Dryden Splash | May 31, 2026 | Smore Newsletters

Parking Reminder: Southminster Church Lot Restrictions

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 another wonderful school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank our Dryden families. While we are excited for summer, we will certainly miss our outgoing fifth graders. They have left their mark on Dryden, and we are so proud of all they have accomplished. We wish them the very best as they begin the next chapter of their educational journey.

In my first year as Dryden's principal I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I joined the Dryden community. What I quickly discovered is what makes this school so special: incredible students, dedicated staff, and families who care deeply about their children's education and about one another.

Thank you for your partnership, support, and trust throughout the year. Whether you volunteered at events, attended conferences, cheered on your children from the audience, or simply made sure they arrived each day ready to learn, you played an important role in making this year a success.

I hope your summer is filled with fun, relaxation, and special moments with family and friends. Thank you for sharing your children with us this year. It has been a joy to get to know them and to be part of the Dryden community.

We look forward to welcoming you back in August for another great year!

Warmly,

Jessica Martinsen

5h Grade Explores Ecosystems at Spring Valley Nature Center!

On May 20, our fifth graders enjoyed a new field trip experience at Spring Valley Nature Center that directly connected to their classroom study of ecosystems. Students participated in hands-on learning activities led by the center's docent staff, explored local habitats on a guided nature walk, and observed how living things interact within an ecosystem. The day also included time to play and explore at Bison's Bluff Nature Playground. This engaging field trip brought students' learning to life and provided a memorable outdoor learning experience.

Outdoor Adventures at Sunrise Lake!

On May 27, our fifth graders enjoyed the annual trip to Sunrise Lake Outdoor Education Center. Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of outdoor education and team-building activities designed to encourage collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. With the support of dedicated PTA volunteers, the Sunrise Lake staff, and Dryden teachers, students enjoyed exciting experiences including games, fishing, archery, and other outdoor challenges. The trip provided a wonderful opportunity for students to build friendships, develop new skills, and create lasting memories as they near the end of their elementary school journey.

An Icy Sweet Treat from the PTA!

A huge thank you to our amazing PTA for treating all of our students to Kona Ice on Friday! Each class had the opportunity to visit the Kona Ice truck, enjoy a refreshing treat, and spend a few minutes relaxing and chatting with friends. It was a fun way to celebrate the end of a wonderful school year, and the smiles on students' faces said it all. We are so grateful to our PTA for their continued support and for creating special memories for our Dryden students.

Attention 5th Grade Parents!

Missing Something? Last Day to Check Our Overflowing Lost & Found in June 4th!

Our Dryden Lost and Found is overflowing with jackets, hoodies, sweaters, water bottles, lunch boxes, and other items waiting to be claimed! If your child may be missing something, please stop by the school office to check through the collection. Any unclaimed items remaining on June 5th will be donated to a charitable organization.

Health Office Update | End of Year Medication Pick up and Disposal

As we wrap up another school year, all medications and supplies must be picked up from the health office by the end of the school day on Thursday, June 4, 2026

If you have medications in the health office, you will receive an email from the school nurse with detailed instructions regarding pick up.
We do not store any medications over the summer. Any medication remaining after June 4, 2026 will be properly disposed in accordance with Food and Drug Administration Safe Disposal of Medications guidance at the Arlington Heights Police Department.

For any questions, please contact Dryden's school nurse Miranda Rixon at mrixon@sd25.org.

The Dolphin Countdown starts this week!

Online Registration Opens May 1

A separate email for each of your D25 students was sent on May 1st. Each email contains a student-specific link to register your child for the 2026-2027 school year.

Students NOT Returning to Dryden 2026-2027

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.

Students NOT Returning to Dryden 2026-2027

Dental Forms Required for Current Kindergarten and 2nd Grade Students

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).

Food & Nutrition Services

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.

Dryden Student Absence Form

Click here to report your child's school absence.

June

June 1 : Bring a blanket or towel for Picnic and Play Day

June 2: Wear your favorite hat to school

June 4: Field Day - Bring water, sunscreen & a towel for picnic lunch!

June 4: 5th Grade Walk the Halls

June 4: 3rd Trimester Progress Reports mailed home

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

5th Grade Legacy Gift

We're excited to share that the Dryden Class of 2026 has chosen its 5th Grade Legacy Gift!

Students chose a custom 4-foot light-up Dryden Dolphin logo sign after voting on several options. The sign will be used at school events and celebrations for years to come, showing Dryden pride and spirit throughout the school community.

A special thank you to all of the families who supported the 5th Grade Legacy Gift fundraiser and helped make this possible. We look forward to seeing the sign become part of Dryden traditions for future generations of Dolphins!

Order Your School Supply Kits for the 2026-2027 School Year!

Join Dryden PTA

Sync the Dryden PTA Calendar to your phone!

Shop Dryden Spirit Wear

Purchase Dryden Yearbooks

Subscribe to the Dryden PTA Newsletter

Connect with Dryden PTA on Facebook & Instagram!

LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

Pride Month is dedicated in celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer pride. It is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

IMMIGRANT HERITAGE

Originally started in 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month is a month-long celebration that allows communities to explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity within communities. During this month, we honor the contributions of immigrants to our great Nation and celebrate their profound impact.

CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE

Since 2006, June has been designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month by Presidential Proclamation. The month-long observance promotes the rich culture and heritage of the Caribbean American people and their contribution to the United States of America.

JUNETEENTH- JUNE 19

Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. On June 19th,1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, honors the end to slavery in the United States.

Islamic/ Hijri New Year- begins on JUNE 16

The Islamic New Year, Muharram also called Hijri New Year, is a day that marks the beginning of a new lunar year. The first day of the Islamic year is observed by most Muslims on the first day of the month of Muharram; it is the second most holy month of the Islamic year, after Ramadan.

*Dates change from year to year