Dear Tombaugh Families -

As we enter the 4th quarter of the end of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to address an important aspect of our educational program: state testing.

As you may be aware, state testing plays a significant role in assessing the academic progress of our students and the effectiveness of our instructional programs. These assessments provide valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement within our school community.

Along with all NM Elementary Schools, we will be participating in the upcoming state testing program, as mandated by the NM Public Education Department. All 3rd-5th grade students will take the NM Summative Assessments in ELA and Math. Fifth grade students will also be assessed in the area of Science. Your child's teacher will communicate with you of all upcoming assessment dates so you can help ensure attendance support during testing session windows.

It is important to emphasize that these tests are just one measure of your child's academic performance and growth. While they provide useful information, they do not capture the full range of abilities, talents, and potential that our students possess. As educators, we understand the importance of a well-rounded education that encompasses not only academic achievement but also social-emotional learning, critical thinking skills, and creativity.

With that said, I want to assure you that we are committed to creating a supportive and encouraging testing environment for our students. We will provide them with the necessary resources and support to help them perform to the best of their abilities. Additionally, we will ensure that appropriate accommodations are made for students with special needs or unique circumstances.

I encourage you to talk to your child about the upcoming tests and offer them words of encouragement and reassurance. Let them know that you believe in their abilities and that you are proud of their efforts, regardless of the outcome of these assessments.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in your child's education. Together, we can help them achieve their full potential.

Lisa Manes - Principal

lmanes@lcps.net

Our amazing Assistant Principal, Michele Coats, has transitioned back into the classroom and is now one of our 2nd grade teachers at Tombaugh. For the remainder of the school year, we will have the support of an Administrative Intern, Javonna Leos, but will not have an Assistant Principal. Please know I will do my best to still be available to you. Email is the best way to contact me. You may also call the school to leave a message with our secretaries. Thank you for your patience!

Ms. Manes

3/21: Walk to School @ 7:20 a.m.

3/25: NM Summative Assessment Window Opens (classroom teacher will provide exact dates for class)

3/26: PFO Meeting @ 3:00 (zoom option available)

3/29 & 4/1: No School / Spring Holiday

4/17: 2nd grade Music Concert @ 1:45 p.m.

4/18: Walk to School @ 7:20 a.m.

4/22: Educator Planning Day - No School for Students

4/23: PFO Meeting @ 3:00 (zoom option available)

4/26: Dia De Los Ninos Celebrations

Hello, Comet families!

Please continue to encourage your children to wash their hands. We still have various stomach bugs, viruses, and illnesses going around. The best way to stay healthy is to avoid these bugs. Please go over proper hand washing procedures (i.e. water, soap, scrub for 20 seconds all around hands, rinse, dry and turn off faucet with paper towel). Make sure they are washing often especially before/after meals and after they use the restroom. If they have fever, vomiting or diarrhea they need to remain home until 24 hrs w/o symptoms and without taking meds. Thank you for helping keep our students and staff healthy.

Thank you,

Jessie Herrera-Sainz BSN RN NCSN
Tombaugh Elementary Nurse​​
Email: jherrera2@lcps.net

ATTENDANCE WORKS

Our mission is to advance student success and help close equity gaps by reducing chronic absence.

We are working hard to reduce our number of chronic absences and improve our school's overall attendance rate. During the 22-23 school year, Tombaugh had a rate of 21.96% Chronic Absences. Students with 10% or more absences make up our Chronic Absence rate. Please be aware we must follow State guidelines to notify parents if any student reaches the Chronic Absence threshold. This notification must be made regardless of the reason. Please continue to provide doctor's notes to help with documentation purposes. Our current Chronic Absence rate has improved to 19%, but we still have much room for improvement. Our 23-24 goal is 10.98% or lower.

If you have questions or concerns, your first point of contact is our Social Worker, Amanda Barela, as she leads our Attendance Initiative at Tombaugh. You may reach Ms. Barela at 575-636-7370 or abarela4@lcps.net

Email: lmanes@lcps.net
Website: https://tombaugh.lcps.net
Location: 226 Carver Road, Las Cruces, NM, USA
Phone: 575-527-9575