Play is an important part of a strong preschool program!
D60 Blended Preschool Teacher Beth Krause says: “Early childhood is when kids can really learn social skills and that is our focus here. Things like sharing, taking turns, waiting for your turn, and having grace and acceptance for other people who are different are all foundational skills that you need for anything. Lessons on social emotional skills are great, but you need to practice and play is the best way to do that!” #d60learns
https://www.maercker.org/article/1899384
Congratulations to all the talented performers who took the stage for last week's Variety Show at Westview HIlls! The students did such a great job and their hard work, creativity, and passion truly shined. Way to go! #d60learns
Reminder to our Maercker School families that we are hosting a Spirit Week this week heading into winter break! Looking forward to another fun week together of learning and laughter! #wonderfuldaytobeaWildcat
As we prepare to cheer on the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team tomorrow at the state tournament in Peoria, we wanted to share that there are plans for the game to be livestreamed on the Germantown Hills School District Facebook page. Let's go Wildcats!
We will update this post if needed but the livestream is planned to be hosted at: https://www.facebook.com/GHSD69/
In case you haven’t noticed, winter weather is here! D60 has the ability to implement e-Learning when inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances prevent us from safely opening school for in-person learning. Get more information about the process on the new webpage: https://www.maercker.org/page/e-learning
The Westview Hills Varsity girls basketball team is heading back to state for the second year in a row!
Last night the girls pulled off a 37-34 win over Morris Saratoga. The girls commanded the court in the first half, but struggled during the second. In the end, they defeated their opponents and took home the sectional championship trophy. The girls will play in the state finals on Saturday at 10 a.m., and if they win they will play again at 5 p.m. this Saturday at Germantown Middle School in Peoria.
Congratulations Wildcats!
We are so proud to be able to recognize the Maercker D60 staff members who go above and beyond and embody the core values of the district and the attributes outlined in our staff portrait. District leaders again reviewed all of the submissions and chose five staff members from recognitions in the month of October and surprised them in November.
Managing the health needs of middle school students is not always an easy task, but Sara Purgatoria shows a great commitment to students at Westview Hills! She is an engaged collaborator and demonstrates personal and collective responsibility by taking a new approach to making sure our students understand the importance of daily attendance.
One staff member shared “Sara’s care, compassion and patience is inspiring! The students and staff are lucky to have her.” Another added “Sara is amazing at what she does. She cares for the students as if they were her own and she is always ready to help her coworkers too. The Westview Family is always in good hands.”
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
“Children who go through blended programs learn empathy and how to serve as peer role models so they get a lot of the essential skills to be ready for kindergarten,” said Blended Preschool Teacher Elizabeth Jason. “I believe that there is a magic that happens in preschool where we can work on relationship building in ways that other grades just can’t. What I care about is that they leave here thinking that they love school, are safe at school, and feel valued at school.”
Learn more about the Early Childhood Offerings at Maercker D60: https://www.maercker.org/article/1899384
What is blended preschool? Blended means that the classroom is made up of students of all learning abilities and backgrounds. Whether a student is developing at the regular speed or needs a little extra support, these students are able to collaborate and learn together with help from our talented teachers and instructional assistants! #d60learns
A huge shoutout to our amazing Jazz Band, Cadet Band, and Blue Band for delivering an unforgettable Winter Concert last week! The hard work and talents of the students and teachers shone brightly on stage, filling the evening with beautiful music and holiday cheer. We can’t wait for their next performance! #d60learns
Dr. Nugent and D60 Board President Michael Jones recently to school board members and administrative teams from all over the state about the Board Self Evaluation process. The presentation got a lot of great feedback and was a great way to share the work of Maercker D60! #d60learns
We are so proud to be able to recognize the Maercker D60 staff members who go above and beyond and embody the core values of the district and the attributes outlined in our staff portrait. District leaders again reviewed all of the submissions and chose five staff members from recognitions in the month of October and surprised them in November.
Stacey Repp is a Differentiation Specialist at Maercker who was celebrated for her leadership in supporting the advanced math placement process and being student-focused and she engaged with families to listen, validate, and truly partner together. She is a valuable asset to teachers and her work with PLCs to prioritize standards, design meaningful instruction and assessments, and partner to provide targeted support to students is transformational for both staff and students.
One staff member shared, “Stacey has worked with small groups of students, offering targeted support to help them achieve their math learning goals. Her collaborative approach and dedication have made a significant impact on both the planning and implementation of our math instruction, ensuring that students' individual needs are met effectively.”
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
The 2025 Maercker PTA Science Fair is not too far away! If you are interested in getting more information, be sure to attend the Science Fair Information Night tomorrow (Wednesday, Dec. 11) at Holmes at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and RSVP: https://www.maerckerpta.org/sciencefair
Westview Hills students have been challenged to “cross the river” during PE. This team-building activity requires students to work together to get all teammates and equipment across the gym without touching the floor. We love seeing our students working together! #d60learns
The Westview Hills Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team has a big game on Wednesday, Dec. 11 as they play in the IESA 8-3A Girls Basketball Sectional Championship. If you can’t make it to cheer them on, the game will be available to watch on LiveStream via the Saratoga School District 60C Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/saratogaschool
Give a big Maercker D60 welcome to the new Holmes Interim Assistant Principal Mrs. Gina Rodewald! She will be filling in for Megan Hansen while she is out on leave.
Mrs. Rodewald retired in June 2024 after 35 years as an educator. Her career included teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades in Lockport and Justice and serving as an administrator for 14 years in Lemont-Bromberek School District 113A. Mrs. Rodewald's most recent position was at Gower West Elementary School (preschool-grade 4) in Gower School District 62 where she served as building principal for 11 years.
She is the mother of two grown children and resides in Lockport with her husband. She is excited to be back in school and is looking forward to meeting and working with the students, families, and staff at Holmes Primary School!
Maercker D60 is a community who supports each other! If you would like to participate in the Giving Tree program this year to donate a gift card, visit the link and drop off gift cards to building social workers before Friday, Dec. 13. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AEAE2DA6FAC34-53315720-giving#/
To all in the Maercker D60 Community who celebrate, happy Bodhi Day on Sunday, Dec. 9! This day commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment,
We are so proud to be able to recognize the Maercker D60 staff members who go above and beyond and embody the core values of the district and the attributes outlined in our staff portrait. District leaders again reviewed all of the submissions and chose five staff members from recognitions in the month of October and surprised them in November.
Sandra Nessinger teaches third grade at Maercker and was celebrated for embodying the values of being student-focused, inclusive & welcoming, and personally & collectively responsible. She has a willingness to be flexible and responsive to student needs that demonstrates how deeply she cares that her students are learning. Outside of the classroom she is always there for her colleagues when a challenge arises.
One staff member said, “I love how Sandra has taken so much time and care into learning about her students and building those relationships with them. They are so lucky to have her!”
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard
Maercker D60 preschool classes recently started a new curriculum called Al's Pals that the teachers chose as a team. Students in Ms. Jason’s class got to meet Al and welcomed him to their classroom with gentle words and touches. #d60learns
