October 7, 2021
Hello, Westview families, 

Today, we celebrated Westview. Every October, it is a Westview tradition to pause and remember our founder, Jane Stewart. This year's Founder's Day was a pretty special one. What a milestone - 40 years! The campus was feeling very festive, with some major birthday vibes. Students showed up camera-ready in blue polos, and following a front lawn photo op, students headed with their class to the playground for cupcakes and bubbles. It was a great morning.
 
Westview is such a special place. Our school's history is a rich one filled with years of leadership and growth with a singular focus on providing a unique and specialized learning environment for children on the autism spectrum. It remains our focus to provide educational and social opportunities for our students. One of the things that I love most about The Westview School is the deep abiding passion and commitment our staff and teachers have for our school and its mission. I know that this passion and commitment dates back to the school's foundation built by Ms. Jane. We are so excited to share the most recent post on our Westview blog, Memories of Our Mother: A History of The Westview School written by Joey, Alan, and Steven Stewart, the three sons of Jane and Joel Stewart. What a lovely tribute to their mother and the beginnings of The Westview School. 

Happy Birthday, Westview!




Head of School
The Westview School
To commemorate the fortieth anniversary of The Westview School, the sons of founder, Jane Stewart shared a personal reflection of their early memories of The Westview School and what the legacy of 40 years of Westview means to their family. 

A little over forty years ago, our mother, Jane Stewart, brought us (Joey, Alan, and Steven) all together in the family room and told us she was starting a school for children with disabilities. She had been volunteering at The Briarwood School for a few years, and a group of parents came to her and asked if she would consider teaching their children privately. These parents recognized our mother's compassion and love for all children.  
A LOOK INTO FOUNDER'S DAY
September Wonder Wall Winners
Middle School student Julian is Out of This World. Julian’s Middle School teachers had a lot to say about how well Julian has shown up for this school year. From his outstanding class participation to his great attitude, teachers are proud of the hard work Julian is doing daily in class. He shows a strong dedication to completing all work assigned, and teachers see significant strides in his self-advocating skills. Well done, Julian! Congratulations on being a September Wonder Wall Winner.
Congratulations to Lower Elementary student Donovan on being a Social Butterfly Wonder Wall Winner for September. Donovan is the life of the party and loves to laugh with his friends. He is always ready to break out into an impromptu dance break. Donovan is friendly with everyone he meets and goes out of his way to ensure he doesn’t leave anyone out when he says goodbye at the afternoon carpool. We call this his “goodbye tour.” Donovan’s bubbly personality shines through and brightens even the gloomiest day!
Take Our Bike Riding Survey
When it comes to PE at The Westview School, bike riding is always a hot topic. Mr. Mike and Ms. Trevie will be working on this with our students on the track this year. In an effort to best meet our students where they are in this activity, we ask that families complete this brief survey on bike riding and your student.

Calendar at a Glance

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Friday, October 8, 2021
  • Staff Development Day/Student Holiday

Monday, October 11, 2021
  • Columbus Day (No School)

Saturday, October 30
  • POW Trunk-or-Treat

Saturday, November 6, 2021
Travel Guidelines Reminder
As the holidays are quickly approaching, it is important for us to remind families that our ability to stay open and serve our students on campus depends on all of us doing what we can to stay healthy and avoid contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. One of our school policies requires a quarantine for all unvaccinated individuals after traveling by airplane, train, bus, etc. 

If you and your family are planning to travel during any upcoming school holiday, please let us know so we can plan for your student to be absent from school 7-10 days following your trip. Thank you for your continued attention and dedication to keeping our students safe and healthy. For additional information, please refer to the CDC’s recommendations for minimizing exposure to the virus during travel.

It continues to be the practice of The Westview School to rely on the CDC recommendations plus advice from our Medical Advisory Board for all COVID-19 policies, procedures, and protocols. 
For most children on the autism spectrum, therapy sessions are an added layer to a regular, weekly schedule. How can parents apply what they learn from therapists to promote growth and improve behaviors at home? Jelisa Scott, BCBA, LBA, sits down with parents to share tips and strategies on using information gained from their child’s therapists to get the most out of those sessions and apply what they learn at home.

Please join us on TONIGHT Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 7:00 PM via ZOOM for our next Westview EDU. The Westview School welcomes Jelisa Scott, BCBA, LBA, School Psychology Doctoral Candidate at the University of Houston. Jelisa will share her experience working with families in a therapy setting and best practices for applying those strategies at home.

Questions? Send an email to pkhuri@westviewschool.org.

Message from POW: Trunk-or-Treat is Coming Soon
POW would like to invite you to host a trunk for the 4th Annual Westview School Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 30, 2021! Use this link to reserve your spot. Be sure to comment with the theme for your trunk, so we can be sure to assign parking spots appropriately.

Don’t have a theme yet? Do not worry! Still register to reserve a spot, and we will contact you closer to the event.

Trunk-or-Treat spots are free but we ask that you provide your own candy. The trunks will need to be manned from 10A to 12P. An awards ceremony will be held at noon. This year’s event will be held in the 1900 building parking lot.

Thank you so much for your participation! Our community loves this event, and we are so excited it’s back for 2021!

If you have any questions, contact Ang Jennings
Walk/Run to Support The Westview School
If you want to run or walk in support of The Westview School, the date to save is November 6, 2021. The Westview School is a sponsor and host site for the upcoming Houston Walk for Apraxia. Also, Alex’s 5k, both virtual and in-person at Macgregor Park, has always been a generous supporter of Westview with race proceeds. Choose a race and visit the website to register with “Team Westview” and for more information.
Westview is Hiring
The Westview School is hiring! Westview is seeking qualified, enthusiastic professionals, to join our team of educators and therapists to fulfill our mission of providing a stimulating, specialized learning environment where children with autism spectrum disorder can reach their fullest potential. If you or someone you know is interested, send a resume and letter of interest electronically to Candi Pettit cpettit@westviewschool.org.

The Westview School is looking to increase our substitute teacher list. We have found that Westview parents are a perfect fit for this role. As a Westview substitute, you will primarily work as the class assistant for the day. We are so appreciative of all our parents who have dedicated time to support our school by being a part of our sub-list. We would love to include YOU too! If you are interested in substitute teaching on a preschool, elementary, or middle school level, please contact Michelle Chapa to complete the necessary paperwork and background check to be added to our list.

"I learned so much about how Westview works to help our kids each day. I loved seeing the kids do the many activities that fill the day." - Katie H., mom to Finley.

"Westview is like a second home to me, and the staff is like family. I love giving back to Westview by being a substitute. Also, it's nice to lay eyes on Conrad during the day." - Felicia S., mom to Conrad