Dryden Splash | May 25, 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.

On Monday, May 18, fourth grade students at Dryden School had the exciting opportunity to explore the District 25 Band Program as they begin thinking about musical opportunities in fifth grade. During special instrument fitting sessions held in the lunchroom stage area, students were able to try out a variety of band instruments and discover which ones might be the best fit for them. Earlier in the month, students also attended a live Band Demonstration where they were introduced to the different instruments and learned more about the band program. The experience sparked excitement and curiosity as many students explored the possibility of becoming future Dryden musicians. A special thank you to the District 25 band staff for visiting Dryden and helping inspire the next generation of performers!

On Wednesday, May 20, Dryden School celebrated our amazing Student Patrol members with an end-of-year ice cream party in the school courtyard. More than 75 students in grades 4 and 5 were recognized and thanked for their dedication to helping keep our younger students safe before and after school throughout the entire year ; in sunshine, rain, snow, and everything in between.

During the celebration, students enjoyed ice cream, played games, and created keepsake crafts as they celebrated a successful year of service and leadership together.

Our Student Patrol members consistently demonstrated responsibility, leadership, and kindness while serving the Dryden community, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment.

A special thank you goes to the Dryden PTA for sponsoring and helping with the celebration, and to our faculty sponsors, Mrs. Martini and Miss Da Silva, for their time, leadership, and support of the program all year long.

On May 21, Dryden School proudly welcomed back over 50 graduating high school seniors for the school’s annual Senior Walk tradition. Joined by many family members, members of the Class of 2026 returned to the halls of their elementary school one final time before graduation.

As students and staff lined the hallways clapping, cheering, and waving, the seniors paraded through the building wearing graduation caps and future college or career attire. The celebration was filled with smiles, memories, and meaningful reunions as former Dolphins reconnected with teachers and staff who helped shape their elementary school years. Many seniors stopped along the route to hug former teachers and spend a few moments visiting and reminiscing together.

Several Dryden teachers added especially personal touches to the event. Some teachers returned letters students had written to themselves in third and fourth grade, sharing their childhood hopes and predictions about life as graduating seniors. Other teachers welcomed back former students with class photos from their years together at Dryden, sparking laughter and reflection as students reminisced about their elementary school memories.

The Senior Walk concluded in the courtyard, where staff, students, families, and graduates gathered for refreshments provided by the Dryden PTA. Mr. Toerner and Mrs. Greasel’s class greeted the seniors by singing the school song, creating a heartfelt ending to a beloved Dryden tradition. Seniors also enjoyed many photo opportunities with former teachers, classmates, and Echo the Dolphin, helping capture special memories from this meaningful homecoming celebration.

The annual Senior Walk continues to be a powerful reminder that once a Dolphin, always a Dolphin!

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.

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 26: Beginning of Dolphin Countdown!

May 26: Pickleball Club

May 26-27: Kindergarten Screenings

May 27: Sunrise Lake; Begin Dolphin Countdown

May 29: Kona Ice

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

June 4: 5th Grade Walk the Halls

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

We are excited to celebrate the end of the school year with a special frozen treat from Kona Ice! Thank you, PTA, for providing this special treat to all of the students! Please click the following link to see ingredient lists and nutrition information:

https://www.kona-ice.com/nutrition/

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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