No Place Like Jones

Dear Ira B. Jones Elementary Families:

Although black history and the contributions of African Americans should be celebrated and studied throughout the year, February is designated Black History Month in the United States. During this month, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of African Americans and their central role in American history. Our students are learning about many different African Americans' past and present contributions.

Carter G. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black History," was born in Virginia in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents. Despite limited access to education and job opportunities, he worked his way through school and eventually earned a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University. In 1926, he founded Black History Week, which later expanded to become Black History Month. Woodson worked tirelessly throughout his life to promote black history in schools, leaving an indelible legacy.

February was chosen as Black History Month because it coincided with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved person who became a critical social activist. Both men played a significant role in helping to end slavery. Black history is American history, and it is crucial to recognize the contributions of African Americans to our society.

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

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established with the primary mission of serving the African American community. These institutions have a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century and were founded at a time when segregation and racial discrimination limited access to education for Black individuals.

Here are some important facts to know about HBCUs and their significance:

1. Historical Significance: HBCUs were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, providing educational opportunities for Black students when predominantly white institutions were often inaccessible due to racial segregation.
2. Cultural Heritage: HBCUs have been crucial in preserving and promoting African American culture, history, and heritage. They have been centers for academic, social, and cultural development within the Black community.
3. Academic Excellence: Despite facing historical challenges, many HBCUs have a strong academic reputation. They have produced influential alums who have excelled in various fields, including politics, business, science, and the arts.
4. Community Support: HBCUs often foster a close-knit community environment. Smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive atmosphere contribute to the success and personal growth of students.
5. Diverse Learning Environment: While HBCUs were initially created to serve Black students, they are open to individuals of all races and ethnicities. They provide a diverse learning environment that fosters cross-cultural understanding.
6. Role in Social Justice: HBCUs have historically been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights and social justice. They continue to contribute to advancing equal opportunities and advocate for justice and equality.
7. Economic Empowerment: HBCUs contribute significantly to the economic development of their surrounding communities and the nation by producing a skilled and diverse workforce.

I graduated from Tuskegee University, an HBCU in Tuskegee, AL. Booker T. Washington founded Tuskegee University on July 4, 1881. Tuskegee University has a rich and impressive history and has been associated with numerous accomplished individuals

Click below to learn more about the history of Tuskegee University and other HBCUs.

Please remember that Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place on Friday, February 9, and will be a Required Workday for teachers; therefore, students will not attend school that day. If you haven't already scheduled a conference with your child's teacher, I encourage you to do so, or if you have any concerns or questions that may require more than a 30-minute conference, please let your child's teacher know, and a follow-up conference can be scheduled. During Parent/Teacher conferences, teachers will discuss the middle of year literacy and math assessment results, specific interventions your child may be receiving, Read to Achieve information (3rd grade only), and how your child is doing overall in school so far.

• Friday, February 2: Report Cards go Home
• Friday, February 9: Spring Family/Teacher Conference Day, No School for Students

A growth mindset is a powerful tool that can positively help shape a student’s development and future. It is a belief that basic abilities are not fixed and that intelligence and talent can be developed in time, given determination and effort

The idea of fixed and growth mindsets was first brought to public notice through the work of psychologist Carol Dweck at Stanford University in a publication entitled ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.’ Her research supports that a growth mindset in children can result in better lifelong outcomes, academic success, and self-esteem

Teachers and caregivers play an important role in helping students understand the importance of adopting a growth mindset. Providing students with positive feedback and reinforcement in challenging academic, physical, and social learning opportunities is essential. To accomplish this, create environments where failures become opportunities to learn rather than something to fear, where students feel safe to take risks and step out of their comfort zones. Model a positive mindset, be specific when giving praise or compliments, and provide positive feedback for effort and progress. Emphasize hard work rather than results and teach students that mistakes and failures are not shameful or embarrassing. They are opportunities to grow and learn.

When we encourage students to set realistic goals and celebrate successes in their progress towards achieving those goals, there is the opportunity for a profound impact on students, directly increasing their creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence.

The concept of a growth mindset fosters positive thoughts, habits, and behaviors. It helps students develop the skills and attitudes necessary to be successful in this ever-changing, unpredictable world. A growth mindset empowers students to believe in themselves and create a successful, bright future.

Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. Based on the critically acclaimed 2016 Caldecott and Sibert Honor Book, Voice of Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength.