Dryden Community Schools Newsletter

Dear Families,

As we embrace the beauty of spring, I am reminded of the natural cycle of renewal and growth that occurs all around us. Just as the earth awakens from the cold of winter, our school year too goes through a similar journey—one of fresh starts, blossoming potential, and the exciting promise of what lies ahead.

Spring represents a time of growth, renewal, and a chance for new beginnings, and so too does the school year. We began this year with excitement and anticipation, much like the first buds of spring. Now, as we approach the end of the school year, we see the results of hard work, perseverance, and collaboration—much like flowers in full bloom.

The school year, much like the seasons, follows a rhythm: the beginning filled with excitement and possibility, the middle full of challenges and accomplishments, and the end, a time of reflection and celebration of the progress made. Just as the trees shed their leaves in the fall, our students shed old habits and develop new skills, preparing for the next stage of their educational journey.

As we enter this season of growth and renewal, let us celebrate all that our students have accomplished and continue to support them in their ongoing development. Together, we continue to nurture a thriving community, much like the earth nurtures the flowers and trees that surround us.

Wishing you all a joyful and productive spring, filled with renewed energy and optimism for the months ahead.

Yours in Education,

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

Dear Cardinal Families,

Every school year seems to fly by more and more quickly, and this one is no exception. The third marking period will end on Friday, March 28, and after Spring Break (March 31-April 4), we'll begin the last quarter of the school year.

Before the 2024-2025 school year is complete, the following events (and more!) are on our calendar:

• March 14: Junior High Decades Dance, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room
• March 17: Red Cross Blood Drive, Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room
• April 12: Easter Egg Hunt, 9:00 a.m.-noon, Dryden High School Gym
• April 25: Drama Club Play, Get a Clue!, 7:00 p.m., Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room
• April 26: Fine Arts Festival, Dryden High School
• May 1: College Decision Day, Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room
• May 10: Junior/Senior Prom, 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., Solitude Links Golf Course and Banquet Center, Kimball
• May 14: Last day for Seniors
• May 16: Half Day of School, Dryden High School ONLY
• May 21: Senior Luncheon, 1:00 p.m., Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room
• May 21: Senior Parade through High School, 2:00 p.m.
• May 21: Graduation Practice, 3:30 p.m., Dryden High School Gym
• May 21: Class of 2025 Awards Night, 6:30 p.m., Dryden High School Gym
• May 22: Class of 2025 Commencement, 6:00 p.m., Dryden High School Gym
• May 23 & 26: No School
• May 29: Grades 9-11 Awards Ceremony, 11:30 a.m., Dryden High School Gym
• May 29: Junior High Awards Ceremony, 1:30 p.m., Dryden High School Gym
• June 4, 5, and 6: Exams (Half Day for 7-12 students)
• June 6: Last day of school

Parent-teacher conferences will be on Thursday, March 6 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; please take this opportunity to meet with teachers and monitor your student's academic progress. There will be an Early College & Dual Enrollment Meeting at 6:00 pm on March 6 in the Dryden High School Library as well. Students and their families in grades 8-11 are invited to attend and learn about the fantastic opportunity to earn college credits and get a jump on a post-secondary education.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help in any way.

Warmly,

Mary Finnigan

Dryden High School Principal

The Dryden Junior High Spelling Bee was held on February 11, 2025, in the Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room. The champion was 8th grader Ella Gustner, who will represent Dryden Junior High in the Lapeer County Spelling Bee on March 25, 2025, at the Lapeer County Education and Technology Center.

Ella’s winning word was “emergency”. The runner-up was 7th grader Eliniah Fitchett. The following students also participated: 7th grade: Charlee Bowerson, Anna Matson; 8th grade: Cora Baker, Willow DuBuis, and Elayna Handley.

Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who have donated to Project Graduation:

• Dryden Athletic Boosters
• Paul's Collision
• Hollow Corners Veterinary Services
• American Tree
• Integrated Designs, Inc.
• Family Farm and Home, Almont
• Imlay City Eagles
• Vinckier Foods, Almont
• Rosy Brothers
• Pine House
• Northwestern Mutual, Eric Cassabon
• Dryden Food and Liquor
• Meijer, Lapeer
• Hideaway Lanes
• Dryden Bar and Grill
• Almont Lions Club
• Four County Community Foundation

Please support them as they have supported us!

Our seniors are going to college! Please help Dryden High School's Class of 2025 celebrate.

On May 1, our College Decision Day Celebration allows students to declare their intentions

and proudly state their college, university, trade school, training program, or military choice.

Items from this list will be given away to seniors at College Decision Day

to send them off with what they'll need in the fall!

• April 8 - SAT (starting @ 9 a.m.)

• April 10 - WorkKeys (starting @ 7:25 a.m.)

• April 15 - PSAT 10 (starting @ 7:25 a.m.)

• April 16 - PSAT 8/9 - 9th grade (starting @ 7:25 a.m.)

• April 17 - PSAT 8/9 - 8th grade (starting @ 7:25 a.m.)

• April 28 - M-STEP 11

• April 29 - M-STEP 11

• May 5 - M-STEP 8

• May 6 - M-STEP 7

• May 7 - M-STEP 8

• May 8 - M-STEP 7

• May 9 - M-STEP Advanced 6th

Sincerely,

Kimberly Fleming

Counselor, Dryden Junior/Senior High School

In education, dual enrollment (DE) involves students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. Generally, it refers to high school students taking college courses. The state of Michigan allows students in grades 9 through 12 to enroll in post-secondary courses. Students can take up to 10 college courses while in high school. Contact Mrs. Fleming for additional information, if interested (kfleming@drydenschools.org).

OPPORTUNITIES WITH SIX HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERS!

Students enrolled in the Dryden Early College Academy have the opportunity to continue their education at one of six post-secondary institutions: Baker College, Ferris State University, Oakland University, Macomb Community College, Mott Community College, or the University of Michigan-Flint.

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 we enter the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued partnership in making our school a wonderful place for students to learn and grow. The support from our families and community is truly invaluable, and together, we are creating a positive and enriching environment for our children.

With spring comes a busy and exciting time at our school! State and district testing is just around the corner, and we are preparing our students to do their best. These assessments help us measure academic progress and ensure we are meeting our students' needs. We appreciate your support in encouraging students to give their best effort and approach testing with confidence.

We also have many upcoming events to celebrate our students' achievements and enjoy time together as a school community. From concerts and field trips to end-of-year celebrations, there are many opportunities to connect and recognize the hard work and accomplishments of our students. Please see below for some of our important upcoming dates, and don’t forget to check classroom newsletters and our school social media pages to stay informed.

School safety remains a top priority. We continue to review and strengthen our protocols to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. Additionally, we are excited about the upcoming bond work that will enhance our facilities and learning spaces here at Dryden Elementary. These improvements will benefit our students for years to come, and we appreciate your ongoing support as we move forward with these projects.

As we approach these final months of school, let’s continue to lead with positivity, kindness, and gratitude. By assuming the best in one another and working together, we create a culture where students feel supported and inspired. Thank you for all you do to make our school and community strong.

We look forward to a fantastic finish to the school year!

Warmly,

Mrs. Stacey Abromaitis

Principal

Dryden Elementary

• March 10 - 21: WIDA testing

• March 11: Student Library Board meeting

• March 12-14: GSRP Parent Teacher Conferences

• March 18: Green Team meeting

• March 20: Smile Mobile Dentist; Preschool and Kindergarten Round Up and Family Literacy Night

• March 25: Student Library Board meeting

• March 27: LEAF Deposit Day; MIRM Closing Assembly

• March 31 - April 4: Spring Break

• April 8 - May 2: M STEP testing grades 3-6

• April 8: Student Library Board Meeting

• April 12: Easter Egg Hunt at Dryden High School

• April 18: No School (Good Friday)

• April 22: Student Library Board meeting; Green Team meeting

• April 24: LEAF Deposit Day

• April 25: Science Day

• April 26: Fine Arts Festival at Dryden High School

• May 6: Student Library Board meeting

• May 13: Green Team meeting

• May 13 - 22: NWEA Testing BK-6th grades

• May 19 - 28: Scholastic Book Fair

• May 20: Student Library Board meeting

• May 21: Senior Parade through elementary school

• May 23 & 26: No school (Memorial Day)

• May 27: Green Team meeting

• May 30: Field Day

• June 4: Recognition Night

• June 5: Kindergarten Graduation

• June 6: 6th Grade Graduation; Last Day of School (Half Day- dismissal at 12:10)

• August 13: SnoCone Social

• August 18: First Day of School (Half Day- dismissal at 12:10)

Congratulations to 5th grader Addison Kedzierski, who won the Dryden Elementary School Spelling Bee and will represent Dryden Elementary at the Lapeer County Spelling Bee! Sixth grader Chase Morley was the runner up.

For more information or to register for the Cardinal Early Learning Academy, click here:

https://www.drydenschools.org/page/preschool-and-childcare

Donna Falotico

Cardinal Early Learning Academy

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.

Stacey Abromaitis

Dryden Elementary School Principal

Loriane Brinker

Dryden High School Assistant Principal

Brian Tresnak

Athletic Director

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent/Dryden High School Principal

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