No Place Like Jones
Family Updates for the Week of September 18, 2023
Principal Corner
Dear Ira B. Jones Families:
From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which focuses on Independence Day celebrations and other holidays related to Hispanic heritage in many Latin American countries. This month recognizes Hispanic Americans' significant contributions and influence in our society. We have the opportunity to learn more about their history and culture during this time.
Last Thursday, we had our first Conversation with Cobb and the Family Teacher Organization (FTO) meeting. Conversation with Cobb is when we share information with families about different school topics and answer questions about how school works. During the first conversation, Ms. West and I discussed our school's mission, vision, magnet theme statements, what to do if you have a problem, transportation, attendance, and ways to support the school. We will continue having these conversations every month before the start of each FTO meeting.
Next month, we will discuss new topics. Therefore, it is important that you attend and stay for the FTO meeting. This way, you can learn about ways to help support the school and your child's teacher.
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.
Sincerely,
Ruafika A. Cobb
Principal
Ira B. Jones Elementary School
#noplacelikejones
JONES FTO ANNOUNCES THIS YEAR'S SCHOOL MUSICAL PRODUCTION:
LAST DAYS for 3-5th GRADERS TO SIGN UP FOR THE LION KING, JR!
Auditions for the Lion King, Jr at Jones begin on Monday, September 18th! All students can participate, but 3rd-5th graders must audition to determine their role! Everyone will be cast.
Register your Jones student today online at http://www.jonespto.org/drama.
Scholarships are available! Every Jones scholar is encouraged to participate!
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.
Fall Beautification Day Needs Volunteers!
Jones families are needed to help with campus clean-up on October 21st! Please join us if you can.
Upcoming Important Dates
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
Picture Day is Coming!
WHEN: Wednesday, October 23
A flyer will be sent home soon.
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
Students 22-23 State Test Scores
Did you happen to catch the September 7th press release about students' state test scores from the state's accountability report? Our school MET GROWTH and was one of only two elementary schools in our district that MET or EXCEEDED GROWTH for ALL demographic groups! What an accomplishment! Hats off to our students for their perseverance; and staff and families for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that our students learn and grow.
I am so proud!