Jowonio School

Classroom Spotlight: Bumblebee Room🐝
Team: Margaret, Rebecca J., Rebecca L., Laila, & Shata

This year in the Bumblebee Room, we talked a lot about how everyone uses different tools to help them grow, play, communicate, and feel safe. From wheels and headphones to chewies, AAC devices, and G-tubes, we had so many meaningful conversations about the supports people use every day and how those differences help make our community stronger.

We practiced identifying feelings, calming our bodies with belly breathing, and helping take care of one another. The Bumblebees showed so much teamwork, patience, and acceptance this year.

We also explored through sensory play and “Try Me” foods! While broccoli wasn’t a favorite, lemons definitely were. 🍋 Alongside all of that learning, we watched baby chicks hatch right in our classroom. 🐣

Team Spotlight: Secret Garden🌸
Team: Kristy, Michelle, Nicole, Ben, Lindsey, Kristen, Katie, Sara, Katherine, & Lisa

Jowonio’s physical and occupational therapists use play to build sensory and motor skills. We know play is the work of childhood and how people learn to understand and use their bodies. We join kids in their interests and add in just right challenges to develop new skills. Crawling, carrying, balancing, catching, climbing, making, and creating ensure that we grow together every day in our Secret Garden therapy room.

Classroom Spotlight: Butterfly Room🦋
Team: Amanda, Shannon T., Shannon F., Kelly, & Jahmerious

The Butterfly Room spent this year moving FAST. Whether we were running through outdoor spaces, racing around Trike Town, pretending to be superheroes, or heading out on adventures together, this group brought so much energy and excitement to every day.

Spider-Man was a classroom favorite, and dramatic play was always in full swing. We visited the fire station and police station, explored the zoo and Little Ray’s Nature Center, and loved hearing from two classroom parents about their work as police officers.

Most of all, this group built such genuine friendships with one another. The Butterfly Room was full of movement, imagination, laughter, and connection all year long. 🦋

Check out all that we've been up to in our most recent newsletter!

Read the whole newsletter here:
https://jowonio.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Spring-2026-Newsletter.pdf

Jowonio is hiring a Special Education Preschool Lead Teacher!

We know our community understands what makes Jowonio special - joyful classrooms, inclusive learning, creative educators, and a deep belief that every child belongs. We’re looking for someone who shares those values and wants to be part of a collaborative, mission-driven school community.

If you or someone you know might be a good fit, we’d love for you to take a look and share widely within your networks.

Learn more and apply here:
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=27a2be2d7095c420&from=shareddesktop_copy

Come join our team! We're hiring for a variety of positions - to learn more or to apply visit our Indeed page at https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Jowonio-School-1/jobs

Join us for a fun summer evening at Harvey's Garden on Monday, June 15th from 4:30-7:30 pm! Enjoy live local music, great food, drinks, and a relaxed community atmosphere — all while supporting Jowonio.

Harvey’s Garden will donate 30% of drink sales from the evening to Jowonio. There will also be a food truck from Rosalie's Cruisin Cucina and a small raffle.

While Harvey’s Garden is a beer garden, it’s also very family-friendly and laid back — kids are welcome! This is an open community event, so no RSVP is needed. Stop by whenever you can and stay as long as you’d like. We’d love to see you there!

Our friends at GiGi's Playhouse are looking for support! For those who might not know, GiGi's Playhouse is a free Down Syndrome Achievement Center providing purposeful programs, resources, and support.

Feel free to check out their website at https://gigisplayhouse.org/syracuse/ for more information about their programs, or to view this news story https://www.localsyr.com/video/syracuse-nonprofit-gigis-playhouse-seeking-donations/11789499/

GiGi's Playhouse Syracuse | Down Syndrome Achievement Center GiGi's Playhouse Syracuse in New York provides programming & support for individuals with Down syndrome & their families. Learn more today!

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible teachers and staff here at Jowonio. Thank you for the care, creativity, patience, and dedication you bring to our children and community each and every day. Your work makes Jowonio the special place it is, and we are so grateful for all that you do. ❤️

A huge thank you as well to our amazing Staff Appreciation Committee, parent and grandparent volunteers, and the entire Jowonio community for your incredible generosity throughout the week. Your donations of time, treasure, talent, treats, gifts, and thoughtful touches made this Staff Appreciation Week truly special. The outpouring of appreciation and support reflects the strength and care of our community, and it is truly a joy and privilege to spend our days with your children.

Thank you all for helping make Jowonio such a joyful and nurturing place to learn, grow, and belong. 💛

Thank you to Otto Orange for coming to visit us last week! The Sunflower and Ocean rooms had a blast playing with you. 🧡