School News - Jowonio School

Volume 19, Issue 4
March 2016
Director’s Report
When children of many abilities and cultures are engaged together in a classroom, we get to see
their unique gifts as well as their needs. Our teachers and therapists plan for the developmental expectations of the whole group. As they design classroom environments and programming to address
multiple intelligences and learning styles, every student benefits from exposure to these strategies.
We hope that, as Paula Kluth says, we can “inspire people to think differently about ability.” Children at Jowonio experience the company and friendship of a wide range of peers. They learn to
communicate with each other, non-verbally, through gestures and signs, in languages other than
English, in play, in visuals, and by exploring materials together. Communication is a most important goal: understanding the spoken, written and behavioral language of others; being able to
describe one’s own needs and wishes; and interacting socially with adults and peers.
I want Jowonio to be a place where we create a diverse community in which everyone is valued and
the children see this. Teachers model how to take the perspective of others, as they talk about the
day-to-day life events in the classroom. The nurturing presence of adults is the lesson; when the
grown-ups express concern about people in distress and demonstrate the initiative to help, we are
setting a powerful example of what it means to be a member of a caring community. We practice
conflict resolution strategies, where each child can express their needs and also take into account
the needs of others. As adults we should, as Alfie Kohn says, “promote a disposition of wanting to
know how others are feeling”, “to develop the habit of seeing more deeply into others.”
School News
Our children are living in a multi-cultural world where the distance between nations and cultures
are decreased and the needs for bridges increased. We want Jowonio students to be comfortable
with differences and be willing to approach others with empathy, kindness, and respect. We want
them to be comfortable when meeting peers and adults who may look, speak, and act in different
ways. We hope they will be kind and tolerant and find in themselves an openness and interest in
others. We have the opportunity in our classrooms and homes to help make this happen.
Ellen
Save the Date
3/13
Daylight Savings Time Begins
3/25
Good Friday—No school
3/30
Jowonio Spring Follies
4/7
Special Needs Resource Fair
4/15
“We All Belong Together: Inclusive programming for Young Children” A conference at
SUNY Cortland, presented by Jowonio staff
4/25-4/29
Spring Break—No School
Spring Follies
Join us on March 30th at 6:30 p.m. for our annual Jowonio Spring Follies at Nottingham High School (across the street
from our building). The children from each classroom (even the little ones) perform a favorite song, dance or skit on the
stage. It is really amazing that preschoolers rise to the occasion and come up on stage before 200+ audience members!
It is a joyous event and is a chance to see the marvelous rainbow of students who make up our school. Plan to be on
time to get a parking place and be sure your family doesn’t miss any of the show.
Fall Enrollment
While we are in the midst of winter, we are already touring families for the fall 2016 school year. Most of our children
attend Jowonio for two years, so we have turnover for about 50% of our students each year. Once our current families
have let us know their plans, we can identify the openings we have. It is important that parents take a tour of the school,
to see our classrooms in action, and to assess whether it is a match for their values and their child’s needs. A visit gives
us a chance to talk about our approach and to meet each boy or girl, and observe their interests and interactions in the
classrooms.
As we get closer to full enrollment and classroom assignments (usually June and July), we try to plan classrooms so that
there is balance…boys and girls, children learning English, those receiving special services, friendships among returning
peers, parent preference. As you think about any changes for your child (e.g. length of day, number of days), we are happy to talk with you about the different rooms and their “personalities”, as well as openings that we may or may not have.
For example, we limit the number of part-week slots in each classroom. According to our Parent Report Card last June,
many of our students came to us through “word-of-mouth” from current or past parents. If you feel good about Jowonio,
we encourage you to recommend the school to others. Families can call Niki Coller (445-4010 x107) to set up a tour for
your typical preschooler and call Emily Vercelloni if your child receives any special education or therapy services (4454010 x 149).
Shelter in Place
While some emergencies, such as a fire, require people exiting from the building, there are some situations that require a
lock down or “Shelter in Place”. In the case of a threatening intruder, severe weather or rabid animal sighting, teaching
staff will be alerted through the speaker system. They will lock all the children in their classroom, group everyone safely in the bathroom (away from windows), until notified by the office that the situation is safe. As we have regular fire
drills, we will have several “Shelter in Place” drills each year. As we do not want to frighten the children, we will refer
to this as a “Safety Drill”.
ORANGESEEDS
On Saturday, April 16 from 11am to 2pm ORANGESEEDS, a
First-Year Leadership and Empowerment Program at Syracuse
University will be coming to Jowonio School to help us out with
our Earth Day event. Each year, ORANGESEEDS puts on the
largest student day of community service at SU, this year known
as "The Big Event."
Parents and Staff please join us as we work on spreading new
sand on the playground, clearing old brush, and getting our
grounds ready Spring!
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S C H O O L NE W S
Staff Notes
Several new teachers and therapists have joined our staff in the new year. We have two new speech therapists: Katie
Boyce and Megan Dressel. In addition new teaching staff have joined us in our classrooms, including Desiree Tyfair
(Waterfall Room), Amanda Petrick (Star Room), Ellen Gottuso (Dragonfly Room), and Chelsey Crosby (Ocean Room).
In April Almedina Grabovica from the Sunflower Room will be leaving us to get married and move to Rochester; Mary
Davis will be joining the team in her place.
We also have a number of new undergraduate and graduate interns in early childhood and special education programs at
Syracuse University, Lemoyne College, Onondaga Community College, and Cazenovia College. A number of the graduate students in the S.U. early childhood special education program are participating in classrooms and with our evaluation team. In addition we have occupational and physical therapy interns working with our Secret Garden team.
Board Notes
Ann Marie Myers, President
The Jowonio School Board would like to thank David Tyler for his leadership as Board President. He continues to sit on the
Board, but his years of oversight and direction are much appreciated. We also are grateful for the time and energy contributed by 2015 Board members Shena Ashley, Dean DiPilato, Jennifer Kelley, and Mei Ouyang, all of whom have moved on to
other efforts. The officers this year are Ann Marie Myers, President; Jennifer Abdella, Vice-President; Katie May, Secretary; and Tricia Sherwood, Treasurer. In addition we are happy to welcome several new members: Luke Gasowski , John
Nichols, Ralph Simone and Kevin Tampone. All have either current or historic ties to Jowonio.
The Board has been busy on a number of projects, including a review of the school’s Strategic Plan. The Fund Development
Committee, chaired by David Beach, is exploring ways to diversify our funding including with a Planned Giving initiative,
so that Jowonio can continue to provide an excellent experience to children and families long into the future.
The Board has also been hard at work on Jowonio’s major annual fundraiser, Celebrate Jowonio (formerly known as
Friends, Flowers and All That Jazz) which will be held on Wednesday, May 11th at 5:30 p.m. at the Stickley, Audi & Co.
Showroom at Towne Center in Fayetteville. We encourage all parents to take advantage of this year’s Special Parent Ticket
Rate of $25 per person. Tickets will be available at the Front Desk.
This is a great event, with excellent food from a variety of popular vendors, a cash bar, live music, a Silent Auction, exciting
raffles, and compelling speakers sharing their Jowonio stories. We hope that you join us and also help make this event a success. Here are a few of the opportunities:

Purchase tickets and attend and invite friends or family members to come with you.

Contribute to your classroom’s raffle basket.

Approach your employer about sponsoring the event or placing an ad in the program.

Make a donation to the Raffle or Silent Auction.
If you are interested in volunteering for Celebrate Jowonio, please email your name and phone number to Sophia Meskos at
sophia.meskos@jowonio.org. We hope to see you all there! Please call Jowonio with any questions you have @ 315-4454010.
In Memory
Two members of Jowonio’s early community have died recently and our thoughts are with their families.
Betsy Fuller, preschool teacher and storyteller, worked at Jowonio in the 1980’s and then again in the Kangaroo Room
after she retired from the Syracuse City School District. Betsy’s daughter Ellen was Jowonio office manager at one
point and Betsy’s grandchild Alicia Rouault is a Jowonio grad. Donations in Betsy’s name can be made to Jowonio.
Dani Riposo and her husband Jim Sicherman are the parents of nine…five Riposos (Tony, Laura, Karen, Tracy, and
Amy) and four Sichermans (Jon, Andrew, Aaron and Jessica). They were part of the group of families that started
Jowonio in the early 1970s. Dani taught dance, NIA, and yoga for many years at her studio in Nelson, N.Y. and fitness
at Cazenovia College.
VOLUME 19, ISSUE 4
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Surviving the Last of Winter
There are so many ways to brighten up these months, as we wait for spring, but tolerate the cold and changeable precipitation that is the hallmark weather of our central New York region. Learning to love the outdoors in winter (sledding,
skiing, skating, hiking) is a place to start. But remember there are lots of indoor events that can bring joy even when it’s
cold outside.

Bring flowers into your house and grow your own, by forcing bulbs (narcissus, crocus,
amaryllis) and starting seeds for spring planting

Listen to music that reminds you of summer (Beach Boys?)

Fill your house with the smells of homemade soup and baked bread
 Create a Beach Day (floodlights, bathing suits, suntan lotion, pools or sand boxes)
 Put out food for the birds and squirrels in your yard (including strings of popcorn and
cranberries) and watch them enjoy the feast

Curl up and read a great novel or have a movie night, with popcorn and good company

Plan your warm weather vacation months ahead

Go to the garden shows at the State Fair Grounds and OCC
Health Notes: Safe Sledding
Parents can’t crash-proof their children, but they can take important safety precautions regarding sledding. Injuries that
can occur during sledding depend on the sled, the slope and the rider. Head, neck and facial injuries are common when
children ride head-first; they can also catch their hands and fingers under the runners and they can be vulnerable to spinal damage if they fall off. To avoid sledding injuries, follow these tips to keep your child safe.






Make sure children know that sledding can be dangerous.
Encourage riders to lie on their backs and go feet first or sit face forward.
A classic steerable runner sled is safer than toboggans, inner tubes or plastic saucers.
Check the terrain to be sure the slope is gentle, clear of obstacles and doesn’t end near a road.
Have the child wear a helmet when sledding.
Bundle kids up as they are susceptible to hypothermia, and be sure they have regular water breaks.
Kid Books for Winter
Page 4
The Snowy Day
Ezra Jack Keats
First Snow
Emily Arnold McCully
Thomas’ Snowsuit
Robert Munch
The Mitten
Jan Brett
The Snowman
Raymond Briggs
Owl Moon
Jane Yolen
White Snow, Bright Snow
Alvin Tresselt
Caps, Hats, Socks, & Mitten
Louise Borden
Keep Looking
Millicent Selsam & Joyce Hunt
Wintertime
Ann Schweiger
S C H O O L NE W S
Not Your Average Preschool
At Jowonio there are a number of ways we support quality programming. We are chartered in
We have a long
New York State as a not-for-profit school, in addition to being licensed as a child care center.
The organizational structure of Jowonio includes oversight by the Jowonio Board, which standing commitworks in collaboration with our building owner, the Friends of Jowonio. At the school-wide ment to the growth
level, the Board conducted a strategic planning process, which included feedback from staff,
of adults as well as
families and community members and the creation of a set of five-year goals to guide our
children...
work. An administrative team includes our Director, assistant Director and Financial Manager, terrific office staff, our Family Team that includes our social workers and school psychologist, and Support Teachers. The Support Teachers, all with many years of experience at Jowonio, provide assistance to the teachers and families in each classroom. They provide oversight regarding curriculum and clinical programming, intake of new students, hiring and mentoring of staff, and assistance in the transition of children to their next
classroom. They also provide direct service to children with special needs, itinerantly and in classrooms, and serve as
the teacher on the Evaluation Team. They manage the paperwork that supports the children with special needs in
Jowonio.
We have a long-standing commitment to the growth of adults as well as children, since a vibrant program is one where
reflective practice is encouraged and there are a variety of opportunities for staff development. A number of years ago
we made the decision to provide a weekly inservice time (Wednesdays 1-3 p.m.) instead of the half-day and full-day
conferences days that school districts take. We use this time for teaching teams to work together with therapists, discussing the needs of individual children and the ways in which classroom activities can be adapted to meet their needs. Staff
may be doing monthly planning or having parent conferences. And every other week we try to offer workshops where
teachers and therapists from different classrooms have an opportunity to share with each other. Inservice topics include
reflecting on our own practice; child development and developmentally appropriate practice (such as Creative Curriculum, literacy, diversity); supporting students with special needs, (e.g. teaching children with autism, utilizing adaptive
communication devices), and general child care regulations. For our license as a child care center, The Office of Children and Family Services requires a certain number of hours of training each year covering particular topics. Teachers
in the classrooms with Universal Pre-K students also are required to attend UPK sponsored workshops. In addition to
our Wednesday on-site trainings, we have encouraged staff to attend local and regional workshops and visit other
schools to stimulate their thinking and expose them to new ideas. In every way we try to improve the quality of the service Jowonio is providing to your children.
Thank You
Scott Floyd has continued to bring us Panera Bread on Mondays. He also recycles and redeems the
deposits on cans and bottles at Jowonio. Scott was able to donate $253.00 to help those in need:

Purchased diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste and shampoo for St. Lucy’s Food Bank where he
volunteers

Purchased a turkey for the Thanksgiving Food Drive

Made a cash donation to the Food Bank

Made a cash donation to the Matthew 25 Farm
Thanks so much, Scott!
“Try looking the way a child looks, as if always for the first time.”
Corita Kent
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S C H O O L NE W S
Page 6
S C H O O L NE W S
Family Art Experience
Page 7
S C H O O L NE W S
Thoughts on Screen Time
By Lori Saile
Currently, there is a national conversation going on about the rising use of screen technologies, including television/video,
computers, the internet, cell phones, iPods and other handheld devices, etc., the impact of these on children’s development, and the place for them in early childhood education. Some research studies have linked extensive “screen time”
with these types of devices to an increase in childhood obesity, sleep disturbances, challenges with attention, and learning
and social problems. Links with child obesity are related to the extent to which screen time is replacing more active forms
of play and interaction for some children, as well as to the exposure to advertising for sweets, soft drinks, and other unhealthy foods that many screen activities include. Alternatively other research studies have pointed out the value of planful use more interactive technologies for supporting expanded understanding of curriculum and thematic content, promoting creativity and, in some cases, social interaction, and promoting independence and access to communication and a wider range of classroom activities for many children with disabilities.
At Jowonio, we recognize that developmentally appropriate practice requires that the bulk of children’s learning be active,
hands-on, and interactive. While watching television/videos may be appealing to some children, it is generally a sedentary activity that is not hands-on or interactive. In contrast, we recognize that “screen technologies” such as viewing TV
and using computers are increasingly part of the larger culture. We do know that, on rare occasions, use of these media
may be an appropriate way to expand on themes/curriculum in the classroom. Therefore, we have provided staff the following guidelines regarding use of television and videos in the classroom:

These media should be used in rare instances, for no more than thirty minutes per week, and not at all for children
under 3

Content viewed should support or expand on curriculum addressed in the classroom

Content should be developmentally appropriate, free of advertising and brand placement, and multi-culturally sensitive, and must not contain violence in any form

Staff should preview and evaluate any materials before use, to be sure they comply with the guidelines above.

Viewing of television or video content should be an invitational activity, with developmentally appropriate hands-on
activities available to any children who choose not to participate
We also acknowledge that more interactive use of computers and other technologies can be highly motivating for some
students, promoting active engagement and, in some cases, peer interaction and/or increased independence with communication. Developmentally appropriate computer-based software can also help to expand on curriculum and themes in the
classroom. However, we recognize that computers and other electronic devices offer one type of play, usually sedentary,
and children benefit from engaging in a wide range of play experiences, including those that are more active. Therefore,
we are providing staff with the following guidelines regarding the use of computers in the classroom:

Computers, when used, should be available during set times of day, rather than all day long.

Each child’s time on the computer should be limited to no more than 15 minutes per day, and children under 3 should
experience no “screen time” at all. An exception to this guideline is made for students with disabilities using computerized devices as a form of assistive technology or communication aid.

Computer programs and activities used with children should be developmentally appropriate and related to classroom
curriculum, should encourage creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction, and should never involve advertising, brand placement, or violence of any kind.
Continued on next page
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S C H O O L NE W S
Thoughts on Screen Time cont...

Staff should preview and evaluate any computer games before use, to be sure they comply with the guidelines above.

When computers are in use, staff should support children working together, to make it an interactive activity.

Jowonio provides iPads and other tablets and computers as a form of assistive technology for students whom might
need it, and often as a communication aid. Use of these devices for those purposes, as opposed to just for exploring
games, is to be encouraged.
Staff should monitor to be sure that use of technology doesn’t keep individual children from actively exploring and using
their bodies.
25 Things To Do Instead of Watching TV
1. Visit the library; borrow a book.
2. Write a story.
3. Paint a picture.
4. Go bird watching.
5. Wash the dog.
6. Write a letter to a friend or relative.
7. Bake cookies or bread.
8. Build a fort in the living room and camp out.
9. Play a board or card game.
10. Visit the zoo.
11. Have an “Unbirthday” party.
12. Read a story to a sibling, friend or favorite stuffed animal.
13. Go outside and pick up 10 pieces of litter.
14. Take a nature walk and make a collage with what you found.
15. Make puppets (out of paperplates, socks) and have a puppet show.
16. Play flashlight tag.
17. Play balloon volleyball.
18. Make a list of “Family Quotations” (who says what?)
19. Look for tracks outside...bird, dog, cat, deer, people.
20. Make a birdfeeder: pinecone & peanut butter, rolled in seeds.
21. Go out for breakfast.
22. Make lemonade from real lemons.
23. Make homemade playdough.
24. Write a letter to your favorite author.
25. Play Hide and Seek.
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S C H O O L NE W S
Family Support Corner
Family Support Corner:
Winter Events
Couples’ Night Out
Twelve Jowonio couples shared a romantic evening out at Francesca’s
Restaurant for our fifth annual Couples’ Night Out in February. This
evening provided these couples, all parents of Jowonio students who
have special needs, with a romantic evening out of fine dining in the
banquet room. They had the chance to meet other Jowonio parents,
share stories about their families and to hear a moving presentation by
Ro and Joe Vargo, whose adult daughter was a Jowonio student as a
child. Ro and Joe had the room laughing at times and crying at others,
as they shared stories about their challenges and triumphs as a couple
of 40 years and as parents of three very different daughters. Their
powerful messages to parents, especially regarding having a child with
special needs, included the importance of getting and staying connected with other parents and that parents are their child’s greatest assets
and advocates. We are so appreciative of Ro and Joe for sharing their
evening and a glimpse of their lives with us.
Parent Workshop Series: Understanding Food Challenges for Preschoolers
For many parents, getting children to eat can be a challenge. There are many reasons why children, especially preschool-aged, physically cannot or refuse to eat many foods. A group of six Jowonio parents and grandparents participated in a workshop series for 3 Wednesday mornings in February and March to explore this phenomenon. The Family Support Team was thrilled to welcome back Amy Good, a dynamic speaker and a Speech/Language Pathologist in
Syracuse for many years, to present this workshop to parents for a fifth year.
Transition to Kindergarten Workshop
Parents of students with special needs joined us for an evening workshop in February about what to expect from
school and therapy services after Jowonio, mainly the school district process of moving students from preschool into
kindergarten. Thanks to Kate Smith from ECDC and Shana Lewis from SUPAC for bringing this information to
Jowonio parents. This can be a new and stressful transition for parents, so information and support through all steps
of this process can be invaluable.
Thank You
We are astounded every year, when the holiday season rolls around, by the generosity of the staff and families at
Jowonio and by the local businesses and community organizations that donate so many wonderful gifts for our
Jowonio families in need of a little extra. Every year the “gift mittens” are hung in the front lobby, and every year
every one of them is returned with gifts that are thoughtful, creative and exciting for some of our students and their
siblings. Special thanks to our own Jowonio staff and families, to the Tillie’s Touch organization and to SEFCU
and Custom Logo for holding gift drives and stocking us with enough gifts to send several toys, books, and games
home for every child in 25 families. We could never provide this type of support for our families without the generosity and compassion of our school and wider community.
These events and many more throughout the year are made possible through grant funding from the Office for People
with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
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S C H O O L NE W S
Celebrate
46 years
Jowonio
Please save the date and get ready to CELEBRATE JOWONIO (formerly Friends, Flowers & All That Jazz). Join us at
our 11th Annual fundraising event, CELEBRATE JOWONIO, on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Stickley, Audi &
Co. Showroom at the Fayetteville Towne Center.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Celebration Gold Sponsor $2,500
Benefits Include:
8 Tickets to the event, Full page program ad (7 ½ x 4 ½),
Name on Invitation, Signage at the event & program advertising
Celebration Silver Sponsor $1,000
Benefits Include:
4 Tickets to the event, Half page program ad (3½ x 4½),
Signage at the event & program advertising
Celebration Bronze Sponsor $500
Benefits Include:
2 Tickets to the event, Half page program ad (3½ x 4½),
Signage at the event & program advertising
Program Advertising Available
If you are unable to sponsor our event, please consider supporting the inclusive education programs at
Jowonio School with the purchase of an ad in our CELEBRATE JOWONIO event program
$250 (Full-page – 7 ½ x 4 ½) / $150 (Half-page – 3 ½ x 4 ½)
Silent Auction & Raffle Items Are Being Accepted
We hope that you will support us as a 2016 CELEBRATE JOWONIO contributor to our Silent Auction &
Raffle with a donation of either a product or service!
For more information please contact Sophia Meskos, sophia.meskos@jowonio.org, or 315.445.4010 x 109
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S C H O O L NE W S
MISSION STATEMENT
Jowonio
Our mission is to provide model inclusive programs for young children,
where diversity is celebrated and all are free to learn and grow.
3049 East Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY 13224
Jowonio is dedicated to:
Phone: 315.445.4010
Fax: 315.445.4060

Creating innovative educational settings where children of all abilities
are full participants, encouraged to reach their potential.

Offering a wide range of therapeutic and family support services.

Providing training and development for teachers, therapists and parents in collaboration with educational institutions and community
agencies.

Advocating for the inclusion of all children in schools and in society.
Earn cash for Jowonio every time you shop for
groceries. Clip Box Tops from hundred of
your favorite products.
Each Box Top is worth $ .10 and that adds up
fast! Last year Jowonio families clipped over
2000 Box Tops and raised $200.00!
If you have any questions, contact Cynthia Johnson @ 445-4010 or email her
@ cynthia.johnson@jowonio.org
You can also got to the Box Tops for Education web site.
www.boxtops4education.com
Designate Jowonio as Your United Way Beneficiary
Please consider designating Jowonio as a recipient of your United Way contribution. Simply write “Jowonio School” on the line provided on the donor card.
We use the United Way dollars for our annual scholarship fund. Last year we
received more than $12,000 for this fund through individual write-in designations! With your help our scholarship fund can continue supporting students
who otherwise could not afford to attend Jowonio.
Take Charge of Education®
Target – Take Charge of Education – Thru August 2014, Jowonio has received over
$2,500 in donations thru Red Card donations. Support Jowonio by enrolling today!!
To Sign Up:
1) Go to www.target.com/TCOE
2) On right had side of page, Search for Jowonio
3) “Designate a Different School” ; Put in your information with Target Card Number (can
apply for a Red Card on this page if you don’t already have one)
4) When you shop at Target and use your RedCard, 1% of your purchase will be donated
automatically to Jowonio.