Dryden Splash | April 26, 2026

This is an important reminder that the parking lot at Southminster Presbyterian Church is private property and is not available for use by Dryden or District families at any time during the school day, including arrival and dismissal. Parents are not permitted to enter or use the church parking lot.

We ask for your full cooperation in adhering to this restriction. Please plan ahead by utilizing street parking or arranging carpools. Respecting this boundary is essential to maintaining positive relationships with our neighbors and ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and community.

We are grateful to Southminster Presbyterian Church for their generosity in allowing use of their parking lot after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and at any time on weekends.

Thank you for your attention to and cooperation with this matter.

Dear Dryden Families,

It has been an incredibly exciting week at school, filled with so many special events and celebrations! There is so much to share that I want to be sure each moment gets the attention it deserves. Rather than trying to fit everything into one update, you’ll find several short articles below highlighting each event. I hope you enjoy reading about all the wonderful things happening at Dryden!

Warmly,

Jessica Martinsen

Fifth grade artists at Dryden have been exploring the fundamentals of drawing using a one-point perspective. Students learned how to create the illusion of depth in a street scene by using a vanishing point and guide-lines. They discovered how objects appear larger when they are close and smaller as they recede into the distance. Each artist applied these techniques to design a unique scene, incorporating their own creative themes and ideas into their work. The result is a collection of imaginative and visually dynamic street views that showcase both technical skill and personal expression

Led by the student council, Dryden’s "30 Days of Kindness" challenge encourages K-5 students to nominate peers for friendly acts by filling out kindness cards. Each week, the council tallies these cards by grade to build an ever-growing paper chain that serves as a visual reminder of the school's collective compassion. This student-driven initiative allows the entire community to watch their kindness physically expand, link by link, throughout the month.

Fourth graders have been exploring the different regions of the United States as part of our social studies curriculum. We began with the Midwest region (our home here in Illinois), and then each class researched a new region and transformed their classrooms to reflect its unique characteristics.

Students had the opportunity to take part in a “Regions Road Trip,” where they visited each classroom to learn from one another. Throughout the experience, they explored similarities and differences between regions while engaging with topics such as climate, landforms and resources, historical events, interesting places, famous people, national parks and wildlife, as well as jobs and industries.

It was a fun and meaningful way for students to bring their learning to life!

Dryden School recently had the pleasure of celebrating the incredible volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents to support our students and staff. At a special appreciation event, we welcomed more than 70 volunteers whose contributions help make so many memorable experiences possible for our students, including holiday parties, the family dance, field trips, activity nights, World of Work, book fairs, and clubs like Pickleball and Chess. These opportunities are made possible through the combined efforts of our dedicated PTA, our teachers, and the many parents and community members who step up to help. We also recognized our PTA board, committee chairs, volunteer planning team, and food service staff for their leadership and behind-the-scenes work in making both this event and so many others a success. We are deeply grateful for the strong sense of community at Dryden and the many ways our volunteers make a lasting difference for our students.

This Wednesday, our Dryden community came together to celebrate two very special people who keep our school running like a well-oiled machine: our incredible administrative assistants! From greeting families with a warm smile to managing a million details behind the scenes, Mrs. Porwit and Mrs. Kemperas are truly the heartbeat of our front office. Our students, staff, and PTA showed their appreciation with thoughtful notes, treats, and plenty of well-deserved recognition. Their organization, kindness, and calm presence help everything run smoothly each and every day, and quite simply, we couldn’t do it without them. Thank you, Mrs. Porwit and Mrs. Kemperas, for all that you do for Dryden!

Our PTA-sponsored Bike Rodeo on Friday, April 23 was a wheel-y fun and educational event for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders! Students had the opportunity to ride through an engaging obstacle course designed to reinforce important bike safety skills, including following the rules of the road and staying alert to their surroundings. With the arrival of warmer weather, it was the perfect time to refresh these important habits. We were also grateful to have the Arlington Heights Police Department on hand to assist with helmet fittings and to issue friendly “citations” to riders who needed a reminder about safe riding practices. A big thank you to our parent volunteers who helped pump up tires and keep everything running smoothly for a fun-filled morning. It was a great way to promote safety while enjoying time outdoors!

We want to make you aware of bumble bee activity near the bike rack adjacent to the tennis courts. While the exact location of the hive has not been identified, it may be underground and there could be more than one. Bumble bees are an endangered species, so the hive(s) cannot be removed.

While bumble bees are generally not aggressive, they can sting if disturbed. If you or your student have a bee allergy, please use extra caution in this area. If multiple individuals are authorized to pick up your student, including alternate pick-up contacts, please share this information with them so they can take any necessary precautions. The school has marked the area where the bees have been sighted with yellow and black caution tape.

As an alternative, students may lock their bikes along the fence near Door 9.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Meet up with the amazing Dryden Staff for a fun walk to school. Dryden Staff will be wearing school spirit wear and their staff ID badges. Staff will meet you at the locations on the map below at 8:40 am (8:50 am for students on the school buses). We look forward some healthy exercise, fresh air and enjoying the signs of spring.

Student safety is always our top priority. Mr. Poteracki, our dedicated crossing guard, has brought a concern to our attention at the corner of Rockwell Street and Dryden Place. We kindly ask that both students and parents wait behind the yellow line until he signals that it is safe to cross. Recently, there have been a few instances where this expectation was not followed by parents, and it’s important to remember that our children learn by watching us. Thank you for helping model safe behaviors and for supporting Mr. Poteracki in his important role of keeping everyone safe.

Join us for en evening filled with music, food, information, and fun about the many cultures of Dryden. Come dressed in clothing that celebrates your cultural background. Students can complete their "passports" by visiting each country's table. Try foods and see performances from different cultures.

All are welcome!

PARKING IS ALLOWED AT THE SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AFTER 6:00 PM.

We want to ensure every student has the best possible start to their day through access to our breakfast program.

We encourage all students to take advantage of this convenient, nutritious, and affordable way to begin their school day!

Breakfast Program Details:

Location Enter front doors and breakfast is served in the cafeteria

Serving Time 8:50 am - 9:05 am

Daily Cost Paid: $2.00

Reduced-Price: $.30 or Free: $0.00 (for students that qualify for free or

reduced meal benefits)

Payment: All students have a meal card and breakfast meals will be

charged to their Mealtime account. For more information on how to pay

for school meals, please visit our website.

Menu Click here for School Breakfast Menu

How to Participate Students can simply go to the breakfast cart during the serving time. No

advance sign-up is required!

If your student participates in the CAP program and would like to eat school breakfast in addition or as an alternative to what is offered at CAP, please notify the CAP staff. Students will be dismissed from CAP and allowed to eat school breakfast before the school day starts.

If you wish to share information about your child that you would like to have considered for your child’s 2026 - 2027 class placement, please complete this form by Friday, May 1, 2026. You can access the form by clicking HERE or clicking on the blue button below. Class assignments will be finalized in mid-August and then emailed to parents.

As we plan for the 2026-2027 school year, it will help us to know if your students (currently in Kindergarten - 4th Grade) will not be returning to Dryden. Please complete one form for each student by clicking here or on the blue button below. Please contact administrative assistant Mrs. Porwit at mporwit@sd25.org if you have any questions.

If your student is in kindergarten or second grade please remember to turn in their dental form.

The compliance date for this regulation is May 15, 2026. However, you may submit the form at any time. You should make your dental appointments early in the school year. Dental offices will be very busy in the spring as the compliance deadline approaches. We will accept dental exams that have been completed after November 15, 2024.

Completed forms can be turned in via email (scan or picture) to mrixon@sd25.org, in your students backpack, or by fax (847-398-4280).

Pre-registration for kindergarten and students in grades 1 - 5 who will be new to Dryden is now open. Information and step-by-step registration guidance will be available on the district website at www.sd25.org/Registration on that date.

If you know of someone with a kindergarten-aged child or new family to the neighborhood, please encourage them to pre-register or give us a call at 847-398-4280. Thank you for helping us to get the word out!

Please note: Registration for current Dryden students will begin in the spring. You will receive an email in late spring with a registration link. There is nothing you need to do at this time.

Please click on the following links for more information:

• Where can I view the school lunch menu? Click Here
• How does my student order a school lunch? Click Here
• How do I pay for my child’s meals? Click Here
• How do I apply for free & reduced meals? Click Here

For further details on D25 Food & Nutrition Services, please click here.

April

April 29: Walk to School Day

April 30: Multicultural Night

May

May 4 : Color Spirit Day (See flyer below)

May 4-8: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week

May 5: Pickleball Club

May 8: Kindergarten Musical

May 12: Pickleball Club

May 14: May/June/July Birthday Books

May 14: Dryden School Colors Day

May 14: PTA General Member Meeting (6:30pm open door, 7pm meeting)

May 15: World of Work & Luncheon/Slideshow

May 19: Pickleball Club

May 21: Movie or Game Spirit Day

May 21: HS Senior Walk

May 26: Pickleball Club

May 26-27: Kindergarten Screenings

May 27: Sunrise Lake

May 29: Kona Ice

June

June 4: Field Day

June 4: 5th Grade Walk the Halls

Link to D25 2025- 2026 Year-At-A-Glance Calendar

Our 5th graders are stepping out of the classroom and into the real world, spending time working at local businesses to learn firsthand what it takes to keep our community running! From shops to restaurants, these young learners will be gaining valuable experience, confidence, and appreciation for hard work.

We invite you to join in the excitement by supporting the businesses that are opening their doors to our students. Stop by, say hello, and see these future leaders in action. Your patronage helps make this meaningful experience possible!

Get ready for an adorable performance by our amazing Kindergartners!

Parent & Family Performance:

Friday, May 8th from 10:15 AM – 10:35 AM

________________________________________

🌟 Calling All Volunteers!

We need your help to make this musical a success! Volunteers are needed to assist during the rehearsal before the performance from 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM and during the performance.

👉 Click below to view available dates and times to sign up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FADA82CA1FCC61-63566737-kindergarten

Questions? Contact us at drydenptachildrensprograms@gmail.com.

Join Dryden PTA

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Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The victory over the French army was a morale boost for the Mexicans.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the US, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

*Date changes year to year

Eid-Al-Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is the second of two great Muslim festivals, the other being Eid al-Fitr. It is considered the holiest of the two Eids and celebrated by millions of people around the world. Eid al-Adha is also a time for visiting with friends and family and for exchanging gifts.

*dates may vary and change from year to year