Jones Academy- where we #shinebright with #jonespride y somos #sololomejor. Please scroll to read this newsletter as it shares important information for the start of school. ONE TEAM. ONE GOAL.
Principally Speaking
Thank you for a great Winter Wonderland Night and supporting the holiday shop and providing lunch for the staff! Join us in congratulating our Teacher of the Year, Ms. Velazquez! As our Spanish Conversation Culture Teacher, she creates a warm, welcoming classroom where every student feels valued, challenged, and excited to learn Spanish and explore culture. She consistently goes above and beyond—designing engaging, meaningful lessons, building strong relationships with families, and collaborating with colleagues. Her impact extends beyond the classroom as a curriculum writer in the district and cultural leader, bringing projects like the Day of the Dead family altar to life and proudly showcasing our program across the district. Loved by students and respected by staff, she is a shining example of dedication, kindness, and excellence! ¡Acompáñenos en felicitar a nuestra Maestra del Año, la Sra. Velázquez! Como maestra de Conversación y Cultura de Español, ella crea un ambiente donde cada estudiante se siente valorado y emocionado por aprender español. Siempre va más allá con sus lecciones, una fuerte colaboración y excelentes relaciones con las familias. Ella tiene una gran influencia y la apreciamos muchísimo. Querida por los estudiantes y respetada por sus colegas, es un verdadero ejemplo de dedicación y excelencia.
2026-2027 Kinder Applications
It’s hard to believe, but we’re already gearing up and recruiting for next school year! The Kindergarten application window for the 2026–2027 school year is already open! Please help us spread the word to families with rising kindergartners—or siblings who will need to apply as well. Thank you for your support! Por favor, ayúdennos a compartir la información entre las familias con niños que van a kínder o hermanos que también necesitarán solicitarla. ¡Gracias por su apoyo!
The application window closes January 12, 2026. We will also host Parent Information Meetings at Jones Academy on: La ventana de solicitud cierra el 12 de enero de 2026. También organizaremos reuniones de información para padres en Jones Academy los días:
- January 8, 2026 8 de enero de 2026 | 6–7 PM
Counselor Corner
Holiday Harmony: Helping Kids Thrive Through Winter Break
As we get ready to head into the winter break, I want to share a few gentle reminders to help make this time enjoyable and manageable, for you and your children. The holidays bring excitement, joy, and special memories, but they can also come with changes in schedules, social gatherings, and emotional ups and downs. That’s why teaching our children survival skills (healthy ways to cope and adapt) is so important.
Why Survival Skills Matter
Survival skills are more than just “getting through” the holiday. They help children build resilience, confidence, and emotional awareness. During winter break, routines shift, sleep schedules change, and children may experience sensory overload or unexpected big feelings. Having tools to calm their bodies, express emotions, and problem-solve helps them feel safe and prepared. These skills benefit children throughout the school year as well. When kids learn how to adapt to change, manage disappointment, and communicate their needs, they grow socially, emotionally, and academically. Tips for a Successful Winter Break 1. Keep a Simple Routine Even small consistencies, like breakfast time or a bedtime routine, help children feel grounded when everything else feels different. 2. Build in Quiet Moments The holidays can be busy and loud. Reading, coloring, or quiet play can give children the break their brains and bodies need. 3. Talk About Feelings Encourage your child to share how they’re feeling. Let them know that excitement, frustration, and even boredom are all normal. 4. Offer Choices When Possible Letting kids choose a movie, a holiday activity, or even a snack helps them feel empowered during an unpredictable season. 5. Practice Gratitude Together Sharing “one thing we’re thankful for” each day builds positivity and connection. 6. Have Fun as a Family Play games, bake, go on a walk, or create something together. Joy and laughter are some of the best coping tools! As we move through the busy, yet fun week ahead, take time to notice what’s working well for your child and for you! Remember, teaching and practicing survival skills now sets the stage for a smoother, more enjoyable winter break.
The Kindness Crew is Selling Candy Cane Grams Next Week
December 19 Holiday Parties & Early Dismissal
We are excited to invite you to join us for the class Holiday Party on Thursday, December 19! Families are welcome to accompany their students as we celebrate together. See flyer for details. To help us prepare and pre-print visitor badges, please RSVP by December 18 at 12 p.m. noon. Please note that December 19 is an early dismissal day at 12:10 PM. We look forward to celebrating this festive season with you! Calling all Dads, Granddads, and Dudes! 🎶Whether you’re a shower singer, a car karaoke pro, or somewhere in between, we’d love for you to join the Dads Club Caroling in the Halls! Come help spread holiday cheer with your voices!
¡Nos complace invitarlos a la Fiesta Navideña de la clase el jueves 19 de diciembre! Las familias pueden acompañar a sus estudiantes para celebrar juntos. Consulten el folleto para más detalles. Para ayudarnos a preparar e imprimir las credenciales de visitante, por favor, confirmen su asistencia antes del 18 de diciembre a las 12:00 p. m. del mediodía. Tengan en cuenta que el 19 de diciembre la salida es a las 12:10 p. m. ¡Esperamos celebrar estas fiestas con ustedes! ¡Se llaman a todos los papás, abuelos y tíos! 🎶Ya sea que cantes en la ducha, seas un experto en karaoke navideño o estés en algún punto intermedio, ¡nos encantaría que te unieras al Coro del Club de Papás en los Pasillos! Ven a ayudar a esparcir el espíritu navideño con tu voz.
Nominate a Teacher for AWARE
Would you like to recognize one of our exceptional teachers? The AWARE Foundation annually honors outstanding educators in Arlington ISD. AWARE stands for Arlington Will Award and Recognize Excellence. We’ve been fortunate to have several nominees and finalists over the years, and last year, our very own Señor Matos was a winner! Hopefully, we can continue the tradition of excellence with another win this year. Any classroom teacher, librarian, fine arts teacher, special education, dyslexia teacher etc; is eligible. Consider taking a moment to nominate a deserving educator using this form: TINYURL.COM/AWARE2526
¿Te gustaría reconocer a uno de nuestros maestros excepcionales? La Fundación AWARE honra cada año a los educadores sobresalientes en Arlington ISD. AWARE significa Arlington Will Award and Recognize Excellence (Arlington Reconocerá y Premiará la Excelencia). Hemos tenido la fortuna de contar con varios nominados y finalistas a lo largo de los años, y el año pasado, nuestro propio Señor Matos fue ganador. ¡Esperamos continuar esta tradición de excelencia con otro reconocimiento este año! Cualquier maestro de aula, bibliotecaria, maestro de bellas artes, o maestro de educación especial es elegible. Considera nominar a un educador merecedor usando este formulario: TINYURL.COM/AWARE2526
Yearbooks for Sale!
This school year is flying! 👉🏽Order here using code 26548. Don’t miss out! 📚✨ ¡Este año escolar se está pasando volando! 👉🏽Haz tu pedido aquí con el código 26548. ¡No te lo pierdas! 📚✨
Volunteer Sign Up
Many hands make light work and we love our volunteers. We depend on our parents and volunteers to help make the best learning environment that we can for our kids. We encourage you to be an approved volunteer to help make a difference at school, sponsor fine arts events, chaperone field trips and work with students. All volunteers must submit an online application (every year) and upload a copy of your unexpired government-issued photo ID to the volunteer application.
Muchas manos facilitan el trabajo y amamos a nuestros voluntarios. Dependemos de nuestros padres y voluntarios para ayudar a crear el mejor ambiente de aprendizaje posible para nuestros hijos. Lo alentamos a ser un voluntario aprobado para ayudar a hacer la diferencia en la escuela, patrocinar eventos de bellas artes, ser acompañante en excursiones y trabajar con los estudiantes. Todos los voluntarios deben enviar una solicitud en línea (cada año) y cargar una copia de su identificación con fotografía vigente emitida por el gobierno en la solicitud de voluntariado.
Calling all Jones Dudes!
Looking to meet other dads, stay involved, and support your child’s school? Join the Dad’s Club—a space for connection, community, and fun with all the awesome dads and father figures in our school family! ¿Quieres conocer a otros papás, mantenerte involucrado y apoyar la escuela de tu hijo? ¡Únete al Club de Papás—un espacio para la conexión, la comunidad y la diversión entre todos los increíbles papás y figuras paternas de nuestra comunidad escolar!
Stay connected: Join our private WhatsApp group and Follow us on Facebook
Mantente conectado: Únete a nuestro grupo privado de WhatsApp y Síguenos en Facebook
Get involved, stay in the loop, and make a difference! ¡Involúcrate, mantente informado y marca la diferencia!
Upcoming Events
- December 11-12 Musical Auditions
- December 12- Kinder Ornament Hanging @ Knapp Heritage Park
- December 19- Dads Club Caroling / Winter Parties & Pajama Day / Early Dismissal
- December 22- January 6- Winter Holiday Break
- January 7- Start of 4th 6 Weeks, 2nd Semester Begins
- January 13- Steam Festival Family Night
- January 19- Student & Staff Holiday
- January 20- Spanish Spelling Bee
Credits:
Created with an image by Austin Pacheco