Tomahawk Talk

Bell Schedule:

• 8:15 AM - 8:40 AM (Arrival) *Students are TARDY after 8:40 AM.
• 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM (Dismissal)

*Please do not arrive to the parent pick-up area earlier than 3:00 PM as classrooms may be disrupted by excessive noise outside. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Monday, August 26th:

• Code LOCKDOWN for All Students @ 10:00 AM

Wednesday, August 28th:

• Fire Drill @ 9:30 AM
• iReady Benchmark Assessments Begin

Friday, August 30th:

• Code LOCKDOWN for All Students @ 2:00 PM

This is a notification to all families that we will practice our safety preparedness drills in school next Monday and Friday. Take this opportunity to talk to your students about safety practices for your home.

Over the summer, our school system updated our emergency protocol practices and language to ensure that we are fully prepared for any potential hazards. These updates are designed to enhance the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors. We are committed to providing a safe learning environment and will continue to review and improve our protocols as needed. Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our schools safe.

What should I expect as a parent or guardian?

• A continuation of practice drills for students throughout the school year.
• Communication sent out via electronic formats regarding LOCKDOWN, HOLD, SECURE, SHELTER, and EVACUATE if incidents occur.

How can I contribute to School Safety as a Parent or Guardian?

• Complete your child's online Emergency Card annually.
• Sign up to receive NTouch messages so that you will get information if there is an emergency situation.
• Complete any paperwork sent home by your child's teacher promptly.
• Immediately update any changing phone number with your child's school.
• Always bring a photo ID when visiting the school.
• Understand that you will be held in our secure entryways when engaging in a quick visit with the school.
• Model safe and respectful behavior in front of your children.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to adjust our bus routes. Please be aware that many of the buses pick up at the elementary school first, which can cause delays for our routes. We’re working hard to resolve these issues and are hopeful that things will run more smoothly next week. Thank you for your understanding.

Last year, we encountered issues with students using large thermos cups (for example, 40 oz. Stanley cups) as they were spilling on the bus, in class, and students were filling them with liquids other than water.

All students have access to water throughout the day as each wing has a water fountain and a bottle filling station. For the 2024-2025 school year, we are asking that all water bottles meet the following guidelines:

1. No bottle should be larger than 32 oz. in size.

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

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

4. 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!

Students are not permitted to use cell phones during the school day. **Cell phones should be powered off or silent 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.

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. Click here to get started.

Your family may qualify for free or reduced meal benefits, but you won't know unless you apply. This application must be completed each year, even if you have received benefits in the past.

We encourage ALL families to apply for meal benefits, even if you think you won't be eligible!

We have had a few parents reach out to inquire about a PTO at Tomahawk. We are in the process of setting up an organizational meeting for September. We will post information once the date is finalized. We are excited to welcome our new families to TIS!

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. Kline, Registrar: ekline@k12.wv.us

- Mrs. Barnett, Attendance Secretary: sarah.barnett@k12.wv.us

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

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

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