September 9, 2021
Hello, Westview families, 

The Westview School is all about setting our students up for success. We do this in part by providing support to our students based on their individual, unique, and specific needs. And, while that support often comes directly from your child's teacher, sometimes an added layer comes from the unique to Westview role of our Support Specialists. 
MEET YOUR SUPPORT SPECIALISTS
Our students have daily access to the specialists. This team plays an essential part in the growth and well-being of all our Westview students. With our student population, behavior issues sometimes arise. Our Support Specialists are available to help students who need to work through emotional or social struggles during the school day. Using the Nurtured Heart Approach, Mr. Michael and Ms. Jessica focus on getting our students back to baseline. If needed, they can partner with teachers to develop personalized behavior plans that can be put in place to aid a student in the classroom setting. Additionally, they may partner with families to address challenging behaviors at home.  

Some additional roles of this duo are:
  • Crisis response/immediate behavioral interventions for students based on need.
  • Conduct functional behavior assessments and write behavior intervention plans to address targeted behaviors. 
  • Provide parent coaching to address concerns about targeted behaviors such as aggression, inappropriate talk, noncompliance, off-task or self-injurious behaviors.
  • Consult with families regarding transitions to new schools.
  • Provide referrals for psychological, developmental, behavioral, psychiatric, and/or therapeutic services.

Our Support Specialists are an integral part of the Westview team that works toward student success. Their primary role is to build supportive relationships with all members of the Westview community. These individuals are here for your children, but they also here to support you. 




Head of School
The Westview School
BEHAVIOR REPORT PROCEDURES
Our Support Specialists have a process in place for when students receive additional behavioral support from staff members beyond their regular teachers. As a part of this process, we send automated messages, called Behavior Notices, via the FACTS email system to families each time their student receives this type of additional support. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BEHAVIOR NOTICES
  1. We will not send Behavior Notices for “every little thing.” The vast majority of behavioral supports provided at Westview occur within the classroom setting, with the child’s classroom teachers, and are not included in this procedure. 
  2. Receiving a Behavior Notice does not necessarily mean that your child is “in trouble” or has “done something wrong.” We are simply documenting when and how support staff are used and take the opportunity to communicate with families. 
  3. Receiving a Behavior Notice does not mean that your child’s behavior has worsened or that there is a new problem at school. We are simply describing the services provided to help your child be as successful.
  4. Unless otherwise specified, you are not expected to provide additional consequences or take additional actions in response to receiving a Behavior Notice.
  5. If you EVER have a question, concern, or comment about a Behavior Notice, please feel free to contact one of the Support Specialists, and we will be happy to speak with you. 
Calendar at a Glance

SEPTEMBER 13-17
  • On-Campus Scholastic Book Fair

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
  • Virtual Westview Open House (ECD, PreK, K, MS @ 6:00PM and LE & UE @ 6:30PM)
Help Us Grow Our Substitute Teacher List
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
Support our Library: Scholastic Fall Book Fair is Back!
In a nudge back towards normal, our Scholastic Fall Book Fair is back on campus beginning Monday, September 13. No outside visitors will be allowed to shop, but we are very excited to allow our staff and students to attend the book fair in person.

HOW TO SHOP
Student Preview/Purchase: Early next week, classes will preview the book fair in Largent Hall, and a student wish lists will come home with your child. You will be able to review and send money to school for your child to shop on student purchase days towards the end of the week.

Online Book Store: The online link to our Book Fair will be active beginning Friday, September 10 and open for parents, students, and teachers to browse and shop. Students can build their wish lists and save them online. Parents can then edit those wish lists, making deletions and additions, before checking out. Online orders will be shipped directly to your home. Free shipping for orders of books over $25.

If you need help or have any questions about the upcoming book fair, please contact Teresa Taeger. 
Westview Blog: Staying Safe at COVID-19 Level 1 in Houston
It seems like déjà vu that we are starting this school year with masks and health screenings again, but we’ve had some noteworthy scientific progress compared to this time last year. Hopefully these changes will make life a little more manageable and get us closer to being done with COVID!

There are so many things we were doing last year that we no longer need to do, since we know more about COVID-19, but there are some important things we can do.

READ MORE in the latest post from The Westview Medical Advisory Board as our experts weigh in on Staying Safe at COVID-19 Level 1 in Houston.
Save the Date for Alex’s 5K Run/Walk & Kids' K
Save the date for the 11th Annual Alex's 5K Run/Walk & Kids K. This year's event will take place in-person on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at MacGregor Park. There will also be a virtual option for anyone wanting to participate at their own pace or from afar. Participants can run or walk the virtual 5k at any time or place between now and November 6, 2021.


The proceeds from Alex's 5K support three Autism-related charities: Autism Speaks,  Avondale House, and The Westview School. We are so thankful for their generosity.

For more information and to register for the event, visit the official Alex's 5K website.
Save the Date for Apraxia Walk for Kids @ The Westview School
The Houston Walk for Apraxia is back for 2021 and will be held in person on The Westview School campus. Save the date for Saturday, November 6, 2021. The team coordinating the event, which includes former Westview staffer, Tiffany Indiero, is working hard to make sure the walk experience is safe, fun, and memorable for all participants.

Participating virtually is still an option for this event. Visit the Houston Walk for Apraxia online for more information and to register. Once registered , all walkers can still choose to celebrate from home.

Want to learn more about the Apraxia Walk?Check out footage from past Houston Walks here! You can also follow along on Facebook and visit their website for updated event information and details on how to register.
Fall Tutoring at The Westview School
Did you know that the Westview School offers tutoring for most classes on all grade levels? Tutoring is offered throughout the school year to maintain the skills students learn and "keep up" during the school year if needed. Tutoring takes place is a fun, relaxed environment with highly-qualified teachers.

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 is available both 1:1 or small group. 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. Visit our website to complete the application.
Group Therapy at The Stewart Center
The Stewart Center is excited to announce a new line-up of therapy and group programs for the 2021-2022 school year.

Looking to add to your child's therapy schedule? Are there certain skills your child needs to learn, improve, or get support. The Stewart Center can help! Find out more about 2021-2022 Group Therapy Programs online, and call 713-973-1842 for any questions and to register.
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And remember, you don't have to be a student at The Westview School to participate in therapies at The Stewart Center; all groups are open to members of the community! Please share!
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.


Westview COVID-19 Protocols Reference Document