Dryden Splash | September 21, 2025

Dear Dryden Families,

What a wonderful week it's been at Dryden! Our students in grades K–3 had the special opportunity to attend an assembly featuring some of our very own talented musicians. These student performers, who are part of the Music for Youth program, showcased their skills on a variety of stringed instruments, filling the Commons with beautiful music. It was nothing short of impressive! The younger students were captivated and inspired by their peers’ talents, truly a magical moment of learning and appreciation through the arts.

In other exciting news, our Student Safety Patrol team officially launched this week! Decked out in their bright sashes and full of enthusiasm, these young leaders are stepping up in a big way. Alongside our dedicated adult staff members, our safety patrols are helping to keep things running smoothly and safely; from morning arrival to afternoon dismissal, in the hallways, and even in the lunchroom. Think of them as our everyday heroes in action; dependable, confident, and always ready to lend a helping hand. We’re so proud of their leadership and commitment!

Thank you for your continued support in making Dryden a safe, joyful, and inspiring place to learn and grow. Scroll down to check out some photos of these amazing kiddos in action!

Warmly,

Jessica Martinsen

Our Food & Nutrition Services Department is surveying families to determine if there is an interest in having a School Breakfast Program at our school.

Click here to take a 1 question survey on whether you would like a breakfast program at our school.

Breakfast would include:

• an entree,

• a side of fruit and

• A milk (optional)

Click here for a sample of the Breakfast Menu to see menu options.

Price: $2.00

*Reduced: $0.30

*Free: $0.00

*Students that qualify for free & reduced benefits.

Time:

Breakfast would be available prior to the start of the school day. Students would be allowed to come into school starting at 8:50 am and would eat in a supervised designated location.

In order for the office to be able to accurately report student attendance, any student who arrives at school after 9:05 A.M. in the morning or after 1:15 P.M. in the afternoon MUST report to the office to check in with the Administrative Assistant. Likewise, any student leaving school after class is in session MUST check out with the Administrative Assistant in the office. Parents should send a note requesting an early dismissal and should pick their child up in the office if he/she is leaving early.

As we work together to ensure student safety, we kindly ask all parents, grandparents, and caregivers to help model safe behavior around the school’s parking lot and driveway during arrival and dismissal. Here are a few important reminders:

• Use sidewalks whenever possible. Please avoid walking through the driveway or parking lot.

• If you must cross the parking lot, use the designated crosswalk. This is the safest way to meet your child at the door.

• Students should not cross the parking lot alone during arrival or dismissal. It’s a very busy time of day.

• Remember: we are all modeling safe behavior. Our children are learning how to navigate traffic, driveways, and streets by watching the adults around them, even when we think they’re not looking!

Thank you for your attention to these safety practices and for helping us keep Dryden a safe and caring community.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention lessons will begin soon at SCHOOL. Illinois Public Act 097-­1147, requires public schools to provide child sexual abuse prevention education for children in pre­kindergarten through twelfth grades. Age­-appropriate instruction helps students recognize unsafe situations, keep themselves safe, and understand how to respond to unsafe situations. School social workers work with each grade level to provide age-­appropriate information on topics such as safe versus unsafe touching, the touching rule, secrets, and reporting. These lessons will begin on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Dryden School.

The following link includes more information, including presentations and opt-out forms:

http://www.sd25.org/Page/663

If you choose to opt your child out of the presentation, please share your completed opt-out form with the Dryden School principal, Jessica Martinsen, at jmartinsen@sd25.org or drop it off in the Dryden School office by Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 9:00am.

The playground, blacktop, and fields are closed to families and the public during school hours (8:50 a.m.—3:35 p.m). At 4:00 p.m., our after-school CAP program utilizes the playground and blacktop area. As a result, other students and community members should not use the school's outdoor play areas until CAP is finished using them at 5:00 p.m. Families are welcome to use smaller playground that is just south of the school parking lot on Dryden Place during this time.

Have you ever wondered who helps make Dryden such a special place every day? Our Staff Visual Directory is a great way to learn more about the incredible team that supports our students and school community. Take a look to see photos of our staff members and discover fun facts about their families, hobbies, and favorite things. From favorite foods to weekend activities, there's so much to learn and love about the people who make Dryden feel like home. Check it out and get to know the friendly faces that help make our school amazing!

https://read.bookcreator.com/tZKjnWSy6cTrdYCXaR5ExkmcPZO2/FDjGdjn0T7izhrGhmWQcvg

Please click on the following links for more information:

• Where can I view the school lunch menu? Click Here
• How does my student order a school lunch? Click Here
• How do I pay for my child’s meals? Click Here
• How do I apply for free & reduced meals? Click Here

For further details on D25 Food & Nutrition Services, please click here.

School will be closed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

District 25 will send out a TEST message of our emergency alert system on Thursday, September 25 at 6pm. This message will be a phone call, text message, and email. If you do not receive this test within 30 minutes of 6pm, please email our Head of Communications & Storytelling, Adam Harris (aharris@sd25.org).

You're invited to join us for the Principal's Open Door meeting, a great opportunity to meet Mrs. Martinsen and ask about topics that interest you for the 2025–26 school year. Bring your questions and get to know our new principal in an informal, welcoming setting. The meeting will be followed by the PTA’s first meeting of the year from 7:00–8:00 p.m. Both events are for adults only. We hope to see you there!

We will be sending home the results of the fall MAP testing via email on Friday, September 26. These fall baseline results provide an important assessment of your child’s skills in reading and math. Please keep an eye on your inbox for detailed information about your child’s progress. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the results, feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher.

Kindergarten through 3rd grade students will be attending the Land of Smiles assembly during the school day to learn about dental care, healthy eating, and the importance of visiting the dentist. Be sure to ask them for some helpful tips!

5th grade parents, don’t forget to order your kid(s) a t-shirt to commemorate their last year as a Dryden dolphin! The shirt is worn throughout the year at various school events, including the end of year trip to Sunrise Camp.

Orders are due by September 28th to ensure we have them in time for the Fall Musical. Submit your order using this link before time runs out!

For questions, please email ErikaLPace@gmail.com

Please join us for our first PTA General Membership meeting of the school year. The meeting will take place on Thursday, September 25th in the Dryden LMC. We will be joined by Principal Martinsen at 6:30 pm for an open door Q&A, followed by our PTA meeting at 7:00 pm. Come learn about all the goings-on in the PTA world - this is a great opportunity to become engaged and get involved! No RSVP necessary. See you there!

Fund the ‘Phin is our biggest fundraiser of the year and our only direct ask! This means no selling, no pledges, no running – just send in your donation! Any amount you can give makes a difference in helping us reach our goal. Thank you to those who have donated already! With your support, we can continue to provide the wonderful programs that benefit every Dryden student.

🌊 Every act of kindness makes waves – every dollar helps our school! 🌊

Donations will be accepted September 15th - September 28th via the link below or by cash or check sent through backpack mail that went home on Friday, September 19. Please make checks payable to Dryden PTA.

❤️ Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity in supporting our Dolphins! Together we can make waves at Dryden! ❤️

https://my.cheddarup.com/c/fund-the-phin-2025/items

PS - Echo will be making a special appearance after school on Friday, September 26 to thank the Dryden Community for their support! Stop by for a phin bump!

Click the link below to see Echo's fun video about Fund the 'Phin!

Join Dryden PTA

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A legal holiday in all states and Canada observed the first Monday in September. Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers.

A day to honor the victims who lost their lives in the attacks on September 11, 2001. On this day, we remember the victims at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and passengers of United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

A month to celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic Americans and the many contributions they have made to American culture.

Celebrated Sept. 15- Oct 15

This holiday celebrates Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810.

Mexican Independence Day is a nationwide celebration. The country’s leaders were inspired by our own July 4 Independence Day festivities, so fireworks fill the skies at night and the day is filled with patriotic speeches, flag-waving, parades, live music, and feasts.

Jewish New Year and holy days. Days of Renewed Responsibility and the first of the High Holy Days. The traditional greeting during Rosh Hashanah is the phrase “Shanah tovah,” which translates to “Good year.”

*Date changes year to year