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Tomahawk Talk
Week of December 9, 2024
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Dear Tomahawk Families,
This week, our students will be taking the winter i-Ready diagnostic assessments in both reading and math. These assessments are an important tool for understanding each child’s progress and areas of growth since the fall.
The i-Ready diagnostic is designed to adjust based on a student’s answers, providing teachers with valuable insights into what your child knows and what they need to learn next. It helps us tailor instruction to meet their unique needs and celebrate their growth over time.
We kindly ask for your support in encouraging your child to:
- Do their best and take their time. This is not a timed test, so students should feel no rush to finish.
- Get a good night’s sleep before test days to be well-rested.
- Eat a nutritious breakfast to start the day strong.
When students give their best effort, it ensures that we get an accurate picture of their progress, helping us to continue fostering their academic success.
Thank you for partnering with us to help your child succeed!
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTO, especially Mrs. Ammons and Mrs. Whatmore, for their outstanding leadership in organizing last week's Holiday Shop! This was the first time in several years that Tomahawk offered a Holiday Shop, and it was a tremendous success thanks to your hard work and dedication.
We also want to express our gratitude to the parents and grandparents who volunteered their time in the shop to ensure everything ran smoothly. Your efforts made a world of difference!
A big thank you as well to all the families who supported this event by allowing their children to shop. Your involvement strengthens our school community in so many ways.
If you're interested in future volunteer opportunities, we invite you to attend our upcoming PTO meeting on Monday, December 16th. We’d love to see you there!
Upcoming Dates
Monday, December 9th
- i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Assessments (all students)
- Smencil Sales
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Starbase (Ansari, Church & Kurutza)
- 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM: Rec Club
- 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Math Field Day Practice
- 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM: Seize the Clay (Last Session)
Tuesday, December 10th
- i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Assessment Window Opens (all students)
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Starbase (Ansari, Church & Kurutza)
- 7:00 PM: Choir and Percussion Ensembles Holiday Concert
Wednesday, December 11th
- i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Assessments Continue
- Smencil Sales
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Starbase (Ansari, Church & Kurutza)
- 3:30 PM: LSIC Meeting in Conference Room
- 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Robotics Club
Thursday, December 12th
- i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Assessments Continue
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Starbase (Ansari, Church & Kurutza)
- 6:00 PM: Strings Holiday Concert
Friday, December 13th
- i-Ready Winter Diagnostic Assessments Continue
- 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Starbase (Mayes)
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 & 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!"
Holiday Spirit Week: 12/16 - 12/20
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
Students are currently working on earning a reward for the end of the 2nd 9 Weeks! Criteria includes good behavior AND good academic effort with i-Ready lessons. Please encourage your child to do their best each day so that they can earn the "Reindeer Rally" reward day before break!
Note: Minor behaviors INCLUDE disciplinary letters received on the bus.
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