Tomahawk Talk

Monday, October 16th

• Smencil Sales: Student Lunches

Tuesday, October 17th

• End of 1st 9 Weeks
• Fall Picture Retake Day

Thursday, October 19th

• 2-Hour Delay for Students (10:15 AM)

Friday, October 20th

• Smencil Sales: Student Lunches

Monday, October 23rd

• Red Ribbon Week: Tie Dye Day!

Tuesday, October 24th

• Red Ribbon Week: Superhero Day!
• Report Cards Issued
• Fall Family Art Night (4:30 PM - 6:30 PM)

Wednesday, October 25th

• Red Ribbon Week: Character Day!

Thursday, October 26th

• Red Ribbon Week: Wild, Wild West Day!
• Trick or Treat Event (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM)

Friday, October 27th

• Red Ribbon Week: Fall Colors Day!

Berkeley County Schools has installed safer school entryways at various schools across the district, and Tomahawk's entryway construction began this past weekend. Beginning Monday, October 16th, the process to have all visitors assisted through a new window in the front office will begin. In the coming days, entry into the office will no longer be permitted, and visitors will remain in one area while signing their child in/out or dropping off paperwork. Please be patient as we work to navigate this new procedure to ensure student and staff safety.

We have noticed an uptick in student injuries resulting from footwear. Shoes must fit securely enough to the foot in order to allow safe movement. Crocs, when worn without the strap, can be unsupportive and slip off easily. We ask that students wear their Crocs with the strap attached properly. Slides and flip flops should not be worn to school as they do not have a supportive strap at the heel. Since students are outside daily for recess, and participate in gym class once per week, we ask that students wear shoes conducive to running and climbing safely.

For more information on Berkeley County Schools' dress code procedures, please click here: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/page/student-and-parent-reference-guide

In order to maintain an environment conducive to learning and personal growth, it is crucial that we have clear expectations for student behavior. These expectations are designed to create a safe and respectful atmosphere where students can maximize their potential. We firmly believe that when students understand these expectations and are held accountable for their actions, they are better prepared to succeed academically and personally.

To help maintain a positive learning environment, Berkeley County Schools has established a discipline matrix for K-5 students that outlines the consequences for various behavior infractions. This matrix is designed to be fair and consistent, with the goal of helping students learn from their mistakes and make better choices in the future.

Our teachers and staff are committed to working collaboratively with students and parents to address any behavioral concerns promptly and constructively. We believe in the power of open communication and partnership between school and home.

We encourage you to review the discipline matrix to familiarize yourself with our approach to discipline and the consequences for specific behaviors.

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 directly can be found here: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/tomahawk/staff