#NoPlaceLikeJones

Dear Ira B. Jones Elementary Families:

I hope you are doing well. As partners in your child's education, I wanted to bring your attention to an essential matter regarding student behavior at school.

Recently, we've noticed some instances where students may not be fully adhering to our school's expected behaviors and may not be listening to the guidance provided by the adults at school. While we understand that students may sometimes face challenges in maintaining focus and following rules, it is crucial for their academic success and overall well-being that they know and adhere to the expectations set forth by our school community.

We believe in fostering an environment where students feel safe, respected, and supported in their learning journey. To achieve this, it's essential for students to actively listen to the guidance provided by our dedicated team of educators and staff members. Whether it's following classroom rules, respecting their peers and teachers, or participating positively in school activities, these behaviors contribute significantly to creating a conducive learning environment for all.

I would appreciate your help in reinforcing these expectations at home. By discussing the importance of respectful behavior and attentive listening with your child, you can help reinforce the values we uphold at school. Also, encouraging open communication with your child about any challenges or concerns at school can help them resolve any issues.

We are committed to working collaboratively with you to ensure the success and well-being of every student. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's behavior or any other school-related matters, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can continue to nurture a supportive and enriching educational environment for all our students. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

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.

Warm regards,

Ruafika Cobb

Principal

Ira B. Jones Elementary School

#noplacelikejones

We are excited to announce that our school will be hosting its first schoolwide Paideia Seminar on February 29th! This event marks an important milestone in our academic calendar and is a significant part of our school's magnet theme.

Paideia Seminar is one of the pillars and cornerstones of our magnet theme, emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and deep engagement with academic content. During the seminar, students will have the opportunity to come together with their peers to discuss a thought-provoking text guided by their teacher and a partner facilitator. Students will develop essential skills such as communication, analysis, and perspective-taking through meaningful dialogue and inquiry-based discussions.

Paideia Seminars are a valuable academic exercise and an opportunity for our students to cultivate a deeper understanding of complex issues and learn from diverse perspectives. By participating in these seminars, students will strengthen their academic skills and foster a sense of community and empathy within our school.

We encourage you to mark your calendars for February 29th and support your child's participation in this enriching experience. More details about the seminar, including the specific topic and logistics, will be provided closer to the date.

We appreciate your continued support and partnership in your child's education. If you have any questions or want more information about the Paideia Seminar or our school's magnet theme, please get in touch with me.

Thank you for being part of our school community, and we look forward to a successful and engaging Paideia Seminar!

Teaching accountability and responsibility can be quite challenging for students to understand. However, students must learn this skill from a young age to be successful both academically and socially. Oftentimes, when we talk about accountability and responsibility, we almost always use a negative connotation, implying that the person is being punished or in some sort of trouble. However, it’s important to frame accountability and responsibility as admirable and a means of learning, and something that even adults are actively working on.

Model appropriate behavior: Even as adults, we make mistakes and are required to take responsibility! It’s important to try our best to lead by example, showing our students how to respond to situations even if it may not be easy.

Don’t make excuses for them. If your student finds themselves in a situation that is avoidable and created by their own doing, it’s important to allow them to learn from it rather than avoid the situation. Allowing students to understand the impact of their actions can help them be better problem solvers. We as adults certainly support them as they navigate these times, but learning from their choices is a crucial aspect of developing responsibility.

Teach them to see failure in a positive light: Nobody likes to experience failure! It often feels bad, and strong emotions can often accompany failure. However, it’s important to remember that setbacks in life can help us to develop resilience and coping skills. Moreover, it develops our students' ability to solve problems independently when they find themselves in similar situations in the future. Finally, it gives our students the confidence to know that everyone makes mistakes and that’s okay!

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!

• Thursday, February 29: Schoolwide Paideia Seminar

• 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!