Cardinal Connection

Mrs. Stacey Abromaitis, Principal

Mrs. Kristin Martin, Mental Health Specialist

Ms. Rachel Marinkovski, Administrative Assistant

Dr. Ryann Morley, Director of Early Childhood

Mrs. Lindsay Koroleski, Free PK for All (GSRP)

Ms. Rachel Fitchett, Early Childhood Administrative Assistant

Great NEWS! Our partnerships are paying off! In the month of September, 60 students received locker notifications of perfect attendance and our average daily attendance rate was 91%! THANK YOU!

Let's keep working together to keep absences under 5 for the school year. Thank you for scheduling appointments outside of the school day when you can. If your child will be out, please call Ms. Rachel in the office at (810)796-2201. If you need attendance support, please reach out to Mrs. Martin, our Mental Health Specialist, or Mrs. Abromaitis, our principal.

Congratulations to our September High Fliers: Alan B., Audrey Z., Ava C., Sawyer F., Symphony H., Isaac L., Andrew G., Alaina P., Silas T., and Oliver W.

The Cardinal 3- safety, respect, and responsibility- drive our behavior expectations. Additionally, our P2 lesson topics for this month included forgiveness, integrity, creativity, and actions. In November, we will focus on bravery and gratitude.

Parents, we appreciate your support in reinforcing the following expectations: kind words, safe bodies, taking turns, following directions, good manners, clean up, help others, problem solve, be aware, and include others. Also, PLEASE remind you child to be aware of what they say and do as all incidents regarding safety are taken with the utmost seriousness.

Our VISION is to be a top-performing elementary school where every student reaches their full potential.

Our MISSION is to provide an educational foundation of academic excellence and responsible social, civic, and ethical conduct. We achieve this by setting high expectations for all, holding one another accountable, using data to guide instruction and improvement, working together to create and maintain a positive school culture that inspires a growth mindset, and fostering meaningful connections among students, families, staff, and the community.

We VALUE positivity, kindness, gratitude, and assuming best intent. These principles shape our daily interactions, guiding us to treat each other with respect, show appreciation, support one another, and approach challenges with trust and understanding. Together, we build a safe, collaborative environment where everyone can grow and thrive.

Items that have been turned into Lost and Found will be placed on tables in the hallway at Parent Teacher Conferences. Any items left at the conclusion of conferences will be donated or moved to our Cardinal Care Closet.

As the cold weather sets in, we want to remind everyone that our students will continue to enjoy outdoor recess as much as possible! That burst of fresh air and active play is a vital part of the school day. It helps students "get their wiggles out," socialize with friends, and return to the classroom refreshed and ready to learn.

To make sure every child stays safe and warm, please send your student to school every day dressed for the weather. This includes:

• A warm winter coat

• Hat

• Gloves or mittens

• (On snowy/wet days) Snow pants and waterproof boots

A friendly tip: Please label all winter gear with your child's name! Our lost and found area fills up quickly with lonely hats, gloves, and even coats that can't find their way home.

We also know that providing new winter gear each year can be a challenge. Our goal is to ensure every child is warm. If your family needs assistance with any of these items, please contact the main office. All requests will be kept confidential.

Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy and active this winter!

HOURS OF OPERATION

Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 Monday-Friday

Building Hours: 8:15 - 3:35 Monday - Friday

Cardinal Club: 6:30 - 8:15 AM and 3:30 - 6:00 PM Monday - Friday

PLAYGROUND

The playground is closed to the public daily until 6:00 PM. Campus closes at dusk. As construction work continues, the playground will be closed after school until completed.

PETS

Pets are not permitted on school property during school hours- including drop-off and pick-up.

DROP-OFF DETAILS

Early Childhood drop-offs before 8:10- use the south front doors. Infants- use at the north front doors (as usual), and Cardinal Club will be at the Music Door (in the back of the building). Please use care and caution when travelling through the residential neighborhood on Pleasant Street. Parents, please exercise extreme caution in the parking lot and keep you children close. For everyone's safety, please use the crosswalk and avoid using the bus lane to cross.

The north parking lot (by the gym) is for our K-6th grade parents to drop off and pick up. Kindly remember that traffic may not flow onto Mill Street. Please find a parking spot in the north lot. Students in grades 3-6 enter through the north doors (by the gym and music room) as they have in the past. Parents are welcome to walk with their children to the bottom of the steps.

The south lot (by the early childhood playground) is for Early Childhood parents for drop off and pick up (see map below). Double and triple parking is not PERMITTED. Violators may be ticketed and/or drop-off, pick-up, and/or parking re-assigned. BK-2nd grade students enter through the doors at the south end of the building (by the Early Childhood playground.

Any child being dropped off after 8:25 must come into the building through the main front entrance.

PICK-UP DETAILS

Early Childhood including GSRP will dismiss from the south back doors. Parents may meet students and teachers at the bottom of the steps.

BK-2 students will dismiss from the back door by the ramp. Grades 3-6 will dismiss from the back doors by the gym. Parents may meet their children and teachers on the courtyard sidewalk by the big tree in the back.

SIDEWALK

Parents, please use the sidewalk and avoid walking between buses.

PARKING

Spaces in front of the building are limited to 10 minute parking. If you have business with the school that exceeds 10 minutes, please park in the north lot. For everyone’s safety, the front of the building is NOT a designated drop-off or pick-up location during school hours (8:00 - 4:00).

October 31: Halloween Parties and Parade (WEATHER PERMITTING- we will make our normal loop into town and back to school for dismissal.

November 4: 3rd grade field trip to Parade Company; Student Library Board Meeting

November 5: Wear it Wednesday- Superhero Day

November 10: 2nd & 4th grade hearing rechecks

November 12: Wear it Wednesday- Camo, HUnter, Animal Print Day; Parent Teacher Conferences (5:00 - 7:00 PM)

November 13: 1/2 day (dismissal at 12:10); Parent Teacher Conferences (1:00 - 4:00 PM)

November 14: No School- Teacher Professional Development Day

November 18: Student Library Board Meeting

November 19: Wear it Wednesday- Disney Day

November 24-28: No School/No Child Care- Thanksgiving Break

December 2: Picture retakes

December 3: Wear it Wednesday- Detroit Pistons Day

December 8-12: Santa's Secret Shop sponsored by PTA

December 10: Wear it Wednesday- Winter/Holiday Day; SMILE Mobile Dentist

December 17: Wear it Wednesday- Ugly Sweater Day

December 19: 1/2 day (dismissal at 12:10); Christmas Parties; End of 2nd Marking Period/semester

February 7: Daddy-Daughter Dance- sponsored by National Honor Society

February 21: Mother-Son Dance- sponsored by National Honor Society

Calling all families, friends, and community members in the Dryden Community Schools area!

Our amazing #proudcardinal educators go above and beyond every single day — and now there’s a chance to shine a spotlight on one of them thanks to the Detroit Lions “Touchdowns for Teachers” program!

Do you know a teacher at Dryden who:

• Inspires and motivates students

• Creates creative, engaging classroom experiences

• Goes the extra mile to support students and the community

Nominate them today! The program empowers educators by providing grants for innovative projects and resources, AND celebrates them for their dedication.

Deadline to apply: Monday, November 17, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Let’s make sure one of our outstanding Dryden teachers gets recognized!

💡ITEMS MAY CHANGE BASED ON AVAILABILITY

We strongly encourage all families to submit the Education Benefits Form if you haven't already done so. It takes less than 5 minutes and may help students gain access to important resources like health and wellness services, before and after school academic and enrichment programs, guidance and college counselors, fee waivers for college applications and admissions tests, and resources for classrooms, students and teachers. Every form not submitted means a loss of resources for our students.

Dear Dryden Elementary Supporter-

Like many of you, I have fond memories of my Grandmother saving all the box tops and soup labels for my elementary school as I grew up. She would store these in a special place in her house, and when there was a kickoff and challenge between the classes to get the most, my Grandmother made sure we were going to win!!

I have wonderful news!! Box Tops for Education still exists, and we no longer need to cut and save all those small boxes or soup labels!! There is an app for that! All you have to do is enter a picture of your shopping receipt on the app and it does the rest! Any eligible item with Box Tops is logged and totaled for you automatically. Please consider getting this app and designating Dryden Elementary School to receive the proceeds every time you shop for groceries! A little adds to a lot with many, so please share with other family members and friends to help!

Becky Grumley

The 5th Grade is selling Little Caesars Pizza Kits to raise money for 5th Grade Camp! They are convenient and delicious, perfect to have on hand for busy days. Can you please help us?

Click here (https://fundraising.littlecaesars.com/products?support=ff6a0aa4-4523-4fb7-8849-259105f7eb0b) to order today. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes to order. You can pay by credit card and the yummy kits will be shipped right to your door by FedEx.

Our goal is for every 5th-grade student to have the opportunity to attend this trip! Thank you so much for your help!

Mrs. Birkett, 5th Grade Teacher

We are making way for new bleachers!

November 4: Blood Drive

November 7: Orders due: Senior Caps and Gowns and Sophomore Class Ring

November 13: 1/2 day (dismissal 10:35)

November 14: No School- Teacher Professional Development Day

November 24-28: No School- Thanksgiving Break

December 1: Senior Photos for Yearbook DUE

For more information about activities, please visit drydenschools.org and click EVENTS.

OK2SAY is the student safety program which allows students to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, and schools. It uses a comprehensive communication system to facilitate tip sharing among students, parents, school personnel, community mental health service programs, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and law enforcement officials about harmful behaviors that threaten to disrupt the learning environment.

Note: These resources above are meant to give families helpful ideas and tips. Every child is different, so use what works best for yours. If you have specific concerns, please reach out to your child’s teacher or the school.

Michigan law requires schools to provide families with information about the importance of safe firearm storage. This notification is part of a statewide effort to promote student safety and comply with MCL 28.435 (Public Act 17 of 2023).

These images explain safe storage practices and provide guidance to help ensure firearms are secured properly, reducing the risk of accidental injury.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Ensuring the safety of our students and community is a shared responsibility.

Our PTA is the best! Thank you for contributing to our positive school culture. Candy Wars, Trunk or Treat and Boo Bash, and Boo Grams were top tier!

We are so grateful for the many volunteers who put in countless hours to make this such a great success! Cardinal families and friends, thank you for your stellar participation! And last, but not least, we would also would like to thank our sponsors for helping make this a fun and safe event for children and families- The Grogan Family, Basic Metals, Heidebreicht Chevrolet, Masters Automotive, Power Solutions Inc., Sam's Club, and Sugarbuzz Bounce Houses.

PTA Mission:

• 🤝 Build strong partnerships between parents, teachers, and staff

• 🎉 Enhance the educational experience through programs, events, and resources

• 🌱 Ensure every child has opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive

• 🧸 The PTA is working to be all inclusive of all students — including Early Childhood & GSRP

This month the Golden Apple goes to Mrs. Hickmott and Mrs. Mater!

Mrs. Hickmott is recognized for her patience, understanding, and persistence. Over the years, she has worked with countless children. Her positive impact and infectious attitude are inspiring. "We can all endeavor to be as purposeful and resolute in our everyday as you are."

Mrs. Mater is is recognized for her dedication, creativity, flexibility. Not only does Mrs. Mater work with students and staff to support them, she is also the genius behind our amazing hallway decorations. Turning our visions into reality. "Every school needs a Mrs. Mater, and we are so happy you are here!"

If any of the follow have changed, please contact Ms. Rachel in the main office (810)796-2201.

• name
• address
• phone number
• email

• Strong Beginnings (GSRP 3) lead teacher
• Early Childhood Aide
• Special Education Paraprofessional
• Behavior Interventionist
• Elementary teacher- 2nd grade

Please see our postings on our website or Indeed. For more information, contact Mrs. Abromaitis (810)796-2201.