No Place Like Jones
Parent Updates for the Week of 12.13.21
Principal Corner
Dear Ira B. Jones Elementary Families:
The countdown is on! We are in our last week before winter break.
This newsletter will be my final Parent Update of 2021 – next Friday, we’ll all be scattering so that we may begin our winter vacation. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season – Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! A joyful Kwanzaa! – and a very peaceful new year. May the time away from school be spent with those you cherish, doing things you love, eating food that nourishes your body, and reading books that feed your soul. No matter how you celebrate, or if you choose not to celebrate at all, I am sending love, light, and peace your way during this quiet time of the year. We return to school on January 3, 2022.
Thank you for all the amazing support you continue to provide our staff. You truly make a difference in helping us make our school a wonderful place of joy and learning!
Best Wishes,
Ruafika A. Cobb, Principal
Get Your Go Local Card
Go Local is a major fundraiser for our PTO/school (whichever you want to use), which uses this funding for school initiatives and needs, including teacher grants, classroom supplies, field trips, cultural enrichment, our drama program, and increased funding to upgrade our 3-5 playground. When you buy a Go Local Card, you support Ira B. Jones and our local businesses (aka the heart of Asheville), plus you save money! And they make great gifts for everyone on your list!
What's for Breakfast & Lunch?
Notes from the Counseling Corner with Ms. Courtney, School Counselor
It is essential for children to learn the importance of taking care of themselves and their communities. Self-care can help kids of all ages become more introspective and aware of their physical and emotional needs. It can also prepare them to handle future stressors effectively. Even small acts of self-care and self-help can decrease stress, improve relationships, and promote wellness of the body and mind.
Adults and caregivers can teach their children healthy self-care habits at any age. It is necessary to remember that adults’ self-care ideas might look different from their children’s ideas.
Movement and creative activities can provide an emotional outlet while fostering connection. Activities like painting, coloring, or using Play-Doh are less likely to feel like a chore. Music and dance can substantially positively impact your child’s cognitive development and self-awareness.
Carve out daily quiet time together
It is important for families to carve out space for quiet time. A few minutes of singing to your child, reading a book together, or doing a kid-friendly meditation can strengthen your connection.
Make a calm down box
Some children respond well to having their own “calm-down box.” Include soothing items to the senses, such as a fidget toy, stuffed animal, stress ball, plastic snow globe, or scratch & sniff stickers. When you observe them on the verge of being dysregulated, encourage the child to utilize the items in the box to help regulate their emotions. It can be helpful to think of these items as tools rather than for normal play. Make sure that you encourage the child with positive language rather than making it part of a consequence.
Additional self-care exercises for elementary schoolers can include:
Practice your breathing by blowing on a pinwheel.
Review a few things you’re grateful for that day together.
Help your child(ren) label emotions – these cards can help!
Ira B. Jones Parent Handbook - Click Below
NC Strong Schools Toolkit - Click Below
Upcoming Important Dates
Monday, December 13: ACS Board Meeting at 5:00 pm
Monday, December 20: Friday, December 31 - Winter Break/No School for Students
Monday, January 3: Students return to school
Friday, January 14: End of Quarter 2/1st Semester
Monday, January 17: Holiday, no school
Tuesday, January 18: Optional Teacher Workday, no school for students
Tuesday, January 25: Report cards go home
ATTENTION 3rd Grade Families!
Please Check the Lost & Found
Missing Your Child's Coat, Hat, or Other Clothing Item?
Ira B. Jones Elementary School
Website: https://www.ashevillecityschools.net/Domain/478
Phone: 828.350.6700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irabjones/
Ruafika A. Cobb
Email: ruafika.cobb@acsgmail.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/acsgmail.net/jones-remote-learning-hub/home
Phone: 828.350.6700
Twitter: @Principal_IBJ