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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone understands we are about AU Park here, right? in the pecking order of Washingtonian life, 44th and Davenport isn't the pinnacle of society.

I say this as a resident myself of the general area and as member of that very same stratum: we're not at the top of the heap, or even #2-5, frankly. So these observations about "vacations" and "homes for entertaining" and "money -- with a willingness to spend it" sound ... sad and wannabe. I mean, sure, compared to poor Relisha Rudd's family, the average two-earner Janney family with a sparking new family room addition is absolutely killing it. ( Extra points for using HardiPlank and not vinyl on that incongruous addition.). But there's several more layers between these public school families and, I dunno, Society.

No-one is talking about Janney parents' place in DC society at large. That's irrelevant to this conversation. We're simply talking about the microcosm that is Janney elementary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone understands we are about AU Park here, right? in the pecking order of Washingtonian life, 44th and Davenport isn't the pinnacle of society.

I say this as a resident myself of the general area and as member of that very same stratum: we're not at the top of the heap, or even #2-5, frankly. So these observations about "vacations" and "homes for entertaining" and "money -- with a willingness to spend it" sound ... sad and wannabe. I mean, sure, compared to poor Relisha Rudd's family, the average two-earner Janney family with a sparking new family room addition is absolutely killing it. ( Extra points for using HardiPlank and not vinyl on that incongruous addition.). But there's several more layers between these public school families and, I dunno, Society.

LOL. I hope Washingtonian was there to capture all of the movers and shakers attending the 43nd street block party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone understands we are about AU Park here, right? in the pecking order of Washingtonian life, 44th and Davenport isn't the pinnacle of society.

I say this as a resident myself of the general area and as member of that very same stratum: we're not at the top of the heap, or even #2-5, frankly. So these observations about "vacations" and "homes for entertaining" and "money -- with a willingness to spend it" sound ... sad and wannabe. I mean, sure, compared to poor Relisha Rudd's family, the average two-earner Janney family with a sparking new family room addition is absolutely killing it. ( Extra points for using HardiPlank and not vinyl on that incongruous addition.). But there's several more layers between these public school families and, I dunno, Society.

No-one is talking about Janney parents' place in DC society at large. That's irrelevant to this conversation. We're simply talking about the microcosm that is Janney elementary.

Yes and it's absurd. I'm sure that most of the people you've put on your "cool" list have no idea they've received such an exalted designation.

[Anonymous]

As an outsider, I must tell you all that after reading this entire thread, you all sound nuts and here is the rest of my take-away:

1. AU Park is a perfectly LOVELY neighborhood but is by no means the upper echelon of society that some posters are making it out to be.

2. The housing stock is nice but modest at best so the posts of "entertaining" and blah, blah - I'm thinking back yard BBQ's or friends over for cocktails? PERFECTLY NICE AND NORMAL. Be happy and grateful that you live in a nice neighborhood with a nice school! Check - you ain't in Kalorama, sweet pea.

3. I cannot believe that people are giving $3-$4K for parking places and sleep overs at the school - but if it helps the school, have at it, I say!

4. I can't tell based on all of the craziness if the OP is insecure (maybe a little, sorry, OP - I would not let them bother me FWIW), if there are a lot of mean mommies (sounds like a lot), a mix of some normal people (which seem to be the minority).

THIS IS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL?!?!?!?

I've always viewed Janney as a NORMAL middle class school. But thanks for the entertainment. I feel like I just read the AU Park wanna be version of "Heathers." You ARE all ADULT women, correct? This thread has not been hijacked by the students?

Truly charming. Thankfully, I own a Barbour, but I will never own toe shoes!

[Anonymous]

What are toe shoes? (I ask in all seriousness) I haven't heard that term since my ballet school days.

[Anonymous]

Outsider to Janney here as well, but I've had multiple children play on sports teams against Janney teams and have found the parents to be perfectly nice and normal every time. After a few years of this, most parents are familiar faces and we usually say hi and talk pleasantries.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone understands we are about AU Park here, right? in the pecking order of Washingtonian life, 44th and Davenport isn't the pinnacle of society.

I say this as a resident myself of the general area and as member of that very same stratum: we're not at the top of the heap, or even #2-5, frankly. So these observations about "vacations" and "homes for entertaining" and "money -- with a willingness to spend it" sound ... sad and wannabe. I mean, sure, compared to poor Relisha Rudd's family, the average two-earner Janney family with a sparking new family room addition is absolutely killing it. ( Extra points for using HardiPlank and not vinyl on that incongruous addition.). But there's several more layers between these public school families and, I dunno, Society.

No-one is talking about Janney parents' place in DC society at large. That's irrelevant to this conversation. We're simply talking about the microcosm that is Janney elementary.

I understand that, but from reportage, it sounds as it some of the clique DO see themselves as really special and set apart. And more than one PP has described this group in inadvertent awestruck terms as if, again, the It girls possess specialness. Compared to what? AU park is one big homogenous party of similar red brick homes inhabited by adults with similar jobs, similar incomes, and similar cars. I think they must see themselves ranking above their own set. It's social dynamics 101

[Anonymous]

"Who are the "popular" people popular with? Because I'm a Janney parent and I don't even know who the "it" people are?"

Sure you do - they're the ones with 2-3 kids, all involved in the most selective activities (newspaper, student council, basketball team, etc.), and whose names are featured prominently on the PTA roster and who seem to be at every event. However, contrary to PP, most are not that attractive or dress that well (unless you believe yoga gear is well-dressed),

[Anonymous]

Can someone respond to the PP who asked what being "in" with the principal "gets" them?

As someone who is IB for janney (but doesn't get attend) this thread is really gross. Like a lot of ppl who wanted their kids to go private but are instead creating that feeling of exclusivity at a DCPS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can someone respond to the PP who asked what being "in" with the principal "gets" them?

As someone who is IB for janney (but doesn't get attend) this thread is really gross. Like a lot of ppl who wanted their kids to go private but are instead creating that feeling of exclusivity at a DCPS?

Bingo.

[Anonymous]

No one in au park thinks they're high society. And anyone that wants to go private does... for middle or high school. Most people wouldn't be caught dead living in spring valley... They like au because it is a little more low key. Whomever started this thread is one of a handful if insecure people who's reading way too much into school dynamics. Take a chill pill everyone.

[Anonymous]

The people who are worried about the popular crowd are rather pathetic. Here's the deal. There are more than 600 kids at Janney. Figure about 300 sets of parents. The vast majority wear fleeces and danskos and toe shoes, and are not now nor would they have been in high school part of the "popular" crowd. A handful of nouveau-AU Parkers with kids at Janney may be rich and (less likely, but still possible) good looking. Maybe they hang out together. But guess what, frustrated PPs? The rest of us don't even know who they are. If they are "popular," it's with themselves, and there are very few of themselves, and with you. The vast majority of Janney parents haven't so much as noticed such people, and if they did, it would be to ever so casually scorn them. If YOU are envious or otherwise unnerved by them, whoever they are, it's your thing. Own it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The people who are worried about the popular crowd are rather pathetic. Here's the deal. There are more than 600 kids at Janney. Figure about 300 sets of parents. The vast majority wear fleeces and danskos and toe shoes, and are not now nor would they have been in high school part of the "popular" crowd. A handful of nouveau-AU Parkers with kids at Janney may be rich and (less likely, but still possible) good looking. Maybe they hang out together. But guess what, frustrated PPs? The rest of us don't even know who they are. If they are "popular," it's with themselves, and there are very few of themselves, and with you. The vast majority of Janney parents haven't so much as noticed such people, and if they did, it would be to ever so casually scorn them. If YOU are envious or otherwise unnerved by them, whoever they are, it's your thing. Own it.

This is the poster who got beat up for encouraging my daughter to become friends with one of the sleepover kids. I have a few thoughts:
- my therapist appointment this week will be entirely driven by our mean and snarky responses. Nice job being neighborly!
- we all could lose a few pounds but some of you have nothing better to do but compare women's figures. I lost weight and found that I had a little more sway over my hubby (tee hee! ) and felt a little better about myself, not to compare myself to the "In" crowd.
- I have reconsidered whether to even participate in the sleepover even if I win this year. It doesn't seem right to make it so exclusive. I'd rather do something that the whole class can enjoy like an ice cream night or a zoo trip. That would allow me and my kid to join in without worrying about getting in with the right group.

[Anonymous]

The beautiful people and Heathers references are a bit confusing. Particularly in light of the "eye candy" posts many months ago complaining that Janney parents tend to be older and as a result less attractive than parents in other parts of the city. For new comers this is where the toe shoes reference comes from (and it isn't ballet).

Much of the Janney neighborhood is in many ways suburban looking with homes that are modest and indistinguishable from each other. Most of these homes are also hover around $800,000, which is also a bit high for this style of home and location -- simple colonial with about 3 small bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, and not necessarily close to the Metro. Some of the older homes may be larger and more architecturally interesting, but you are essentially paying a small premium to be in bounds. Some parents get frustrated with the quality of the homes, you can also see those posts on DCUM as well. I would have to agree with them that many parts of the neighborhood are very quintessentially 50s and not at all in a good way.

Janney is the highest-performing elementary school in the city, has a lovely facility and an amazing principal. The parents advocate for their school as a group which is incredible to watch. I think some active parents in other schools have strong leaders, but the sense of collective work is much less strong. This may make Janney seem clubby because these active parents who are a critical mass that might seem like a clique, because they are all pulling their weight. No one person -- or small group of less than 10 -- is doing the lions share of the work.

Instead of criticizing Janney parents we should learn from them. We should also be thankful to them for bringing this same dynamic and desire to improve schools with their children who now attend Deal and Wilson.

Signed a non-Janney parent, and not in bounds for Janney

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can someone respond to the PP who asked what being "in" with the principal "gets" them?

As someone who is IB for janney (but doesn't get attend) this thread is really gross. Like a lot of ppl who wanted their kids to go private but are instead creating that feeling of exclusivity at a DCPS?

My kids don't go to Janney, but we know quite a few Janney families. I do get a weird HS vibe when I hear the moms talk about each other, but my guess is that 'tho the popular moms may get a lot more face time with the principal, it means nothing. I used to be a SAHM and had lots of time to volunteer in our kids' school, so I knew the principal too. At our school, this would get you no special treatment whatsoever, which is as it should be IMHO. After I went back to work (p/t), I'd hear other WOHM complain that the SAHMs' kids got all kinds of advantages, but nobody could ever cite a single example. What you do get if you volunteer a lot is information, which might be helpful to your kids, but that's not the same thing as preferential treatment.