We are excited to share the latest happenings at The Westview School. From upcoming events to special highlights, there’s always something inspiring to explore and celebrate at Westview.

As we begin Thanksgiving week, we want to take a moment to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. Practicing gratitude is a simple but powerful way to bring more joy into our lives and a form of self-care we can all embrace.

Last week, our teachers guided students in reflecting on what they’re most thankful for. Their answers brought smiles to our faces—from playful joys like swimming, toys, Abba, and favorite foods to heartfelt gratitude for moms, dads, siblings, and even The Westview School.

These sweet reminders highlight what truly matters and reflect the special bond that makes our community so unique. From all of us at Westview, we wish you a safe, happy, and restful Thanksgiving week with your family and friends.

Exciting News! Westview High School is opening in Fall 2025, and we’re hosting a virtual session to share all the details!

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM

Where: Virtual Event

Join Westview Admissions, Becky Travis and Jolaine Zuccala along with, Head of School, Bevan Koch, as they guide you through the vision, values, and curriculum of Westview High School. Whether you're a current Westview parent or looking for a future school for your current middle school student, this is the perfect chance to learn more about Westview’s unique high school experience designed for students with autism. Educators are also invited to attend.

RSVP now and be part of this exciting next chapter at The Westview School!

Raising a child with special needs brings incredible joy, but it also comes with financial challenges that can feel overwhelming. Many families find themselves juggling life challenges while balancing current expenses and planning for the future.

Please join us on Thursday, December 12, at 10:30 AM in Largent Hall for our December Westview EDU: Planning, Saving, and Paying for Autism.

We’re excited to welcome Arlis Steel, a financial advisor and former Westview parent, who understands firsthand the financial demands placed on special needs families. Arlis will share practical tips and strategies for budgeting, saving, and planning to help ease these burdens and set your family on a path toward greater financial security.

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. Please note the updated date and time for this event, as previously published.

As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift can feel daunting. The common questions of "What should I buy?" or "Will they enjoy it?" often overshadow the joy of giving. However, this season also offers a wonderful opportunity to support a child's development in meaningful ways. All children are unique, with individual preferences and personalities. By keeping your child's unique interests and needs in mind, you can select gifts that promote joy, engagement, and growth.

This month on the Westview Blog, Aubrey Condon, M.S., LPC-A, Play Therapist at The Stewart Center, shares thoughtful strategies for choosing gifts that go beyond the ordinary, fostering connection, creativity, and development.

Help Westview unlock our Giving Tuesday match! We have some exciting news for this year’s Giving Tuesday. YOUR donation to The Westview Fund will make an even greater impact this Giving Tuesday! Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000.

Now is the time to give. YOUR gift will go twice as far to help Westview continue to grow and strengthen our legacy, offering transformative experiences that shape our student's futures.

Mark your calendar for Westview's next Music for Autism concert. We will be kicking off the new year with a truly special event! Join us on Saturday, January 11, 2025 in Largent Hall at The Westview School.

This sensory-friendly event will feature talented artists from Houston’s Asia Society, celebrating the spirit of Chinese New Year. It’s a wonderful opportunity for individuals with autism and their families to enjoy live music in a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

Stay tuned for more details, and mark your calendars—we can’t wait to celebrate this joyous morning with you!

Team Westview had a great turn-out at Alex’s 5K and Kids’ K this month. Our team included students, staff, family, and friends of Westview, and the rain stayed away long enough for everyone to run/walk for a cause. Thank you to all members of our Westview community who supported this event 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.

Last week, the Memorial Villages Police Department hosted a community forum - Autism in the Community bringing together a remarkable group of leaders and autism advocates. Westview was honored to have Bevan Koch, Head of School, as a featured speaker, sharing her expertise and passion for supporting children with autism and their families.

The event was an evening of education and discussion, with mayors from all the Villages in attendance alongside families, dedicated autism advocates, and community members. Discussions explored meaningful ways to foster awareness, safety, inclusion, and support within our community.

We are grateful for the commitment of the Memorial Villages Police Department and the broader community in championing awareness and understanding for individuals with autism.

The Westview School believes that when children with autism are educated in a nurturing and supportive environment, they learn, grow, and develop a strong sense of self and an appreciation for others.