The Lobo Latest
February 2025 #1
Principal's Corner
Dear Lobo Families,
I hope you’re having a wonderful start to February! As we continue to settle into the second half of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to touch on something that’s very importan: attendance. It’s a topic that plays a huge role in our students’ success, especially with the state assessments coming up soon.
Why Attendance Matters
Right now, our middle school has the lowest attendance rate in the district, and we really need your help in turning that around. We know that life can get busy, and things come up, but when students miss school—even just one or two days—they can miss important lessons that are hard to make up. Each day spent in class is a building block that sets them up for success.
State Assessments Are Coming Up
As we approach the state assessments, I want to make sure every student is feeling prepared and ready to do their best. These assessments are an important way for our students to demonstrate the hard work they’ve put in all year, and we want them to feel confident and set up for success.
The best way to ensure that is through consistent attendance. When students are here and engaged, they are building the skills and knowledge they need to shine when test time comes.
How You Can Help
- Encourage Consistent Attendance: Please make sure your child is at school on time and ready to learn. Every day counts.
- Support a Positive Attitude: Help your child feel calm and confident about the upcoming assessments. They’ve been learning all year, and they’re ready for this challenge.
- Stay Connected: Keep an eye out for updates from teachers and our school about testing schedules and any other prep we have in place.
Thank you so much for being a partner in your child’s education. We are excited to see all of our students continue to grow and succeed this year!
Love,
Ms. Ontiveros
Counselor's Corner
From Ms. Harbrink, Counselor
This month is all about LOVE. Thank you parents for the love and support you provide your son/daughter that makes the difference in them being able to be their best here at school! As school counselors we also want to help students achieve their academic goals and remove any social/emotional barriers that may get in their way.
We can even help students get extra support. We can assist with finding outside resources that can help your son/daughter thrive. Two counseling agencies that EPISD has partnered with to help support students are:
Care Solace – a free, confidential service that connects students, staff and their families to mental health providers and substance use treatment matched to their needs – regardless of insurance. Call us for more information on making a referral for counseling for your son/daughter.
You may also call them directly if you or a family member are in need of counseling – it is okay to ask for help (888)515-0595.
TCHATT (Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine) is a FREE service for students. They can provide up to 8 free virtual counseling sessions through telemedicine. Through telemedicine, the TCHATT which includes Child and Adolescent psychiatrists and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) works with the school staff and family to provide treatment, resources for continued services. For more information you may contact us, the school counselors: Mrs. Clemens, or myself – Ms. Harbrink.
Or you may also call (915)215-4070 Texas Tech Health El Paso for any questions or additional information.
February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month (TDVAM). This is an issue that may impact not just teens – but everyone else including their parents, teachers, friends and communities. Let’s all help raise awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships.
Congratulations to our 8th graders that have been accepted to an early college high school, P-TECH, magnet school or academy. We are so proud of them and wish them all the best on their wonderful new upcoming adventure! Irvin High School P-TECH will be having their Oath Signing Ceremony on February 25th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the Irvin H.S. theater. If you son/daughter will be attending Irvin P-TECH they need to send their RSVP with their name and student ID to (915)229-1941 so that they can join the Oath Signing Ceremony.
Family Engagement
Love is the Heart of Education
February is the month of love, and what better time to celebrate the importance of family engagement in our students’ success? Just like love is the foundation of strong relationships, family engagement is the foundation of a thriving school community. When families and schools work together, students feel supported, valued, and loved—a winning combination for their academic and emotional growth.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s remember that showing love doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s in the small, consistent efforts we make to stay connected with one another. Whether it’s a kind word of encouragement, taking a moment to check in with your child’s teacher, or participating in a school event, these gestures strengthen the bond between home and school.
At Magoffin Middle School, we are committed to fostering that connection. We encourage you to join us in upcoming opportunities to engage with our school community, such as Parent-Teacher Conferences and other events designed to bring families and educators together. These moments of collaboration show our students that they are supported by a team who loves and believes in them.
This Valentine’s Day, take a moment to reflect on the ways we can spread love—not just at home, but within our school community. As partners in your child’s education, we value the love and dedication you bring to their success every day. Together, let’s keep building a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
After all, when it comes to education, love is at the heart of it all.
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Magoffin Middle School!
Upcoming Events and Important Reminders
📣 Child Exploitation & Online Safety Presentation
🗓 Feb. 20, 2025 | 🕔 5:30 PM | 📍 Chapin HS Library, 7000 Dyer
Learn about online threats, sextortion, and protecting kids. Contact your school for info.
📣 Presentación Sobre Explotación Infantil y Seguridad en Línea
🗓 20 de febrero de 2025 | 🕔 5:30 PM | 📍 Biblioteca de Chapin HS, 7000 Dyer
Aprenda sobre amenazas en línea, sextorsión y protección infantil. Contacte a su escuela para más información.
Nurse's Corner
Lobo Families,
February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. but it can often be prevented. Making small heart-healthy choices can have a big impact on living a longer, happier and healthier life. Taking care of our hearts can also decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
Tips on promoting a healthy heart:
Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Eat a healthy balanced diet including fruits and vegetables
Be physically active every day for at least 30 minutes.
Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
February is also National Children's Dental Health Month. Dental caries (cavities) is the most common chronic disease of children in the United States. It is important to develop good dental health habits to prevent cavities.
Tips to protect and maintain healthy teeth:
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Visit your dentist regularly.
Eat fruits and vegetables for snacks instead of snacks high in sugar.
Drink water instead of drinks high in sugar.
Reminders for parents
If you received a Vision or Hearing Referral, please have it completed by your primary care provider and returned to the school nurse as soon as possible. However, if you do not have insurance, CHIP or Medicaid, please contact the school nurse for assistance.
Love,
Nurse Sanchez
The Reading Nook
From the Librarian -
Testing is starting up, and that means that you should have a book to read after you finish your test! There are LOTS of books that are overdue, so parents - please help your students look for their overdue and lost books to return to the library! Found a book from another EPISD campus? Not a problem - bring the book to the Magoffin Library and Ms. G can send it off to its original campus. Are your students not sure what books they may have out? Here's the easy way to check. Click on the Magoffin Library (https://elpaso.tlcdelivers.com/?config=047#) and then Log In to the catalog.
Username: 6 digit student ID
PIN: the last 4 digits of the student ID
In the top right corner, it will have your student's name. Click on their name (ex: John's Account) and then click on Account Activity. Your student will be able to see what books they have checked out, if they've requested books, and any money that is owed for lost books.
Thanks, and as always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.