Panther Express

Welcome back, Panthers!

We are excited to welcome our students to the first day of school on Monday! The Panther Express is released every Friday afternoon and is your one-stop shop for important school news, upcoming events, reminders, and helpful information. Please take a few moments each week to read through it so you don’t miss a thing!

On Monday morning, TK and kindergarten students should report directly to their classrooms. 1st grade students should report directly to their classroom starting at 7:30 (Monday only), and students in grades 2–6 should line up at their classroom number on the blacktop.

We love seeing so many families on campus during the first day and week of school! Parents, please help us create a clear path for our teachers and students by waiting behind the classroom lines, in the area between the student lines and the play structure. Your support will help everyone get to class safely and smoothly.

We can’t wait to see our Panthers on Monday and begin a fantastic new school year together!

Here's to a fantastic year ahead-- Go Panthers!

With heartfelt excitement,
Mrs. Gill

As we kick off a new school year, we want to make sure we are all doing our part to keep our campus safe. Please remember to slow down in the parking lot, follow staff directions, use designated drop-off and pick-up areas, and stay alert as students and families move throughout campus.

A few extra minutes of patience and attention can make a big difference. Thank you for helping us start the year safely and setting the tone for a wonderful year at Dry Creek!

Reminders:

• Drop-off and pick-up must take place in the back parking lot on Nees Avenue. This is the only approved location for all grade levels.
• When in Parent Pick-up-put up your school provided yellow name placard.
• The staff parking lot on the corner of Nees & Armstrong is NOT a designated drop-off and pick-up location and is not available.
• The white and green curbs at the front of the school are for TK and Kindergarten drop-off only. This area is a drop-off zone, not a parking location.
• Follow staff directions at all times. Our staff are working to keep traffic moving and children safe—please respect their guidance.
• Stay alert and distraction-free. Phones, rushing, and unsafe maneuvers put lives at risk.
• Use crosswalks only. Students should never be allowed to run across the street or the parking lot.
• Follow traffic laws. U-turns are not allowed in the middle of the street unless permitted by posted traffic signs.

We thank you for doing your part to keep every Panther safe!

Students in grades 4, 5, and 6 are eligible to participate in after school athletics. Practices are scheduled from 2:45 to 3:45 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with games on Fridays. Permission is required for students to join a team and stay after school for practice. This digital sign up will cover Fall, Winter, & Spring sports.

Don’t miss out on the fun—encourage your child to get involved! All sports practices begin Monday, August 17th.

The Clovis Unified Dress Code Policy applies to all students in grades TK–12, including our elementary Panthers. One important reminder: students must wear shoes with a secure heel strap—no slides or flip-flops, please!

To view the full dress code guidelines, visit: www.cusd.com/DressCode.aspx

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure your child arrives at school dressed for success and ready to learn. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Dry Creek staff!

Calling all volunteers! Get going on your application early this year!

All volunteers must...

• Complete a Volunteer Application online at https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MjIyNTplbi1VUw==
• Have a current clear TB assessment within the last 4 years.
• Check in at the front office and wear a visitor’s badge while on campus.
• NEW for 26-27: Visitors must be a cleared volunteer to attend classroom parties and to be entered into grade level field trip chaperone lotteries, including the 6th grade Sonora chaperone lottery.

Additionally, volunteers who are sick or have illness related symptoms should not volunteer.

Mark your calendars! Our 6th grade Panthers will head to the Sierra Outdoor School from March 10-12, 2027 for an unforgettable three-day learning adventure in Sonora. This hands-on outdoor experience is often one of the most memorable events of a student’s elementary journey!

The estimated fee per camper is $325. To help offset this cost, we’ve updated our fundraising approach to maximize student earnings. At the start of the school year, 6th grade students will have the optional opportunity to participate in a cookie dough and holiday fundraiser. All profits will go directly to each student’s individual Sonora account.

Interested in chaperoning? We’d love to have you join us! A parent drawing will be held to select interested chaperones. Please be sure to have a current Clovis Unified Volunteer Application on file to be eligible. (Applications are valid for 4 years.) Nurses will be on hand during Back to School Night to help with volunteer paperwork!

To learn more about the Sierra Outdoor School experience, visit: https://www.sos.cusd.com

We’re looking forward to an incredible adventure!

For the safety of all students, staff, and visitors, only CUSD district vehicles are allowed on campus without special permission. Motorized bikes, scooters, and golf carts are not allowed on the Dry Creek Elementary campus.

This includes during arrival, dismissal, and after-school events. We appreciate your help in keeping our campus safe and walk-friendly for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation!

Email: drycreek@cusd.com

Website: drycreek.cusd.com
Location: 1273 North Armstrong Avenue, Clovis, CA 93619
Phone: (559) 327-6500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DryCreekElem/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drycreekelementary/