Dear Tombaugh Families,

Happy New Year! As we embark on our Spring Semester filled with endless possibilities, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your ongoing support and dedication to your child's education.

Our school thrives on the collaborative efforts of our entire community, and at the heart of this synergy is a solid Parent-Faculty Organization (PFO). I cannot emphasize enough the pivotal role the PFO plays in enhancing the educational experience of our students.

The PFO serves as a vital link between parents, teachers, and school administration, working tirelessly to create an environment where every child can flourish. By fostering a sense of community, the PFO enhances communication and collaboration, paving the way for a more enriching educational journey.

Your participation in the PFO is not just welcomed; it is absolutely crucial. Here are a few reasons why your involvement matters:

1. Student Success: PFO initiatives directly contribute to the success of our students. Whether it's funding for educational programs, organizing extracurricular activities, or supporting classroom needs, your participation makes a tangible impact on the quality of education our children receive.

2. Community Building: The PFO provides a platform for parents to connect, share ideas, and build lasting relationships. A strong sense of community positively influences the overall school experience for both parents and students.

3. Advocacy: Your involvement in the PFO allows you to play a direct role in advocating for your child's needs. Together, we can work towards creating an environment that caters to the diverse needs and aspirations of our students.

4. Fun and Engagement: PFO-sponsored events inject an element of fun into the school year. From family picnics to fundraisers, these activities create memorable experiences for our children and foster a positive school culture.

We encourage you to join our PFO and become an active participant in shaping the educational journey of our students. Your unique skills, perspectives, and energy are invaluable assets that can truly make a difference. Our first PFO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23rd @ 3:00 p.m. in our school library. We will also provide a zoom option. See details below. We warmly invite you to attend, share your ideas, and discover how you can contribute to the success of our school community.

Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we can make this school year a remarkable and fulfilling experience for our children.

Thank you for all your support,

Lisa Manes - Principal

lmanes@lcps.net

Michele Coats - Assistant Principal

mcoats@lcps.net

Our students are LOVING our new Comet Champ Awards! These awards are given daily to students who display Leadership Qualities of being: Safe, Responsible, Respectful, and/or Kind. They can be given by any Tombaugh Staff member. When a student is given this award, they will call home to share this celebration with you. Please save our school number in your phone (575-527-9575) and make sure your voicemail is set up. The kids have been so excited to call home - we understand you may not be available to always take the call, but please provide us with a way to leave a message. Thank you for your help! We want to celebrate and allow students to step away from the classroom to call home. However, please understand we cannot call them back out of class if you miss the call. Thank you for your support! Thank you for sending us such amazing kiddos!

1/4 - Spring Semester Begins

1/11 - Spanish Spelling Bee @ 8:30 a.m.

1/15 - NO SCHOOL

1/18 - Walk to School Day @ 7:20 a.m.

1/23 - PFO Meeting @ 3:00 - in person in Library with a Zoom option!

Hi Tombaugh Comets! It's officially cold and flu season. Please remember to keep students home for infectious symptoms. Students with infectious symptoms of vomiting and temperatures over 100.0 must be free of these symptoms for 24 hours before returning to school. Coughing, diarrhea, and sore throats should be evaluated by a licensed provider as needed. All medical absences require a provider's note in order to be excused in synergy. Notes should be given to Lyn or Margarita. Medications are not administered in school without a written prescriber's order per state guidelines, including Tylenol and Motrin for fevers. I'm also including the new covid guidelines provided to the schools:

FOR LCPS FAMILIES Current COVID Guidance 11/2023

In response to the updated guidance released by the CDC which was subsequently adopted by the NMDOH and the New Mexico School Health Manual, the following are now the protocols for COVID cases/exposures occurring in both school and the community.

1. There are no vaccination requirements for students related to COVID-19 at this time. However, we do remind families to keep their children up-to-date with all state-required childhood vaccines.

2. Students who have symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, such as cough, fever, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea should stay home. The Department of Health recommends that people with these symptoms get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms begin. If an antigen test is used and is negative, the test should be repeated 24-48 hours later.

3. Students who test positive for COVID-19 are required to quarantine for 5 days and may return on day 6, as long as they feel well enough to come to school and are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. The Department of Health strongly recommends that masks be worn on days 6-10 after COVID infection.

4. There is no requirement to wear masks at school. However, those wishing to wear one for personal protection or related to a recent infection are highly encouraged to do so.

5. There are no quarantine requirements for any individual exposed to COVID-19 in the school or community settings.

6. Individuals who are aware they have been exposed to COVID-19 should test for COVID-19 if they begin to show symptoms.

7. Schools will NOT send notification letters to families when a COVID case has been reported.

8. LCPS has COVID home test kits for distribution while supplies remain. Once supplies are depleted, symptomatic students are encouraged to seek testing through their medical provider or pharmacy.

We all have a role to play when it comes to taking care of our health and the health of our families. Thank you for your help!

Thank you Tombaugh Comets!

​Julie Keller BSN RN

​​​LCPS Nurse Tombaugh

Families - As we are entering cold and flu season, please remember to be aware of the impact of absences on your child's learning and education. Keep your student in school as much as possible, and reach out to our nurse Julie if you have any questions on when your child should stay home or return to school.

Please schedule vacations for when school is not in session, and if you child has an appointment please try to being them to school before or after so they do not miss the entire day.

If your student has missed 10% or more of the school year, the school is required to hold a meeting to identify how to improve attendance. Please contact the school social worker if you have any concerns about attendance, Ms. Barela 575-636-7370

Amanda Barela, LCSW, LADAC (she/her/ella)
General Education Social Worker, LCPS

Tombaugh Elementary

575-636-7370 | abarela4@lcps.net

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