Tomahawk Talk

Thank You - Let's SOAR into the Final Stretch! 🦅

Tomahawk Families,

We want to start by saying thank you for your flexibility and support during last week’s unexpected remote learning day. Attendance and work completion were expected, and we were incredibly impressed by how many of our students logged in, participated, and stayed engaged...even without their school-issued devices. Your commitment to learning truly makes a difference, and we appreciate your partnership!

As we move forward, we are entering a critical instructional window. Over the next two weeks, students will be preparing for the WVGSA while continuing to build standards mastery. This is one of the most important times of the school year, and every minute counts.

To support student success, we ask for your help in ensuring:

• Students arrive on time each day
• Early dismissals are limited whenever possible
• Students demonstrate positive behavior and stay focused on learning

Last week alone, we had 74 instances of students arriving late or leaving early in just three days. While we understand that emergencies happen, this level of missed time significantly impacts instruction during such an important period.

Let’s work together to help our students SOAR by showing:

• Safety by being present and prepared
• Ownership of their learning
• Attitude that reflects effort and perseverance
• Respect for their time, peers, and learning environment

Together, we can ensure a strong, successful finish for all students. Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate our Tomahawk families! ♥️

Monday, March 23rd

• Spring Picture Day (Individual & Club Pictures)
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Good News Club in the Library
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Spring Robotics Club with Mrs. Ansari
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Seize the Clay with Dr. Sponaugle

Tuesday, March 24th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Choir Ensemble with Mrs. Lehr
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Young Writer's Club with Ms. Bennett

Wednesday, March 25th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• Spring Fundraiser Pick-Up (TBA)

Thursday, March 26th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Violin/Viola with Ms. Hochberg
• 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Battle of the Books with Ms. Bennett & Mrs. Shaffer
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Student Leadership with Mrs. Otto

Monday, March 30th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Good News Club in the Library
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Spring Robotics Club with Mrs. Ansari
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Seize the Clay with Dr. Sponaugle

Tuesday, March 31st

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• Career Day
• BCS Battle of the Books @ Mill Creek Intermediate
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Young Writer's Club with Ms. Bennett

• 6pm Concert (5:45 arrival) - Puffenburger, Flohr, Akins, Williams

• 7pm Concert (6:45 arrival) - Kent, Bush, Bragg, Ratliff

8:45 AM - 9:15 AM: After-School Club Pictures

8:45 AM - 11:30 AM: Individual Spring Pictures

Nurse Brandy's last day at Tomahawk was Friday, March 20. We are incredibly appreciative of the care, compassion, and dedication she showed to our students and staff, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.

At this time, we have a coverage plan in place to ensure that student health needs continue to be supported each day. Nursing services are currently being provided through a combination of nurses from other Berkeley County schools, an LPN, and substitute nurses. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of all students, and we are confident that our current plan allows us to maintain appropriate care and support.

We are actively working with the county to secure a permanent replacement for this position. As soon as a new nurse is hired, we will communicate that information with our families.

We understand that consistency is important, especially when it comes to student health, and we truly appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding during this transition. If you have any specific medical concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the main office, and we will ensure you are connected with the appropriate personnel.

Our Student Leadership team is collecting donations of boxed cereal to support the Berkeley County Backpack Program!

• Our goal is a fun one—we’re aiming to collect enough cereal boxes to fill our Assistant Principal’s office floor to ceiling!

• Donations can be dropped off at the collection table located in front of the school library.
• Please ensure all boxes are unopened and not expired.

Thank you for helping us support families in our community! 💙

Get Egg-Cited!

Surprise Eggs: $2.00 each

PTO is bringing back eggs with special prizes! Starting March 30th - April 3rd, eggs will be available to purchase during lunches while supplies last.

We are incredibly proud of Sean Bennett (5th grader) and Michael Newton (4th grader) for representing Tomahawk at the Region 8 Math Field Day competition last week at Potomac State College!

A special congratulations to Sean Bennett for earning 5th place and being named a first alternate for the State Math Field Day competition in April—an outstanding accomplishment!

Way to go, Sean and Michael! We are so proud of you both! 🦅

• 2-Hour Delay: Wednesday, April 1st

• Spring Break: Monday, April 6th - Friday, April 10th

As we enter testing season, it is important that our students are present, and on-time for school, on the days that we have the WVGSA. The schedule is below:

• Tuesday, April 14th: 4th & 5th Grade Writing Assessment @ 9:00 AM
• Thursday, April 16th: 3rd Grade Writing Assessment @ 9:00 AM
• Wednesday, April 29th: 5th Grade Science Assessment @ 9:00 AM

• Wednesday, May 6th: Math Assessment (All Grades) @ 9:00 AM
• Thursday, May 7th: Math Assessment Continued (All Grades) @ 9:00 AM
• Wednesday, May 13th: ELA Assessment (All Grades) @ 9:00 AM
• Thursday, May 14th: ELA Assessment (All Grades) @ 9:00 AM

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, West Virginia law requires all public schools to provide annual instruction on safe and responsible technology use to students in grades 3–12 through the Safety While Accessing Technology (SWAT) Education Program. These annual lessons are to specifically focus on the safety aspect of digital citizenship - including topics such as recognizing sexual predators, understanding the risks of "sexting" or sharing explicit materials, cyberbullying, and human trafficking prevention. This requirement is established by West Virginia Senate Bill 466, enacted during the 2024 Regular Session.

The SWAT Program provides interactive lessons designed to teach students about digital literacy and internet safety. Through this program, students receive age-appropriate instruction on topics such as:

• Safe and responsible use of online communication platforms.
• Understanding copyright rules related to digital content.
• Encouraging open communication with trusted adults about online interactions.
• Identifying, avoiding, and reporting dangerous or illegal online behaviors.
• Information about support resources available to children or families who encounter unsafe online situations.

The safety and well-being of our students remain a top priority, and today’s students navigate an increasingly digital world. By equipping them with tools to stay safe and make informed choices online, we strengthen their ability to learn, connect, and explore responsibly. Together, our school community and families can support healthy, safe, and positive technology use.

If you have any questions about Senate Bill 466, the SWAT Program, or the instructional materials, please do not hesitate to reach out. We value our partnership with families and appreciate your continued support in helping us keep students safe both in school and online.

Thank you for your attention to this important initiative.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ematrudo,

Principal

Career Day:

“Career Day ” will be held this month on March 31st! Career Day provides your child with an interactive opportunity to learn about a variety of professions. On Career Day, your child will rotate with their class to see different presentations from local professionals passionate about their career and willing to bring it to life for our young learners.

Guidance Lessons:

This month your child will have a Guidance Lesson focused on Career Exploration, Planning & Goal Setting. This lesson will discuss how skills, talents, interests, and education play a role when it comes to thinking about future career pathways!

Focus on Kindness:

Several students participated in the “Kindness Challenge” this past month! It was amazing to see how random acts of kindness can help brighten someone’s day. Thank you all for your participation and for continuing to be the “I” in KIND!

Student Attendance:

STRIVE FOR LESS THAN 5! A phrase to help remember your child should not miss more than 5% of school (5 or more days each semester: Fall & Spring) each year.

Character Word:

CONFIDENCE Believing that you can do something well and succeed.

Read - SEL Edition:

“What Shoes Will You Wear?” by Julia Cook

“A Little Spot of Talent” by Diane Alber

“Ninjas Go to Work” by Mary Nhin

• March 23: Spring Picture Day
• March 25: Fundraiser Pick-Up (Time TBA)
• March 31: Career Day
• March 31: Battle of the Books Competition
• March 31: 3rd Grade Concert with Choir Ensemble
• April 1: 2-Hour Delay for Students
• April 2: 17th Annual TIS Market Day
• April 6 - April 10: Spring Break
• April 14: CyberSWAT Lessons Begin
• April 14: WVGSA (Writing) - 4th & 5th Grade
• April 15: Tree Planting with The Cacapon Institute
• April 16: WVGSA (Writing) - 3rd Grade
• April 20: Interim Grades Available
• April 20: Spring iReady Diagnostic Window Opens
• April 29: WVGSA (Science) - 5th Grade Only
• May 1: Spring iReady Diagnostic Window Closes
• May 5: Spring Art Show
• May 6: WVGSA (Math): All Grades
• May 7: WVGSA (Math): All Grades
• May 12: No School: Election Day
• May 13: WVGSA (ELA) - All Grades
• May 14: WVGSA (ELA) - All Grades
• May 18: 4th Grade Field Trip to The National Aquarium
• May 18: One Book, One School Family Night @ 5:30 PM
• May 19: 5th Grade Field Trip to Antietam Recreation
• May 20: 5th Grade Visit to HMS @ 9:00 AM
• May 21: 2nd Grade Visit to TIS @ 9:30 AM
• May 21: 3rd Grade STEM Day
• May 22: 5th Grade Dance (Info TBA)
• May 25: No School: Memorial Day
• May 26: HHS Seniors Visit TIS
• May 27: 5th Grade Graduation (Schedule TBA)
• May 28: End of 4th 9 Weeks
• May 28: Last Day of School
• May 28: Report Cards Issued

Berkeley County Schools (BCS), the second-largest and fastest-growing school district in West Virginia, serves nearly 20,000 students across 32 schools. With continued population growth, the district is experiencing rising enrollment, and a recent study projects the addition of nearly 1,000 students over the next decade.

To address this growth and maintain safe, modern, and effective learning environments, the Board of Education is proposing a $115.4 million school bond for the May 12, 2026 primary election. These funds will support new construction, renovations, additions, and upgrades across the district—ensuring schools can meet the educational needs of today and tomorrow. Planned projects include a new Hedgesville Middle School, a Workforce Development/Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, classroom additions, cafeteria and kitchen improvements, road upgrades, and other critical infrastructure enhancements.

This bond represents a critical investment in the district’s mission to provide a safe, inclusive, and adaptive learning environment with multiple pathways to success. With the support of the community, Berkeley County Schools can continue to deliver high-quality instruction in modern facilities that prepare students for further education and meaningful careers.

Learn more about the proposed projects and their impact on our schools by exploring the link below.

Through TutorWV, every West Virginian gains no-cost access to personalized tutoring and drop-off review services, test prep and self-paced resources, and job search assistance. Click the link below from any device, and you’ll get connected to a live expert tutor and resources! Tutors are rigorously vetted subject-matter experts. They ask questions, they encourage, and they empower. They’re available every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. so that learners of all ages and stages can get help anytime, anywhere, from any internet-connected device.

The policy says there are two types of absences: “excused” and “unexcused.” Excused absences include:

• Failure of bus to run
• Judicial obligations
• Military obligations
• Death in the family
• Medical/dental appointments (with a doctor's note)
• Chronic medical condition (school meeting required)
• Personal illness/injury of student or family member (Limit 10 per school year)

Big Change

In the past, families have used Educational Leave ("Leave of Educational Value") for things like trips or 4-H activities. That is no longer allowed under the new law.

Chronic Absenteeism

If your child misses 10% or more of the school year, they are considered “chronically absent.” In a regular school year of 180 days, that would mean missing 18 or more days. When a student misses this many days, the school will reach out to see how we can help.

What Happens If Your Student Has Too Many Unexcused Absences?

If your child has too many unexcused absences, the school may take further steps, such as a home visit or other actions. But we want to work together with you to fix attendance problems before it gets to that point. Remember, "strive to miss less than five" days of school!

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.

If you need to contact us, please call the office at 304. 754.3171 or email the following personnel:

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

- Mr. Robison, Assistant Principal: matthew.robison@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. Ponton, Student Assistance Facilitator: mponton@k12.wv.us

- Vacancy, School Nurse:

- Mrs. Haines, POS Secretary: joyce.haines@k12.wv.us

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

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

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

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