No Place Like Jones

Dear IBJ Families,

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, our focus remains on making every second count. Each day is a valuable opportunity for learning, growth, and preparation, and we want to ensure our students finish strong.

We will start talking about the number of school days remaining during morning announcements. This is intentional—we are reminding students (and ourselves!) that this is an important time to stay focused and make the most of every moment.

Over the next several weeks, students will be participating in a number of end-of-year assessments, including:

• Grades 3–5: Reading and Math EOGs (End-of-Grade tests)
• Grade 5: Science EOG
• Grades K–5: mClass Reading Assessments
• Grades K–5: Universal Math Assessments

EOG Testing Dates

• May 22: 5th Grade Science
• May 27: 3rd–5th Grade Reading
• May 28: 3rd–5th Grade Math

Teachers will be working with students to review content and practice test-taking strategies in the coming weeks. I will also continue encouraging students during announcements to take their time, work carefully, and simply do their best.

At home, you can help by reinforcing a positive and supportive mindset. Talk with your child about:

• Doing their best and taking their time
• Staying calm and not feeling stressed
• The importance of effort and a positive attitude

Other Ways You Can Support at Home

• Ensure your child gets adequate rest each night
• Make sure your child is at school every day and on time
• Encourage your child to try their best and persevere through challenges
• Reinforce the importance of following school expectations and respecting others
• Celebrate your child’s growth and progress, not just outcomes

We have seen a decrease in disruptive behaviors, which is wonderful, and we want to continue that momentum. Your support at home plays a key role in helping our students stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn each day.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us ensure that our students finish the year strong.💙 #NoPlaceLikeJones

Strong communication is key to student success, and I believe in keeping families informed and connected. Please visit our school website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on upcoming events and to celebrate the wonderful learning happening in our classrooms. I also share a weekly family newsletter, so please ensure your contact information is current.

As both a school leader and a parent, I value open, honest communication. Please reach out with any questions, celebrations, or concerns by calling 828.350.6700 or emailing me at ruafika.cobb@acsgmail.net.

Warmly,

Dr. Ruafika A. Cobb

Principal

Ira B. Jones Elementary School

#noplacelikejones

Families — it's that exciting time of year again! Open enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year is happening now.

If you have a rising kindergartener or know of friends, family members, or neighbors with a child who needs to enroll for next school year, please help spread the word! We want to ensure all of our future Ira B. Jones scholars are ready and squared away for a strong start in August.

The Asheville City Schools Enrollment page has everything you need, including:

• The application link

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Contact information for direct enrollment support

You can find all the details here:
🔗 Asheville City Schools Enrollment Information

Please share this information with anyone you know who may need it. We’re excited to welcome our newest students and families to our school community!

Next week is Staff Appreciation Week, and it’s a special time to recognize the incredible dedication and hard work of our teachers and staff members.

Your child’s teachers—and all the staff who support their learning and well-being—work tirelessly each day to help students learn, grow, and thrive. Their commitment to creating a safe, engaging, and loving environment for all children is truly something to celebrate.

We encourage you to take a moment next week to show your appreciation. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a kind word, a drawing from your child, or a small token of thanks—no gesture is too small. Your encouragement means more than you know.

Let’s work together to make sure our amazing Jones staff feels seen, valued, and celebrated!

💙 #NoPlaceLikeJones

Let’s show our support for our amazing Girls on the Run scholars as they take on their Spring 5K this Sunday, May 2, at the Asheville Outlets, starting at 9:30 AM!

These girls have worked incredibly hard all season—not just on their running, but on building confidence, teamwork, and perseverance. They’ve learned valuable life skills and shown true dedication every step of the way.

A huge thank you to our wonderful club sponsors—Ms. Booth, Ms. Harris, Ms. Garland, and Ms. Suarez—for their time, encouragement, and leadership throughout the season!

If you're able, we’d love for you to come out and cheer them on as they cross the finish line. Let’s show them how proud their Jones family is!

Summer Accelerator applications are open for the NC School of Science and Mathematics! Join us for exciting classes and fun Camp activities! We offer camps on our Morganton and Durham campuses, in Hickory at the NC Center for Engineering Technologies (NCCET), and online. We have the following camp options:

Early Accelerator - a week-long day program for rising 5th and 6th graders

Summer Accelerator - a residential program for rising 7th - 12 graders

Summer Accelerator, sponsored by Dogwood Health Trust - a free program for 7-12th grade students in the DHT area

Day camps at the NCCET in Hickory for rising 5th - 6th graders and rising 7th - 9th graders

Online courses for rising 7th - 9th graders and rising 10th - 12th graders

Apply soon! Courses are filling up! Please email me with questions (gina.barrier@ncssm.edu or summer@ncssm.edu)

To ensure that students remain focused on learning and to minimize distractions, we have clear expectations for cellphones and smartwatches at school:

• Phones and smartwatches must stay off and in backpacks during the school day.

• Smartwatches may be on “school mode” if families wish students to wear them.

• If a device is seen or used during the school day, the teacher will contact families and return the device at the end of the day.

• If this becomes a repeat issue, the device will be sent to the office and must be picked up by a parent/guardian.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing this policy at home. By limiting distractions, students are better able to engage with their teachers, classmates, and learning. Together, we can help create a classroom environment that is safe, respectful, and focused on growth.