Wolf Pack Weekly
Echo Trail Middle School Weekly Newsletter
Embedded Files
April 20, 2026
Hello Wolf Pack Families!
As the end of the school year nears, each week there will be plenty of events, deadlines, etc. for our students. This week, grade level Assistant Principals and Counselors will be holding End-of-Year Expectations Town Hall meetings with our students. During the town hall meeting, students will receive exactly what is expected of them in order to participate in all the events at the end of the school year. This information will also be sent home via hard copy and Messenger.
8th Grade Families, your students received information last week on how they can submit their application to be selected to speak at our very first promotion ceremony. Click HERE for more information. Promotion will be held at Eastern High School, Thursday, May 21st at 6:30 pm. We do not have a guest limit but we do ask you to be mindful of how many attendees you bring to insure everyone has access to a seat if possible. More details will be sent out as we get closer to the date. In addition, 8th grade families will be receiving weekly reminders to help with all the information for upcoming events.
Last week, our 7th grade students hosted 6th graders for our Explore Pathway Showcase. I am extremely proud of our 7th grade students in their leadership and connecting with our 6th grade students, explaining and demonstrating what each of our pathways offer. This is timely, as our 6th graders will now be working on their pathway defenses.
As we finish the year strong, we ask that students continue to meet the expectations of our uniform. We are seeing an increase in athletic shorts, sweatpants, and black jeans. Thank you in advance for your support.
Coming Up
6th Grade Explore Pathway Defenses
KSA State Testing will occur during the last 14 days of school. This schedule will be sent home and communicated with students.
8th Grade Dance Tickets on sale
Chromebook and charger collection will continue this week. Please see the details below.
Chromebook and Charger Details:
The JCPS Chromebook and charger assigned to your student will be collected by their Team teacher beginning on Monday, March 30. All chromebooks and chargers must be returned. 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.
We appreciate your time and attention and continuing partnership in your child's education.
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
Book Fair - Volunteer Help Needed
Book Fair - Volunteer Help Needed
If you'd like to aid Ms. Ward in running the Scholastic Book Fair this week, we still have volunteer slots left to fill. Sign up here!
Thanks! -Echo Trail PTSA
1st Annual JCPS Talent Show
1st Annual JCPS Talent Show
Jefferson County Public Schools invites you to attend the 1st Annual JCPS Talent Show!
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Central High School Auditorium
Kindergarten through Grade Twelve
Singing, dancing, poetry, music, monologues, step, theatre, speech, comedy, and more!
Purchase tickets for the event here! Click here for more details and a shareable flier!
A Night Under the Stars!
A Night Under the Stars!
Our 8th grade-only dance will be on Friday, May 15, from 6-8:00pm. The $10 tickets will include dinner & a chocolate fountain. Dressy attire is suggested.
Students must have a signed permission slip before they can purchase a ticket. Click the Echo Trail 8th Grade Evening Dance Letter 2026 for permission slip and full details. Copies will be available during lunch as well.
Deadline to purchase tickets is May 1st. Purchase your tickets 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
EHS Basketball Camp
EHS Basketball Camp
Eastern High School will be hosting a summer basketball camp for boys entering Grades 2-8 this summer.
June 1-4, 9am-12pm, Each Day
Boys Entering Grades 2-8 in the Fall
$80 per student includes T-Shirt
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.
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
PTSA
PTSA
2026-27 PTSA Board Members
2026-27 PTSA Board Members
Please welcome your 2026-2027 PTSA Board! We are thankful you have agreed to step up to continue the legacy of this ever growing Wolfpack community!
We do have open positions. If you are interested in learning more, please email us. EchoTrailPTSA@gmail.com
Last Day of the Book Store
Last Day of the Book Store
Thursday, April 30th, is the final day for the PTSA Book Store. This will be the last opportunity to get Spirit Wear until next school year.
PTSA Does That?
PTSA Does That?
As we wind down the school year, we wanted to show case what the PTSA does throughout the school year!
Look at the list of things the PTSA does for its school community. It is a wonderful community partnership between staff and volunteers!
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.
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!
Echoes of the Arts
Echoes of the Arts
Band Newsletter
Band Newsletter
JCPS All County Art Show
JCPS All County Art Show
Our Echo Trail Art Students were well represented in the first JCPS All County Art Show! Congrats, Ms. Gofney, and her students!
EXPLORE
EXPLORE
👀 Check out what's Happening in Explore this week...
👀 Check out what's Happening in Explore this week...
#chasEThecuriosity
WHAT ARE THE STUDENTS SAYING ABOUT EXPLORE...
WHAT ARE THE STUDENTS SAYING ABOUT EXPLORE...
Click Here to view our Winter 2025 Explore Survey Data Results
📢 Important: Help Your 6th Grader "Defend" Their Future!
In Echo Trail Explore Pathways,we want our students to be more than just "assigned" to a class—we want them to own their learning. To prepare for 7th and 8th grade, every 6th grader will complete a Pathway Defense to help them select their yearlong Explore Pathway.
What is a "Defense"? Instead of just picking a favorite class, students must "defend" their choice by showing evidence. They will:
Rank their top three Pathway interests.
Share Artifacts: They will identify projects or assignments they’ve completed that prove they are ready for that pathway.
Connect to Success Skills: They will explain how their work shows they are becoming a Productive Collaborator, an Emerging Innovator, or an Effective Communicator.
How can you help? After Derby, your student will begin working on their Pathway Defense. Once complete they will bring it home for you to:
Look at their artifacts: Ask them why they are proud of the work they chose.
Discuss the commitment: Remind them that this pathway is a two-year journey (7th and 8th grade).
Sign the form: Your signature acknowledges that you’ve reviewed their plan and support their choice!
We are so proud of the "Success Skills" our students are showing. We can’t wait to see which paths they choose!
Explore Showcase Wrap-up!
Explore Showcase Wrap-up!
The future of our local workforce was on full display this week at our annual Explore Pathway Showcase. In a powerful demonstration of leadership and skill, our 7th-grade students stepped up to serve as "Hype People" and ambassadors for our three distinct Pathways.
Bridging the Gap: From Exploration to Application At Echo Trail, the "Explore" journey is a three-year climb. Our 7th graders, who were exploring these options just one year ago, have now moved into the Application phase of their journey. They spent the day mentoring 6th graders, sharing their firsthand experiences in:
Business & Communications: Developing the next generation of entrepreneurs, digital marketers, and corporate leaders.
Consumer Science: Mastering the intersection of science and creativity through culinary arts, design, and human services.
Engineering & Design: Solving tomorrow’s problems today through robotics, 3D modeling, and architectural design.
Athletics
Athletics
Dear Echo Trail Families,
At Echo Trail Middle School, we take great pride in our student-athletes and the community spirit that brings us together on game days. However, following recent reports from JCPS Athletics Officials and local law enforcement regarding student behavior and conduct at recent events, we find it necessary to reinforce our expectations to ensure a safe, positive environment for everyone.
To maintain the high standards of our school and the safety of our guests, the following policies are in effect for all games at Echo Trail and JCPS-sponsored events:
Attendance & Supervision Requirements
Attendance & Supervision Requirements
Mandatory Adult Supervision: All students attending athletic events must be accompanied by an acting supervising adult.
No Drop-Offs: There is strictly no student drop-off. Students will not be permitted to enter the event unless a supervising adult is present at the entrance to accompany them.
Unsupervised Students: Any student identified at an event without an adult guardian will be instructed to call their ride and must be picked up immediately.
Behavioral Expectations
Behavioral Expectations
We hold our students to the same code of conduct at a game as we do in the classroom.
Disciplinary Action: If a student is reported for disrespectful, unsafe, or inappropriate behavior toward staff, officials, or monitoring adults, they will be barred from attending future athletic events.
School Consequences: Inappropriate conduct at sporting events is subject to school-day disciplinary action if the behavior violates the JCPS Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook.
Our goal is to keep the focus where it belongs: on the hard work and sportsmanship of our students on the field and court. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us restore a respectful and family-friendly atmosphere at our events.
Thank you for your continued support of Echo Trail Athletics.
Sincerely,
Kyle Carden
Echo Trail Athletic Director
EHS Basketball Camp
EHS Basketball Camp
Eastern High School will be hosting a summer basketball camp for boys entering Grades 2-8 this summer.
June 1-4, 9am-12pm, Each Day
Boys Entering Grades 2-8 in the Fall
$80 per student includes T-Shirt
Other Eastern HS Camp Opportunities
Other Eastern HS Camp Opportunities
All other Eastern HS Summer Camp opportunities can be found on their website, and link below.
Spring Sports Coaches Contacts
Spring Sports Coaches Contacts
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
Rachael Johnston - rachael.johnson@jefferson.kyschools.us
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...
Monday 4/20
BVB vs Noe @ ET
5:00p JV
6:00p Varsity
4:00p T&F @ Male
BSoc vs JCTMS @ Fern Creek Optimist
5:30p JV
6:45p Varsity
7:45p 6th BSB vs St. Michaels @ Crosby Park (Away)
Tuesday 4/21
BLax @ Crosby (Dbl Header)
5:00p vs Titans
6:00p vs Bearcats
GFFB Varsity @ JTown HS
5:30p vs Crosby
6:20p vs Carrithers
GSoc vs Barret @ Crosby
6:45p Varisty
Wednesday 4/22
BVB @ Stuart
5:00p JV
6:00p Varsity
BSoc vs Stuart @ JTown HS
5:30p JV
6:45p Varsity
Thursday 4/23
BFFB Varsity @ JTown HS
6:20p vs Brown
7:10p vs Crosby
GSoc vs Farnsley @ Stuart
6:45p Varsity
Friday 4/24
GSoc @ JTown HS
5:00p ET JV vs Olmsted JV
6:15p Noe JV vs Stuart JV
7:30p ET JV vs Stuart JV
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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