Like many school districts across Illinois, D60 is experiencing growing financial challenges driven by the state’s school funding system, particularly as it relates to special education funding and transportation. Understanding these challenges is an important first step in explaining our current financial position and the decisions that will need to be made ahead of the 2026-27 school year. 

At a February 4 special meeting, the Board of Education reviewed and discussed a set of recommendations intended to address next year’s projected shortfall while remaining focused on student needs.

Following discussion, the Board reached consensus to move forward with several recommendations, including:

The Board also requested additional information and analysis before moving forward with potential changes related to fifth grade band and late bus service. Staff will continue to explore options, including alternative performance opportunities to showcase talents and learning at the intermediate level and a closer review of late bus transportation routes and ridership.

Community input remains an important part of this process, and we are committed to keeping families informed and engaged as decisions are considered. You are invited to share your thoughts on the proposed recommendations via a Google Form ahead of next week's regular meeting of the D60 Board of Education. 

There are lots of of events coming up to get ready for! Check out below for a rundown of what is coming up. 

Kindergarten Parent Night for the 2026-27 school year is coming up on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Holmes Primary School!

Parents of incoming Kindergarten students are invited to join us from 6-7 p.m. for Kindergarten Parent Information, followed by a Dual Language Information Session from 7-7:30 p.m. 

Kindergarten at Holmes Primary Schools is a wonderful place to learn and grow through hands-on learning and creating important connections with a love of learning!

Check out a story from last year about the D60 kindergarten experience. 

The Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey is now open! Please take a few minutes to complete the survey to share your input. 

The 5Essentials Survey is part of the work of the Illinois State Board of Education that identifies five indicators that lead to improved outcomes for all students, including improved attendance and larger test score gains.

The five indicators that positively affect school success are:

1. Effective Leaders

2. Collaborative Teachers

3. Involved Families

4. Supportive Environments

5. Ambitious Instruction

Our families had an informative Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting last week before enjoying the 123 Andrés concert! The duo brought high energy and fun for everyone with songs, dancing and learning in both English and Spanish. Thank you to everyone who made this such a special night!

We are excited to welcome child and adolescent mental health expert and psychotherapist, Katie Hurley, DSW, LCSW as the next guest of our Community Speaker Series. Dr. Hurley is the Senior Clinical Advisor for The Jed Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to teen and young adult mental health. She is also the author of five books at the intersection of youth, parenting, and mental health. 

In her new book, Breaking the Boy Code, Dr. Hurley shines a light on the urgent mental health crisis facing boys. Aimed at parents and educators of boys ages five and older, the webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. will provide actionable guidance on fostering empathy, emotional regulation, and healthy connections.

Our team remains energized and deeply committed to supporting Wildcat families. However, our current funding is not enough to sustain regular pantry operations beyond March 9.

We strongly believe in this work, and district families are relying on it. Your donation can help us keep this program going and ensure that support remains available when it’s needed most.

If you’re able, please consider giving below. 

It’s that time of year again! “Give Kids a Smile Day” is Friday, Feb. 27. Early childhood, elementary, middle and high school students can receive free dental exams at the Wheaton Dental Clinic location by appointment only. There are 60 appointment slots on Feb. 27. To make an appointment, call 630-221-7776.

Has a member of the D60 team done something amazing? Tell us about it!

We make it easy for members of our community to recognize and celebrate the incredible teachers and support staff that make Maercker D60 a safe, inclusive community that empowers and inspires life-long curiosity for learning.

The Gold Standard is a way to show your appreciation and pride in members of our staff. Anyone in our community can submit a recognition for staff members which sends an instant message of appreciation to the staff member.

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With the app, you can access documents, events, news updates, and even emergency notifications.

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