Tomahawk Talk

🌟 Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! 🌟

Dear Tomahawk Families,

This week, we are excited to celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated staff who go above and beyond for our students each day. A huge THANK YOU to our families for the generous donations to help us make this week special...it truly means so much! ♥️

State Testing Reminder
Our Math WVGSA will take place on Wednesday, May 6, with makeups on Thursday, May 7. Please help your child be successful by ensuring they:

• Get a good night’s sleep
• Arrive on time
• Come ready to do their best

They have worked so hard all year, and we are so proud of them!

Art Show: Tuesday, May 5
Join us for our Art Show from 4:30–6:30 PM! Dr. Sponaugle has filled the hallways with incredible student artwork. Please come see the amazing talent of our Tomahawk students. Kona Ice will also be available for purchase!

5th Grade Dance
Tickets go on sale this week! Permission slips will be sent home on Monday.

Thank you for your continued support as we head into this busy and exciting final stretch of the school year!

Dr. Ematrudo

Monday, May 4th

• Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week Begins!
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• 5th Grade Dance Tickets on Sale for $5.00 (permission slips required)

Tuesday, May 5th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Spring Art Show with Kona Ice Truck

Wednesday, May 6th

• WVGSA Math: All Grades @ 9:00 AM
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• School Store Open During Breakfast

Thursday, May 7th

• WVGSA Math (if necessary)
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Beginner Violin/Viola with Ms. Hochberg

Friday, May 8th

• Staff Appreciation Week Ends!

Monday, May 11th

• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings with Ms. Hochberg

Tuesday, May 12th

• No School: Election Day

Wednesday, May 13th

• WVGSA ELA: All Grades @ 9:00 AM
• 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM: Advanced Strings with Ms. Hochberg
• School Store Open During Breakfast
• 6:00 PM: Strings Concert in the Cafeteria

Friday, May 15th

• 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: 4th Grade Field Day
• 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM: 3rd Grade Field Day
• 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: 5th Grade Field Day

Monday, May 18th

• 4th Grade Field Trip to The National Aquarium (Pickup @ 5:00 PM)
• 5th Grade Kickball Tournament
• 5:30 PM: Wishtree Family Night/Cultural Fair

Tuesday, May 19th

• 5th Grade Field Trip to Antietam Recreation
• 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Talent Show Dress Rehearsal

Wednesday, May 20th

• 5th Grade Dance Ticket Sales End
• School Store Open During Breakfast
• 9:00 AM: 5th Grade Visit to HMS
• 5th Grade Kickball Tournament
• 6:00 PM: Talent Show

Thursday, May 21st

• 9:30 AM: HES 2nd Grade Visit to TIS
• 3rd Grade STEM Day
• 4th Grade: Creek Day (Back Creek)
• 5th Grade Kickball Tournament
• 5:30 PM: PTO Meeting on Teams

Friday, May 22nd

• 4th 9 Weeks Rally @ 9:30 AM
• 5th Grade Kickball Tournament
• 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: 5th Grade Dance

Monday, May 25th

• No School: Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 26th

• HHS Senior Walk @ TIS
• Reward Day (for eligible classes)

Wednesday, May 27th

• School Store Open During Breakfast
• 9:15 AM: 5th Grade Step-Up Ceremony (Ansari, Church, Kurutza, Mayes & Parks)
• 10:15 AM: 5th Grade Step-Up Ceremony (Campbell, DiNello, Mance & Sowers)

Thursday, May 28th

• Last Day of School!
• Report Cards Issued

Friday, May 29th

• Last Day to Pick-Up Report Cards & Student Personal Items
• Last Day for Teachers

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!

Within the Hedgesville district, three key projects are up for voter consideration: a brand-new stand-alone cafeteria for Tomahawk Intermediate School, a new Hedgesville Middle School, and an eight-classroom addition to Hedgesville High School. These projects are designed to directly support student growth, improve daily operations, and enhance learning environments for our community.

Note: Tomahawk Intermediate School is currently the only intermediate school in the county without a dedicated cafeteria separate from the gym.

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.

🎪 Tomahawk Intermediate Field Day – Friday, May 15!

Join us for a full day of carnival-style fun!
Schedule:

• 4th Grade: 10:00–11:30
• 3rd Grade: 11:45–1:15
• 5th Grade: 1:30–3:00

Students will receive 5 FREE tickets and can earn more over the next two weeks. Additional tickets may be purchased for $1 each (max $20). Tickets will be sold during lunches from May 11 - 14, but will also be available on the day of the event.

🎯 Free Events: Basketball, Cafeteria (Movie), Cafeteria (Arts & Crafts), Frisbee Toss, GaGa Ball, Hydration Station, Playground, Water Games
🎟️ Ticketed Events: Bounce House (1 ticket), Dunk Tank (1–2 tickets), Obstacle Course (1 ticket), Temporary Tattoos (1 ticket)
🎟️ Ticket Booth available during the event

👟 Reminder: Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, bring a towel for water games, apply sunscreen before school, and bring a water bottle.

🎉 Come ready to have a blast!

We have reached capacity for parent volunteers and will send confirmation letters this week to those who are scheduled to assist. Due to space limitations and for student safety, spectators will not be permitted.

Aloha & Goodbye to Elementary School!

• Date: Friday, May 22nd
• Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
• Location: Tomahawk Intermediate School
• Tickets: $5.00 each
• On Sale Starting: May 4th

Event Details:

• DJ & dancing
• Fun with friends
• Celebrate the end of your elementary journey!

Important Reminder:
This event is for Tomahawk 5th graders only

Wear your best tropical attire (bright colors, floral prints, leis encouraged!) and get ready for a night of fun!

Summer Enrichment Camps are back and packed with hands-on fun for students currently in 4th or 5th Grade! Camps include STEM challenges, theater adventures, fishing trips, and Spanish immersion. Register now!

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! 🎭✨

BCS will not be sending iPads home automatically this summer.

• Students will only be allowed to take their iPads home over the summer of 2026 with parental permission.

  
  

• Parents, please fill out the form below only if you WANT your child to bring their school-issued device home over the summer!

• If this form is not filled out by May 8th at 4:00pm, your child's iPad will be collected before the end of the school year.

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!

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:

• 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!

• May 5: Spring Art Show
• May 6: WVGSA (Math): All Grades
• May 7: WVGSA (Math): Makeups
• 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 - All Grades
• May 18: 5th Grade Kickball Tournament Begins
• 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 Kickball Tournament Ends
• May 22: 5th Grade Dance @ 5:30 PM
• 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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

• This month your TIS Schools Counselors are fully focused on providing student support as we enter the final stretch of the 4' Nine Weeks! We understand this is a busy time of year filled with testing and end of the year transitions and changes that cause a variety of emotions and behaviors. If you have any concerns about your child while at school over the next few weeks, please reach

GUIDANCE LESSON

• This month your child will complete 2 of 3 CyberSWAT lessons. CyberSWAT is mandatory by state law to teach all students about digital citizenship and internet safety. Your child will use a safe, interactive game called RealmQuest to learn how to navigate websites safely and responsibly; protect personal information, and recognize, avoid and report, if needed, to a trusted adult.

FOCUS ON KINDNESS

• Career Day was a success!! Thank you to all the volunteers that participated and to our Student Leadership students for taking time to greet and walk our volunteers to their station.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

• Tomahawk strives to have a chronic absent rate under 20% each year - we are currently at 14% this school year! Also, our average daily attendance rate is 94%!

CHARACTER WORD

• COOPERATION: working together to reach a common goal.

READ - SEL EDITION

• "The Technology Tail" by Julia Cook
• "Teach Your Dragon Online Safety" by Steve Herman
• "Unplugged Ninja" by Mary Nhin

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