Let’s hear from Millen P. as part of Ask an 8th Grader! Millen heads to Hinsdale Central in the fall, and shared with us:
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
Though I have had many great memories at Westview, a few that stand out are meeting new people and finding many new opportunities.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
One teacher that made an impact on me during my time here was Mr. Strezo. Mr. Strezo is always very kind, supportive and positive. Through all three years, Mr. Strezo would always come up to me and ask how I was doing anytime he saw me.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I have zero clue what I am going to do in my future, but a few things I would like to do are; something related to cars or planes, ranging anywhere from mechanics to engineers, or pilots to drivers.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
A piece of advice I have for incoming Westview Hills Middle School students is to be social. Making friends and people to talk to will really help you navigate and have fun throughout middle school.
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
Though I have had many great memories at Westview, a few that stand out are meeting new people and finding many new opportunities.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
One teacher that made an impact on me during my time here was Mr. Strezo. Mr. Strezo is always very kind, supportive and positive. Through all three years, Mr. Strezo would always come up to me and ask how I was doing anytime he saw me.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I have zero clue what I am going to do in my future, but a few things I would like to do are; something related to cars or planes, ranging anywhere from mechanics to engineers, or pilots to drivers.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
A piece of advice I have for incoming Westview Hills Middle School students is to be social. Making friends and people to talk to will really help you navigate and have fun throughout middle school.
Today is Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States that dates back to 1865!
Don’t forget, Maercker D60 is once again observing a summer break from Friday, June 19 through Friday, July 3. All district and school offices are closed during this time. We will return to the office for summer hours on Monday, July 6. Enjoy your summer break!
We’re excited to share about Ayana A. for Ask an 8th Grader! Ayana will attend Downers Grove North in the fall, and shared:
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
My best memory was being able to help with the Variety Show and the 2026 Mean Girls musical, since it's a great way to meet other people with a passion for the arts, and the directors for it were very nice.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
A teacher who made an impact on me during my time at Westview Hills Middle School was Ms. Romero, who is my eighth grade ELA teacher, and she made a big impact because she always pushes you to do your best, which helped me gain confidence in my work.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
In the future I would like to either be in design or be able to work with little kids as a caretaker or as someone who can just bring brightness to their life with different crafts and activities.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
My advice to the students of next year is that they should believe in themselves and have confidence while going through middle school since those are some skills that can take you far.
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
My best memory was being able to help with the Variety Show and the 2026 Mean Girls musical, since it's a great way to meet other people with a passion for the arts, and the directors for it were very nice.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
A teacher who made an impact on me during my time at Westview Hills Middle School was Ms. Romero, who is my eighth grade ELA teacher, and she made a big impact because she always pushes you to do your best, which helped me gain confidence in my work.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
In the future I would like to either be in design or be able to work with little kids as a caretaker or as someone who can just bring brightness to their life with different crafts and activities.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
My advice to the students of next year is that they should believe in themselves and have confidence while going through middle school since those are some skills that can take you far.
Today’s highlight on Ask an 8th Grader is Miriam K.! Miriam will attend Hinsdale Central in the fall, and in the future hopes to do anything creative. Mrs. Damon is a teacher that left an impact on her, and one of her favorite memories from Maercker D60 was bringing in a dreidel in 7th and 8th grade. Her advice for new middle schoolers is to just ask for help when needed.
Suzanne A. is today’s feature on Ask an 8th Grader!
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
My best memory of Maercker D60 was all three of my cheerleading seasons at Westview. Mrs. Bowers, my coach, was extremely supportive all three years and the team environment is so positive. I loved cheering at the games and having fun at practice with my teammates.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
A teacher that has made an impact on my time here is Mrs. LaPointe. I had her last year and she made me really get into history like never before. Now, history is one of my favorite subjects. She is truly one of the nicest teachers I've ever had, and while I had her I knew that she was rooting for me in whatever I was doing.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I am interested in Architecture and Forensics. Also anything math related.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Don't be stressed about starting in a new environment because all the teachers and staff are here to help. They are all very nice and able to help you at all times. And join whatever seems interesting to you. At least try things out and get a sense for what you like and what you might want to do beyond middle school.
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
My best memory of Maercker D60 was all three of my cheerleading seasons at Westview. Mrs. Bowers, my coach, was extremely supportive all three years and the team environment is so positive. I loved cheering at the games and having fun at practice with my teammates.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
A teacher that has made an impact on my time here is Mrs. LaPointe. I had her last year and she made me really get into history like never before. Now, history is one of my favorite subjects. She is truly one of the nicest teachers I've ever had, and while I had her I knew that she was rooting for me in whatever I was doing.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
I am interested in Architecture and Forensics. Also anything math related.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Don't be stressed about starting in a new environment because all the teachers and staff are here to help. They are all very nice and able to help you at all times. And join whatever seems interesting to you. At least try things out and get a sense for what you like and what you might want to do beyond middle school.
We’ve asked our 8th graders to offer their aspirations and advice as they get ready for high school in the fall! Victoria D. shared:
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
My favorite memory at Westview Hills was our Washington D.C. field trip, specifically when we got to go on a tour of a historical town and listen to stories about how people lived as well as many ghost stories that belonged to that designated town.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Mrs. LaPointe. Her approach to history was fresh and new. She always managed her classes very well and is very supportive and understanding of her students. She helped me realize and reignite my love for learning history, and she also allowed me to borrow books from her classroom library.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
In the future I am interested in being a psychiatrist as I would love to help people in the medical field and help people improve their lives.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Don't worry too much about what will happen in the future. Follow your heart and everything will fall into place.
What is your best memory of your time in Maercker District 60?
My favorite memory at Westview Hills was our Washington D.C. field trip, specifically when we got to go on a tour of a historical town and listen to stories about how people lived as well as many ghost stories that belonged to that designated town.
Who is a teacher who made an impact on you during your time here?
Mrs. LaPointe. Her approach to history was fresh and new. She always managed her classes very well and is very supportive and understanding of her students. She helped me realize and reignite my love for learning history, and she also allowed me to borrow books from her classroom library.
What are you interested in doing for your future?
In the future I am interested in being a psychiatrist as I would love to help people in the medical field and help people improve their lives.
What advice do you have for students starting at Westview Hills Middle School next year?
Don't worry too much about what will happen in the future. Follow your heart and everything will fall into place.
It’s summertime and that means it's time for Wildcat Splash parties! Mark your calendars for June 27 and July 17 to make a splash!
We’ve been featuring our 8th graders as they get ready to start high school in the fall! Anastasiia T. will be attending Hinsdale South, but when reflecting on her time in Maercker D60, shared that Mr. Tamayo and Mrs. Swoboda were teachers that left an impact on her. She shared a piece of advice for incoming middle schoolers: “Be more kind to other people and help them and do good things.”
The Westview Hills 2026 Summer Band Program kicks off next week! There will be rehearsals leading up to a 4th of July performance and even a field trip to see the Wheaton Municipal Band perform.
Even if you can only attend a portion of the program, it will be fun, educational, and the best bang for your buck around!
Check out more information and don't miss the chance to register: https://aptg.co/f4LH0x
Even if you can only attend a portion of the program, it will be fun, educational, and the best bang for your buck around!
Check out more information and don't miss the chance to register: https://aptg.co/f4LH0x
Our Holmes and Maercker School staff posed for the camera on the last day of school with all smiles! We hope everyone is having a great summer, and we can’t wait to welcome these staff members back for 2026-27!
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
