Dryden Splash | June 5, 2026 | Smore Newsletters

Dear Dryden Families,

I truly thought last week's newsletter would be my last of the school year, but so many wonderful events took place during our final days together that I wanted to share them with you!

As I reflect on my first year as Dryden's principal, I am incredibly grateful for our amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. Thank you for your partnership, trust, and involvement throughout the year. Together, we made it a wonderful year of learning, growth, and celebration. We are especially proud of our fifth graders and wish them all the best as they begin their middle school journey.

In this special bonus edition of the Dryden Splash, I've included highlights, lots of photos, and even some videos from some of our recent end-of-year activities. I hope you enjoy these glimpses into the fun and memorable moments that helped make this school year so special.

Thank you for welcoming us into your children's lives this year. We are grateful for the opportunity to support their learning, celebrate their successes, and watch them grow. Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing you again in August!

Warmly,

Jessica Martinsen

Third Grade Market Day: Young Entrepreneurs at Work!

As our third graders wrapped up their recent economics unit, they participated in an exciting and authentic learning experience: the Third Grade Market! Students took on the roles of real entrepreneurs by deciding on a product to sell, setting competitive prices, and determining their own profit goals. They got creative by writing and filming commercials to advertise their products, which were then shared with the second-grade classes. After viewing the advertisements and creating their own shopping wish lists, the second graders visited the market to shop. Throughout the event, our third-grade business owners put their math skills to work by practicing giving accurate change and modifying their prices based on real-time supply and demand. It was wonderful to see the students so engaged in a hands-on project that blended math, creativity, and real-world economics.

5th Grade Talent Show

On Tuesday, June 2nd 5th Graders participated in the annual 5th Grade Talent Show! In what has become a fun, heartwarming tradition, 5th graders could choose to showcase a talent in front of their fellow 5th graders. We love the support the students had for one another as we were treated to musical instruments, dancing, singing, jokes, drawing, tumbling, and magic tricks!

Yearbook Signing for "Ink" Day

As part of our Dolphin Countdown to the End of the School Year, Wednesday was Ink Day! Students received their yearbooks and spent portions of Thursday signing pages and writing thoughtful messages to friends, classmates, and teachers. It was a day filled with smiles, laughter, and reflection as students celebrated friendships, shared favorite memories from the year, and captured special moments that they will cherish for years to come. The halls were buzzing with excitement as students exchanged kind words and best wishes for a wonderful summer.

A 'Phin-tastic Field Day Finale!

Field Day was the perfect way to celebrate the last day of school, and our students had an absolute ball! From exciting games and friendly competition to lots of laughter and school spirit, it was a memorable day for everyone. A huge thank you to PTA Field Day Chairs Mary Cape and Kristin Smith for partnering with Dryden PE teachers Mr. Gries and Miss Spencer to plan and organize this fantastic event. We are also incredibly grateful to our teachers, staff, and the 165 volunteers whose time and energy made the day such a success. We wrapped up both the morning and afternoon sessions by gathering together to sing the Dryden School Song alongside our beloved mascot, Echo the Dolphin—a perfect ending to a wonderful school year!

Click below to see our adorable primary students sing the Dryden School Song!

Once a Dolphin, Always a Dolphin

As we close another school year, we also say goodbye to a very special group of students: our fifth graders. For many of them, Dryden has been home since kindergarten. Over the years, we have watched them learn, grow, make friendships, overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and become leaders within our school community. It is hard to imagine our halls without them.

One of the most memorable moments of the final week was our annual 5th Grade Walk the Halls. As our fifth graders made their way through the building one last time as Dryden students, they were greeted by cheers, applause, high-fives, and handmade signs from students and staff in kindergarten through fourth grade. The hallways were filled with smiles, laughter, and more than a few tears as we celebrated the impact this class has had on our school. It was a beautiful reminder of the connections they have built and the legacy they leave behind.

While we are sad to see them go, we are incredibly proud of the young people they have become. We know they are ready for the opportunities and challenges that await them in middle school, and we have no doubt that they will continue to learn, lead, and succeed. Wherever their journeys take them, they will always have a home at Dryden.

To the Class of 2033, thank you for the memories, the laughter, the leadership, and the joy you brought to our school. We will miss you dearly, but we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish in the years ahead. Remember: once a Dolphin, always a Dolphin.

Click below to watch the video of the 5th Grade Walk the Halls!

Summer 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 and over the summer. 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.

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.

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.

Enjoy your summer!

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