January 7, 2021
Hello, Westview families, 

I love the new year, especially in schools. When you work in education, January isn't actually the beginning but the halfway point. And, while most people are looking to form a new habit and make a positive change, educators get to look back on how far we've come already. Some of the things that were new and challenging for our students in the fall have been nurtured and have now been mastered, allowing us to pause briefly to celebrate our progress and successes. 

I am so appreciative of our staff, who have been champions in fostering our school mission's significance and relevance during this time. We know our students need us, and our staff recognizes that our mission to provide a unique, specialized learning environment offering outstanding educational and social opportunities for children on the autism spectrum is essential; it's not something that we can put aside and hope to find again at a more convenient or more comfortable time. Keeping our eyes focused on delivering our mission has helped us meet our students' and families' needs.

We appreciate our families following our protocols and taking seriously what we have learned about the coronavirus. As the number of cases continues to increase and vaccines become more available, it is more important than ever to be responsive and agile in a rapidly changing situation by paying close attention to what we observe and learn each day.

We are delighted to welcome six new students in January. We are thrilled that these families have chosen Westview for the next step in their child's development and educational journey. We are also fortunate to have also welcomed three exceptional new staff members since the start of the school year. 
Teaching Assistant
Lower Elementary
Occupational Therapist
The Stewart Center
Teaching Assistant
Middle School Math
Thank you to the networks of support that families, staff, and others who love this organization create, sustain, and extend to us each day. Last year highlighted how much we need and depend on one another in many ways. I'm happy to see the calendar change from 2020 to 2021 and am grateful for those who join us in greeting the new year with hope and optimism.

Happy New Year!




Head of School
The Westview School
Calendar at a Glance

January 7

January 14

January 14
  • Summer Registration Opens

January 18
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)

February 1
  • Re-enrollment Contracts Sent Out
Virtual Grandparent's Day Next Thursday, January 14
Westview LOVES our grandparents. This year our Grandparent's Day event will be held virtually on Thursday, January 14. While our grandparents WILL NOT be on campus this year, we have blocked time during the school day for all grandparents to ZOOM into classes.

The Grandparent's Day ZOOM will be a 20-30 minute time commitment per class. Your student’s teacher will email the ZOOM link and any activity details for our grandparents on Monday, January 11. Please forward the email to all grandparents (or special friends) as an invitation to Grandparent's Day.

We have also put together a helpful document on "Simple Steps to ZOOM" to share with your families.
Start Planning Your Summer at The Westview School
We are excited to be once again able to offer several options for students over the summer break. 


Give your student a fun, structured summer filled with activities that help maintain the academic and social skills learned throughout the school year. Westview Champs Summer Camp is open to current students and their siblings. Recent former and incoming students may also apply. Registration opens next Thursday, January 14. There will be a 10% early bird registration discount available for Summer Camp. 
 
9 AM to 2 PM | Monday - Friday
Session 1: June 14 - July 2
Session 2: July 12-30

Intensive clinics are designed as a supplement to Westview Summer Camp or a stand-alone program. Clinics are for students needing extra help to master new skills to help them as they progress to the next academic level. Clinic options include math, reading, writing, or a combination of all three. Each clinic is scheduled in a 1/2 hour or 1-hour increment. Both 1:1 and small group are available. A consecutive 3-week commitment is expected for all intensive clinics. Exact times are based on individual and group availability. Clinics will be first come, first serve. Virtual participation in intensive clinics is available. Registration opens next Thursday, January 14.

Monday - Thursday
Session 1: June 14 - July 1
Session 2: July 12-29

Tutoring is available this summer for students looking to catch up for next year's academic program. Tutoring is available for Kindergarten through Middle School. Tutors are available throughout the summer Monday-Thursday. Sessions can be scheduled weekly or bi-weekly in 1 hour or 1/2 hour increments. Both 1:1 and small group are available. Tutoring can also be done in conjugation with summer camp or as a stand-alone program. Virtual tutoring is available.

The Stewart Center will be offering speech, occupational, and art therapy services throughout the summer. Speak to your child's therapist about a summer schedule. 
Westview EDU: Therapy Roundtable with The Stewart Center
Join us online TONIGHT for the first Westview EDU of 2021. Our Stewart Center therapy team will be online this evening, Thursday, January 7, at 7 pm for a roundtable discussion. Our therapists will discuss the benefits of each therapy, when it’s time to seek help, how we work with families and educators, and how to tell when your child is ready to “graduate” from therapy.


Message from POW: Yearbooks On Sale NOW

HAPPY NEW YEAR from POW! Yearbook sales are happening now through January 31. The cost per book is $45.

Yearbooks can be purchased through the POW School Store or directly from the Balfour website.

*If you plan on creating a dedication for your student, please make sure to select your size and create your dedication during the check-out process on the Balfour website.

Westview is Hiring!
Westview is looking to increase our substitute teacher list. Applicants for a substitute teacher at Westview must be over 18 and a high school graduate. Experience working with children is a plus. References are required. As a Westview substitute, you will primarily work as the class assistant for the day. If you or someone you know may be interested in substitute teaching on a preschool, elementary, or middle school level, please email a resume to Russell Avery.
 
Any additional questions/inquiries regarding job opportunities at The Westview School can be directed to Russell Avery.
Resources


Please refer to COVID-19 tab on The Westview School website for the most up to date information regarding our Child First Reopening Plan.


For the Kids
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: Based on receipt of federal financial assistance through a Paycheck Protection Program loan administered through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under the CAREs Act, the School acknowledges its obligation to prohibit discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, citizenship status, genetic information, handicap or disability in admissions, access, employment, tuition assistance, educational policies, or other school administered student and employee programs and activities. Questions regarding the School’s compliance with the application and administration of the School’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Carol Harrison, Principal, charrison@westviewschool.org, 713.973.1900 x100, 1900 Kersten Dr., Houston, TX 77043, or to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) or to the SBA. Please refer to the School’s SBA Non-Discrimination Compliance Policy on the School’s website for information on how to file complaints with OCR or the SBA. This notice will remain in effect until the School has satisfied and paid off the SBA Paycheck Protection Loan.