WINTER 2024
WILDCAT Chronicle THE WESTVIEW SCHOOL | A PLACE WHERE YOU FIT
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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dr. Koch opens our Winter Westview Chronicle with a review and reflection on the start to school.
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BEYOND COMPLIANCE Dr. Koch gives an update Westview's ongoing dedication to improvement via reaccreditation.
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POW FALL EVENTS POW coordinates two yearly events every fall that helps to build community and bring joy to Westview!
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WESTVIEW CELEBRATES FOUNDER’S DAY Rainy weather moved staff and students indoors, but didn’t dampen the annual celebration of Jane Stewart.
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WILDCATS TAKE THE STAGE Students and staff put in hard work to wow our families from the stage at Westview’s Holiday Play.
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BY SPECIAL INVITATION Westview loves our dads, grandparents, and special friends, having them visit campus is a delight.
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VISITORS ON CAMPUS Local area high schools send students to Westview to volunteer in classes and help beautify our campus.
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SUMMERS AT WESTVIEW Ella Scholl shares her experience volunteering at Westview Summer Camp.
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MEALTIME MASTERY Speech therapists from The Stewart Center talk feeding therapy and the benefit of the family meal.
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DONOR TREE DEDICATION The Westview Leadership Society is honored with a dedication ceremony for our newly installed donor recognition tree.
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WESTVIEW FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON The Westview School invites you to attend our Fundraising Luncheon at the Junior League.
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AUTISM ORGANIZATIONS WE LOVE We are proud to give and receive support from many local autism organizations that do good in Houston.
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ARE YOU READY FOR IT? Westview takes an active role in preparing our transitioning middle schoolers for life after Westview.
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ELEMENTARY GETS A MAKEOVER This school year ushered in the departmentalization of Westview’s entire elementary program.
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WESTVIEW STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTED Upper School students dress up and speak out on Halloween for Westview Student Council elections.
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WESTVIEW EDU WestviewEDU Spring schedule has an informative and educational schedule of presenters for families.
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WONDERFUL WESTVIEW ALUMNI NEWS Our Westview alumni are doing amazing things!
Message from the Head of School Dear Westview School Community,
OUR TIME TO SHINE
Each issue of the Wildcat Chronicles provides a wonderful opportunity to share the accomplishments of the students and staff of The Westview School. This is our reaccreditation year, and in the last few months, we have reviewed and reflected on how well we meet the Cognia Performance Standards in virtually every aspect of our school. This rigorous process has allowed us to collect and analyze data from our students, families, and instructional staff; observe every classroom to reflect on how our students experience their learning environment; and examine data on student growth in social, emotional, behavioral, and academic domains. This review has affirmed that The Westview School is living up to our belief that when children are educated in a nurturing and supportive environment, they learn, grow, and develop a strong sense of self and an appreciation for others. In this edition of the Wildcat Chronicle, we share some key takeaways from our process thus far, describe the benefits of departmentalizing our elementary program, and share some of the great things happening in The Stewart Center.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
Our alumni connection is another popular feature of this publication and an opportunity for us to highlight how the solid foundation of a Westview education prepares our students for the world beyond our walls. Just as we support students as they come through our doors, guiding and nurturing each one to make the most of their unique gifts, in the end, we know that our school reflects the enduring relationships that are nurtured and the connections that are made. We look forward to building on The Westview School’s strengths and bringing new and innovative programs to our classrooms and community. Happy Reading,
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Beyond Compliance WESTVIEW’S COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT THROUGH REACCREDITATION This year is a reaccreditation year for The Westview School. Throughout this process, we have reviewed the standards and descriptions of good practice and reflected on how well we meet each standard. It has been a team effort, as our entire school community has played an integral part in this process.
BEVAN KOCH, ED.D.
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK ON CULTURE Many of you contributed to the first steps by completing one of our perception surveys sent at the start of the school year. These initial surveys play an important role in the reaccreditation process, and we are very thankful to our staff, students, and families who took the time to provide feedback thoughtfully and honestly. It is always helpful to gather feedback from the entire community, and our findings this year were consistent with the key takeaways from survey results collected in 2021 and 2022. These surveys reveal that staff and families feel connected by the shared mission to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children with autism. When asked to select words to describe interactions between families and staff or among colleagues, individuals from both groups identified the exact same top 5 words to characterize these relationships: Genuine, Personable, Valuable, Trusting, and Collaborative. Similarly, when students were asked to select words that describe their school experience our upper elementary and middle school students chose these words: Friendly, Welcoming, Exciting, and Safe.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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In a healthy culture, learners, parents, and educators feel connected to the purpose and work of the school and behave in ways that are aligned to the stated values and norms. The Westview School community affirms that our school includes a healthy culture for learning.
This happens because our specialized program is one in which students are supported based on their individual needs, are encouraged to take academic risks, and are actively engaged in their own learning.
EVALUATE OUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT In addition to surveys, our accreditation agency required us to use a tool called the Educational Learning Environment Observation Tool (eleot) to evaluate our classroom learning environments. Every classroom was observed at least three times and rated in seven domains. Our classrooms rate very highly in Supportive Learning and Well-Managed Learning. In our classrooms, learners have a congenial and positive relationship with their teachers and are supported by the teachers, peers, and other resources to learn concepts and accomplish tasks. Learners benefit from predictability and routine that supports them in being able to transition smoothly and efficiently from one activity to another. These characteristics are consistent with well-managed classrooms.
STUDY STUDENT SUCCESS Finally, after collecting feedback from our community and analyzing classroom observation data, we examined student achievement in both social/emotional and academic areas. Data that we analyzed revealed that our students benefit from social skills instruction and behavioral supports and demonstrate increased selfregulation as they progress through our program. Academic achievement data (MAP Scores) in reading, language, and math were also examined. The data shows that as our students progress through the program levels, they are able to transition from concrete thinking to processing abstract concepts and solving problems.
A Place Our Time Where to Shine You|FitWinter | Winter 2024 2022
FINAL THOUGHTS
Our experience with the reaccreditation process has confirmed what we see every day. Our students are learning and growing socially, emotionally, and academically as they progress through our program. It has been extremely rewarding to be able to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary things that Westview does when we work together and commit to one another’s success. But we are not content to rest on our laurels, which is why we are always looking for opportunities to better support our staff, students, and families.
WHAT COMES NEXT? Our final step in this process will be to develop Theories of Action to maintain our strengths and articulate our plans for strengthening our program. We look forward to sharing those with you in the future. Page-07 | Wildcat Chronicle
Popsicles on the Playground The summer of 2023 marked record temperatures in Houston, but that didn't stop our community from gathering outdoors in late August to say, "So long, summer" and usher in a new school year. Popsicles on the Playground is such a joyful welcome back to Westview community event, and we are always thankful to POW for coordinating such a fun morning. The start times are staggered by grade level, and it is the perfect opportunity for new students to make an early connection with classmates and for old friends to reunite after a summer apart.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
Popsicles on Playground is such a great back to school event! Not only do you get to catch up with your old friends, but you also have the chance to meet all the new Westview families.
ERICA SEVIGNY, POW
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Trunk or Treat Halloween is a Westview favorite that dates back to our beginnings. It was Ms. Jane's favorite holiday, and we think she'd be delighted with our Trunk-or-Treat hosted by POW each October. Held the Saturday before Halloween, POW puts in tons of work to make this a truly epic event for our families. Creative trunks hosted by staff and families, imaginative and festive costumes worn by both kids and adults, and a huge turn-out combine to make this a not-to-miss fall event at Westview. It is the perfect start to the Halloween week!
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Westview is a school where children with autism find a place to be loved and challenged. A place where families can join together and feel accepted. It is a school where siblings can meet other siblings and see that they are not alone. This is a school that gives the gift of hope. JANE STEWART 1939-2010
Celebrating Community
WESTVIEW CAMPUS TRADITIONS
Starting with a simple and heartfelt assembly honoring founder Jane Stewart and moving through our fall calendar to lively concerts and social gatherings with those we love, fall at The Westview School brings much joy and celebration with some well-loved traditions and annual events on campus.
FOUNDER’S DAY In October, all the staff and students gathered for an assembly to celebrate Westview founder, Jane Stewart. At the morning assembly, Middle School student Joe shared a lively and heartfelt retelling of the history of Westview in his own words.
Ms. Jane and her vision for this special school have significantly impacted every child that has walked Westview's halls.
BEVAN KOCH Each year, we 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 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.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Westview Holiday Play WILDCATS TAKE THE STAGE The Holiday Play is a longstanding tradition at The Westview School. It is an opportunity for Wildcats, young and old, to take the stage and perform in front of a live audience. This year, Nelson Armstrong, Westview's music teacher, with the help of Kaylee Bond, Westview’s Art teacher, went all in with time, effort, and creativity to make this year's Holiday Play a smashing success. Much more goes into our students' performances than simply learning a song, and we cannot thank Nelson and Kaylee enough for their talent and dedication in creating a successful holiday play. In the weeks leading up to performance day, students practice walking across the street to the New Life Church. They get comfortable wearing costumes. They practice walking onto the stage, lining up, and staying calm and quiet while waiting. All the extra practice helps to set our students up for success. The Holiday Play highlights what makes Westview so unique - the nurturing and love we put into all aspects of developing our students and bringing out the best. It was a proud moment for our students and families.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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By Special Invitation DADS, GRANDPARENTS, AND SPECIAL FRIENDS You can set your clock for the special dates on the Westview calendar each year when we invite our families to share a morning on campus with our students.
DADS’ DAY
Westview LOVES celebrating dads at Dads' Day every fall. Our students were so proud to have these special guests on campus in November. Watching all the dads partake in the specially planned activities was a blast!
GRANDPARENTS + SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY Grandparents and Special Friends' Day arrives in January. We know that there are others who love our students aside from just mom and dad, and it is important to Westview to take time to welcome grandparents and those special family members for a glimpse into a day of school with our students. It is a joy for our Wildcats to show off their school, classrooms, friends, and teachers to their families. insert quote here
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Visitors on Campus WESTVIEW WELCOMES TEEN VOLUNTEERS Local area high schools often look for ways to give back to the community. Students from Episcopal High School, St. Agnes Academy, The Grace School, The Kinkaid School, The HUB came to campus this school year with a singular goal - to help Westview!
In January, this same group of students, as part of the Kinkaid's Community Service Leadership Council, returned to campus to complete the beautification project. The benches were very much in need of a refresh, and Kinkaid volunteers have them looking great!
ST. AGNES ACADEMY A group of over 20 students from St. Agnes Academy came to campus in January to volunteer an entire morning, touching up some murals around campus and planting seeds in our nature garden. They made quick work of a muchneeded campus project, and we are so thankful for their help.
THE KINKAID SCHOOL Students from The Kinkaid School manned a booth this October at POW's Trunk-or-Treat to help Westview students paint tiles to refresh the cement benches around Westview's campus. These benches were originally installed at the grand opening of the 1900 building in 1999.
A Place Where You Fit | Winter 2023
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THE GRACE SCHOOL Students from The Grace School helped our Middle School students get Largent Hall rocking for the Middle School Social in October. Socials give our Wildcats a typical middle school experience and a chance to interact with peers from nearby schools. We are so thankful to all the students from The Grace School who helped to make it such a fun Friday night for our students!
EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL Westview also hosted several Episcopal High School (EHS) students in January as part of a Senior Outreach Program. At EHS, all graduating students were assigned a location to volunteer and give back to their community for six days. We had eight seniors choose Westview. They were a delight to have around, and we are so thankful for the hard work and enthusiasm they brought to campus. Westview teachers, students, and staff loved having them help out this week.
THE HUB HOUSTON At POW Trunk-or-Treat in the fall, Westview welcomed The HUBCaps from The HUB Houston to entertain our families. The HUB is a school that offers programs for neurodiverse teens and young adults, a part of the Special Schools Coalition, and a friend of Westview. The school band, The HUBCaps is made up of autistic teens and young adults who perform at local events. We were so excited to have them share their talents and bring the beat to our community event!
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Strike Up the Band MUSIC FOR AUTISM ENTERTAINS Westview hosted two Music for Autism concerts this fall. Boomtown Brass Band brought the house down in October with their vibrant sound followed by a lively and engaging performance from WindSync in December. Largent Hall was packed with families and the best time was had by all. We are so thankful to area musicians for sharing their talent and entertaining the autism community. Thank you to all the area volunteers who help engage the crowd during the events. We have two additional concerts this year, so mark your calendar!
Upcoming Dates FEB 24, 2024 JUN 22, 2024
REGISTER ONLINE
WWW.WESTVIEWSCHOOL.ORG
join us for an out of this world summer!
westview SUMMER CAMP JUNE 3-21 JULY 8-26
ACADEMICS MUSIC SCIENCE SPORTS ART WATER PLAY AND MUCH MORE Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Summers at Westview A VOLUNTEER’S EXPERIENCE ELLA SCHOLL
Ella is a junior at Memorial High School and a member of NCL Bayou Villages. Ella has volunteered at Westview Summer Camp during the summers of 2022 and 2023 and has plans to participate again this upcoming summer.
I was motivated to volunteer at The Westview School by my National Charity League (NCL) chapter. Every year, we have a philanthropy fair to introduce the members to the different organizations they can work with. I was immediately intrigued when I saw Westview at one of these fairs. I love working with kids, and it seemed fitting for me. My grandmother used to work with children with autism. I have many unforgettable memories from my time at Westview, but one that sticks out is when I was playing with one young camper who had very little language. They made eye contact with me and said my name. Even though this only happened once, it holds a special place in my heart as I know this sweet gesture was out of the ordinary for them. Time spent volunteering at Westview is very rewarding. I think volunteers make a huge difference for the Westview campers. Volunteers add a new element to the students' usual routines which opens them up to meeting and interacting with new people.
Westview has positively affected me by exposing me to many different types of people. When you volunteer at Westview, you experience so many different personalities, and the more time you spend there, the more you learn to read people and understand them, even if they don't express what they need or feel in typical ways.
We all work to put smiles on the campers’ faces, whether it's splash day, their favorite book, or a fun game. And, we love every second of it!
My advice to people considering volunteering at Westview would be to do it and to keep an open mind. You will be amazed at how much you learn and what a rewarding an experience it is.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Mealtime Mastery FEEDING THERAPY AND THE FAMILY MEAL Calling all families who struggle with mealtimes at home! Is it a fight to get your child to eat a variety of foods and textures? Are you worried your child might not be consuming enough for proper nutrition or growth? Want to get your child off liquid meals like milk or Pediasure? We are here to help! The Stewart Center at The Westview School recently began offering Feeding Therapy. Here are a few tips from our Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) trained feeding therapists to try at home.
LET’S EAT TOGETHER Creating a Family Meal routine is a wonderful place to start. Frequent family meals decrease disordered eating, alcohol and substance use, violent behavior, and feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide in adolescents, according to Harrison et al. 2015, a systematic review. They can also increase self-esteem and school success. According to Dr. Kay Toomey’s SOS method, begin Family Meals by giving an advanced alert to your child and other family members, such as, “We will be eating in 5 minutes.” After the five minutes, support the child’s transition to a sink and say, “It’s time to wash hands now.” These cues can help the child get into a mealtime routine without increasing anxiety around food.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
CARLIE KRUEGER, MS, CCC-SLP
LOREN STASTNY, MA, CCC-SLP
While washing hands, change the soap, water temperature, and washcloth or sponge every other day to encourage sensory preparation and exploration.
A PERFECT SEATING SETUP Next, have your child sit at the table. Check to ensure the child’s feet are making full contact with the floor or a footrest so that the core is activated and postural stability is supported. Think about how uncomfortable it is to sit on a barstool without a foot rail. This is what it is like for children if their feet are dangling in their highchair or kitchen seat. We like to use the 90-90-90 position while eating. This means that the ankles, knees, and hips are all at 90 degrees when sitting for maximum comfort and physical support.
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An appropriate seating position is crucial because secure stability at the table allows for better coordination and range of motion and can, therefore, lead to increased food consumption and participation at mealtimes. If seating is a challenge, place something under or behind your child for support. We love using wiggle seats or even the bumpy shelf liners for sensory input.
PLAYING WITH FOOD? YES! Now the family-style serving begins! This is where each person passes each food and takes a small amount to put on their plate or the “Learning Plate.” The Family Meal should include one of the child’s preferred foods to entice the child to the table and to increase consumption. Everyone then eats, allowing the child to self-feed for at least the first 10 minutes of the meal. Adults should talk about the food using a range of adjectives and descriptors (red, sweet, salty, crunchy, spicy, etc.) and over-exaggerate chewing movements to “show and tell” the child how to manipulate the food in the mouth. Don’t worry about your manners right now! The goal is to have an enjoyable feeding experience with your child while providing repeated exposure to a variety of flavors and textures. If the child needs encouragement to interact with the food, we love painting with purees and stick-shaped foods, stacking cubes like blocks and knocking them down, shooting mouth basketballs, having mouth races, and singing. Get creative here! Contact us if you need ideas. When your kiddo appears to be done eating, offer a drink in a cup (you can offer after the ½ way point in the meal if the child needs a drink sooner). Re-offer a food after the drink if it seems like the child may not have eaten enough at the meal. Do this in a playful manner; don’t push! Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on the appetite. Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
EVERYBODY CLEAN UP Finally, when done eating and drinking, begin a “Clean Up” routine, where your child blows or throws a piece of each food offered at that meal into the trash or a scraps bowl, then washes hands and/or table before mealtime is over. This may seem daunting, so feel free to start small by adding one step every 2-3 days and working at a pace that best serves your child and family. To learn more about feeding therapy, contact the Stewart Center via email or phone! Citation: Harrison, M. E., Norris, M. L., Obeid, N., Fu, M., Weinstangel, H., & Sampson, M. (2015). Systematic review of the effects of family meal frequency on psychosocial outcomes in youth. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 61(2), e96–e106.
The Stewart Center THERAPY SERVICES speech therapy Individual and group sessions offered by ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologists 30-MIN SESSIONS $67.50 | HOUR SESSIONS $135 GROUP SESSIONS: HOUR $85 | 30-MIN 42.50
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Individual sessions offered by Registered Occupational Therapists 15-MIN SESSIONS $33.75 | 30-MIN SESSIONS $67.50 45-MIN SESSIONS $101.25 | HOUR SESSIONS $135
FEEDING THERAPY Individual and group sessions offered by ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologists 30-MIN SESSIONS $67.50 | HOUR SESSIONS $135 GROUP SESSIONS: HOUR $85 | 30-MIN 42.50
PsychoTHERAPY Individual and group therapy sessions offered by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and/or Licensed Professional Counselor 30-MIN SESSIONS $75 | HOUR SESSIONS $150 GROUP SESSIONS $85
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Westview Leadership Society DONOR TREE DEDICATION
Oh, what a night! This fall, Westview honored our 2023 Westview Leadership Society members with the dedication of our newly installed Donor Recognition Tree.
CELEBRATING WESTVIEW LEADERS In early October, Westview celebrated a special group of supporters. This distinguished group of honored guests included members of the Westview Leadership Society, Westview's Board of Trustees, and school administrators. All gathered together to dedicate the newly installed donor tree. What an amazing evening honoring those who support our school in big ways. The Westview Leadership Society support is instrumental to Westview's continued success and consists of donors who give $1,000 or more to Westview in a calendar year. Membership is based on combined gifts to all fundraisers, such as The Westview Fund and Fundraising Luncheon, plus gifts of stock or company match. These distinguished members of the Westview Leadership Society provide nearly 80% of our donor revenue.
The unwavering support of all our donors fuels our mission, and we are profoundly grateful for each and every one of you. ROGER BROWNING
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Yee Haw, Wildcats HLSR AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Houston rodeo days are fast approaching, and several of our students submitted artwork to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Contest. Mrs. Kaylee, Westview's art teacher worked with all Westview students in the fall on a westernthemed rodeo prompt. With the help of Mrs. Angela, she provided students with themed visuals to select from, and each student was given the opportunity to personalize their art within the contest parameters. She also worked with students on completion, full color and balance of their art. We are so proud of the five pieces of Westview art that received an Award of Excellence from the competition. Great job to all our student artists, and we are thankful to our art department for keeping Westview involved in such a great community event. We are so proud of all our students’ creativity!
From left to right: Aston - Blue Bonnet Field, Ian - Dude, Where’s My Hat?, Will - Farm, Patrick - Skull and Boots, , Cason - Starry Starry Cow Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Our Time to Shine
FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON We invite you to be our guest at the Westview Fundraising Luncheon on Wednesday, March 27th, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Junior League of Houston. This is our annual opportunity for families and friends to gather to support The Westview School. Our fundraising luncheon is so special to our school, and we are excited to have past, present, and future figures in our school's history in attendance to share their story of how being a member of the Westview community impacts their life.
An essential part of our luncheon's success is having our supporters host tables and invite friends, family, and other potential Westview supporters to join us for lunch. Here is how it works: Register as a guest or table host. Then, invite friends, family, and co-workers to sit with you at our luncheon and learn about all the great things Westview is doing for our students.
While our event is FREE to attend and host a table, this year, we are excited to offer sponsorship opportunities for those who wish to give more. Registration is required, and anyone wishing to learn more about how they can make a greater impact on our event's success through sponsorship should reach out to Roger Browning in our Development Office. At the event, there will be a short program with both student and current and former parent speakers, concluding with a soft ask for donations from our Board of Trustees. If you have guests interested in supporting The Westview School, please consider hosting a table and extending an invitation. Think friends, family, neighbors, business associates, professionals, and church members.
A Place Where You Fit | Winter 2024
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Groups that Give in Houston AUTISM ORGANIZATIONS WE LOVE This year, Westview was fortunate to give and receive support from several local non-profits that are doing great work in and around the Houston community. An important piece to this "give and take" among local charities is the byproduct that comes from groups supporting each other - we are working together to build a sustainable, compassionate, and vibrant community that benefits and brings awareness to the autistic population in Houston. Westview is proud to connect our school to these worthy organizations.
Team Westview showed up 20+ members strong at Alex’s 5K and Kids’ K in early November of 2024. Our team included students, staff, family, and friends of Westview, and the weather was absolutely perfect for a run/walk for a cause. Thank you to all members of our Westview community who supported this event both at MacGregor Park and from home, and THANK YOU to Alex’s 5K for once again including Westview as a race beneficiary. Westview is proud to be affiliated with this event that honors the life of such a special young man.
Westview administrators teed off in support of a great cause. Hope for Three, a local autism charity, held its annual golf tournament, Golf Fore Autism, earlier this month. It was a beautiful day to hit the links. Westview administrators Dr. Bevan Koch and Ms. Jolaine Zuccala were proud to show up in support of an organization with a mission that so closely aligns with ours – supporting families on their autism journey and workings towards an inclusive, accepting, understanding, and hopeful community that empowers people living with autism.
KNOW Autism Foundation partnered with The Westview School this year to help several families through financial aid grants. We welcomed a film crew to campus in January to help KNOW Autism tell "the story of autism" through the eyes of its grant recipients for their upcoming gala. Spectrum Fusion Studios, a film studio that employs talented creatives on the autism spectrum, was hired to capture Westview on campus. What a joy to have Spectrum Fusion on campus. We loved seeing the future of our students at work with a fulfilling place in the community. Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Are You Ready for It? PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE AFTER WESTVIEW ELISABETH DAWKINS, M.S, LPC-ASSOCIATE
The transition from middle school to high school, and all of the changes that come with it, can present challenges for any teenager. For some Westview students, those challenges might be heightened for a variety of reasons. In the Fall of 2022, Westview noticed an opportunity to help with this sometimes tricky transition by creating a “support group” of sorts for the coming Spring’s commencing middle schoolers [or graduating class]. We’re now nearing the end of our second year of running this group and supporting our students in going on school visits, attending interviews, and processing the changes they’ll face when they leave Westview. The group focuses on two main goals: preparing students for the process of visiting, interviewing with, and choosing between different high schools, and discussing and processing all of the feelings that may accompany leaving Westview and starting fresh at a new school. Before forming this group, we realized that many of our students were going into this process having yet to learn what to expect- leaving for a visit day knowing nothing about the school they were visiting or going into an interview without even knowing that was the plan.
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It’s hard for anyone to put their best foot forward in those circumstances, so we knew that providing support in this area was something we wanted to do. Something as simple as looking at pictures of the school before visiting can help our students feel more comfortable and confident going into a visit day.
ELISABETH DAWKINS It is important for our students to feel empowered, helping them understand that their opinions matter. Group sessions may include discussions about what school qualities students like or dislike. This allows them to consider these qualities while on visits or having conversations with their parents, helping them participate in decision-making. With the help of various Westview staff members, the group conducts mock interviews in which students go into different offices around campus to emulate the interview experience at a new school. The interviewers can provide immediate feedback that we can take back to the group to discuss and practice.
The experience and personalized feedback send our students to their real interviews feeling more prepared and confident. The less concrete, but equally important, part of the group is the processing portion. Whether a graduate has been at Westview since age two or for only one year (we’ve had the entire range in only two years of running this group!), they are bound to have some emotions about leaving. An important aspect of the group is assuring these students that any emotions are okay and that it’s even normal to feel several different things! From excitement to sadness to nervousness, big transitions often bring along big feelings, and we want to make sure our graduates have the chance to feel, process, and discuss anything that comes up for them. There are countless different paths that our graduates may go down, and parents and teachers work hard to try to ensure that each student ends up on one that suits them well. No matter the path, though, the process of leaving Westview and starting high school with new classmates and teachers is challenging, and this group ultimately intends to ease as much of that challenge as possible.
Student Work Free verse poem written in ELA by Middle School student, Nicole, titled “Dog”
A Place Our Time Where to Shine You|FitWinter | Summer 2024 2022
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Elementary Gets a Makeover WAYS DEPARTMENTALIZATION IS WORKING FOR WESTVIEW
CHRISTINE REILLY
The mission of our school is to "provide a unique, specialized, and nurturing learning environment offering outstanding educational and social opportunities for children on the autism spectrum." Westview's Lower and Upper Elementary have transitioned to a departmentalized approach this academic year. Each teacher now focuses on fewer subjects, and students rotate among these specialized educators on a daily basis. There are many benefits for teachers, students, and parents that we have seen so far. Teachers are empowered to utilize their specialized knowledge and tailor instruction for each student in a targeted manner. "I think one benefit of departmentalization is that it makes it easier to manage student groups by level when they switch classrooms as they change subjects," said Kenneth Choo, Upper Elementary Science and Drama teacher. "In the past, when students stayed in one room for most academic instruction, it was more challenging for the teacher to prepare suitable work for all levels in all subjects throughout the day." Students can learn in groups with similar learning styles as well as academic and social needs. In Language Arts and Reading, our approach involves working with small groups in order to provide each student with personalized learning materials, such as leveled readers that are aligned with their current reading level.
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Additionally, we provide students with a carefully curated list of spelling words specifically tailored to the phonics lesson of the week. This approach strikes a balance between offering a challenging experience and avoiding frustration for our students.
This is a great opportunity for students, particularly for those transitioning to other educational institutions that implement this instructional model.
This model enhances overall productivity by streamlining curriculum development, lesson planning, and assessment strategies across various subjects. Teachers can now optimize their time by attending a single meeting with fellow educators of the same subject across various grade levels, eliminating the need for multiple vertical alignment meetings. This allows them to invest more time in enhancing the quality of instruction for their respective subjects.
One of the goals for our students is to prepare them for the world beyond Westview to the best of our ability.
Furthermore, by implementing flexible grouping of students, the children are afforded the opportunity to establish new social connections and acclimate themselves to diverse instructional approaches.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
CHRISTINE REILLY In self-contained classrooms, elementary students only had full-time access to approximately six to seven other students. Under the new model, students now mix with up to fifteen other students. There are greater opportunities for friendship, flexibility, and natural social skill building. By offering students various avenues for learning and providing them with multiple teachers, we ensure that student social and academic needs are being adequately addressed. Granting parents the opportunity to engage with multiple educators enables them to obtain a broader understanding of their child's academic and social needs. Being a member of an educational institution that incorporates evidence-based practices to meet the needs of students, staff, and families is highly rewarding.
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And the winner is... WESTVIEW STUDENT COUNCIL There is something special about Student Council elections held on Halloween. The campus atmosphere is already feeling festive. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, Middle School students campaigned on campus, prepared speeches for election day, and talked up their candidacies to students in the 1830 building. With the chilly weather this year, speeches were held indoors in Largent Hall. We are so proud of all our candidates who participated in a chance to be part of Westview Student Council. This year's candidates represented themselves and our school with confidence, poise, and fun in front of the entire building. Charlie Chaplin (Patrick) won for vice president with a campaign speech sharing he is "smart, cool, and a good role model." Mario (Cason) had the most votes for secretary with the winning slogan: "If the best secretary is what you're chasin', grab a ballot and vote for Cason!" Ian layed out his top six reasons, "Why Ian for Treasurer?" The numbers aligned, and the student votes were in his favor. Congratulations to Mikah for winning the presidency. His speech won over the upper school with familiar students' first language. He spoke of a healthy balance between work and fun and shared, "If there's one thing I love, it's seeing my homies happy." He talked about afterschool hangouts and encouraged cooperation in learning among students, "Homies help Homies." He concluded his winning speech with the metaphor that with him as president, Westview will be "a massive cupcake for us to eat and enjoy!" Strong work, Student Council!
MIKAH
President Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
PATRICK
Vice-President
CASON
Secretary
IAN
Treasurer Page-28 | Wildcat Chronicle
MIMI LE, M.A., LMFT, LPC
parent group sessions The Stewart Center is offering Parent Group Sessions open to current and former Westview families. These sessions will be held monthly on the following Thursdays at 9:15AM. The group is to support both parents and guardians of children with special needs. Led by Mimi Le, Clinical Director of The Stewart Center this is a process group to learn, share, and evolve to support our children and each other better.
Upcoming Dates MARCH 7, 2024 APRIL 4, 2024 APRIL 17, 2024
Join us at The Westview School this Spring for Westview EDU, our education series for parents and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum. We have an excellent and informative lineup of sessions from both Westview and community experts with the knowledge to share. Each presenter will be in-person in Largent Hall on Thursdays at 9:15 AM. Presentations will last for one hour. ZOOM option will be offered. Visit us online for registration details.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 Creating a Climate of High Expectations by Brandi Timmons, MEd, BCBA, LBA Education Director, Social Motion Skills
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024 Language Development: Supporting Your Child’s Processing Style by Carlie Krueger, MS, CF-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow, The Stewart Center
THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024 Navigating the Changes: A Talk on Puberty in Autism Amy K. Izuno-Garcia, PhD, NCSP Assistant Professor, Licensed Psychologist, UTHealth Houston
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024 Supporting Siblings of Neurodiverse Kids by Mimi Le, M.A., LMFT, LPC Clinical Director, The Stewart Center
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
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Wonderful Westview ALUMNI NEWS
An education at The Westview School makes a lasting impact on many of its students, and we are always delighted to hear about the success of our former Wildcats who are all grown up and doing wonderful things!
WESTVIEW LOWER ELEMENTARY 2015
GABRIEL “GABE” AKIN
Gabriel "Gabe" Akin started preschool at Westview in 2012. He has fond childhood memories of holiday performances with costumes and book fairs. Gabe also remembers going to see the trail riders on Go Western Day! He transitioned from Westview in 2nd grade, attending The Grace School until middle school. He is currently a high schooler at Gateway Academy, thrives in science and math classes, and is captain of the basketball team. Gabe recently got a driver's license and drives to school daily. He loves watching sports, playing tennis, and hanging out with friends in his free time. Aside from learning how to read, write, and "do math," Gabe credits Westview with helping him learn how to behave properly and communicate his feelings. Gabe encourages the current Westview students to “enjoy their classes and after-school activities, like karate." Gabe hopes to volunteer again at Westview Summer Camp this summer, and he plans to attend the summer program at Beacon College.
Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
GAVIN NEILSSIEN
Gavin Neilssien was a student at The Westview School during his elementary years from 2015 to 2017. He transitioned from Westview at the end of 2017 he completed his elementary education in Humble ISD. Gavin's memories of Westview include climbing the rock wall during a field trip at Lifetime Fitness, learning how to solve a Rubik's Cube with Mr. Dawkins, going to Camp Smile, and the excitement of the zipline. Gavin is currently a sophomore in high school. He loves Geometry and lunch. This month, Gavin received a nomination for student of the month in Geometry. He participates in the Speak Social program that supports and helps him and has joined Integrated Athletics, where he has learned not to give up. Gavins says about his time at Westview, "Westview really knew what they were doing and helped me with a lot of stuff. I learned I could be successful with the right support." He encourages students to keep trying and not to give up. "If you are having trouble with school," said Gavin, "then Westview is for you."
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Declan Jones attended Westview from 2007-2010 during his early childhood and elementary school years. After Westview, he transitioned to public school at Commonwealth Elementary. Declan's mom, Jennifer, reflects on the time at Westview as a period of watching her son come alive. "He started talking, learning, sharing," said Jennifer. "He accomplished so many milestones and came out of his shell." Declan is currently in high school, where he enjoys both science and English. REECE MARTELL
From 2011 to 2014, Reece Martell attended The Westview School. After Westview, he attended The Crossroads School and St. Stephen's School. Reece is now in high school at St. Francis School. Westview memories for Reece include the fantastic times at Family Fun Day! "My family and I went many times even after I left Westview," Reece shared. Reece loved the Clifford the Big Red Dog books as a child and recalls meeting him at Westview. The picture makes him smile at the memory. Reece loves all the academics at St. Francis but enjoys math the most. He also enjoys "working tech" for the school theatre department. A proud moment for Reece was being nominated to represent the freshmen class on the St. Francis Homecoming Court. Reece also participates in cross country and tennis. Last season, he qualified for state in cross country and won the school’s first Wolf Cup trophy in tennis! Reece shared that Westview taught him that just because something is hard doesn't mean you can't learn to do it. "I could learn at my own pace," said Reece. "And if I struggled, I always had the support I needed." Reece shared that when he left Westview, he was confident in his ability to learn anything anywhere. The advice he would give to current Wildcats is to take advantage of all the fun activities that Westview offers. "It was the first place where I really made friends," said Reece. "Believe in yourself and never give up!" Our Time to Shine | Winter 2024
DECLAN JONES
JACOB HIRSCHFIELD
Jacob Hirschfield is a high school junior at Gateway Academy. He attended Westview from 2010-2017. His memories of Westview include his good friends and teachers. Jacob keeps busy outside of school with internships at Gateway, summer volunteering at Westview, and work in the shipping department of his family business. Jacob, an avid sports fan, visited the LSU campus this fall to see Mike the Tiger and check out the the stadium. He is looking into a certificate program at a college campus after his high school graduation in 2025. His advice for Westview students is to "Have fun! Enjoy your time at Westview!"
Jennifer credits Westview with giving Declan a foundation upon which to build. "It has not been easy," said Jennifer, "but believing that Declan could accomplish goals put in front of him has made all of the difference in his journey." Jennifer encourages other Westview parents not to be afraid to push their children and believe. "Open your mind to big possibilities and talk to your child about them," said Jennifer. "It may take longer, or not at all, but you will not know if you don't try." She also recognizes how special and unique the Westview community is. "The friends you make at Westview will be there for a lifetime," said Jennifer. Most recently, Declan got his driver's license and was accepted to the University of Houston Clear Lake. Last summer, he "absolutely loved" working at Katz Coffee warehouse. Mom praises Declan on his work ethic and belief in himself. "We are constantly impressed and amazed at his accomplishments," said Jennifer.
Hello, Westview Alums! We would LOVE to include you in future feature of Wonderful Westview Alumni. Let us know what is happening with you! Email Sarah Chauvin schauvin@westviewschool.org We can't wait to hear from you!
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