Dryden Community Schools Newsletter

As we celebrate the Dryden High School Class of 2026, I’m reminded of the phrase, “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” from the book of the same title by Robert Fulghum. While there is certainly truth in those early lessons about kindness, sharing, and curiosity, I would argue that our graduates learned even more during their years at Dryden High School.

At Dryden, our students learned the importance of hard work and perseverance. They discovered that success doesn’t always come easily, but determination and resilience can carry them through challenges both in and out of the classroom.

They learned how to support one another, whether on the athletic field, on the stage, in the band room, or during everyday moments in the hallways. They learned that community matters, and that being part of a small school district means being part of a family that celebrates accomplishments together and stands together during difficult times.

Our graduates learned leadership through service, teamwork through collaboration, and confidence through experience. They learned from teachers who believed in them, coaches who challenged them, advisors who guided them, and classmates who became lifelong friends.

Most importantly, they learned that their voices matter and that they each have something valuable to contribute to the world around them.

The Class of 2026 leaves Dryden High School with more than diplomas. They leave with memories, friendships, lessons, and values that will continue to shape them for years to come. While their next chapters may take them in many different directions, they will always share the bond of being Dryden Cardinals.

To the Class of 2026: thank you for the energy, spirit, and pride you brought to our schools. We are proud of all you have accomplished, and we cannot wait to see where life takes you next.

Congratulations, graduates. Everything you needed to know, you learned at Dryden High School.

Yours in Education,

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

The School of Choice window is now open through August 20, 2026 . Applications MUST be submitted by August 20 to either the High School or Elementary School secretaries.

School of Choice applications can be found on our website at the link below. Please feel free to contact Lori Hall at lhall@drydenschools.org or 810-448-4090 for more information.

All incoming Begindergarten, Kindergarten, and 7th Grade Students must be up-to-date on their immunizations by this fall. Lapeer County Health Department has the Tdap., Meningitis, and Chickenpox (varicella) vaccines along with all CDC and ACIP recommended vaccines available for children needing them to meet school requirements.

Call 810-667-0448 to see if your child’s immunizations are up-to-date before the new school year this fall. If you choose to get a waiver, you must make an appointment with the Lapeer County Health Department to receive one.

Please mail, bring to the high school office, or fax to 810-796-3698, a copy of your child’s updated immunization record on or before Monday, August 17, 2026. If you have any further questions, please contact Lori Hall at 810-448-4090 or at lhall@drydenschools.org

Dear Cardinal Families,

As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Dryden High School Class of 2026, we also recognize that the school year is not quite over for our underclassmen. Graduation is an exciting milestone and a wonderful reminder of what years of hard work, growth, and dedication can lead to. For our students returning next year, it is also motivation to finish this school year strong.

The final days of school are important. Assignments, exams, projects, and attendance all matter as students work toward ending the year successfully and preparing for the opportunities ahead. Whether students are finishing their freshman year or preparing to become seniors, every day is another step forward in their high school journey.

Our junior high students deserve special recognition as well. The middle school years are a time of tremendous growth, discovery, and transition. Throughout this year, our seventh and eighth graders have continued to build strong academic habits, develop new interests, and become more involved in school activities and athletics. We are proud of the maturity, resilience, and enthusiasm they bring to our building each day, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow into future student leaders at Dryden High School.

To our graduates, we wish you the very best as you begin your next chapter. You will always be an important part of the Dryden family, and we are proud of the example you have set for younger students.

To our returning students, thank you for your hard work, school spirit, and contributions throughout the year. Keep pushing forward and make these last few weeks count. As another school year comes to a close, I would also like to thank our families, staff, and community for their continued support of Dryden High School. Together, we help create an environment where students can learn, grow, and succeed.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer vacation filled with time to recharge and make memories with family and friends. Before we know it, August will arrive, and we will be welcoming students back for another exciting school year full of new opportunities and experiences.

Warmly,

Mary Finnigan

Dryden High School Principal

Dryden High School held its 8th annual College Decision Day celebration on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in the Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room.

College Decision Day is a national celebration of all high school seniors and transfer students, especially those from low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation college-going backgrounds who have committed to pursuing higher education — whether at a community college, a four-year college or university, or a professional training program, or by joining the military.

According to the Michigan College Access Network, “College Decision Day is inspired by the NCAA's National Signing Day to reinforce that excellence in the classroom should be given as much pomp and circumstance as excellence as an athlete. NCAA's National Signing Day is when high school seniors sign a letter of intent to play sports at a specific college. Traditionally, players participate in press conferences to announce their intentions. Our goal is to mimic this excitement for ALL students going to college. College Decision Day is Michigan's adoption of National College Signing Day, a program of Former First Lady Michelle Obama's Reach Higher initiative which now sits with Better Make Room at The Common Application.” (https://micollegeaccess.org/initiatives/cbmi/decision-day)

Dryden High School senior Jayden Stankevich reflected, “Attending Decision Day was an exciting and meaningful experience as we celebrated everyone’s next steps after high school. It was great to see where my classmates are heading off, whether that’s college, careers, or other paths. The event really brought our class together and made the moment feel memorable.”

All seniors and their families were welcome to attend. Those who were ready to "sign" or commit to a college, university, program, or the military, and who have applied and been accepted, had an opportunity to win prizes. Seniors were encouraged to wear a shirt with the name of their chosen school, program, or military branch.

Dane Pelkowski also appreciated the event. “College decision day was a great way for all seniors to come together and share the colleges they are committed to,” he said.

Dryden High School held in-person College Signing Day events in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2020, the celebration moved online due to the pandemic.

Students completed four stations:

1. Intention: students decorated a display with their higher education commitment

2. Photos: an opportunity for group pictures

3. Gratitude: wrote a thank you note to someone who has helped them reach their goals

4. Advice: students signed a banner giving advice to underclassmen

Lapeer County Sheriff Scott McKenna spoke to the seniors and their families, noting through personal experience the pride and sadness that come with the next step of children leaving home to pursue their dreams. He encouraged students to do their best, live their dreams, and change the world.

As part of our College Decision Day celebration, students who were ready to "sign" or commit to a college, university, program, or the military and had applied and been accepted had an opportunity to win prizes. An Amazon Wish List of items students would appreciate as they take their next steps was created. Dryden families and staff members generously purchased items that were given to seniors. Received gifts include towel sets, electric hot pots, scientific calculators, extension cords with multiple outlets and USB ports, laptop backpacks, single-serve coffee makers, desk lamps, tool kits, first aid kits, and nylon laundry bags.

On Saturday, April 25, Dryden Community Schools proudly celebrated our students' achievements during the 14th annual Fine Arts Festival. K-12 student art was displayed in the library, the Dryden Bands performed concerts, and the Drama Club presented their production of Nine Girls. Thank you to all who attended and supported our students!

OPPORTUNITIES WITH SIX HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERS!

At this time, we are offering the choice of fully in-person or fully online learning for students in grades 7-12 at Dryden High School. Families interested in the fully online Dryden Virtual Academy should contact the office at (810)796-2266.

Dear Cardinal Families,

As the final bells ring and we pack up our classrooms in preparation for summer, I’d like to take a moment and reflect on an incredible school year. It has been a journey filled with challenges, discovery, and growth.

Success in education is a true partnership, and we could not have done it without you, our parents. Whether you volunteered for field trips, assisted with homework, or reinforced the importance of education at home, your support has been the backbone of our success. Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education and for being such vital members of our school family.

A special THANK YOU goes out to our incredible PTA and local community partners. From organizing events that bring us together to providing extra resources that enrich our classrooms, your generosity and spirit have made this year truly unforgettable.

Our teachers and staff have consistently gone above and beyond. Their unwavering dedication to create a safe, nurturing and engaging environment is what makes our district special. From the lessons, to the field trips, to the commitment to professional development to ensure research-based best practices are in every classroom, to the kindness shown day in and day out- we thank them for their passion and heart.

A hearty congratulations to our students- our whys. We have watched you grow not just academically, but in your character, resilience, and kindness toward one another. Maybe you conquered a difficult project, made a new friend, saw growth in your academics, or overcame a personal challenge, that is progress worth celebrating! Let’s keep that momentum going.

Please note: Summer Bond Work:

• June 8-12: Campus will be closed for work to replace the floors at the south end of the building. While this work as well as summer cleaning is being completed, we will be moving our programs to the north end of the building.

• June 8 - TBD: Access to the building via Pleasant Street will be unavailable due to drain work in the village. Following that, the long awaited south parking lot construction is scheduled to begin. Therefore, all Early Childhood and Summer Programs will use the north parking lot for drop offs and pick ups. We will do our best to keep you informed of changes as they occur. We appreciate your patience and understanding in advance.

We wish everyone a safe, relaxing, and joy filled summer, and we cannot wait to see everyone’s smiling faces at SnoCone Social on August 12, 2026.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Abromaitis

Principal

Dryden Elementary School

Four County Community Foundation holds several funds that award grants directly to your local community. Grants support your schools, your museums, your food pantries, your local parks and trails and so much more. Consider donating to your Community Fund today!

Your donation will come right back to your local community.

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

Dryden High School Principal

Dryden Elementary School Principal

Loriane Brinker

Dryden High School Assistant Principal

Brian Tresnak

Athletic Director

Email: MFinnigan@drydenschools.org
Website: https://www.drydenschools.org/
Location: 3866 Rochester Road, Dryden, MI, USA
Phone: 810-796-9534
Facebook: facebook.com/DrydenCommunitySchools
Instagram: @DrydenSchools