April is Autism Awareness Month - look inside to see how Westview celebrates National Autism Awareness Day

The Annual Fundraising Luncheon raises more than $230,000 for The Westview School

Westview receives highest accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

CELEBRATINGAUTISM

AWARENESS

WESTVIEWThe school for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder

2 S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

OUR VISION

The vision of The Westview School is to create options and opportunities for children with autism spectrum disorder.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide a stimulating, specialized learning environment where high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder can reach their potential.

OUR BELIEFS

The Westview School believes that children with autism spectrum disorder can grow and learn through a nurturing, positive and happy environment that enhances their self-esteem.

THE WESTVIEW SCHOOLThe school for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder

NEWS

ALUMNI

4

8

16

14

Annual Fundraising Luncheon raises more

than $230,000

Westview receives highest honors from the Southern Association of

Colleges and Schools

Nathan Redmon to study astrophysics at Texas Christian University

Bryan Dujka excels in the human resources

department at Timewise Industries

LIFE

10

12

Celebrating the arts is an important part of the curriculum at Westview

Students and staff show their school pride

during Spirit Week

Photography Credits: Jaana Eleftheriou; Carol Harrison; Adrea Harris

3W E S T V I E W

Dear Friends,

Each April, we celebrate National Autism Awareness month. This is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on autism spectrum disorder and support autism awareness in our community.

On April 2, we “Lit it Up Blue” along with people all over the world. It’s amazing to hear about all the particpiants who went blue in honor of autism awareness: the Empire State Building; One World Trade Center and Rockefeller Center in New York City; Niagara Falls in Canada; the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil; the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt; the Tokyo Tower in Japan; Trafalgar Square in London, and even the British Antarctic Survey’s Halley VI Station on Antarctica. It’s comforting to know that people all over the globe are doing their part to promote awareness.

On page 6 you will find a list of friends of the school who made generous donations in 2014-2015 that will help fund the 22% of our operating costs not covered by tuition. I send my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your generosity and support of our program. Because of you, The Westview School’s future is very bright!

Sincerely,

Donna MarshallHead of School

Light it up blue for autism awarenessA note from the Head of School

4 S P R I N G 2 0 1 5LIG

HT

IT

UP

WE

STV

IEW

WIT

H T

HE

HE

LP

OF

WE

ST

VIE

W A

RT

TE

AC

HE

R,

MS

. F

RA

N B

RO

CH

ST

EIN

, S

TU

DE

NT

S C

RE

AT

ED

BE

AU

TIF

UL

L

AM

PS

TH

AT

DE

CO

RA

TE

D T

HE

TA

BL

ES

AT

RIV

ER

OA

KS

CO

UN

TR

Y C

LU

B T

O “

LIG

HT

IT

UP

WE

ST

VIE

W.”

The “I Love You” lamp was made by pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes with the

help of art teacher Ms. Fran Brochstein

5W E S T V I E W

ANNUALFUNDRAISINGLUNCHEONMORE THAN $230,000 WAS RAISED TO SUPPORT THE WESTVIEW SCHOOL

The 2015 fundraising luncheon was a huge success thanks in large part to the wonderful parents, families and friends of Westview who hosted tables and attended the event.

Current Westview student TJ Therriault and former student James Mayfield spoke to the crowd of more than 270 attendees, both earning standing ovations. Current parent Kelly Hamman and former parent Lynn Clouser-Kelly also spoke about their experiences at Westview, bringing both laughter and heart-felt tears to everyone in the room. Lynn’s son, former student Marshall, also came onstage to congratulate his mom and thank everyone for coming.

The luncheon raised more than $230,000. Thank you to all who made gifts - it is because of the generosity of our donors that we can keep tuition as low as possible and continue to provide a stimulating, specialized learning environment for our students.

We have made every effort to accurately recognize the gifts acknowledged in the annual report. If we have inadvertently made an error, please accept our apologies and contact John Moring, Director of Development, at JMoring@westviewschool.org.

6 S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

Foundation Donors

($50,000 +)Landmark CharitiesThe Brown FoundationM.D. Anderson Foundation

($20,000 to $49,999)Pauline Altman FoundationThe Hamman Foundation

($10,000 to $19,999)The Ellwood FoundationWilkinson Family FoundationThe Mary H. Cain Foundation

($5,000 to $9,999)Albert and Ethel Herzstein FoundationJunior League of Houston, Inc.Doris and Floyd Kimble FoundationFrank and Cindy Liu Family FoundationHouston Junior Women’s Club

Founders - $10,000 to $49,999

Nabeel Amudi and Lamess Al-AliStephen and Jackie AtkinsRichard and Karen BurchRichard and Debra GrigsbyHenry R. and Ann HammanDenis and Trey Mayfield

Benefactors - $5,000 to $9,999

Charles Douglas BauerMatthew and Diana BrogdonSarah and Dean ChauvinMrs. Donita ChoateWalter and Kathryn ChristophersonCurtis CollierGregg Properties Co. LTD. Mr. and Mrs. Hector Guerra Sr.Jeffrey T. Young

2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 D O N O R S

Stewards - $1,500 to $4,999

Amanda KDDebra and Dean ChauvinTyler and Mikki FordFred and Kem FrostGeorge and Beth GalvinConnie and Jonathan GregoryShawn and Shannon GriffithsDr. Hector and Dana GuerraDoug and Yana HohertzJohn and Carol HowenstinePaul and Dr. Namieta JanssenJim and Melba KingHouston Land Rover / Jaguar Stanley and Ronda LewisSusan and Stephen MahoneyLeslie and Todd MogilTom and Clarice MotterNext Step AcademyTammy and Wayne NguyenKarrie and Rodney StewardDorina TisburyNigel WillertonMelinda WinchellDebby YoungAnn and Ben Ziker

Pacesetters - $1,000 to $1,499

Michelle and Steve BohreerDeborah E. CorcoranMr. Wayne CuringtonJulian and Robert CurranCynthia DaunerDenise and Deigo Fernandez Leonna GreggDeborah and Ahmed IslamPenny and Paul Khuri

Lloyd Gite Enterprises Inc.Mr. Craig McDonaldTrevor and Sarah McGinnisGinni and Richard MithoffLouis and Marilyn MogasAns PapasakellanouMark and Susan SandersBetty M. SnowJoey and Laura Stewart

Associates - $500 to $999

Roger and Holly AndersonKathryn D. ChristophersonUnited States Fire Insurance CompanyPerri Palermo-MotamediMary Ann CarricoJason and Sanja FeerMr. and Mrs. Michael L. KleinPaulal and Nathan TicatchDanny and Shirley RossWilliam and Corinne Van WykKathleen R. McLaurinElizabeth and Donald HendersonKelly and Don BairdJeff KangieserJohn and Wendy WelchDanielle ComeauxEric and Katie HazeldineSherry Lynn SpeeceChristine PowellKate and Jonathan DayAileen and Jim ReillyAdrea and Nick HarrisLloyd Gite Enterprises Inc.Eric and Joanna NormanLiz KellyAli SantanoHeather LeverettLisa BlackwoodAmy CollierSannam and Scott WarrenderJulie ApplebaumKimberly A. PateKai JonesKathy C. Flanagan

Friends - $250 to $499

Marie C. AmedeeLillian BeanBP Fabric of America FundVal BurguieresDr. Rita M. CammarataLousette B. ChampagnePhyllis and Gregory ChronowskiFrank and Belinda CummingsJeffrey and Ann CumminsMelissa Dunlap-GormanEpiscopal High SchoolToby EverettMartin and Kelli FeinJames and Deborah GatesKelly and Russell HammanThomas and Julie HatfieldThomas S. HendersonDr. Regina HicksIra Hirschfield and Tom HansenCharlcie and James HopkinsStephanie KaithakottilPenny and Paul KhuriCathy and Kenneth KuehnCaroline Starr LeBlancLifetime Learners Child Development CenterMary Lynn MatherMatthew and Jessica MathiesonMichelle McGrathJean and Tom McIntoshGerald and Ann MelanconCarol and Bruce MitchellSusan and Michael MogilBill a and Cristina MooreMr. Gibson Gayle, Jr.Steven PetersonSusan P. KaptanovicChristopher and Jill RiderBarbara and Paul SchwartzShell Oil Company FoundationPat and Rodger SimmonsPat and Frank SimmonsBetty and Dennis SouzaDavid R StevensonSam and Melinda StubbsTexas Swim Academy W. Daniel Williamson, M.D.Robert C. Wilson

All gifts listed are from fiscal year 2014-2015

7W E S T V I E W

2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 D O N O R S

Supporters - Up to $200

Trena AckerMr. and Mrs. Charles AcquaahRebecca AkinLinda and Val AldredAnnel Ramos AlvaradoCourie AndersonRobert L. ArkusMrs. Faye K. BakerLara BakerMichele Bauman JosephRamona and Bob BaumeisterAdam BeckPatricia and Pierre BeynetBrigitte BlairBeth and Frank BogaertKim and David BohreerBP FoundationMarchel BrennanAngela and Bob BrinkmanTom and Cindy BrinskoDeborah BrochsteinMary Denis BrockmanWilliam and Myra BrownSarah Jane BurchLucy BurnsJaimi CanadyOctavio and Mary CantuDarah CarterMichael and Sharon CastronovoDrywall CharterChild’s Play Learning CenterKatye P. ClardTanya E. ClarksonMr. Joel C. ClouserNick and Kristi ConwayRoland and Teresa CortezAngela CravenWilliam L. Crothers, Jr.Lama DanialMark Davidson and Sarah Duckers

Cristina DebobenSandra and Gerald DeSobeLoretta and Frank DieudonneBarry and Stacy EdickSteven and Kim EllisMary ElmoreSuzanne ErlansonMarianne EssingtonAndriana FalconBill and Cindy FeatherstonDr. and Mrs. Harold FieldsMegan FineganMr. and Mrs Gene W FischerJohn and Deidre GalvinRicardo GarzaVal GeloCassandra Gerling-PerezMr. William E. GipsonDiane and David GlanzerBetsy and Ed Goldstein

Mary GuillotAngelita GutierrezJennifer HammerBabette HardingSharon M. HarrisCarol and Jim HarrisonGeorge Westervelt Harsh IIIErica T. HayesTrina HearnPaul A. HellerErika HendersonKanan HenrySabine HerminghausPatricia and Norris HindsCharlcie and James HopkinsDeRonica HornJane S. HowzeVictoria and Brent HughesRobert and Marianne IvanyKyra IzzoMary JacobusAnita JamesLori JanakAnna KaramianTimothy and Jennifer KelleyVic KhemsaraJames T. Konen

Missy KrantzAngela M. LandryElizabeth LaneKelly LayneTami LedbetterAnjanette LeeSusan M. LeslieMatthew MaglothinJohn J. MahmarianElizabeth and Timonthy Mahoney, Jr.Clarence and Gloria MalletMolly K. MaloneEarl and Kristi MartinTinera MathewsJoe and Susan Maxwell, IIKevin McDowellMichael and Barbara McKenzieCynthia and John McNamaraVicky and Bruno MediateSanjay and Parul MediwalaMedtrak Data SystemsGreer MeehanHarold and Rose MeyerRichard and Cheryl MifflinNancy and Don MillerH.H. MimsElizabeth MooreSusan and Michael MogilNatalie and Ken MontfortKenichi MoriChris and John M. MortHeinrich NagelMike Najarian and Jackie PlesnicherMauri and Gail NewmanKathleen and John NowiejskiMichael and Lillian OsowskiMarianne S. PaleyElida and Michael ParisNeil and Alice ParsonsDeborah PearsonLinda and Saul Perlman Carolyn PettitFrancine M. PilloffRichard and AnneMarie PiperMr. Phillip PlumberDebbie and Luke Primrose

Questar CorporationRenna RauchMichael RedmanScott RichardsJo RobertsJaime and David RodewaltLeslie G. RoffwargMark ane Ann RomeTracey and Steve RossRotary E-Club of HoustonErica D. RouseBetty and Daniel RubinJennifer RulePatricia RussellJessie and Marilyn SafarikJorge L. SalazarSharon SandersSharon and Bob SartainJohn and Loretta SchietingerGeorge Louis SchlemeyerMr. Mathew G. SchmidtLoretta and Giovanni SettonniSamuel ShehadehPamela and Donald SheleyDebra SiglerBonnie C. SimpsonCallie SmithJennifer SoleySteven and Amy StewartTimonthy StewartJohn and Margaret StolteGena and Robert StuberElizabeth SuarezWilliam TaegerJerry ThorneMelissa and Richard TinerMr. Jimmy TrawickMargaret and Donald TrexlerDonna and Richard WelchTracy WhittakerTavonye WIlliamsJoLynn and William WrayJoan E. WrightSharon YeslandTom and Sharon ZaalLaura ZaidanSandra Zimmerman

All gifts listed are from fiscal year 2014-2015

8 S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

“Our main focus is the kids - they are the most important piece of this puzzle.” -Carol Harrison, Principal

9W E S T V I E W

WESTVIEWRECEIVES HIGHEST ACCREDITATION FROM SACS

Westview’s overall scores from AdvancEd were above the national and international averages.

In March 2015, Westview went through an accreditation process administered by AdvancED, the largest community of education professionals in the world. AdvancED is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that conducts rigorous, on-site external reviews of school systems to ensure that all learners realize their full potential.

AdvancED is far from a typical accrediting agency. Their goal isn’t only to certify that schools are good enough. Rather, their commitment is to help schools improve. After careful evaluation, the accreditation team determined that The Westview School was an equitable, supportive and well-managed learning environment and offered the school highest honors with an accreditation of five years with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

“What’s so great about this process is that it continually guides us to grow and adapt to best meet our students’ needs,” said Carol Harrison, principal. “We received some wonderful recommendations and will continue to improve on what is already a solid program.”

One of the ways the school will improve is by adding more technology and upgrading its digital learning environment.

“We have already purchased Mimio boards, which are interactive whiteboards, for nearly all of our classrooms, and we plan to offer

specialized training to our teachers so that they can best utilize this new technology to enhance learning,” Carol said.

Russell Avery, principal, said that maintaining accreditation is imperative to the school’s success.

“When parents are looking for a school for their children, they want to be assured that the organization is being held accountable and is running a program of the highest standards,” he said. “We take pride in the fact that our scores were above average as compared to not only schools in the country, but to schools all over the world.”

“I am so proud of Westview’s staff, students and parents for the roles they play in making Westview a premiere program for children with ASD,” Carol said. “I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

10 S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

Artwork by David, middle school

11W E S T V I E W

CELEBRATINGTHE ARTSMusic, visual art and drama classes at Westview play a vital role in the education of children with autism spectrum disorder. In the last decade, many credible scientific studies have shed light on the benefits of the arts on the human brain.

“Perhaps the most fascinating interplay between music and the brain lies in the case files of people with autism spectrum disorder,” said Susie Norman, Westview music teacher.

“The neurobiology of autism indicates the overdevelopment of short-range brain connections. Consequently, children with autism tend to focus intensely on the fine details of sensory experience, such as the precise sound quality emitted by appliances,” she said.

Because of this, Susie said, detailed sensory experiences with sound may account for the many anecdotal reports of children with autism who thoroughly enjoy making and learning music. A disproportionate number of children with autism spectrum disorder are musical savants, with extraordinary abilities in specialized areas, such as perfect pitch.

This positive response to music opens the door to treatments that can help children with ASD engage in activities with other people - which is a huge part of the program at The Westview School, Susie said. Other benefits include acquiring language, motor skills, and even math techniques.

“Music activates areas of the brain that relate to social ways of thinking. When listening to music, we often get a sense of the emotional states of the people who created it and are playing it,” Susie said. By encouraging children with ASD to imagine these emotions, music therapists and

Top: Music teacher Trey Clark and teacher assistant Angela Loftin lead pre-kindergarten in song and dance.

Above: Preston and Ramsey practice a magic act in Hal Miller’s drama class.

teachers can help them learn to think about other people and what they might be feeling.

“It’s also great because kids, especially the younger ones, don’t realize that art and music are teaching them something. They just think they’re having fun!” said Trey Clark, Westview music teacher.

Fran Brochstein, art therapist, agrees that engaging in the arts can help the entire brain; social communication, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, reflection and self-direction. “All of these empower the child!” she said.

Many children on the autism spectrum benefit from exploring materials due to their intense visual and tactile sensory needs and sometimes non-verbal nature. In addition, they are strengthening their fine motor skills. The creation of art can also help children to better understand abstract ideas, which can be a difficult concept for those on the autism spectrum.

Helping to understand abstract ideas and facilitate more flexible thinking is continued in drama class with Hal Miller. Students practice and perform several drama productions throughout the year, and can even get extra practice in an after-school drama club led by Heather Kirby and Robin McGee.

“We believe that drama classes can increase social awareness and memory,” said Heather. “There’s no question that the arts are an imperative part of any educational program, particularly when dealing with children on the autism spectrum.”

Trey said that the goal of the arts program is to instill a love of music, art, drama or other arts in kids while helping them to learn valuable life skills. “If we have done that, we can consider ourselves successful.”

12 S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

WE

’VE

GO

T S

PIR

IT,

YE

S W

E D

O!

Favorite Team Day was a big hit with students during Spirit Week.

In late March, Westview celebrated Spirit Week, a fun-filled week of activities and “dress-up days” that help get families geared up for Family Fun Day.

“It’s sort of like homecoming for us,” said Head of School Donna Marshall. “We want our kids to be able to participate in these sorts of activities so that they will know what to expect if they attend typical middle or high schools. It’s also just a ton of fun!”

Spirit days included Crazy Sock Day, Hat Day, Pajama Day, Favorite Team Day, and finally, Westview Spirit Day.

“Spirit Week gets everyone excited about Family Fun Day,” said Steve Bohreer, Parents of Westview president. “Family Fun Day is a time for all Westview families to come out and enjoy one another in a casual setting. It’s so important for our families to socialize outside of school - we are each other’s greatest supporters.”

13W E S T V I E W

From Crazy Sock Day to Favorite Hat Day, Westview students and staff showed their school spirit in preparation for Family Fun Day.

Parents of Westview did an excellent job with organizing the event. Pony rides, horse rides, a trackless train, a rock climbing wall, face painting and food trucks were just a few of the many activities for families to enjoy.

“My favorite part was the dunk booth!” said Carter, a kindergarten student at Westview. Carter got to dunk Mike Morris, P.E. teacher. Other brave dunkees included the ever-popular Candi Pettit, motor teacher Jonni Lisy and behavior specialist Ken Montfort.

“This is a Westview tradition and something that our families look forward to each year,” Donna said. “We are so appreciative of Parents of Westview for all the hard work they put into making this a wonderful event.”

Thank you all the volunteers who donated their time and services to the event, including Rotary Club members, Halter, Inc., Maui Wowi Coffee and Smoothies and D.J. Joel Rodriguez.

14 S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

ASTRO-PHYSICIST?So

, you

wan

t to

be a

n

AL

UM

NI

“If you’d have asked me 20 years ago if I thought my son could be an astrophysicist, I’d have told you no,” said Donna Redmon, mother of Westview alumnus Nathan Redmon.

“Who would have guessed when we got his autism diagnosis at age 2 and didn’t know if he would ever talk that this is where we would end up?”

Nathan will be attending Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth as a Dean’s Scholar beginning in Fall 2015. He will be studying astrophysics. Dean’s Scholars are carefully chosen from the most

academically-competitive group of admitted students in TCU history. According to the admissions staff at TCU, Nathan’s achievements “are commendable, and you and your family have reason to be proud.” The Dean’s Scholarship has a value of $72,000.

“We have met with the TCU Physics department, and they have met Nathan with a kind and welcoming heart,” said Nathan’s father, Chris Redmon. “We are very excited.”

In Nathan’s college application letter, he wrote, “The only difference between an aspiration and a

15W E S T V I E W

minor want is the person’s focus on it. For me, at this moment, that desire is to be a prestigious physicist, preferably in one of the more fundamental branches, and to make an important discovery in science. Accomplishing this lofty goal in the whole may be fanciful, but it can be achieved through my current and planned endeavors, both in academics and in extracurricular activities.”

After an early start at Westview, Nathan was mainstreamed into a typical kindergarten class. Since then, he has excelled in academics; since his 5th grade year, he has been on his school’s math and science teams, winning the state’s first-place science title for the Texas Math & Science Coaches Association (TMSCA) state championship for his grade level three times and once for second place.

Nathan’s former AP chemistry teacher, Dr. Pamela England Jungman, had nothing but praise for her student.

“Nathan is not an average student. His autism diagnosis at the age of 2 helps to explain the difficulties that Nathan experiences on a daily basis

Above: Nathan near the time of his diagnosis at age 2

Right: Nathan’s Senior dedication from his high school yearbook celebrates his many accomplishments

in relating to others,” she said. “I know that I do not always understand the ‘why’ of situations, but I do know this: I have seen Nathan grow over the past two years in so many ways. Yet the one that blesses my heart the most is the tremendous growth he has shown in his relationships with his peers.”

Dr. Jungman said she thanks God every day for the people in our world who are more than normal.

“They are the innovators, the discoverers, the ones who think outside the box - the ones whose contributions make all of our lives better. I have total faith that Nathan will be one of those individuals,” she said.

“Because of your understanding and support of Nathan through the years, Donna and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts and thank the Lord above for bringing you across Nathan’s path,” said Chris.

Donna shares these sentiments. “We are beyond blessed and know that God has placed wonderful teachers and schools like Westview in Nathan’s path for him to grow and succeed!” she said.

16 S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

ALUMNIBryan Dujka

Deborah Dujka remembers her first trip to The West-view School well.

“We met with Jane Stewart, the founder of Westview, for an interview. Bryan, my son, threw a tantrum on the floor for 30 minutes.”

Deborah said she cried the entire drive home.

“After that first meeting with Jane, I never would have thought that our lives would turn out so well,” said Deborah. “But look at him now!”

Bryan is now working in the Human Resources de-partment at Landmark Industries. His father, Marshall Dujka, said that Bryan accomplished in about a week what the department had been trying to do for more than a year.

“We had tons of files that needed to be organized. No one had the time to do it, but Bryan came in and got us squared away in a week!”

Above: Bryan presented Dr. Katherine Loveland of the Uni-versity of Texas Health Science Center with a donation from Landmark Charities. Dr. Love-land is a clinic superviser at The Stewart Center at The Westview School.Right: Bryan pictured at his family’s home

Bryan is also taking computer courses at Wharton County Junior College in Richmond. He drives into Houston for work and on the weekends helps on a cat-tle ranch that his family owns.

“I remember when Bryan was a student here,” said Candi Pettit, administrative assistant. “What I remem-ber the most is his sweet personality and disposition - he could always bring a smile to my face no matter what was going on.”

The Dujka family’s continued support of The West-view School has been invaluable. Each year the Land-mark Charities organization makes a generous contrib-tion to the school. In years past their donations have funded a computer lab, various technology upgrades, a set of lockers for the middle school and more.

“We’re thankful for what the Westview school did for our family, and we’re happy to be able to support the work they’re doing,” Deborah said.

17W E S T V I E W

PARENT EDUCATION Being a parent is tough. Adding on the additional challenges of raising a child with special needs can be overwhelming and often presents additional layers of emotional, mental, physical and financial stress.

“Our goal is to offer parents support and guidance so that they can feel confident and empowered to help their children be successful,” said Ken Montfort, West-view Behavior Specialist.

Free parent education courses are offered each week through The Stewart Center, the full-service psychol-ogy clinic on the Westview campus. Topics vary each week and range from hygiene and self-care to improv-ing problem-solving skills and flexibility.

Speakers include Natalie Montfort, MA, and Ken Montfort, MA, both of The Stewart Center, as well as specialists and professionals from all over the country.

“Parental involvement is a huge part of the program at Westview,” said Ken. “When parents and school staff

are able to work together in an organized, directed way, we can move mountains. The progress that we see is often astounding!”

Held each Thursday at 9:30 a.m., parent education classes are free and open to the community. They are located at 1830 Kersten Drive, Houston, TX, 77043.

“You do not have to be a Westview parent in order to attend these classes,” said Donna Marshall, Head of School. “We invite anyone who is interested to take advantage of this wonderful resource. It is a goal of The Stewart Center to give back to the community and help educate and empower both familes and profes-sionals who work with children with special needs.”

If you would like to learn more about the parent edu-cation series or would like a list of dates and topics for 2015-2016, please call 713-973-1900 or send an email to aharris@westviewschool.org.

18 S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

Westview receives no federal or state funding and relies on the generosity of the Houston community to help fund the 22% ($746,000) of our operating budget not covered by tuition and fees. The current tuition at Westview ranges from $17,995 to $25,995 annually.

Tuition is challenging for some families faced with the emotional and financial burden of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder. The Westview School’s goal is that no child should be turned away due to financial limitations. This year alone we will award $225,000 to

YO

UR

GIF

T M

AK

ES

A D

IFF

ER

EN

CE

students who need to attend school but whose families are unable to pay. Since 2003 The Westview School has awarded $1,600,000 in scholarships.

Ways to Give

If you’d like to make a gift to support these efforts, contact our director of development, John Moring, at JMoring@westviewschool.org or 713-973-1900. To make a gift online, visit www.westviewschool.org/support.

19W E S T V I E W

The Stewart Centerat The Westview School

A full-service psychology clinic servingfamilies in the Houston community

• Educational Assessments• Psychological Assessments• Individual & Group Therapy• Parent & Sibling Support• Social Skills Groups

Not sure where to begin? Call 713-973-1842 or email info@stewartcenterhouston.org and our team of highly-experienced professionals can help.

• Assessment & Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Including ASD, ADHD, ID & Learning Disabilities from Early Childhood to Adulthood

Do you know someone who would be a good fit for The Westview School?

Please send them our way!

Admissions ContactBecky Mattis

Director of Admissionsbmattis@westviewschool.org

713.973.1900 ext. 200

Schedule a TourMelanie King

Assistant to Head of Schoolmking@westviewschool.org

713.973.1900 ext. 125

The Westview School is the school for high-function-ing children with autism spectrum disorder ages 2 through 15 years. Students are high functioning and often excel in academic areas; however, they may struggle with social interaction and social communi-cation skills. Students are academically capable, and a state-aligned curriculum is offered on every level. Instruction is modified as necessary to meet individ-ual students’ needs. Classes are kept appropriately small, usually ranging from four to eight students, each with a teacher and full-time assistant.

We are now enrolling in all levels for the 2015-2016 school year. If you would like more information about our program or would like to refer a poten-tial family, please contact our director of admissions, Becky Mattis.

The Stewart Center1830 Kersten Drive | Houston, TX 77043 | 713.973.1842

www.westviewschool.org/stewart-center

We invite professionals, potential parents and all mem-bers of the community to visit the school to learn more

about our program. Tours are scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon except on school holidays.

ASK ABOUT OUR FREE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES!Topics include talking to your children about their diabilities, cognitive development in children with ASD, transitioning to the workforce and more!

1900 Kersten DriveHouston, TX 77043

N o w E n r o l l i n g C u r r e n t a n d F o r m e r S t u d e n t s f o r

Summer programs at The Westview School are unique and specially tailored to meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum. With specially-trained staff who are experienced at maintaining the delicate balance between productivity and fun, these programs are unmatched in the Houston area and are open to all families who are enrolled for the upcoming or prior school year. For more information, please contact our summer camp coordinator, Trey Clark, at 713-973-1900 or by email at tclark@westviewschool.org.