Tomahawk Talk

Dear TIS Parents/Guardians,

As we move further into the school year, routines are established, instruction is in full swing, and our students are being asked to dig deeper into grade-level learning. This is also the time of year when the work begins to feel a little more challenging - and that is a good thing! This week, I want to ask for your partnership in reinforcing an important message with our students: learning is not always supposed to be easy!

When work feels challenging, it does not mean a student can’t do it. In fact, productive struggle is an important part of learning. If everything comes easily, students are not being challenged to grow.

Our goal is for every student to grow, build confidence, and become proficient with grade-level skills and standards. Students will spend their instructional time working with grade-level content unless an individualized educational plan specifies otherwise. This ensures that every child has access to the learning expected at their grade level and opportunities to demonstrate what they know in the classroom and on assessments. At times, this work will be challenging, and that is okay! Students will encounter tasks that require them to think deeply, work through multiple steps, try different strategies, make mistakes, and try again. Those moments aren't signs that something is wrong; they are often signs that learning is happening.

We ask families to help us reinforce resilience and perseverance at home. When your child says, “This is too hard,” “I can’t do this,” or becomes frustrated, encourage them to try before giving up. Remind them that they do not have to know the answer immediately. Sometimes the best learning happens when we have to work through something that doesn't come easily at first. Our teachers have many supports in place to help students when they need them, and we will never expect a child to struggle without assistance. At the same time, we want students to give themselves a chance to succeed. Try a strategy. Ask a question. Take it one step at a time. Keep going.

Please also know that all teachers at Tomahawk share the same expectations for grade-level learning, effort, and student growth. While teaching styles and classroom routines may differ, our academic expectations remain consistent across classrooms. When a student is struggling, our focus will be on working with the student, family, and teacher to identify appropriate supports - not removing the challenge. We want to help our students develop the skills, confidence, and perseverance they need to be successful.

One of the greatest things we can teach our children is that “hard” does not mean “impossible.” Together, we can help our students replace “I can't do this” with: “I may not know how to do this yet, but I’m going to keep trying.”

Thank you, as always, for partnering with us and reinforcing these messages at home. When school and home send the same message about effort, perseverance, and believing in our students' ability to grow, it makes a tremendous difference!

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

Tuesday, September 15th:

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• Joe Corbi's Fundraiser Starts

Wednesday, September 16th:

• Go Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 2.5 Hour Early Dismissal (begins at 12:45 PM)
• No After-School Clubs

Thursday, September 17th:

• Be a Buddy Day! Wear Orange
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: BCS Anti-Bullying Event @ War Memorial Park

Monday, September 21st:

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: The Palette (selected 5th graders)

Tuesday, September 22nd:

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings

Wednesday, September 23rd:

• Fall Picture Day
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Science Fair Success Club

Thursday, September 24th:

• Starbase: Parks' Class
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Student Leadership

Friday, September 25th:

• Starbase: Parks' Class

Monday, September 28th:

• Starbase: Parks' Class
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: The Palette (selected 5th graders)

Tuesday, September 29th

• Joe Corbi's Fundraiser ENDS
• Starbase: Parks' Class
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings

Wednesday, September 30th:

• Starbase: Parks' Class
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings
• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Science Fair Success Club

Tomahawk Intermediate School's fundraiser starts Tuesday, and we need your help. Our goal is to raise $12,000.00 to update playground equipment at our school.

It's as simple as 1, 2, 3!

1. Register at www.ShopFund.com
   Make sure you use Group Code: DFBWK
2. Share custom support links with family & friends via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email, Text and more.
3. Student Goal: Minimum of 5 Online Supporters.

REGISTER-SHARE-WIN: Sharing gets you coins for chances to win over 1,000 prizes.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and once again, schools and businesses across West Virginia are being encouraged to GO GOLD in support of children and families affected by childhood cancer. West Virginia Kids Cancer Crusaders encourages schools across our state to participate, and this year's Go Gold Day will be Wednesday, September 16.

Tomahawk's Dismissal Schedule:

• Car Riders: 12:40 PM
• Buses: 12:45 PM

Please plan to be at your child's bus stop approximately 2.5 hours earlier than normal!

This week, all students in grades 3–5 will bring home their i-Ready Inform Family Reports for Reading and Math. These reports provide families with information about their child’s current performance based on recent i-Ready assessment results.

In addition, all 3rd grade students will receive a letter with important information regarding the Third Grade Success Act, regardless of whether they have been identified for intervention. The Third Grade Success Act places an increased emphasis on ensuring students develop strong foundational skills and includes requirements for identifying academic needs, providing appropriate supports and interventions, monitoring student progress, and keeping families informed. The letter is being provided to all 3rd grade families so that parents understand these requirements and what they may mean for their child throughout the school year.

Fourth and fifth grade students who have been identified to receive additional intervention support will also bring home an intervention letter this week.

If your child received a letter, please sign the bottom and return to your child's teacher before September 30.

The Tomahawk Social Studies Fair is coming up! Students in grades 3–5 who are interested in history, geography, people, or the world around them are encouraged to participate. Students may complete an individual or group project and will have the opportunity to build research and presentation skills along the way.

Interest and permission forms are due September 25. Interested students will meet during the school day on September 25 to learn more about the process. The Tomahawk Social Studies Fair will be held Friday, December 11, and winners will advance to the Berkeley County Social Studies Fair.

Please keep in mind that this is an independent project, not an after-school program. Students will meet several times throughout the process for guidance with research and presentation strategies, but the project itself will be completed independently. We encourage families to talk with their child about the commitment and responsibility involved before signing up.

We’re excited to see the topics our students choose to explore! Questions? Please email Mrs. Otto at botto@k12.wv.us

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!

If your child misses school for a doctor’s appointment, we must receive documentation from the medical provider in order to code the absence as a medical excuse. Please remember to upload or send in the doctor’s note within three (3) days of their return to school.

Without documentation from the provider, the absence must be coded as a parent note, and families are limited to 10 parent-note excuses per school year.

Sending in that documentation helps us make sure your child’s attendance record is accurate, and keeps those parent notes available for when you really need them!

Next to starting the day with a full night’s sleep and a good breakfast, regular attendance at school or class is essential to student academic success. Students cannot learn if they are not present and prepared to learn.

Beginning Tuesday, September 8, BCS families/caregivers will receive notifications if their student has been marked absent from school. To be sure you are receiving school messages concerning your child’s attendance, please make sure your Annual Forms and Information Update is complete so we have the correct contact information.

Under WVDE Attendance Policy 410, excused absences are absences that meet approved criteria, and documentation is required within three (3) days of the student’s return to school. Excused absences may include failure of a bus to run, judicial obligations, death in the family, military obligations, medical or dental appointments with a doctor’s note, a chronic medical condition when a school meeting is required, and personal illness or injury of the student or a family member, limited to 10 days per school year. Unexcused absences include all other absences that are not approved under WVDE Attendance Policy 410, including absences related to vacation.

It is also important to understand chronic absenteeism, which occurs when a student misses 10% or more of the school year. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. Regular school attendance leads to student success, so every day in school matters.

Attendance notifications will be sent to the primary caregiver according to the following schedule:

• High and Middle school messages will be delivered at approximately 9:45 a.m.
• Elementary and Intermediate school messages will follow at approximately 10:45 a.m.

Should you have questions after receiving an attendance message, please contact your child’s school.

You're Invited!

Thursday, September 17, 2026
5:00–7:00 p.m.
War Memorial Park

Join us for an evening of fun, connection, and community support as we come together to raise awareness about bullying prevention and promote safe, supportive schools and communities.

✨ Event Highlights

• 🎧 DJ Dance Party
• 🎭 School Performances
• 🎁 Prizes & Giveaways
• 🎨 Face Painting & Balloons
• 🎲 Fun Games & Activities
• 🤝 Community Resources
• 🍴 Delicious Food Available

Bring the whole family—we can’t wait to see you there!

Drop-Off Procedures:

• Drop-off begins at 8:15 AM. Please do not arrive on school property before 8:00 AM, as staff are still arriving.

• If you are coordinating drop-offs between multiple schools and need somewhere to wait, the Hope Community Church parking area is an option.

• Drop-off ends at 8:40 AM. Students arriving after 8:40 must be signed in through the office.

• Please remain in your vehicle and follow staff directions through the designated drop-off lanes.

Late Arrivals:

• Students are considered tardy after 8:40 AM.
• If your child arrives after this time, they will need to be signed in by a parent or guardian in the school office. This helps us keep track of attendance and ensures your child's safety.
• Parents arriving after 8:40 AM will need to park in a designated parking spot and walk to the main office.

• Please do not arrive prior to 3:00 PM and wait on school property for afternoon dismissal.

• Beginning today, vehicles that arrive too early will be asked to leave and return at the appropriate time.

• If you are coordinating pick-ups between multiple schools and need somewhere to wait, the Hope Community Church parking area is an option.

• Once pick-up begins, please remain in your vehicle, display your car tag, and follow staff directions.

Note: If your child needs to be added to parent pick-up on a day they are not normally scheduled, please call the office before 2:30 PM. Last-minute changes can disrupt our dismissal procedures and may not allow enough time for the classroom teacher to receive the notification. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and smooth dismissal for all students!

Monday, September 14

Breakfast: Maple Stuffed Snack’n Waffle
Lunch: Pizza Crunchers OR Cheese Lasagna Roll-up with Garlic Toast

Tuesday, September 15
Breakfast: Chicken Sausage Waffle Sandwich
Lunch: Chicken and Dumpling Soup OR Side Salad and Cheesy Breadstick

Wednesday, September 16
Breakfast: Cheese Omelet
Lunch: Macaroni and Cheese w/ Teriyaki Beef Dippers OR Cheesy Pull Apart Bread

Thursday, September 17
Breakfast: Chocolate Filled Crescent OR Grape Filled Crescent
Lunch: Spaghetti with Beef Meat Sauce OR Cheese Quesadilla with Guacamole

Friday, September 18
Breakfast: Turkey Ham & Cheese on Hawaiian Roll
Lunch: Corn Dog OR Deep Dish Galaxy Cheese Pizza OR Deep Dish Beef/Turkey Pepperoni Pizza

Monday, September 21

Breakfast: Egg and Cheese Breakfast Wrap

Lunch: Tangerine Chicken ORCheese Lasagna Roll-up with Garlic Toast

Tuesday, September 22

Breakfast: Cinnamon Glazed Pancakes

Lunch: Cheeseburger OR Side Salad and Cheesy Breadstick

Wednesday, September 23

Breakfast: Cereal

Lunch: Popcorn Chicken OR Cheesy Pull Apart Bread

Thursday, September 24

Breakfast: Turkey Sausage & Egg Bagel

Lunch: BCS Loaded Nachos OR Cheese Quesadilla with Guacamole

Friday, September 25

Breakfast: Blueberry, Powdered OR Chocolate Donut Holes

Lunch: Whole Grain Chicken Nuggets OR Pizza

Monday, September 28

Breakfast: Banana, Blueberry, Lemon OR Pumpkin Bread

Lunch: TBA

Tuesday, September 29

Breakfast: Cinnamon, Blueberry, Maple OR Confetti Snack N Waffle

Lunch: TBA

Wednesday, September 30

Breakfast: Whole Grain Cinnamon Roll

Lunch: TBA

Has your child's emergency contact information changed? Does your child have allergies, require medication at school, or have special dietary or medical needs? Keeping this information up to date helps us provide the best care and respond quickly in the event of an emergency.

Parents/caregivers of all Berkeley County Schools students are required to complete an Annual Forms & Information Update each school year. Please submit one update for each student, even if your information has not changed. To save time, use the "Fill Again" option at the end of the form to pre-fill information from your previous submission.

What's Included

✅ Student Information
✅ Home Language Survey
✅ Emergency Contacts
✅ Medical Information
✅ Special Dietary Needs
✅ Special Education Services
✅ Photo & Media Release
✅ Parent Permissions
✅ Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement

✅ Student Handbook Acknowledgement

Students are not permitted to use cell phones during the school day. **Cell phones should be powered off and in the student’s backpack at all times.* We also do not allow students to use smartwatches for communication purposes during the school day. Students who violate these expectations will receive consequences based on the BCS discipline matrix and parents/guardians will be asked to pick-up the device.

Our main office will contact parents/guardians if there is an emergency or for any other necessary reason. Your cooperation is appreciated.

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

- Mrs. Locke, School Nurse: kimberly.locke@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

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