Parent Comet News
Tombaugh Elementary Newsletter: August 2024
A Word from your Principals:
Dear Tombaugh Families:
We are off to a GREAT start to the 24-25 School Year!! Thank you for your partnership in making this school year the best year yet!
Bullying is a serious problem that can have lasting negative effects on a child's emotional, mental, and physical health. At our school, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. We have implemented various programs and policies to prevent bullying and to support those who may be affected by it.
We ask for your support in reinforcing the importance of kindness, respect, and empathy at home. Please talk to your children about the impact of bullying and encourage them to speak up if they see or experience it. Together, we can create a culture of respect and inclusion.
If you have any concerns or need additional resources, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you and your child.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to making our school a safe place for everyone.
Lisa Wilson - Principal / lmanes@lcps.net
Javonna Leos - Assistant Principal / jleos@lcps.net
Calendar Challenge
Our PFO is kicking off the school year with a Calendar Challenge! Calendars with instructions have been sent home with students. Please see the slide show link below for more information. We are excited about this fundraiser and truly believe it will raise enough funds to last the entire school year!
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.
Student Handbook Spotlight
Our Student Handbook has been provided to students in a special Back-to-School Assembly with Tombaugh Administrators. 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 Day
We are EXCITED to announce Tombaugh will host Walking School Bus EVERY THURSDAY for the 24-25 School Year!
Bug Spray
Please remember to apply bug spray on your kiddo before sending them to school! Our school is on a regular rotation for pest control company to spray our school. However, mosquitos are still a HUGE problem. Sending your kids to school in jeans is also a great plan of defense!
HELP US KEEP OUR TEACHERS HAPPY!
We will GLADLY accept donations for our teachers' snack table. This goodie table is located in our PLC / Conference Room where meetings are held daily for staff.
Upcoming Events:
8/1: PFO Calendar Fundraiser Begins (All money is due 9/6/24)
8/5: Open House @ 5:30-6:30 p.m. / Early Childhood
8/6: Open House @ 5:30-6:30 p.m. / Kinder & 1st
8/7: Open House @ 5:30-6:30 p.m. / 2nd & 3rd
8/8: Open House @ 5:30-6:30 p.m. / 4th & 5th
8/19: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS / Educator Planning Day
8/27: PFO Meeting @ 3:00 - Tombaugh Library / zoom available
Tombaugh PFO Meeting (Zoom available)
Tuesday, Aug 27, 2024, 03:00 PM
Tombaugh Library OR https://lcps.zoom.us/j/82365116381?pwd=S4NFg4ZCAXQaXxxXca9QLeZf4jxYQM.1
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