Panther Express

From the Panther's Den-A Note From Mrs. Gill

Dear DC Family,

This week we are proud to highlight our Dry Creek Wins for 2026! In the short time I've had to serve as principal, I've already seen the incredible dedication, enthusiasm, teamwork and heart that make Dry Creek such a special place.

Our teachers and staff pour their time, energy, and care into helping every student grow in Mind, Body, and Spirit. From meaningful learning in the classroom to opportunities in the arts, athletics, leadership, and service, our students are given many ways to discover their strengths and shine. Just as important, we work hard to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and connected to our school community.

I invite you to take a few moments to review the Dry Creek Wins flier included in this edition of the Panther Express. These highlights capture just a small glimpse of the incredible learning, growth, and joyful moments that have taken place across our campus this year.

Families now have the opportunity to complete the annual SART Survey from March 2nd-20th. This survey provides valuable feedback that helps our staff reflect on our work and continue improving the experience we provide for all students at Dry Creek. We truly value your voice and appreciate you taking a few minutes to share your thoughts.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Our school is stronger because of our families, and together we are building something truly special for our students. Thank you for being such an important part of the Dry Creek community.

Go Panthers!

Mrs. Gill

This is the last week to purchase a 2025-26 yearbook at the Early Bird price!

Click HERE to Purchase

See's Candy orders are all due on Monday, March 9th! Please get those last orders and all paper orders sent to school on Monday. The Daughter Dance is also coming up soon, tickets are on sale now. All parents are invited to the next Parent Club Meeting on March 17th @ 6pm. We would love to have you join us!

Click the button at the bottom of the flyer to sign up your TK-6th grader for our Spring Cheer Camp & Showcase! If you are interested in purchasing additional DC Cheer spirit wear, beyond the gray camp shirt included with registration, for your camper, siblings, or yourself, please use the link below to shop!

https://stores.inksoft.com/panthercheercamp/shop/home

Click HERE to Sign Up

Families interested in enrolling in Expanded Learning Club (ELC) for the 2026-27 school year are encouraged to visit https://www.cusd.com/expanded-learning-club. You are welcome to attend any of the Parent Information Meetings listed on the website. Registration for Dry Creek ELC is currently scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2026-27 school year will begin soon for students of all grade levels who will be brand new to Clovis Unified. The online pre-registration process begins Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. for all new students at cusd.com/new-student-registration. After completing the online form, parents of entering transitional kindergarten or kindergarten students can finish the registration process beginning March 4 at their resident school.

Regular attendance makes a meaningful difference in your child’s overall school experience. When students are at school each day, they benefit from direct instruction, class discussions, hands-on activities, and time with their peers—experiences that are difficult to fully make up. If an absence is necessary, please contact the office in advance and request an independent study packet so your child can remain current with their assignments. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s continued growth and success!

Report an Absence

All entries must be submitted online by April 17th, 2026.

Here is a list of the Multi-Cultural and/or Heritage Events Mrs. Gill has or will announce to our students through a daily video announcement. Let us know if there is a holiday we missed! Also, if there is a holiday your family celebrates, we would love for you to email Mrs. Gill a picture of your celebration! Please include a short blurb to help with understanding of what is happening in the photo or some background on the holiday. We would love to share it with our Panther community through our video announcements!

September/October/November

Labor Day - September 2 Patriot Day - September 11 Mexican Independence Day - September 16

Chinese Moon Festival Day - September 17 Rosh Hashanah - October 2

Yom Kippur - October 11 Sukkot - October 16 United Nation's Day - October 24

Diwali - October 31 All Saints' Day - November 1 Day of the Dead - November 1

Veteran's Day - November 11 Thanksgiving - November 28

December/January/February

Jamhuri Day - December 12 Las Posadas - December 16 Hanukkah - December 25

Christmas - December 25 Hmong New Year - January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 15

Vietnamese New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan) - January 29 Chinese New Year - February 10

Black History Month - Month of February Vasant Panchami - February 2

President's Day - February 17 N'Cwala Festival - February 22 Ramadan - February 28

March/April/May/June

Hina Matsuri - March 3 St. Patrick's Day - March 17 Holi - March 14

Eid-el-Fitr - March 29 Iranian New Year (Nowruz) - March 20

Passover - April 12 Vaisakhi - April 14 Easter - April 20 Earth Day - April 22

Feast of Ridvan - April 21 Cinco de Mayo - May 5 Mother's Day - May 11

Vesak - May 12 Memorial Day - May 26 Shavuot - June 1

Dear DC Families,

Next week, our school will focus on the character strength of Perspective. This means understanding and appreciating different points of view. Perspective, often seen as wisdom, goes beyond intelligence. People with this strength are valued for their advice because they see the big picture and understand complex issues.

Those with perspective can get to the heart of difficult matters and bring clarity. They are honest, ethical, and good at seeing what truly matters. This helps them stay calm and learn from mistakes. By reflecting on their own feelings and thoughts, they can empathize with others and offer strong listening and questioning skills. They help their groups navigate challenges and find opportunities for success.

To practice and encourage the character strength of perspective at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

Birthday Marquee is available for families to recognize their child's birthday! Help celebrate your child's birthday by wishing him/her a Happy Birthday on the school's marquee (Nees sidewalk near crosswalk). Submit your birthday by the 25th of the month prior to your child's birthday. Birthday wishes will be posted for a week. Sign up and pay $20 online.

Please remember, if any birthday treats are being brought to school to share with the class, bring those to the front office, not directly to the classroom. Items must be store bought. We appreciate you giving your child's teacher at least one day's notice if treats will be dropped off. Thank you!

Breakfast & Lunch for All Students

Clovis Unified School District will continue to provide FREE breakfast and lunch to all students. Please click on the link below for detailed menu information.

Breakfast and Lunch Menus