Parent Comet News

Dear Tombaugh Families,

As we approach the holiday season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared over the Fall Semester. Your children have learned so much already and I truly anticipate the Spring Semester will be even better! Their enthusiasm for learning is truly heartwarming, and I am continually inspired by their curiosity and dedication.

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our amazing parents. Your commitment to your child's education and your active involvement in our school community have made a significant impact. Together, we have created a nurturing and empowering environment where every child can thrive.

As we gather with loved ones during this holiday season, let's take a moment to cherish the memories we've made, the milestones our children have reached, and the strong sense of community we've built together. May the warmth of the holidays fill your homes with joy, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness.

Looking ahead to the new year, I am excited about the opportunities for growth, collaboration, and continued success that await us. Let's continue to work hand in hand to provide the best possible education and support for our students.

Wishing you and your families a joyful holiday season filled with love, peace, and happiness. Thank you for being an essential part of our Comet family.

Warmest regards,

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!

12/1: Jog-a-thon

12/6&7: Last Day for our NMSU After School Program - early dismissal @ 4:00 p.m.

12/14: Walk to School Day @ 7:20 a.m.

12/15: Early Release @ 11:00 a.m.

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

PLEASE be mindful of our neighbors! For the most part, our neighbors are very accommodating to our school during morning drop off and afternoon dismissal. We have received a few calls with concerns in regard to parents blocking driveways, not letting people out of side streets and even a bit of disrespectful gestures. We know the neighborhood feels the large size of our school. If there is anything we can do within our circle of control to make it easier on the residents of our neighborhood, it would be greatly appreciated!!!! Thank you for being supportive.

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