Mrs. Hearold's experience includes two years of Kindergarten, two as a VI aide and two as a preschool assistant, one as an EI paraprofessional, and ten as the Varsity Dance team coach for Romeo High School. This year, she's rejoining our Dryden Family in First Grade.
Why did you choose Dryden?
I enjoyed working at Dryden previously, and love the small school and community. Dryden feels like home for me.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Being part of a school community, getting to know the other teachers in the district, and growing as a teacher.
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I have a first grader, 7th, and 8th grader in the district. I am excited to be a Dryden Cardinal again!
Another new face to Dryden Elementary is Mrs. Hertz, Head Custodian. She brings 12 years of experience as Head Custodian, has worked in a cafeteria for 3 years, and recently earned her CDL B endorsement to drive a bus.
Why did you choose Dryden?
Both the small-town feel and it's closer to home.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Meeting everyone!
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I have 5 children and 13 grandchildren.
Dryden Elementary Behavior Interventionist Mrs. Lapka brings 18 years of experience with her to our family.
Why did you choose Dryden?
Looking for the hometown feeling.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I hope to make a positive impact with each and every family I meet.
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I have two amazing girls, ages 6 and 14. I have been married for 15.5 years.
Coming to Dryden after completing last year's student teaching at Jefferson Elementary in Mesa, Arizona, is Ms. Ludlow; this year she'll be supporting our students as the Resource Room teacher.
Why did you choose Dryden?
The values of the community, excellence, and support that this school has is very much what I was looking for. I am so excited to be a part of this learning community.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Working with the students and being able to see improvement. When a student makes any kind of growth, it makes me so happy to see it.
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I lived in Oxford pretty much my whole life until I went to Arizona for college, but I moved back after graduation. Michigan just feels like home. I am a team player. I like collaboration to see what everyone needs and how we can support each other. I look forward to this school year!
Ms. Marsh joins our Dryden Elementary staff as a 3rd grade teacher.
Why did you choose Dryden?
I was a long-term sub back in May and I fell in love with the school and the staff here!
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Getting to meet my kids and seeing them excel!
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I can be shy and quiet, but once I come out of my shell I am very outgoing!
As Dryden Elementary's Mental Health Specialist, Mrs. Martin comes to Cardinal Country after working as a middle school Title 1 specialist, afterschool programming coordinator, and grant writer in Houston, Texas. She has also worked as a Maternal Assistance Director at a nonprofit, where she gained valuable experience counseling women, their partners, and their families. She has a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Psychology from Central Michigan University (Fire up Chips!) as well as a Master of Education Degree in Counseling Education.
Why did you choose Dryden?
After being away for 12 years, my family and I were lucky enough to be able to move back home to Michigan. I knew I wanted to work in a nearby school district in a mental health position and I am beyond thankful that Dryden has given me the chance to follow that dream.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to being a part of a close-knit school community and getting to know the staff and students. I am excited to be a new member of the Cardinal family.
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I am a team player and I am here to assist the teachers and staff whenever and wherever I can. On a personal level...I have been married for almost 12 years and we have three amazing kids: Hudson, Vivian, and Evelyn. My favorite musician is John Mayer, I enjoy working with polymer clay, and I joined a golf league for the first time this year. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of you!
Welcome, Mr. Sudduth! Our K-12 Music Teacher will be starting his 2nd year of teaching.
Why did you choose Dryden?
I felt a connection with the close-knit community environment in Dryden.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I hope to continue the growth of the music programs at Dryden and look forward to meeting new students!
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I am returning to my home state of Michigan after having spent the last 15 years in Kentucky. My wife and I just welcomed our first child and look forward to starting a new home in beautiful Eastern Michigan. I bring energy and passion to music education and cannot wait to get to know the community!
Dryden Community Schools
Email: MFinnigan@drydenschools.org
Website: https://www.drydenschools.org/
Location: Dryden, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 796-2266
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drydencommunityschools
Twitter: @DrydenSchools