Wolf Pack Weekly
Echo Trail Middle School Weekly Newsletter
Embedded Files
February 9, 2026
Hello Wolf Pack Families!
This week, starting on Monday, 2/9, our Explore teachers will be showing the following video created by Mr. Stivers and taking the CSS survey. Please take a moment to watch as I think it is a great reminder for all of us how special our school is. In addition, the last two school years our middle school has taken the TOP spot when it comes to CSS survey completion with staff, students, and families. Help us earn 1st place again by completing the survey HERE. More importantly, this feedback guides our decision making as we continue to make ETMS a GREAT place to learn.
I am excited to continue to celebrate Black History Month, and starting this week, members of the BSU will be joining me for announcements. Also, our Racial Equity Committee has trivia questions prepared for students, please encourage your students to participate.
This Wednesday, February 11th, is the LAST day for students to sign up to be a PTSA member and will receive dress down days on February 18th-20th. If students are already members, they will also be allowed to dress down. Don’t delay and sign up today.
We have several celebrations and highlights to acknowledge:
Mrs. Bonomo, Mrs. Schuh, and the Journalism Club: Please enjoy the February edition of the Greatness Gazette!
Save the Date for 8th grade Promotion: Eastern High School on May 21st at 6:30 in the Large Gym
Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. Snyder, Mr. Metry, Ms. Allen, Mr. Donner, Ms. Killingsworth, Mr. Lenz, and Mr. Close- Collaborating to make Echo Trail's first talent show, Wolves Got Talent!
SAVE THE DATE for Thursday, March 19 at 6pm for the main event! More details to come!
Ms. Killingsworth and the MathCounts team placed 3rd and qualified for State in March!
Boy Varsity Basketball Team making a run at the State Tournament this weekend!
The archery team is having a great start to the season!
Indoor Track and Field team setting new records, and several students placing in each event!
We are ExciTed for another grEaT week together!
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
Technology Issues please click here for grade level work
#ExpectgreaTness
Dr. Ammerman, Principal
Twitter: @KaraJo_Ammerman
Important Information
& Upcoming Events
Important Information
& Upcoming Events
Give Back Night @ Fiesta Time Amigos
Give Back Night @ Fiesta Time Amigos
Join us Tuesday for a Give Back Night at Fiesta Time Amigos from 4-10pm! All proceeds benefit the PTSA. Just mention that you’re dining for Echo Trail. It’s Wolf Pack Fiesta Time!!! 🐺💙🩵
Tuesday, Feb 10, 4-10pm
Fiesta Time Amigos
135 S. English Station Rd.
PTSA Membership Drive
PTSA Membership Drive
Our PTSA Membership Drive is ongoing this week through February 11.
All students who join by that time get a free dress on February 18-20. This includes any student who joined anytime this year. The team with the most membership (students, parents, and teachers) will get a popcorn party! Your membership supports school programs and classroom enrichment.
Visit our website to join today: https://kypta-12608072.givebacks.com/shop
JCPS Immunization Clinic, Feb 13
JCPS Immunization Clinic, Feb 13
JCPS is hosting an Immunization Clinic on 2/13/26 at Echo Trail Middle School.
Signed consent is required. Please provide any current records to the school. If your child has health insurance, that information is required as well as a copy of the insurance card.
You can get the forms/paperwork required for the clinic here.
Save the Date: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony
Save the Date: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony
Please join us for an evening celebrating the accomplishments of our inaugural Echo Trail eighth grade class as they prepare for the transition to high school.
Who: 8th Grade Echo Trail Students and Families
What: Promotion Ceremony
When: May 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Where: Eastern High School Large Gymnasium
Why: To recognize and honor the achievements of our first Echo Trail class
#ExpectGreatness
Family Conference Day - Tuesday, February 17th
We are excited to welcome WOLFPACK families back to Spring Family Conferences!
Family Conference Day - Tuesday, February 17th
We are excited to welcome WOLFPACK families back to Spring Family Conferences!
Family Conference Day is Tuesday, February 17th from 8am - 3PM.
Family Conference Day is Tuesday, February 17th from 8am - 3PM.
To ensure we meet the needs of all our families, teachers have intentionally set aside time within the day to schedule appointments with families who may need more flexibility or extra support.
If the scheduled conference day doesn’t work for your family or scheduled times are full, please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher via email to schedule a separate appointment. We are committed to making sure every family has the opportunity to connect and support their child’s growth.
➡️Click here for the steps to schedule a conference with your student's teacher. In-person and Virtual conferences are both available.
Echo Trail Step Clinic Registration
Echo Trail Step Clinic Registration
We are excited to offer students the opportunity to participate in our Step Team Clinic this spring! While we have been unable to secure a long-term step coach, we are committed to providing students with an engaging experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and school spirit.
✨ Participants will perform at the Talent Show on March 19! ✨
Clinic Dates: Feb. 20 • Feb. 27 • March 6 • March 13 • March 17 – Final Practice
Time: 2:30 - 4:00
NO TRY-OUTS, EVERYONE IS WELCOME! SIGN-UPS CLOSE FRIDAY, FEB. 13th
➡️ SIGN UP HERE - https://forms.gle/YMXyF6E1DmC6vJmx5
1st Annual JCPS Talent Show
1st Annual JCPS Talent Show
Jefferson County Public Schools invites you to be a part of the 1st Annual JCPS Talent Show!
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Central High School Auditorium
Open for Kindergarten through Grade Twelve
All talents are welcome—singing, dancing, poetry, music, monologues, step, theatre, speech, comedy, and more!
To participate, click here to register! | Purchase tickets for the event here!
Comprehensive School Survey
Comprehensive School Survey
Between navigating those giant city snow piles and the usual weekly chaos, we know your "to-do" list is probably a mile long. However, we have one small task that makes a huge impact on our school.
The JCPS Comprehensive School Survey (CSS) is officially open!
Echo Trail families are legendary for a reason—we currently hold the title for the highest participation scores in the entire JCPS Middle School Zone. Every year, our new families join the "Wolfpack Way" and help us keep that #1 spot.
Why take 10-15 minutes to do it?
Real Change: Our Principal works tirelessly to address the specific feedback you provide regarding school safety, curriculum, and our school culture. Your voice is the blueprint we use to improve.
It’s Not "Vanilla": Unlike those standard emails, your specific feedback helps us keep Echo Trail unique and student-centered.
Bragging Rights: Let’s show the rest of the district that the Wolfpack is the most engaged community in Louisville!
Goal is 80% - Currently at 10% (If we reach our Goal Dr. Ammerman will allow a Free Dress Down Day, announced at a later date)
Ready to help us Three-Peat? The survey is 100% anonymous and takes less time than waiting in the afternoon car rider line.
👉Parent/Guardian Comprehensive School Survey Link
Thank you for being an active part of our success and for helping us keep Echo Trail at the top of the leaderboard!
Counselor Corner
Counselor Corner
8th Grade Defense of Learning
8th Grade Defense of Learning
Attention 8th Grade Families:
Our 8th graders are hard at work preparing for their Defense of Learning. Click this link to see details about the DoL process and how you can support your student. Students can begin signing up for defenses now!
Our first defense date is scheduled for 2/12.
How to Help Your Student
How to Help Your Student
Click here for some simple ways to help your child in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Be sure to check back each month for new ideas! Reach out to your child's teacher with questions.
HERO Student and Teacher Leaders
HERO Student and Teacher Leaders
Check out our HERO point leaders for last week!
HERO!
HERO!
What is HERO?
HERO is our platform to recognize and reward students for positive actions and behaviors. Students are able to earn points throughout the week for demonstrating the G.R.E.A.T. Pillars of Success.
G - Growth Mindset
R - Ready and Responsible
E - Enthusiastic Attitude
A - Actively Participate
T - Treat yourself and others with kindness
Lanyards: Each student received an Echo Trail Lanyard with their school ID. Expectation is students MUST have their school ID and lanyard with them each day in order to earn points. In the event, students will need to replace their lanyard, ID and/or plastic ID holder, they can redeem points to do so.
Celebrations: HERO recognitions will take place weekly, monthly and quarterly to celebrate our top HERO earners and staff members who reward points.
Upcoming Incentives:
November 20th - KONA ICE - Cash in 10 Points.
November 25th - Pizza social (pizza and music in the cafe’) - Cash in 30 points.
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
Student Spotlight
Student Spotlight
Clubs
Clubs
Welcome to Echo Trail Clubs!
Needing information on club meet times, sponsor contact info, or new to clubs in general?
Visit our Club page here for all the information you need!
Our 4th League Day is this Friday! Students are to report to the Band Room (132) after school on Friday. If you are a parent/guardian who loves to bowl and would like to help our students at King Pin Lanes, please reach out to Mr. Stivers via email at joseph.stivers@jefferson.kyschools.us . We need some more parents to help float around and help students with basic fundamentals if they would like extra coaching. Background checks need on file.
The remaining dates are: 2/13, 2/20, 2/27*
*Makeup date from the 1/30 NTI Day
Beta Club Induction Ceremony for our new 7th Grade members will take place on Thursday, February 12th at 6pm in the gym.
Inductees need to RSVP in the google form located in the Beta Club google classroom.
Echoes of the Arts
Echoes of the Arts
Band Newsletter
Band Newsletter
Click here to read our February Newsletter
Rolling Announcements
Vision/Mission/Motto
January Students of the Week
Practice Log Reminders
All-State Celebrations
6th Period Wins Hot Cocoa + Cookie Party!
World's Finest Chocolate Update
2/11 DuPont Manual Shadow Night
2/28 KMEA Solo & Ensemble Update
6th Grade All-County Audition Info
All-County Jazz Band Audition Info
7th/8th Grade KMEA Field Trip Info
8th Grade Gatlinburg Trip Info
2025/26 ETMS Band Dates
Echo Trail Band Field Trip to KMEA Conference and Malibu Jacks!
Echo Trail Band Field Trip to KMEA Conference and Malibu Jacks!
Students represented Echo Trail with pride! Special thanks to our chaperones for helping out and making the day possible!
Modern Music Newsletter
Modern Music Newsletter
Click here to read our February Newsletter.
EXPLORE
EXPLORE
👀 Check out what's Happening in Explore this week...
👀 Check out what's Happening in Explore this week...
#chasEThecuriosity
ILP began in December. Students will continue to complete their ILP. Parents/Guardians below is informatoin about the ILP
ILP began in December. Students will continue to complete their ILP. Parents/Guardians below is informatoin about the ILP
What is the Individual Learning Plan (ILP)?
What is the Individual Learning Plan (ILP)?
The Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is not just a form—it's a fundamental part of our commitment to personalized student success.
The Purpose: It's an online portfolio that helps students reflect on their academic performance, career interests, post-secondary goals (college, career, or military), and track the progress of their high school transition.
The Benefit: By guiding students through their ILP, we are helping them connect their learning today with the exciting possibilities of their future tomorrow.
Each Grade level has different activities that they complete and a dfferent focus.
6th Grade: Focuses on initial exploration and goal-setting.
7th Grade: Focuses on connecting coursework to career pathways.
8th Grade: Focuses on finalizing high school transition readiness and future goals.
February 19th Charger Day - JTown High School be coming to Echo Trail to showcase their Academies and Pathways to our 7th grade Wolfpack. This will be our 2nd Year hosting the Chargers and their students. Each of JTown's Academies are scheduled to bring their Pathways and share what grEaT things they have happening. Each Academy has designed Hand-On Activities for our 7th Graders to participate in. JTown's Teaching & Learning will eb visiting classrooms to learn about what it means to be Wolfpack Teacher (this happens several times a year already). JTown Ambassadors willl be at Lunch to talk about general things about High School (All grades). Each 7th Grade student will learn about JTown and their Academies during their Explore Class.
Check out the news story from last year's event - https://www.aoflalliance.org/news/echo-trail-students-explore-high-school-pathways-on-charger-day?rq=echo%20Trail
Universty of Kentucky Enngineering Day
FREE
February 28, 2026
Link to Find out More Information - Click Here
Athletics
Athletics
Spring Sports Starting Soon...
Spring Sports Starting Soon...
The spring sports practice window will open next week officially on 2/15, marking the start of the spring seasons. Because of the large amounts of snow still needing to melt and then fields needing to dry up some once it does, some outdoor start dates may need to be shifted back some to accommodate conditions. Below are the sports and coaches listed for each sport. If you have not yet signed up for these sports, you must contact the coaches for further information. Coaches will be sending out specific information to families very soon. See the coaches names and email below:
Spring Sports
Soccer:
Boys Soccer Coaches:
Kyle Fertig (Head Coach) - kfertig6@gmail.com
Jason Shearn
Girls Soccer Coaches:
Tal Grau (Head Coach) - tgrau2809@yahoo.com
Chad Randall
Flag Football:
Coaches:
Dex Bowden - dexter.bowden@jefferson.kyschools.us
Track & Field (Outdoor):
Coaches:
Wil Jacoby (Head Coach) - william.jacoby@jefferson.kyschools.us
Mike O’Neil
Boys Volleyball:
Coaches:
Aaron Roberson - adrobe33@gmail.com
Rebecca Dorwart
6th Grade Boys Baseball:
Coaches:
Mike Carroll (Head Coach) - m.carroll@twc.com
Lacrosse:
Girls Lacrosse:
Coaches:
Cassidy Clark (Head Coach) - cassidyyclarkk22@gmail.com
Boys Lacrosse:
The boys will be combining numbers with Crosby Middle School this year to make an efficient lacrosse roster. If you are still interested, please contact Mr. Carden at Echo Trail and he will forward your information to the staff at Crosby.
Calling All Girls Interested Echo Trail Soccer...
Calling All Girls Interested Echo Trail Soccer...
If you are interested in prepping for the upcoming 2026 spring girls soccer season, there will be group conditioning and training sessions starting this coming week. If you are interested, contact Tal Grau (Girls Head Coach) for more information. These sessions are off campus and totally optional.
Coach Grau email - tgrau2809@yahoo.com
This Week in Wolfpack Athletics...
Monday 2/9
4:30pm JCPS MS Indoor Meet #4 (4:30–8:30 PM)
Basketball Playoffs
5:00pm JV Boys vs JCTMS @ Newcomer Academy
7:00pm V Girls vs Knight @ Echo Trail
8:00pm V Boys vs Western @ Echo Trail
Tuesday 2/10
Basketball Playoffs
6:00pm 6th Boys vs Crosby @ Echo Trail
7:00pm JV Grils vs Olmsted S. @ Echo Trail
Saturday 2/14
Archery
duPont Manual DowntownThrowdown - 1pm, 2pm
KCD 3D Tournament (qualifying archers) - 4pm, 5pm
Echo Trail Athletic Department
Echo Trail Athletic Department
Subject: Important Student Attendance and Supervision Policy for the 2025-2026 Basketball Season
Subject: Important Student Attendance and Supervision Policy for the 2025-2026 Basketball Season
Dear Echo Trail Parents and Guardians,
We are incredibly excited for the start of the 2025-2026 basketball season! This year is especially significant as we launch our first-ever Varsity seasons for the Echo Trail Wolfpack. We look forward to seeing our entire community come out to support our teams and celebrate this exciting milestone in our school's athletic history.
Mandatory Supervision Policy
Mandatory Supervision Policy
As we anticipate a high volume of student spectators at our games with our growing enrollment, we must reinforce clear expectations for safety and behavior.
Reminder - All Echo Trail students attending basketball games must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please note that this adult does not necessarily have to be the student's specific parent or guardian, but it must be an individual who is capable of and committed to supervising the student throughout the event. This adult is responsible for the student in the event of any personal or safety-related incident.
This policy is in place to ensure the safety of all students in our building and to remind everyone that the high standards and behavioral expectations we maintain during the school day carry through to all of our extracurricular events. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe, and positive atmosphere for all attendees.
Behavior and Consequences
Behavior and Consequences
We expect all student spectators to show respect for the facility, the officials, the players, and all other attendees, abiding by all established school-based rules and codes of conduct.
Any student who fails to meet these expectations or violates school rules while attending a game will be subject to disciplinary action. Furthermore, they will be evaluated for access to future athletic events for the remainder of the season. We appreciate your support in communicating the seriousness of these expectations to your student-athlete.
We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this important policy. We look forward to a successful and spirited season!
Sincerely,
Kyle Carden
Echo Trail Athletic Director
PTSA
PTSA
School Store, Tuesdays & Thursdays
School Store, Tuesdays & Thursdays
School Store is open every Tuesday and Thursday! The students really seem to love the idea of grabbing spirit wear whenever is needed but we need volunteers to help run it. If we don’t have volunteers, then the store may not open! Please take a look at the dates on the sign up genius and sign up if you can! You may get to see your own student as they come to and from lunch!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0548ADA82EA5FDC34-58162520-etms
Upcoming Events in February
Upcoming Events in February
Friendship Grams is currently being rescheduled -- stay tuned for more details!
Winter Dance will be held February 26th after school until 4pm. More information to come!
Uniform Donations
Uniform Donations
Our students are growing up -- literally!
Does your student have spirit wear or school uniforms that no longer fit? Or maybe apparel from a previous grade-level team that your student is no longer on? PTSA is partnering with the FRC to replenish clothing for students and families in need. You can bring donations to the front office or email PTSA to make other arrangements.
PTSA Needs You!
PTSA Needs You!
Big thanks to Kevin Gabbert, who has stepped up as Spring Festival Chair! 🥳 We now need committee members to help make the festival a success! Join us now and meet other parents and admin and have input and FUN with this annual spring event! The festival is set for March 27.
Additionally, we are still looking for Bookstore Co-chairs to spend some time with our awesome current chair, Aidan Brown, learning all things about how things operate. If we don't find someone willing to take over next year, we may end up without a Bookstore! PLEASE HELP!
To volunteer for either committee, or just to get more info, please email echotrailptsa@gmail.com. 💙💚
Repeat Information
Repeat Information
Damaged Devices
Damaged Devices
Dear ETMS Parents and Guardians,
We want to share an important update regarding student technology devices.
At this time, ETMS does not have sufficient inventory to provide loaner or replacement Chromebooks. If a student’s device becomes damaged and requires repair, the district requires it be sent into the IT department for servicing. While the device is away, teachers will provide paper-based materials or alternative assignments to ensure students are still able to participate fully in their learning.
Currently, the district is experiencing a high volume of devices needing repair. Because of this backlog, we are unable to provide an estimated timeline for when repaired devices will be returned to students once they leave the building.
We also want to remind families that, per JCPS policy, students may not bring personal devices (such as laptops or tablets) into the building to use as a replacement.
We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work through these challenges.
Jefferson County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity
Jefferson County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity
Weekly Newsletter
Weekly Newsletter
Errors? Omissions? If something is missing or needs to be corrected, please email Michael Etter, michael.etter@jefferson.kyschools.us.
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