Custodian’s Whiteboard Artwork Cheers, Motivates New Hope Kids

NEW HOPE, PA — When Juma Jones heard students at New Hope Solebury’s Upper Elementary School expressing nerves about their upcoming state tests, he got an idea. Jones began leaving behind motivational drawings on the whiteboard after cleaning classrooms, to inspire third-grade students as they prepared for Pennsylvania System of School Assessment testing.

“I wanted to show them that they are bigger than any test,” he said. “I think it’s important for each of them to know this, so I place the drawing right at the door where they all can see it.”

At a difficult time in his own life — having been in a car accident in 2007 — art became a key outlet for Jones. Now, he draws whimsical stars and unicorns on the whiteboard for students and even takes requests. He dedicates time in the evenings to perfecting these drawings — and never fails to leave a motivational quote.

“Seeing these messages has been a beautiful reminder for the kids that they can do anything they put their minds to, and that people believe in our children,” said Nicole Brown, a third-grade teacher.

“Mr. Juma, your messages always make me smile,” one student wrote in a recent Post-it thank you note. “I hope you smile, too."