Each of our schools’ leadership teams analyzed the factors that impact their students’ ability to engage deeply and achieve academic success. They shared stories of their students and families, some of whom are facing serious challenges associated with physical wellness, social-emotional stability, unique learning needs, family security, mental health, violence, and food/housing uncertainties. They discussed the obstacles that their students face daily when preparing to come to school on time, ready to learn.

Below is the school’s story as seen through the eyes of school leaders. They discuss the culture of their school and the community.

Jones originally opened its doors as a segregated  African-American school in the early 1900’s, and has been located at 122 Hoyle Lane since 1957. In 1967 it was racially integrated, an important step forward for our community. Although the demographics have drastically changed over the last 60 years, we continue to hold on to the values of respecting and honoring the uniqueness of each individual. 

The staff is comprised of 27 teachers and 25 other support staff members that share a common vision in building positive relationships with each and every child. This is apparent when entering any classroom at the beginning of the school day, as all staff are engaged with the students by incorporating “Morning Meetings” and “Second Step.” Each of these initiatives and programs support students’ social-emotional learning. In addition, students are acknowledged through a school-wide “positive referral” system in order to recognize individual student achievements and to help students understand that they are each a valuable part of the Jones community. 

 Jones Elementary has a highly active and engaged PTA that supports the needs of all students enrolled at the school through instructional materials, extra-curricular activities, assemblies, school-wide community events, and much more. The most recent Maryland Safe and Supportive Schools Survey (MDS3) indicated that students feel safe, nurtured, valued, and respected; and consistently enjoy coming to school each and every day. Jones Elementary will continue providing a sense of “family” to all students while meeting our mission of promoting a positive and safe learning environment, recognizing the individual needs of each student to achieve his or her personal best, and nurturing each student to be life-long learners. 

The leadership team in each AACPS school reviewed all of the factors that may influence their students’ engagement and achievement in school; these challenges include academic data elements, community history, and socio-economic aspects of each community. The school’s leadership team identified the following elements as impactful for their students.

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