The September 2, 2025 Newsletter

Hello Janney Families,

As we return from the long weekend and mark the unofficial end of summer, we’re excited to step into a new season of learning, growth, and partnership with all of you. The changing season reminds us that transitions take time—and at Janney, we honor that by moving intentionally through the first six weeks of school.

Grounded in the Responsive Classroom approach, we go slow to go fast—taking time to build strong routines, safe and joyful classrooms, and a sense of belonging for every child. We’re now in week two of this six-week journey and already seeing the benefits of that intentional start.

This year’s theme, “Together We Thrive,” reminds us that it takes all of us—students, staff, and families—working together to build a strong school community. Whether you’re navigating new routines at home or cheering your child on during morning drop-off, your partnership matters.

We’d love to connect with you at one of our Parent Coffees this week—Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday right after drop-off. These informal gatherings are a great way to catch up, meet other parents, and strengthen the relationships that help our community thrive.

Curious to learn more about our approach to the first six weeks? Click here to learn more.

With Appreciation,

Principal Singh

✅ Submit Medical & Dental Forms | Email your children’s forms to Janney’s Nurse (raquia.lawrence@dc.gov). Call (202) 282-0063 with questions.

✅ Submit the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARM) Form | Every family must complete this form — even if you decline the service.

✅ Make Your Student Support Fund (SSF) Contribution | The SSF is the largest source of PTA funding and your tax-deductible donation covers school essentials, staff salaries, and vital student services beyond what DCPS funding provides. Give online or by check; ask about employer matching at MatchingGrants@janneyschool.org

✅ Complete DCPS Volunteer Clearance | Volunteer clearance is required to volunteer at school or chaperone field trips and is valid for 2 years. List Michael Barnhart, michael.barnhart@k12.dc.gov, (202) 282-0110, as your contact and email him your clearance letter once received.

✅ Verify or update your contact information and privacy details in the Digital Directory | If you’re having issues accessing the directory or updating your details, reach out to the Janney Directory Team at atozconnect@janneyschool.org. Download the app for quick access: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/membership-toolkit/id912169276

We now have an official DCPS-approved attendance email for Janney!

Please use Janney.Attendance@k12.dc.gov for all attendance-related communication.

This email should be used to report:

• Student absences
• Late arrivals/tardies
• Early dismissals

Using this central email helps ensure that attendance information is received and recorded promptly.

When reporting remember to also notify your child's teacher by email or via Remind direct message.

Wondering about the 2024-2025 Janney yearbooks? There's been a slight delay, but we expect to share an update by the end of the month. Thanks for your patience and stay tuned!

The PTA is excited to welcome you to our Grade-Level Parent Coffees this week! After morning drop-off, join us at the mulch playground to enjoy a cup of coffee, meet other parents in your child’s grade, and take a moment to connect and build community together.

Schedule:

• Pre-K and Kindergarten
  Wednesday, September 3 | 8:45–9:30 AM

• 1st and 2nd Grades
  Thursday, September 4 | 8:45–9:30 AM

• 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades
  Friday, September 5 | 8:45–9:30 AM

It’s a great way to meet other families and start the day with some friendly faces.
In case of rain, we’ll meet in the cafeteria instead.

We hope to see you there!

If you are able to help with setup, cleanup, or supplies, please sign up here.

Plus: The Return of the Halloween Costume Swap! Instead of purchasing a new Halloween costumer every year, find a gently used and new-to-you costume at the Fall Picnic. Bring clean Halloween costumes to donate during drop-off or pick-up in the marked container outside the gym from Sept. 2-10th. All sizes from PK through 5th grade are welcome. Costumes will be sorted and ready for your kiddo to search at the Janney Fall Picnic.

Throughout the year, Janney PTA hosts fundraisers with local restaurants. It's a great way to support our school and community in-person or for takeaway. Note: For your Potomac Pizza online order to count towards our Janney Fundraiser, you must go to the "FUNDRAISER" tab on the far left menu panel, select the fundraiser button, and add it to your cart prior to checkout.

A reminder that Enrichment (Fall and Annual classes) and Language classes begin September 8th. Please view the Janney+ webpage and/or view the one-pager below to ensure your family is ready for a smooth and successful start.

Sept. 2, 8:00-8:30am | Family Library Time (Weekly on Tuesdays)

Sept. 3, 8:45–9:30am | Pre-K & K Parent Coffee

Sept. 4, 8:45–9:30am | 1st & 2nd Grades Parent Coffee

Sept. 5, 8:45–9:30am | 3rd, 4th & 5th Grades Parent Coffee

Sept. 11, 6pm | Back to School Night

Sept. 12, 6–8pm | Fall Picnic & Halloween Costume Swap

Sept. 24, 4-9pm | Potomac Pizza Fall Fundraiser

Oct. 18-19 | Politics & Prose Book Sale Fundraiser

Oct. 22-23, 4-9pm | Ledo’s Pizza Fall Fundraiser

You can also sign up for important updates on Remind and sign up for our Janney parent listserv by emailing: janneyEScommunity+subscribe@groups.io. And last but not least, subscribe to the Janney calendar too!