does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blech, seriously?? This is my future kids' school and I was hoping to get out of that "scene", which sounds like my kids' preschool.

NCRC, huh?

Nope. It's a Montessori school.

I bet it's Franklin...BTDT

[Anonymous]

Does this dissipate by later grades? or worsen?

[Anonymous]

I asked the above question, but I guess, the upside is a lot of actively involved parents. I bet it is just one of those things in life that while it might sort of be a real vibe, you can also just do your own thing and it is actually fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know. I ran into a lady at another elementary school recently. I asked her if her child attended that school. She said "No, we're a Janney family". She was nice, but I found that response really bizarre.

What is so weird about that?

It's the school my child attends, not a cult my family belongs to...

If it's just the school your child attends then what do you care about birthday parties and playdates?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know. I ran into a lady at another elementary school recently. I asked her if her child attended that school. She said "No, we're a Janney family". She was nice, but I found that response really bizarre.

What is so weird about that?

It's the school my child attends, not a cult my family belongs to...

If it's just the school your child attends then what do you care about birthday parties and playdates?

I don't. I'm just a random pp who ran into a "Janney mom." I mean, I do, but I am not the one complaining about it at Janney. I don't personally have the same problem as the OP (my kids don't go there). Regardless, I think your point is moot and the two positions are not exclusive.

[Anonymous]

This happens even in Title I schools. Someone always feels left out. I bet if you ask the kids they feel just fine so why not focus on that.... Or buy some damn toe shoes.

[Anonymous]

This happens at SWS too - I wonder if it is just an unfortunate side effect of involved families.

I do think though at SWS, there is a distinctly high school vibe of cliques - where people won't even say hello if you're not in their group.

[Anonymous]

Why do all the "Janney moms" seem to wear those quilted jackets?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do all the "Janney moms" seem to wear those quilted jackets?

Too cold for toe shoes?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[Anonymous]

Not in DC, but I notice that the working parents without much time to contribute and no obvious "hook" such as wealth/connections/personal charm DO have a difficult time making friends. It stands to reason. Same for timid SAHMs.
My children have been in private and public and it's always the same thing.

If you don't make an effort, nothing is going to happen.
You have to put yourself out there, pick out a likely-looking friendly face in the circle you're targeting, and just make overtures.
Hard for me, I'm shy and unwealthy
But you do what you have to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blech, seriously?? This is my future kids' school and I was hoping to get out of that "scene", which sounds like my kids' preschool.

NCRC, huh?

Nope. It's a Montessori school.

I bet it's Franklin...BTDT

Ha! How did you guess? I've never had so many people just look right through me. My husband hates doing drop off bc it's all the yoga moms.

[Anonymous]

My kids went to Franklin, then to Janney.

I don't know... I never really noticed this social scene you are talking about, but then I never really expected the school to be a place where to make friends. I have made a few good friends through my kids however.

I am not rich, neither am I a SAHM. I am not even American. I have always felt very welcome by the other moms (and dads) at Janney.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Not in DC, but I notice that the working parents without much time to contribute and no obvious "hook" such as wealth/connections/personal charm DO have a difficult time making friends. It stands to reason. Same for timid SAHMs.
My children have been in private and public and it's always the same thing.

If you don't make an effort, nothing is going to happen.
You have to put yourself out there, pick out a likely-looking friendly face in the circle you're targeting, and just make overtures.
Hard for me, I'm shy and unwealthy
But you do what you have to do.

This is it exactly. It's very easy to get lost in the crowd and get overlooked at Janney. The popular kids and parents are the ones that are wealthy, insanely energetic, have VIP jobs, or some super charismatic personalities. Pretty much the same characteristics that make people
Popular the world over. The thing with Janney is it's SUCH an insular community. If you're not one if the above you can feel ignored and run over by those seeking to become one of the above or their new BFFs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Blech, seriously?? This is my future kids' school and I was hoping to get out of that "scene", which sounds like my kids' preschool.

NCRC, huh?

Nope. It's a Montessori school.

I bet it's Franklin...BTDT

Ha! How did you guess? I've never had so many people just look right through me. My husband hates doing drop off bc it's all the yoga moms.

Really? My kid is at Franklin now, and I haven't noticed that. There are some friendly and some not friendly, like anywhere. Maybe it depends on what room your child is in? I'm one of the fools who tries to smile or say hi to the familiar faces I see there every week. I do not ever wear yoga pants.

[Anonymous]

There is some of this going on at murch as well. I see it but I honestly can't make myself care enough. I'm a single mom, not wealthy, I work all the time. My weekends are spend on chores and playmates. I don't think I need to be the most popular parent at school. I want my child to make his own friends and I don't necessarily have to be best friends with the parents. I don't plan to run for PTA. Education is important and I'm cordial and will hapily socialize when time permits, but I'm not crying because I'm not in the "in crowd".