Maercker SD 60 -

Eighth Grade Social Studies is well underway with our second document based question (DBQ) essay of the year, centered on the question, “Why Did Japan Attack Pearl Harbor?” Students examined a range of primary and secondary sources that addressed topics such as propaganda, competition for resources, territorial expansion, and how these forces can lead to crisis or war. #d60learns

It’s Black History Month! Join us this month as we celebrate the histories and contributions of Black Americans.

​​Westview Hills Middle School is looking for a Middle School Special Education Teacher to join our team to cover a long-term leave. Learn more about the position and apply today!
https://www.applitrack.com/maercker/onlineapp/default.aspx?AppliTrackJobID=912&ref=

The district’s food service provider, Whitsons Culinary Group, held another pop-up event at Westview Hills Middle School. This time, students were joined by Chef Tony who prepared The Golden Chipotle: a chipotle honey chicken bowl with a variety of toppings. Thank you, Chef Tony and our friends at Whitsons for another mouthwatering experience!
#d60eats

Join us tomorrow, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. at Westview Hills Middle School for a Financial Forum with Dr. Nugent! He will provide updates on the financial situation of the district and next steps. Families and community members will be able to hear a short presentation with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more.

Preschool Parent Night is tomorrow, Jan. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Holmes School! If your little one is ready to start preschool next year, come meet teachers and discover a day in the life of a preschooler here. Learn more about Preschool in D60: https://www.maercker.org/page/early-childhood-blended-preschool
#d60learns

Westview Hills 8th grade families: Get nformation about the upcoming Illinois Youth Survey that will be administered soon: https://maerckersd60il.edurooms.com/engage/westview-hills-middle-school/newsletters/illinois-youth-survey-2026-parent-notification-letter

On Friday, Jan. 16, Westview Hills Middle School teacher Sondra LaPointe had a surprise visit from U.S. Congressman Sean Casten who presented her with the Constituent Spotlight Award!

“Having a former student nominate me for the Constituent Spotlight honor makes this award even more special,” said LaPointe. “My Wildcats, current and former, continue to be my motivation; they have helped shape and mold the Mrs. LaPointe that I am today. My Wildcats know that once they go onto high school and beyond that I will always be there to support them...as I tell them, 'Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!'” Read the full story: https://www.maercker.org/article/2646311
#d60learns

The Indian Prairie Public Library's second annual PopCon is coming up on Saturday, Feb. 7. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the library will offer crafts, face painting, and artist events for all ages! This is not a D60-sponsored event.

D60 Community - Dr. Nugent will be hosting a Financial Forum on Thursday, Jan. 29 beginning at 6 p.m. at Westview Hills Middle School to provide updates on the financial situation of the district and next steps. Families and community members will be able to hear a short presentation with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more. 

Due to forecasted extreme cold, Maercker District 60 will be using an E-Learning Day on Friday, Jan. 23. E-Learning resources are available on the district website.
https://www.maercker.org/page/e-learning

Help us Fuel D60! We need your help to keep our pantry stocked. Please consider donating:

Currently, the most needed items are canned proteins, canned veggies, pasta, and rice. Please place donations in the white bins at each school.

For more information about Fuel D60 and The Wildcat Family Pantry, visit our website: www.maerckerpta.org/fueld60

Maercker D60 preschoolers are thriving! We’re proud that our preschool program achieved a Silver Circle of Quality from ExceleRate Illinois in its first year. Silver Circle programs meet or exceed specific quality benchmarks on learning environment and instructional quality, along with selected administrative standards, qualifications, and professional development. Learn more about our Preschool for All program: https://www.maercker.org/article/2435349 #d60learns

We are one week away from Preschool Parent Night! Come learn all about Maercker Preschool on Jan. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Holmes School! You’ll have the opportunity to meet teachers and discover a day in the life of a preschooler here. #d60learns

Westview Hills Middle School is looking for a Middle School Special Education Teacher to join our team to cover a long-term leave. Learn more about the position and apply today!

https://www.applitrack.com/maercker/onlineapp/default.aspx?AppliTrackJobID=912&ref=

Congratulations to Westview Hills 8th graders Suzanne, Alex, Ahmed, and Matt for being part of an amazing performance with the All-Illinois Junior Band this past weekend. These all-state musicians passed a rigorous audition process to be selected for this elite ensemble. The concert took place at the Krannert Center Foellinger Hall at the University of Illinois. We are very proud of you all! #d60learns

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his legacy and his immense contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

U.S. Representative Sean Casten visited Westview today, Jan. 16 to present Sondra LaPointe with the Constituent Spotlight Award! Sondra is the third recipient of this award, and she was nominated by a former student in recognition of her outstanding contributions to education and her continued support of students.

This is a meaningful honor and a well-deserved acknowledgment of the impact Sondra has on our school community each day. Please take a moment when you see her to offer your congratulations and thanks for representing Westview so well. Watch for more information about this award soon!

Reminder: Monday, Jan. 19 is a non-attendance day in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Our ELA teachers are exploring ways to support students in becoming more independent in their learning. Teachers examined how students can internalize the success criteria for an assessment so they better understand expectations and monitor their own progress. Teachers are now exploring how to increase meaningful feedback for students, including opportunities for peer feedback and self-reflection. This work is helping students take greater ownership of their learning while strengthening instructional practices across the ELA team!