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Dryden Splash |September 27, 2026

Dryden Splash |September 27, 2026
Dryden Splash|September 27, 2026
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Don't miss important Notifications! Don't miss important Notifications!

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Please be sure to click the link BELOW the newsletter preview to view the ENTIRE newsletter. (The link will look like the screenshot below.) If you do not click the link, you will only be able to see approximately half of the newsletter in the preview window and may miss important information, deadlines, and sign-up opportunities. Thank you for taking a moment to open the full newsletter!
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PTA Bike Rodeo Fun!

Our PTA hosted another successful Bike Rodeo on Thursday, September 24! Our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade riders had a great time navigating obstacle courses while practicing important bike safety skills, including following the rules of the road and staying aware of their surroundings. A special thank you to our PTA volunteers and Officer O’Leary from the Arlington Heights Police Department for helping make this fun and educational morning possible. We love seeing our students build confidence while learning how to be safe and responsible riders!
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Safety First: Walking in the Crosswalk

A friendly reminder to all Dryden families that safety must be our priority during arrival and dismissal. Please always use the crosswalk when crossing, and never walk in the driveway or between buses. Students should not cross from the sidewalk into the parking spaces unless they are accompanied by an adult. These expectations are not only about keeping everyone safe, but also about modeling safe choices for our children. We cannot expect our students to make safe choices if we do not show them that we make safe choices, too. Thank you for helping us make arrival and dismissal safe for everyone!
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Safety First: Evacuation Drills

We held evacuation drills (also known as fire drills) on August 27 and September 24 as practice drills without assistance from the Arlington Heights Fire Department. Our third evacuation drill will take place on October 21, and the Arlington Heights Fire Department will be joining us for this drill. So, don’t be surprised if you see fire trucks in front of Dryden that day!

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Learning About Our Community Continues

As part of our “What is a Community?” social studies unit, Mrs. Stanhope’s and Miss Considine’s second grade classes enjoyed walking field trips to the Arlington Heights Police Department and Village Hall this week! Students had the opportunity to learn more about the important role our police officers play in keeping our community safe and helping people every day. A special thank you to the Arlington Heights Police Department and Officer O’Leary for spending time with our students, answering their questions, and teaching them more about how police officers serve and protect our community. What a great way for our students to learn from the people who help keep Arlington Heights safe!
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Get to know the Dryden Staff!

Have you ever wondered who helps make Dryden such a special place every day? Our Staff Visual Directory is a great way to learn more about the incredible team that supports our students and school community. Take a look to see photos of our staff members and discover fun facts about their families, hobbies, and favorite things. From favorite foods to weekend activities, there's so much to learn and love about the people who make Dryden feel like home. Check it out and get to know the friendly faces that help make our school amazing!


Click here to view the Dryden Staff Directory

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October 15th is Exclusion Date for students without completed health forms

We appreciate the families who have already submitted their child’s required health forms.

It is crucial that all necessary forms are provided to avoid any interruption in your child’s education as the State of Illinois REQUIRED EXCLUSION date of October 15th.

Our school nurses will be reaching out to families who need to submit updated information, so please be attentive to any communication via voicemail, email, or backpack mail. For any questions or further assistance, please visit our D25 Health Services page for the school nurse contact information.

Physical/Immunization Record:

  • Required for all kindergarten and new students

  • The physical must be completed within a year of school start, dated on or after August 20, 2025

  • Parents must complete and sign the health history section

  • Immunizations Requirements must be met or include a MD approved schedule of administration

  • Failure to submit the form and have it reviewed by the School Nurse prior to the OCTOBER 15th deadline will result in your child being EXCLUDED from school

Vision Exam Form:

  • Required for all kindergarten and students new to the state of Illinois

  • The exam must be completed by a licensed eye doctor and dated on or after August 21, 2025

  • The official State of Illinois Eye Examination form is required

  • Due date of October 15, 2026

Dental Exam Form:

  • Required for all kindergarten, second grade and six grade students

  • The exam must be completed by a licensed dentist and dated after November 15, 2025

  • The official State of Illinois Dental Examination form is required

  • This is due by May 15th, 2027

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Food & Nutrition Services

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.

Click Here to View Community E-Flyers
Dryden Student Absence Form
Click here to report your child's school absence.
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Important PTA Dates

UPCOMING DATES

9/27: Mum Pick-up, 9:15-10am at Dryden

9/27: Dryden Yard Sale Pick-Up, 9:15-10am at Dryden

9/29: Running Club

10/01: Kindergarten Activity Night

10/02: Custodian Appreciation Day

10/03: Family Social: Bowling at Beverly Lanes

10/05: Fund The ‘Phin Ends

10/06: Running Club

10/07: Walk to School Day

10/08: Picture Day Retakes

10/08: October Birthday Books

10/13: Chess Club

10/15: 1-2 Activity Night

10/20: Chess Club

10/27: Chess Club

10/30: Class Halloween Parties

11/03: No School - Election Day

11/09: Stock the Lounge

11/10: Chess Club

11/11: Veterans Day Events

11/12: November Birthday Books

11/12: 3rd - 4th Activity Night


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SPECIAL GUEST ALERT!

Echo the Dolphin will be making an appearance at dismissal this WEDNESDAY to help spread the word about Fund the ‘Phin, our biggest fundraiser of the year!


All donations through the end of day Wednesday, September 30th will be entered to win a Fall Fun S’mores Kit so Donate Today to Enter to Win!


Come say hi to Echo and help us FUND THE 'PHIN!


❤️Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity in supporting our Dolphins! With every splash of support, our students shine a little brighter! ❤️

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Fall Family Social: Bowling at Beverly Lanes!

Gather your family and friends and come out for an afternoon of fun at our Family Bowling event at Beverly Lanes from 1-3pm on October 3rd! For $75 per lane you get shoe and lane rental and of course your bowling ball of choice! Five active bowlers are allowed per lane at a time. Additional spectators are allowed and encouraged!


Can't make it for the full 2 hours, split your lane time with another family!


Pizza from Garibaldi's is also available to purchase through this sign up, prices include tax and tip. Pizzas will be delivered from Garibaldi's during the event. Drinks are available to purchase at Beverly Lanes.


A portion of the bowling and pizza sales will be donated back to Dryden PTA.


Register here! SPACE IS LIMITED so don’t miss out—reserve your spot today!

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Kindergarten Activity Night

It’s not too late to join in the fun of Kindergarten Activity Night on Thursday, October 1, from 6:00–7:00 PM in the Dryden Gym.


It’s going to be an evening full of games, laughter, and excitement for our youngest students! Parents are required to attend with their child. Sign up by Monday 9/28!



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Sign Up for Chess Club!

PTA Chess Club is returning this October and November! Students can learn to play chess during a portion of their recess time. New players will learn using No Stress Chess and experienced players will play regular chess. A sign-up link will be emailed on Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:00 pm. We will also be looking for parent volunteers to help out. Chess Club will take place on Tuesdays - October 13th, 20th, 27th and November 10th. Time slots will be during student recess times:


Grades K and 1 (12:30-12:50)

Grades 2 and 4 (12:10-12:30)

Grades 3 and 5 (12:50-1:10)


Register Here!


Please email rachelconklin@gmail.com or pmckenna87@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you!


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PTA Reflections Is Back!

This Year's Theme: "What My Culture Means to Me"

Culture is everything that shapes who we are: traditions, food, language, family, community, and the values we carry. This theme invites students to reflect on the people, places, and traditions that have shaped their lives, and share that through art.


Students might explore:


A family tradition or piece of heritage

Rediscovering part of their culture

How other cultures influence their own

How culture shapes their school, neighborhood, or community

Submission Categories:

Dance Choreography

Film Production

Literature

Music Composition

Photography

Visual Arts

How to Enter:

Pick a category and create your entry.

Need ideas & entry rules? Click here for more info: Crafting an Entry guide.


Please complete the Student Entry Form and submit it with your entry: Student Entry Form (PDF)

Deadline for Entries: Friday, November 6, 2026

Questions? Contact Reflection's Chair- Erin Felten: erincfelten@gmail.com


We can't wait to see how our students reflect on what culture means to them!

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Join Dryden PTA

Sync the Dryden PTA Calendar to your phone!

Shop Dryden Spirit Wear

Purchase a Dryden 2026-2027 Yearbook

Subscribe to the Dryden PTA Newsletter

Connect with Dryden PTA on Instagram & Facebook

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POLISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH POLISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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COLUMBUS DAY- October 12 COLUMBUS DAY- October 12

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INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY- October 12 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY- October 12

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