Panther Express

Dear DC Family,

The second week of school has been a busy one on the Dry Creek campus, and our classrooms are off to a wonderful start this school year! Students are settling into routines, building new friendships, and diving into learning with lots of energy and curiosity. Teachers have been busy creating engaging lessons and activities to spark excitement, and it has been a joy to see students already growing in confidence and connection. We can’t wait to see all the learning and discoveries that unfold in the weeks ahead!

A big thank you to our families for taking the traffic situation around our school seriously. By following our drop-off and pick-up procedures and obeying traffic laws, you are helping us keep our students safe and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. We truly appreciate your patience, cooperation, and commitment to safety—it makes a real difference every day!

Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we begin this school year. There is such a positive energy across our campus, and I am so excited about all that is ahead for our Panthers. Here’s to another great week of learning, connection, and Panther Pride!

Go Panthers!

Mrs. Gill

Each year we conduct nominations and elections for School Site Council (SSC) Members. The main responsibilities of SSC are:

-Attend 4 meetings throughout the school year

-Advise the school site on use of categorical funding

-Partner with the school site to analyze and modify the SPSA

-Provide feedback and input into the district's LCAP

This year, we need to elect 3 parents to be on our SSC. Please use the link below to complete if you would like to nominate another parent for membership of the council or if you wish to self-nominate. All forms are due by September 4th at 5:00 pm. Forms submitted after this data/time, will not be considered.

Each year we conduct nominations and elections for English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Members. The main responsibilities of ELAC are:

-Attend 4 meetings throughout the school year

-Advise the school around educating our English Language Learner Students

-Partner with the school site council to analyze and modify the SPSA

-Provide feedback and input into the district's LCAP

This year, we need to elect 1 parent to be on our ELAC. Please use the link below to complete if you would like to nominate another parent for membership of the committee or if you wish to self-nominate. All forms are due by September 4th at 5:00 pm. Forms submitted after this data/time, will not be considered.

https://forms.gle/8KYVUanLRmeHcRzv9

Save the Date! We are so excited to celebrate our wonderful grandparents and special family members at Dry Creek’s Grandparent’s Day on September 4th! This is always such a special morning on our campus, and we can’t wait to welcome our Panthers and the important people who love and support them. Cost of attendance is $5 per person, adults and children. Ticket sales close on Tuesday, September 1st (11:59pm). Please purchase your tickets before the deadline!

Sports Updates

Cross Country Update

Start time: 2:30pm

Race Order:

1. 4th Grade Girls

2. 4th Grade Boys

3. 5th/6th Grade Girls

4. 5th/6th Grade Boys

September 4th:

-Cross Country Meet @ Alta Sierra

-Football Scrimmage vs. Pinedale @ Dry Creek

-Volleyball Practice @ Dry Creek

Applications due by September 4th

Dear Families,

This week, our school is focusing on the character strength of Teamwork. Teamwork means working well with others as part of a group. It involves being loyal, reliable, and dedicated to helping your team reach its goals.

People who are strong in teamwork desire to help all group members succeed, committing time and resources to the group's shared goals. Sometimes, this means setting aside personal achievements to ensure the team does well as a whole. By doing this, they create positive feelings and help form a strong bond among group members.

Being a good teammate benefits everyone. When students work together, they feel proud of being part of something bigger than themselves.

To practice and encourage the character strength of teamwork at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Pre-K–K

Grades 1–2

Grades 3–5

Grades 6–8

Grades 9–12

Thank you for your support!

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.

Reminders:

• Morning drop-off begins at 7:25 AM (unless your child is participating in a supervised school activity such as drama or leadership).
• Use designated curbside areas for all drop-offs and pick-ups. Please do not stop between parking stalls.
• If you choose to park, always walk your child across traffic using crosswalks or safe walkways.
• Pick-up must occur within 15 minutes of your child’s dismissal from school or any co-curricular activity.
• If your child is arriving late or leaving early, please check them in or out through the front office.
• Students who ride a bike or scooter to school must wear a helmet—it’s the law and a key part of staying safe on the way to and from school!

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

Clovis Unified provides free breakfast and lunch to all students each school day. Our healthy, nutritious meals help students stay energized, focused, and smiling throughout the day!

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/