Tomahawk Talk

TIS Community,

Just a reminder that there is no school tomorrow, Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We hope our students and their families enjoy the long weekend!

We have a busy week ahead at Tomahawk. Our PTO Meeting will be held Tuesday, September 8, at 5:30 PM in the library, and our LSIC Meeting will be Wednesday, September 9, at 3:45 PM in the library. During our LSIC meeting, we will review and discuss last year’s WVGSA results and our continued areas of focus for student growth.

Our Instruction & Intervention Team will also meet Tuesday to review student data and formally identify students who may need additional instructional support. Families should be on the lookout for more information coming home regarding interventions.

Third-grade families will receive additional information related to the Third Grade Success Act. This West Virginia law focuses on ensuring students develop strong reading and math skills in the early grades. Schools are required to communicate with families about student progress and provide targeted support when students demonstrate areas of need.

Beginning this school year, the Third Grade Success Act also includes requirements related to third-grade promotion and retention based on reading performance on the WVGSA. Students who do not demonstrate the required level of reading proficiency shall be considered for retention. Our goal is to identify needs early, provide appropriate interventions throughout the year, and keep families informed well before any end-of-year decisions are made.

More detailed information will be sent directly to third-grade families explaining the requirements, student benchmark results, and any additional support being provided.

We’re looking forward to another great week of learning and growth at Tomahawk!

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 8th:

• 5:30 PM: PTO Meeting in Library

Wednesday, September 9th:

• 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Science Fair Success Club
• 3:45 PM: LSIC in Library

Friday, September 11th:

• Student Leadership Team Interest Forms DUE to Mrs. Otto

Monday, September 14th:

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Strings

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)

Thursday, September 17th:

• 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

Parents and families are invited to attend our Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) meeting on Wednesday, September 9, at 3:45 PM in the Tomahawk library.

The LSIC is a group made up of school staff, parents, and community members who work together to support school improvement and student success. It provides families with an opportunity to learn more about what is happening at Tomahawk, review school data, and provide input on our goals and priorities.

At this week’s meeting, we will review and discuss last year’s WVGSA results, celebrate areas of growth, and identify areas where we will continue to focus our efforts this school year.

All parents and guardians are welcome to attend. We value your partnership and would love to have you join us! If interested in serving on our LSIC, please email Dr. Ematrudo at kematrudo@k12.wv.us

Student leadership will meet twice a month after school on Thursdays, and attendance is required.

Student Leadership Team Interest Surveys are DUE to Mrs. Otto no later than September 11th. Parent/guardian permission is required before submitting an application. A schedule will be sent out to selected students.

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

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Mystee Ansari, one of our 5th Grade teachers, who has been selected as one of just 27 K–5 educators across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia to serve in the STEM Pioneers Teacher Corps!

This National Science Foundation program, led by Penn State, The College of New Jersey, and West Virginia University, recognizes educators who are ready to lead the way in STEM education.

This summer, Mrs. Ansari completed intensive training in energy and engineering through the program’s Summer Institute. Now, she’ll take on a leadership role, helping bring innovative STEM learning and expertise to educators across the three-state region.

Congratulations, Mrs. Ansari! We’re proud to see one of our educators helping pave the way for the next generation of STEM learners. 🚀 🔬 ⚡️

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!

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!

We want to make sure our Tomahawk families have access to the resources and support they need throughout the school year. If your family could benefit from additional support or resources, please complete our Family Support Form.

Information submitted through the form will be shared with our School Counselors so they can connect families with available resources and assistance.

All information will be handled with care and confidentiality.

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 7

NO SCHOOL – Labor Day

Tuesday, September 8
Breakfast: Mini Banana Bread Loaf, Mini Blueberry Bread Loaf, OR Strawberry Mini Loaf
Lunch: Soft Pretzel with Cheddar Cheese Sauce & Yogurt OR Side Salad & Cheesy Breadstick

Wednesday, September 9
Breakfast: Beef Sausage & Cheese Bagel Sandwich
Lunch: Ranch Chicken Wrap OR Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread with Marinara Sauce

Thursday, September 10
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Pulled Pork Sandwich OR Cheese Quesadilla with Guacamole Cup

Friday, September 11
Breakfast: Red, White & Blue Parfait with Whipped Topping
Lunch: Beef Hotdog on Bun OR Deep Dish Galaxy Cheese Pizza OR Deep Dish Beef/Turkey Pepperoni Pizza

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

Dear TIS Families,

We are excited to continue our Strings Program at Tomahawk Intermediate this school year and to welcome our new Strings teacher, Mr. Rihn! 🎻

Strings is open to students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, whether they are brand new to an instrument or have previous experience. Students may choose from violin, viola, cello, or bass (upon consideration).

Classes will take place before school from 7:30–8:15 AM, with student drop-off between 7:15–7:25 AM. Instruction days will be determined based on enrollment, and families will receive their student's schedule by September 10. Classes will begin the week of September 14.

If your child is interested in participating, please complete the registration form below by September 4, 2026.

Space is limited to 25 students per class, so families interested in participating are encouraged to register early. Limited school-owned instruments are also available for students who may need assistance obtaining an instrument.

If you have questions about the program, instruments, or registration, please contact Mr. Rihn at nrihn@k12.wv.us.

We are looking forward to another great year of music at TIS! 🎶

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.

Last year, we saw a number of conflicts at school that began outside of school hours—often through text, FaceTime, or social media. While these issues may start at home, they can carry over into the school day and impact student learning and relationships.

We are asking for your partnership in helping to reduce these conflicts:

• Talk with your child regularly about the power of their words—online and in person.

• Monitor phones and social media apps to help guide responsible use.

• Remind your child that what happens outside of school can still affect the school day.

• If issues carry over into school, there will be consequences based on the Berkeley County Schools Discipline Matrix.

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