Dear Westview Families,
The Houston Public Library was on campus today educating our Middle School on the fast emerging world of artificial intelligence (AI) with a STEM course called Coding: Spheros.
The mission for our students was to learn and practice basic coding via the use of a mobile device and a spherical robot, the Sphero. Fun Fact: The Spheros (aka robots) our students coded today were actually the prototype shown to Lucas Films to create the beloved character BB8 from the Star Wars movies.
During today's demonstration our Middle Schoolers were hands-on, using a tablet to navigate some basic coding concepts such as roll command, 360 turns all while balancing speed and friction with a goal to complete the mission assigned - navigate their robot through the maze.
“Today’s activity allowed the middle school students to see their coding skills in physical form.” said Katie Hazeldine, Middle School Math teacher. “They were troubleshooting and also working together - asking each other ‘Hey! How did you do that?’”
Jared Dawkins, Middle School Science teacher also thought the activity was a great level up for learning already happening in the classroom. " "The coding software was very similar to some of our coding resources we use in class," said Jared.
Middle School students have in class experience with the app Coder Z - a gamified coding platform that combines STEM, computer science, and critical life skills "In the classroom, their codes are carried out through simulations on their screen," said Jared. "So, this was a really cool experience for the kids to apply some of the coding skills they've developed in tech class to an actual robot."
We have been so pleased with the success of our partnership with the Houston Public Library to offer all grade levels an opportunity to experience Community Outreach programming the library has to offer. Upcoming presentations this spring include Lego Robotics, Lego Engineering, the Astronomy Dome, and Storytime Fitness.
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Head of School
The Westview School
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Calendar at a Glance
December 2, 2023
DECEMBER 7, 2023
DECEMBER 14, 2023
- Westview Holiday Play | New Life Church @ 9:30 AM
- No Extended Day
DECEMBER 15, 2023 to JANUARY 2, 2024
JANUARY 3, 2024
- Westview Staff Development Day | Student Holiday (No School)
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Save the Date for Music for Autism - Saturday, December 2, 2023 |
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The Westview School is excited to welcome Music for Autism to campus this Saturday for a holiday concert. Music for Autism is a national organization that aims to enhance the quality of life and raise public awareness through autism-friendly, interactive concerts developed specifically for individuals with autism and their families. These performances are live, interactive, open to the community, and autism-friendly. We hope to see you all on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11:00 AM. The Houston-based WindSync will be the musical talent. The concert will be held on the Westview campus in Largent Hall. This event is open to the community, and registration is required. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please complete this form.
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Westview EDU | Diagnosis: Human - Demystifying Mental Health |
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Westview welcomes Lindsay Carr, PhD, Clinical Psychologist to our December Westview EDU | Diagnosis: Human - Demystifying Mental Health. Save the date for Thursday, December 7, 2023, in Largent Hall at 9:15 AM. Dr. Carr will discuss common psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.) and explore strategies on how to combat these in everyday life. Her discussion will break down the difference between these challenges and the normal human emotional experience.
This event will be held in person in Largent Hall on The Westview School campus. Zoom attendance will be available by request. All attendees, both virtual and in-person, should register for the event.
Any questions? Having an issue with the online registration form? Email Sarah Chauvin for assistance.
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Save the Date for the Holiday Play | Thursday, December 14 |
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The holidays are coming, and we are overjoyed to invite our families to join us for the annual Westview Holiday Play. Save the date for Thursday, December 14, 2023. The all-school performance will begin at 9:30 AM at New Life Church, directly across the street from The Westview School. There will be no early seating, and doors will open at 9:00 AM. Music classes are very busy preparing for the production, and we can't wait for you to see your student take the stage.
CLASSROOM PICK-UP FOLLOWING PLAY
Please note that there will be no school or extended day following the performance, so your student should be picked up from their classroom immediately following the program's conclusion.
We can't wait to see you!
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Chess Wizards is Returning this Spring |
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CHESS WIZARDS
We are excited to welcome Chess Wizards back to campus this spring for challenging chess lessons, exciting tournaments, fun, team activities, and more! If you’re brand-new to chess, you will learn the basics and get playing right away. If you’re a seasoned checkmate artist, you will learn new ways to let your creativity show on the chessboard. Classes will be Tuesdays from 3:20 PM to 4:20 PM for 7 sessions beginning on January 23. The cost is $147 per student. Chess Wizards enrollment is for Upper Elementary and Middle School students only. Register at www.chesswizards.com. See the flyer for more details.
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Remember to Return Your Library Books before Break |
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Hey Wildcats! As Winter Break approaches, we have a message from Mrs. Taeger: don't forget to bring back your library books before we all head out the holiday break! |
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Order Your 2023-2024 Westview Yearbook |
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Have you purchased your 2023-2024 Westview Yearbook yet? Yearbooks are on sale NOW in the Balfour store. The link to purchase can be found on the Balfour website. Below are some easy-to-follow instructions for reserving your copy today. The cost per book is $50 now through end of year. Prices will increase to $55 per book on January 1. The price for dedications is a Full Page - $100, 1/2 Page - $50, 1/4 Page - $25, and 1/8 Page - $15.
- Click on the Balfour School Store link
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Scroll down and across to the Yearbook Products & ADS and click "Shop Now"
- Enter student info & click "shop for this student"
- Then choose yearbook and what size dedication* you would like.
*If you are buying a dedications, see attached flyer for more information. Dedications do not need to be finalized at purchase, but have a deadline of February 23, 2024.
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Thank you to everyone who has supported and is continuing to support the Westview Fund. We got a boost on Giving Tuesday this week, and we are making progress toward our goal of $150,000. If you haven't made your gift yet, please click here to make your tax-deductible donation! We will do one more push for the Westview Fund before the end of the year, but we need your help to finish strong.
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TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION COOKIE EXCHANGE
The holiday season is approaching and it is a POW tradition to host a cookie exchange for the teachers and staff. Please help by signing up to bring one of your favorite holiday treats to share, decorations, or come volunteer at the event. Each member of the Westview team is provided a box in which to fill with various holiday treats made or provided by our families.
Sign up here and help treat our Westview staff. Thank you in advance for making this holiday season special for our teachers and staff!
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CHECK OUT THE NEW MERCH IN THE POW SCHOOL STORE
Don’t forget our POW Spirit Store is restocked with spirit wear and our new Westview Tumblers. Maybe you can find something for someone special on your Christmas List!
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The Westview School provides a unique, specialized, and nurturing learning environment offering outstanding educational and social opportunities for children on the autism spectrum. |
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