Joyful Stories
Welcome to The Joy School Blog
At The Joy School, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, understood, and celebrated for who they are—and our blog is a window into exactly how we make that happen every day. Whether you're a parent exploring specialized education options, looking for expert tips on supporting your child, or just curious about what makes our school so joyful (spoiler: it’s our students!), you’re in the right place.
Here, we share real stories from our classrooms, practical strategies from our specialists, and inspiring moments that show the power of a learning environment built around empathy, creativity, and growth. So grab a cup of coffee and explore—joy is just a scroll away!
![Joy School Alumni Then and Now]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744745379/joy/u0wgnpd0oyvczev9bkzg/Then_and_Now_for_Blog_Post_Claire_Cooper_Main_Pic_No_Words.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744745379/joy/u0wgnpd0oyvczev9bkzg/Then_and_Now_for_Blog_Post_Claire_Cooper_Main_Pic_No_Words.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744745379/joy/u0wgnpd0oyvczev9bkzg/Then_and_Now_for_Blog_Post_Claire_Cooper_Main_Pic_No_Words.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744745379/joy/u0wgnpd0oyvczev9bkzg/Then_and_Now_for_Blog_Post_Claire_Cooper_Main_Pic_No_Words.jpg","width":972}])
From struggling student to licensed therapist, Claire Cooper says, “The Joy School changed my life forever.” Now, she’s helping others rewrite their own stories.
![Joy School Alumni visiting with a former teacher]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744048017/joy/kj1ycjnqskn3qqgni0lp/Patrick_Torning_for_Keynotes_1-5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744048017/joy/kj1ycjnqskn3qqgni0lp/Patrick_Torning_for_Keynotes_1-5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744048017/joy/kj1ycjnqskn3qqgni0lp/Patrick_Torning_for_Keynotes_1-5.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1744048017/joy/kj1ycjnqskn3qqgni0lp/Patrick_Torning_for_Keynotes_1-5.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1744048017/joy/kj1ycjnqskn3qqgni0lp/Patrick_Torning_for_Keynotes_1-5.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1744048017/joy/kj1ycjnqskn3qqgni0lp/Patrick_Torning_for_Keynotes_1-5.jpg","width":2200}])
Grateful for the support, strategies, and friendships that shaped him, one alum reflects on how The Joy School helped him embrace his differences and thrive—all the way to college.
![A Remarkable Journey]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741115845/joy/g7swr4fptapgboa7ggza/NoahPwithButterfly.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741115845/joy/g7swr4fptapgboa7ggza/NoahPwithButterfly.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741115845/joy/g7swr4fptapgboa7ggza/NoahPwithButterfly.jpg","width":526}])
Noah’s dad shares their family’s journey—navigating education during COVID, finding hope, and watching his son rediscover joy in learning.
![2024 Annual Luncheon Speaker]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1738862164/joy/ebf18yfguswmh2n1qupd/2024_TJS_Annual_Luncheon-147.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1738862164/joy/ebf18yfguswmh2n1qupd/2024_TJS_Annual_Luncheon-147.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1738862164/joy/ebf18yfguswmh2n1qupd/2024_TJS_Annual_Luncheon-147.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1738862164/joy/ebf18yfguswmh2n1qupd/2024_TJS_Annual_Luncheon-147.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1738862164/joy/ebf18yfguswmh2n1qupd/2024_TJS_Annual_Luncheon-147.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1738862164/joy/ebf18yfguswmh2n1qupd/2024_TJS_Annual_Luncheon-147.jpg","width":2200}])
In a heartfelt speech, a father shares how his son went from struggling with confidence and learning challenges to thriving academically, socially, and personally at The Joy School.
![Joy School Parents]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1734641748/joy/twmsg2oc3xae5yvn7jz5/2024GrandDayParentVolunteers.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1734641748/joy/twmsg2oc3xae5yvn7jz5/2024GrandDayParentVolunteers.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1734641748/joy/twmsg2oc3xae5yvn7jz5/2024GrandDayParentVolunteers.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1734641748/joy/twmsg2oc3xae5yvn7jz5/2024GrandDayParentVolunteers.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1734641748/joy/twmsg2oc3xae5yvn7jz5/2024GrandDayParentVolunteers.jpg","width":1344}])
Discover how Joy School parents' unwavering support and appreciation fuel our teachers' passion and joy, creating a powerful ripple effect that transforms students' lives—read on to see why parents are truly a teacher's greatest asset!
![Joy School Alumni visiting with a former teacher]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746202722/joy/tafceugngvhaxb7vvq74/2025_TJS_Alumni_College_Parade-140.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746202722/joy/tafceugngvhaxb7vvq74/2025_TJS_Alumni_College_Parade-140.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746202722/joy/tafceugngvhaxb7vvq74/2025_TJS_Alumni_College_Parade-140.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746202722/joy/tafceugngvhaxb7vvq74/2025_TJS_Alumni_College_Parade-140.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746202722/joy/tafceugngvhaxb7vvq74/2025_TJS_Alumni_College_Parade-140.jpg","width":1500}])
This Senior Parade was more than a celebration—it was a powerful glimpse into what resilience really is.
![2025 Multicultural Festival]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744914188/joy/kgenjkfhajyfpq0zvp3y/2025_Multicultural_Festival-281.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744914188/joy/kgenjkfhajyfpq0zvp3y/2025_Multicultural_Festival-281.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744914188/joy/kgenjkfhajyfpq0zvp3y/2025_Multicultural_Festival-281.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1744914188/joy/kgenjkfhajyfpq0zvp3y/2025_Multicultural_Festival-281.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744914188/joy/kgenjkfhajyfpq0zvp3y/2025_Multicultural_Festival-281.jpg","width":1344}])
Step inside the joy and flavor of TJS’s Multicultural Festivalwhere over 20 cultures came alive through dance, food, and shared stories, proving that community thrives when everyone has a seat at the table.
![Why a Culture Wall?]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744398283/joy/sikgv3ohcdlclznzyw87/TJSCultureTiles102.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744398283/joy/sikgv3ohcdlclznzyw87/TJSCultureTiles102.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744398283/joy/sikgv3ohcdlclznzyw87/TJSCultureTiles102.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1744398283/joy/sikgv3ohcdlclznzyw87/TJSCultureTiles102.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1744398283/joy/sikgv3ohcdlclznzyw87/TJSCultureTiles102.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1744398283/joy/sikgv3ohcdlclznzyw87/TJSCultureTiles102.jpg","width":2200}])
School culture comes about by intentionally identifying and setting forth explicit expectations.
![Our House!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749497878/joy/sj0r0enf0i5yjv01xen8/OurHouseBlogPost.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749497878/joy/sj0r0enf0i5yjv01xen8/OurHouseBlogPost.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749497878/joy/sj0r0enf0i5yjv01xen8/OurHouseBlogPost.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749497878/joy/sj0r0enf0i5yjv01xen8/OurHouseBlogPost.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749497878/joy/sj0r0enf0i5yjv01xen8/OurHouseBlogPost.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749497878/joy/sj0r0enf0i5yjv01xen8/OurHouseBlogPost.png","width":2000}])
Each of our four houses represents an important piece of our school’s history and the values that have made us who we are today. House Melcher and House Rosner are named for our co-founders, Patti Melcher and Jerome Rosner. House Watt is named after our longest-serving board chair, Mary Watt. House Nelson is named after our long-time neighbor, whose iconic tree still graces our playground.