Panther Express
Week 7: September 29-October 3, 2025
From the Panther's Den-A Note From Mrs. Gill
Dear DC Family,
Jog-a-Thon
A huge thank you to our families for your generosity and the time you’ve given to help our students gather donations. As a school community we raised $119,800! Your support makes such a difference—not only in helping us reach our goals, but in showing our kids the power of community. We’re so grateful for the way you rally behind our school and cheer our Panthers on!
E-Sports Sign-Ups
Sign-ups for E-Sports will happen tomorrow morning through Parent Square! See the flyer below for more information.
Growing Great Learners With AVID
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a program designed to help all students in PreK–6 build strong learning habits and prepare for the future. Skills are woven into everyday teaching and learning in every classroom. Dry Creek is in year 2 of our implementation of AVID, and this summer I was able to join a group of our teachers as we headed to Anaheim to learn more strategies to best support our students. Check out our September focus below!
Game Day Reminders
Panther families, thank you for cheering on our athletes! On game days, please remember to sign your student out with their coach before heading home. This simple step keeps every Panther safe and accounted for—our number one priority. We appreciate your teamwork in keeping our players safe. Go Panthers!
In Gratitude & Service,
Mrs. Gill
What AVID Does for Students
- Builds strong habits: Students learn how to stay organized, manage their time, and set goals.
- Supports learning across subjects: Teachers use AVID strategies in daily lessons, so skills like note-taking, collaboration, and communication are reinforced everywhere.
- Encourages big dreams: Students begin thinking about their future, from college to careers, even at a young age.
- Promotes equity: Every student, no matter their background, has access to the same tools and strategies for success.
Key Skills Students Gain
- Staying organized with materials and time
- Taking meaningful notes and improving reading skills
- Practicing goal setting and time management
- Working with classmates and communicating clearly
- Thinking critically and taking ownership of their learning
At its core, AVID is about preparing students for success—not just in school today, but in higher education, careers, and life.
September Focus-Collaboration and Goal Setting
This September, Dry Creek classrooms have been focusing on Collaboration and Goal Setting as part of our AVID strategies. Students are learning how to work effectively together by sharing ideas, listening actively, and supporting one another’s learning. At the same time, they are practicing setting clear, achievable goals to stay motivated and track their progress. These skills help build confidence, improve communication, and prepare students for success both in school and beyond. We encourage families to ask your child about the collaborative activities and goals they are working on and celebrate their progress!
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to our Dry Creek community for being awarded state recognition for our implementation of PBIS, a framework for teaching social-emotional and behavioral skills using multi-tiered system of supports!
For parents of students actively participating in fall sports that would like to receive updates from coaches via Parent Square, you can join the following groups if you aren't already receiving updates:
Football:
https://www.parentsquare.com/groups/join/sdxjexx2ez
Cross Country:
https://www.parentsquare.com/groups/join/w6hle9wjpc
Girls Volleyball:
- Drop-off and pick-up must take place in the back parking lot on Nees Avenue. This is the only approved location for all grade levels.
- The white and green curbs at the front of the school are for TK and Kindergarten drop-off only. This area is a drop-off zone, not a parking location.
- Follow staff directions at all times. Our staff are working to keep traffic moving and children safe—please respect their guidance.
- Stay alert and distraction-free. Phones, rushing, and unsafe maneuvers put lives at risk.
- Use crosswalks only. Students should never be allowed to run across the street or the parking lot.
- Follow traffic laws. U-turns are not allowed in the middle of the street unless permitted by posted traffic signs.
Please review Clovis Unified District Website for full details regarding Dress Code here - https://www.cusd.com/DressCode.aspx
Below are a few excerpts to highlight:
- The CUSD dress code exists as part of our district's overall mission to prepare and equip students to be successful in life after high school.
- We believe as a district that attention to appearance and a student’s attitude toward self and school are related.
- In January 2022, the Clovis Unified Governing Board updated the district’s dress code following a months-long, extensive review with students, parents and staff.
- The dress code applies to all students in grades TK-12. Use of best practices for dress code enforcement is part of ensuring that the dress code remains a positive part of our school climate, and gives clarity to what is acceptable.
- In annual surveys, a high majority of parents consistently voice their support of the district's dress code.
- For the complete Governing Board Dress Code Board Policy (including Administrative Regulations and Exhibits) in its entirety, click here and see below for additional information.
The accompanying graphic highlights a few examples of what is appropriate to wear to school and what is considered out of dress code. Please be mindful of what is out of dress code and if those items are in your child's wardrobe, please help monitor your child's choices to ensure they are not coming to school with clothing that is determined to be out of dress code. In the event a child is out of dress code, we will work with the student and family to get them back into dress code as soon as possible in order to avoid missing as little classroom instruction as possible. Parents can play a pivotal role in helping to ensure their child's dress is following the board policy and we appreciate your family's support in meeting these policies.
Birthday Marquee is available for families to recognize their child's birthday! Help celebrate your child's birthday by wishing him/her a Happy Birthday on the school's marquee (Nees sidewalk near crosswalk). Submit your birthday by the 25th of the month prior to your child's birthday. Birthday wishes will be posted for a week. Sign up and pay $20 online.
Please remember, if any birthday treats are being brought to school to share with the class, bring those to the front office, not directly to the classroom. Items must be store bought. We appreciate you giving your child's teacher at least one day's notice if treats will be dropped off. Thank you!
Google Play Store Parent Square App
IOS Store Parent Square App
Dry Creek Elementary
Email: drycreek@cusd.com
Website: drycreek.cusd.com
Location: 1273 North Armstrong Avenue, Clovis, CA 93619
Phone: (559) 327-6500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DryCreekElem/