Hello, Westview families,
Appropriate physical activity is essential to a student's overall well-being. Physical Education at The Westview School is more than just moving your body. While you may see students running around our track or kicking a ball, our Westview PE teachers, Mr. Mike and Ms. Trevie, intentionally design activities to support students' growing bodies and growing minds. During PE, our students are learning essential life skills while improving their health and well-being.
Many PE activities are used to develop coordination as well as a sense of cooperation. Students have frequent opportunities to work as part of a team and support others towards a common goal. Our PE teachers model and encourage prosocial behaviors that support the development of healthy interactions and relationships. There is nothing more rewarding than watching students help one another.
This week, I observed Middle School students playing a game of soccer tag. The game was a combination of a soccer passing drill and a game of tag. Ms. Trevie gave credit for the game's creation to one of our students. How fun is that?
Playing games in a structured setting reinforces leadership and good sportsmanship. In addition to being a good competitor, taking turns and playing various roles in a team challenge allows students to practice flexibility and gain new skills—gestures such as a high-five from a teacher or teammate help improve a student's self-esteem. Our students learn that sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but we can always get back up and try again.
"Winning and losing is sometimes difficult for our students," said Ms. Trevie. "Learning to both win and lose well is a skill we work on daily in PE class."
All children need to understand that self-esteem should not be tied to winning or losing but to taking part and learning from every opportunity. Mr. Mike indicated that one of his top priorities for PE is to "build student confidence and to disguise hard work as fun."
There are many benefits of PE that carry over from the playing field or gym into the classroom, leading to better academic performance. Research shows that children who participate in physical education can better regulate their behavior and stay focused in class. It offers the chance for them to relax, release pent-up emotions, and spend time having fun with their friends. Westview is lucky to have Mr. Mike and Ms. Trevie helping our students improve their health and well-being.
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Head of School
The Westview School
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Ms. Trevie uses PECS cards to guide our Early Childhood Development students in Motor activities. The card she's holding above tells students to march like an ant. |
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Middle School warm-ups start with a lively game of rock, paper, scissors four square. Students advance to the four corners of Largent by winning a fast round of rock, paper, scissors. Students losing the round stay behind for jumping jacks until the next opponent arrives. |
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Mr. Mike wants PE to be so fun that our students don't even see it as work. High fives and positive affirmations build self-esteem and are big motivators for our 1900 Wildcats. |
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No cutting corners in P.E. with Mr. Mike. With patience and consistency, Mr. Mike works with his students until they get the activity right, like jumping over obstacles with two feet. |
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TAKE OUR SURVEY ON BIKE RIDING
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.
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Calendar at a Glance
Friday, October 1, 2021
- Astros Spirit Day (Wear your Astros Shirt)
Monday, October 4-7, 2021
Thursday, October 7, 2021
Friday, October 8, 2021
- Staff Development Day/Student Holiday
Monday, October 11, 2021
Saturday, October 30
Saturday, November 6, 2021
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ASTROS SPIRIT DAY - Friday, October 1
Plot twist! Instead of wearing blue this Friday, let's root, root, ROOT for the home team, and wear your favorite Astros tee.
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Westview is Having a Birthday! |
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On Thursday, October 7, 2021, the Westview School will celebrate Founder's Day. Forty 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 cannot have an assembly and take our all-school photo like in previous years, we will be holding a virtual assembly in the classrooms. Also, each grade level will take a group photo followed by a birthday celebration on the playground with cupcakes and bubbles. We ask that every student wear their blue Westview polo on this day. If you do not have a polo and/or need another size, please contact Candi Pettit.
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Picture Day at Westview School is Coming - October 4-7 |
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Lifetouch will be on The Westview School campus next week, October 4-7, 2021, for Fall Picture Day. Forms were sent home this week in your child's backpack. You will find all the details on what day and what to wear inside. Please complete your forms and return to school with your child for picture day. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Chapa.
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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 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.
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Admissions Event: Informational Session for Prospective Families |
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Do you know someone who may be interested in learning more about The Westview School? Admissions Director Becky Mattis will be online next Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 10:30 AM to connect with prospective families. If you know someone who would like to learn how Westview could be a fit for their child, please share our event with them. Discussions will include the student experience and program deliverables. *This informational session is not intended for current families but for prospective families interested in future enrollment.
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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.
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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.
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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
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The mission of The Westview School is to provide a unique, specialized learning environment offering outstanding educational and social opportunities for children on the autism spectrum. |
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