Dryden Community Schools Newsletter

Dear Families,

As the days grow longer and the first blooms of spring appear, we are reminded that this season is a time of growth, renewal, and possibility. In our schools, this spirit is alive every day in the curiosity of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the support of our families and community partners.

Spring is the perfect time to reflect on the progress our students have made this year. From academic achievements and creative successes to personal growth and new leadership opportunities, our students are flourishing in ways that make us proud. Each challenge they overcome and each skill they develop is a seed that will grow into a strong foundation for their future.

This season also offers an opportunity for all of us—students, staff, and families alike—to embrace renewal. It is a chance to try something new, set fresh goals, and continue building a school community rooted in curiosity, compassion, and excellence. Together, we are cultivating an environment where every student can thrive and every voice can be heard.

As we enjoy the beauty and promise of spring, let us celebrate both the achievements of the past months and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing growth and inspiring success for all of our students.

Yours in Education,

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Dryden Elementary from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. To schedule a conference - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F48ACAB2EA7FECF8-62413339-spring

We invite you to join us for Parent-Teacher Conferences at Dryden High School!

This is a great opportunity to connect with teachers, discuss your student’s progress, ask questions, and partner together for continued success. We look forward to welcoming you and working together to support our #proudcardinal​ students!

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 20, and Spring Break (March 30-April 6) follows soon after.

Before the 2025-2026 school year is complete, the following events (and more!) are on our calendar:

• March 21: Easter Egg Hunt, 11:00 a.m, Dryden High School Gym

• April 18: Junior/Senior Prom, 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., Maniaci’s Banquet Center, Richmond

• April 24: Drama Club Play, Nine Girls, 7:00 p.m., Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room

• April 25: Fine Arts Festival, Dryden High School

• May 1: College Decision Day, Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room

• May 13: Last day for Seniors

• May 15: Half Day of School, Dryden High School ONLY

• May 18: Senior Luncheon, 1:00 p.m., Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room

• May 18: Senior Parade through High School, 2:00 p.m.

• May 18: Graduation Practice, 3:00 p.m., Dryden High School Gym

• May 20: Class of 2026 Awards Night, 6:30 p.m., Dryden High School Gym

• May 21: Class of 2026 Commencement, 6:00 p.m., Dryden High School Gym

• May 22 & 25: No School

• May 28: Grades 9-11 Awards Ceremony, 11:30 a.m., Dryden High School Gym

• May 28: Junior High Awards Ceremony, 1:30 p.m., Dryden High School Gym

• June 3, 4, and 5: Exams (Half Day for 7-12 students)

• June 5: Last day of school

Parent-teacher conferences will be on Thursday, March 12 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; please take this opportunity to meet with teachers and monitor your student's academic progress. There will also be an Early College & Dual Enrollment Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on March 12 in the Dryden High School Library. 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, 2026, in the Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room. The champion was 8th grader Jaxon Buffo, who will represent Dryden Junior High in the Lapeer County Spelling Bee on March 24, 2026, at the Lapeer County Education and Technology Center. Jaxon’s winning word was “tournament”.

The runner-up was 8th grader Charlee Bowerson.

The following students also participated:

7th grade: Ryder Beam

8th grade: Dominick Cohoon, Eliniah Fitchett, Anna Matson, Hayley Yacheson

Our seniors are going to college! Please help Dryden High School's Class of 2026 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!

Friday, May 15, 2026, has changed from a full day of school to a half day of school at Dryden High School ONLY.

Dryden High School will host the MHSAA Track and Field Regional 39 meet at Stremler Field on May 15. The event begins at noon.Because some members of the high school staff volunteer at the meet, many students are participating in or attending the event, and the parking lot will be needed for visitors, only Dryden High School will have a half day, dismissing at 10:35 a.m.

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 winter turns to spring, the flowers begin to bloom, and the days grow longer, there is a palpable sense of energy throughout our halls. We are officially in the home stretch of the school year (~60 days), and it is incredible to look back at how much our students have grown since August. It’s also a perfect time to set our sights on the goals we still want to achieve before summer break.

We remain deeply committed to providing an environment where every child feels valued, and your continued partnership is what makes this growth possible.

Please join us in giving a warm Cardinal welcome to Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Walton!

We are proud to welcome our new Behavior Interventionist, Mrs. Clark, to the Cardinal team! This vital role is dedicated to fostering a positive and safe learning environment by providing students with the tools they need to navigate challenges and build lasting social-emotional skills. By partnering closely with our teachers and families, our goal is to ensure every student has the individualized support, encouragement, and proactive problem-solving strategies necessary to thrive.

We are also delighted to introduce our new School Secretary, Mrs. Walton, who has quickly become a friendly and essential face in our front office and a wonderful addition to our team! As the first point of contact for many of our families, she helps to ensure our school day runs smoothly and that your questions are answered with care. We are thrilled to have her as part of our school family and appreciate her fresh perspective, support, and the dedication she has already brought to our students, families, and staff.

To keep our school running smoothly and safely, we ask for your cooperation with the following:

• Student Drop-Off/Pick Up: For the safety of our students, the front of the building is NOT designated as a drop-off or pick up area. Please use the north parking lot. Watch for foot and vehicle traffic. We appreciate you driving with care and caution in and around our school.

• Security: ALL visitors to the building are expected to push the button to the left of the main doors, stand in view of the camera, and wait patiently to be admitted. As you might imagine, it is a bustling hub of activity at any given point during the day, so your patience is appreciated.

• Time and Supervision Notes: The building opens for students at 8:15. Students who arrive early are expected to wait outside. Dismissal is at 3:35. Students who are not under the direct supervision of an adult are expected to leave at dismissal.

• Office Hours: The front office is exceptionally busy between 8:00–8:30 AM and 3:00–3:30 PM. Your patience if arriving during those times makes a world of difference. If you have non-urgent questions or need paperwork processed, visiting outside of these peak transition times allows us to assist you more quickly.

• Illness/Attendance: It has been a long and cold winter fraught with many illnesses. We appreciate you keeping your child home when they are sick to help stop the spread. Please prioritize attendance by scheduling appointments outside of the school day when possible, and have your child to school on time and at school for the entire day.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Round Up and Literacy Night! Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5 - 7 PM. This is always a highlight of the year, offering a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading and welcome our newest young Cardinals.

Spring Break: A reminder that school and the Cardinal Early Learning Academy will be closed from March 30 - April 6 . We hope this time allows our students and staff to rest and recharge for the final sprint of the year.

Our upcoming Science Day on April 17 will turn our classrooms into laboratories as students dive into hands-on learning and exploring the wonders of the natural world.

Get those sneakers ready—Field Day is just around the corner- May 28! It’s one of our favorite traditions where teamwork and school spirit take center stage for a day of outdoor fun and friendly competition. Look for information soon if you’d like to volunteer.

Thanks to your unwavering support of our community bond, our campus transformation continues!

Looking Ahead: Our summer plans include south end classroom floor replacements, paving the south parking lot (this is dependent on the Village drain project), and security film installation on exterior windows and doors.

We are dedicated to ensuring our facilities match the high caliber of learning happening inside them. Stay tuned for specific summer closure dates and project timelines.

As we enter the spring season, our older students (grades 3-6) will begin State Testing in April. While we know our students are more than just a test score, these assessments are an opportunity for them to showcase the hard work they’ve put in all year. Look for a letter coming home soon with more details. Your support in preparing kids to do their best is crucial.

The Importance of Finishing Strong: It can be tempting to "coast" as the weather gets warmer, but the learning that happens in these final months is crucial. We encourage all families to help students maintain their routines, prioritize attendance, and keep that "Cardinal Pride" in their schoolwork until the very last bell.

Thank you for being such an integral part of our success. Every year, we grow stronger together, and we are so proud of the community we’ve built at Dryden Elementary. If you ever have questions, concerns, or feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out to us; we value your voice in our school community. Let’s make these final days of the 25-26 school year the best ones yet!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Abromaitis

Principal

Dryden Elementary School

Lapeer County Education Attainment Fund (LEAF) is excited to announce that they will be hosting a LEAF360! Wellness Fair. The event will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at the Lapeer County Education & Technology Center, located at 690 N. Lake Pleasant Rd., Attica, MI 48412. This county-wide, free, family-friendly event is designed to incentivize LEAF students and their families as they connect with local resources that support their physical, mental, and financial well-being. As a reminder, all students in grades PreK/K–6th grade automatically received a LEAF account upon enrollment in a Lapeer County school and will have multiple opportunities at the event to earn incentive dollars deposited directly into their LEAF accounts.

The Wellness Fair will bring together schools, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and community organizations in one central location. Students and families can participate in engaging, hands-on activities focused on Movement, Mindfulness, Medical Needs, and Money—reinforcing the message that healthy students are better prepared for academic success and future career pathways. For additional information, contact LEAF@LapeerISD.org, call 810-207-1520 and follow us on Facebook at LEAF LAPEER COUNTY.

Congratulations to Oliver Manko, the winner of the Dryden Elementary 5th and 6th Grade Spelling Bee and Addison Kedzierski, the first runner up. Oliver will represent our school at the Lapeer County Spelling Bee on March 24th at 6:30 pm at Lapeer County Ed Tech.

One of the goals of our athletic department is to build programs that reflect the needs and interests of our students and families. This year, we took an important step in that direction by surveying parents and students to better understand what opportunities they would like to see offered.

Based on that feedback, we have been able to expand several opportunities for younger athletes. This year we added elementary boys basketball, elementary volleyball, and junior high softball.

Looking ahead to next year, we are planning to add junior high football and hope to introduce elementary girls basketball as well.

These additions don’t happen by accident. They are made possible through the hard work of our coaches and staff, the willingness of volunteers to step forward, thoughtful prioritization within the school budget, and—most importantly—the commitment of parents who make the effort to get their children to practices, games, and events.

As we continue growing our programs, community support remains essential. One of the easiest ways to help is by volunteering with our Athletic Boosters. Booster support provides a significant portion of the resources our teams rely on. In recent years, the cost of running athletic programs has risen dramatically—for example, officials’ fees have increased nearly 30% in just the past two years. Booster funding helps make purchases like uniforms, equipment, and other essentials possible for our teams.

We also welcome continued community feedback as we consider future programs and opportunities. Just as important as the programs themselves are the people who lead them. We are always looking for individuals who are committed to running programs the right way—teaching a love of the game, strong fundamentals, and good sportsmanship, especially at the youth and junior high levels where development matters more than winning at all costs.

Thank you to everyone who helps make our athletic programs possible. With continued support from families and the community, we look forward to creating even more opportunities for our students in the years ahead.

Go Cardinals!

Mr. Tresnak

Athletic Director

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.

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

Dryden High School Principal

Stacey Abromaitis

Dryden Elementary School Principal

Loriane Brinker

Dryden High School Assistant Principal

Brian Tresnak

Athletic Director

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