Students in third grade have been learning about Animal Classification in ELA. Classes received some exploration boxes from a parent that showed different parts of animal development. The students had a great time learning with these! #d60learns
We are excited to see students back tomorrow! Here’s a reminder that tomorrow (Wednesday, Nov. 6) is an early release day!
Every autumn, Maercker PTA participates in the Reflections arts competition. This program offered by National PTA encourages our students to explore and express themselves through the arts. The theme chosen for the 2024-25 school year is "Accepting Imperfection" and entries are due by Wednesday, Nov. 13. Let’s see what our Wildcats can do! https://www.maerckerpta.org/reflections
Don’t forget that tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 5) is a non attendance day as all schools are closed for election day.
Last week at Holmes, things looked festive with more than 120 Literacy Pumpkins joining the library hallway to celebrate reading in the Fall. Families worked together to decorate a pumpkin into their favorite book characters and they turned out so great! #d60learns
A huge shout out to the Maercker PTA and all of the community members who volunteered their time, skills and efforts to the big Trunk or Treat event! This was a ton of fun for everyone, and the PTA donated 20 bags of groceries to People’s Resource Center.
The Gold Standard is the new way to recognize D60 staff for their work and embodying the core values of the district and the attributes outlined in our staff portrait. District leaders reviewed all of the submissions and chose five staff members that went above and beyond to support their colleagues, students, and families.
Thatcher Ramirez is a second grade teacher at Holmes Primary School who was recognized for truly stepping up in her role. She was called “our faithful PBIS/SEL leader” and thanked for being an organized leader who has become a mentor.
One nomination also mentioned a personal story of impacting the life of a former student who started out shy and anxious.
“Mrs. Ramirez went out of her way to make sure that she felt safe and comfortable in the classroom. She built up my daughter's confidence and by the end of the year she had so many friends. This was the first year that she loved going to school. We will always be grateful to Mrs. Ramirez for everything she did for her!”
Congratulations for being the Gold Standard!
Don’t forget that Tuesday, Nov. 5 is a non-attendance day due to Election Day!
To all who celebrate in the Maercker community, Happy Diwali!
Last week, students in second grade were visited by the local Fire Chief and Police Chief! They have been reading about government laws and jobs to keep citizens safe. The officers were able to speak to the information they learned about and tell them first hand about their jobs. What a great real-life connection to learning! #d60learns
Second graders got to use Seesaw to interview a friend, which helped them learn about each other as well as how to use all of the fun tools in Seesaw! #d60learns @D60HolmesTech
Elizabeth Jason teaches our youngest learners in D60 in the early childhood program at Holmes. She joined the Maercker D60 team after having interactions with the Maercker special education department in her role in another school district and knowing that it would be the place for her to continue her career.
In nominations and notes about her work, colleagues and parents highlighted her passion, positivity, warmth, leadership, and commitment to making sure that every student is valued, understood, and cared for. She has a dedication to including all students and to provide advice and resources for anyone who needs it. The energy that she brings to Holmes is wonderful and a great introduction for families with young learners.
Congratulations for being the Gold Standard!
Maercker D60 has excellent options for preschool! In the EC Foundations classroom, students participate in units that are highly engaging and include strong support from teachers to build literacy, play skills, sensory regulation, communication, fine motor, and social skills. We love seeing our youngest learners enjoying school! #d60learns
Don’t forget, tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 30) is an early release day!
Students at Holmes participated in a great Jewish American Heritage cultural celebration last week with the help of some parent volunteers. They learned about Sukkot and made a kindness chain! #d60learns
The Gold Standard is the new way to recognize D60 staff for their work and embodying the core values of the district and the attributes outlined in our staff portrait. District leaders reviewed all of the submissions and chose five staff members that went above and beyond to support their colleagues, students, and families.
Fayanna Simms is a fourth grade teacher at Maercker School who was recognized by several colleagues and parents.
She was celebrated for having warmth, compassion, and commitment to making sure that every student is valued, understood, and cared for. One parent thanked her for her empathy and connection with her student. She builds personal relationships with her students which provide a sense of safety that allows them to grow academically and socially. Her commitment to personalized learning as well as showing colleagues how a positive, vulnerable, collaborative, and student-focused approach leads to a positive culture and successful outcomes for students is incredible.
Congratulations for being the Gold Standard!
When first graders were learning about communities, they got to create their own digital book using Book Creator to share about their Holmes School Community. Love this! #d60learns @D60HolmesTech
Check out an awesome presentation coming up hosted by District 86 and District 181 coming up focused on parenting. There will be two presentations with the first held on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. and the second on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. at the Community House. Dr. Aliza Pressman will present her book The 5 Principles of Parenting with valuable information for all! Register at www.d181foundation.org
Today is Principal Appreciation Day! We hope you have enjoyed getting to know our incredible team of school leaders this week. Be sure to thank your principals for all they do!
Cesar Tamayo is an EL Interventionist at Westview Hills and has become a favorite among staff and students. He showed amazing adaptability at the beginning of the year and was recognized for always keeping the best interests of students front and center.
He has embodied the values of adaptability and resiliency by going with the flow, stepping in and stepping up for students, and supporting his colleagues to ensure that all students succeed and grow. D60 is lucky to have someone with such a collaborative and student-focused attitude and energy working so hard each day.
Congratulations for being the Gold Standard!
