Wolf Pack Weekly
Echo Trail Middle School Weekly Newsletter
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Welcome!
Welcome!
Hello Wolf Pack Families!
October is in full swing and we have lots going on at Echo Trail this week. Take a look below for the week-at-a-glance:
Attention 8th grade families: the 8th Grade Transition to High School Night will be October 13th, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Echo Trail Middle School. During this event families will learn about the application process from the JCPS Student Assignment Office, and have an opportunity to learn about high schools.
To conclude our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Wednesday October 14th, students will be allowed to wear soccer jerseys with uniform bottoms.
PTSA Student Dress-down Day is Thursday, October 15th. Teachers will be providing students with a wristband Wednesday, October 14th to wear. Please review and follow the dress-down guidance.
Grading Period 1 will end on Tuesday, October 13th and students will start Grading Period 2 on 10/14. Students schedules will only change in Elevate and/or Explore classes.
We are extremely close with our EBF completion. Currently we are at 38% and we need to be at 40% in order to receive Title I funds. This is important to our school community at it will support our students in additional ways by having these funds. Please if you haven't already, complete the form as soon as possible for us to qualify for these funds.
Thank you to all of our families and amazing PTSA, our Nature Walk total was just over $60,000 to support our school this year! I cannot put into words how grateful we are as a school to have this type of support from our Wolf Pack families.
Students who earned the Main Event Prize as part of the Nature Walk will receive a Main Event permission slip Monday, 10/12. Permission slips need to be returned to the main office by Wednesday, 10/14. The field trip to Main Event will take place Friday, October 16th. Thank you for your support!
Looking ahead as we will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 26th-October 30th. Please review the Dress Down Guidelines with your student
Monday 10/26 - Peace Out to Bad Choices - Wear a Tie-Dye shirt or colorful top with uniform bottoms.
Tuesday 10/27 - Team Up Against Bad Choices - Wear your favorite sports jersey or Echo Trail spirit shirt with uniform bottoms.
Wednesday 10/28 - Head-to-Toe Good Choices - Wear crazy/wild socks, headband, or hat with uniform tops and bottoms.
Thursday 10/29 - Shine Bright and Dream Big - Wear a neon/bright colored top or a college shirt/sweatshirt with uniform bottoms.
Friday 10/30 - Superhero Day - Wear your favorite superhero shirt/sweatshirt with uniform bottoms.
Save the Date(s) and Other Important Information:
Echo Trail Family Calendar : This is a living document that will be updated as needed. We wanted to give you a snapshot of what to expect each month.
Uniform Written Policy and Uniform Slide Deck (visuals) :
Please be mindful of skirt length
Full-zip jackets are to be removed for the day
Uniform Approved hoodies can only be worn on Friday
If your student rides a JCPS Bus, please follow the directions linked here to download the JCPS My Ride K-12 App for up to date information about Bus Transportation
#ExpectgreaTness
Dr. Ammerman, Principal
Twitter: @KaraJo_Ammerman
Important Information
& Upcoming Events
Important Information
& Upcoming Events
ETMS Holiday Assistance Sponsors NEEDED!
The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity for our Echo Trail community to come together and support families in need. This year, we are seeking individuals, families, businesses, and community partners who would like to serve as sponsors for our Thanksgiving Assistance and Gifts for the Holidays programs.
Thanksgiving Assistance - Thanksgiving sponsors will provide a $50 gift card for each family they sponsor. Echo Trail will provide the food basket through our school wide food drive.
Gifts for the Holidays - Sponsors can also help make the holiday season special by sponsoring an Echo Trail student or family. Families requesting assistance will provide a holiday wish list. Sponsors will then be matched with a student or family and receive their wish list along with additional information about deadlines and gift drop-off.
Sponsors may choose to support Thanksgiving, Gifts for the Holidays, or both. Thank you for helping us make the holiday season a little brighter for our Echo Trail families!
👉 Complete the Holiday Sponsor Google Form
Sponsor Sign-Up Deadline: October 23rd
Thanksgiving Food Drive October 19th-30th!
We are excited to kick off our Thanksgiving Food Drive from October 19th–30th! All donations collected will directly benefit Echo Trail families in need during the holiday season.
To add a little friendly competition, the team that collects the most donations will win a PIZZA PARTY on Tuesday, November 24th! 🍕
Our Beta Club students will also help support the food drive by promoting the event, counting donations, and helping organize food baskets for our families.
Let's come together to support our Echo Trail families and make a difference this holiday season!
PTSA Reflections Competition
National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. For over 50 years, Reflections has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Use the flyer to the right and link below to find out more information and learn how to apply.
Deadline to apply November 13
8th grade Transition to High School Night
8th grade Transition to High School Night
Mark your calendars for 8th grade Transition to High School night. Come hear from high school administrators and learn about the high school application process. More information to come in the following weeks.
When: October 13th, 5-7PM
Where: Echo Trail Middle School
Grading Period 1 Ends October 13
Grading Period 1 Ends October 13
Now is a great time to check Infinite Campus and check in with your student about grades and assignments. The end of Grading Period 1 is October 13th.
Calling All Veteran's
Calling All Veteran's
🇺🇸 Echo Trail Veterans Day Program 🇺🇸
🇺🇸 Echo Trail Veterans Day Program 🇺🇸
Our annual Veterans Day Program will be held on Wednesday, November 11th, and we are honored to celebrate the Veterans who are part of our Echo Trail community!
We welcome all Echo Trail veterans to be recognized during this special event. Veterans may choose to attend our program as a Guest of Honor or be featured in our Veterans Day slideshow presentation.
Please [click here to complete the recognition form] by October 31st to be included in this year’s program.
We look forward to honoring the men and women who have served our country and making this a meaningful celebration for our entire Echo Trail community!
🇺🇸 We are grateful for your service! 🇺🇸
6th grade FUNdraising at Main Event
6th grade FUNdraising at Main Event
Calling all 6th grade families! Join us at Main Event on Thursday, October 15th for a fun night!
Where: Main Event
When: Thursday, October 15 from 5-8
**All students must be accompanied by an adult!**
**All students must be accompanied by an adult!**
Community Partner: Class Act
Community Partner: Class Act
Partner with Class Act FCU.pdfClass Act Information Flyer.pdfCounselor Corner
Counselor Corner
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH!
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH!
HERO Student and Teacher Leaders
HERO Student and Teacher Leaders
Check out our HERO point leaders for last week!
HERO Roll-Out
HERO Roll-Out
We are excited to officially roll out HERO at Echo Trail! HERO is our schoolwide positive behavior recognition program designed to recognize and reward students for the positive choices they make each day.
When we see greatness, we will RECOGNIZE and REWARD it!
How Do Students Earn HERO Points?
How Do Students Earn HERO Points?
Students can earn HERO points from any staff member in the building by demonstrating our GREAT Pillars.
G – Growth Mindset
R – Ready and Responsible
E – Enthusiastic Attitude
A – Actively Participate
T – Treat Yourself and Others with Kindness
Students can also earn bonus points for accomplishments such as having no referrals for the month and making the Honor Roll.
ID + Lanyard = HERO Points!
ID + Lanyard = HERO Points!
Students must wear their school ID and lanyard each day to earn and redeem HERO points. Families can help by encouraging students to make their ID and lanyard part of their daily school routine.
No Lanyard = No Points!
What Can Students Earn?
What Can Students Earn?
Students will have opportunities for weekly recognition and monthly and quarterly incentives throughout the year. Rewards may include:
HERO Store items
Dress Down and PJ Days
Snack & a Movie
Gym and outside time
Pizza Socials
Silent Disco Dance
Kona Ice
Student vs. Staff games
And more!
The HERO Store will officially open after Fall Break, giving students another opportunity to use the points they have earned.
Counseling Request Form
Counseling Request Form
If your student has an academic question or social-emotional need, you can reach our counselors or Mental Health Practitioner by filling out the Counselor Google Form.
6th Grade - Ms. Thomas
7th Grade - Mr. Rul-lan
8th Grade - Ms. Wales
Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) - Mrs. Sanders
8th Grade High School Resources
8th Grade High School Resources
Attention 8th Grade Families- We now have a space in the 8th grade den that has all sorts of information about High School. Have your student check here for information about what events are happening at JCPS High Schools.
Student Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Clubs
Clubs
Click here to view our Club page to see our current club sponsors and day/time meeting locations
Echoes of the Arts
Echoes of the Arts
8th Grade Howlapolooza Concert
8th Grade Howlapolooza Concert
Bravo to our 8th Grade Musicians on an outstanding Howlapolooza Concert! If you'd like to view/share, here is our recorded concert. Well done Wolfpack Musicians!
EXPLORE
EXPLORE
👀 Check out what's Happening in Explore this week...
👀 Check out what's Happening in Explore this week...
Engagement, Empowerment, & Connection
October 14th-Eastern HS Ambassadors will be visiting for our Lunch & Learn. L&L is designed so Middle School students get an opportunity to hear from HS Students about the ins and outs of being a High School Student. It is during lunch to allow more intimate conversations and be easier for Middle School Students to engage conversation style with High School students.
Athletics
Athletics
Wolfpack Look Back... Last Week In Athletics
Wolfpack Look Back... Last Week In Athletics
- Varsity Volleyball Crowned JCPS CHAMPIONS!!
- Cross Country has another strong showing at the Louisville XC Classic
- Fall Sport Playoffs look to wrap up next week
This Week in Wolfpack Athletics...
Upcoming Tryouts
Upcoming Tryouts
2026/27 Echo Trail Winter Sports Tryouts: This form will indicate the Winter sports you intend on trying out for this coming 2026/27 Winter season. Please note that commitment to an Echo Trail team requires showing up to required practices and games.
Winter Sports Options:
Boys/Girls Basketball
Archery
Swim
Indoor Track and Field
*Click on the "Winter Sports Sign Ups" link above to get signed up, or the copied link below:
https://forms.gle/zmWsdAVy9jNzupbZ6
Announcements Coming Soon For...
Announcements Coming Soon For...
- Archery
- Indoor Track and Field
New Wolfpack coaching staffs are being finalized and preparing for the winter season.
New Wolfpack coaching staffs are being finalized and preparing for the winter season.
PTSA
PTSA
Chaperones Needed!
Chaperones Needed!
We are in need of some awesome parent volunteers to chaperone the Main Event Nature Walk fundraiser reward. Please sign up below to help.
Be on the lookout for a permission slip to come home on Monday, October 12, if your child earned this reward.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0548ADA82EA5FDC34-66625852-main
Any questions about PTSA, feel free to email echotrailptsa@gmail.com
Repeat Information
Repeat Information
Please Fill out the EBF
Please Fill out the EBF
We are required to have an Eligibility Benefits Form (EBF) filled out for every family at Echo Trail Middle School to maintain our FREE breakfast and lunch status. The link to complete online is below. IT IS IMPERATIVE that we receive a completed form from every family. Only one form per household needs to be completed if you include all family member's names. All students should be listed in the student section.
If you prefer to not list your income, check the box that says, "Not eligible". If you are eligible to have your school fees waived, you will be notified by JCPS.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, we appreciate your assistance.
Complete online at jcps.me/ebf
Car Rider Morning Drop-Off & Bus reminders
Car Rider Morning Drop-Off & Bus reminders
If you are the first car with a student to unload, pull all the way around to the white line before unloading. Once the line has stopped, students can exit out the passenger side anywhere from the white line to the main entrance and enter through the gym.
All students MUST come through the car rider line and exit in the unloading zone. They cannot be let out in the parking lot, on Echo Trail, or in the bus parking lot.
School Fees
School Fees
If you still need to pay your school fees, please do so now online at My School Bucks! Click the link below to review the School Fee Sheet. Price does include a 3.95% credit card processing fee.
You may also send fees by cash and checks with your student starting Monday 8/10.
If we can offer any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us 485-8398.
Volunteer This School Year!
Volunteer This School Year!
We'd love to have you participate in field trips and other volunteer opportunities. Head to the JCPS Volunteer page (Get Involved) and click Volunteer Talent Center to fill out a background check form. Background checks are kept on file with the district and are good for 5 years.
WEAPON DETENTION REMINDERS
WEAPON DETENTION REMINDERS
All BLUE items must be removed and passed around prior to walking through the weapons detection system. Staff will be at the pass around table to assist students.
Tables will be available for students and staff to use
Be patient while waiting
Walk through the system one person at a time, continue walking unless you are directed by a staff member to go to secondary screening.
There will be tables for students to place BLUE items back in their bags.
Echo Trail EF Tours Registration is OPEN!
Echo Trail EF Tours Registration is OPEN!
Scan the QR code to the left to enroll in that trip! Enroll by September 18 for a $200 discount on each trip!
Questions? Email the sponsor for that particular trip.
Link your Kroger Card to Help Echo Trail
Link your Kroger Card to Help Echo Trail
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!
Equal Opportunity Policy - Revised 06-26 (1) - Donna Pappe.pdfWeekly Newsletter
Weekly Newsletter
Errors? Omissions? If something is missing or needs to be corrected, please email Courtney DeKeuster courtney.dekeuster@jefferson.kyschools.us.
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