Wolf Pack Weekly
Echo Trail Middle School Weekly Newsletter
Embedded Files
April 27, 2026
Hello Wolf Pack Families!
We have a short week this week due to Derby. A friendly reminder, there is no school for students on Friday, May 1st. Even with a short week, we have plenty happening at ETMS!
Tuesday, April 28th, students will have a dress down day with the theme of “Derby Attire” and Wednesday, April 29th, the theme will be “Ultimate School Spirit.” Teachers will be reviewing expectations and examples Monday, and all students should still follow the dress down guidelines. Thursday, April 30th we have our last HERO KONA ICE incentive for students.
Please remind your students that all library books are due this week. We appreciate your support.
If you have not filled out the “Transportation Verification” from JCPS, please make sure to do so soon. We are currently sitting at 50% and we need to be at 100% to meet the district guidelines. This needs to be completed by car riders and bus riders.
Last but not least, do not miss out on a chance to be involved. SBDM Election information was sent out last week by our PTSA.
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
DERBY SPIRIT WEEK IS HERE!
DERBY SPIRIT WEEK IS HERE!
Get ready to show your school spirit and Derby style all week long! ETMS Dress down guidelines MUST be followed for each spirit day. Review ETMS Dress Down guidelines with your student.
Tuesday, April 28th - 🎩 DERBY DAY!
Dress to impress with your best Derby fits!
Derby hats, fascinators, or bow ties
Bright colors, dresses, polos, or button-ups
Fun accessories to match the Derby theme
NO INFLATABLES!
Wednesday, April 29th - ULTIMATE SPIRIT DAY!
Go ALL OUT and rep your team, grade, or ETMS pride!
School colors - ETMS gear
Sports team gear (NO PADS OR ACCESSORIES)
Grade-level/team colors
NO FACE PAINT!
Thursday, April 30th - NORMAL UNIFORM DAY
Back to regular uniform—finish the week strong!
KONA ICE on THURSDAY!
KONA ICE on THURSDAY!
We’re excited to share that our last KONA Ice HERO Incentive of the year is coming up on Thursday, April 30th!
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
Last Day of the Book Store, April 30
Last Day of the Book Store, April 30
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.
8th Grade Dance: Deadline to purchase tickets approaching!
8th Grade Dance: Deadline to purchase tickets approaching!
DEADLINE TO PURCHASE TICKETS: May 4th
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 4th. Purchase your tickets here!
EF Tours Summer 2028
EF Tours Summer 2028
Come to a sneak peek meeting for a big reveal of where we will be traveling in Summer 2028!
Tuesday, May 5, 6:30pm
Echo Trail Social Stairs
Please note - this is NOT A school-sponsored trip.
SBDM Council
SBDM Council
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 to run SBDM elections for the two parent representatives for next school year.
The two parent members of the council will receive training and serve from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. 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 4 at 2:20pm EST. Nominations can be sent in email format to echotrailptsa@gmail.com. The election will be held on Wednesday, May 6.
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, Melissa Roe – PTA President
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
Counselor Corner
Counselor Corner
Spring MAP Reports
Spring MAP Reports
Your child will be bringing their Spring MAP report home to share with you on Monday, April 27th. Please take time to review it with them, celebrate their successes, and help them set goals for the future. Click here for a breakdown of the report. If you have any questions, please reach out to their team leader.
8th Grade Defense of Learning
8th Grade Defense of Learning
Attention 8th Grade Families:
Our 8th graders are hard at work preparing for and presenting their Defenses of Learning. Click this link to see details about the DoL process and how you can support your student.
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!
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 Positions Available
2026-27 PTSA Board Positions Available
We still have open positions that need to be filled. If you are interested in learning more, please email us. EchoTrailPTSA@gmail.com
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!
STLP State Championship
STLP State Championship
Congratulations to those who attended and participated in the Student Technology Leadership Program's State Championship in Lexington this past Friday.
We had students presenting their year-long project to State judges, competing in Coding Challenges, Tech Bowl quick recall, and other live challenges.
And the most exciting news...
Echo Trail's Journalism Club is the Middle School State Runner Up in the ePublishing category for their student newspaper, The Greatness Gazette! You can see their entry here.
Echoes of the Arts
Echoes of the Arts
Band Newsletter
Band Newsletter
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!
Ambassador Day of Service-Ambassadors prepared over 10,000 meals throughout our time at Love the Hungry. Lov the Hungry provides meals across the globe to help those who might need it. Interesting enough, they partner with Waterstep and work closely with them to coordinate meals and clean drinking water.
Ambassador Day of Service-Ambassadors prepared over 10,000 meals throughout our time at Love the Hungry. Lov the Hungry provides meals across the globe to help those who might need it. Interesting enough, they partner with Waterstep and work closely with them to coordinate meals and clean drinking water.
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 Athletic Opportunities
Other Eastern HS Athletic 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 4/27
BVB @ Lassiter
5:30p Varsity
4:00p T&F @ Norton Sports Complex
GSoc vs Noe JV @ JTown HS
5:30p JV
BSoc Playoffs vs Newcomer @ JTown HS
6:45p Varsity
6:30p GLax vs NOMS Teal @ KCD
Tuesday 4/28
GFFB Varsity @ JTown HS
5:30p vs Carrithers
7:10p vs Highlands
Wednesday 4/29
BFFB Varsity @ JTown HS
6:20p vs Meyzeek
7:10p vs Kammerer
*Playoff Announcements will be communicated when games and game times are realesed
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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