October 15, 2020
Hello, Westview families,
 
Our goal for the Westview Weekly is to help connect everyone to the things that are happening here on The Westview School campus. We take very seriously the trust you place in our staff and teachers. Change is hard, unknowns are scary, and we appreciate how well you have accepted the new routines.  
 
When the Child First Campus Reopening and Remote Learning Plans were first launched, we fielded a number of questions about how all of this could work. Many questions centered around concerns about the difficulties that our students might have with some of the precautions (i.e. – mask wearing, staying with groups, lunch in the classrooms), other questions had to do with how we could provide a comparable experience for our students who would be participating virtually each school day. This has been difficult, but I want you to know “Your children are doing great!” We are so proud of how well the students have taken to the new precautions and routines. 
 
Before we reopened campus, I challenged our staff to find ways to build community even though we cannot all be together. The story that I am about to tell illustrates how we have managed to do just that.  
Meet Donovan. Donovan is in Ms. Peters’ Lower Elementary class and is a new student to The Westview School this year. Donovan began the school year as a virtual learner. After four weeks of virtual learning, Donovan’s family made the decision to return to campus for in-person learning, and his first day on campus was last week. 

Enter Willie. Willie has been a student at The Westview School for three years. He is also in Ms. Peters’ Lower Elementary class. Every day for the week prior to Donovan’s return to campus, Willie hopped out of his vehicle during morning carpool and excitedly asked, “Is my friend Donovan here today?” Willie was counting down the days for Donovan’s arrival to campus.

And, on Monday of last week, when Donovan did walk into The Westview School for the very first time, this is what made it so special. Donovan already had friends. He already knew his classmates. There were no first day jitters. Donovan was already a member of our community, and he and his friends were ready to go. This story is a great example of how our staff are building community, even when we aren’t physically together. 

Donovan and Willie met online. And, now they are the best of friends. And isn’t that a great story to tell?




Head of School
The Westview School
Calendar at a Glance

Friday, October 30
  • Treats on the Track (Staff/Student Only Event)

Thursday, November 5

Wednesday, November 11

Thursday, November 12
  • Dad's Day (Virtual Event)

November 23 to 27
  • Thanksgiving Break
Fall Health Tips
By: The Westview COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee
Temperatures are dipping below 90◦F and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air. Fall has arrived in Houston! As we move into another season of 2020, we have learned to be flexible, anticipate the unexpected, and go with the flow. That said, there are several reasonable ways in which we can consistently support our families’ and communities’ health.

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.
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.

Parent Reminder: Lice check for all students is scheduled the week of October 19 – 23
Do You Follow Us on Social Media?
Well, the alliteration alone should have clued us in that somewhere else on the World Wide Web was another school filled with some spirited Westview Wildcats. So, we wanted to make sure that if you are following us on social media, that you are in the right spot.  
 
Westview has both an official Facebook and Instagram page that is managed by Sarah Chauvin, Communications Director. You can find us @TheWestviewSchool for both. Here you can find information about school events, community resources and see us delivering our mission. We are always looking to grow our reach, and any like, positive comment, and share help us do that!  
 
Mention @TheWestviewSchool, so we can share your post. We do ask that you not share pictures of other Westview children on your posts unless given express permission by that child’s family. 
 
Please note: Social media will always be a supplementary form of communication for The Westview School. It is an excellent way for us to share some amazing stories of the great things that are happening at our awesome school. While we may post important information like open house and school closures, please know that this is always done following an official email or notification from W.I.N.S. 
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.
Message from POW: T-Shirt Preorder Happening NOW!
Don't forget to order your 2020 Westview Strong spirit tee! Preorders will be closing next Friday, October 23. Cost is $15 each. Shop the POW Spirit Store to preorder your shirts.

We still need more "gifted tee" sales for POW to give a spirit shirt to every staff member. Let's show them some love and appreciation to our hardworking teachers and staff. Check the Spirit Store to add these discounted tees to cart.
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
Westview is Hiring!
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.