Wolf Pack Weekly
Echo Trail Middle School Weekly Newsletter
Embedded Files
May 11, 2026
Hello Wolf Pack Families!
Thank you to our wonderful PTSA and families who showed our teachers and school nurse all the appreciation last week. Congratulations to our PTSA for receiving numerous awards including numerous membership accomplishments, Hall of Fame Educators (Dr. Ammerman and Ms. Thomas), and Outstanding Volunteer (Mrs. Brown).
Happy Mother’s Day to all who serve this important role officially or unofficially. We hope you had a wonderful day!
The next 9 days will be filled with fun and exciting events during school, and after school. We are looking forward to students finishing the school year strong academically, and celebrating them!
8th grade finals will be held this week on Wednesday (5/13) and Thursday (5/14). 6th and 7th grade finals will be held next week on Wednesday (5/20) and Thursday (5/21).
Please see below in the newsletter for all the details regarding 8th grade activities, and promotion.
This week, our awesome music department will be hosting their Wolfstock Concerts starting Wednesday!
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
8th Grade Information about Final Weeks
8th Grade Information about Final Weeks
We are excited to celebrate with our very first 8th grade class!
There are many events and details to keep up with. Make sure to check out the schedule and important information about these final days:
Echo Trail 2026 EOY 8th Grade Activities
Graduation Signs
Graduation Signs
The PTSA would like to surprise our graduates with a graduation sign!
Please complete the form by today, May 10, to reserve your sign: 8th Grade Graduate Sign
JCPS Transportation Verification Form - Complete by May 13
JCPS Transportation Verification Form - Complete by May 13
Dear Echo Trail Families,
As we continue planning for the new school year, we need to know how your child will get to and from school for the 2026-27 school year. The JCPS Transportation Verification (TV) form is now open. Every JCPS family must complete this form letting us know how your child will get to and from school - JCPS bus rider, car rider, walker, or YMCA Childcare Enrichment Program (CEP) student. Note: YMCA CEP registration will open in mid-May. Car riders must also complete the form!
Please complete this form no later than May 13th. The first day of school for 2026-27 is August 6, 2026.
Special education students with transportation as a documented accommodation in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Please note: Special Needs Transportation (SNT) is handled separately and does not require the TV form to be filled out.
How to fill out the Transportation Verification Form
Log in to the JCPS Transportation Portal
Enter the information requested
Select how your child will get to and from school: bus rider (if eligible), car rider, walker, or YMCA CEP student
Submit the form
If you have any issues with completing the form, please click the ‘I Need Help’ button or contact your child’s school
Please complete the Transportation Verification process as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline, you are not guaranteed JCPS-provided transportation for at least the first two weeks of the school year.
Again, every JCPS family is required to let us know how your child plans to get to and from school next school year.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
The 25-26 Yearbooks are here!
The 25-26 Yearbooks are here!
If a yearbook was preordered, it will be given out on May 14th and 15th.
More information regarding in-school purchases coming soon.
8th Grade Dance Reminders
8th Grade Dance Reminders
Students who are attending the 8th Grade Evening Dance on Friday, May 15, please review the reminders below. (Note: No additional tickets are being sold.)
8th Grade Promotion Ceremony
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
8th Grade Promotion Dress Code Guidance
8th Grade Promotion Dress Code Guidance
As we prepare for the exciting evening, please review the 8th Grade Promotion Dress Code Guidance to make sure your student is dressed appropriately for the occasion.
Uniform Donations
Uniform Donations
8th Grade Families:
If your student no longer has need for their uniforms or spirit wear, you can drop them off at the front office through May 29. We will leave it with the FRC to replenish clothing for students and families in need.
Counselor Corner
Counselor Corner
Spring MAP Reports
Spring MAP Reports
Your child received 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.
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!
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
May Newsletter Coming Soon!
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! 📢
📢 Pathway Defenses have Begun!!! 📢
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 pathway they choose!
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
CALLING ALL ATHLETES WITH TEAM UNIFORMS... TURN THEM BACK INTO SCHOOL!!
CALLING ALL ATHLETES WITH TEAM UNIFORMS... TURN THEM BACK INTO SCHOOL!!
If you are still in possession of your team uniform that needs to be turned back in (and currently not still using it), please bring those to school and return them to the office. Please place your uniform in a bag that includes:
Student's name
Sport
Grade
If your uniform is found missing in our inventory, you will be sent a bill for the cost of the uniform and can be held out of end of the year activities until it is returned. If you have questions please contact your team coaches or Mr. Carden.
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.
Future JTown Chargers interested in volleyball... See upcoming open gym dates at JTown HS.
Students will need a valid physical to participate. Contact AD Jimmy Durham for further information.
Students will need a valid physical to participate. Contact AD Jimmy Durham for further information.
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 5/11
JCPS Championships @ Norton Sports and Learning Center - 4:00pm
6th BSB - St. Aloysius vs Echo Trail @ Crosby Field 4
7:45 PM
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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