October 1, 2020
Hello, Westview families,

Ancillary classes have always been a very important part of the Westview School program. They enrich our students’ learning experience and give them an opportunity explore new interests. Science, art, music, drama, technology, and physical education make up core components of Westview’s ancillary program. At the start of the year, there was a huge sense of disappointment for many of  these staffers. The pandemic brought the realization that most ancillary teachers were not going to be able to see and get to know our kids like a typical school year would allow. But, in true Westview fashion, these rock star staff members tapped into their creative thinking and powers of flexibility to create out-of-the-box ways to connect and connect well with our students. Plan B includes technology in the form of ZOOM classes, but they have also utilized many of the outdoor learning spaces on Westview’s 7-acre campus. On good weather days, you can find ancillary classes meeting outside in many of our outdoor learning spaces, like Jacob’s Landing and the Amphitheater. But, you can also find these classes meeting under porte cochere, on sidewalks, and around picnic tables. COVID-19 has made everyone’s job a little more challenging, but major kudos must go to our Westview ancillary teachers for adjusting their methods without changing their focus. 


With sincere appreciation, 




Head of School
The Westview School
Music with Mr. Jason and Mr. Trey
Walking the Westview halls, it is not hard to identify which class has music time. Mr. Jason Zacher has successfully translated his in-person lessons to ZOOM. And, our students are able to dance, engage, and participate from their own classrooms. On good weather days, you can find Mr. Trey Clark, music teacher for our littlest Wildcats, set-up under the porte cochere outside the 1900 building. Mr. Jason is also the drama teacher for our Middle School students.
Science with Mr. Dawkins
Mr. Jared Dawkins is a familiar face in a new place. Mr. Dawkins has changed roles from Upper Elementary teacher to science for all Upper Elementary classes and Westview's Middle School. As Middle School science is a core subject, successful schedule planning and coordination was essential for Mr. Dawkins as he rotates for face-to-face learning with Middle School and by ZOOM for all Upper Elementary classes.
Mrs. Bennett for Science and Drama
Mrs. Bunny Bennett is one of our ancillary teachers who is spread over several subjects. For our younger students, Mrs. Bennett teaches science, and for students in the 1830 building, she teaches both drama and technology. Weather permitting, drama and science have found spots around campus for outdoor learning, such as the outdoor classroom near The Westview School Nature Garden.
Art with Mrs. Kaylee
Have cart will travel. Mrs. Kaylee Bond loaded up her paint and supplies and found the perfect space for outdoor learning. Jacob's Landing on the north side of campus offers plenty of shade and space for students to spread out and get creative. "Being able to see the students create by moving the classroom outdoors and offline has been really awesome," said Mrs. Kaylee.
PE with Ms. Trevie and Mr. Mike
It is so important for our students to move their bodies during the school day. On any given day, you can find Ms. Trevie Pearlman and Mr. Mike Morris, our PE teachers, in Largent Hall, the 1900 multipurpose room, or on the track. From sports to group exercises to even yoga, PE is a welcome opportunity for students to get a brain break and a change of scenery during the day.
Calendar at a Glance

Thursday, October 8
  • Founder’s Day (Virtual Assembly)
All students should wear blue Westview polo. If your child is a remote learner, please take a photo of him or her wearing their Westview polo, and email it to Sarah Chauvin.

Thursday, October 8
  • Westview EDU: Autism Speaks

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 Celebrates Founder's Day
Next Thursday, October 8, the Westview School will celebrate Founder's Day. 39 years ago, Jane Stewart started this school with four small children in her home. It has always been important for us as a Westview community to pause, recognize and remember Ms. Jane for the years of love and dedication that created our school. While we are unable to have an assembly and take our all-school photo like previous years, we will be holding a virtual assembly in the classrooms and classes will be taking individual class photos. We ask that every student wear their blue Westview polo. If you do not have a polo and/or need another size, please contact Candi Pettit. If your child is a remote learner, please take a photo of him or her wearing their Westview polo, and email it to Sarah Chauvin.
WestviewEDU welcomes Autism Speaks
Save the date for our next WestviewEDU on Thursday, October 8th. The Westview School will welcome Autism Speaks for a virtual gathering with Lindsay Naeder, Senior Director, Mission Delivery, and Arianna Esposito, Director of Lifespan Services and Support.

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.

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.

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

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.
Treats on the Track: A Westview School Staff + Student Event
We are pretty bummed to announce that Trunk-or-Treat has officially been taken off our school calendar for 2020. But never fear, parents! We have a not so spooky, socially-distanced idea up our sleeves. More details to come, but we are planning a Costume Parade plus a Treats on the Track event 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.
Message from POW: School Store is OPEN!
THANK YOU to those of you who have ordered yearbooks, shirts, masks and lanyards from the new POW online school spirit store! We still have plenty of sizes left at discounted prices so grab them before they are gone. Our new merch will be released in October, and you won't want to miss it! 


Any questions about items and shopping can be directed to Ang Jennings, POW President
Westview is Hiring!
We are looking for a Teacher Assistant to work in our Upper Elementary. The Teacher Assistant will assist the Classroom Teacher 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.