. Ammerman was nominated for this honor and now it’s up to us, her Wolfpack, to bring this honor home!
The ballot is on page 8 of the April Derby issue of Today’s Woman magazine, but online voting is going on now through April 30 at www.todayswomannow.com.
Voting is available to anyone with an email address, but only one vote per email address per hour. Winners will be honored at an event June 11 and featured in their July issue of Today’s Woman Magazine.
Mark your calendars for our end-of-year bash -- all are welcome to attend our Spring Arts Fest featuring our Echo Trail Fine Arts Department!
Food Trucks
Art Walk
Drama Production
Band, Choir, Echo Effect, and Jazz Band
Save the date!
Our Echo Trail FCA is back for all students and meets every Wednesday from 7:00-7:30AM in the Band Room (132). As we anticipate large groups again, we are in need of families to help by signing up to bring in donuts.
Please click here to see our sign up genius which has all the information needed.
Thanks in advance for your generosity!
As we continue to celebrate our students and update the hallways with branding, we have created Student Spotlight posters! Each team of teachers will select only one student per week. These students have demonstrated what it means to be G.R.E.A.T. at Echo Trail based upon our school-wide expectations. Congratulations to the following students: Team Perseverance-Naya Boeckman, Team Determination-Grant Ballard, Team Endurance-Pierce Buckman
Echo Trail Parents:
Our school has a SBDM (School-Based Decision Making) council that is made up of our principal, Dr. Ammerman and a variety of elected teachers and parents. This council is in charge of making important decisions about how the school operates and supports student achievement.
The council is a wonderful chance to learn about our school, work closely with teachers, and help make our school even more successful than it is now.
One of the duties of the PTSA each year is run SBDM elections for the two parent representatives for next school year.
The two parent members of the council who will receive training and serve from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Parents can, but are not required to, serve two consecutive, one-year terms but do have to be re-elected each school year.
You are allowed to self-nominate.
Also, if you know someone who would be a good candidate, please encourage that person to run and nominate them.
Elected parents should be available to attend a monthly meeting. These meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 3:00pm at school (no meeting in December or June).
Nominations will be open until Monday, May 13 at 2:20pm EST. Nominations can be sent in email format to echotrailptsa@gmail.com.
The election will be held on Wednesday, May 15.
If you will have a student at Echo Trail next year, you are eligible to be nominated and to vote in this election. This includes parents, stepparents, and foster parents. Legal guardians are also eligible to vote if the child lives in their home. I urge every parent to participate in this important decision about the future of our children’s school.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email echotrailptsa@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Joe Hulsey – PTA President
This letter can be viewed as a Word Doc here. Feel free to share with other interested parents.
Whenever you shop at Kroger and use your Kroger Card, you use can help Echo Trail!
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!
ClassAct FCU is giving money to local schools! For each "vote" schools' get, it moves them one step closer to a Heroes Grant Milestone! Visiting the Echo Trail Class Act page, signing up our ClassAct email, sharing on social media and signing up for a ClassAct account all get your school closer to their next Milestone.
Echo Trail is getting closer to the 2 Million Milestone and will receive $2000 more! "Vote" and share with friends and family!
Click here to "vote" for your school and to find out more about ClassAct's Heroes of Education!
The Newscast Team will NOT meet after school this week but WILL MEET on Tuesday and Thursday during WINN.
Check Google Classroom for updates.
Science Club: Please check Google Classroom with an updated schedule for the remainder of the year.
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.
Tribe Elite Cheer will be having tryouts soon. Click here for more information.
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.
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):
Email: Linked to name (email last name is "Johnson")
Practices: *2:30 - 4:00 PM
M Th - @ Echo Trail
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
Monday 4/22
5:15p BSB vs. STA (DH) Game 1 @ Crosby Park
7:00p BSB vs. Whitfield (DH) Game 2
Tuesday 4/23
6:00p VB vs. Western @ Carrithers
6:45p Soc vs. Western @ Central HS
7:00p SB vs. CAL @ CAL
4:30p Flag Football Boys vs. Meyzeek @ Westport
5:20p Flag Football Girls vs. Hudson
Wednesday 4/24
7:00p VB vs. Carrithers (Visitors) @ Highland
Thursday 4/25
4:30p Flag Football Boys vs. Newburg @ Westport
5:20p Flag Football Girls vs. Hudson
Friday 4/26
5:00p SB vs. CAI @ Christian Academy of Indiana
Saturday 4/27
9:00a Wolfpack Pre-National Warmup @ Eastern High School
All Day Event
*** Echo Trail Archery hosting
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!
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.
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:
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
Errors? Omissions? If something is missing or needs to be corrected, please email Michael Etter, michael.etter@jefferson.kyschools.us.