Tomahawk Talk

Hello, Tomahawk Families!

We have another exciting week ahead at Tomahawk Intermediate! As we continue into the second nine weeks, we look forward to celebrating our students' hard work and partnering with families to support their success.

Report cards will be sent home on Tuesday, along with appointment request forms for our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 29th. We encourage all families to take this opportunity to connect with their child's teacher, celebrate progress, and discuss goals for the weeks ahead. If you have questions about grades, missing assignments, or your child's academic progress, your first point of contact should always be the classroom teacher. Our teachers are best equipped to explain classroom expectations, assessment results, and how your child is progressing. Open communication between home and school is essential, and we appreciate families taking the time to connect directly with teachers when questions arise.

We are also looking forward to our annual Trick or Treat event this week on Thursday @ 6:00 PM! This is always a fun event for our students, and we can't wait to see everyone enjoying the festivities! We are still in need of candy donations to help make this event a success. If you are able to contribute, please send in a bag of candy. Every donation is greatly appreciated! As a reminder, this event is for TIS students and their siblings only.

Thank you for your continued support and for all you do to make Tomahawk such a wonderful school community. Let's make it another great week!

Dr. Ematrudo
Principal

Arrival:

- Student Drop-Off: 8:15 AM - 8:40 AM

- Students are tardy after 8:40 AM

Dismissal:

- Parent Pick-Up: 3:10 PM

- Bus Dismissal: 3:15 PM

Monday, October 19th:

• Starbase: Mayes & Sowers
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: The Palette (selected 5th graders)
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Girls Who Run
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Math Field Day Team (selected students)
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Good News Club

Tuesday, October 20th:

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• Starbase: Mayes & Sowers
• 1st 9 Weeks Report Cards
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Number Ninjas Club

Wednesday, October 21st:

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 8:15 AM - 8:40 AM: School Store (near cafeteria)
• Starbase: Mayes & Sowers
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Girls Who Run
• Science Fair Success Club IS CANCELED

Thursday, October 22nd:

• Starbase: Mayes & Sowers
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Student Leadership
• 6:00 PM: Trick or Treat Night

Friday, October 23rd:

• Starbase: Mayes & Sowers
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 2:30 PM: 1st 9 Weeks Rally for Students
• Registration closes for Tony M. after-school clubs

Monday, October 26th:

• Superhero Day! Dress Like a Superhero (no masks, weapons or props)
• Starbase : Ansari
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: The Palette (selected 5th graders)
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Girls Who Run
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Math Field Day Team (selected students)
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Fall Chess Club (selected students)
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Good News Club

Tuesday, October 27th:

• Wacky Hair/Silly Hat Day!
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• Starbase: Ansari
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Number Ninjas Club
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Sew Much Fun Club

Wednesday, October 28th:

• Pajama Day!
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 8:15 AM - 8:40 AM: School Store (near cafeteria)
• Starbase : Ansari
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Girls Who Run
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Science Fair Success Club

Thursday, October 29th:

• Team Jersey Day!
• Starbase: Ansari
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Parent/Teacher Conferences

Friday, October 30th:

• Costume Day - no masks, weapons, or gore!
• Starbase: Ansari
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings

This month "Guidance" will discuss the topic: Erin's Law - Body Safety. Body Safety Education teaches children about body ownership, consent, personal boundaries, and identifying trusted adults to empower each child to recognize unsafe situations and prevent sexual abuse. This lesson is required by all School Counselors to teach each school year per state legislature, according to Erin’s Law. If you DO NOT want your child to participate in the "Erin's Law - Body Safety" Lesson during "Guidance" this month, please turn in a written note stating your child is opting out of the lesson.

Mrs. Boyd: megan.boyd@k12.wv.us

Ms. Thomas: katlyn.thomas@k12.wv.us

Parents and guardians can receive a weekly Schoology email digest with information about their child’s current grades, assignments, attendance, overdue work, and recent Schoology activity. Follow these steps to turn on the weekly email report:

1. Go to Schoology on the web.
Open a web browser such as Chrome, Safari, or Edge and go to app.schoology.com. Use your parent account to log in. Do not use the Schoology app for these settings.

2. Select your child.
At the top of Schoology, click your name and select your child’s account.

3. Open Settings.
Once you are viewing your child’s account, click your child’s name at the top and then select Settings.

4. Click Notifications.
In the Settings menu, select the Notifications tab.

5. Turn on Email Digest.
Under Parent Email Digest, turn Email Summary to On.

6. Choose Weekly.
Select Weekly for the frequency, then choose the day of the week on which you would like to receive the email.

7. Save your changes.
Click Save Changes.

8. You’re all set!
You will now receive a weekly email with your child’s current grades, attendance, overdue work, and recent Schoology activity.

Optional: Parents can also turn on Overdue Submissions Email if they would like to receive an alert when their child misses a due date.

Remember:

• You must use a web browser, not the Schoology app.
• Make sure you select your child’s account before going to Settings.
• You can turn on Overdue Submissions Email if you want an alert when your child misses a due date.

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.

We're excited to offer two after-school clubs in partnership with Tony M. Music & Arts!

• Chess Club: Mondays, 3:45–4:45 PM, with Ms. Bennett and Mr. Barr. Students of all skill levels are welcome to learn chess, practice strategies, and enjoy friendly competitions!

• Sew Much Fun Club: Tuesdays, 3:45–4:45 PM, with Dr. Sponaugle. Students will learn basic sewing skills while creating fun projects!

Registration closes Friday, October 23! Space is limited, so don't wait to sign up! Registration and payment are online only ($60.00 per club). Please scan the QR code on the attached flyer to register.

We want to make our Tomahawk families aware that Nurse Kim’s last day with Berkeley County Schools was Friday, September 25.

While we work to fill the nursing position at Tomahawk, our school will receive nursing coverage through BCS nurses and/or substitute nurses. We are working closely with the BCS Lead Nurse to ensure that we have adequate coverage and that the health and medical needs of our students continue to be supported.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition. We will share additional information with families once a permanent replacement has been identified.

Smencils wil be sold during student lunches starting Friday, October 9th.

October selection:

- Halloween

- Safari

$2.00 each

All proceeds benefit student and staff rewards and activities at Tomahawk!

Get ready to Fill the Eagle during the month of October! Our PTO is sponsoring this fun, optional fundraiser to support Tomahawk Intermediate.

Students brought home a Fill the Eagle sheet in early October. Families who would like to participate can collect donations throughout October and work toward filling their eagle!

🎉 Fill the Eagle and be entered to win!

Every 5 spaces filled = 5 entries for a gift card drawing! Fill the entire eagle and receive 10 entries to win. We will select ONE gift card winner from each grade level - 3rd, 4th, and 5th!

Participation is completely optional. If your child participates, please be sure to write their name on the sheet before returning it to school, as there is not a designated name spot on the form.

Thank you for supporting our PTO and TIS! 🦅

This year marks an important change for our third-grade students. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, the Third Grade Success Act includes requirements related to promotion and possible retention at the end of third grade.

At the end of the year, all third-grade students will take the West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WVGSA) in English Language Arts and Mathematics. A student who scores “Does Not Meet Standard” in ELA, mathematics, or both is considered to demonstrate minimal understanding of grade-level content. Under the Third Grade Success Act, this performance can lead to a recommendation for retention in third grade.

This makes the WVGSA especially important for our third-grade students this year. While we never want a single assessment to define a child, it is important for families to understand that third-grade WVGSA performance now has potential implications for promotion to fourth grade.

That is also why the work happening throughout the year matters. We are using student data to identify skill gaps, provide targeted reading and math intervention, monitor progress, and ensure students have opportunities to strengthen grade-level skills well before the spring assessment.

Our goal is no surprises at the end of the year. If your child has been identified with a reading or mathematics deficiency, we will continue communicating with you about progress and the supports being provided.

For our third-grade students, every instructional day matters. Attendance, effort, intervention participation, classroom learning, and building the stamina to work independently all help prepare students to demonstrate what they know on the WVGSA and be ready for fourth grade. 🦅

🎃 Trick or Treat Night is coming to Tomahawk! Join us on Thursday, October 22 at 6:00 PM for a fun evening with our Tomahawk community! 🍬👻

This is NOT a trunk or treat. Students will walk the exterior of the building and visit teachers and staff who are set up along the way!

Candy Donations Requested

Student Leadership will also be collecting donations of individually wrapped candy in classrooms from September 28–October 22. Thank you for helping make this event a sweet success! 🧡🦅

Get ready for a fun-filled week of school spirit at Tomahawk Intermediate! We're celebrating Red Ribbon Week with a different theme each day as we encourage our Eagles to make healthy choices and stay drug-free!

Check out our daily themes and join in the fun! Please remember that masks, weapons, and props are not permitted on Superhero Day, and costumes must be school-appropriate with no masks, weapons, or gore.

We can't wait to see our students show their school spirit!

Tomahawk Intermediate is proud to honor the brave men and women who have served our country! We invite our TIS students and the veterans in their lives to join us for a special Veterans Day Breakfast on Tuesday, November 10th, at 9:30 AM.

We look forward to showing our appreciation for their service and sacrifice while sharing a special morning together.

Please complete and return the RSVP form by Friday, November 6th, so we can plan accordingly. We hope to see you there!

We’re excited to invite our future Eagles to spend the morning in the gym with the Hedgesville Basketball coaches and players!

Basketball, competitions, lots of fun, and maybe a little Halloween spirit mixed in. Whether they’re just learning the game or already love being on the court, we’d love to have them join us!

Spots are limited - register using the QR code or clink the below link:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/dknheVDDbL⁠

Come spend the morning with Hedgesville Basketball!

We know students love their Nee-Dohs, fidgets, slime, and other fun toys, but we are asking families to please help us keep these items at home. These items have become a distraction during the school day and can easily be lost, traded, damaged, or cause disagreements between students.

Unless a fidget or sensory item is specifically provided or approved by the school as part of a student’s individual needs, personal toys should not be brought to school.

Thank you for helping us keep classrooms focused on learning and prevent unnecessary distractions!

We have noticed that some of our students have already missed school days this year. Currently, 20% of Berkeley County students have missed two or more days since the first day of school. Establishing strong attendance habits early is important, and we are committed to partnering with families to support every student’s success.

If you have received communication from your student’s school regarding attendance, we encourage you to connect with the identified staff member. Together, we can work to support your child and keep them on track for a successful year.

Did you know that you can write a note and provide documentation to explain your student’s absence? Providing a valid reason helps ensure accurate attendance records, supports student safety, and reinforces the importance of communication and responsibility—skills students will carry with them into the future.

When documentation is not received, the absence must be marked as unexcused. Students who accumulate more than ten unexcused absences may be considered truant under state law. Our goal is to help families stay informed and avoid this situation by working together proactively.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student attendance. Your involvement makes a difference in helping every student stay engaged, connected, and successful.

Attendance Policy Reminders:

• Parents are allowed to excuse ten days of absence due to illness during the school year (a doctor’s note is not required for these days).
• Send a note within three days of absence. Please use the Absence Note link
• Include the date(s) of absence and reason.
• If your student suffers from a chronic medical condition, please contact the school nurse.

• Absences related to trips/vacations are no longer excused by State Law.

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

- Ms. Aliveto, Assistant Principal: cari.aliveto@k12.wv.us

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

- Vacancy, School Nurse:

- 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

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