The January 13, 2026 Newsletter

Dear Janney Families,

As we move into our second week of the new year, it has been a positive return to school. Our students are reconnecting with friends, settling back into routines, reengaging in learning, and it has been a pleasure to see classrooms feeling calm, focused, and full of energy once again.

This time of year also brings an increase in seasonal illnesses. We ask for your partnership in helping keep our community well by encouraging frequent handwashing, supporting healthy habits at home, and keeping students home when they have a fever or are not feeling well. These shared efforts help protect students and staff and reflect our care for one another.

We are also in the midst of MOY (middle of the year) testing. These check-ins help teachers understand what students know, how they are progressing academically, and where additional support may be helpful. While assessments are just one piece of the learning picture, they provide valuable information that allows teachers to tailor instruction and respond to students’ needs. For families who would like to learn more about the major assessments used across DCPS, you can find an overview here.

Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for two upcoming opportunities to partner with us:

• Math Night for Families (Grades 3–5) on January 27, 2026, at 6:00pm

• Literacy Night for Families (Grades K-5) on February 17, 2026, at 6:00pm

Both events are designed to strengthen home–school connections and provide families with insight into how we support learning at Janney.

As we continue the year, we are grounding our work in our core value of Community—taking care of one another, staying connected, and working together to support our students’ success.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Principal Singh

Jan. 13, 6:30PM | 5th Grade Musical Parent Meeting via TEAMS Link

Jan. 14 | Panera Fundraiser (Online orders all day: FUND4U promo code, 4-8pm in-store)
Jan. 15 | Bingo Night

Jan. 20 | Annual Auction Early Bird Tickets available online

Jan. 21, 9:15am | Spelling Bee

Jan. 27, 6pm | Math Content Night for 3rd, 4th, 5th Grade Parents

Jan. 28 | Silver and Sons Fundraiser

Feb. 9 | Clubs/ Teams/ Groups Photo Day

Feb. 17 | Literacy Night

Feb. 20 | Talent Show

Feb. 23 - Mar. 8 | Read-a-thon

Mar. 4-5 | Ledo Pizza Fundraiser

Mar. 11 | Movie Night
Mar. 26 | Class Photo Day

Mar. 28, 6:30pm | Janney Auction- SAVE THE DATE

Apr. 24 | International Night
May 13 | 5th Grade Panoramic Photo Day

June 5 | Spring Picnic

Do you have a rising PK4 student ready to become a Janney Jaguar for the 2026–27 school year? Be sure to submit a lottery application through MySchoolDC, as all Janney PK4 seats are filled via the lottery. Don’t forget to select sibling preference if you have a Jaguar currently in grades PK-4th.

There are so many ways to support Janney, and one of our favorites continues to be Dining Out with Janney. Throughout the year, the Janney PTA partners with neighborhood restaurants to host Dining Out fundraisers. Whether you choose to dine in or order takeout, it’s an easy and fun way to give back.

Thanks to this incredible community, we’ve raised more than $2,600 this year to support our school through Dining Out events alone!

But beyond the funds raised, one of the things we’ve loved most is hearing about all the unexpected moments of connection: families running into one another at local restaurants, students spotting classmates, and neighbors sharing a meal together. It’s been a simple but meaningful way to strengthen our Janney community while supporting both our school and local businesses.

A heartfelt thank you to Matthew Davis for leading this effort. His dedication, organization, and care for our school have helped make Dining Out such a success, and we are incredibly grateful.

Upcoming Dining Out Opportunities

Jan. 14 | Panera Fundraiser

Online orders all day with promo code FUND4U; in-store from 4–8 pm

Jan. 28 | Silver and Sons Fundraiser

Mar. 4–5 | Ledo Pizza Fundraiser

We hope to see you out and about!

Anita Siegfriedt and Jackie Ross

PTA Co-Presidents

Mark your calendars for the Panera Fundraiser (4501 Wisconsin Avenue NW) on Wednesday, January 14th! Whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or a work-from-home lunch, you can support us all day by using promo code FUND4U for online orders. If you're stopping by the store in person between 4–8 PM, simply show the flyer on your phone at checkout. It’s an easy (and delicious) way to give back!

The fun is back and better than ever! On Thursday, January 15th from 6-8PM, join your Janney friends for a fun night and the chance to win prizes! BINGO cards, drinks, snacks and a limited amount of pizza by the slice will be available for purchase during the event. All proceeds go to the PTA.

⏰ Save time and order ahead: Pre-order your BINGO cards ($5 each) and pizza ($20 for large cheese or pepperoni). Deadline for pre-ordering is 6pm on January 14th.

🤝 We need volunteers! Please consider helping set-up, handling concessions and BINGO card sales or cleaning up. Check out the available volunteer slots here. We can’t make the magic happen without you!

Audition Submissions Now Open!

Janney’s Talent Show is coming up Friday, February 20th — and audition video submissions are now open!

Audition Videos Due: Monday, February 10 at 8:00 PM

Submit your child's audition video here

• Solo acts: max 90 seconds

• Group acts: max 4 minutes (groups max 5 students)

• Please name your file Grade + Teacher + Child Name (example: 4Q–LissyMelia.mp4)

Families will receive an email on Tuesday, February 11 confirming participation details and next steps.

To help the show run smoothly, families with participating students will be asked to sign up for a 10–30 minute volunteer shift (either in advance or on the day of the event).

More event details coming soon. In the meantime, please email here with any questions.

janneytalentshow@gmail.com

In case you haven't heard, the 2026 Janney Auction is happening on March 28th at 6:30pm! For more info, check out the auction website and Auction 101, which will answer many of your questions!

We are excited to announce two new additions to the Auction this year!

1. Help Generosity Take Root: Buy a Patron Ticket. On sale THIS Friday, January 16th, buy a patron ticket for $200. This generous action provides you access to the Auction for the early-bird price ($100) while donating a 100% tax-deductible donation in the amount of $100 to Janney Elementary. In addition to a tax write-off, a warm-fuzzy feeling, and bragging rights, you'll also be invited to join all Patrons at a thank you reception on Friday, February 27, at 7:00 p.m.

2. Step into an Enchanted Hideaway: Get Special Access to the Vine & Barrel Tasting Room. Enjoy a tasting of premium whiskeys with a spirits expert. This experience provides access to the Vine & Barrel tasting room and five tasting pours and can be easily added on to your Auction ticket at check out for just $50. Join fellow Janney whiskey lovers in an enchanting journey sure to warm your spirits!

Want to help with the Auction, but don't know where to begin? Here are some easy ways to get started:

1. Donate brown packing paper from your Amazon packages to help students create beautiful decorations for the event. A labeled collection box is waiting for you at Janney’s front door.

2. Volunteer your time to the decor team and cut leaves out of cardstock to help us build our canopy! Email Libby Deal to pick up materials, including leaf templates.

While Patron tickets are available on Friday, January 16; Early Bird Tickets ($100) open up for sale starting January 20, 2025 on the Auction website. Expect more details on the AUCTION and how to get involved soon! In the meantime, if you have any questions or ideas for how you could support, email auction@janneyschool.org.

Janney+ is gathering family feedback to help us strengthen our programs and plan for an even better 2026. Our Family Survey takes less than 10 minutes, and your insights truly shape the future of Janney+. Take Survey Here

All participants will be entered into a raffle to win a free enrichment class in the Spring!

Join a beloved Janney tradition! Save the date for the 5th Grade Musical Parent Meeting: Tuesday, January 13th at 6:30 PM via Teams. Join Anna Jordan, Director; David Ifill, Musical Director; and Tiken Savang, Assistant Director from the comfort of your home. Volunteer necessities will also be discussed -- preview opportunities here.

We are seeking volunteers to help bring the 5th Grade Musical to life this May. You don’t need to be a 5th-grade parent to get involved. We are currently looking for:

• Producer: Serve as the right-hand to the Director (Ms. Jordan). Responsibilities include parent/vendor liaison, set coordination, and backstage management. (Rehearsal attendance is flexible).

• Grant Writer: Help us secure funding for permanent lighting and sound equipment via DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities (CAH) grants.

Ready to help? 👉 Contact Jackie Ross to learn more!

Join Janney students and parents on Friday mornings for a fun bike bus to school! Kids on parents' bikes and kids that can bike independently are welcome to join. The group leaves 48th and Davenport at 8:20 am sharp and travels together to Janney. Join our Janney Bike Bus WhatsApp group for updates and info.

🚌 Field Trip Fees | Field trips are an integral part of your child's learning experiences that align with each grade’s curriculum. The field trip fee includes not only the high cost of transportation, out-of-school programs and logistics, but also some assemblies that occur at Janney. Whenever possible, Janney takes advantage of free events, applies for grants, and uses creative ways to reduce the costs of these opportunities. Pay the Field Trip Fee.

👪 Chaperones | DCPS requires chaperones to complete a volunteer clearance application, after which you will receive an email with background check instructions. Fingerprinting is also required as part of the process but this can now be done remotely with instructions. DCPS Volunteer Clearance 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.

🎨 The Art Room | The Art Teacher is collecting hardcover book jackets all year round for the newly opened Collage Center in the art room, bring them in and put them to good use!

👕 Lost & Found | Our Lost & Found is bursting with jackets, water bottles, lunch boxes, and more-- most of them unlabeled! Please come fetch before they're carted away for donations.

Check out our Weekly Mental Load Helper! Stay on top of Janney activities by reading our weekly newsletter and following janneyelementary on Instagram!

Do your little Janney Jaguars say the funniest, silliest, or most profound things? Don't let those gems be heard only by the Janney chickens (or just you)! Share these memorable moments with the whole community! Submit elementary school-appropriate quotes from your kids here. All contributions are posted anonymously. 👇

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