Tomahawk Talk

AM Drop-Off: 8:15 AM - 8:40 AM (please do not arrive earlier than 8:00 AM)

PM Pick-Up: 3:15 PM - 3:40 PM (please do not arrive earlier than 3:00 PM)

Reminder: Parent pick-up begins at 3:15 PM. To help us keep dismissal safe, please wait until after 3:00 PM to enter the small lot and be sure to park only in a designated space. Arriving too early causes congestion while students are still outside for recess, and vehicles in unmarked areas create a safety concern in the event of an emergency. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping dismissal safe and smooth!

Monday, August 25th

• Back to School Rally @ 9:30 AM
• 3rd Graders = Wear RED ♥️
• 4th Graders = Wear WHITE 🤍
• 5th Graders = Wear BLACK 🖤

Tuesday, August 26th

• Schoology Parent Night @ 5:30 PM

Wednesday, August 27th

• Emergency Evacuation Drill @ 9:30 AM

Thursday, August 28th

• Fire Drill @ 2:30 PM

Monday, September 1st

• NO SCHOOL: Labor Day

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.

Students will not be permitted to go on field trips, or receive an assigned iPad for the 2025-2026 school year without this form on file. Please complete as soon as possible. Thank you!

In June, Dr. Ematrudo, Mrs. Bridges, and Mrs. Czaja attended the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in California to receive professional development on improving school climate and culture. This year, we are excited to announce that Tomahawk Intermediate is proud to be a Jostens Renaissance School! 🎉

That means we are part of a nationwide network focused on building positive school culture by celebrating students, staff, and families. The Renaissance framework is based on the "Results Formula," which families can reinforce by showing students that their efforts are valued. The formula is based on six core components:

• Respect: Schools emphasize respect for academic achievement, strong character, and a positive school environment.

• Recognize: Recognition is used broadly to celebrate accomplishments beyond just the highest academic achievers. This includes celebrating improved grades, consistent effort, and positive behavior.

• Reward: Both tangible and intangible rewards are used to motivate students and show appreciation for their hard work.

• Reinforce: School values are reinforced through visible cues, like banners and murals, as well as through school traditions and family communication

• Relationships: The program is founded on building strong relationships between students, teachers, and families.

• Results: The program drives measurable improvements, such as higher grades, better attendance, and increased graduation rates.

At Tomahawk, this aligns with our SOAR expectations—Safety, Ownership, Attitude, and Respect—so that our school is a place where everyone feels valued, motivated, and proud to belong. 🦅

Schoology will be the ONLY form of parent communication this year (we are no longer permitted to use Class Dojo). Please ensure you activate your student's Schoology access code once sent home by the homeroom teacher.

We are going to host a Schoology Night for parents on Tuesday, August 26th from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM to assist any parents with accessing Schoology.

The flyer below is just for anyone interested in beginner strings. The deadline to join beginner strings is Friday, September 5th.

Our start date for the advanced group is Monday, September 15th and the beginners start on Tuesday, September 16th.

Questions? Please email Ms. Hochberg at: savannah.r.hochberg@k12.wv.us

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.

Due to state and county nutrition policies, we do NOT permit cupcakes or any food items for birthday celebrations. Each student will have their name called over the loud speaker during morning announcements and will receive a birthday bracelet from the office. Any food items sent in with students will be held in the office, and returned at the end of the school day. Your cooperation and understanding are aprpeciated.

Due to space limitations in our cafeteria, we are unable to accommodate visitors for student lunches. However, we encourage parents and guardians to stay involved by joining our PTO to help with special events during the school day or by becoming an approved volunteer/chaperone to assist with classroom projects and field trips. Your support makes a big difference!

For more information on becoming an approved chaperone/volunteer, please click the link below.

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. Pulse, School Nurse: brandy.pulse@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. Walling, Registrar: twalling@k12.wv.us