A Word from your Principals:
Dear Tombaugh Families:
Welcome to the new school year at Tombaugh Elementary, STEAM Academy! I hope you and your families had a restful and enjoyable summer break. We are excited to welcome our students back and are looking forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences. We are over the moon to introduce STEAM learning in grades K-5! We will have a blast learning this school year!
As your principals, we are committed to ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for all of our students. Our dedicated team of teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare engaging and enriching educational activities and programs that will inspire a love of learning in your children.
Here are a few important reminders as we begin the new school year:
- First Day of School: Our first day back is Monday, July 22nd (K-5). We can’t wait to see all the smiling faces ready to embark on new adventures in learning!
- School Hours: Students may be dropped off at 7:30 a.m. School begins at 7:55 a.m. Tardy Bell at 8:00 a.m. / Dismissal is at 2:40 p.m. Please be sure to sign up for iRide notifications for a speedy pick up. (See flyers attached at end of newsletter) Please ensure your child arrives on time and is picked up promptly.
- Communication: We believe in strong home-school communication. Please check our website (tombaugh.lcps.net) and your email regularly for updates, newsletters, and important information. We will send frequent communication through Synergy - make sure your email / phone number is correct in ParentVue. Also, follow us on our Tombaugh Social Media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X) to stay in the loop for all things TOMBAUGH! Links can be found below!
- Safety Protocols: The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We will continue to follow health guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe learning environment.
We encourage you to get involved in our school community. Whether through the PFO, volunteering, or attending school events, your involvement makes a significant difference in the success of our school.
Thank you for your support and partnership. Together, we can make this school year a wonderful and successful one for our children. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or our office staff.
Thank you,
Lisa Wilson - Principal / lmanes@lcps.net
Javonna Leos - Assistant Principal / jleos@lcps.net
Tombaugh's Vision & Mission Statement
Tombaugh Mission Statement
As teachers at Tombaugh, we provide each student with differentiated instruction in a safe, encouraging environment that develops critical thinking, motivation, and excellence in learning while promoting respectful core values. We work as a team with parents and community members to support the students in developing skills to become life-long learners.
Tombaugh Vision Statement
To create a SAFE, ENCOURAGING ENVIRONMENT, where EVERYONE feels APPRECIATED, LISTENED TO, and RESPECTED.
LCPS's Vision and Mission Statement
Vision
Where all learners thrive.
Mission
The Las Cruces Public Schools provides a safe, caring, equitable, and student-centered learning environment that cultivates civic and community engagement, promotes excellence, and honors diversity.
iRide App
We will still utilize the iRide App! It is a great system of communication to help us know your child is SAFELY released from school each day. If you do not have the option of using the app, PLEASE make special arrangements with your child's teacher to help us make sure they are ready for you. Instructions for the iRide app can be found below in English and Spanish.
NO DISMISSAL CHANGES AFTER 2:00
Walking School Bus Day
We are EXCITED to announce Tombaugh will host Walking School Bus EVERY THURSDAY for the 24-25 School Year! We will share flyer when it becomes available!
Upcoming Events:
7/19: Kinder Dual Language Orientation Meeting @ 9:30
7/19: Kinder Orientation @ 10:00-11:00
7/19: Meet the Teacher 1st-5th @ 11:00-12:00
7/22: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - KINDER - 5TH
7/22 & 7/23: Early Childhood / PreK Home Visits
7/24: PreK Transition Day
7/26: FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL
8/1: PFO Calendar Fundraiser Begins (more info to come)
A Word From Nurse Shawni
Free Walk In Immunizations: The Department of Health will host a walk in immunization clinic offering free vaccines for children through 18 years of age.
Las Cruces Public Health Office / 1170 N Solano Suite A / 575-528-5006
Wednesday 7/17 – Friday 7/19: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM & Monday 7/22 – Wednesday 7/24: 9:00 AM – 3:00PM *Check your child's shot record – vaccineNM.org/Kids
Immunization Exemption Form Update: It has come to our attention that some families may have received the incorrect immunization exemption form for 2023. The state has been denying these outdated forms which will delay ultimately delay your exemption process. Please check your exemption form and ensure you have the 2024 form.
Medication Policy: Children CANNOT self-carry any medications, including but not limited to:
inhalers, creams, bug spray, and sunscreen.
Parents with children who will require administration of medication at school will receive a form that needs to be completed by their healthcare provider. I will be sending out letters regarding this, so please check your child's backpack!
Healthy Habits and Hygiene: As we prepare for the new school year, it’s common for younger students, especially those new to school, to experience more colds and illnesses. Talk to your child about the proper way to wash hands. Also, ensuring they are hydrated, well rested, and are consuming a healthy diet will help to boost their immunity!
Nurse Visits: While we don’t contact parents for all visits to the nurses office, we do have a handful of reasons why we would call:
-Illnesses that present with a fever of 100.4 and up and stomach bugs.
-ALL head injuries – even minor ones to ensure you are aware and can monitor for signs of concussion)
-Injuries that may require a doctors attention
My Assistant Nurse, Breanna, and I are beyond excited to welcome all our students back and meet the new ones. Please feel free to stop by the nurse’s office or reach out via email, phone, or text with any questions. We're here to support you and your children in any way we can. Here's to a healthy and fantastic school year ahead!
Shawni Pinson, BSN, RN
Phone: 575.527.9575 | Google Voice (Text): 575.243.8942
Email: spinson@lcps.net
Attendance Matters at Tombaugh!
Welcome back families and students!
Please remember that all students need to strive for less than 10 absences a year. It is important to make sure that your student is in school every day, on time, unless absolutely necessary to miss. Please schedule vacations when school is on a break.
If your student is showing signs of anxiety or avoidance of something at school, reach out immediately to your student's teacher or the counselor, social worker, or principals. If a student is trying to avoid school, they typically say they do not feel well (my stomach hurts, my head hurts). If you suspect your student is avoiding school, please alert your student's teacher or the counselor/social worker, and do not allow them to play video games or other activities they may prefer over going to school.
Bedtimes are important! An elementary aged student needs 10 hours of sleep a night. Do not allow students to have tv's, phones, or tablets in their room. Students staying up too late on electronics has been a significant problem with attendance and tardiness. Developing a bedtime routine where students read for 20 minutes prior to bed helps them calm down and be more ready to sleep.
Students do not need to stay home for a runny nose or allergies. If you are concerned about whether or not your student should come to school, please reach out to our awesome nurse!
Amanda Barela, LCSW, LADAC (she/her/ella) Tombaugh Elementary 575-636-7370 | abarela4@lcps.net
General Education Social Worker, LCPS
Contact Information
Email: lmanes@lcps.net
Website: https://tombaugh.lcps.net
Location: 226 Carver Road, Las Cruces, NM, USA
Phone: 575-527-9575