No Place Like Jones
IBJ Family Updates for the Week of May 22. 2023
Principal Corner
We have 14 days of school left!
Dear Ira B. Jones Families,
As we approach the end of the school year, June 9 will be our last school day, and students will be dismissed at noon. We will have a schoolwide talent show, popsicles, and a dance party!
Our 5th graders will take their End of Grade Science Test this week on Friday, May 26. On Wednesday, May 31, and Thursday, June 1, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, graders will take the Reading and Math tests, respectively. A few students will take Extend I tests instead of EOGs. If your child will take Extend I exams, their teacher will contact you directly. We encourage you to support your students by ensuring they get enough rest, arrive at school by 7:55 am, and encourage them to do their best on the tests. Students must be present and in their classrooms each day of testing by 8:00 am. Please plan accordingly if your student is a car rider or walker and has been arriving after 8:00 am.
Please note that breakfast will be free for all K-5 students on the three testing days.
Also, be aware that in order to facilitate testing for 3-5 students, students in grades K-5 may experience changes to their classroom, lunch, recess, and specialist schedules. If you have any questions or concerns about testing, please contact Rheta West, Assistant Principal and Testing Coordinator, at (828) 350-6702 or by email at rheta.west@acsgmail.net.
We want to remind our students that the EOG and Extend I tests are only one measure of their success as a student. They have worked hard this year, and we want them to feel relaxed about the tests. We appreciate your support!
Monday, May 29 is a holiday, and no school for students.
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 reach me by calling the school at 828.350.6700 or emailing me at ruafika.cobb@acsgmail.net.
In Partnership,
Ruafika A. Cobb
Principal
Ira B. Jones Elementary School
#noplacelikejones
Upcoming Important Dates
Wednsday, May 24: Talent Show Rehersal at 2:45 pm
Friday, May 26: 5th Grade Science EOG
Monday, May 29: Memorial Day (Holiday - No School)
Wedneday, May 31: Reading EOG (3rd, 4th, and 5th grades)
Thursday, June 1: Math EOG (3rd, 4th, and 5th grades)
Tuesday, June 6: PreK - 4th Grade Field Day
Wednesday, June 7:Talent Show Auditions at 2:45 pm
Thursday, June 8: 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony at 8:30 am
Thursday, June 8: 5th Grade Olympics
Friday, June 9: Talent Show at 8:30 am
Friday, June 9: Schoolwide Dance Party at 11:00 am
Friday, June 9: Last Day of School - students dismiss at noon
Notes from the Counseling Corner with Ms. Courtney, School Counselor
May is National Mental Health Month
Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and its impact on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives and celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health.
It is normal for children and youth to experience various emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for children to experience anxiety about school or for youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time to seek professional assistance.
As with physical health, mental health is not merely the absence of disease or a mental health disorder. It includes emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being and involves being able to:
- navigate the complexities of life successfully,
- develop fulfilling relationships,
- adapt to change,
- utilize appropriate coping mechanisms to achieve well-being
- realize their potential,
- have their needs met, and
- develop skills that help them navigate various aspects of life
All week we will be focusing on ways to take care of our mental health. Well being includes both our physical and our mental health. We will explore ideas about how to take care of our mental health all week through mindfulness, creativity, physical activity, positivity, and connection.
CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH: PERSEVERANCE
Reminder 💡 CHECK THE LOST AND FOUND!
The Lost & Found Area continues to GROW!
We have collected more coats, sweatshirts, hats, and water bottles in the lost and found. If your child is missing one of these items, please encourage them to check the lost and found area.
Also, we will start putting the items out front so parents can check for lost items.