Amatya D. is today’s feature for Ask an 8th Grader!
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
FPS State & Track and Field State.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Mr. Engberg because he always helps me if I need anything, even if it is unrelated to science. His calm demeanor and kindness as both a science teacher and a cross country coach always makes my day.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
Orthodontics
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Keep an open mind and try everything. Enjoy each day at middle school even if it is boring or tedious because you will look back at the boring memories later in life.
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
FPS State & Track and Field State.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Mr. Engberg because he always helps me if I need anything, even if it is unrelated to science. His calm demeanor and kindness as both a science teacher and a cross country coach always makes my day.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
Orthodontics
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Keep an open mind and try everything. Enjoy each day at middle school even if it is boring or tedious because you will look back at the boring memories later in life.
We had a great time with all of the families who joined us for the Sliding into First Grade events that saw kindergarten students hitting the slide and preparing for their transition into first grade! It was wonderful to see photos being taken and the excitement on the faces of students and families alike. #d60learns
It’s time to Ask an 8th Grader! Today, we’re hearing from Shreeya K., who will be attending Hinsdale Central next year. While reflecting on her time in Maercker D60, Mrs. LaPointe is a teacher that left an impact on her, and her favorite memories were running track, playing volleyball, and math classes. Shreeya plans on becoming a neurologist, and shared a piece of advice for incoming middle schoolers: “Make the most of the time that you have, because your time here will be over before you know it; take advantage of all the great opportunities and be happy!”
Mayar R. is today’s feature on Ask an 8th Grader! Mayar heads to Hinsdale Central in the fall, but some of their favorite memories from Maercker D60 included playing soccer with friends and going on field trips. Mrs. Cook is a teacher that left an impact on Mayar, who plans on becoming a doctor in the future. Mayar shared, “Advice I would give to future students is to make the most of middle school because it goes by fast. Don't be shy to make new friends and do as many activities as you possibly can. Never think you aren't good enough to do something and have fun.”
It’s been one week since the end of the 2025-26 school year, and we’re missing our D60 students! We hope everyone is having a great summer so far!
We shared about the girls track and field team earning their medals and representing Westview. Now, let’s hear it for Yebby, who finished 3rd in the boys 1,600 meter run at 4:37 and 6th in the 800 meter run at 2:06, setting two new school records! Amazing job, Yebby! #d60runs
Alex D. is today’s feature on Ask an 8th Grader!
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
Going to IMEC in 7th grade with the Westview Gold Band.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Mrs. Ogrodnik made an impact on me because she helped me get better at math and more importantly let me be me during class.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I want to work as either a software engineer or a theme park engineer.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
When people tell you middle school is scary, they are very wrong. Middle school was the best part of my life, from going on school trips to making new friends. Don't be scared, for middle school is just an extension of elementary school and there is nothing to be scared of.
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
Going to IMEC in 7th grade with the Westview Gold Band.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Mrs. Ogrodnik made an impact on me because she helped me get better at math and more importantly let me be me during class.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I want to work as either a software engineer or a theme park engineer.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
When people tell you middle school is scary, they are very wrong. Middle school was the best part of my life, from going on school trips to making new friends. Don't be scared, for middle school is just an extension of elementary school and there is nothing to be scared of.
🏅 As we shared last week, the girls track and field team crushed the state meet! A few highlights include Sophia finishing in 6th place and earning an all state medal in discus with a throw of 85 feet, 6 inches. Reese finished in 4th place in the finals and earned an all state medal. Maddie ran a huge personal record in the mile with a time of 5 minutes and 23 seconds, moving up to the 2nd best mile time on the Westview hall of fame and earning an all state medal for finishing in 6th place. Maddie also competed in the 800 meter run and ran a new personal best of 2 minutes, 27 seconds, moving up the the 3rd best time on the Westview hall of fame as well as earning an all state medal for finishing in 8th place. The final event of the meet was high jump, in which Nuriah remained focused and earned all state finishing in 3rd place with a jump of 4 feet 10.5 inches. Overall, the girls team earned 5 all state medals at the state meet. Congratulations to all the athletes who represented Westview! Your coaches are so proud of you! #d60learns #d60runs
We are excited to announce that Caity Collins will be joining the team at Maercker Intermediate School in 2026-27 as the new Student Services Coordinator!
With strong experience in the classroom, as an assistant principal, and most recently as the MTSS & SPED Coordinator at River Forest Public Schools, she says the role at Maercker felt like a perfect fit.
“I have always known I wanted to be a teacher and the passion for special education came when I was in high school and worked with a best buddies program,” said Collins. “I was working with a student who had autism and I knew that this is what I wanted to do. My drive and passion has always been finding what works for each student and watching them learn and grow.”
Read the full story: https://www.maercker.org/article/2943053
With strong experience in the classroom, as an assistant principal, and most recently as the MTSS & SPED Coordinator at River Forest Public Schools, she says the role at Maercker felt like a perfect fit.
“I have always known I wanted to be a teacher and the passion for special education came when I was in high school and worked with a best buddies program,” said Collins. “I was working with a student who had autism and I knew that this is what I wanted to do. My drive and passion has always been finding what works for each student and watching them learn and grow.”
Read the full story: https://www.maercker.org/article/2943053
Join us as we celebrate our 8th graders and wish them luck on the next step in their academic journeys! Today, we hear from Melanie P.
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
I loved being on the sports teams such as cross country, cheer, and track, and I especially like the celebrations we had during cross country
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Ms. Romero has been a really nice teacher and has always helped me and given me feedback when I was struggling
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I'm interested in putting myself out there and making new friends and getting good grades
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
It always seems new and hard at first, especially remembering your locker code and all your classes and activities, but soon you become a pro at handling school and before you know it you will be graduating
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
I loved being on the sports teams such as cross country, cheer, and track, and I especially like the celebrations we had during cross country
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Ms. Romero has been a really nice teacher and has always helped me and given me feedback when I was struggling
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I'm interested in putting myself out there and making new friends and getting good grades
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
It always seems new and hard at first, especially remembering your locker code and all your classes and activities, but soon you become a pro at handling school and before you know it you will be graduating
We are excited to introduce two new administrators who will be joining the Maercker D60 Team for the 2026-27 school year.
First up is Dr. Sandra Hock will be joining as the new Director of Student Services!
With more than 25 years in special education, Dr. Hock brings a passion and dedication for helping students grow in their learning along with experience in the classroom and administration. She has been the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Burbank School District #111 since 2020 and says she was drawn to Maercker D60 because of the district’s reputation.
“I was drawn to Maercker because of the strong reputation around student learning, diversity, collaboration, and community partnerships,” said Dr. Hock. “I really love seeing students grow and learn while they make advancements and achievements. It’s amazing when a student is able to graduate from services.”
Read the full story: https://www.maercker.org/article/2943053
First up is Dr. Sandra Hock will be joining as the new Director of Student Services!
With more than 25 years in special education, Dr. Hock brings a passion and dedication for helping students grow in their learning along with experience in the classroom and administration. She has been the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Burbank School District #111 since 2020 and says she was drawn to Maercker D60 because of the district’s reputation.
“I was drawn to Maercker because of the strong reputation around student learning, diversity, collaboration, and community partnerships,” said Dr. Hock. “I really love seeing students grow and learn while they make advancements and achievements. It’s amazing when a student is able to graduate from services.”
Read the full story: https://www.maercker.org/article/2943053
Let’s hear from Reese M. as part of our series, Ask an 8th Grader! Reese will attend Downers Grove North next year, and shared with us:
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
The sports and finding friendships throughout my years here
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Ms. Constantine and Mr. Strezo because they got me through sports and were great coaches. I can have good conversations with them about my performances.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I'm interested in becoming a pro softball player.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Have fun and don't take anything for granted because it's fun to look back on memories.
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
The sports and finding friendships throughout my years here
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Ms. Constantine and Mr. Strezo because they got me through sports and were great coaches. I can have good conversations with them about my performances.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I'm interested in becoming a pro softball player.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Have fun and don't take anything for granted because it's fun to look back on memories.
Earlier this week, we celebrated our amazing 8th graders as they took their final steps before high school. We are so incredibly proud of the hard work, resilience, and laughs this group shared. We can't wait to see what our Wildcats do next! #d60learns
On Wednesday, we came together to celebrate the incredible achievements, hard work, and growth of our amazing 8th-grade class. From the classroom to sports, the arts, and everything in between, these students have made us so proud. #d60learns
The last day of school at Westview Hills was full of fun, smiles, and Wildcat pride! Students even got to absolutely cover Dr. Scott's face with pie, which is a great way to end the school year! #d60learns
Westview Hills students wrapped up the final day of school with some incredible activities, including a special project where students wrote professional, heartfelt thank-you letters to our local police officers and firefighters.
We are so proud of our students for finishing the year strong and taking the time to give back to the heroes who keep our community safe! #d60learns
We are so proud of our students for finishing the year strong and taking the time to give back to the heroes who keep our community safe! #d60learns
We made it to the last day of school! We’re so proud of all of the hard work our D60 students put in this year. The 2025-26 school year was full of learning, growth, friendship, and lifelong memories. Let’s have a great last day! #d60learns
Let’s hear from Sreyashi N. for our series, Ask an 8th Grader! Sreyashi will be attending Illinois Math And Science Academy next year, and shared:
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
Future Problem Solving State Affiliation
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
All of them really, they all helped shape my journey through 6-8th grade in a multitude of different ways.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I really want to be an astrophysicist and eventually write and publish a few novels (already have a few written).
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Try new things, you don't have to be the best at what you are doing but be consistent. These new beginnings will only fuel your future to burn even brighter. Who knows? Maybe you will find a new goal in life that you want to do!
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
Future Problem Solving State Affiliation
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
All of them really, they all helped shape my journey through 6-8th grade in a multitude of different ways.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I really want to be an astrophysicist and eventually write and publish a few novels (already have a few written).
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Try new things, you don't have to be the best at what you are doing but be consistent. These new beginnings will only fuel your future to burn even brighter. Who knows? Maybe you will find a new goal in life that you want to do!
Westview Hills 8th graders students traded in their backpacks for racing suits (well, beautiful dresses and sharp suits!) and sped down the red carpet for an unforgettable Formula 1-themed evening. From the podium-worthy photo ops to the high-energy dance floor, our 8th graders celebrated the end of an era in true championship style. 🏆💨
✨ A MASSIVE Podium Finish Thank You to our incredible PTA! ✨
✨ A MASSIVE Podium Finish Thank You to our incredible PTA! ✨
Congratulations to the boys who represented Westview Hills at the IESA state track and field meet this past Friday and Saturday. Eli was the first to compete on Friday in the discus throw and he threw 107 feet and although he did not throw as far as he hoped, this was Eli’s second year in a row competing at state which is an accomplishment in itself.
Next our 7th grade relay team of Amare, Finn, Sam, and Fabio who gained valuable experience competing against the best runners in the state and finished in 20th place.
Our 8th grade relay team of Armani, Taj, Aayush, and Theo were next on the track and they finished in 18th place. Yebby next competed in the mile run where he broke his own school record and finished in 3rd place! Yebby’s time was a spectacular 4 minutes and 37 seconds!
On Saturday, Diego joined Yebby in the 800 meter run. Diego ran his 2nd fastest time of the year and finished in 25th place and Yebby earned his 2nd medal and 2nd school record of the weekend while finishing in 6th place in 2 minutes and 6 seconds.
The state track meet is an incredible two day event and our boys should be proud for representing our school!
Next our 7th grade relay team of Amare, Finn, Sam, and Fabio who gained valuable experience competing against the best runners in the state and finished in 20th place.
Our 8th grade relay team of Armani, Taj, Aayush, and Theo were next on the track and they finished in 18th place. Yebby next competed in the mile run where he broke his own school record and finished in 3rd place! Yebby’s time was a spectacular 4 minutes and 37 seconds!
On Saturday, Diego joined Yebby in the 800 meter run. Diego ran his 2nd fastest time of the year and finished in 25th place and Yebby earned his 2nd medal and 2nd school record of the weekend while finishing in 6th place in 2 minutes and 6 seconds.
The state track meet is an incredible two day event and our boys should be proud for representing our school!
