December 9, 2021
Hello, Westview families, 

What a sweet treat today's Teacher Appreciation Cookie Exchange was! Thank you to POW for bringing some yummy and delicious JOY to all Westview staff and teachers. THANK YOU to everyone who dropped off goodies, donated money, or offered time to treat our staff to this generous and fabulous spread of holiday treats. We are so thankful for all the ways you support Westview.
Our parent education series Westview EDU is in full swing. This year our presenters have graciously submitted their presentations in blog form for us to share with our families who may have been unable to join our virtual events. This week, Jelisa Scott, BCBA, UH Ph.D. candidate, shares 7 Ways to Use Therapeutic Strategies to Work with Your Child at Home.

We are excited to announce that our January 6, 2022, WestviewEDU session on Calming Anxiety in Kids with Autism by Dr. Sarah Mire will be offered in person or by zoom. The session will be held at 9:15 AM in Largent Hall. All in-person attendees will be required to wear a mask and complete the health screening form upon arrival. Zoom attendance will be available for those who would like to participate virtually. For more details and to register for the event, please find the information below.  
Head of School
The Westview School
Calendar at a Glance

Thursday, December 16
  • Virtual Holiday Play
  • No Extended Day

December 17 to January 2, 2022
  • Winter Break

January 6, 2022
November Wonder Wall Winners
Congratulations to Middle School student Noah on being a Super Flexible Wonder Wall Winner for November. Noah has been doing a great job this year of being flexible and regulating himself during non-preferred activities and tasks. He is determined to try new things and is stepping up to take the leadership role in class each day by choosing to remain positive. Noah is working hard on learning to cooperate with others and work as a team. Noah has been super focused on being a great student and staying on track this year. 
Hooray for Lower Elementary student Jackson. He is one great friend! He is very respectful to all of his peers and teachers. He enjoys cheering his friends on any chance he gets and ensures they all feel included by playing with everyone. Jack has a strong passion for books and enjoys role-playing. Jack shows kinship daily by being mindful of his peers' feelings and is always willing to help. Jack tries his best each and every day to work hard and stay positive! Congratulations to Jackson on being chosen as a Great Friend Wonder Wall Winner for November.
Westview Blog: 7 Ways to Use Therapeutic Strategies to Work with Your Child at Home
As part of our Westview EDU parent education series, Jelisa Scott, BCBA, UH Ph.D. candidate shared with our community tips for working with your child at home. If you were unable to attend this EDU, we are excited to share part two of her presentation: 7 Ways to Use Therapeutic Strategies to Work with Your Child at Home. Thank you to Jelisa for her contribution to the Westview blog.

If you have a child on the autism spectrum, it is more than likely that therapy sessions play a part in your monthly calendar. The types of therapy that specifically benefit your child may differ. However, it has been proven that therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder is beneficial to improve behaviors that interfere with your child's ability to learn and support the development of skills needed for children to care for themselves independently. As a parent, you can use therapeutic strategies learned from professionals to help you work with your child at home.  
Note from Nurse Ana: Submit Vaccine Records
If your child has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, please provide a copy of your student's vaccine record to Nurse Ana.

You can email a copy of the card directly to the nurse's office at mmeraja@westviewschool.org.
Westview Travel Guidelines
As we approach our winter break, we wanted to remind parents of recent changes to our travel and exposure guidelines. 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 quarantine for all unvaccinated individuals after traveling by airplane, train, bus, etc. 

Individuals who are NOT fully vaccinated and travel by plane or take a cruise and those who have a known exposure will be required to quarantine seven days (with a negative PCR Covid test) or ten days without a test.  If you and your family are planning to travel during the winter break, please let us know so we can prepare 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.

Effective immediately, fully vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine after travel or an exposure.  (NOTE: Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the 2nd vaccine.) Fully vaccinated individuals are encouraged to take a PCR test 3-5 days after travel/exposure and must closely monitor their health for the development of symptoms.  
Save the Date for Westview EDU: Calming Anxiety in Kids with Autism
Our first WestviewEDU of the year will be held on Thursday, January 6 at 9:15 AM in Largent Hall. Westview will welcome University of Houston Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences researcher, Dr. Sarah Mire to the Westview campus to discuss Calming Anxiety in Kids with Autism.

Anxiety can be crippling and affect every aspect of one’s life. Adding autism to the mix can make it even more of a challenge. Dr. Mire will discuss ways to effectively manage anxiety and stress in your life and strategies to mitigate anxiety for your child.

This event will be held in person in Largent Hall on The Westview School campus. All attendees will be required to wear a mask and complete the health screening form. Zoom attendance will be available by request. All attendees, both virtual and in-person, should register for the event.

 
Questions? Send an email to schauvin@westviewschool.org.
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 or if you know someone who would be, please contact Michelle Chapa to complete the necessary paperwork and background check to be added to our list.