Dear Westview Families,
Today, we celebrated our founder, Jane Stewart. What a joy to see all our staff and students decked out in Westview blue. Thanks to Mother Nature, an all school photo in front of the 1900 building was not in the cards this morning, but we had a lovely assembly with our students in Largent Hall. It is always a special day to pause and recognize the impact Ms. Jane and her vision has had on all our lives.
Middle School student Joe began this morning's assembly with a lively and heartfelt retelling in his own words of the history of Westview. Also, each year we like to choose something different and unique to honor Ms. Jane and her work to start The Westview School. This summer, Ms. Jane's Story Spot got a major upgrade thanks to Ben Hoelscher, an Eagle Scout. Ben and his troop built three custom benches, each one is adorned with the Westview crest. These beautiful benches are nestled under the trees at the north end of our campus and will be enjoyed by students, staff, and families for years to come.
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If you follow us on social media, we posted a lovely video this morning from our archives of Ms. Jane giving a personal reflection on the beginning of Westview and its mission. Westview is such a special place. Our school's history is a rich one filled with years of leadership and growth with a singular focus on providing a unique, specialized, and nurturing learning environment for children with autism. It remains our focus to provide educational and social opportunities for our students. One of the things that I love most about The Westview School is the deep abiding passion and commitment our staff and teachers have for our school and its mission. I know that this passion and commitment dates back to the school's foundation built by Ms. Jane.
Best,
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Head of School
The Westview School
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Calendar at a Glance
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6
- Westview Staff Development Day | Student Holiday (No School)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
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Westview EDU: Easing Anxiety in Social Situations (RSVP)
- POW Meeting | 10:15 AM in Largent Hall
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
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You received in your inbox earlier this week information on The Westview Fund 2023. 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 Westview 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 Westview Fund page on our website. A print mail-out of our Westview Fund letter will be sent in the mail this week for those who like to write checks instead of using our online giving.
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September Wonder Wall Winners |
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Hooray to our Kindergarten friend, Emery! He is a September Westview Wonder Wall Winner for EMPATHY! Emery is a rock star and a wonderful friend, embodying good sportsmanship, kindness, compassion, and flexibility. Emery effortlessly makes friends and treats everyone with sweetness and politeness. His exceptional talent for sharing and engaging with classmates sets him apart as an outstanding friend. Emery's ability to see the best in everyone and maintain a positive outlook is truly inspiring. |
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We are so proud of Orlando in Lower Elementary! He is a September Wonder Wall Winner for EMPATHY! Orlando consistently demonstrates empathy in the classroom, regularly checking in with his classmates and providing support whenever needed. He boosts his classmates' confidence and self-esteem by writing and sharing affirmations. This kind and caring behavior has positively impacted his peers, and his teachers admire how he makes a difference with his big heart. Orlando's recognition of his classmates' emotions and the importance of their well-being is commendable. Well done, Orlando! |
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Congratulations to Aldrick in Upper Elementary for being a September Wonder Wall Winner for SELF-CONTROL! He is great at adapting to new routines and expectations. He follows instructions and works well with his peers. He uses coping strategies and shows self-control when faced with challenging situations. Aldrick is a team player and good sport. He shares his learning with others using a calm voice and has good ideas. He is supportive and encourages others with high-fives and positive feedback. Way to go, Aldrick! |
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We are so proud of Richard in Middle School for being a September Wonder Wall Winner for RESPONSIBILITY! He shows great self-control and maturity and continues to grow as a learner. He is responsible, follows directions, and finishes his schoolwork as expected. Richard has a positive attitude and is very responsible. Richard is friendly and always has nice things to say about his teachers and friends. Richard solves problems and has a sense of humor that brings joy to those around him. Congratulations on your achievement, Richard! |
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Do's and Don'ts of Westview Carpool |
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It is always our goal to have families pick up and drop off efficiently and safely. We know that a new school year brings updated schedules and timing of pick-up and drop-off of multiple kiddos can be tricky. You may have recently noticed our facilities manager, Robert Velazquez, helping in the afternoons, making sure families safely enter and exit our Upper School carpool. We thought highlighting some common dos and don'ts of the car drop-off pick-up line would be a good idea.
DON'T CUT THE LINE
This should be obvious, but it still happens. We are fortunate to have a small enough student population that our car line moves pretty quickly. We do have multiple carpools entering at the same parking lot entrance at the same time. Please be patient as our teachers are working to unload and load your child as quickly and safely as possible to get you on your way.
DO PULL FORWARD
An easy way to help expedite car lines in both the morning and afternoon is to stay alert and always pull forward as your carpool line moves ahead. If you are waiting on Kersten Drive to enter the parking lot, please make sure you leave space for any cars exiting. This allows all vehicles leaving the parking lot to be able to safely see and clear the intersection.
DON'T USE YOUR PHONE. DO PAY ATTENTION.
Please be mindful that it is illegal to use cell phones in active school zones in Texas. It is also a Westview policy (Parent Handbook, p. 14) that “cell phone use is not permitted in the carpool line.”
DO BE PATIENT
Thanks to all of you for being kind and patient with our teachers and students during carpool. We truly have their safety and best interests at heart.
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Westview EDU | Easing Anxiety in Social Situations |
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Does your child struggle with anxiety in social situations? Would you like to learn some tried and true expert tips on how to help them cope and create a more positive and enjoyable experience for your child? Join us on Thursday, October 12 at 9:15 AM in Largent Hall for Westview EDU | Easing Anxiety in Social Situations with Elisabeth Dawkins, M.S, LPC-Associate at The Stewart Center. Elisabeth will share real examples and practical strategies for helping your child feel more comfortable in a variety of different settings. Learn ways to ease anxiety so that you're prepared to support them in tricky situations, building confidence both in your child and in yourself. Also, if there are any specific social situations that your child struggles with, Elisabeth wants to make sure she touches on these in her presentation. Ideas can be entered in the RSVP form or emailed to Elisabeth Dawkins.
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 Music for Autism - Saturday, October 14, 2023 |
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The Westview School is so excited to once again partner with Music for Autism for concerts. 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. Westview is excited to be the host venue for the Music for Autism events. Save the date for Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 11:00 AM. The Houston-based Boomtown Brass Band 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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Order Your 2023-2024 Westview Yearbook |
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The 2023-2024 Westview Yearbooks are on sale 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 is $50 now through December 31st. Questions? Email Angela Loftin, Yearbook Coordinator.
- Click on the Balfour School Store link
- Scroll down and across to the Yearbook tile and click "Shop Now"
- Enter student info & click "shop for this student"
- Then select Yearbook Only and checkout
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Help Us Grow Our Substitute Teacher List |
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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! The pay is $15 per hour. If you are interested in substitute teaching on a preschool, elementary, or middle school level or if you know someone who would be, please contact Michelle Chapa to complete the necessary paperwork and background check to be added to our list.
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Message from POW: Trunk-or-Treat Coming Soon! |
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12TH
POW Meeting after the Westview EDU
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16TH
Trunk Sign-ups and Trunk or Treat Sponsorship goes LIVE! You can sign up for a trunk using the Sign-up Genius link that will be sent out. Sponsors will be able to sign up for the tier that they wish to donate to at this time as well. Sponsorship gifts will be delivered to the student or can be picked up at the event. A sign-up genius will also go out for parents to bring candy/trinkets the week before the event for trunks to hand out.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24TH
Boo Baskets Due at Morning Carpool!
OCTOBER 23-27
POW will be collecting candy/trinkets at morning carpool to be handled out by the trunks at Trunk or Treat.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
Trunk or Treat @ The Westview School
10A to 12PM
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Save the Date for Alex’s 5K Run/Walk & Kids' K |
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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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