IfyoutakeapeekintoJulieGulliford's Upper Elementaryclassroom atanytimeduringtheschoolday,you will see precisely what you'd expect...teaching.OneWestviewadministratorsaid, "I am sometimes reluctanttowalkintoobserveJulie.She is always actively teaching, andIdon'twanttodisturbthemagichappening with herstudents."
Julieisawell-respectedteacheratTheWestview School and is describedbyherco-workersasbeingdriven, passionate, and kind. "Julieisextremelydedicatedandalways willing to go the extramile forstudents."
Juliebeganhercareerineducationafter receiving herbachelor's degreeinelementaryeducationK-6from the University ofNorth Florida(UNF).Specialeducationwasn't part ofthe elementary teachingdegreeatUNF,soJuliedidn't have any experiencewith specialneedskidsuntilherfirstyearofteaching. Julierecalls working ataprivateschoolinFlorida,wherefour ofthe 16 students in her kindergartenclasshadspecialneeds.
"Workingwiththosefourstudentsbrought me a lot ofjoy, and I foundthatIreallylikedtryingdifferentstrategies and figuring out how tohelpandreacheachofthosestudents,"said Julie."Forthe next few years,IfoundthestudentsIalwayslooked forward to the most in my classweretheoneswithspecialneeds."
Afterworkinginprivateeducationforthree years,Juliedecidedtoreturntoschool to directherfocusmoretowardspecial education.AtTheUniversityofFlorida, Julie earnedhermaster'sdegreeinspecial educationwithanemphasisonautism spectrumdisorder.
"WhenIstartedtolookatmovingto Houston,Ibeganmyjobsearch,and Westviewcaughtmyeye,"saidJulie,"It was thefirstschoolIappliedto."Fromthestart, JuliewasattractedtoWestviewbecause of thesmallclasssizesandbecauseitwas a schoolspecificallydedicatedtohelping studentswithautism.
Thenatureofspecializededucationat Westviewallowsfordifferentiationwithin the classroom.Juliereceivedmuchpraiseforhow easyshemakesthislook."Everystudent in Julie'sclassroomisactivelyengaged,"one colleaguecommented,"Eachkiddois workingattheideallevelforthemevery day."
"Everyoneworking[atWestview]wants whatisbestforeachstudent,"saidJulie, "beingabletorelyonthatsupporttohelp me helpeachstudentinmyclasssucceedand reachgoalssetforthemisinvaluable."
JuliecreditstheteameffortoftheWestview communityforhersuccess."Iwouldnotbe theteacherIamwithoutthesupportofmy administrators,colleagues,parents,and the studentsthemselves."But,itisherstudents thatgenuinelymakeherjobworthwhile. "My studentsarepushedhard,andeachone is givenhighgoalstheyworktoaccomplish throughouttheschoolyear,"saidJulie. "Seeingmystudentspushthemselves, practice,failandgetbackupagain,succeed, andlearniswhatinspiresmetolearnand try newideas,projects,andactivitiesinthe classroom."
Juliereceivednumerousnominationsand high praisefromhercolleaguesforbeing incrediblytalentedasateacherand committedtoensuringthatstudentsreceive thebesteducationpossible.
Juliesharesthatherfavoritethingabout beingapartofWestviewisthesupport and collaborationbetweenstaffmembers, administrators,andfamilies.
TheJaneStewartAwardofExcellence is awardedyearlytoateacherwhoprovides exemplaryservicetothestudentsandthe school.Withgreatappreciationand admiration,wearedelightedtoawardthe 2021-2022JaneStewartAwardofExcellence toUpperElementaryteacher,JulieGulliford.
SupportingtheWholeChild
TheImportanceofSocialandEmotionalLearning
Inthepasttenyears,therehasbeengrowing recognitionsupportedbyanextensivebody of researchthatsocialandemotionalcurriculumis not onlyasimportantasthecorecurriculum but also an essentialcontributortohighacademic engagement andsuccess.Withthatrecognitioncomes the understandingthatthetimegiventoteaching the socialandemotionalcurriculumisacritical componentofahigh-qualityeducation.
Everyschoolhasamissionstatementthat includes a statementofitsintentiontopreparestudents for citizenshipandsuccessintheireveryday life.
Socialandemotionalcompetenceisvital forstudents toimagineandpursueabrightfutureforthemselves andtheircommunity.Thiscompetence develops when studentsareprovidedthetimetolearn and practice developmentallyappropriateskillsthat prepare them forcitizenshipandfuturesuccessineveryday life.
Sociallearningfocusesprimarilyononeselfin relationshiptoothers,includingdemonstrating responsiblecitizenshipandactinginethical ways for thebenefitofnotjustoneselfbutalsoforsociety.
Emotionallearningfocusesprimarilyon one's relationshipwithoneself,specificallyone's responses toemotions,andincludeslearningtorecognize and managethoseemotionstostayonatrajectorythat leadstothebestandmostdesirableoutcome.
Socialandemotionalcompetenceprepares students tolearn,play,work,andformfriendships and relationshipsinschoolwithpeoplewhoaredifferent fromthemandtolearntomanagechange more effectively.Itenablesstudentstobemorecooperative andresponsible,increasinglycontroltheirown behavior,andmakegoodchoicesanddecisions for themselves.
Cooperation is the ability to establish new relationships, maintain positive relationships and friendships, avoid social isolation, resolve conflicts, accept differences, and be a contributing member of the classroom and community in which one lives, works, learns, and plays.
Assertiveness is the ability to take initiative, stand up for one's ideas without hurting or negating others, seek help, persevere with a challenging task, and recognize one's individual self as separate from the environment or
Responsibility is the ability to motivate oneself to act and follow through on expectations, define a problem, consider consequences, and choose a positive solution.
Empathy is the ability to recognize, appreciate, or understand another's state of mind or emotions, to be receptive to new ideas and perspectives, and to see, appreciate, and value differences and diversity in others.
Self-Control is being able to recognize and regulate one ’ s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to be successful in the moment and remain on a successful trajectory
Thebestpartofthe daywasseeingthe studentslightupas theysharedWestview withtheirfamilies. The best part of the day was seeing the students light up as they shared Westview with their families.
J U L I E G U L L I F O R D
CelebrationofLearningwasawonderful new eventheldatWestviewthisyear.Itwas an opportunityforstudentstocelebrateall they had accomplishedandlearnedthroughout the yearand sharethiswiththeirfamilies.Inpreparing forthis event,itwasimportantforstudentsto feel ownershipovertheirachievementsand to have thecelebrationencompassallaspectsoftheir schoolday.Inmyclass,studentswere encouraged tocreatealistofplacesanditemsspecificto them thattheywantedtosharewiththeirfamilies. The ideawasthatstudentswouldleadtheirfamilies aroundoneventdayandtalktothemabout each itemontheirlist.Itwasalivelyclassdiscussion thatresultedinthestudentscomingup with quite thelistofeverythingtheycouldshow their families.Someideassharedamongthe class were thebookfair,artprojects,theclassroom, music room,projects,andaportfolioofwork they had done,plusthedramaroom.Iencouraged students tohaveaminimumofsixitemsontheirlist, but theycouldhavemoreiftheywanted.
CelebrationofLearning
BY:JULIEGULLIFORD
Asfamiliesarrivedfortheirchild'sCelebration of Learning,studentswerereadyandvery excited to welcometheirfamilywiththeirpersonalized and preparedlistinhand.Theannouncement was madeforfamiliestofollowtheirchildas they led themaroundtheschool.Thehallsand classrooms ofWestviewwerefilledwithmuchlaughterand engagingconversationsbetweenstudents and families.Therewasmuchjoyoncampus, as familiescouldbefoundthroughoutour buildings exploringandlearningmoreabouttheir child's dailyandweeklyschedule.
ThebestpartoftheCelebrationofLearning was seeingthestudentslightupastheyled their familiesfromoneareatothenext,sharing Westviewwiththeirfamilies-talkingto them abouttheitem,room,orlearningthathappened wheretheywere.Thiseventwasoneofmy favoritecelebrationsthisyear,andIcan't wait to seefutureclassesshareinthejoywith their families thatthiseventbrings!
OurCommunityGathersTogether
2022WestviewFundraisingLuncheon
he 2 22 Westvi was a joyous and and friends of Th athered on Wed iver aks Coun school. The even he estview Sc reflections of our heartfelt speech f Elizabeth Gretter t d i
The2022WestviewFundraisingLuncheon wasajoyousandsuccessfuleventasfamilies andfriendsofTheWestviewSchool gatheredonWednesday,March30,2022, at RiverOaksCountryClubtosupportour school.Theeventraisedover$150,000 for TheWestviewSchool.Fromthethoughtful reflectionsofourClassof2022tothe heartfeltspeechfromourparentspeaker, ElizabethGretter,oureventillustratedthe tremendousimpactaWestvieweducation makesinachild'slife.
Ittakesavillage,andanysuccessfulevent requiresmuchcoordinationandteamwork. Ourluncheon'ssuccessreliedheavilyon the generousunderwritingprovidedbythe BurchandChristophersonfamilies.
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support Westview every time you checkout on Amazon. Visit smile.amazon.com on your web browser and select The Westview School as your charity of choice. Make sure to activate in the Amazon Shopping phone app too. A percentage of all qualify f ing purchases you make goes directly back to Westview, at no cost to you. So go ahead and fi f ll your cart for some fe f el-good shopping.
Connect your Kroger Rewards account to The Westview School for an easy way to support our fundraising efforts. Log in to your Kroger account. Click on Community Rewards. Search for THE WESTVIEW SCHOOL (GU749) to enroll. Once enrolled, every time you shop at Kroger, simply swipe your registered Kroger rewards card or use the phone number related to your account, and The Westview School will receive a small percentage of your
Itwasquitethecelebratorymorningat The Westview School. FamiliesofourtwelveMiddleSchoolstudents who arecompleting TheWestviewSchoolprogramgathered in Largent Hall forour CommencementBreakfast.Westviewis proud ofthis groupofvibrant, talented,generous,andkindyoungadults. We areproud ofwhat they haveaccomplishedduringtheiryearsat Westview, and we cannot waittoseewhatthefutureholdsforthem as they embark on their high schooljourney.Theywillbemissed.
Aspartofourcommencementfestivities, Middle School teachers took theopportunitytorecognizeourstudents' social and academic achievementsinheartfelt,humorous,and personal recognition speeches.Theysharedstoriesandpraise, inspirational quotes, and wordsofwisdomthathighlightedthegrowth and strengths ofeach student.Itwassuchaspecialmoment forthese Middle School studentstoberecognizedbytheirteachers.
The first time I met Anastasia was at her brother's baseball game. I was walking around, lost, and a little girl from a distance said, "Xander's game is over there." Next time I saw her was at Westview, where she came up to me and said, "do you remember me?" I said, "Yeah, you're Xander's sister " To which she replied, "ok " She was often a student of few words During middle school, we got to know each other pretty well. We would talk anime and music and play jokes on each other. Stasia grew more confident during middle school. It makes me proud to see the young person she has become. She will be missed, and Westview will not be the same without her.
-AndresGutierrez
Anastasia will attend Lutheran High North for high school.
From day one, Chris was a great student and a perfect fi f t for Westview. As he became acclimated to Westview, he became more open, sharing his unique personality with his teachers and fellow students It was easy to see what an awesome and cool kid Chris was. Chris may question, challenge, and sometimes attempt to talk his way out of things, but these characteristics help to define his character and will serve him well in his future as he continues to mature and grow into a young adult. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
- Crystal Irvin
Chris will attend The Banff School for high school.
ChriswillattendTheBanffSchoolforhighschool.
Noah - 12 years
Noah-12years
Noah has been a student at Westview for an 12 What is so special about Noah is that his mind is constantly moving, thinking, evaluating, and creating. We have always dubbed Noah, "the professional student," and he does school really well. He is responsible and determined, like REALLY determined at times, but those will serve him well as he embarks on his school journey. We are going to miss him so much around the halls of Westview. Best of luck in the future!
NoahhasbeenastudentatWestviewforan astounding 12 years! WhatissospecialaboutNoahisthathis mind is constantly moving, thinking,evaluating,andcreating.Wehave always dubbed Noah, "the professionalstudent,"andhedoesschool really well. He is responsible anddetermined,likeREALLYdetermined at times, but those qualities willservehimwellasheembarksonhis high school journey. We are goingtomisshimsomucharoundthe halls ofWestview. Best ofluck inthefuture!
-KoriSpurgers
- Kori Spurgers
Noah will attend Gateway Academy for high school.
NoahwillattendGatewayAcademyforhighschool.
julian - 10 years
julian-10years
WhatajoyithasbeentowatchJulianblossom this year.I have watchedhimdevelopintoacreativeand social young man. I am so proudofthepersonheisbecomingand the student that gave his all throughouttheschoolyear.Seeinghim come out ofhis shell, connect withotherstudents,experimentwithhumor, and sharehis creative cartoondrawingshasbeensowonderful. In the words ofKermit the Frog:"Here'ssomesimpleadvice:always beyourself.Nevertake yourselftooseriously."IwishJulianthebest ofluck in high school!
What a joy it has been to watch Julian blossom this year I have watched him develop into a creative and social young man. I am so proud of the person he is becoming and the student that gave his all throughout the school year. Seeing him come out of his shell, connect with other students, experiment with humor, and share his creative cartoon drawings has been so wonderful. In the words of Kermit the Frog: "Here's some simple advice: always be yourself. Never take yourself too seriously." I wish Julian the best of luck in school!
-AmandaLozenich
- Amanda Lozenich
Julian will attend Focus Academy for high school.
JulianwillattendFocusAcademyforhighschool.
carter - 11 years
carter-11years
To quote Ellie in the Disney movie UP, "You don't talk very much… I like you." Carter is my favorite introvert, but if you get him on a preferred topic like Legos, his excitement will grow. He is kind and funny, and he was a joy to teach. Carter could be counted on to get his work done in class. He was always willing to help a friend in need and would do it with a big smile. I am thankful for being a part of Carter's Middle School adventure, and I am excited to send him off to "explore the wilderness."
- Amanda Lozenich
-AmandaLozenich
ToquoteEllieintheDisneymovieUP, "Youdon't talk verymuch…I likeyou."Carterismyfavoriteintrovert, but if youget himon a preferredtopiclikeLegos,hisexcitement will grow. He is kind and funny,andhewasajoytoteach.Cartercould always becounted on togethisworkdoneinclass. Hewasalways willing to help a friend in needandwoulddoitwithabigsmile.I am thankful forbeing a part of Carter'sMiddleSchooladventure,and I am excited to send himoff to "explorethewilderness."
Carter will attend Gateway Academy for high school.
CarterwillattendGatewayAcademyforhighschool.
finley - 8 years
finley-8years
Finley has been such a great student during his years at Westview. He has grown and matured so much his years here. Finley is the student who always comes to school prepared. He knows exactly what to do, when to do it, and what to say. He will be missed at Westview, but I know that he has a bright future ahead of him.
Finleyhasbeensuchagreatstudentduring his eight years at Westview.Hehasgrownandmaturedso much during his years here.Finleyisthestudentwhoalwayscomes to school prepared.Heknowsexactlywhattodo, when to do it, and what tosay.HewillbemissedatWestview,but I know that he has a brightfutureaheadofhim.
- Crystal Irvin
Finley will attend Gateway Academy for high school.
FinleywillattendGatewayAcademyforhighschool.
jaden - 2 years
jaden-2years
Jadenhassomefantasticmathskillsand a knowledge ofPokémon thatmightsurpassmine.Heis,mostimportantly, an incredible friend; heconstantlyasksaboutthingsyoucareabout orhow your loved onesaredoing,andhelooksforwaysto cheeryouupif youare feelingdown.Westviewwillseemabit greyer without the light Jaden radiatesdaily,andweallwillfeelhisabsence.I’m excited to hear abouthisexploitsashestartsonhisnext adventure. His new school andteachersaresoluckytohavehim.-AndresGutierrez
Jaden has some fantastic math skills and a of Pokémon that might surpass mine. He is, most importantly, an incredible friend; he constantly asks about things you care about or how your loved ones are doing, and he looks for ways to cheer you up if you are feeling down. Westview will seem a bit greyer without the Jaden radiates daily, and we all will feel his absence. I’m excited to hear about his exploits as he starts on his next adventure His new school and teachers are so lucky to have him
- Andres Gutierrez
Jaden is moving with his family to Denver, Colorado.
JadenismovingwithhisfamilytoDenver,Colorado.
avery - 5 years
avery-5years
I have known Avery since he was about six years old, and I knew that Westview's nurturing and warm environment was what he needed to grow academically and socially. His academic at Westview has been truly impressive, but his and social development stands out. Avery is fu f nny, kind, and empathetic. He will be greatly missed at Westview, and I he is as proud of himself and his accomplishments as we are of the student and person he has become.
IhaveknownAverysincehewasabout six years old, and I knew that Westview'snurturingandwarmenvironment was exactly what he neededtogrowacademicallyandsocially. His academic growth at Westviewhasbeentrulyimpressive,but his personal and social developmentstandsout.Averyisfunny, kind, and impressively empathetic.Hewillbegreatlymissedat Westview, and I hope he is asproudofhimselfandhisaccomplishments as we areofthe student andpersonhehasbecome.
-KoriSpurgers
- Kori Spurgers
Avery will attend Xavier Academy for high school.
AverywillattendXavierAcademyforhighschool.
-CrystalIrvin
Benny - 3 Years
Benny-3Years
BennyandIconnectedoverourmutual love ofthe Houston Astros andbaseball.Hehassuchadeeppersonal understanding ofAmerica's favorite pastime.Heisnotonlyafavorite student, but he also become adearbaseballfriend.Bennytalksabout being a team player, and it is theperfectanalogyforhistimeatWestview. What a great teammate Bennyhasbeen.Ashehitsthefreeagencymarket (aka high school), I hopeheknowsthatnomatterwhatnew team he's on, when he comes toWestviewasavisitingplayer,hewill always bewelcomed byhis Westviewhomecrowd.
-JaredDawkins
Benny and I connected over our mutual love of the Houston Astros and baseball. He has such a deep personal of America's pastime. He is not only a favorite student, but he also become a dear baseball friend Benny talks about a team and it is the perfect analogy for his time at Westview What a great teammate Benny has been. As he hits the free agency market I hope he knows that no matter what new team he's on, when he comes to Westview as a visiting player, he will always be welcomed by his Westview home crowd. - Jared Dawkins
Benny will attend The HUB Houston for high school.
BennywillattendTheHUBHoustonforhighschool.
Johnathan - 3 Years
Johnathan-3Years
Johnathan is a master at balancing hard work with fun and play. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning science with him. He constantly relates what he learns in class to how it impacts the moving world around him. Keeping up with his curiosities beyond the textbook has made me a better teacher and a more informed human. As he continues to mature into a young adult, his responsible and innovative thinking will impact our world towards a bright future
ThiswasBenjamin'soneandonlyyear at Westview, and I wish we hadmoretimewithhim.Ireallyenjoyed learning about his personality.Initially,heseemedabitquiet, but I learned moreabout himastheyearprogressed.Benjaminis a talented artist with outstandingnunchuckskillsandaparticularsense ofhumor.He quicklybecameoneofmyfavoritestudents. I wish himall the best in hishighschoolyears.Hewillbemissed at Westview.
This was Benjamin's one and only year at Westview, and I wish we had more time with him I really enjoyed about his personality Initially, he seemed a bit quiet, but I learned more about him as the year progressed. Benjamin is a talented artist with outstanding nun chuck skills and a particular sense of humor. He quickly became one of my favorite students. I wish him all the best in his high school years. He will be missed at Westview.
Benjamin will be homeschooled for high school.
Benjaminwillbehomeschooledforhighschool.
Brighton - 4 years
Brighton-4years
Brightonisnotonlyanextremelygiftedartist,but he is curious and eagertolearn.Hethinksoutsideofthe box. He is unapologetically himself.Heisanoutstandingstudentacross all subjects, kind to his teachers,supportiveofhispeers,andhas an unexpectedly drysense ofhumor.Hecanbeshy,butashehasgrown through his years at Westview,hehasopenedupandshared with us his delightful and eccentricpersonality.Whateverhedoes in this life, Westview will alwaysbesupportingandcheeringhim on.
-KayleeBond
Brighton is not only an extremely gift f ed artist, but he is curious and eager to learn. He thinks outside of the box. He is himself. He is an outstanding student across all kind to his teachers, supportive of his peers, and has an dry sense of humor. He can be shy, but as he has grown his years at Westview, he has opened up and shared with us his delightfu f l and eccentric personality. Whatever he does in this life f , Westview will always be supporting and cheering him on. - Kaylee Bond
BrightonwillattendGatewayAcademyforhighschool.
Brighton will attend Gateway Academy for high school.
Groupsessionswillbecategorizedbyappropriateageand levelofability.Wewilllearnthetriggersofstressful situationsandhowandwhywereacttothem.Wewillalso practice and build on coping skills.
"I look forward to being a part of a positive therapeutic and collaborative environment that nurtures students’ individual strengths," shared Carlie. "I am excited to get to know the Westview community!"
"I'm excited to be back at Westview in this new role and be surrounded by the population that led me down the therapy path in the first place," said Elisabeth "The best part of my job is the opportunity to help children realize how capable they are without having to change who they are "
Theupcomingschoolyearmarksthestart of Michael'sseventhyearatTheWestview School, andwhileMichael'sofficialtitleoncampus is SupportSpecialist,itcomeswithquite a few credentialsbehindhisname–MichaelMcKee, Ed.S,LSSP,NCSP.
So,whatdoesitallmean?Michaelisa Licensed SpecialistinSchoolPsychology(LSSP).Before Westview,heworkedasaSchoolPsychologist at KatyISD.Heholdshismaster'sdegree and educationspecialist(Ed.S.)fromMiddle TennesseeStateUniversity.HisLSSPlicensure allowshimtopracticepsychologyinschools in Texas,andtheNCSPisanationalcertification thatwouldhelpwithstatelicensureoutside of Texas.MichaeladmitsthatHoustonwas initially a temporaryideaforhisfamily."Weultimately decidedtostayherepermanently,"said Michael. "WestviewwasaBIGpartofthatdecision."
Anothersaid,"Heistheheartandsoul of Westview.HeisthepersonIfeelIcan completelydependon.Hecanturnyourday aroundwithasimplejokeorphrase."
AccordingtoMichael,thefeelingismutual. When askedaboutthemostrewardingpartofhis job, Michaeldidn'thesitate,"thepeople,"he said. "I wouldnotbehereifitwerenotforthe amazing groupoffolksIworkwithdaily."Healso sees the successstoriesofthekidsasveryrewarding. "Seeingtheprogressthatourkiddosmake,"he shared."Itmakesallthehardtimesworth every second."
TheDonnaMarshallAwardofExcellence is awardedeachyeartoanon-instructional staff memberwhomakestremendouscontributions to theschool.Withanoverwhelmingconsensus and effusiveappreciationbyall,wearedelighted to awardthe2021-2022DonnaMarshallAward of ExcellencetoWestview'sveryown "ROCKSTAR"SupportSpecialist,Michael McKee.
In 2019, Phoebe and family returned to America and settled stateside in Omaha, Nebraska. Phoebe will be entering 8th grade at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School. While in Omaha, Phoebe developed a passion for the theater Kat applauds the wonderful youth theater program in Omaha that Phoebe attends called The Rose Theater. Phoebe has been involved with their productions for the past couple of years Recently, she played Ms Hannigan in the musical Annie, and this summer, she participated in a Summer Fun showcase singing songs from Grease and the Beach Boys. This fall, she is excited to be part of the musical Frozen, and in the spring will try her first go at non-musical theater with a play called Big Bad. In addition to developing a love for the theater, Phoebe was also invited to participate in a model development program Suffice it to say; theater keeps Phoebe very busy!
"Raising a teenager with autism is not for the faint of heart," laughs Kat. Phoebe works with Boys Town in Omaha, which provides support. "Phoebe is doing so great thanks to the amazing foundation she received at Westview," shares Kat
Everyefforthasbeenmadetoensuretheaccuracyofthisreport and torecognize all giftsreceived. Ifanyerrorsoromissionshavebeenmade,please acceptour sincere apologies and notifyRoger Browning,DevelopmentDirectorat713-973-1900 orrbrowning@westviewschool.org
