No Place Like Jones
Family Updates for the Week of September 25, 2023
No School for Students on Monday, September 25
Principal Corner
Dear Ira B. Jones Families:
The fall season has finally arrived, and with it comes the final weeks of September. During the September Conversation with Cobb, we discussed a few points I would like to share.
Firstly, if your child/ren reports problems in class or with their teacher, please talk to their teacher first. Allowing your child's teacher to understand what's going on and how your child/ren is feeling is important to address your concerns. They spend the most time with your child/ren and are available to work with you to ensure your child/ren is supported and learning.
Secondly, please assume the best intentions in our learning community. While we may not always agree on every topic, we all want the best for your child/ren. Our teachers work hard every day, attending training, participating in thoughtful dialogue, and reading professional materials, all with the goal of teaching and supporting your child's growth as a human.
Thirdly, please allow 24 to 48 hours for a teacher to respond to your email. We are asking teachers to set boundaries for their self-care this year. As a reminder, teachers are teaching during the day and can't text you throughout the day.
Fourthly, if your child/ren brings a cell phone to school, please remind them to turn it into the main office each morning. Students don't need cell phones during school hours. If you need to contact your child, please contact the main office.
Fifthly, please establish routines at home for your child's responsibilities, including time for reading, working on assignments, and practicing skills like multiplication. These routines make it easier for your child to transition to our school routines.
Lastly, please ensure your child/ren attends school every day on time. Consistent attendance is essential for your child's success. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring our students' success.
I invite you to visit our school's website and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/irabjones/ and follow us on Twitter @Principal_IBJ and Instagram @IraB.JonesElementary. These will serve as a resource tool for all upcoming events, the student/family handbook, and important reminders, and you can catch up with all the wonderful things our students and teachers are doing. I also send out a weekly family newsletter. Please ensure we have updated contact information so you can stay informed of all our school happenings.
As a school leader and a parent, I understand the necessity of healthy communication between families and the school. I welcome your questions, celebrations, or concerns at any time. You can reach me by calling the school at 828.350.6700 or emailing me at ruafika.cobb@acsgmail.net.
Sincerely,
Ruafika Cobb
Principal
Ira B. Jones Elementary School
#noplacelikejones
Picture Day is Monday, October 23
Upcoming Important Dates
- Progress Reports will Go Home this Week
- Monday, September 25: Optional Workday/No School for Students
- Thursday, October 12: Fall Teacher/Family Conference Day - No School for Students
- Friday, October 13: Required Workday/No School for Students
- Wednesday, October 18: IBJ Open House at 5:30 - 7:30 pm
- Tuesday, October 31: End of Quarter 1
Save the Date! October 18: Open House Event
SAVE THE DATE!
WHAT: IBJ Open House
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, 10/18 from 5:30 -7:30 pm
LOCATION: We will start in the cafeteria
WHO: IBJ families, students, and staff are all welcome! Connect with other Jones families, learn what it means to be a Title 1 school, and visit with your child's teacher.
DETAILS: We will present information about Title 1. Dinner will be provided.
We hope to see you there!
Support Our School!
SUPPORT IRA B. JONES WHEN YOU GROCERY SHOP
Harris Teeter will donate a percentage of your purchase to Ira B Jones when you link your VIC card (free Harris Teeter loyalty account) to Jones. You can do this in person at the store, or online. IBJ's school code is 2143, or you can search by our school's name. VIC card holders can link up to 5 NC schools! A percentage of all items you purchase from the Harris Teeter brand, HT Traders, Farmers Market (pre-packaged items only), and Harris Teeter Organics will be donated back to Jones.
Volunteers Needed! Candace Pickens Memorial Park
Volunteers Needed! Candace Pickens Memorial Park
Jones Park Playground was a treasured community park used by families from across the city of Asheville. Unfortunately, it was removed without a replacement plan in September of 2021. Members of the community began working immediately to find a solution to get this playground rebuilt with donated funds and labor from the community. In this process the park was renamed Candace Pickens Memorial Park. Candace played in this park and brought her son to play. She was tragically killed here in 2016. October 4-8 hundreds of volunteers from neighborhoods across the city and county will be giving their time to help bring this playground back. Working side by side we are building more than just a playground, we are building community and connections that will last lifetimes.
Volunteers are needed, sign up here:
https://bit.ly/buildpark or www.rebuildjonespark.org
Facebook page, please share with others: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofjonespark
We Need Your Help!
Help Rebuild the Park October 4-8
Sign Up to Help!
Email: ruafika.cobb@acsgmail.net
Phone: 828.350.6700