Parent Comet News
Tombaugh Elementary Newsletter: August 2025
A Word from your Principals
Dear Tombaugh Families,
Welcome back to a brand new school year! We are so excited to kick off another year of learning, growing, and making wonderful memories together at Tombaugh Elementary. Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, we’re thrilled to have you as part of our Comet family.
This year, we are continuing to build a school culture rooted in kindness, safety, and respect. As part of this effort, we’re launching a school-wide anti-bullying campaign to help students understand the important differences between being rude, being mean, and bullying. Using the simple, kid-friendly “Is it Bullying?” framework, students will learn:
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When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful one time, that’s rude.
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When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful one time, that’s mean.
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When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful over and over, even after being asked to stop, that’s bullying.
By helping students recognize these behaviors, we’re empowering them to speak up, show empathy, and treat others with care and respect.
We look forward to partnering with you throughout the year to support your child’s academic and social growth. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns—we are here for you!
Here’s to a fantastic school year!
Warmly,
Lisa Wilson
Principal, Tombaugh Elementary
Lisa Wilson - Principal / lwilson1@lcps.net
Javonna Leos - Assistant Principal / jleos@lcps.net
School T-Shirt Days
Thursday is our College Shirt Day!
Friday is our School Shirt Day!
Parent Square Communication
ALL LCPS school will communicate to families via Parent Square! Please download app and sign up with the same contact information provided during registration / ParentVue.
Attendance Matters
We’re excited for a great school year and appreciate your partnership in helping your child succeed!
Daily attendance and arriving on time are essential. When students are present and on time, they engage more in learning, build strong routines, and do better in school.
Our school bell rings at 8:00 AM, and instruction begins right away. Tardies can cause students to miss key learning and disrupt the class.
Please help by:
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Arriving before 8:00 AM (drop off begins at 7:30)
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Avoiding unnecessary absences
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Scheduling appointments outside school hours
Thank you for making attendance a priority. Every minute matters!
A Word From our Nurse
Dear Families -
August Update from the Nurse’s Office
As we settle in, our goal remains simple: to keep every student safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Below are a few important reminders and updates to help support your child’s well-being this year.
Please Talk with Your Child About Nurse Visits
With over 600 students on campus, we see dozens of daily visits to the nurse’s office. While we’re always here for illness and injury, unnecessary visits increase exposure to germs and limit time for those who truly need care. Please take a moment to help your child reflect before asking to visit the nurse.
Encourage them to ask:
• Am I sick or hurt?
• Can I manage this in class?
• Do I feel too unwell to learn?
Helping students build this awareness keeps the office open for urgent needs and promotes independence.
When to Stay Home
• A fever of 100.4°F or higher (return only after 24 hours fever-free without medication)
• Vomiting or diarrhea (return after 24 hours symptom-free)
• Contagious illness or symptoms affecting their ability to participate
Please do not medicate to mask a fever and send your child to school.
Even if they “feel better,” they are still contagious—putting others at risk and contributing to school-wide illness outbreaks.
Student Medication Reminders
Students may not carry or self-administer any medication—including over-the-counter meds, sunscreen, cough drops or bug spray. ALL medications must be stored in the nurse’s office with completed documentation. Reach out to me for the proper forms if your child needs medication at school.
When You May Hear from the Nurse
You will be contacted if your child is seen for:
• Fever
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• A head injury (even minor, per district policy)
• A significant injury
For minor complaints or routine visits, you may not receive a call. This helps us prioritize in-the-moment care for students throughout the day.
Warmly,
Shawni Pinson BSN RN
Student Handbook Spotlight
Our Student Handbook has been provided to all students. Complete Student Handbook can be found below. We will highlight an area of focus each month on our Parent Newsletter.
NO DISMISSAL CHANGES AFTER 2:00
Walking School Bus
We will hold Walking School Bus every Thursday @ Tombaugh!!!! Join the fun!
Upcoming NO SCHOOL Days
8/29: Parent Teacher Conference Day
9/1: NO SCHOOL / Labor Day
Upcoming Events:
9/1: NO SCHOOL / Labor Day
Event Information
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.
Goodies for Staff
We would LOVE to provide goodies for our AMAZING staff so we will GLADLY accept donations of snack items for our lounge and PLC room! Thank you!
Contact Information
Email: lwilson1@lcps.net
Website: https://tombaugh.lcps.net
Location: 226 Carver Road, Las Cruces, NM, USA
Phone: 575-527-9575