Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 17:44     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
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.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 17:42     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Who are the "popular" people popular with? Because I'm a Janney parent and I don't even know who the "it" people are? Does this mean I'm one? Or maybe I'm just too out of it even to know that I'm out of it, so feel better Janney high school second-tier moms, because I must be at least third tier.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 17:24     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
When I first showed up to help with something at Janney, I felt as it I'd better loose 15-20 lbs in a hurry before I showed my face again.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 17:13     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:How does a new family get to be in the "in crowd" at Janney? I'm not asking for myself, but obviously want my DD to have a good social experience. Do you have to volunteer a lot? Be a SAHM with a former "power" job? Is there a look to cultivate? Because everyone pretty much lives in AU Park, I assume there are no distinctions based on geography - right?


I think what helps the most is you have to be attractive and have that "it factor". Dress well, present yourself well, be someone that people think looks "cool". Have natural charisma. Generally be on the younger side of things. Have money and spend it.
Plus you need to have a TON of face time at the school and promote yourself.

Seriously, I'm thinking of who I consider to be the "it" people at Janney and #1 thing (with little exception) is to be attractive. Followed closely by have a very charismatic personality and money.
Pretty much the same things that have made people popular since the 8th grade.

A high powered job will get you somewhere but not really. Not if you're not attractive and really put together. You need to whole package--good looks, cute (generally sporty) kids, charisma, decent clothing, elaborate vacations, nice house, ability to entertain, etc.

That's why it often feels so much like high school all over again. It really does. I've heard this said time and time again from friends at Janney. It's like high school.


Please. I'm not buying this. I'm a mother of two at Janney and I don't see the "beautiful people" controlling anything at Janney. In fact, I seem to remember a DCUM post a few years back focusing on the horrible frumpiness of Janney parents. This person's account is just so foreign to mine that I'm having trouble reconciling what I'm reading with my personal experiences at the school. It's baffling and I can't help but think this high school drama is being played out largely in the PP's head.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 16:49     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

I think what helps the most is you have to be attractive and have that "it factor". Dress well, present yourself well, be someone that people think looks "cool". Have natural charisma. Generally be on the younger side of things. Have money and spend it.
Plus you need to have a TON of face time at the school and promote yourself.

Seriously, I'm thinking of who I consider to be the "it" people at Janney and #1 thing (with little exception) is to be attractive. Followed closely by have a very charismatic personality and money.
Pretty much the same things that have made people popular since the 8th grade.

A high powered job will get you somewhere but not really. Not if you're not attractive and really put together. You need to whole package--good looks, cute (generally sporty) kids, charisma, decent clothing, elaborate vacations, nice house, ability to entertain, etc.

That's why it often feels so much like high school all over again. It really does. I've heard this said time and time again from friends at Janney. It's like high school.


Sounds like someone is feeling unattractive and not very put together.


No. It sounds like someone with keen insight, good powers of observation and a real knowledge of the situation.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 16:35     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Anonymous wrote:

I think what helps the most is you have to be attractive and have that "it factor". Dress well, present yourself well, be someone that people think looks "cool". Have natural charisma. Generally be on the younger side of things. Have money and spend it.
Plus you need to have a TON of face time at the school and promote yourself.

Seriously, I'm thinking of who I consider to be the "it" people at Janney and #1 thing (with little exception) is to be attractive. Followed closely by have a very charismatic personality and money.
Pretty much the same things that have made people popular since the 8th grade.

A high powered job will get you somewhere but not really. Not if you're not attractive and really put together. You need to whole package--good looks, cute (generally sporty) kids, charisma, decent clothing, elaborate vacations, nice house, ability to entertain, etc.

That's why it often feels so much like high school all over again. It really does. I've heard this said time and time again from friends at Janney. It's like high school.


Sounds like someone is feeling unattractive and not very put together.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 16:20     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:How does a new family get to be in the "in crowd" at Janney? I'm not asking for myself, but obviously want my DD to have a good social experience. Do you have to volunteer a lot? Be a SAHM with a former "power" job? Is there a look to cultivate? Because everyone pretty much lives in AU Park, I assume there are no distinctions based on geography - right?


I think what helps the most is you have to be attractive and have that "it factor". Dress well, present yourself well, be someone that people think looks "cool". Have natural charisma. Generally be on the younger side of things. Have money and spend it.
Plus you need to have a TON of face time at the school and promote yourself.

Seriously, I'm thinking of who I consider to be the "it" people at Janney and #1 thing (with little exception) is to be attractive. Followed closely by have a very charismatic personality and money.
Pretty much the same things that have made people popular since the 8th grade.

A high powered job will get you somewhere but not really. Not if you're not attractive and really put together. You need to whole package--good looks, cute (generally sporty) kids, charisma, decent clothing, elaborate vacations, nice house, ability to entertain, etc.

That's why it often feels so much like high school all over again. It really does. I've heard this said time and time again from friends at Janney. It's like high school.


Wow. this is an amazing post.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 16:02     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Janney mom to two here. OMG are there really people who think this way!?!? People are trying to dress a certain way and entertain certain people to get invited to sleepovers?!?! Sheesh. Glad we have lots of friends inside and outside of the school who don't subscribe to this.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 15:42     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
PP again---I wanted to clarify that I'm a Janney parent. So while i say I "hear friends say this", I mean I see it and I see it confirmed by friends.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 15:36     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Anonymous wrote:How does a new family get to be in the "in crowd" at Janney? I'm not asking for myself, but obviously want my DD to have a good social experience. Do you have to volunteer a lot? Be a SAHM with a former "power" job? Is there a look to cultivate? Because everyone pretty much lives in AU Park, I assume there are no distinctions based on geography - right?


I think what helps the most is you have to be attractive and have that "it factor". Dress well, present yourself well, be someone that people think looks "cool". Have natural charisma. Generally be on the younger side of things. Have money and spend it.
Plus you need to have a TON of face time at the school and promote yourself.

Seriously, I'm thinking of who I consider to be the "it" people at Janney and #1 thing (with little exception) is to be attractive. Followed closely by have a very charismatic personality and money.
Pretty much the same things that have made people popular since the 8th grade.

A high powered job will get you somewhere but not really. Not if you're not attractive and really put together. You need to whole package--good looks, cute (generally sporty) kids, charisma, decent clothing, elaborate vacations, nice house, ability to entertain, etc.

That's why it often feels so much like high school all over again. It really does. I've heard this said time and time again from friends at Janney. It's like high school.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 14:56     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Could we just sacrifice every mom who believes there is an "in" crowd that her DC should compete to be part of? It would be a small number of sacrifices, and it really would be for the common good.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 14:48     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Anonymous wrote:How does a new family get to be in the "in crowd" at Janney? I'm not asking for myself, but obviously want my DD to have a good social experience. Do you have to volunteer a lot? Be a SAHM with a former "power" job? Is there a look to cultivate? Because everyone pretty much lives in AU Park, I assume there are no distinctions based on geography - right?


If you have to ask....
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 14:13     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
We are an IB family - not currently attending.

Question: What things does the Principal sway? I have not been in a school where I have seen this and would like to understand what people are talking about as we have considered moving from our current school to Janney.
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 14:10     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
How does a new family get to be in the "in crowd" at Janney? I'm not asking for myself, but obviously want my DD to have a good social experience. Do you have to volunteer a lot? Be a SAHM with a former "power" job? Is there a look to cultivate? Because everyone pretty much lives in AU Park, I assume there are no distinctions based on geography - right?
Anonymous
Post 06/21/2014 14:01     Subject: does anyone else find the social scene at Janney hard to take?
Anonymous wrote:The "we" set aside... I read this differently. If the dd really has always wanted to go to the sleepover. The logical answer is to make friends with the people who always go. Perhaps while trying to create that friendship, she will realize she doesn't actually enjoy these other girls and is fine missing a sleepover with them. On the most basic level - it's a story that has been happening for generations " you're not invited to my birthday party... I'll invite you to the pool if, xyz". And as a parent - you see your kid feelimg left out - you try to fix it. I don't think it's a janney specific issue


But the "we" statement that PP made says it all. It is PP's concern, transferring it to her DD to worry about. Maybe DD couldn't care less about going to the sleepover, except for Mommy feeling exclulded when DD isn't invited. And that of course upsets DD, because she feels like she's failing in some way.