The Maercker PTA is making some changes to the annual Cultural Festival with two distinct events. Save the date for Wednesday April 23 and Sunday, April 27 and visit their website for more information. You can also sign up to help!
https://www.maerckerpta.org/cultural-festival
Early childhood students learned about special pets, and read some silly stories about pets including an octopus, a cat, and a fish. They had fun in the Learning Lab with Mrs. Blake making an octopus and a fish tank craft to go along with their stories! #d60learns
There has been some great learning going on in Ms. Laurinec’s Preschool classroom! #d60learns
Spirit Week at Maercker School March 24-28!
As we look ahead to the 2025-26 school year, Maercker D60 is excited to announce the next principal of Maercker Intermediate School, Dr. Juan Corona!
Dr. Corona has extensive experience in education beginning as a teacher for second and fifth grade, serving as a bilingual director to support dual language programming, and is currently an Elementary School Principal in East Aurora School District 131. He has a passion for working with young learners and empowering teachers to be their best.
“I am really passionate about those intermediate grades and in meeting parents and staff in D60,” said Corona. “It felt like they were very invested in their school and the community and I wanted to be a part of that. I am excited to use my skillset to help teachers get better and students to continue to grow!”
https://www.maercker.org/article/2095727
Johanna Ogrodnik is a sixth grade teacher at Westview Hills who was celebrated for embodying our values of being inclusive & welcoming and having high expectations. We continue to hear from students, parents, and colleagues about the joy, acceptance, and sense of community that she brings to Westview Hills.
“I want to express my gratitude for the constant support and guidance you provide my son,” said one parent. “Your patience, encouragement, and dedication have made a tremendous difference in his confidence and growth at school. Knowing he has someone who truly cares and believes in him brings us great comfort. Thank you for always going above and beyond to help him succeed!”
Her ability to engage and inspire students is truly remarkable and she has a way of supporting and encouraging them that makes learning both accessible and enjoyable.
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
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 six staff members from recognitions from recent months and surprised them in February!
Jill Ryan is a sixth grade math teacher at Westview Hills who is being celebrated for embodying our values of being culturally responsive, an engaged collaborator, and personally & collectively responsible, which as you will note is just about all of them!
Her work in supporting our newcomer students, particularly in math, demonstrates her deep care and thoughtfulness. She has an ability to approach each student with a lens of equity and understanding that is truly making a meaningful difference. She has provided incredible work as part of the Accelerated Math Committee in refining our identification and appeals processes and engaging with families.
She was also recognized for creating a strong culture of celebration and collaboration with staff.
“Jill Ryan is doing an amazing job of recognizing people's accomplishments and helping to spread this information with the staff,” said one colleague. “She is going out of her way to spread good news and positivity amongst the staff and we all greatly appreciate it!”
She not only advocates for individual students, but brings a broad perspective that enhances our approach for all students across multiple grade levels.
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
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 six staff members from recognitions from recent months and surprised them in February!
Karlee Jurczak is a fourth grade teacher at Maercker school who was celebrated for embodying our values of being an engaged collaborator, and passionate & empathetic. She is an engaged collaborator who consistently goes above and beyond for both her students and her colleagues.
She lifts others up with her encouragement, acknowledges the hard work of those around her, and makes people feel valued.
“Karlee is very passionate about not only teaching and her students, but also about her co-workers that she encounters on a daily basis,” said one staff member. “She brings positive vibes to anyone that she sees and will always be the first person to give a shoutout, kind words, or acknowledge the hard work of other people!
She is a positive force that shows what it means to be truly caring for all around her.
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
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 six staff members from recognitions from recent months and surprised them in February!
Lauren Badalamenti is a fifth grade teacher at Maercker who was celebrated for embodying our values of adaptability & emotional resiliency and being student focused. She has an ability to motivate students and make lessons engaging that is truly remarkable. Even years later, students remember her class as one of their favorites, which is a testament to the lasting impression she leaves on them.
“Two years have passed, but my son remembers Ms. Badalamenti's lessons as the most fun of all the ELA,” said one parent. “I would gladly study in Ms. Badalamenti's class in any subject, she communicates with people so inspiringly!”
She encourages students to strive for their best while creating a space where learning is exciting and meaningful!
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
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 six staff members from recognitions from recent months and surprised them in February!
Stephanie Jankowski is a School Social Worker at Holmes who was celebrated for embodying our values of having high expectations and being an engaged collaborator. She brings a vision that challenges everyone to think beyond the present, ensuring that our students with special needs are empowered with the skills they need to thrive as they grow.
One colleague shared, “She sees student strengths to build off of and identifies the ways to push them to gain independence and functional skills that will allow them to achieve great things!”
Her passion, expertise, and dedication are deeply valued, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as a part of our school community!
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
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 six staff members from recognitions from recent months and surprised them in February!
Amy Deang is a differentiation specialist at Holmes who was celebrated for embodying our values of continuous improvement, adaptability, and engaged collaborator. Colleagues shared that she fosters a positive, student-centered approach to data meetings and is willing to collaborate with and coach her peers in order to best support students.
Parents have also shared how she instills confidence in their children and serves as a role model who leaves a lasting impression.
One staff member summed it up well: “You put all kids first before anything else. I love that about you! You make me a better teacher. Honestly, I simply enjoy working with you! Thank you for making learning and teaching fun! Thank you for being AWESOME!”
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
D60 Community, have you seen a D60 staff member who has done something amazing lately? Be sure to recognize them with the Gold Standard! https://www.maercker.org/article/1723786
Join us tonight (Wednesday, March 19) at 6 p.m. at Westview Hills for our Parent Information Night on the Accelerated Math Program. There are two sessions: 1st Session for 2nd-5th Grade (6-6:30) in the Cafetorium and the 2nd Session for 6th-8th Grade (6:30-7) in the Wildcat Den.
The Maercker PTA Spirit Store closes for the year on March 27. Don’t miss your chance to represent your school and district in style! #d60learns https://eichssports.chipply.com/maerckerdistrict60/store.aspx?eid=369774&action=viewall
Don’t miss the Parent Information Night on the Accelerated Math Program on Wednesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. at Westview Hills. There will be two sessions: 1st Session for 2nd-5th Grade (6-6:30) in the Cafetorium and the 2nd Session for 6th-8th Grade (6:30-7) in the Wildcat Den.
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https://www.maercker.org/article/1721605
Join the Maercker PTA tonight (Wednesday, March 12) at 6 p.m. at Holmes for their monthly meeting and awards night for Reflections and the Science Fair!
Dual Language second graders learned about plants, greenhouses and how to protect plants to help them grow in Science.They had a lot of fun creating a model to protect a plant and help it grow, then they were able to work together to make their drawings come to life on the 3D printer! #d60learns
Students at Holmes celebrated Lunar New Year thanks to help from Maercker PTA Volunteers. It was a great time learning about traditions and culture! #d60learns
Dr. Nugent and Building Principals got out in schools to celebrate the latest staff members who have gone above and beyond when it comes to setting the Gold Standard! Stay tuned for more posts coming soon highlighting the six recipients!
