Tomahawk Talk

Monday, March 9th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings in the Music Room
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Good News Club in the Library
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Spring Robotics Club with Mrs. Ansari

Tuesday, March 10th

• Pie in the Face Entries DUE
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings in the Music Room
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Choir Ensemble in the Music Room

Wednesday, March 11th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings in the Music Room
• 9:15 AM: 5th Grade Safety Assembly with BCS Pupil Services Department

Thursday, March 12th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Violin/Viola in the Music Room
• 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Battle of the Books
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Student Leadership
• End of 3rd 9 Weeks!

Friday, March 13th

• 2:30 PM: 3rd 9 Weeks Rally

Monday, March 16th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings in the Music Room
• 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM: After-School Club Pictures
• 8:45 AM - 11:30 AM: Individual Spring Pictures
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Good News Club in the Library
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Spring Robotics Club with Mrs. Ansari

Tuesday, March 17th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings in the Music Room
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Choir Ensemble in the Music Room

Wednesday, March 18th

• PL Day: No School for Students

Thursday, March 19th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Violin/Viola in the Music Room
• 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Battle of the Books
• Report Cards Issued

Monday, March 23rd

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings in the Music Room
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Good News Club in the Library
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Spring Robotics Club with Mrs. Ansari

Tuesday, March 24th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings in the Music Room
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Choir Ensemble in the Music Room

Wednesday, March 25th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings in the Music Room
• Spring Fundraiser Pick-Up (TBA)

Thursday, March 26th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Violin/Viola in the Music Room
• 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Battle of the Books
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Student Leadership

Monday, March 30th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings in the Music Room
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Good News Club in the Library
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Spring Robotics Club with Mrs. Ansari

Tuesday, March 31st

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings in the Music Room
• Career Day

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

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

Does your student want a chance to pie one of the staff members in the face? For just $1 per entry, they can enter to pie any of the staff members listed below. Winning students will get to pie the staff member during our 3rd 9 Weeks Rally on Friday, March 13th.

Staff Members to Choose From:

• Mr. Robison
• Dr. Ematrudo
• Mrs. Dilley (Franklin)
• Mr. Barr
• Ms. Bennett
• Mrs. Boyd
• Mr. Tom
• Ms. Ratliff
• Mr. Swindle
• Mrs. Flohr
• Mrs. Shaffer
• Mrs. Stevenson

Students can send in as many entires as they'd like ($1.00 per entry). All entries are due by March 10th and winning students will be notified on March 11th!

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

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

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

Intermediate Individual

• Economics- Luke Ponton (3rd Place)
• World History- Shane Robertson (3rd Place)

Intermediate Individual

• US History- Makayla Popkins (2nd Place)

Intermediate Group

• Sociology- Sean Bennet, Ethan Munday, Bailey Patrick, Elijah Stewart (2nd Place)

Intermediate Individual

• US History- Aubree Funk (1st Place)

Intermediate Group

• State/Local- Oliver Atha, Milo Gane, Michael Newton, William Parker, Evelyn Redding (1st Place)
• World History- Harper Campanelli and Makena Minter (1st Place)

We are so proud of all of our Tomahawk students and wish our first place winners the best of luck at the regional competition!

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 13: Start of 4th 9 Weeks
• March 16: Spring Pictures/Club Pictures
• March 18: No School for Students
• March 19: Report Cards Issued
• March 25: Fundraiser Pick-Up (Time TBA)
• March 31: Career Day
• March 31: 3rd Grade Concert
• April 1: 2-Hour Delay for Students
• April 2: 17th Annual TIS Market Day
• April 6 - April 10: Spring Break
• 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
• April 30: 3rd Grade Field Trip (Classes TBA)
• May 1: Spring iReady Diagnostic Window Closes
• May 1: 3rd Grade Field Trip (Classes TBA)
• May 5: 3rd Grade Field Trip (Classes TBA)
• May 5: Spring Art Show
• May 6: WVGSA (Math): All Grades
• May 7: WVGSA (Math): All Grades
• May 8: 3rd Grade Field Trip (Classes TBA)
• May 12: No School: Election Day
• May 13: WVGSA (ELA) - All Grades
• May 14: WVGSA (ELA) - All Grades
• May 18: One Book, One School Family Night @ 5:30 PM
• May 19: 5th Grade Field Trip
• May 20: 5th Grade Visit to HMS @ 9:00 AM
• May 21: 2nd Grade Visit to TIS @ 9:30 AM
• 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.

To assist students in practicing the strategies taught in the classroom while at home, we are excited to share a video library of resources. This library includes:

• Unit Overviews: A broad introduction to the key concepts covered in each unit.

• Lesson-Specific Instructional Videos: At least one video per lesson for every grade level, designed to reinforce classroom instruction and clarify key strategies.

We hope these resources will help build confidence and deepen understanding for students as they work through the curriculum.

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.

In the event of inclement weather, and BCS schools are closed, or in the event that school is unable to open for any reason, we will follow the schedule listed below:

• Snow Days #1-5: Traditional Snow Days
• Snow Days # 6-10: Remote Learning Days

As of January 30, BCS has used all 5 traditional snow days. Any future inclement weather days will be Remote Learning Days following the schedule below.

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

- Mrs. Pulse, School Nurse: brandy.pulse@k12.wv.us

- 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