The Janus School secures largest individual gift in school history

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The Janus School in Mount Joy secured a $1 million gift from Samuel and Dena Lombardo, the largest in school history, supporting campus enhancements and financial aid.

South-Central Pennsylvania‘s only independent K-12 day-school dedicated to the educational needs of students with learning differences, The Janus School surpassed its $3.5 million goal for the “Squares to Circles” capital campaign. The milestone was made possible in part by the Lombardo’s gift. 

“This milestone reflects the strength and belief of the entire Janus community,” Head of School Heather Strunk said in a statement. “Every gift represents a shared commitment to our students and to an educational approach that meets children with learning differences where they are and, through individualized instruction, small class environments, and meaningful skill-building, helps them grow into who they’re meant to be. We are incredibly grateful to the Lombardos and to all who have made this moment possible.” 

Since the “Squares to Circles” capital campaign launched in 2022 to reimagine campus spaces and expand resources that directly support students with learning differences, it has raised over $3.6 million from over 50 donors. According to a release, the momentum is continuing toward a $3.7 million stretch goal focused on growing the Jan Gillespie Fund for Educational Excellence, which honors the lasting impact of a long-serving former Janus Head of School. 

The Lombardos’ leadership gift will support immediate campus enhancements and long-term sustainability. Per the release, half of the contribution will support planned improvements to the school’s front entrance, one of the key priorities of the Squares to Circles capital campaign, which aims to create a more welcoming, safe, and accessible experience for students, families, and visitors. 

The remaining $500,000 will establish the Samuel and Dena Lombardo Fund for Janus Students & Teachers, an endowed fund designed to provide lasting support for financial aid, as well as enhanced faculty compensation and professional development. In honor of the Lombardos’ gift, The Janus School will name the newly constructed front entrance “The Samuel & Dena Lombardo Welcome Plaza”, as a tribute to their generosity. 

The impact of the gift, and the campaign, was celebrated during the school’s annual Raising Spirits gala, where the Lombardos were recognized. 

“We believe our community is blessed to have an educational system like The Janus School to represent our children who need help with their learning disabilities,” said Dena Lombardo. 

“I wish The Janus School would have been around for me when I was a young student with ADHD,” said Samuel Lombardo.  “Unfortunately, our education system was unaware of the learning challenges many children like me faced. But today we have The Janus School, and we are proud to be involved to help deliver education like no other in our community.” 

Groundbreaking is anticipated in June, with construction expected to be completed in mid- to late-September. 

“On behalf of Carrie Hill, our Campaign Chair, myself and fellow campaign Co-Vice Chairs Ed Motter and Bobby Brandt, I want to express our deep gratitude to the many donors, families, and friends who made this milestone possible,” said Lisa Hershey, chair of the Janus Board of Trustees and Campaign Co-Vice Chair. “This campaign has been a true collective effort, and it reflects the strength of a community that believes deeply in the potential of every Janus student and the power of expanding access and support to more families around the region.” 

The Janus School serves students in grades K-12 diagnosed with a language- or math-based learning disability, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD Level 1), executive function difficulties, nonverbal learning disorder, or auditory processing disorder. It is accredited by the Middle States Association and the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. 

“At The Janus School, creating a community where people feel both safe and valued is central to who we are. This new entrance strengthens our ability to protect our students, families, faculty, staff, and visitors while ensuring that everyone feels welcomed from the moment they arrive,” Strunk said. “It’s not just about buildings; it’s about building confidence, connection, and opportunity for every student who walks through our doors. We are deeply grateful to every donor who helped make these goals a reality.”