The Cardinal Connection
May 9th, 2025
At J.O. Wilson Elementary School, we are SOARing to success every day in every way by creating an environment in which joy, pride, positive interactions, and growth mindsets lead students to comfort in taking risks, self-advocating, and facing adversity.
Important Dates:
May 9th: J. O. Wilson vs. Ludlow-Taylor (Soccer Match) - 5 PM @ Spingarn Field
May 12th: J. O. Wilson vs. Payne (Soccer Match) - 4:30 PM @ Spingarn Field
May 13th: In-Person PTA Meeting
May13th: JOW's Annual Art Show 5:30PM-6PM
May 16th: J. O. Wilson vs. Watkins (Soccer Match) - 4:30 PM @ Watkins ES
May 17th: Song in My Heart: Art & Music Experience 1PM–4 PM
May 20th: DCIAA ES East Championships (Outdoor Track) - 12 PM @ Spingarn Field
May 23rd: The Cardinal Drama Players present...Beauty and the Beast Jr. @7PM
May 24th: The Cardinal Drama Players present...Beauty and the Beast Jr. @1PM and 5PM
May 26th: Memorial Day...No School for Students or Staff
May 30th: Career Day
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Thanks for Supporting the PTA’s Cardinal Auction Night Fundraiser!
It was great seeing so many parents, teachers, and staff gathered together to celebrate and raise money for our school community. Thanks also to all who participated online and bid on any of 150+ items that were available. Together, we raised over $20,000 that will be used to continue making J.O. the best it can be!
Sincere thanks to all our volunteers who reached out to neighbors and local businesses for donations, who helped plan and organize the auction night party, and to anyone who helped spread the word. We are especially grateful to the many teachers and school staff who contributed items and special experiences for students to enjoy.
We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to connect with winning bidders to deliver their items (and/or redemption instructions). If you have any questions, please reach out to auction@jowilsonpta.org.
Save the Date: J.O. Wilson Art Show & PTA Meeting, Tues., May 13, 5–7 p.m.
PTA Meeting & Elections, 6–7 p.m. | Pizza at 5:30 & Childcare for Students
Meeting Agenda:
Welcome
Principal Updates
What’s going on at 660K?
Fundraising / Auction wrap-up
Treasurer Updates
Board Elections (see details below)
Upcoming Events
Presentation by Leading Edge (Afterschool Provider for Grades 3-5, for 2025-2026 school year)
The PTA is Looking for Leaders!
We are looking to build our community of volunteers willing to lead the efforts of the Parent Teacher Association. Please consider getting involved. At our May General Body Meeting, we will hold elections for various positions on the PTA Board. Any J.O. Wilson parent, grandparent, guardian, or staff member is eligible to be nominated for the following positions:
Board Officers (two-year terms, July 2025-June 2027):
President
1st Vice President
Assistant Treasurer
Secretary
Fundraising Director
Membership Director (1-year term)
Assistant Membership Director.
We will also be voting to elect parent representatives for the LSAT and W6PSPO:
Local School Advisory Team (one-year term: July 2025-June 2026) – 4 openings
Ward 6 Public School Parent Organization (one-year term: July 2025-June 2026) – 2 openings
Know someone who would be a great candidate? Please submit your nomination(s) here! Reach out to the PTA info@jowilsonpta.org to learn more about the positions.
🎨🎶 Song in My Heart: Art & Music Experience – Sat., May 17, 1–4 p.m. 🎶🎨
Hosted by 8th & I Young Marines in partnership with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH). Join Young Marines for a creative and inspiring hands-on art workshop that blends the power of music and visual expression! The 8th & I Young Marines proudly present The Song in My Heart Workshop, an intergenerational event designed to foster creativity, connection, and community.
Participants will create personalized art tiles inspired by the song that holds special meaning in their lives. This workshop is the Behind the Uniform exhibition curated by Kasse Andrews-Weller and Moira McGuire, celebrating the stories of service members, veterans, and their families through artistic expression.
Why Attend?
Express Yourself: Transform your favorite song into a unique piece of art.
Connect Across Generations: Engage with veterans, active-duty members, and young leaders.
Support a Great Cause: Every donation helps fund art supplies, outreach efforts, and community engagement programs led by the Young Marines.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities; 200 I St SE #1400, Washington, DC 20003
Tickets: Free & Donation-Based Options Available
Make an Impact
Your participation and support will help empower the next generation of leaders while honoring the voices of those who serve. Can't attend? Consider making a donation to keep this initiative thriving!
Reserve Your Spot Today & Join Us in Celebrating Art, Music, and Service!
We are Excited to Host Career Day on Friday, May 30 — And We Need Your Help!
We are looking for parents, family members, and community professionals to share their careers and experiences with our students. This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire the next generation and help them explore different career paths.
WHEN: Friday, May 30, from 8:50 to 10:40 a.m.
If you or someone you know is interested in presenting, please contact Massiell Guzman (Massiell.GuzmanFrias@k12.dc.gov) or Victoria Winter (Victoria.Winter@k12.dc.gov).
We are currently seeking volunteers to help make both days a success! Parent participation is especially appreciated — the more, the merrier! Please contact Ms. Guzman if you are interested in volunteering.
We appreciate your support in making this a fun and meaningful event for our students!
Congrats to Our Boys and Girls Track!
Congratulations to both our boys and girls outdoor track teams for a strong showing at the DCIAA Elementary East Challenge meet! Our boys placed second and our girls placed third! Gooooooo Cardinals!