No Place Like Jones
IBJ Family Updates for the Week of 1.29.24
Principal Corner
Dear Ira B. Jones Elementary Families:
I hope this message finds you well and keeping warm and dry. As a reminder, Monday, January 29, is a required workday for teachers and staff and a non-school day for students. The staff will be participating in professional development and instructional planning. Report cards will go home on Friday, February 2.
We are currently administering middle-of-the-year reading and math assessments with our students. This data will help us measure their progress and determine the next steps we will take instructionally. The window for completing MClass reading assessments for grades K-5 ends on February 6. Please make sure your students are at school every day and on time!
We ask that you guide and support your child's learning by ensuring that they:
- Attend school every day and arrive on time (school hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. daily);
- Develop a love for reading and improve their literacy skills by reading every day;
- Share their school experiences with you so that you know about their school life;
- Let you know if they need additional support in any area or subject; and
- Get enough sleep at night, as lack of sleep can negatively affect their health and academic performance.
If your child arrives after 8:00 a.m., they will be considered tardy. If your child accumulates excessive absences and tardies, we may ask you to attend a meeting to discuss their attendance.
We value 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 call the school at 828.350.6700 or email me at ruafika.cobb@acsgmail.net.
In Parntership,
Ruafika Cobb
Principal
Ira B. Jones Elementary School
#noplacelikejones
Afterschool Clubs at Jones
Just Announced! IBJ is Offering an Afterschool Program on Campus at Jones, Mondays & Wednesdays!
This Clubs-based afterschool program starts January 22nd and is being offered on Mondays or
Wednesdays (or both!) There are many amazing clubs for students K-5 to choose from, including: Spanish, Manners Club, Learn to Knit, Sun Soo Tae Kwon Do, Art, Puppet-making, STEM & Robotics, LEGO club, Chess, and MORE!
Rates for clubs range from us as little as $24 per club, for the entire 6 weeks. Your child can register for one or both days, and will receive a snack and a break after regular dismissal, with afterschool clubs running until 5pm! Please check out the selection and register today. Scholarships are also available for those with financial need. Email the FTO with questions: jonesafterschool@gmail.com
Attention Prospective Jones Families! Please Help Share This Info! See Below
IBJ Showcase: Monday, January 29 5:30 to 7:30
NOTES FROM THE COUNSELING CORNER WITH MS. COURTNEY, SCHOOL COUNSELOR
What Every Student Needs For Good Mental Health
Want to keep your student healthy? Sure, you do! You already know the importance of preparing nutritious food, encouraging enough sleep, and getting plenty of exercise. But the silent partner to all of this is mental health. A child’s physical and mental health are equally important. The basics for a child’s good mental health include self-confidence, playtime, firm rules, and freedom of expression.
Self-Confidence: Set realistic goals that match your student’s abilities. Focus on the process rather than the outcome.
Playtime: In our goal-oriented society, we all need time to unwind, learn how to get along with others, develop a sense of belonging, and simply relax. Remind your student that resting is equally important as working hard.
Firm Rules: Establish, display, revisit, and revise rules about everything, including social media, school work, behavior, attitude, and chores. Mean what you say, say what you mean, and do what you say you will do. Remember that the behavior does not define your student when consequences are needed. Separate the behavior from the person.
Freedom of Expression: Be present for your student. Create space for them to talk to you and allow yourself to listen actively, selectively share, and honestly enjoy.
Raising physically and mentally healthy students is a decision that requires adults to set good examples and support each other. If your student is exhibiting behaviors that are affecting daily life, consider reaching out to your pediatrician and/or school counselor. We are happy to partner with you to create a community for good mental health.
Adapted from: Mental Health America What every Child Needs for Good Mental Health. A full view is linked here.
Inclement Weather Plan
With winter upon us, we may have weather conditions that require school buildings to close for the day. If we are closed due to inclement weather, Asheville City Schools can use remote learning strategies these days. Doing so means students can complete remote learning assignments on an inclement weather day without interrupting the school calendar.
Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade received their “ACS Remote Learning Choice Board” for their grade level from their teacher right before the winter break. You can find additional details and directions on our school’s website and the Asheville City School’s webpage. Copies of the menu board and enrichment activities can also be found on the Asheville City School’s webpage. Students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade will turn in their choice board assignments on paper when they return to school to receive credit for their attendance. Please put the choice boards in a safe location in case students need them later this winter. Students only need to complete the choice boards if we are out due to inclement weather.
SNOW CLOSING AND DELAYED OPENINGS
On days of a 2-hour delayed opening, students should arrive at 9:30 am. There is no supervision for children before that time. Information about snow closings or delayed openings will be made available on the radio & television stations listed below and via the Asheville City Schools hotline and website. Families with contact info entered in our ParentSquare Communication System will receive phone messages and email alerts regarding school closing. Please ensure your contact information is updated in Power School, especially if you have not received robocalls or messages from the school lately. When school is on a 2-hour delayed schedule, buses pick up children 2 hours later than the regular pick-up time. If you don’t have the bus tracking app, “Chipmunk,” you can download it from your app store.
Radio Stations: WWNC, WKSF, WISE, WCQS, WPEK, WOXL, WRES, WQNX, WQNQ, WMXF
Television Stations: WLOS (13), WSPA (7), WYFF (4), WMYA (40), and WHNS (21)
Asheville City Schools Hotline: 828-350-6188
Web Sites: www.ashevillecityschools.net www.citizen-times.com www.wlos.com
When schools are dismissed early due to inclement weather, announcements are made on the same stations and through our recorded phone system. Students who ride the bus will be sent home on the bus unless we hear from a parent. Car riders will be allowed to make phone calls.
Don't hesitate to contact the school at 828.350.6700 or your child’s teacher if you have general questions about inclement weather days, remote learning, or the choice board activities.
Remote Learning Choice Boards Should Only Be Used In Case Of Inclement Weather
Next Becoming a Public School Advocate Session: Wednesday, January 31
ACS Enrollment Info
Enrollment "season" is approaching! Do you have a rising kindergarten you need to enroll in our school next year? Here's what you need to know:
- All enrollment information can be found on this Asheville City Schools website.
- Applications will be given equal consideration, regardless of the date received during the open enrollment period. Placements are not based on a first-come, first-serve basis. If space allows, all applications will be placed at their 1st choice. If there is insufficient space to place all applicants at their 1st choice, that particular school will go to a lottery.
- Open enrollment dates are February 5 - March 11.
- We will be hosting open-house tours (along with other elementary schools in ACS) starting January 24th. More details will be provided soon.
Please share this information as you see fit. Thanks for your help!
Upcoming Important Dates
- Monday, January 29: Required Workday, No School for Students
- Wednesday, January 31: FTO Equity Workshop
- Friday, February 2: Report Cards go Home
- Friday, February 9: Spring Family/Teacher Conference Day, No School for Students
Email: ruafika.cobb@acsgmail.net
Phone: 828.350.6700