J Sonder

>> With D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson expected to finalize a plan to close up to 20 schools later this month, parents have been organizing and submitting plans to improve their schools in hopes of keeping them open, writes the Post. Parents at Garrison Elementary in Logan Circle and Francis-Stevens in the West End have said that they will work to attract new students, while parents at Kenilworth Elementary in Ward 7 want to add office space for community groups and a recreation center to the school. Henderson is expected to submit a final list in mid-January.

>> The sale of many of Metro’s passes plummeted in 2012, likely a result of a mid-year increase in fares, reports the Examiner. Sales of one-day paper farecards and seven-day SmarTrip cards dropped most dramatically—49 and 44 percent, respectively—while only seven-day paper passes saw an increase. Generally speaking, Metro ridership was down last year.

>> If you hate junk mail and live in Arlington or Montgomery County, you may soon be able to stem the tide of crap clogging your mailbox. WJLA reports that both jurisdictions have entered into a partnership with an organization that allows people to sign up for a do-not-mail list, thus stopping unwanted mail from coming through.

Briefly Noted: D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier temporarily closed 15 bars after violent incidents last year … One woman stabbed by man on Metrobus early yesterday … The Dulles Toll Road got more expensive yesterday … Former GWU president passes away … MPD officer fights D.C. speed cameras.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2012, Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-At Large) angered the city’s cyclists. In 2011, we looked back at the United Brick Corporation Complex.