After several years of planning and a whirlwind construction schedule, Maercker School District 60, is proud to unveil its additions to Holmes Primary School and Westview Hills Middle School. D60 started this arduous process with a lengthy master facilities program, which addressed all aspects of the district’s facilities and community engagement. With the support of Citizens for D60 Vote Yes coordinated by current PTA Vice President Lesley Wright, D60 forged ahead with putting a $28 million referendum on the ballot in March 2018.

The referendum would give focus to the two oldest buildings in the district, Holmes Primary School and Westview Hills Middle School, opening in 1961 and 1974 respectively. Plans called for the addition of full-day kindergarten and early childhood programs at Holmes School, and building science labs and renovating the arts, music and performance spaces at Westview Hills Middle School, as well as enclosing open classroom spaces at Holmes and Westview.

The referendum was passed and a groundbreaking ceremony took place in late October. Arcon Associates provided the architectural design and Gilbane would handle construction management. Due to early season snowfall and permit delays, the project lost more than 40 days of work toward the completion of the project. Despite extreme weather throughout the winter, construction moved forward, slow and steady, with Gilbane sharing updates along the way to be shared with staff and families. Construction would kick into high immediately after the conclusion of the 2018-2019 school year. It would be an exceedingly ambitious schedule that would call for a late start to the 2019-2020 school year and a slightly shortened summer at the conclusion of the school year.

Students at Holmes and Westview were welcomed back on September 9th to what looked to many like brand new schools. The buildings now boast vibrant colors and open collaborative spaces that encourage movement and learning. Holmes is now home to a full day Kindergarten program for the first time ever, as well as an expanded Early Childhood program – with no need for mobile classrooms any longer. Westview got a major facelift that included much needed upgrades to elective spaces and utilizes classroom space in a more practical way.

On September 24th and 26th, families and community members were invited to formal ribbon cutting ceremonies at Westview and Holmes, respectively. Each ceremony was held immediately prior to Curriculum Night, wherein attendees would have the opportunity to explore the new additions as well. Speakers included Superintendent Sean Nugent, Ed. D, Board President Mary Satchwell, PTA Vice President/D60 Vote Yes Chair Lesley Wright, Representatives from Arcon and Gilbane, Principal Amber Quirk and Principal Laura Gilmartin. A perfect summation of the efforts and determination that culminated with these projects, a quote from Lesley Wright’s remarks – “We all know just how special the Maercker community is based on the character, preparedness, and achievements of our children. Now finally the exterior matches the quality within.”