Westview Elementary School

Westview Elementary School in Champaign, Illinois (Grades?K–5) embraces 21st-century communication to enrich student learning. Operating under Principal Nick Swords, the school’s unique daily experience includes viewing live student-led news broadcasts on classroom SMART Boards through their in-house TV station, WVOW TV. Fourth- and fifth-graders take leadership roles—producing, directing, and editing content that their peers view, supported by enrichment staff. Students in grades 3–5 also use Google Chromebooks daily for collaboration, research, presentations, and assessments. Westview’s tech-forward mission fosters digital fluency, character development via PBIS, and project-based enrichment. It’s a school where students don’t just learn—they actively communicate and create using modern tools.

Recently, Westview installed a “Buddy Bench” to encourage friendship and peer support during recess breaks. Families were informed of a Carle Mobile Health Clinic event on August 23 for scheduling back-to-school physicals and vaccinations.

Q1: What makes Westview’s instructional model unique? A: Westview students engage with WVOW TV, an in-house student news broadcast system produced in classrooms using SMART Boards, promoting communication and leadership. Fourth- and fifth-graders manage production under staff guidance. Q2: How does technology support daily learning at Westview? A: Students in grades 3–5 use Google Chromebooks every day for research, shared documents, presentations, and assessments—building digital literacy and collaboration skills. Q3: What resources are available for enhancing social interactions? A: The school added a Buddy Bench on the playground—a welcoming spot where students can invite peers to join them and foster inclusion. Q4: How does Westview support student health and well-being during school periods? A: Westview shared details on a scheduled Carle Mobile Health Clinic event—making it easier for families to arrange back-to-school physicals and vaccinations in August. Q5: Who leads Westview Elementary School and what’s their vision? A: Principal Nick Swords, alongside Assistant Principal Alek Mann, leads the school with a focus on diversity, digital fluency, and educating "the whole child.”