October 13, 2022

Hello, Friends of Westview,


Roger B. here, taking over this week’s Westview Weekly to talk about all things fundraising. You may be thinking: How many emails are we going to get from this guy? Maybe just a couple more. Fundraising at The Westview School is very important and plays a vital role in helping Westview continue to grow, serve our community, and educate the amazing children who attend our school. In a nutshell, tuition and fees only cover 84% of The Westview School’s operating budget; fundraising covers the remaining 16%. This year, we need to raise an additional $700,000 above and beyond tuition and fees. Without our yearly fundraising efforts, every Westview child’s tuition would have to increase by about $6,000 per year. 


So, we’ve created an effective, three-pronged fundraising portfolio that calls on the generosity of our close-knit Westview ecosystem and extended philanthropic community. In short, Westview fundraising has three key components: The Westview Fund (formerly the Annual Fund), grants from Corporate and Family Foundations, and the Westview Fundraising Luncheon.

 

Westview is extremely grateful for the generosity of families and friends, faithful corporate and family foundations, and of course, the Westview community’s involvement in the Fundraising Luncheon. All of these contributions help to keep tuition at Westview as reasonable as possible. We know that it is the who and the what that matters the most when it comes to philanthropy. And those who give in big ways to our school do so because of the demonstrative impact seen in their children, grandchildren, family, and friends. If you have family members or friends who are connected to any local family or corporate foundations, please email me so that Westview can possibly secure an introduction. 

 

For veteran parents who already understand the importance of Westview fundraising, let me take this opportunity to thank you again for your continued support of The Westview School. And, for our new families who want to know more about how to help us in our fundraising efforts, read on and learn how you can get involved in our fundraising campaigns. It is truly a deeply rewarding endeavor.

 

For now, I hope that you get engaged with The Westview Fund and help us get a good head-start in our 2022 fundraising efforts.

 

With gratitude,





Roger Browning

Development Director

The Westview School

Calendar at a Glance


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

  • POW Trunk-or-Treat


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

  • Dads' Day


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

  • Westview EDU


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

  • POW Meeting


NOVEMBER 21-25, 2022

  • Thanksgiving Break

Astros Spirit Day - Friday, October 14

Plot twist! In lieu of wearing blue this Friday, let's root, root, ROOT for the home team, and wear your favorite Astros tee.

The Westview Fund is Happening NOW

You received in your inbox over the last couple of weeks information on The Westview Fund 2022, formerly Annual Fund. There are a couple of ways to support this fundraising effort. First, donate. You can access our online giving via our website or use the donate link found in the email. Secondly, share. We would love for you to share our Westview Fund information with any family or friends who might be interested in supporting our school. Here is the link to our email, or you can direct them to The Westview Fund page on our website. A print mail-out of our Westview Fund letter will be sent in the mail this week for those who like to write checks instead of using our online giving. 

September Wonder Wall Winners

We’ve got a super special Prekindergarten friend demonstrating EMPATHY at school and earning himself a Westview Wonder Wall Award. JJ is such a kind friend. He plays with everyone and shares his toys with his friends. JJ wants to know everyone’s name. JJ loves his friends, his teachers, insects, and his stuffed animals! JJ loves giving hugs and helps his friends feel better when they are sad. We are so lucky to have such a kind friend to look out for everyone in his class! Congratulations, JJ! We are so proud of you.

Hooray to Lower Elementary student Benji for being recognized as a Wonder Wall Winner for his COOPERATION. Benji has adjusted wonderfully to his new school and classroom. He comes to school every day with a big smile and always expresses how happy he is to be at school. At the end of each day, he says, “I sure had a great day!”. Benji has established new relationships with his teachers and peers. He enjoys interacting with his peers inside and outside of the classroom. Benji is a strong contributing member in the classroom and shows kindness to everyone around him. We are so happy to have you at Westview, Benji. Keep up the good work!

Jayson in Middle School is showing RESPONSIBILITY around Westview, and his teachers are taking notice. Jayson demonstrates many traits, such as cooperation, respect, and responsibility. Jayson’s positive attitude and respect toward his teachers and classmates has earned him the student of the month award, and here is why. Jayson completes his work and stays positive even when challenged with difficult tasks or when he makes mistakes. Jayson is a problem solver and sets his sights on reaching goals and doing what is necessary to keep improving. He never gives up! We are so proud of you, Jayson, for achieving your goal, and we look forward to experiencing many more accomplishments with you this school year. Way to go, Jayson! Congratulations on being Westview Wonder Wall Winner for September.

Westview Welcomes a New Addition to Middle School

Westview is excited to welcome Serena Gaylor to our Middle School team as our new English Language Arts teacher. Serena holds an Associate of Arts degree from Lone Star College and a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration from Brigham Young University. Serena most recently worked in Klein ISD, where she gained over three years of combined experience in teaching, tutoring, and editing. She is a Texas native, born in Forth Worth but has lived in Houston for over half her life and considers herself a Houstonian. She is motivated by helping others reach those "A-ha!" moments and sees this as a reward for both teachers and learners. Serena is an experienced illustrator and graphic designer and has a bucket list filled with record-breaking rollercoasters. When asked what she is most excited about teaching at Westview, Serena said, "I'm excited to work in a small student-centered environment where everyone is able to receive personalized instruction. The half-day [Thursday] of planning is up there too." What a joy to have you join our Westview family, Miss Gaylor!

Save the Date: Dads' Day is Thursday, November 3

Hey there, Westview Dads! This November, Dads' Day will be back on campus at The Westview School. We can't wait to celebrate our Westview Dads! Please save the date for Thursday, November 3, 2022. All dads are invited to campus for a very special morning with their students. Activities and times will vary between grade levels. More details to come, but for now, please make note of your child's grade level and time below:


ECD, PreK, and Kindergarten

9:00 AM to 10:30 AM


LOWER ELEMENTARY + MIDDLE SCHOOL

8:30 AM to 10:00 AM


UPPER ELEMENTARY

9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Mindfulness in Art Group Sessions Forming for November

Mimi Le at The Stewart Center is forming a group for Mindfulness with Art sessions beginning in November 2022. Groups are for students in grades Kindergarten and up. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 3:00 PM to 3:50 PM.

 

Students will incorporate art, music, sound, and meditation to enhance mindfulness practices together as a group. Mindfulness has been proven to enhance self-control, flexibility, and self-awareness and lower anxiety, stress, and depression. The other benefits of mindfulness include improved mood, empathy, and compassion.

 

If you or interested in signing your child up for Mindfulness with Art with Mrs. Mimi, please email Mimi Le

Jasna's Yoga is Still Enrolling

Jasna's Yoga classes have begun at The Westview School, but there is still time to register. Yoga classes are fun, non-competitive, and go at your own pace. Students in Kindergarten through Middle School are eligible to participate. The cost is $90 per student or $180 for student and one parent/guardian. Sessions will run for a remaining six 45-minute classes Tuesday, October 18, through November 29, 2022. Times are for Kindergarten + Lower El: Tuesdays at 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM and for Upper El + Middle School: Tuesdays at 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM. Email thouart5@thouart.com to register before September 20, 2022. See the flyer for more details. 

Message from POW: October Meeting Minutes + Trunk-or-Treat

OCTOBER MEETING MINUTES

POW's October meeting was another great turnout in person and online. We heard from Roger Browning, Development Director, about fundraising and the Westview Fund, plus we got all the scoop on the upcoming POW event, Trunk-or-Treat. Thank you so much to everyone who made time to join in on today's meeting.

If you couldn't make the meeting but are still interested in getting the info on what POW discussed, you can find the minutes from today's meeting here.


We look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting scheduled for November 17!


POW Meetings are held once a month, typically on the second Thursday. Dates will be added to our digital calendar, posted in the Calendar at a Glance, and in the Westview Weekly each month. A reminder and ZOOM link will be sent the week before the meeting.

POW TRUNK-OR-TREAT

POW will be hosting the 5th Annual POW Trunk-or-Treat on October 29 from 10 AM to 12 PM. We are so excited to welcome back vendors to our BOO Bazaar for shopping and fun! The Trunk-or-Treat will remain a free event for kids to partake in trick-or-treating, bounce houses, games, and a photo booth. To help make our event a huge success, we are looking for vendors, donors, and trunks! Want to help out with one, two, or all of the above, plus spread the word? Check out all the details in our attached flyers. 


Sign up to host a trunk here. See the flyer for more details on hosting a trunk.


We are also looking for some POW volunteers to help out during the event. Want to help? Sign up to volunteer here.


Learn more about how to be a POW Trunk-or-Treat donor. Thank you to all our current donors!


Be a vendor at our Boo Bazaar. See the flyer for more details on being a vendor.


Questions? Please contact Stefanie Rugaard at (281) 507-1131 or email pow@westviewschool.org.

Save the Date for Alex’s 5K Run/Walk & Kids' K

Have you signed up for the 12th Annual Alex's 5K Run/Walk & Kids K yet? 


Alex's 5K is a fun, family-friendly race event created as a tribute to the life of Alex Jamrich, who passed away suddenly in 2010 at the age of 17. The event not only celebrates Alex's life but also promotes autism awareness and raises funds for research and services in the Houston community. This year's event will take place in person on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at MacGregor Park.


The proceeds from Alex's 5K support three Autism-related charities: Autism Speaks,  Avondale House, and The Westview School. We are so thankful for their generosity.


For more information and to register for the event, visit the official Alex's 5K website.

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The Westview School provides a unique, specialized, and nurturing learning environment offering outstanding educational and social opportunities for children on the autism spectrum. 
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