#NoPlaceLikeJones

Dear Ira B. Jones Elementary Families:

I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of the entire cast and crew, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude for your unwavering support and presence at our recent production of "The Lion King, Jr." Your enthusiastic attendance and encouragement meant the world to us, and it indeed added to the magic of the evening.

Watching our students bring the beloved characters of "The Lion King" to life on stage was an incredibly rewarding experience. Their dedication, passion, and hard work were evident in every scene, and I couldn't be prouder of every one of them. Their commitment to excellence and willingness to pour their hearts into their roles made this production memorable.

Your presence in the audience cheered our performers on, validated their efforts, and reinforced the importance of the arts in our community. Your support is a powerful reminder of the impact the arts can have on young minds, and we are deeply grateful for that.

As we reflect on the success of "The Lion King, Jr.," I am reminded of our students' immense talent, creativity, and resilience. With your continued support, I do not doubt they will continue to thrive and inspire others with their artistic endeavors.

Once again, thank you for your invaluable support and for being a part of this special journey with us. We look forward to sharing many more memorable performances with you in the future.

I want to express my gratitude to several individuals for their contributions to the success of our play. I want to thank Heather Gallagher, who is associated with the Asheville Performing Art Academy, Jenni Park, our music teacher, and Susan Hamrick, a parent volunteer who helped to coordinate these efforts. Additionally, I would like to thank our FTO for their support and the many volunteers who gave countless hours to help make this play happen. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated. Thank you all!

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.

With heartfelt appreciation,

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.

Each day highlights a different influential figure in African-American history. The figures include Crispus Attucks, who was the first man shot in the Boston Massacre, which sparked the Revolutionary War. Another notable figure is Madame C. J. Walker, who overcame significant obstacles to become the wealthiest black woman in America and one of the wealthiest black Americans. The book also covers Barack Obama, the first African-American president of the United States.

The book features powerful illustrations by Shane Evans and provides a unique perspective on African Americans' significant contributions and influence on the country's history.

In a 2018 study by Stanford University, researchers looked at 240 children ages seven to 10 and found that "being positive improved their ability to answer math problems, increased their memories and enhanced their problem-solving abilities." Study author, Abigail Johnson Hess, goes on to state, "Schools across the country should dust off their 'If you believe it, you can achieve it” posters because scientists have discovered the brain pathway that directly links a positive attitude with achievement."

The research pinpoints explicitly how a positive attitude improved the functions of the area of the brain responsible for memory. Memory is a core ability needed for all learning processes. The greater the memory, the greater the learning.

In the article The Impact of Positivity for Students, Melani Hess explains how powerful positive thoughts and practices can be for our students. She first discusses the impact on physical health, including stronger immune responses and improved heart health. Positivity has so many more benefits, including mental health benefits. Students who are positive thinkers and practice positivity tend to be stronger problem solvers, have better coping skills, and increased creativity. The academic benefits for students include more effort put into schoolwork and increased success in school. At school, positive thinking is discussed with students during guidance lessons and across the curriculum.

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

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

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

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

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!