Wonderful Westview Alumni News

Wonderful Westview Alumni News

COLTON BLUM

Colton attended Westview for Early Childhood Development and Preschool He transitioned to public school for Kindergarten and is now a rising first grader at Valley Oaks Elementary in their AIM program.

Colton's mom, Kimberly, recalls being nervous about the move but says it really allowed Colton to “step out of his comfort zone ” She said, “Over the last year, Colton has shown tremendous growth with his emotional regulation and ability to follow instructions."

For the past two summers, Colton has returned to Westview for summer camp. What a joy for staff and teachers to have him back and to see his growth.

"We will always remember the personalized, high-level care Colton received at Westview," said Kimberly. "Without the foundation from Westview, Colton would have never been able to mainstream for Kindergarten."

THEODORE MILLER

Theo began Westview in Early Childhood Development at the age of three. He was one of those students who thrived in the Westview environment He showed great success academically, was growing and learning, and was loved by teachers and friends. During his Upper Elementary years, his family relocated to North Carolina. The first year of the move was challenging for the Millers.

While change can be hard, it is also an opportunity for growth. Theo is currently a Middle School student at Durant Road. His mother shared a proud moment. At the end of last school year, Theo received the "Spotlight on Students" award for his school, which is a huge honor within Theo's school district

Theo's favorite subjects in school are math and art, and he loves writing essays Theo says his time at Westview helped him with basic social skills, but he misses his Westview friends the most. He has some great advice for Westview friends, "Take your time on important tests and think all the way through. If you mess up, that is okay. Just study more next time." Theo says he enjoys learning and applying what he learns to everyday life

We loved what Theo's mom shared about their time at Westview. "I cannot begin to express how much of an impact the [Westview] staff has made on our family. The years of dedication, patience, determination, and empathy from the staff to Theo are ones that we cherish," said Lilia, "You are all guiding little beings who would usually be derided or dismissed and, instead, ensuring they are valued and pushed to become their best. The cause you are dedicating your time and effort to is one that is making an immeasurable effect on the next generation."

THIBAULT DESCAMPS

Thibault attended The Westview School for seven years, beginning in PreKindergarten. His family relocated to Scotland at the end of Thibault's Upper Elementary years at Westview. Thibault is now a Middle School student at the International School of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Thibault has fond memories of his time at Westview, mostly of his teachers and friends. "End-of-year activities were always fun," recalls Thibault, "Tug-of-war, dunking for apples, soaping, and getting wet!"

Thibault is enjoying middle school, and his favorite subjects are math, history, PE, and science. He has a lot to be proud of academically. He recently won a Crest Award for Science and Tech and competed at the "Build Your Future Scotland" event against other Scottish schools. He also was awarded the Diversity Award for two years in a row at his International School. This award recognizes students' values of integrity and inclusion.

Thibault and his mom are proud of his resilience in moving countries and schools.

Moving countries and schools was the biggest, scariest moment in all my time as an autistic mum," said Katharine, Thibault's mom. "I was petrified that all the amazing seven years of speech therapy, work, support, and love from the Westview community would be undone in a matter of minutes. - Katharine Descamps

According to Katharine, her worry was needless. Katharine was amazed at how well Thibault easily integrated into the mainstream and is proud of how he consistently scores high academically. She advises other parents "to be willing to take the risk!"

Thibault credits Westview with teaching him how to behave. "Westview taught me appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, allowing me to socialize and make friends with many different types of people." With the skills he learned at Westview, Thibault quickly figured out the do's and don'ts of school.

Thibault has this advice for Westview students: "If you are feeling down, keep calm and carry on. At the end of each day, there is light at the end of the tunnel. While autism is a life-changing spectrum, in fact, you are one of the luckiest 1% of the population on the planet who are autistic!"

IZZ IMIL

In 2015, Izz was a student in Westview's ECD program. He left Westview when his family relocated back to Malaysia.

Izz's younger years at Westview were marked by great friends and fabulous teachers. He learned how to make a hand monkey painting and has some memories of Halloween celebrations.

Izz keeps busy with school in Malaysia. He is currently taking A-level Maths and Chemistry, plus English and Physical Health classes with friends his age. He has big goals for his educational future. "I hope to enroll myself in a Bachelor of Science degree at a University," said Izz, "Hopefully, I can do my Master's and PhD and then continue to teach and share my knowledge."

He credits Westview for helping with his motor and social skills. Westview also taught him that he is special and that he should do what he likes, which happens to be maths and science. Izz says that Westview encouraged his learning and allowed him to learn as much as he wanted.

Izz's advice to Westview students is "Do what YOU love to do."