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
Let’s spotlight another member of the D60 Board of Education!
Lesley Wright has lived in Westmont for 13 years and is a certified teacher, but currently a stay-at-home mom so she can be involved in school and sports with her children. She chose to serve on the Board of Education to serve her community and contribute to its success.
“This school district has been my focus in many roles over the years through the referendum, board positions in the pta, and now school board,” said Lesley. “I care greatly about the success of our students and it is my hope that my skills and experience can contribute to that.”
Lesley is a passionate volunteer who is active with the Maercker PTA doing work in our schools. In her free time she also loves to go out to eat, read, and watch her kids doing activities that they love including softball, fishing, and more.
Lesley Wright has lived in Westmont for 13 years and is a certified teacher, but currently a stay-at-home mom so she can be involved in school and sports with her children. She chose to serve on the Board of Education to serve her community and contribute to its success.
“This school district has been my focus in many roles over the years through the referendum, board positions in the pta, and now school board,” said Lesley. “I care greatly about the success of our students and it is my hope that my skills and experience can contribute to that.”
Lesley is a passionate volunteer who is active with the Maercker PTA doing work in our schools. In her free time she also loves to go out to eat, read, and watch her kids doing activities that they love including softball, fishing, and more.
We are two weeks away from the beginning of the 2025-26 school year! Make sure you have the school year calendar and new Blue/Gold Day calendar. https://www.maercker.org/documents/calendars/593277
Let’s spotlight the D60 Board of Education President, Michael Jones!
Michael has lived in the district since 2015. He served nineteen years with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with the first seventeen of those years spent in commercial power reactor inspection, with the last two years in emergency response and exercise planning in the midwest and as a national response team lead.
He also works as COO in his 18 year old daughter's organic and natural pet treat company; a brand that she has been operating for nearly 10 years. She's sold treats in all 50 states and has been in large mass and smaller independent retail locations since about 2020.
“I've always had a desire to contribute to my local community,” said Michael. “Serving on the board gives me a chance to see and be a part of how we operate together with other community members to support our kids; that's the very special and fulfilling part of the endeavor.”
In his free time, Michael and his wife spend a lot of time outside, at parks, and playing sports with their four kids. They also go to a lot of weekend shows with Ava's company, Ava's Pet Palace, and Marie and Jordan's Jewelry and Accessories company, Unicorn Girl Marie.
Michael has lived in the district since 2015. He served nineteen years with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with the first seventeen of those years spent in commercial power reactor inspection, with the last two years in emergency response and exercise planning in the midwest and as a national response team lead.
He also works as COO in his 18 year old daughter's organic and natural pet treat company; a brand that she has been operating for nearly 10 years. She's sold treats in all 50 states and has been in large mass and smaller independent retail locations since about 2020.
“I've always had a desire to contribute to my local community,” said Michael. “Serving on the board gives me a chance to see and be a part of how we operate together with other community members to support our kids; that's the very special and fulfilling part of the endeavor.”
In his free time, Michael and his wife spend a lot of time outside, at parks, and playing sports with their four kids. They also go to a lot of weekend shows with Ava's company, Ava's Pet Palace, and Marie and Jordan's Jewelry and Accessories company, Unicorn Girl Marie.
Holmes families, we will see you tomorrow afternoon for Summer Storytime! Join us on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m. as Principal Maldonado and Assistant Principal Hansen read some stories and answer questions about the upcoming school year. #d60learns
Maercker D60 is excited to announce that beginning for the 2025-26 school year, we now have a Student Service Coordinator joining the building-level administrative teams at each school. Get to know these folks and learn more! #d60learns
https://www.maercker.org/article/2333580
https://www.maercker.org/article/2333580
Holmes families, don’t miss summer storytime on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m. Join Principal Maldonado and Assistant Principal Hansen as they read some stories and answer questions about the upcoming school year. We’ll see you there! #d60learns
Let’s spotlight another D60 Board Member!
Rob Schaefer has been a part of the Maercker D60 community since 2018. Since 2012, he has been working as an insurance broker and helps public and private employers better manage their employee benefit offerings and costs.
His interest in running and joining the school board began with positive experiences within the district for his two currently enrolled sons and two daughters who will be joining the district in the coming years.
“I felt it was important to be a representative of my local community and to be involved on behalf of my kids and their peers,” said Rob.
In his free time, Rob enjoys quality time with his family at the Morton Arboretum, camping, and cooking
Rob Schaefer has been a part of the Maercker D60 community since 2018. Since 2012, he has been working as an insurance broker and helps public and private employers better manage their employee benefit offerings and costs.
His interest in running and joining the school board began with positive experiences within the district for his two currently enrolled sons and two daughters who will be joining the district in the coming years.
“I felt it was important to be a representative of my local community and to be involved on behalf of my kids and their peers,” said Rob.
In his free time, Rob enjoys quality time with his family at the Morton Arboretum, camping, and cooking
Thank you to the Maercker PTA for hosting the Wildcat Splash events this summer! They were a great way for Wildcats to come together and have some fun before the school year begins. #d60learns #d60swims
