Tomahawk Talk
Week of April 8th - 12th
Week of: April 8th - April 12th
Dear Tomahawk Families,
I hope you had a rejuvenating spring break and enjoyed some quality time with your loved ones. As we return to our school routine, I wanted to take a moment to remind you of the importance of finishing the academic year on a strong note.
Each day counts, and your child's presence in school plays a significant role in their academic success. By ensuring they attend regularly, we are setting them up for continued growth and achievement. Consistent attendance fosters a sense of responsibility and discipline that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Additionally, as we navigate the final stretch of the school year, let's continue to encourage our students to make good choices. Whether it's with their schoolwork, interactions with peers, or their behavior in and out of school, every decision shapes their character and future. By reinforcing positive decision-making skills, we empower them to become confident, responsible individuals.
Lastly, I want to highlight the profound impact of our words on others. In a world where kindness and empathy are more crucial than ever, let's emphasize the importance of thoughtful communication and the power of uplifting one another. Encourage your child to use their words to inspire, support, and spread positivity, understanding that even the smallest gestures can make a significant difference in someone's day. Remind them that a single kind word has the potential to brighten someone's day and create a ripple effect of positivity.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. Together, let's make these remaining weeks of the school year meaningful and successful.
In Partnership,
Dr. Ematrudo
Dates to Remember:
Monday, April 8th:
- Students Return from Spring Break
- Early Dismissal @ 1:15 PM (Faculty Senate)
Friday, April 12th:
- Smencil Sales
- Parent Climate Survey Window Closes
Monday, April 15th:
- Smencil Sales
Wednesday, April 17th:
- Model Schools Visit
Thursday, April 18th:
- Joe Corbi Order Pickup: 3:15 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday, April 19th:
- 3rd Grade WV STREAM Day
- Smencil Sales
Monday, April 22nd:
- Interim Grades Available in Schoology
- Smencil Sales
Friday, April 26th:
- Smencil Sales
- WVGSA Pep Rally
Tuesday, April 30th:
- WVGSA Testing: Reading (all classes)
Wednesday, May 1st:
- WVGSA Testing: Reading (all classes)
Thursday, May 2nd:
- WVGSA Testing: Science (5th Grade Only)
Early Dismissal: Monday, April 8th @ 1:15 PM
Parent Survey
We will collect data for annual BCS parent survey from March 25 - April 12. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your feelings on the 2023-2024 school year. Your continued support is appreciated! 😊
West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WVGSA) Testing Dates
All students will take the West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WVGSA) prior to the end of the school year. Please mark your calendar to ensure students are well-rested and prompt for school on the following dates:
- Tuesday, April 30th: Reading (all classes)
- Wednesday, May 1st: Reading (all classes)
- Thursday, May 2nd: Science (5th grade only)
- Wednesday, May 8th: Math (all classes)
- Thursday, May 9th: Math (all classes)
Summer SOLE: 2024 (changes from previous years)
Registration will be open from April 8 - May 3.
The BCS Summer SOLE Program will provide comprehensive, in-person learning opportunities for CURRENT Kindergarten-5th Grade students. Programming will focus on English language arts (ELA) and mathematics that is inclusive and effective for all students.
Summer SOLE 2024 will be hosted at the following schools:
Berkeley Heights Elementary School (Grades K-2)
Eagle School Intermediate (Grades 3-5)
Dates:
June 11 - July 18, 2024
There will be NO Summer SOLE on the following dates:
June 19 (Juneteenth)
June 20 (West Virginia Day)
July 4 (Independence Day)
Times:
8:30 AM to 11:30 AM (HALF DAY ONLY - this is a change from previous years)
Monday - Thursday
Transportation Hubs
Transportation will be provided through Transportation Hubs, not traditional scheduled bus stops. Families are responsible for dropping off and picking up students at their selected Summer SOLE Transportation Hub. Families will select a Transportation Hub when completing the Summer SOLE registration.
Hedgesville Area Hubs:
Tomahawk Intermediate School
Hedgesville High School
Students enrolling in Pre-K and Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year are NOT eligible to participate in Summer SOLE. In addition, Summer SOLE is not open for students in Grades 6-8, however, Credit Recovery courses will offered for your student if needed.
Staff Appreciation Week: Donations
We will celebrate our Tomahawk staff from May 6 - 10 during National Teacher Appreciation Week. We are seeking donations of items so that we can provide our staff with a few treats throughout the week. If you are able to donate an item from our list, we would greatly appreciate it.
Our teachers and staff would also appreciate hand written cards, notes, and other non-monetary gestures of kindness in lieu of donations. 💙
Month of the Military Child: Spirit Week
Communication with Staff
As we continue through the school year, we wanted to provide clarity on how we handle communication regarding your child's education and well-being.
Your child's classroom teacher is your first point of contact for any questions or concerns regarding their academic progress, grades in Schoology, homework assignments, classroom activities or recess/classroom incidents. Our teachers are dedicated professionals who are committed to supporting your child's learning journey, and they are available during their planning period to address any issues that may arise.
Should you have broader concerns about school-related matters such as bullying, safety, or school policies, please do not hesitate to reach out to our administration or a school counselor. Dr. Ematrudo, Mrs. McCain, Mrs. Boyd and Ms. Thomas are here to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all students, and they are equipped to handle a wide range of concerns that may arise throughout the school year.
Effective communication between home and school is essential to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for our students. Your involvement and feedback are invaluable to us, and we encourage you to reach out whenever you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. While we understand the importance of addressing your concerns promptly, we kindly ask for your understanding and patience if your communication is sent after hours. Our dedicated staff members strive to respond to all inquiries in a timely manner, but we also recognize the need for work-life balance and personal time.
Therefore, if you reach out to our teachers or administration after school hours, we kindly request that you allow us 24 hours to provide a thorough and thoughtful response. This timeframe ensures that our staff can address your concerns effectively while also managing workload and personal commitments.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Cell Phones and Smartwatches
Students are not permitted to use cell phones during the school day. **Cell phones should be powered off and in the student’s backpack at all times.**
Students who are caught using a cell phone will have it confiscated and stored in the office until the end of the school day. We also do not allow students to use smartwatches for communication purposes during the school day. Students who continue to 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.
2024-2025 School Year Calendar Snapshot
Morning Drop-Off
Our morning drop-off begins at 8:15 AM. We ask that parents arrive no earlier than 8:10 AM so that our staff members can access the parking lot. In the event that you have to arrive early, please pull into a space so that traffic can flow and our staff can access their parking spots. This allows everyone to get into the building in a timely manner prior to student arrival. Thank you!
Also, please make sure students are ready to exit the vehicle when you pull into the drop-off area. This should be a quick process so that we can keep the flow of traffic moving. We ask that you say goodbyes prior to entering the lot, and that students have their bookbags ready to exit.
Your cooperation is appreciated!
Increase in Student Conflict
Dear Tomahawk Families,
We're reaching out to inform you about a rise in conflicts among students stemming from social media, texting, and other digital communications. It's crucial we address these issues promptly to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.
Here are a few tips that you may find helpful in guiding your child's online behavior:
- Encourage them to think before they post or send messages online. Remind them that once something is shared online, it can be difficult to erase or take back.
- Emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, even in virtual spaces. Encourage them to consider how their words and actions may impact others.
- Remind them to avoid engaging in or perpetuating online drama or conflicts. Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult if they experience or witness any form of cyberbullying or online harassment.
- Set clear guidelines and boundaries for your child's cell phone and internet use. Monitor their online activity and be proactive in addressing any concerns or issues that may arise.
By working together, we can help our students develop the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the digital world responsibly and respectfully. We appreciate your support and cooperation in this matter.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your attention and continued support.
Smencils
Student Illness Protocols
When may students return to school after an Illness? The following guidelines are provided to help you determine if your student is ready to return to school after an illness.
✅ Fever free for the past 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol. A fever is defined as a temperature ≥ 100.4º F.
✅ No vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
✅ After at least 24 hours of antibiotic therapy for bacterial illnesses such as strep throat, pneumonia, etc.
✅ The child’s appetite and activity level have returned close to normal.
✅ Cold symptoms that are mild enough so as not to interfere with your child’s ability to participate in the activity of a normal school day or infect other students.
Please remember that cold and cough medicines, including cough drops cannot be given to students by school staff without a doctor’s order.
If your child was sent home with a rash, they may return when the rash is resolved or with a doctor’s note stating they are not contagious.
If your child’s doctor has prescribed medication that will need to be given during the school day, please remember that an order from the doctor is necessary. Most area physicians have these forms. If not, we would be happy to fax one to their office.
During your child’s visit to the doctor, please remember to obtain a note so that your child will be medically excused.
If you have any questions as to whether your child may return to school after an illness, please feel free to call the school nurse. She will be happy to assist you in deciding what is best for your child.
Reviewed and endorsed by Dr. Kevin McLaughlin D.O., Health Officer, Berkeley-Morgan County Board of Health.
https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/page/student-well-being-health-resources
April Counseling News: Mrs. Boyd & Ms. Thomas
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.
2023-2024 School Year Calendar Snapshot for Families
Bus Transportation
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your ongoing support and understanding as we continue to navigate the challenges brought about by the current staffing shortage. Berkeley County Schools is actively recruiting for critical-need positions, primarily for bus drivers and substitute drivers. The ongoing shortage has regrettably left the Office of Transportation without drivers on numerous occasions, leading to bus cancellations and disruptions in our transportation services.
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 Excused 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.
Berkeley County Schools uses SecureVolunteer to process background checks for volunteers. SecureVolunteer is a completely web-based/paperless system. You will receive e-mails from client services email when you submit your information to SecureVolunteer and when your background check is complete. Thank you for volunteering for Berkeley County Schools.
The background processing fee for the Secure Volunteer Background check is $22.45.
Procedures for Volunteers & Chaperones
School district procedure requires that individuals serving as chaperones for all overnight field trips and some daytime activities must have Level 1 approval, which requires a criminal background screening. To apply for Level 1 approval, volunteers must first apply online via Berkeley County Schools’ volunteer registration system (Secure Volunteer).
Registrations are processed in 3-5 days, sometimes longer at the beginning of the school year and then must be submitted to the Berkeley County Board of Education for approval. Once approved, the volunteer’s name will appear on the Level 1 Approved Volunteer list at the school(s) for which they registered.
Staff Contact Information
School Phone Number: (304) 754-3171
- Dr. Ematrudo, Principal: kematrudo@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. McCain, Assistant Principal: hmccain@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. Woodruff, School Nurse: carol.woodruff@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. McDonald, Attendance Secretary: dee.mcdonald@k12.wv.us
- Mrs. Kline, Registrar/Finance Secretary: ekline@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
Tomahawk's full staff directory can be found here: https://www.berkeleycountyschools.org/o/tomahawk/staff