Wolf Pack Weekly
Echo Trail Middle School Weekly Newsletter
Echo Trail Middle School Weekly Newsletter
February 23, 2026
Hello Wolf Pack Families!
Wow, what a weekend we had as a Wolf Pack! 6th grade Boys Basketball team JCPS City Champs, Dance LIT Grand Champs, Cheer LIT Champs, Girls JV Basketball team runner-up JCPS City, Debate Team competed and had a semi finalist in the Lincoln Douglass Debate and 4 wolves were recognized with speaker awards, VEX Robotics team finished 2nd place in their competition, we will have Indoor Track and Field news coming soon! I am so proud of our Wolf Pack!!
This Thursday, we have the following events taking place:
PTSA Winter Dance directly after school until 4:00pm
Dress Down Day-Click HERE to review the dress down guidelines.
HERO KONA Incentive (10 points, money, and ID to participate)
Parents and Guardians, we are at 41% with our completion rate for the Comprehensive School Survey. This is a huge jump from where we were last week. This week is our final week to reach the district goal of 80% and earn students a dress down day. In addition, HERO POINTS will be rewarded. Each student received a Signature Slip detailing how your student could earn 10 HERO Points. Sign and Return the Paper to your students 1st Period by February 27th.
👉 https://assessment.jefferson.kyschools.us/surveyTool/cssParentLandingPage.aspx
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
Monday, February 23, is the last day to order a yearbook!
Put it on your calendar, Spring Picture Day is March 26th!
Only students that pre-ordered will be photographed. Link to pre-order and more details coming soon!
PTSA is hosting the Winter Dance Thursday February 26th after school. Help is needed!
We need chaperones, donations and more. Please click this link for more information and to sign up: Echo Trail Winter Dance - Chaperone and Donation Sign Up
We’re excited to share that our next KONA Ice HERO Incentive is coming up on Thursday, February 26th!
As a reminder, students who participate will need to bring money if they would like to purchase KONA Ice. Please also make sure your child brings their HERO ID and lanyard to participate.
KONA Ice Prices:
Small – $3.00
Medium – $5.00
Large – $7.00
All are invited to attend Echo Trail's FIRST annual talent show on Thursday, March 19 at 6:00pm in the gym! See below for more information!
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 29% (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!
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.
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.
Check out our HERO point leaders for last week!
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.
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
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 Final 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.
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
Click here to read our February Newsletter.
#chasEThecuriosity
Click Here to view our Winter 2025 Explore Survey Data Results
February 25th Eagle Day - Eastern High School will be coming to Echo Trail to showcase their Academies and Pathways to our 7th grade Wolfpack. This will be our 2nd Year hosting the Eagles and their students. Each of Eastern'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. Eastern's Teaching & Learning will be visiting classrooms to learn about what it means to be a Wolfpack Teacher (this happens several times a year already). Eastern HS Ambassadors willl be at Lunch to talk about general things about High School (All grades). Each 7th Grade student will learn about Eastern 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
Click Here to view our Winter 2025 Explore Survey Data Results
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:
Braden Hafling - bhafling@hhunderwriters.com
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.
This Week in Wolfpack Athletics...
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
Winter Dance will be held February 26th after school until 4pm. More information to come!
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.
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. 💙💚
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!
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
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.
Errors? Omissions? If something is missing or needs to be corrected, please email Michael Etter, michael.etter@jefferson.kyschools.us.