October 8, 2020
Hello, Westview families,

The Westview School is a very special place created by a very special person. October has always been a time for The Westview School to press pause and recognize our founder, Jane Stewart. She started The Westview School in 1981 with four young children, and it is truly amazing to see how this small little school has grown through the years. 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. In years past, Founder’s Day has looked a bit different. Staff and students would meet in Largent Hall for a short assembly, and then the entire school would meet outside the 1900 building for an all-school picture. This year, students will remain in their classrooms and watch a short history of The Westview School. We are excited to share this video with our families as well. We even have a fun quiz for the kiddos to test their Westview knowledge. We hope you will play along. While an all-school photo is not possible, we are looking forward to marking the year with individual class pictures in front of the 1900 building. We are all so grateful to Ms. Jane Stewart for creating such a wonderful place for so many wonderful children. 

Happy Founder's Day!




Head of School
The Westview School
The History of The Westview School
Test Your Westview Knowledge
Did you watch our Founder's Day video? Did you learn anything new? Try this Kahoot to test your Westview knowledge and play along with our students on our school history.

Calendar at a Glance

Thursday, October 8
  • Founder’s Day (Virtual Assembly)

Thursday, October 8
  • Westview EDU: Autism Speaks (12:30 PM/6:00 PM)

Friday, October 9
  • Regular School Day + Astros Spirit Day
Support our Houston Astros and wear your Astros tee

Saturday, October 10
  • Music for Autism (Virtual Concert)

Monday, October 12
  • Columbus Day (No School)

Friday, October 30
  • Treats on the Track (Staff/Student Only Event)
Westview is a School Zone
Carpool may look a little different this year, but we want to remind parents to continue to follow all traffic laws around The Westview School. We are a designated school zone with appropriate signage. What does this mean? During the hours of 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the speed limit around Westview is 20 miles per hour. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and strict adherence to these posted traffic laws. We are also working with Houston PD to cut down speeding on Kersten and Alcott Drive during these posted school zone hours.
Astros Spirit Day - Friday, October 9
Plot twist! In lieu of wearing blue this Friday, let's root, root, ROOT for the home team, and wear your favorite Astros tee.
Notes from Nurse Ana
Nurse Ana is available as a health resource to parents daily during school hours. You can contact the Westview Health Clinic by email or phone (713) 973-1900 x 126.

A lice check for all students is scheduled the week of October 19 – 23.
Treats on the Track: A Westview School Staff + Student Event
So, what is your kiddo planning to be for Halloween this year? Halloween is always something to celebrate big at The Westview School. This year is no different, so get those costumes ready! Treats on the Track will be here soon. Treats on the Track will be a not so spooky, staff and student only, socially-distanced event. Classes will participate in a Costume Parade plus individual class trick-or-treating on Friday, October 30. It will take place during the school day. While we are limiting attendance to staff and students only, we promise to take lots of pictures and give your kiddos the most Halloween fun a school day can hold. Thanks for being so flexible this year.
WestviewEDU welcomes Autism Speaks
The Westview School welcomes Autism Speaks for a virtual gathering TODAY with Lindsay Naeder, Senior Director, Mission Delivery, and Arianna Esposito, Director of Lifespan Services and Support.

This WestviewEDU + Autism Speaks will have multiple sessions - 12:30 PM and 6:00 PM CST. Please choose the session time most convenient for you.

Lindsay and Arianna will discuss Autism Speaks direct response to COVID-19 and the Autism Response Team’s responses and resources available to members of the autism community. There will be opportunity for Q&A.
Music for Autism Virtual Concert
Talented collaborators jazz up Music for Autism's virtual concert. Save the date for Saturday, October 10th at 1:00 PM. Gabe Medd (trumpet) and Luke Celenza (piano) blend ideas and sound for a performance you don't want to miss. Music for Autism is an online and free concert open to all individuals with autism, and their friends and families! Registrants will receive a link to the private livestream two hours prior to the concert. You must RSVP to receive the link.. Questions? Email Laura@MusicForAutism.org

POW New T-Shirt Preorder Starts NOW!
In honor of Ms. Jane and her love for a Westview tee, POW is launching a brand new for 2020, t-shirt design. POW is feeling pretty Westview Strong these days, and now you and your family can outwardly display the same sentiment. Cost is $15 each. Shop the POW Spirit Store to preorder your shirts. THANK YOU to those of you who have already shopped online in support of POW. Yearbooks, vintage tees, masks and lanyards are flying off our virtual shelves!


Any questions about items and shopping can be directed to Ang Jennings, POW President
Tutoring at the Westview School
Did you know that the Westview School offers tutoring for most classes on all grade levels? We currently have spots available for fall tutoring. Anyone interested in tutoring or learning more information on how this might fit into your child's schedule, please contact Teresa Taeger.

Tutoring will be on a 1:1 basis with face-to-face or Zoom options available. Times vary based on each tutor's availability and schedule. Once you sign up, you will be contacted to discuss specific needs and requests. Please let us know if you prefer a specific teacher and we will see if they are available for tutoring this year.
Westview is Hiring!
We are currently accepting applications for two Teacher Assistant positions. One for our Upper Elementary class, and one for a Lower Elementary class. Westview Teacher Assistants will assist the Classroom Teachers in providing a safe, enriching learning experience for our students. Requirements to apply include a High School Diploma and previous experience working with children. Interested applicants are encouraged to email a resume and cover letter to Russell Avery.
 
Westview is looking to increase our substitute teacher list. Applicants for a substitute teacher at Westview must be over the age of 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.