In case you missed it, we have been sharing that District 60 is facing growing financial challenges that affect how we plan for the future.

Dr. Nugent shared a quick look at the district's financial situation in a video and the D60 Financial Information Hub serves as a central place for information as we work to be transparent, proactive, and clear.

The next opportunity to learn more is the Financial Forum on Thursday, Jan. 29 beginning at 6 p.m. at Westview Hills Middle School. Families and community members will be able to hear a short presentation with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more. Can't make it in-person? You can also livestream the event on the district's YouTube channel!

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 we will need to make moving forward.

Eighth Grade Social Studies is well underway with students taking on their second document-based question (DBQ) essay of the year, centered on the question, “Why Did Japan Attack Pearl Harbor?” Students examined a range of primary and secondary sources that addressed topics such as propaganda, competition for resources, territorial expansion, and how these forces can lead to crisis or war.

They did an excellent job making thoughtful connections between the past and the present. Their growth since the beginning of the school year is already evident as they continue to strengthen their writing skills through a historical lens, and many are well on their way to success in a high school history classroom. 

"We also viewed a documentary on Japanese American internment camps and the empathy shown in their written responses was truly wonderful to see," said Teacher Stephanie Konidaris. 

In music news, Congratulations to Westview Hills 8th graders Suzanne, Alex, Ahmed, and Matt for being part of an amazing performance with the All-Illinois Junior Band recently. These all-state musicians passed a rigorous audition process to be selected for this elite ensemble. The concert took place at the Krannert Center Foellinger Hall at the University of Illinois. 

Additionally, the Westview Hills Jazz Band did an excellent job in a recent performance at the Jerry Lewis Jazz festival that was held at Joliet West High School. We love seeing our students take the stage and use their talents!

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

Is your little one ready to start preschool either this year or next year? Come learn all about Maercker Preschool on Jan. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Holmes School! You’ll have the opportunity to meet teachers and discover a day in the life of a preschooler here.

Did you know: Young learners can join our Preschool programming when they turn three! If you want to join us for this school year (2025-26), connect with us for upcoming screenings. Maercker Preschool serves students ages three through five within a positive, nurturing environment that fosters social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth and development!

Learn more about D60 Preschool

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. 

Don't miss the BPAC Parent Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5  at 6 p.m. where topics could include:
-Dual Language program logistics for future years
-Q&A on financial updates
-MAP/Benchmark testing updates
-How to access student scores in Spanish and English
-Spring planning

After the meeting, The D60 BPAC is hosting a family concert with 123 Andrés! Join us in the Holmes Primary Gym for a fun-filled and energetic show in English and Spanish from this Grammy Award-winning duo. 

Get the details from Andrés and Christina in a video they made just for us!

We are continuing to celebrate a half century of Westview Hills, so we are going back to the archives to some slightly more recent history to the year 2010 when we welcomed a new principal, who ended up sticking around for a while. 

"I went to college to become an architect, but then I got involved in a mentoring program dealing with high school students as part of a class at the University of Illinois, and I fell in love with education," says one part of the Q&A. "My role is to provide as many tools as I can to our teachers so we constantly improve in both academic programs and extracurricular activities."

See if you recognize the fresh-faced newcomer in the photo!

Volunteer with the PTA! Whether it's an hour of your time each month, or just an hour at one school event - it's appreciated! You determine how much or how little you volunteer your time

Learn more

Fuel D60 is still accepting donations of pantry items, cash, or time!

Get more information about Fuel D60 and The Wildcat Family Pantry 

The annual Maercker PTA Science Fair will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31

Come see the amazing projects our little wildcat scientists have created for Science Fair!

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.

Don't forget to download the mobile app for Maercker D60!

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

• Download for Android

• Download for iPhone