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Tomahawk Talk

Week of March 24, 2025

Tomahawk Talk Week of March 24, 2025
Tomahawk TalkWeek of March 24, 2025

WEEK OF MARCH 24th WEEK OF MARCH 24th

Dear Tomahawk Families,


As we enter the final 9 weeks of the school year, we need your support in reminding students to stay focused, make positive choices, and persevere through challenges. Lately, we have seen an increase in off-task and disruptive behaviors, particularly during recess and on the bus. These environments should be safe and positive for all students, and we ask that you remind your child of the importance of following expectations, treating others with kindness, and making responsible choices.


Additionally, we have noticed an increase in disrespectful behavior directed toward our staff. We understand that questions and concerns may arise, and we encourage families to first reach out to the classroom teacher to address any issues. If further support is needed, administration is always available to assist. We ask that if concerns arise, they are handled directly and respectfully with the appropriate staff members so we can work together on solutions.


Tomahawk is a community built on respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring a positive and productive end to the school year. Thank you for reinforcing these expectations at home and helping us maintain a supportive learning environment for all.


In partnership,

Dr. Ematrudo

Important Dates Important Dates

Upcoming Dates

Monday, March 24th

  • 3:45 PM: Creative by Nature Club


Tuesday, March 25th

  • Statewide Tornado Drill @ 11:00 AM
  • 3:45 PM: Choir Ensemble


Wednesday,March 26th

  • Battle of the Books @ Mill Creek Intermediate (selected students)
  • 3:45 PM: Aerospace & Engineering Club
  • 3:45 PM: Crochet Club
  • 3:45 PM: Yoga Club


Thursday, March 27th

  • Spring Picture Day
  • 3:45 PM: Percussion Ensemble
  • 3:45 PM: Robotics & STEM Club
  • 3:45 PM: Student Council


Friday, March 21st

  • Fire Drill/Evacuation Drill to TIS Track @ 10:00 AM

Safety Drills Safety Drills

This week, we will be conducting two important safety drills to ensure our students and staff are well-prepared for emergencies:

🔹 Statewide Tornado Drill – Tuesday at 11:00 AM
🔹 Fire Drill & Evacuation to the Track – Friday at 10:00 AM


These drills are essential in helping our students practice safety procedures in a calm and structured manner. Please reassure your child that these are only practice drills to help us stay prepared.


Thank you for your support in keeping our school safe!

Spring Picture Day: Thursday, 3/27 Spring Picture Day: Thursday, 3/27

Breakfast and Lunch Menus Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Breakfast Breakfast

Lunch Lunch

Student Water Bottles Student Water Bottles

As we move into warmer weather, we want to remind families of our water bottle guidelines to ensure safety and minimize spills in classrooms. All students have access to water throughout the day as each wing has a water fountain and a bottle filling station.


As a reminder, all water bottles should meet the following guidelines:

âś… No bottle should be larger than 32 oz. in size.

âś… Bottles must have a screw-on cap (no straw lids).

âś… Bottles must ONLY contain water (no juice, Gatorade, PRIME, etc.).

âś… We recommend students bring clear plastic bottles if possible.


Students who do not come to school with water bottles are given access to the water fountains and cups for the bottle filling station during lunch. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Teacher Requests for 25-26 SY Teacher Requests for 25-26 SY

This is a reminder that teacher requests for the 2025-2026 school year were due by March 1. At this time, we are no longer accepting requests.


Please know that our dedicated team works hard to create classrooms where all students can thrive. We trust our talented educators to provide a high-quality learning experience for every child. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education!

4th 9 Weeks at a Glance 4th 9 Weeks at a Glance

  • March 17: Beginning of 4th 9 Weeks
  • March 21st: Report Cards Issued
  • March 27th: Spring Pictures (Individual and Class)
  • April 8th: 3rd Grade Concert w/ Choir/Percussion Ensembles
  • April 10th: Market Day (5th Grade)
  • April 14th - April 18th: SPRING BREAK
  • April 21st: CD Day: No Students
  • April 22nd: 2-Hour Delay
  • April 22nd: iReady Spring Diagnostic Window Opens
  • April 25th Interims
  • April 28th: Pep Rally @ 9:45 AM with HHS Cheer/Band
  • May 1st: WVGSA: Writing Assessment
  • May 1st: Creative Arts/Paint Night
  • May 7th: WVGSA: Reading Assessment (Part I)
  • May 7th: i-Ready Spring Diagnostic Window Closes
  • May 7th: Strings Concert
  • May 8th: WVGSA: Reading Assessment (Part II)
  • May 8th: Talent Show
  • May 13th: WVGSA: Science Assessment (5th Grade)
  • May 14th: WVGSA: Math Assessment (Part I)
  • May 15th: WVGSA Math Assessment (Part II)
  • May 16th: 5th Grade Field Trip to Antietam Rec
  • May 16th: 5th Grade Dance (3:45 PM - 5:00 PM)
  • May 20th: Step-Up Days (5th Grade to HMS, HES to TIS)
  • May 21st: Field Day - 4th Grade (9-11) & 3rd Grade (1-3)
  • May 22nd: Field Day - 5th Grade (9-11)
  • May 22nd: 3rd Grade Field Trip to Harper’s Ferry
  • May 23rd: 4th Grade Field Trip to Washington, D.C.
  • May 26th: Memorial Day
  • May 27th: HHS Graduation Walk @ 9:00 AM
  • May 28th: 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony (9:00 & 1:00)
  • May 29th: Last Day of School!

"Cheers to Success" Reward Day: May 27th "Cheers to Success" Reward Day: May 27th

Classes will earn points each week based on three criteria: Good Attendance, Good Behavior, and iReady Performance. The classes with the highest total points at the end of 8 weeks will earn the rewards!

Volunteers and Chaperones Update Volunteers and Chaperones Update

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There are changes to the BCS Volunteer/Chaperone Process. Those wanting to become a Level I (Unsupervised) or Level II (Supervised) Volunteer will need to complete the following steps.

  1. Watch Meghan's Law video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwb-Z9luNVU

  2. Complete a quiz and attain a score of 80% or above related to the video and BCS procedures https://forms.office.com/r/r6rk3ktUsk

  3. After completion, those requesting to be a volunteer will receive a customized message with next steps.

  4. A follow-up email will be sent by the district to provide specific instructions for next depending on the level (Level I Volunteers the background check link & Level II Volunteers school approval list status).

Lost and Found Items @ TIS Lost and Found Items @ TIS

Our Lost and Found rack is overflowing with items! If your child is missing a hoodie, lunchbox, water bottle, or other item, please have them check the Lost and Found, which is located directly outside of the cafeteria. It would also be helpful if student names were written inside of personal items so that we can return them to the rightful owner when misplaced.

Counseling News (from Mrs. Boyd and Ms. Thomas) Counseling News (from Mrs. Boyd and Ms. Thomas)

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Bus Transportation Bus Transportation

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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.

BCS Absence Note Form BCS Absence Note Form

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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.

Student Expectations Student Expectations

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.

Staff Contact Information Staff Contact Information

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. Brandy Pulse, School Nurse: brandy.pulse@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. Kline, Attendance Secretary: ekline@k12.wv.us

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

- Mrs. Walling, Enrollment Secretary: twalling@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. Boyd, School Counselor: megan.boyd@k12.wv.us

- Ms. Thomas, School Counselor: katlyn.thomas@k12.wv.us

Click Here for Tomahawk's Staff Directory
Krista Ematrudo
Proud principal of Tomahawk Intermediate
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