Dear Westview Hills Families,

It’s hard to believe that April is already here, and we are just two months away from the end of the school year! As we approach these final months, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of consistent attendance and punctuality. Every school day matters, and being present and on time helps students stay engaged in their learning and finish the year strong.

Throughout April, we will continue to focus on our core values: being responsible, respectful, and ready to learn. These principles shape our school community and foster a positive, supportive learning environment for everyone. Let’s work together to make the most of these remaining weeks and end the school year on a high note!

Great America Trip

• Friday, May 23, 2024

• Students will depart from Westview at 9:00 a.m. and return at 7:30 p.m.

• Permission forms will be sent home the week after spring break.

• A $35 charge has been added to all 8th graders’ accounts in Skyward.

• Payment and permission forms are due by Friday, April 25.

• Any student who has an F in a core class will not be allowed to attend Great America. Students at risk of receiving an F have been notified via email. Please also refer to ParentVUE. Refunds will not be given to students who are unable to attend due to grades, behavior, or attendance.

How to Pay:

1. Log in to your Skyward Parent Access Account.

2. Click on the Fee Management tab.

3. Follow the prompts to pay the “Great America” fee ($35.00) and any other outstanding fees.

If you need assistance with payment, please contact the front office.

8th Grade Dinner Dance

• Tuesday, May 27

• 6 - 9 p.m. @ Westview Hills Middle School 

8th Grade Awards Ceremony - 

• Wendesday May 28 - 1st Period 

• Families of award winners will be notified in advance.

Last Day of School for 8th Graders 

• Wednesday, May 28

Class of 2025 Promotion Ceremony

Date: Wednesday, May 28
Time: 6:00 p.m.

Student Arrival

• Students should arrive promptly at 5:30 p.m. to allow time for lineup and final preparations before the ceremony begins.

Family Seating & Ticket Information

• Due to limited seating capacity, each family will receive four tickets for the event. These tickets will be distributed directly to students in advance.

• If your family does not need all four tickets, please notify dcolon@maercker.org so that extra seats can be made available to others.

• If your family requires additional tickets, please submit a request by completing the Class of 2025 Extra Promotion Ceremony Ticket Request form by April 25. While we will do our best to accommodate additional ticket requests, extra seating is not guaranteed.

Gown & Medallion Distribution

• Students will receive their gowns and medallions (please note that caps are not included) during the last week of school.

• Gowns should not be washed or ironed, as this may damage the material. Students may keep their gowns as a keepsake.

Ceremony Guidelines & Restrictions

• To maintain a respectful and enjoyable experience for all attendees, balloons and noisemakers will not be allowed inside the auditorium. Please plan accordingly.

Opting Out of the Ceremony

• If your child will not be participating in the Promotion Ceremony, please email dcolon@maercker.org as soon as possible so that we can make necessary adjustments.

We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our students and families!

As part of our commitment to student safety and well-being, we will be implementing Erin’s Law presentations in the coming weeks. Erin’s Law is a state-mandated program designed to educate students on personal body safety, empowering them with knowledge about safe and unsafe touches, recognizing unsafe situations, and identifying trusted adults they can turn to for help.

Presenters from the YWCA will be leading these age-appropriate presentations in a supportive and informative manner. Presentations for all grades will take place over two days in ELA class. The goal is to equip our students with the tools they need to stay safe while fostering open communication about this important topic. Please see specific information about each grade levels presentation below.

6th grade - Shifting Boundaries - Handout - Parent Presentation Password: WHSBE2025

7th grade - Teens Taking Charge - Handout - Parent Presentation Password: WHTTCE2025

8th grade - Safe Dates - Handout - Parent Presentation Password: WHSaDE2025

Eighth-grade students will take the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) on April 17.

The assessment will be administered during blocks 1, 4, and 6 in students’ 4th block blue class. Students attending high school for math will still go to the high school, with regular transportation provided. Any missed sections due to absence must be made up, and students will be responsible for any missed classwork.

We encourage you to discuss with your child the importance of doing their best on the ISA while also emphasizing that it is just one measure of their progress. Attendance, classroom work, homework, projects, local assessments, participation in sports and extracurricular activities, and contributions to the school community all play a role in their growth and learning.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Let's all work together to have a great school year full of learning, collaboration, and growth!

Dr. Allister Scott
Principal Westview Hills Middle School
(630) 515 4884