Tomahawk Talk

Let's SOAR into the Final Stretch! 🦅

Dear Tomahawk Families,

We hope you had a wonderful, restful Spring Break and were able to enjoy some special time together. We are excited to welcome everyone back and ready to finish the school year strong!

It’s hard to believe, but we have just 32 school days remaining—and we are committed to making the most of each and every one. This is an important time of year as we continue to build on all that our students have learned and prepare them for a successful finish.

This week, we will begin the West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WVGSA). Our testing schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday, April 14: Writing - 4th and 5th Grade @ 9:00 AM
• Thursday, April 16: Writing - 3rd Grade @ 9:00 AM

We encourage all students to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school ready to do their very best. Your support at home makes a big difference!

Behavior Reminders

We have recently seen an increase in inappropriate behavior on the bus and during recess. Please take a moment to speak with your child about making positive choices. School expectations apply in all settings, and the BCS behavior matrix will be enforced.

Electronic Device Reminder

Berkeley County Schools has a strict policy regarding student devices: Phones and smart watches must be off and away during the instructional day.

Thank you for your continued partnership. Let’s make it a great week back!

In Partnership,

Dr. Ematrudo

Monday, April 13th

• 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: Seize the Clay with Dr. Sponaugle
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: NSTEM with Mrs. Ansari

Tuesday, April 14th

• WVGSA Writing Assessment: 4th & 5th Grades
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Young Writer's Club with Ms. Bennett

Wednesday, April 15th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings in the Music Room
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Student Leadership (DATE CHANGE)
• 3:45 PM: LSIC in the Library
• School Store Open During Breakfast

Thursday, April 16th

• WVGSA Writing Assessment: 3rd Grade
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Violin/Viola in the Music Room
• 5:30 PM: Virtual PTO Meeting

Monday, April 20th

• iReady Spring Diagnostic Assessments
• Military Monday: Wear your favorite military branch gear
• Coin Chaos Begins
• 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: Seize the Clay with Dr. Sponaugle
• 4:00 PM: Interim Grades Available in Schoology

Tuesday, April 21st

• iReady Spring Diagnostic Assessments
• Camo Day: Wear camouflage
• Coin Chaos Continues
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Young Writer's Club with Ms. Bennett

Wednesday, April 22nd

• iReady Spring Diagnostic Assessments
• Red, White & Blue Day: Show your patriotic spirit
• Coin Chaos Continues
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings in the Music Room
• School Store Open During Breakfast

Thursday, April 23rd

• iReady Spring Diagnostic Assessments
• Purple Up Day: Wear purple
• Coin Chaos Continues
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Violin/Viola in the Music Room

Friday, April 24th

• iReady Spring Diagnostic Assessments
• Red Day: Wear red
• Coin Chaos Ends
• PTO's Clay Workshop (More info TBA)

Monday, April 27th

• iReady Spring Diagnostic Assessments
• 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: Seize the Clay with Dr. Sponaugle

Tuesday, April 28th

• iReady Spring Diagnostic Assessments
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Young Writer's Club with Ms. Bennett

Wednesday, April 29th

• WVGSA Science Assessment: 5th Grade Only
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings in the Music Room
• School Store Open During Breakfast
• 3:30 PM -5:00 PM: Talent Show Practice

Thursday, April 30th

• iReady Spring Diagnostic Assessments
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Violin/Viola in the Music Room
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Student Leadership (Last Meeting)

Friday, May 1st

• iReady Spring Diagnostic Assessments

There will be a PTO meeting on Thursday, April 16th at 5:30 PM. The meeting will take place virtually on Microsoft Teams and will include important end of the year event information. We hope to "see" you there!

Join us for a fun, hands-on evening at Tomahawk Intermediate! Craft Happy Academy will lead a beginner-friendly polymer clay workshop where you and your child can create special keepsakes together.

Choose to make a matching necklace or keychain set, and also create your own trinket dishes. A card-making station and light refreshments will be available.

• Date: Friday, April 24
• Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
• Location: Tomahawk Intermediate
• Cost: $50 (1 adult + 1 child) | $20 each additional child
• Register at: crafthappystudioswv.square.site or scan the QR code on the flyer.

Limited seats available. Proceeds benefit the TIS PTO.

🇺🇸 Celebrating Our Military Kids: Spirit Week (April 20–24)

At Tomahawk Intermediate, we are proud to honor and celebrate our military-connected students during the Month of the Military Child! We invite all students and staff to join us for a fun and meaningful Spirit Week as we recognize the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of military families.

Join us by participating each day:

• Monday, 4/20: Military Monday – Wear your favorite military branch gear
• Tuesday, 4/21: Crazy Camo Day – Wear camouflage
• Wednesday, 4/22: Red, White & Blue Day – Show your patriotic spirit
• Thursday, 4/23: Purple Up Day – Wear purple in honor of military children
• Friday, 4/24: RED Day – Wear red to remember those deployed

We look forward to seeing our school community come together in support of our military families!

Starting April 15th in the Cafe

• Rainbow Pencils: $1.00 each
• Smelly Bookmarks: $1.00 each
• Scented Pens: $1.00 each
• Balloon Animal Erasers: $1.00 each
• Notebooks: $2.00 each
• All Pens: $2.00 each

Exact change is preferred! Thank you for supporting the PTO.

Join us for an evening of creativity and celebration at our Tomahawk Intermediate Spring Art Show: Art of the Earth!

Explore 1,000+ pieces of student artwork and see the incredible talent of our students on display. Families are welcome to stop by anytime during the event.

📅 Tuesday, May 5

⏰ 4:30–6:30 PM

In addition to the art showcase, enjoy:

• Kona Ice Truck
• Scavenger Hunt
• Photo Booth
• Hands-on Art & Science Activities

Students must be accompanied by an adult at all times. We hope you’ll join us for this fun, interactive evening celebrating our students’ creativity!

We are excited to share that auditions are complete, and we have an incredible lineup of talented students ready to shine in this year’s Tomahawk’s Got Talent show! Our performers have been working hard and are looking forward to showcasing their skills for our school community.

Practice Dates:

• April 29 (3:30–5:00 PM)
• May 6 (3:30–5:00 PM)

Mandatory Dress Rehearsal:

• May 19 (3:30–5:00 PM)

Talent Show Performance:

• May 20 at 6:00 PM

We can’t wait to see our students take the stage! It's sure to be a fantastic evening full of entertainment and school spirit! 🎭✨

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.

We are excited to launch a special schoolwide reading experience when we return from Spring Break—our One Book, One School initiative featuring Wishtree by Katherine Applegate!

Every student and staff member has received a copy of the book, and together we will read and enjoy this powerful story as one school community. This shared experience is designed to build a love of reading, spark meaningful conversations, and strengthen connections across grade levels while exploring themes of kindness, inclusion, belonging, and respect.

Throughout the program, students will participate in daily trivia questions connected to the reading. We will track progress by grade level and class, and students will be able to watch their success come to life as our “crow” moves up the tree based on participation and correct answers. Each day, we will also recognize one student per grade level with a small prize. To keep the excitement going, we will celebrate classes weekly that demonstrate strong participation and comprehension, so be sure to read the designated chapters and ask your child about their reading each night! We encourage families to read along at home using the provided schedule. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a story together and engage in meaningful conversations.

As part of this initiative, we are excited to incorporate a Cultural Showcase during our upcoming Family Fun Night. This experience will celebrate the diverse backgrounds and traditions that make up our Tomahawk community.

We invite families to participate by creating a tri-fold presentation board that represents your family’s culture and heritage. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore their identity, share their experiences with pride, and learn from one another. Boards will be displayed during Family Fun Night as part of our Cultural Fair.

📌 Project Guidelines
Your child’s board may include:

• Country or region of origin
• Family traditions and celebrations
• Traditional clothing
• Music or dance
• Traditional foods (photos or recipes)
• Important symbols or artifacts
• Language(s) spoken
• Family values or meaningful sayings

If your family would like the school to provide a tri-fold board, please contact Mrs. Ansari by April 11.

📅 Important Dates:

• Project Due Date: May 12
• Family Fun Night: May 18 from 5:30–7:00 PM

Thank you for partnering with us to make this a meaningful and memorable experience for our students. We look forward to growing together through this story and celebrating the unique cultures that make our Tomahawk community so special!

April

April 13 – Poem at the Beginning of the Book & Chapters 1–3
April 14 – Chapters 4–6
April 15 – Chapters 7–8
April 16 – Chapters 9–11
April 17 – Chapters 12–13
April 20 – Chapters 14–15
April 21 – Chapters 16–17
April 22 – Chapters 18–19
April 23 – Chapters 20–21
April 24 – Chapters 22–24
April 27 – Chapters 25–26
April 28 – Chapters 27–28
April 29 – Chapters 29–31
April 30 – Chapters 32–35

May

May 1 – Chapters 36–39
May 4 – Chapters 40–42
May 5 – Chapters 43–44
May 6 – Chapters 45–47
May 7 – Chapters 48–49
May 8 – Chapters 50–51 & Author’s Notes / Turn in Cultural Fair Boards

Additional Activities

May 11 – Revisit the Poem at the Beginning of the Book & Discussion
May 12 – Additional Activity: The Science of Trees (Turn in to homeroom teacher)
May 13 – Additional Activity: The Power of Wishes
May 14 – Additional Activity: Get Creative – Make Your Own Wish Tree / “All About Me Tree” to showcase at Family Fun Night
May 15 – Additional Activity: The Power of Names
May 16 – Additional Activity: Immigration Through the Years (Turn in to homeroom teacher)

Family Fun Night: May 18 from 5:30–7:00 PM

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

We are excited to celebrate our 5th grade students as they prepare to transition to middle school! Our annual Step-Up Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 27th in the cafeteria.

Due to the size of our 5th grade classes and limited space, we kindly ask that each student have no more than 4 guests in attendance. We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all families.

Schedule:

• 9:15 AM: Ansari, Church, Kurutza, Mayes & Parks
• Door #11 will open no earlier than 9:00 AM. Please do not arrive earlier, as we need space for morning drop-off traffic flow.

• 10:15 AM: Campbell, DiNello, Mance & Sowers
• Door #11 will open no earlier than 10:00 AM.'

Students may leave with their families following the ceremony if desired.

We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you and honoring our 5th grade students!

• April 14: CyberSWAT Lessons Begin
• April 14: WVGSA (Writing) - 4th & 5th Grade
• April 15: Tree Planting with The Cacapon Institute
• April 15: LSIC Meeting
• April 16: WVGSA (Writing) - 3rd Grade
• April 20: Interim Grades Available
• April 20: Spring iReady Diagnostic Window Opens
• April 24: PTO's Clay Workshop
• April 29: WVGSA (Science) - 5th Grade Only
• April 29: Talent Show Practice
• 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: Strings Concert @ 6:00 PM
• May 13: WVGSA (ELA) - All Grades
• May 14: WVGSA (ELA) - All Grades
• May 15: Field Day (tentative)
• 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 19: Dress Rehearsal for Talent Show @ 3:30 PM
• May 20: 5th Grade Visit to HMS @ 9:00 AM
• May 20: Talent Show @ 6:00 PM
• May 21: 2nd Grade Visit to TIS @ 9:30 AM
• May 21: 4th Grade Visit to Back Creek
• 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 Step Up Ceremony (9:15 AM: Team A; 10:15 AM: Team B)
• 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)

If the reason doesn’t fit into these categories, it’s considered unexcused.

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