Westview Celebrates 40 Years: Big Dreams & Bright Futures

In the Beginning

The year was 1981. There were no electric cars, home computers, or streaming videos. We walked to the television to change the channel, and our phones were attached to the wall as opposed to our hands. In Houston, Texas, there were no special schools for children with autism. Jane Stewart was a teacher at The Briarwood School, which served children with many different types of disabilities. In the summer of 1981, several parents approached her asking for specific help for their children. And so the story of The Westview School began.

Westview's beginnings were small. The first class consisted of three students and a handful of teacher friends that Ms. Jane invited to join her. School was set up in the kitchen of Ms. Jane's home. Despite the size, Westview looked and acted very much like a real school. Her students did schoolwork, went on field trips, enjoyed sensory activities, and even had recess in the backyard. They celebrated birthdays, holidays, and dressed up in costumes at every opportunity.

Little by little, the small school started to grow. It outgrew Ms. Jane's kitchen, and she began looking for bigger spaces for the school. A small house was purchased on Shady Villa Drive in 1982, just off Westview Road, and the school was officially named The Westview School.

Ms. Jane's guiding philosophy was that children with autism spectrum disorder could do many things with the proper support. She made it her mission to equip her students with the tools needed to have a future of success and independence. With that particular mission in mind, Ms. Jane taught her students with a focus on kindness, love, and patience. She took in students that hadn't found a place to accept them. Jane hired teachers and staff passionate about the mission, and word spread through Houston that The Westview School is a place where you fit. Parents brought their children, looking for hope. Soon, she needed an even bigger space to teach all the children who wanted to come to The Westview School.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush and founder and Head of School JaneStewart cut the ribbon on the brand new building at 1900 Kersten Drive.

One of the first locations of The Westview School wasa house on Shady Lane Drive.

Growing

In 1996, a capital campaign began to raise funds to construct a new and permanent school building to house the growing school. Through the generosity and hard work of Westview supporters and the Houston community, over 3 million dollars was raised. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Westview School's new building at 1900 Kersten Drive was held in May 1999. Despite torrential downpours, the event was well attended in celebration of the accomplishment. The 1900 building lobby was filled with families of The Westview School's first students, Westview's Board of Directors, and a very special guest, First Lady Barbara Bush.

In 2003, The Westview School again received generous donations from families and supporters that made it possible to purchase the property at 1830 Kersten Drive. Westview added both Upper Elementary and Middle School levels to the program. The addition of the second building also included Largent Hall, a dedicated space for PE classes, and a place for the community to gather together. In 2010, an outdoor track was added to the north side of the campus to further expand the space available for sports, group activities, and physical fitness for Westview students.

In 2010, Jane Stewart passed away, and Donna Marshall became the new Head of School. Donna came to Westview in 1991 as a kindergarten teacher and was promoted to assistant Head of School in 2007. Donna did an outstanding job of keeping Jane’s vision alive and carrying on the traditions Jane established, such as the Thanksgiving Feast and the all-school Holiday show. Donna’s commitment to hiring outstanding teachers and making sure the students were given every opportunity for success set The Westview School up for a bright future.

Today

The Westview School has grown from its early beginnings as a one-room school for preschool-age children to a vibrant, everevolving school serving more than 130 children, starting in Early Childhood through Middle School. The school encompasses two school buildings on 7 acres, an auditorium and gym, a soccer field, a track, a motor lab, speech rooms, two libraries, science labs, an art studio, and so much more.

The spirit of Jane Stewart lives on. Because of Ms. Jane's philosophy that kids with autism can DO things and should get out into the world, Westview students have opportunities to go on field trips, go to Camp Smile at Camp for All each spring, enjoy weekend lock-ins and socials, holiday parties, and summer camp. They can join Boy Scouts, act in plays, and compete in spelling bees. Students can learn to ride bikes, play basketball, and Pokemon. The People of Westview (POW), the parents and caregivers' association, plan Spirit Weeks, Family Fun Days, and Halloween Trunk-or- Treats. The Westview community is strong.

In the spring of 2020, Donna Marshall announced her retirement. In June 2020, The Westview School hired a new Head of School. Dr. Bevan Koch is leading The Westview School into a new era, despite the challenges of a global pandemic. Westview has made a substantial investment in modern technology, new academic and social skills programs, and is committed to providing teachers with high quality professional development. The Westview School is steadfast in its commitment to making sure that a Westview education is the best for its students, and all staff are committed to giving the students the care and support they need for success both at home and out in the world.

We thank Jane Stewart for her passion for creating this wonderful school. We honor her memory by carrying on the mission of The Westview School and ensuring that Westview strives to grow and offer brighter futures for children on the autism spectrum. Thousands of Westview students have Jane Stewart to thank for dreaming big and creating a special place for many special children to learn and grow.

Students enjoy a splash day in the early 1980s.

A student performs in the annual Holiday play.

Volunteers hung the final piece of an art installation by Largent Hall in 2011.

Budding friendships on the Westview track.

Wiley the Wildcat, school mascot, high-fives students at the annual Pep Rally.

Jane Stewart shows her love and joy to a student.