Teacher Cesar Tamayo, Multilingual Specialist Estela Rosales-Harrigan, and parent Jeanie Abbott attended the 20th Annual Statewide Summit for Bilingual Parents earlier this month. This is a conference for members of Bilingual Parent Advisory Councils and parents of Dual Language and English Learners. Thank you to these dedicated Maercker D60 community members for always finding ways to enhance the education of our multilingual learners! #d60learns
Dee Dee Ganski has been a part of Maercker D60 for 31 years and will be retiring this year! She is an instructional assistant at Maercker Intermediate School and started as a substitute at Holmes School when her children were young.
What is a favorite memory or moment of your time in D60?
Of all the memories I have I think my favorite was a unique experience. When Linda Taylor was principal, the State of Illinois promoted an afterschool enrichment program. Linda talked me into developing a class and I am so glad she did. The requirements were simple, it needed to be FUN and educational. I was approved for a class centered on our 50th state and was fortunate enough to have firsthand experience due to my time in Hawaii and had acquired various materials and visuals such as shells, coral, dishes, clothing, etc.
We studied various topics such as geography, culture, food, music, history, and wildlife each week.
I taught many of these students every day, but this was an opportunity to do something very different where we could see each other in a whole new way. Our course culminated in a Hawaiian luau, incorporating many of the things we studied over the past weeks. I received many thank you notes from students and parents and was so happy to open the world of Hawaii to our students.
Oddly enough, on the same day your email with questions came, I received a letter from the State University Retirement system telling me they had forty-five dollars of retirement savings based on a small payment for this class and wanted me to sign a form so they could send it! Talk about synchronicity! Of the many memories I have at Maercker, this one is a favorite!
How did you make an impact for students during your time in the district?
I hope I made an impact on the students, especially in the world of reading. Though I have worked in special education and math interventions, most of my years here were centered on intervention classes focused on reading skills. I love reading and always hoped to open that world to our students since it can then open the whole world to them. Raising two children, and watching the increasingly competitive nature of employment, I wanted to do everything I could to give them the skills necessary to become lifelong readers and successful in whatever career they dreamed of. I can only hope I made some small impact on the students that it was my privilege to teach every day!
What is a favorite memory or moment of your time in D60?
Of all the memories I have I think my favorite was a unique experience. When Linda Taylor was principal, the State of Illinois promoted an afterschool enrichment program. Linda talked me into developing a class and I am so glad she did. The requirements were simple, it needed to be FUN and educational. I was approved for a class centered on our 50th state and was fortunate enough to have firsthand experience due to my time in Hawaii and had acquired various materials and visuals such as shells, coral, dishes, clothing, etc.
We studied various topics such as geography, culture, food, music, history, and wildlife each week.
I taught many of these students every day, but this was an opportunity to do something very different where we could see each other in a whole new way. Our course culminated in a Hawaiian luau, incorporating many of the things we studied over the past weeks. I received many thank you notes from students and parents and was so happy to open the world of Hawaii to our students.
Oddly enough, on the same day your email with questions came, I received a letter from the State University Retirement system telling me they had forty-five dollars of retirement savings based on a small payment for this class and wanted me to sign a form so they could send it! Talk about synchronicity! Of the many memories I have at Maercker, this one is a favorite!
How did you make an impact for students during your time in the district?
I hope I made an impact on the students, especially in the world of reading. Though I have worked in special education and math interventions, most of my years here were centered on intervention classes focused on reading skills. I love reading and always hoped to open that world to our students since it can then open the whole world to them. Raising two children, and watching the increasingly competitive nature of employment, I wanted to do everything I could to give them the skills necessary to become lifelong readers and successful in whatever career they dreamed of. I can only hope I made some small impact on the students that it was my privilege to teach every day!
Band students had a fantastic time yesterday with composer William Owens. He worked with the Westview Gold Band and the Maercker Band before the premier of his piece Greater Blue at last night's concert! #d60learns
Ellen Hopkins is the Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Westview Hills Middle School. She will be retiring after 21 years of service to our district!
What is a favorite memory or moment of your time in D60?
One of my favorite memories from my time in District 60 was our Pizza Judging and Cupcake Wars projects.These events brought so much excitement to the classroom. Students took great pride in their work and loved welcoming teachers into the room to share what they had created. Watching them explain their ideas, showcase their creativity, and light up from the positive feedback was always special. It created a sense of confidence, teamwork, and celebration that made learning memorable for everyone involved. Those moments were truly the icing on the cake of my time in District 60.
How did you make an impact for students during your time in the district?
Throughout my time in District 60, I hoped to make an impact by creating a classroom where students felt supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. I worked to build relationships with students, so they felt comfortable taking risks, growing in confidence, and believing in their abilities. Whether through hands-on projects, encouragement, or simply being someone who listened and cared, I wanted students to know they mattered and that their success both in and out of the classroom was important. Helping students grow and gain confidence was the heart of the recipe for everything I did.
What is a favorite memory or moment of your time in D60?
One of my favorite memories from my time in District 60 was our Pizza Judging and Cupcake Wars projects.These events brought so much excitement to the classroom. Students took great pride in their work and loved welcoming teachers into the room to share what they had created. Watching them explain their ideas, showcase their creativity, and light up from the positive feedback was always special. It created a sense of confidence, teamwork, and celebration that made learning memorable for everyone involved. Those moments were truly the icing on the cake of my time in District 60.
How did you make an impact for students during your time in the district?
Throughout my time in District 60, I hoped to make an impact by creating a classroom where students felt supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. I worked to build relationships with students, so they felt comfortable taking risks, growing in confidence, and believing in their abilities. Whether through hands-on projects, encouragement, or simply being someone who listened and cared, I wanted students to know they mattered and that their success both in and out of the classroom was important. Helping students grow and gain confidence was the heart of the recipe for everything I did.
Our fifth grade teachers went BANANAS at our fifth grade beginning Band concert on Tuesday! The Beginning Band’s last performance is tonight at Downers Grove North High School at 7 p.m.!
The Westview Hills Middle School Horticulture WIN class took the classroom outside recently to leave a lasting mark on the campus! In a fantastic collaboration with the Village of Westmont Public Works, students planted two brand new trees right on the Westview Hills Middle School property. Thank you to everyone who made this opportunity a reality! 🌳 #d60plants
Fourth Grade Teacher Rebecca Merrill will be retiring at the end of the school year marking 26 years of service to D60!
What is a favorite memory or moment of your time in D60?
Watching the “new” Maercker school being built, adding to the time capsule, and moving into the new building. It was an exciting time for the students and staff!
How did you make an impact for students during your time in the district?
I tried to always focus on highlighting the amazing diversity of our students, community, and country. I liked to show students to the cultures, beliefs and traditions of themselves and others as well as civil rights and liberties. Acceptance and appreciation of others have always been a theme in my classes throughout my teaching career.
What is a favorite memory or moment of your time in D60?
Watching the “new” Maercker school being built, adding to the time capsule, and moving into the new building. It was an exciting time for the students and staff!
How did you make an impact for students during your time in the district?
I tried to always focus on highlighting the amazing diversity of our students, community, and country. I liked to show students to the cultures, beliefs and traditions of themselves and others as well as civil rights and liberties. Acceptance and appreciation of others have always been a theme in my classes throughout my teaching career.
As the talented Peggy Sue Casey prepares for retirement, join us for her final Maercker Band concert tomorrow, May 14 at 7 p.m.! Come support our Band students and their hard work as we near the end of the school year! #d60learns
Third graders’ learning came to life when the Westview Hills Middle School Jazz Band delivered a soulful performance! Third graders spent time learning all about melodies, solos, instruments, swing, and improvisation as part of a literacy research unit about jazz. They then saw their learning in real time during the concert, and their faces said it all as they looked at each other with excitement. What an amazing connection between classroom learning and real-world experiences! 🎷🥁 #d60learns
Our next retiring staff member is Fifth Grade Teacher Megan Casey who has been in the district for 22 years!
What is a favorite memory or moment of your time in D60?
My favorite memory from my time in D60 was time spent with my 5th grade team at White Pines. We were able to bond with our students as well as teachers and our principal. It was filled with laughter and memories that will last a lifetime.
How did you make an impact for students during your time in the district?
My daily read aloud, and my love of reading are what I feel have left the greatest impact on my students. Class discussions and encouraging reading and going to the local library are important habits that I hope to instill in all my students. My personal love for travel and incorporating that models for students to be curious about other cultures and the world.
The Art, Books, and Beyond Fair is TOMORROW, Wednesday, May 13 from 5:30-7 p.m.! Come view your student’s hard work in STEM and Fine Arts, get some books for the summer, and spend time with our partners from Westmont and the Indian Prairie Public Library. We’ll see you there! #d60learns
We are excited to celebrate the D60 staff members who will be retiring at the end of this school year! Let’s get to know these incredible educators.
Peggy Sue Casey is the Band Director at Maercker Intermediate School and has been in the district for 19 years.
What is a favorite memory or moment of your time in D60?
I don’t have just one favorite memory of my time in D60. Most of my most cherished moments involve students who feel immense pride as they accomplish their goals. Additionally, I have fond memories of when other staff members have joined our band concerts for a bit of fun at their expense:
-Principals Brenda Babinec and Abel Orelove as “The Triangle Virtuosos” when we performed “Concerto for Triangle”
-Principals Dominic Sepich and Ashley LaMorte joining us for a skit that involved attempting to play simple songs on instruments that they had never played before
-Principal Mark Pagel joining us with our stuffed dragon for “Dragon Slayer” last year
-Keith Baar starring on the cowbell in our tune, “More Cowbell” before he retired from 5th grade
-Lynn Gorey filling in on percussion for the entire concert at the very last minute for a student who was sick on the concert day
-The whole 5th Grade Team joining us for some silliness with bongos and shakers and whatever else we could find.
How did you make an impact for students during your time in the district?
I believe that I have made an impact by:
-Creating an inclusive environment in which ANY student can be successful if they persevere.
-Encouraging students who may struggle in other academic classes to find their strength, confidence, and personal pride in band.
-Making community connections by arranging performances at Burgess Square Care Center for the residents (and to boost our ability to perform solos in front of audiences)
-Providing “Band Practice Club” before school for students who live in condos, apartments, or townhomes, where they might not be allowed to practice their instruments
-Choosing a wide variety of literature for our spring concerts and pushing the boundaries of what a beginning band should be able to accomplish in just seven months.
Congratulations Peggy Sue!
Peggy Sue Casey is the Band Director at Maercker Intermediate School and has been in the district for 19 years.
What is a favorite memory or moment of your time in D60?
I don’t have just one favorite memory of my time in D60. Most of my most cherished moments involve students who feel immense pride as they accomplish their goals. Additionally, I have fond memories of when other staff members have joined our band concerts for a bit of fun at their expense:
-Principals Brenda Babinec and Abel Orelove as “The Triangle Virtuosos” when we performed “Concerto for Triangle”
-Principals Dominic Sepich and Ashley LaMorte joining us for a skit that involved attempting to play simple songs on instruments that they had never played before
-Principal Mark Pagel joining us with our stuffed dragon for “Dragon Slayer” last year
-Keith Baar starring on the cowbell in our tune, “More Cowbell” before he retired from 5th grade
-Lynn Gorey filling in on percussion for the entire concert at the very last minute for a student who was sick on the concert day
-The whole 5th Grade Team joining us for some silliness with bongos and shakers and whatever else we could find.
How did you make an impact for students during your time in the district?
I believe that I have made an impact by:
-Creating an inclusive environment in which ANY student can be successful if they persevere.
-Encouraging students who may struggle in other academic classes to find their strength, confidence, and personal pride in band.
-Making community connections by arranging performances at Burgess Square Care Center for the residents (and to boost our ability to perform solos in front of audiences)
-Providing “Band Practice Club” before school for students who live in condos, apartments, or townhomes, where they might not be allowed to practice their instruments
-Choosing a wide variety of literature for our spring concerts and pushing the boundaries of what a beginning band should be able to accomplish in just seven months.
Congratulations Peggy Sue!
8th graders Stella A. and Eli I. were honored at the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) Student Recognition Breakfast! Each year, the IPA recognizes outstanding 8th graders for their academic excellence, leadership skills, service, dedication to others, and consistent adherence to school expectations. Congratulations to Stella and Eli for all of their hard work! Keep it up! #d60learns
Get ready for the Cultural Variety Show TOMORROW, May 9 from 2-4 p.m.! RSVP to come see our performers showcase their cultures through song, dance, and fashion: https://www.maerckerpta.org/event-details/cultural-variety-show-2026 #d60learns
Join Maercker School for its Art, Books, and Beyond Fair on Wednesday, May 13 from 5:30-7 p.m.! Come view your student’s hard work in STEM and Fine Arts, get some books for the summer, and spend time with our partners from Westmont and the Indian Prairie Public Library. We’ll see you there! #d60learns
Happy Jewish American Heritage Month to all of our Jewish students, families, staff and community members!
Today is School Nurse Day! Thank you to our school nurses who provide care to our students so they can be healthy and ready to learn.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This month, we celebrate the many cultures and contributions of Americans of Asian or Pacific Islander descent.
It’s National Educator Appreciation Week! Let’s show some extra love to our educators this week who work hard each day to provide an engaging learning environment for our students. Check out the link to send a personalized thank note of appreciation to a staff member. Thank you, teachers! #d60learns
Today is School Lunch Hero Day, a day to celebrate nutrition staff in our schools. Our nutrition staff work hard to provide delicious and nourishing meals to our students so they have the energy needed to learn. Thank you, school lunch heroes! #d60learns
