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The Cardinal Connection
January 2nd, 2024
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:
January 3rd: Students return from Winter Break
January 15th: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (DCPS Closed)
January 16th: LSAT Meeting at 4PM
January 16th: PTA General Body Meeting @ 6PM (in person)
January 20th: DC Camp Fair at J.O. Wilson from 10AM-1PM
January 26th: No School for Students...PD/Records Day for Staff
January 29th: Virtual Principal Chat @ 6PM
Happy New Year Cardinal Families!
Happy New Year to our beloved school community!
As we return from winter break, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the warmth, support, and enthusiasm each of you bring to our school family. The past year has been a remarkable journey of learning, growth, and shared experiences that have enriched our lives in countless ways. Our amazing students are the heart of our school, and watching you learn and grow is a joy beyond measure. Our dedicated teachers and staff level of commitment to nurturing and educating our children is the foundation of our success. Their hard work and passion do not go unnoticed. And to our supportive parents and guardians, your involvement and encouragement make all the difference in creating a thriving educational environment.
As we embark on this new year, let's continue to foster a community of inclusiveness, respect, and love for learning. Let's celebrate each other's successes, lend a hand when challenges arise, and build a year filled with laughter, discovery, and achievement. Here's to making 2024 an extraordinary year, filled with new opportunities, unforgettable memories, and the continued growth of our wonderful school family. Welcome back, let's make this year the best one yet!
#STILLSOARING
What's Happening On K Street?
Cardinal Families,
As you are aware there has been some major changes to K Street with the bike lanes now up and running. Please be aware that there will also be an increase in parking enforcement on K Street as result. It's essential to adhere to all parking regulations and guidelines when using this area. Be sure to check for any posted signs regarding parking restrictions and permit requirements. Your cooperation and attention to parking rules are greatly appreciated. See below for the what's happening on K St.
DHS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Greetings Cardinal Family,
We wanted to let you know that the DHS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) application portal opened on January 2, 2024, at 12:00 pm. ERAP helps District residents with incomes that do not exceed 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing housing emergencies, by providing funding for overdue rent if a qualified household is facing eviction (including late costs and court fees). The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent.
DHS will close the portal once 3,500 applications are received. As such, residents seeking emergency rental assistance are highly encouraged to submit applications in a timely manner.
For more details on the ERAP program, please visit DC DHS Rental Assistance Portal
About ERAP
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps District residents earning less than 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing housing emergencies, by providing funding for overdue rent including late fees and court costs if the qualified household is facing eviction. The program also supports security deposits and the first month's rent for residents moving into new apartments. The amount paid on behalf of eligible households depends on a household's income and available resources and is subject to certain limitations.
Per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Rent Reasonableness Guidelines, ERAP may provide up to five times the rental amount based on the area zip code and bedroom size of the apartment/house.
To view eligibility requirements and apply for ERAP, please click the following link: https://erap.dhs.dc.gov
Additional information about ERAP income eligibility and fair market rent in the District is available here.
Support J.O. Wilson While Shopping at Harris Teeter
Link your VIC card to J.O. Wilson through Harris Teeter's Together in Education program. Give your cashier the code 1267 and your VIC card when you check out. As a reminder, you must re-link your rewards card every school year.
Save the Date for the DC Camp Fair!
For everyone thinking about their options for next summer, please save the date for the annual DC Camp Fair, hosted by the J.O. Wilson PTA in partnership with HillRag. It’s your chance to visit camp exhibitors representing a wide variety of summer activities, ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, sports, early childhood, and special interest camps. We get camps from in and around Capitol Hill and the DC-metro area, as well as some representatives from sleep away camps farther afield.
WHAT: DC Camp Fair
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: J.O. Wilson Elementary School
This event is free and open to all; please help spread the word to neighbors and other interested families. We will also need volunteers leading up to and on the day of the event. Volunteer tasks include donating baked goods, setting up, helping camps get checked-in and set-up, welcoming attendees and families, running concessions, etc. If you can help, please sign-up here, or email us DCCampFair@jowilsonpta.org if you have questions!
For information on participating camps, please visit DCCampFair.com. Also, new for this year, we want to formally recognize camps who have generously offered free camp sessions to offer deserving members of our school community. These Cardinal Contributors include: DC Way Soccer Camp, Camp Rim Rock, Theatre Lab, Northeast Stars Montessori, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Pedalheads, and Polite Piggys. (This information will be updated as we continue to process camp registrations in the coming weeks.)
SY23-24 Impact Aid Survey
Cardinal Families,
Your participation in the 23/24 Impact Aid Survey is crucial! Please remember to submit just one survey per child. This survey plays a vital role in helping our district obtain essential federal funding. Your prompt response is greatly appreciated and makes a significant difference. Let’s work together to support our schools. Complete your survey today!" The SY23-24 Impact Aid Survey is available here. The surveys will be fully electronic. Families will have until April 30, 2024, to complete the survey.
Donate to Teachers' Donors Choose Projects
Wondering what to give your scholar's teacher this year? Please help our teachers with the items they need to engage our students in fun and enriching activities. You can give directly to J.O. Wilson teacher projects on Donors Choose.