Tomahawk Talk

Monday, February 12th:

• Smencil Sales

Wednesday, February 14th:

• Classroom Parties (Valentine's Day)

Thursday, February 15th:

• LSIC Meeting @ 3:30 PM

Friday, February 16th:

• Early Dismissal @ 1:15 PM (Faculty Senate)

Monday, February 19th:

• No School for Students: PL Day for Staff

Tuesday, February 20th:

• Book Fair

Wednesday, February 21st:

• Book Fair

Thursday, February 22nd:

• Book Fair

Friday, February 23rd:

• Book Fair

Superintendent Stephens visited Tomahawk on Friday where fifth-grade historians from Mrs. Ansari's class brought the past to life with a Wax Museum. The students offered museum hours throughout the day after diligently working on their projects. The young learners shared their knowledge of the individual historical figures, who they researched and wrote about.

Thank you to Mrs. Ansari for inviting all classes to visit the museum, and congrats on such a creative and well-researched project. The students did a fantastic job!

Our morning drop-off begins at 8:15 AM. We ask that parents arrive no earlier than 8:10 AM so that our staff members can access the parking lot. In the event that you have to arrive early, please pull into a space so that traffic can flow and our staff can access their parking spots. This allows everyone to get into the building in a timely manner prior to student arrival. Thank you!

Also, please make sure students are ready to exit the vehicle when you pull into the drop-off area. This should be a quick process so that we can keep the flow of traffic moving. We ask that you say goodbyes prior to entering the lot, and that students have their bookbags ready to exit.

Your cooperation is appreciated!

Dear Tomahawk Families,

We're reaching out to inform you about a rise in conflicts among students stemming from social media, texting, and other digital communications. It's crucial we address these issues promptly to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.

Here are a few tips that you may find helpful in guiding your child's online behavior:

• Encourage them to think before they post or send messages online. Remind them that once something is shared online, it can be difficult to erase or take back.
• Emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, even in virtual spaces. Encourage them to consider how their words and actions may impact others.
• Remind them to avoid engaging in or perpetuating online drama or conflicts. Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult if they experience or witness any form of cyberbullying or online harassment.
• Set clear guidelines and boundaries for your child's cell phone and internet use. Monitor their online activity and be proactive in addressing any concerns or issues that may arise.

By working together, we can help our students develop the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the digital world responsibly and respectfully. We appreciate your support and cooperation in this matter.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your attention and continued support.

Tomahawk Intermediate will consider parent requests for classroom teachers for the 2024-2025 school year.Please keep in mind not all parent requests are able to be met for several reasons.

Those reasons are:

• The number of requests for each specific teacher
• Required special education services
• The date and time the written request was made
• State mandated class sizes

If you would like to request a classroom teacher for your student, please click the link below. The deadline to submit a request will be: March 1, 2024.

Any questions related to student placement should be directed to Dr. Ematrudo at kematrudo@k12.wv.us. Requests made over the phone will NOT be considered.

As of Friday, February 9th, BCS has used 4 out of the 5 allotted snow days. After the 5th snow day, days 6-11 will become remote learning days (non-traditional instruction). The schedule for our remote learning days is posted below. Teachers have been working with students in class to ensure they are prepared to access required apps in the event of a remote learning day.

Note: If you DO NOT have internet access at home, please let your child's teacher know ASAP. They will work to provide your child with an alternate assignment.

When may students return to school after an Illness? The following guidelines are provided to help you determine if your student is ready to return to school after an illness.

✅ Fever free for the past 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol. A fever is defined as a temperature ≥ 100.4º F.
✅ No vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
✅ After at least 24 hours of antibiotic therapy for bacterial illnesses such as strep throat, pneumonia, etc.
✅ The child’s appetite and activity level have returned close to normal.
✅ Cold symptoms that are mild enough so as not to interfere with your child’s ability to participate in the activity of a normal school day or infect other students.

Please remember that cold and cough medicines, including cough drops cannot be given to students by school staff without a doctor’s order.

If your child was sent home with a rash, they may return when the rash is resolved or with a doctor’s note stating they are not contagious.

If your child’s doctor has prescribed medication that will need to be given during the school day, please remember that an order from the doctor is necessary. Most area physicians have these forms. If not, we would be happy to fax one to their office.

During your child’s visit to the doctor, please remember to obtain a note so that your child will be medically excused.

If you have any questions as to whether your child may return to school after an illness, please feel free to call the school nurse. She will be happy to assist you in deciding what is best for your child.

Reviewed and endorsed by Dr. Kevin McLaughlin D.O., Health Officer, Berkeley-Morgan County Board of Health.

https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/page/student-well-being-health-resources

Free tutoring is available in math, science, English (reading & language arts), and social studies for all students Monday-Thursday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Click here for more information and to sign up today!

Minors:

*Classroom-managed behaviors. Teachers will provide verbal warnings, redirect students, remind them of expectations, re-teach behaviors, and inform parents of minor incidents. Consequences may include: loss of recess time, lunch detention, loss of privileges, referral to school counselor, etc. Repeated violations of minor behaviors will become major offenses (habitual violation of school rules).

Examples of minor behaviors:

• yelling out

• out of seat

• inattentive behavior

• interrupting instruction

• minor disrespect

• talking during instruction

• minor peer to peer conflict

• name calling (non-Title IX)

• inappropriate language

• invading personal space

• touching another student WITHOUT intent to harm

• rough play

• refusing to open a book, complete an assignment, work with another student, work in a group, take a test, or do any other class – or school-related activity not listed herein.

Majors:

*Administrator-managed behaviors. Possible consequences include: in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, lunch detention, loss of privileges, referral to school counselor, etc.

Examples of major behaviors:

• Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation: A student will not bully/intimidate/harass another student. According to W. Va. Code §18-2C-2, “harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentional gesture, or any intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, communication, transmission or threat that:

• A reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of harming a student, damaging a student’s property, placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person, and/or placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to his or her property;

• Is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening or emotionally abusive educational environment for a student; or

• Disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school.

• Disrespectful Conduct Toward Peers or Staff: done with intent to harm and/or repetitive. Note: repetitive behavior may be defined as bullying. Major disrespect includes: screaming, throwing items (chair, desk, sharp object, etc. with intent to hit peer or staff), or profane language indecent act/gesture.

•False Fire Alarm: setting-off the fire alarm knowingly and willingly without cause.

• Habitual Violation of School Rules: evidence of previous interventions; minimum of 2 prior parent conferences (phone or in-person). Student’s behavior is consistently impeding on the learning of others.

• Physical Fight with Intent: Engaging in a physical altercation using blows with intent to harm or overpower another person or persons.

• Possession/Use of Weapon: As defined in WV Code §61-7-2, a “dangerous weapon” means any device intended to cause injury or bodily harm, any device used in a threatening manner that could cause injury or bodily harm, or any device that is primarily used for self-protection. Dangerous weapons include, but are not limited to, blackjack, gravity knife, knife, knifelike implement, switchblade knife, nunchaku, metallic or false knuckles, pistol, or revolver. A dangerous weapon may also include the use of a legitimate tool, instrument, or equipment as a weapon including, but not limited to, pens, pencils, compasses, or combs, with the intent to harm another.

• Sexual Misconduct: Exposing oneself publicly and indecently, displaying or transmitting any drawing or photograph of a sexual nature, or committing an indecent act of a sexual nature on school property, or on a school bus, or at a school sponsored event.

• Technology Misuse: Violating WV Code 126CSR41, WVDE Policy 2460, Educational Purpose and Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources, Technologies and the Internet.

• Threat to a Student or Staff Member: Severely disruptive, imminently dangerous, illegal, and/or aggressive behaviors are willfully committed and are known to be illegal and/or harmful to people and/or property. The inappropriate behaviors include, but are not limited to: verbal, written, electronic and/or illustrative communications intended to offend and/or humiliate.

• Use/Possession of Tobacco Product: usage or possession of tobacco products on school property (cigarettes, vapes, jewels, chewing tobacco, etc.).

• Vandalism: • done with intent and/or cannot be easily cleaned or repaired.

*Urgent Reminder: We need an updated form for each child at TIS. Students will not be allowed to use BCS iPads, or attend field trips, without a form on file.

It's time to complete the Annual Emergency Information Update! This important information helps us reach you or the people responsible for your student(s) in case of emergency as well as information related to student health, nutrition, and wellness.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your ongoing support and understanding as we continue to navigate the challenges brought about by the current staffing shortage. Berkeley County Schools is actively recruiting for critical-need positions, primarily for bus drivers and substitute drivers. The ongoing shortage has regrettably left the Office of Transportation without drivers on numerous occasions, leading to bus cancellations and disruptions in our transportation services.

As a reminder, transportation updates are posted to the BCS Transportation Dashboard: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/bcs/page/transportation-dashboard

In the event that a bus is canceled, we encourage parents/caregivers to transport student(s) to and from school. If you are unable to transport your student to school, please contact our main office at (304) 754-3171. Absences will be marked excused if due to a cancelled bus route.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming part of the Berkeley County Schools transportation team, please visit our website:https://berkeleycountyschools.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=4443.

Please complete this form https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/page/absencenote if your child is absent from school. This form is for all parent notes, and also for medical appointments. Please upload the doctor's note for all medical appointments during school hours, or when a child is out of sick due to illness.

Berkeley County Schools uses SecureVolunteer to process background checks for volunteers. SecureVolunteer is a completely web-based/paperless system. You will receive e-mails from client services email when you submit your information to SecureVolunteer and when your background check is complete. Thank you for volunteering for Berkeley County Schools.

The background processing fee for the Secure Volunteer Background check is $22.45.

Procedures for Volunteers & Chaperones

School district procedure requires that individuals serving as chaperones for all overnight field trips and some daytime activities must have Level 1 approval, which requires a criminal background screening. To apply for Level 1 approval, volunteers must first apply online via Berkeley County Schools’ volunteer registration system (Secure Volunteer).

Registrations are processed in 3-5 days, sometimes longer at the beginning of the school year and then must be submitted to the Berkeley County Board of Education for approval. Once approved, the volunteer’s name will appear on the Level 1 Approved Volunteer list at the school(s) for which they registered.

School Phone Number: (304) 754-3171

- Dr. Ematrudo, Principal: kematrudo@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. McCain, Assistant Principal: hmccain@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. Woodruff, School Nurse: carol.woodruff@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. McDonald, Attendance Secretary: dee.mcdonald@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. Kline, Registrar/Finance Secretary: ekline@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. Kercheval, Secretary: kimberly.kercheval@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. Boyd, School Counselor: megan.boyd@k12.wv.us

- Ms. Thomas, School Counselor: katlyn.thomas@k12.wv.us

Tomahawk's full staff directory can be found here: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/tomahawk/staff