Dryden Splash | May 3, 2026

This is an important reminder that the parking lot at Southminster Presbyterian Church is private property and is not available for use by Dryden or District families at any time during the school day, including arrival and dismissal. Parents are not permitted to enter or use the church parking lot.

We ask for your full cooperation in adhering to this restriction. Please plan ahead by utilizing street parking or arranging carpools. Respecting this boundary is essential to maintaining positive relationships with our neighbors and ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and community.

We are grateful to Southminster Presbyterian Church for their generosity in allowing use of their parking lot after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and at any time on weekends.

Thank you for your attention to and cooperation with this matter.

Dear Dryden Families,

As we move closer to the end of the school year, each week seems to bring new opportunities to celebrate our students and school community. Our days have been filled with special events, meaningful milestones, and memorable moments, and there is so much to share with our families. Rather than trying to fit everything into one long update, you’ll find several short articles below highlighting the many exciting things happening at Dryden during this busy and joyful time of year. I hope you enjoy reading about these experiences and celebrating alongside us.

Warmly,
Jessica Martinsen

The Dryden community once again came together for Walk to School Day on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, and it was great to see so many students and families join in the fun. Dryden teachers met families at various corners throughout the neighborhood and enjoyed walking together to school, creating a strong sense of community and school spirit. Mr. Poteracki, our dedicated crossing guard, was all smiles as he welcomed everyone and helped ensure a safe arrival for our walkers. Walk to School Day is more than just a fun event. It encourages healthy habits, promotes pedestrian safety, reduces traffic congestion around the school, and provides a chance for families, staff, and students to connect with one another while starting the day in a positive way.

The Arlington Heights Council of PTAs (AHC-PTA) hosted its annual Scholarship Awards Breakfast on Friday, May 1, to recognize graduating high school seniors who previously attended Arlington Heights School District 25 schools. This special event celebrates students for their achievements, perseverance, and future goals, and highlights the strong foundation built during their elementary school years. This year, the AHC-PTA awarded a total of $18,000 in scholarships to support students as they continue their educational journeys.

We are especially proud to share that former Dryden student Mary Robinson was awarded the Mary Beth Anderson Education Scholarship from the Arlington Heights Council of PTAs. This scholarship is given to college-bound high school seniors who plan to become teachers. Mary invited Miss Wilson, her former 3rd grade teacher, and Mrs. Greazel, her former 4th grade teacher, to join her at the breakfast to thank them for inspiring her to pursue a career in education. Enjoy these photos from the Scholarship Awards Breakfast.

Dryden School came alive with color, music, and connection during its 3rd Annual Multicultural Night, an event that continues to grow in both size and spirit. This year’s celebration was a resounding success, bringing together more than 300 students, families, and staff members to honor the rich diversity of the school community.

Seventeen countries were proudly represented, transforming the school commons into a vibrant showcase of global cultures. From traditional clothing and handmade crafts to delicious foods and engaging displays, each table offered a unique glimpse into the customs and heritage of families who call Dryden home. Attendees had the opportunity to travel the world in a single evening, sampling new flavors and learning greetings in different languages.

What makes Multicultural Night so special is not just the variety of cultures on display, but the sense of unity it fosters. The event has become a cherished tradition at Dryden, one that celebrates both individuality and community. Families eagerly share pieces of their heritage, while students gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse backgrounds of their classmates.

For many, the evening was a reminder that while cultures may differ, the values of family, pride, and belonging are shared by all. Multicultural Night continues to stand as a shining example of what it means to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the stories that make each member of the community unique. We want to give our special thanks to Yolanda Bolithon and Susan Menel, our multilingual teachers, for their tireless work to make this spectacular event a reality.

Recently, staff members have noticed an increase in students bringing toys and collectible items to school, such as 3D printed items, NeeDohs, dumplings, Rubik’s Cubes, and other squishable or novelty toys. These items can be distracting during the school day, may lead to social conflicts, and are often traded among students, with some items going missing. To help maintain a positive and focused learning environment, we ask that toys and collectible items remain at home unless they are specifically requested by a teacher for a classroom activity. Please note that the school cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen items that should not be brought to school.

Student safety is always our top priority. Mr. Poteracki, our dedicated crossing guard, has brought a concern to our attention at the corner of Rockwell Street and Dryden Place. We kindly ask that both students and parents wait behind the yellow line until he signals that it is safe to cross. Recently, there have been a few instances where this expectation was not followed by parents, and it’s important to remember that our children learn by watching us. Thank you for helping model safe behaviors and for supporting Mr. Poteracki in his important role of keeping everyone safe.

We want to ensure every student has the best possible start to their day through access to our breakfast program.

We encourage all students to take advantage of this convenient, nutritious, and affordable way to begin their school day!

Breakfast Program Details:

Location Enter front doors and breakfast is served in the cafeteria

Serving Time 8:50 am - 9:05 am

Daily Cost Paid: $2.00

Reduced-Price: $.30 or Free: $0.00 (for students that qualify for free or

reduced meal benefits)

Payment: All students have a meal card and breakfast meals will be

charged to their Mealtime account. For more information on how to pay

for school meals, please visit our website.

Menu Click here for School Breakfast Menu

How to Participate Students can simply go to the breakfast cart during the serving time. No

advance sign-up is required!

If your student participates in the CAP program and would like to eat school breakfast in addition or as an alternative to what is offered at CAP, please notify the CAP staff. Students will be dismissed from CAP and allowed to eat school breakfast before the school day starts.

As we plan for the 2026-2027 school year, it will help us to know if your students (currently in Kindergarten - 4th Grade) will not be returning to Dryden. Please complete one form for each student by clicking here or on the blue button below. Please contact administrative assistant Mrs. Porwit at mporwit@sd25.org if you have any questions.

If your student is in kindergarten or second grade please remember to turn in their dental form.

The compliance date for this regulation is May 15, 2026. However, you may submit the form at any time. You should make your dental appointments early in the school year. Dental offices will be very busy in the spring as the compliance deadline approaches. We will accept dental exams that have been completed after November 15, 2024.

Completed forms can be turned in via email (scan or picture) to mrixon@sd25.org, in your students backpack, or by fax (847-398-4280).

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.

May

May 4 : Color Spirit Day (See flyer below)

May 4-8: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week

May 5: Pickleball Club

May 8: Kindergarten Musical

May 12: Pickleball Club

May 14: May/June/July Birthday Books

May 14: Dryden School Colors Day

May 14: PTA General Member Meeting (6:30pm open door, 7pm meeting)

May 15: World of Work & Luncheon/Slideshow

May 19: Pickleball Club

May 21: Movie or Game Spirit Day

May 21: HS Senior Walk

May 26: Pickleball Club

May 26-27: Kindergarten Screenings

May 27: Sunrise Lake

May 29: Kona Ice

June

June 4: Field Day

June 4: 5th Grade Walk the Halls

Link to D25 2025- 2026 Year-At-A-Glance Calendar

Our 5th graders are stepping out of the classroom and into the real world, spending time working at local businesses to learn firsthand what it takes to keep our community running! From shops to restaurants, these young learners will be gaining valuable experience, confidence, and appreciation for hard work.

We invite you to join in the excitement by supporting the businesses that are opening their doors to our students. Stop by, say hello, and see these future leaders in action. Your patronage helps make this meaningful experience possible!

It's back! Dryden's field day will be taking place on Thursday, June 4th. **We will have 2 Field Day sessions! ** The AM session (volunteer hours 9:15-11:15) will include 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade. The PM session (volunteer hours 1pm-3pm) will include Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade. Yes, this means that if you have a student in the morning session and the afternoon session, you can volunteer for both sessions! Volunteers are needed as class leaders (take 1/2 the class from game to game) and game leaders (run a game with a partner). If multiple parents would like to volunteer, please submit a form for each volunteer. You will receive your specific assignment the day of the event at check in.

Sign-up Here: 2026 Field Day Volunteer Form

Please note, any volunteers who have not had their ID entered in the Raptor Security System beforehand will not be allowed to help with Field Day. If you have not done this, you must go to the office to have your ID scanned prior to June 2nd. Please contact us if you have any questions!

Thank you!

Kristen Smith (KristenNWilson10@gmail.com) and Mary Cape (drydenptapresident@gmail.com).

Join Dryden PTA

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Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The victory over the French army was a morale boost for the Mexicans.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the US, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

*Date changes year to year

Eid-Al-Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is the second of two great Muslim festivals, the other being Eid al-Fitr. It is considered the holiest of the two Eids and celebrated by millions of people around the world. Eid al-Adha is also a time for visiting with friends and family and for exchanging gifts.

*dates may vary and change from year to year