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Tomahawk Talk
Week of December 16, 2024
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Holiday Spirit Week!
Dear Tomahawk Families,
As we approach the final week of the semester, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership and support in making this first half of the school year a success.
We have some exciting events coming up this week:
- Holiday Spirit Week!
- PTO Meeting: Monday at 6:00 PM
- Paint Night: Wednesday at 5:00 PM (a few spots are still available!)
- Holidays Around the World: Wednesday from 6:00–7:00 PM
- Classroom Holiday Parties: Thursday (various times)
- Reindeer Rally Reward Day: Friday (for eligible students only)
We hope to see you at these events as we celebrate the season together!
This is our last week of school before the two-week holiday break, and we look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, January 6th.
On behalf of all of us at Tomahawk, I wish you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season. Enjoy this special time with your loved ones, and we’ll see you in the new year!
Warm regards,
Dr. Ematrudo
Important Dates
Upcoming Dates
Monday, December 16th
- i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Assessments Continue
- Smencil Sales
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Starbase (Mayes)
- 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM: Rec Club
- 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Math Field Day Practice
- 6:00 PM: PTO Meeting in Library
Tuesday, December 17th
- i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Assessments Continue
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Starbase (Mayes)
Wednesday, December 18th
- i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Assessments End
- Smencil Sales
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Starbase (Mayes)
- 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Robotics Club
- 5:00 PM: Holiday Paint Night ($25/pp)
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Holidays Around the World Family Night
Thursday, December 19th
- Classroom Holiday Parties (various times)
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Starbase (Mayes)
- 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM: Student Council
Friday, December 20th
- End of 2nd 9 Weeks
- Student Reward Day - "Reindeer Rally!" (for eligible students only)
Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3rd:
- NO SCHOOL: Winter Break
Student Reward Day: Friday, 12/20 (for eligible students only)
Students who have NOT earned the Reindeer Rally event on Friday will have a regular day of school. They'll be in a classroom with instructional activities and academic support. The criteria for the reward day is listed below and has been communicated with students for the entire 2nd 9 week period.
We will have another reward day at the end of the 3rd 9 weeks and hope all students can participate!
PTO Meeting
Paint Night/Holidays Around the World: Wed., 12/18
Our PTO is hosting a Paint Night, facilitated by Dr. Sponaugle, on Wednesday, December 18th.
🎨: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
❄️ only a few spots left! ⛄️
After the paint night event, TIS staff will host a FREE "Holidays Around the World" family event with snacks and crafts! This part of the evening is open to all families and will run from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
We hope to see you there!
Construction Update
Outdoor Recess
As we head into colder weather, we want to remind everyone that students will go outside for recess as long as the "real feel" temperature is 32 degrees or above. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat, hat, gloves, and any other winter gear they may need to stay comfortable.
Attendance Policy Updates
We want to tell you about some changes to the attendance rules for all public schools in West Virginia. The state has a new policy, called Policy 4110, that explains how important it is for students to be in school every day and what happens if they miss too many days.
The new policy says there are two types of absences: “excused” and “unexcused.” Excused absences include:
If the reason doesn’t fit into these categories, it’s considered unexcused.
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.
December Reminders
Smencil Sales
Next Student Reward Day: Dec. 20th
Counseling News (from Mrs. Boyd and Ms. Thomas)
We try our best to serve the menus we post; however, sometimes circumstances beyond our control require us to make last minute menu changes.
Breakfast
Lunch
Bus Transportation
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
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
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
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