We are loving the energy and excitement of the first day of the 2025-26 school year! Keep those pictures coming to d60communications@maercker.org
It's the first day of school in Maercker D60 and we love seeing your first day of school photos! Want to see your photos featured? Send them over to d60communications@maercker.org and have a fantastic first day!
The staff at Maercker Intermediate School is ready for the first day of school! #D60learns
Alright Wildcats, it’s almost time to kick off the 2025-26 school year! The first day of school is tomorrow (Thursday, Aug. 21) with a regular school day for all schools. We want to see your first day of school photos so send them to d60communications@maercker.org and you might be featured on our social media channels!
We’re proud to welcome Cesar Juarez as a new social worker to support our students at Westview Hills!
Cesar shared that he appreciates how supportive the District 60 staff is and how diverse the community is. He also shared that the District’s mission statement aligns with the goals he has for the school year ahead.
When asked what attracted him to the field of education, he shared that he has always had a passion for empowering individuals and offering a safe space to allow students to be themselves and encourages them to be self advocates. After completing three years of internships, he knew that he wanted to work in a middle school setting.
Cesar shared that he appreciates how supportive the District 60 staff is and how diverse the community is. He also shared that the District’s mission statement aligns with the goals he has for the school year ahead.
When asked what attracted him to the field of education, he shared that he has always had a passion for empowering individuals and offering a safe space to allow students to be themselves and encourages them to be self advocates. After completing three years of internships, he knew that he wanted to work in a middle school setting.
Tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 20) is the Westview Hills back to school event and Meet & Greet! Be sure to bring your student’s schedule and locker code to the event so you can walk your schedule and practice opening your locker! #d60learns
Please give a warm welcome to ELL teacher Julie Johnson - she will be joining the team at Holmes Primary School!
She chose to work within District 60 because she knew that Maercker has a reputation for being dedicated to creating students who are lifelong learners.
Julie shared that she was attracted to the field of education because teaching means making a difference in children's lives as they are our future.
She plans to empower and inspire lifelong curiosity for learning by allowing students to be part of their education and have choices in the classroom.
Back to School Family Night at Holmes Primary School is tonight (Tuesday, Aug. 19) so don’t miss it!
Students with last names A-M should attend session 1 at 5 p.m. and last names N-Z should come at 6 p.m. There will be lots of fun including an exotic animal show and more! #d60learns
Students with last names A-M should attend session 1 at 5 p.m. and last names N-Z should come at 6 p.m. There will be lots of fun including an exotic animal show and more! #d60learns
The team at Holmes Primary School is kicking the year off with a fun theme all around Destination: Roarville . The goal is to get everyone on the bus and moving in the same direction towards our destination. staff will be reading the book, "Energy Bus" and will make four stops along the way that are focused on goals and discuss roadblocks that may come up. #d60learns
We’re proud to welcome many new staff members beginning this school year! We’ll be featuring our new staff members over the next couple of weeks.
Maercker is excited to share that Karina Cordova will be joining the team as a new social worker! Here are a few of Karina’s responses to get to know her and her goals for this school year.
“I chose to work at Maercker D60 because of the diversity and the commitment to cultural awareness and acceptance. D60 has created daily opportunities for students to learn from different experiences, traditions, and perspectives.”
“I was attracted to the field of education due to the opportunity to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. I'm proud to support students to build the skills needed inside and outside the classroom.”
“I will empower and inspire lifelong curiosity for learning in our students by creating a supportive environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Tonight (Monday, Aug. 18) is Back to School night at Maercker Intermediate School! Maercker families will be able to drop off supplies and attend a presentation about the curriculum with two session options at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. See you there! #d60learns
Westview Hills is hosting their back to school event and Meet & Greet on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Be sure to bring your student’s schedule and locker code to the event so you can walk your schedule and practice opening your locker!
We are one week away from the first day of school! Don’t miss school supply drop-off and meet the teacher events next week at each school from 5-7 p.m. on the following days:
Maercker - Monday, Aug. 18
Holmes - Tuesday, Aug. 19
Westview Hills - Wednesday, Aug. 20
Maercker - Monday, Aug. 18
Holmes - Tuesday, Aug. 19
Westview Hills - Wednesday, Aug. 20
Check out this event taking place at the Downers Grove Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 6-7 p.m. focused on early literacy! SEEDS (Supporting Early Education in DuPage South) is hosting the event which includes a short presentation, fun activities for students, and free food!
Holmes families, here is some more information about next week’s back to school event! Students with last names A-M should attend session 1 at 5 p.m. with last names N-Z should come at 6 p.m. There will be lots of fun including an exotic animal show and more!
The Maercker PTA Board has some new faces this year! We are grateful for the support of the PTA and their dedication to our staff and students. Want to be a part of this group? They are looking for a VP of Fundraising and Sponsorship!
Back to School night at Maercker Intermediate School is Monday, Aug. 18! Maercker families will be able to drop off supplies and attend a presentation about the curriculum with two session options at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. respectively. See you there!
The Maercker D60 Leadership team has been hard at work preparing for the school year and getting ready for staff to come back for Institute Days next week!
Let’s spotlight a new face to the D60 Board of Education this year!
Poonam Patel has lived in Maercker District 60 for 11 years. She manages real estate properties in the area. In a prior career, she was in corporate marketing and advertising and has been at home since her youngest was born.
“I've been actively involved in our schools and community for the past few years,” said Poonam. “Over time, that experience has deepened my commitment to supporting students, families, and educators. I wanted to serve on the school board because I believe in public education as a cornerstone of a strong community. I look forward to helping shape how our district supports students, not just academically, but in terms of their overall well-being, and how we strengthen our connections with families and community partners.”
She says that she aims to bring a thoughtful, collaborative voice to the table, and help make decisions that reflect the values and needs of the people served by the district.
In her free time, she enjoys supporting her children in their various activities including baseball, swimming, and gymnastics. She loves spending time with friends and family but when she has a quiet moment to herself, she likes to unwind by reading or playing games on her phone.
Poonam Patel has lived in Maercker District 60 for 11 years. She manages real estate properties in the area. In a prior career, she was in corporate marketing and advertising and has been at home since her youngest was born.
“I've been actively involved in our schools and community for the past few years,” said Poonam. “Over time, that experience has deepened my commitment to supporting students, families, and educators. I wanted to serve on the school board because I believe in public education as a cornerstone of a strong community. I look forward to helping shape how our district supports students, not just academically, but in terms of their overall well-being, and how we strengthen our connections with families and community partners.”
She says that she aims to bring a thoughtful, collaborative voice to the table, and help make decisions that reflect the values and needs of the people served by the district.
In her free time, she enjoys supporting her children in their various activities including baseball, swimming, and gymnastics. She loves spending time with friends and family but when she has a quiet moment to herself, she likes to unwind by reading or playing games on her phone.
Don’t miss PTA Day this Thursday, Aug.14 from 4-7 p.m. at Holmes School! Families will be able to pick up supplies, shop for spirit wear, renew their PTA membership, and check out lots of different clubs and activities. #d60learns
