Dual Language second grade students finished their project, “Que hacemos para protegir las plantas?” They learned how to create a 3D structure, worked with a friend to design it how it would best protect plants, and were able to print them out with the school’s 3D printer! It was hard work, but they learned a lot and had a lot of fun doing it! #d60learns
Kindergartners read a story called Finding Kindness and wanted to make their own digital ABC book about kindness. Students worked with friends, picked a letter, and wrote sentences about how to show kindness with their letter. They practiced writing, spelling, typing, digital drawing, reading, and recording while they collaborated on this special project. They posted their digital Book Creator books to Seesaw for families to enjoy!#d60learns
There will be no school next week (March 31-April 4) as we have Spring Break in Maercker D60. Enjoy the time!
The Maercker PTA is making some changes to the annual Cultural Festival with two distinct events. Save the date for Wednesday April 23 and Sunday, April 27 and visit their website for more information. You can also sign up to help!
https://www.maerckerpta.org/cultural-festival
“When students are absent from class, it feels like a piece of the community is missing,” said Westview Hills Teacher Erin Rzepka. “Each individual contributes something unique to the classroom and helps to shape the overall energy and dynamic of the group. Frequent absences can create a noticeable gap, making it harder to maintain the sense of connection and cohesion that promotes a strong classroom environment.”
Attendance Matters!
Early childhood students learned about special pets, and read some silly stories about pets including an octopus, a cat, and a fish. They had fun in the Learning Lab with Mrs. Blake making an octopus and a fish tank craft to go along with their stories! #d60learns
There has been some great learning going on in Ms. Laurinec’s Preschool classroom! #d60learns
Spirit Week at Maercker School March 24-28!
D60 Community, have you seen a D60 staff member who has done something amazing lately? Be sure to recognize them with the Gold Standard! https://www.maercker.org/article/1723786
Johanna Ogrodnik is a sixth grade teacher at Westview Hills who was celebrated for embodying our values of being inclusive & welcoming and having high expectations. We continue to hear from students, parents, and colleagues about the joy, acceptance, and sense of community that she brings to Westview Hills.
“I want to express my gratitude for the constant support and guidance you provide my son,” said one parent. “Your patience, encouragement, and dedication have made a tremendous difference in his confidence and growth at school. Knowing he has someone who truly cares and believes in him brings us great comfort. Thank you for always going above and beyond to help him succeed!”
Her ability to engage and inspire students is truly remarkable and she has a way of supporting and encouraging them that makes learning both accessible and enjoyable.
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
As we look ahead to the 2025-26 school year, Maercker D60 is excited to announce the next principal of Maercker Intermediate School, Dr. Juan Corona!
Dr. Corona has extensive experience in education beginning as a teacher for second and fifth grade, serving as a bilingual director to support dual language programming, and is currently an Elementary School Principal in East Aurora School District 131. He has a passion for working with young learners and empowering teachers to be their best.
“I am really passionate about those intermediate grades and in meeting parents and staff in D60,” said Corona. “It felt like they were very invested in their school and the community and I wanted to be a part of that. I am excited to use my skillset to help teachers get better and students to continue to grow!”
https://www.maercker.org/article/2095727
Join us tonight (Wednesday, March 19) at 6 p.m. at Westview Hills for our Parent Information Night on the Accelerated Math Program. There are two sessions: 1st Session for 2nd-5th Grade (6-6:30) in the Cafetorium and the 2nd Session for 6th-8th Grade (6:30-7) in the Wildcat Den.
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 six staff members from recognitions from recent months and surprised them in February!
Jill Ryan is a sixth grade math teacher at Westview Hills who is being celebrated for embodying our values of being culturally responsive, an engaged collaborator, and personally & collectively responsible, which as you will note is just about all of them!
Her work in supporting our newcomer students, particularly in math, demonstrates her deep care and thoughtfulness. She has an ability to approach each student with a lens of equity and understanding that is truly making a meaningful difference. She has provided incredible work as part of the Accelerated Math Committee in refining our identification and appeals processes and engaging with families.
She was also recognized for creating a strong culture of celebration and collaboration with staff.
“Jill Ryan is doing an amazing job of recognizing people's accomplishments and helping to spread this information with the staff,” said one colleague. “She is going out of her way to spread good news and positivity amongst the staff and we all greatly appreciate it!”
She not only advocates for individual students, but brings a broad perspective that enhances our approach for all students across multiple grade levels.
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
The Maercker PTA Spirit Store closes for the year on March 27. Don’t miss your chance to represent your school and district in style! #d60learns https://eichssports.chipply.com/maerckerdistrict60/store.aspx?eid=369774&action=viewall
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 six staff members from recognitions from recent months and surprised them in February!
Karlee Jurczak is a fourth grade teacher at Maercker school who was celebrated for embodying our values of being an engaged collaborator, and passionate & empathetic. She is an engaged collaborator who consistently goes above and beyond for both her students and her colleagues.
She lifts others up with her encouragement, acknowledges the hard work of those around her, and makes people feel valued.
“Karlee is very passionate about not only teaching and her students, but also about her co-workers that she encounters on a daily basis,” said one staff member. “She brings positive vibes to anyone that she sees and will always be the first person to give a shoutout, kind words, or acknowledge the hard work of other people!
She is a positive force that shows what it means to be truly caring for all around her.
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
Don’t miss the Parent Information Night on the Accelerated Math Program on Wednesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. at Westview Hills. There will be two sessions: 1st Session for 2nd-5th Grade (6-6:30) in the Cafetorium and the 2nd Session for 6th-8th Grade (6:30-7) in the Wildcat Den.
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https://www.maercker.org/article/1721605
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 six staff members from recognitions from recent months and surprised them in February!
Lauren Badalamenti is a fifth grade teacher at Maercker who was celebrated for embodying our values of adaptability & emotional resiliency and being student focused. She has an ability to motivate students and make lessons engaging that is truly remarkable. Even years later, students remember her class as one of their favorites, which is a testament to the lasting impression she leaves on them.
“Two years have passed, but my son remembers Ms. Badalamenti's lessons as the most fun of all the ELA,” said one parent. “I would gladly study in Ms. Badalamenti's class in any subject, she communicates with people so inspiringly!”
She encourages students to strive for their best while creating a space where learning is exciting and meaningful!
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
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 six staff members from recognitions from recent months and surprised them in February!
Stephanie Jankowski is a School Social Worker at Holmes who was celebrated for embodying our values of having high expectations and being an engaged collaborator. She brings a vision that challenges everyone to think beyond the present, ensuring that our students with special needs are empowered with the skills they need to thrive as they grow.
One colleague shared, “She sees student strengths to build off of and identifies the ways to push them to gain independence and functional skills that will allow them to achieve great things!”
Her passion, expertise, and dedication are deeply valued, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as a part of our school community!
Congratulations on being the Gold Standard!
Join the Maercker PTA tonight (Wednesday, March 12) at 6 p.m. at Holmes for their monthly meeting and awards night for Reflections and the Science Fair!
