Westview Hosts Annual Fundraising Luncheon
April 16, 2026
At the end of March, The Westview School hosted its annual Fundraising Luncheon at the Junior League of Houston, bringing together families, friends, and supporters for an afternoon that highlighted the impact of a Westview education.
A meaningful tradition of the luncheon is hearing directly from members of the Westview community, and this year’s speakers offered powerful and personal reflections. Middle School Math teacher and Westview parent Katie Hazeldine shared her family’s journey to finding the school and the difference it made in her son’s life. “At Westview, we found an environment where Finley was ‘right,’” she said. “For the first time, he didn’t have to try to fit into something that wasn’t built for him.” She spoke about the confidence, independence, and sense of belonging her son gained during his years at Westview, and how those experiences continue to shape his path today. Reflecting on her role now as a teacher, she added, “You can see students grow in real, visible ways, and it happens here every day.”
Middle School student Preston Hogan also took the stage, sharing his experience growing up at Westview and preparing for the transition to high school. “Westview helped me communicate better, understand more, and feel more confident,” he shared. “Supporting Westview means helping students like me have the opportunity to learn and succeed in a school that understands who we are.” His story was a reminder of the lasting impact of a learning environment designed to meet students where they are.
The program was led by Westview’s Middle School Student Council, whose energy and leadership helped set the tone for the afternoon. The room was filled with a strong sense of community and shared commitment to supporting Westview’s mission and the students it serves.
If you were unable to attend and would still like to support our fundraising efforts, visit us online to make a gift.
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Westview Nears Completion of $10 Million Campus Expansion Campaign
April 16, 2026
The Westview School is nearing the completion of its $10 million campus expansion campaign, Writing Our Next Chapter, a transformational initiative designed to support students with autism from early childhood through graduation.
Over the past year, families and visitors have seen significant changes across campus. These include the opening of Westview High School, a reimagined central library, enhanced classrooms for Early Childhood and Lower Elementary students, expanded clinic and therapy spaces, and thoughtfully designed green spaces for outdoor learning, movement, and play. The project also includes important safety and accessibility upgrades, such as new perimeter fencing, updated signage, and covered walkways.
Together, these improvements reflect Westview’s commitment to providing a consistent, supportive environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally at every stage of their journey.
The Writing Our Next Chapter campaign ensures that students who begin at Westview can continue their education through 12th grade within the same specialized setting, while also enhancing the daily experience for all students across campus.
Thanks to the generosity of the Westview community, more than 90 percent of the campaign goal has already been raised. To help bring the campaign to completion, Head of School Bevan Koch and her husband, Glenn Koch, have committed to matching all gifts dollar for dollar up to $100,000.
Construction and renovations are on track to be completed this June, in preparation for the 2026–27 school year.
As the campaign enters its final phase, Westview invites community members to be part of this milestone moment and help bring Writing Our Next Chapter to completion. If you would like to make a gift or learn more about supporting Westview's Capital Campaign, please visit us online.
Wildcat Spirit Shines at Annual Pep Rally
April 16, 2026
Each year during Spirit Week, Westview holds a pep rally that brings our students together in the best way. We love seeing everyone dressed out in Westview blue, cheering on school and each other.
Mr. Armstrong leads the pep rally each year, and it is always a joy to watch the school spirit and excitement build among the students. Wiley the Wildcat often makes an appearance as well, adding to the fun and energy in Largent Hall.
This year, we added a new element to the celebration with the introduction of the Wildcat Spirit Squad. The idea behind the group was to give Westview girls an opportunity to build connections, learn cheers, and celebrate Spirit Week together.
In the weeks leading up to the pep rally, students participated in three practices where they learned cheers and prepared for their performance. During the rally, each Spirit Squad member had the chance to introduce herself and perform in front of the school. We also invited parents to attend, which made the experience even more special. Want to know how they did? They rocked it!
What a fun and memorable addition to the Westview pep rally. As the afternoon came to a close, several students who had been unsure about joining this year shared that they definitely want to be part of the Spirit Squad next year.
Moments like these continue to bring our community together and give students opportunities to connect, participate, and celebrate Westview.
Family Fun Day Brings the Westview Community Together
April 15, 2026
The Westview community came together for another successful Family Fun Day, a highlight of Westview’s spring calendar that continues to grow each year. Hosted by POW in partnership with The Westview School, the event offered a day full of activities, entertainment, and connection for students and families.
This year’s Family Fun Day featured a wide range of activities, including balloon artists, bounce houses, arts and crafts, face painting, and carnival games. Live entertainment from The HubCaps of The HUB kept the energy high throughout the day, while the Snack Shack, run by the Boy Scouts, served fresh popcorn and snacks.
Beyond the fun, Family Fun Day holds a deeper purpose within the Westview community. For many families, large-group events can be challenging for their child. This event is designed to provide a familiar and welcoming environment where students and families can enjoy a shared experience in a space that feels comfortable and inclusive.
In addition to the day’s activities, POW hosted a Spring Raffle and Silent Auction. Proceeds from both efforts supported the event and will contribute to POW’s ongoing support of Westview’s teachers and staff throughout the year.
Thank you to Diane Maness, with the Family Fun Day committee, Kim Seitler, Su Hale, and LaToya Gipson for their leadership and dedication in bringing the event to life. Appreciation also goes to the many volunteers and families who contributed their time, donations, and energy to make the day a success.
Family Fun Day remains a special tradition at Westview, bringing the community together in a way that is both fun and supportive.
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Hands-On Science: Exploring Frog Anatomy in the Classroom
March 17, 2026
Upper School students at The Westview School recently completed a hands-on anatomy lesson using innovative dissection models provided through a national pilot program.
Deidre Goodhue, Science teacher for both Middle School and High School students, applied and was selected to participate in a program through TeachKind Science, which provides humane, animal-free dissection resources to schools. Through the program, Westview received 21 Kind Frog models, allowing students to explore frog anatomy while engaging with a learning tool designed to be both accessible and sensory-sensitive.
The reusable models allow students to identify organs and study anatomical structures in a detailed, hands-on way while creating a classroom experience that can be more inclusive for students with sensory sensitivities.
The lesson had students working together as they examined the frogs’ internal systems, discussed the functions of different organs, and connected their observations to broader lessons about vertebrate anatomy.
Programs like this reflect Westview’s commitment to thoughtful, engaging science instruction that meets the needs of all learners. Using innovative teaching tools like these is a great way for students to explore more complex science concepts in ways that support curiosity, critical thinking, and accessibility.
Westview is grateful to TeachKind Science for including our school in their pilot program and for providing resources that support meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for our students.