Greetings, Westview families,
John Moring, Director of Development here, hijacking this week’s weekly to talk about all things fundraising. Fundraising at The Westview School is something we try to keep as short and sweet as possible. We have three main parts to Westview fundraising: Annual Fund, Corporate and Family Foundations, and Fundraising Luncheon. If you are thinking, “why is John Moring even talking to us about fundraising? Doesn’t this guy know what we pay in tuition?”
Well, actually, what fundraising covers here at The Westview School is 13% of our operating budget in which tuition and fees do not cover. This amounts to slightly over $700,000 per year. Without our yearly fundraising efforts, every Westview child’s tuition would increase about $6500 per year.
We are so thankful to generous families and friends through the years, faithful corporate and family foundations, and of course, the Westview community’s involvement in the Fundraising Luncheon that we are able to keep our tuition rates down.
For veteran parents who know the drill on the how and why of Westview fundraising, let me take this opportunity to say thank you for your continued contribution to The Westview School. And, for our new families who want to know more on the what and when to help us in our fundraising efforts, keep reading. We know just how you can help.
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Director of Development
The Westview School
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Annual Fund is Happening NOW |
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You received in your inbox earlier this week, information on our Annual Fund. There are a couple of ways to support this fundraising effort. First, donate. You can access our online giving via our website or use the donate link found in the email. Secondly, share. We would love for you to share our Annual Fund Information with any family or friends who might be interested in supporting our school. Here is the link to our email or you can direct them to the Annual Fund page on our website. A print mail-out of our Annual Fund letter will be sent in the next couple of weeks for those who like to write checks instead of using our online giving.
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The Westview School Fundraising Luncheon |
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The Fundraising Luncheon has long been an early spring standing event for The Westview School. This year, we have moved the Luncheon from February to May 5, 2021. The venue remains River Oaks Country Club, and we are cautiously optimistic that things will improve enough for us to gather together. The Luncheon is completely underwritten by families and some of our board members, which makes it a free to attend event for all. We want to extend an invitation and encourage every family here to attend the Luncheon, and if you are so inclined to host a table. Table hosts can invite family, friends, grandparents, church members - any and all who wish to support and learn more about The Westview School. The Luncheon itself is a short and sweet event - under an hour. The event includes a delicious lunch, amazing dessert, both current and former parents speakers plus an alumni or current student speech. There is a soft ask from our board of directors chair at the end of the event for support. If this year’s Fundraising Luncheon cannot be held in person, a virtual event is being organized as a plan B. If you are interested in hosting a table for this year’s Fundraising Luncheon, please contact John Moring.
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Calendar at a Glance
Friday, October 24
- Lifetouch Picture Orders Due
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
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Thanksgiving Travel Reminder |
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With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching and cases of COVID-19 on the rise across the country and locally, we wanted to share the CDC’s recommendations for minimizing exposure to the virus at Thanksgiving.
According to the CDC, “Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.”
We know that many in our community have not traveled or seen family in almost a year. However, 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 virus. One of our policies in the Campus Reopening Plan requires a 14-day quarantine after travel by airplane, train, bus, etc. If you and your family are planning to travel by plane for Thanksgiving, please let us know so we can plan to transition your student to virtual school for two weeks after the break. Thank you for your continued attention and dedication to keeping our students safe and healthy.
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Science + Art - A Change of Scenery |
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Starting on Monday, October 26, students in Middle School and Upper and Lower Elementary will be attending science classes in the science labs. Students in ECD, PreK, and Kindergarten will be attending art in the art studio. Students will still remain in their cohorts, they will not have contact with students from other classes, and no supplies will be shared between students and classes. Also, surface cleaning protocols will be strictly maintained between classes for both the science lab and art studio. We are looking forward to transitioning to this next phase which will allow our students to more fully engage in science and art. |
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Treats on the Track: A Westview School Staff + Student Event |
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Next Friday, October 30, 2020, Westview will be celebrating Halloween with a Treats on the Track event. Halloween is always a fun and exciting time for our school. And, this year is no different. 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. Teachers are working hard on their themed tables that no doubt will bring much joy to our kiddos. The event will take place during the school day. While we are limiting in-person attendance to staff and students only, we plan to go live on social media the morning of the event so both our remote learners and POW can get a sneak peek at the fun. We promise to take lots of pictures and give your kiddos the most Halloween fun a school day can hold. Thank you to POW for supplying the candy. It has been pouring in, and we are so thankful for the support!
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Message from POW: Last Call for T-Shirts! |
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T-shirt preorders are closing this Friday, October 23. So, don't forget to order your 2020 Westview Strong spirit tee! 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!
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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.
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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
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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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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.
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