Maercker D60 is a community who supports each other! If you would like to participate in the Giving Tree program this year to donate a gift card, visit the link and drop off gift cards to building social workers before Friday, Dec. 13. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AEAE2DA6FAC34-53315720-giving#/
Give a big Maercker D60 welcome to the new Holmes Interim Assistant Principal Mrs. Gina Rodewald! She will be filling in for Megan Hansen while she is out on leave.
Mrs. Rodewald retired in June 2024 after 35 years as an educator. Her career included teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades in Lockport and Justice and serving as an administrator for 14 years in Lemont-Bromberek School District 113A. Mrs. Rodewald's most recent position was at Gower West Elementary School (preschool-grade 4) in Gower School District 62 where she served as building principal for 11 years.
She is the mother of two grown children and resides in Lockport with her husband. She is excited to be back in school and is looking forward to meeting and working with the students, families, and staff at Holmes Primary School!
To all in the Maercker D60 Community who celebrate, happy Bodhi Day on Sunday, Dec. 9! This day commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment,
We are so proud to be able to recognize the Maercker D60 staff members who go above and beyond and embody the core values of the district and the attributes outlined in our staff portrait. District leaders again reviewed all of the submissions and chose five staff members from recognitions in the month of October and surprised them in November.
Sandra Nessinger teaches third grade at Maercker and was celebrated for embodying the values of being student-focused, inclusive & welcoming, and personally & collectively responsible. She has a willingness to be flexible and responsive to student needs that demonstrates how deeply she cares that her students are learning. Outside of the classroom she is always there for her colleagues when a challenge arises.
One staff member said, “I love how Sandra has taken so much time and care into learning about her students and building those relationships with them. They are so lucky to have her!”
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard
Maercker D60 preschool classes recently started a new curriculum called Al's Pals that the teachers chose as a team. Students in Ms. Jason’s class got to meet Al and welcomed him to their classroom with gentle words and touches. #d60learns
The Westview Hills Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team has had an amazing season so far!
On Friday November 22, as Thanksgiving break started the girls’ basketball team played their most exciting game of the season. They faced off against their rivals, Old Quarry, for the conference championship. After outscoring their opponents 20 - 7 at half time, the girls lead was cut down to 6 points by the third quarter. The Wildcats rallied in the 4th quarter cementing their victory with a final score of 39-27. Sophia dominated the paint with 14 points, Carley shot and drove in 13, Elena earned herself 5 while getting the offense going, Reese contributed some steals and 4 points, and Maddie knocked in a shot to round out the offense. This is the 3rd Conference Tournament girls basketball has won in the past four years.
But the fun didn’t stop there for the team. They traveled to Rockford to compete in the state regional semifinals on Tuesday morning where they defeated Gower for the second time this season, this time with a final score of 45 -24.
The team then went back to Rockford on Wednesday morning to play in the regional finals against Marshall Middle School. It was a decent start to the game, but the girls really showed their talent by not allowing their opponents to score the entire second half. The final score was 33 - 11. This is the second Regional Championship this group of girls has won. Over the course of both games Carley scored 25, Sophia 21, Reese 13, Elena 12, Maddie, 2, Maggie 2, and Mila 2.
The girls will play their sectional game on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and if they win they will be heading back to state!
We are so proud of you Wildcats!
We are so proud to be able to recognize the Maercker D60 staff members who go above and beyond and embody the core values of the district and the attributes outlined in our staff portrait. District leaders again reviewed all of the submissions and chose five staff members from recognitions in the month of October and surprised them in November.
Elizabeth Valtman is a Differentiation Specialist at Holmes who was celebrated for embodying our values of adaptability, collaboration, and high expectations for all by jumping into a new temporary assignment to assist students in need. Her positivity and problem-solving approach has provided students with a supportive learning environment and has kept learning moving forward.
Specifically, the nominator said that they overheard a conversation with a student where she was encouraging and relatable, making a lasting connection and personalizing learning.
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
Maercker Beginning Band trumpeters explored increasing air pressure by playing into buckets of water. So cool! #d60learns
Maercker D60 is looking for a dynamic leader for Maercker Intermediate School for the 2025-26 school year. Learn more about the job and apply today! https://www.applitrack.com/maercker/onlineapp/default.aspx?AppliTrackJobID=875&ref=
Preschool is an important time in a child’s life! Maercker D60 is proud to provide different options for all types of learners in our early childhood program with fun activities and passionate staff. Don’t miss the chance to start your child’s educational journey the Wildcat way! #d60learns
Want to know what life is like in Maercker D60 Preschool? Check out the new story: https://www.maercker.org/article/1899384
We are so proud to be able to recognize the Maercker D60 staff members who go above and beyond and embody the core values of the district and the attributes outlined in our staff portrait. District leaders again reviewed all of the submissions and chose five staff members from recognitions in the month of October and surprised them in November.
Rayna Peterson is a Special Education Teacher at Holmes who was celebrated for being student-focused and inclusive & welcoming. She has a dedication to creating a space where everyone feels they belong and are respected that shines through in her interactions and thoughtful approach to teaching. Parents and colleagues alike see the care and respect she brings to her work, and we are grateful for the warmth and inclusivity she brings to Holmes School and D60.
One parent said, “As a first time mom, it is very important to know my child is happy while spending most of his day with such great teachers and staff, and Ms. Rayna and her class have been nothing but amazing!”
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard
To all in the Maercker D60 community who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for every single student, staff member, parent and guardian, and community member who makes our district shine!
The preschool programming at Maercker D60 is an incredible way for young learners to get a start on their educational journey! While learning things like letters and numbers happens, the most important part of these programs is teaching children how to work with others, how to share, and how to get used to the daily routines of the school day.
Did you know that children can join early childhood programs at Maercker D60 after they turn three, even if it’s during the school year? Students are able to learn important life skills, take advantage of play-based learning, and get guidance from our incredible teachers and support staff in a supportive environment!
We love seeing our students getting creative and working together! #d60learns
Next week we have parent teacher conferences and Thanksgiving Break with no regular student attendance all week. Thank you to all of our D60 families for entrusting our team with your child’s education!
At Westview Hills, sixth grade language arts classes worked with Mrs. Novotny in the library and creation station to create figurative language videos and comic strips. They created QR codes for their videos, and then spent some class time scanning the QR codes to watch all the videos. Check out their work in this cool highlight reel: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGWT4NpRzQ/ec6SdLEW8kBSqYFzhYitzg/watch?utm_content=DAGWT4NpRzQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
Since launching in the 2024-25 school year, 112 staff members have received 182 Gold Standard recognitions from colleagues and parents!
The leadership team reviewed all submissions since the last Board Meeting and recognized 5 staff members who have gone above and beyond in demonstrating the Gold Standard. These incredible educators were surprised in their classrooms and celebrated with their students.
A big congratulations to the following October Gold Standard bearers:
- Sandra Nessinger - 3rd Grade Teacher at Maercker
- Rayna Peterson - Special Education Teacher at Holmes
- Sara Purgatorio - School Nurse at Westview Hills
- Stacey Repp - Differentiation Specialist at Maercker
- Elizabeth Valtman - Differentiation Specialist at Holmes
We'll be sharing more about these amazing educators soon!
Today is National Education Support Professionals Day, which honors the contributions of school support employees. Every member of the D60 team makes an impact on our schools and our students and we are so thankful that you are here!
Students at Holmes celebrated Native American Heritage month by creating murals after reading We Are The Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom. Students were tasked with painting water and talked about its importance to daily life! #D60learns
