#NoPlaceLikeJones

Dear Ira B. Jones Elementary Families:

I hope you are doing well and having a good weekend.

Our Global Scholars have been working hard to prepare for our upcoming school play, "The Lion King, Jr." We are thrilled and eagerly looking forward to your presence at the performance!

We cordially invite you to join us in the school auditorium on Thursday, February 15th, and Friday, February 16th, at 6:00 pm to support our talented young actors and actresses. Your presence and encouragement will mean a lot to them.

The shows will start each night at 6:30 pm, and the box office will open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students who are 14 and under, and free for children under 2. We prefer cash payment, but Venmo is also an option.

Please click this link: https://www.jonespto.org/drama for more details about the show and how to purchase tickets.

The play promises to be a delightful showcase of our scholar's talents and hard work. They have invested countless hours in rehearsals, demonstrating exceptional dedication and enthusiasm. As their principal, I couldn't be prouder of their commitment and the progress they've made. I'm very excited and can't wait to see the show!

I look forward to sharing this special moment with you; I hope to see you there!

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 Partnership,

Ruafika Cobb

Principal

Ira B. Jones Elementary School

#noplacelikejones

During this month, we pay tribute to the invaluable contributions made by African Americans to our society and culture. African Americans have persevered through adversity to achieve unprecedented success in various fields, including arts, sciences, politics, and business. This month is an opportunity to honor the rich heritage and to celebrate the ongoing journey towards equality and justice.

Inspiring Quotes for Black History Month:

• "We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice." - Carter Woodson, 1926, historian.

• "Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations." —Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American female astronaut

• "Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face," said a politician and lawyer Carol Moseley-Braun.

• "Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color." - Author Unknown.

• "In all things that are purely social, we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress." - Booker T. Washington, author, and politician.

• "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." - Muhammad Ali.

• "We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated." - Maya Angelou.

• "Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable." - Kenyan Proverb.

• "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." —Frederick Douglass.

• "When we're talking about diversity, it's not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us." —Ava DuVernay.

• "You've got to learn to leave the table when love's no longer being served." —Nina Simone.

• "I don't want a Black History Month. Black history is American history." —Morgan Freeman.

Enrollment "season" is here! 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

Please share this information as you see fit. Thanks for your help!

• February 13 - 15: NC Check-in Testing for 3rd - 5th grades

• February 19 - 23: Personal Safety Lessons provided by Mountain Child Advocacy

• Week of February 26: Q3 Progress Reports will go Home

• Monday, February 12: ACS Board Meeting (5:00 pm)

• Wednesday, February 14: Valentine's Day

• Thursday, February 15: Ira B. Jones Elementary presents "The Lion King, Jr." (doors open at 5:30)

• Friday, February 16: Ira B. Jones Elementary presents "The Lion King, Jr." (doors open at 5:30)

• Friday, March 8: 3rd - 5th graders will attend a SOCON Basketball Game

• Monday, March 11: Required Workday for Staff, No School for Students

Our Makerspace is seeking donations of yarn and fabric. If you have any you would like to donate, please send it to the media center through your student. Thank you for your contributions!

Our annual Students Manna Food Drive started this month. We are collecting non-perishable food items throughout the month. Please help us by sending non-perishable food items to school with your student, or you can bring them in yourself. Canned and dry foods are preferred. We will donate the food to Manna so they can support families who may be experiencing food insecurity. Thank you in advance for your contributions!