Dryden Community Schools

From the Superintendent

Dear Cardinal Families,

As we approach the holiday season and prepare to welcome a new year, I want to share how incredibly proud I am of the students, staff, and families of Dryden Community Schools. This semester has been filled with meaningful learning, spirited events, and countless reminders of what makes our small district such a strong and caring community.

While the holiday season invites reflection, it also opens the door to anticipation, and there is much to look forward to in Dryden. In the months ahead, we will continue to expand opportunities for students, strengthen our commitment to academic excellence, and celebrate the traditions that make being a Cardinal so special. From innovative classroom lessons to student-led leadership and service, our future is bright because of the exceptional people who make up this district.

I am grateful for the partnership we share with families and the ongoing support of our Dryden community. Your involvement, whether in the classroom, at events, or behind the scenes, helps us create a place where students feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

Looking ahead, December 19 is the last day of school in 2025. There is no school for staff or students from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2. School resumes on Monday, January 5, 2026. District calendars for both this and next school year can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.

I wish you moments of rest, joy, and connection during this winter break. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the new year. Here’s to a hopeful and exciting season ahead for Dryden Community Schools.

Yours in Education,

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

We are proud to announce that Dryden High School (grades 7 & 8) has been recognized as a U.S. News Best Middle School for the second year in a row. Schools were assessed on their pupils’ proficiencies in mathematics and reading, as measured by state assessment tests. Half of the ranking formula was the results themselves; the other half was the results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. In other words, the top-ranked schools are high achieving ones that succeeded in educating all of their students.

Stay updated on our progress with funds from the bond passed in May 2023 by using this checklist! We appreciate your continued support of our students, our schools, and our community.

On Saturday, October 25, our home and away bleachers were successfully removed to make way for exciting upgrades at the football field!

A huge thank you to Frank Coscione and the team at Frontier Carpentry for generously donating their labor, tools, and expertise to make this project possible. We also appreciate Coach Gall, Coach Peyerk, Mr. Tresnak, and our varsity football team for rolling up their sleeves and putting in the hard work, along with community volunteers Gary Marshall, Brian Cooper, Eric & Amber Willson, Nathan Spencer, Monica Valentine, Ben Orzel, and Chuck Wright.

We love seeing our community come together to support Dryden Athletics! Construction on our new bleachers has begun—stay tuned for progress updates!

We’re Hiring!

Dryden Community Schools is looking for dedicated individuals to join our team!

We have openings for:

Special Education Paraprofessionals
Part-Time Cook
Crossing Guard

If you’re passionate about supporting students and making a difference in our schools, we’d love to hear from you!

Call (810) 796-2201, (810)796-2266, or apply online below.

Apply here!

Dryden High School is proud to announce that Varsity Boys Basketball Coach John DelCampo earned his 300th career victory on December 1 with a 67–51 win over Memphis High School. The milestone marks another chapter in a remarkable career that has shaped the lives of student-athletes for more than four decades.

DelCampo began teaching at Dryden High School in 1979 and first took the helm of the varsity basketball program in 1982, leading the Cardinals during the 1982–84 and 1992–1997 seasons before moving on to pursue other opportunities. In 2014, he returned to the Dryden sidelines for a deeply personal reason: the opportunity to coach his son, John Patrick. That experience, he says, became one of the greatest joys of his life and the highlight of his coaching career.

Throughout his tenure, DelCampo has guided Dryden to multiple district and league championships, but he often emphasizes that his most meaningful victories are not recorded on the scoreboard. DelCampo often reflects that the most meaningful memories come from the relationships built with players and families—connections that last far beyond high school. He hopes his athletes remember that their time in the program made them not only better basketball players, but better people.

DelCampo credits the many coaches he observed over the years, noting that he learned by watching the strengths and weaknesses of a wide variety of coaching styles rather than looking to a single mentor. That broad perspective helped shape the steady, principled approach he brings to the court today.

Although he is humble by nature and quick to deflect attention, DelCampo has acknowledged how special this milestone feels. He shared that in the final minute of the game, the significance of the moment caught up with him. Looking around the gym, he saw a community filled with love and support, and the emotion of the presentation nearly overwhelmed him. In a message to supporters, he wrote, “I truly do not have the words to express to everyone how much I appreciate that you were a part of the journey to 300. From athletes, to friends, to parents, to family—I am lucky to have you in my life. With much love, thank you again.” He added, “I’ve never been a big ‘me’ person, but having so many people be a part of this is just overwhelming. I am one very fortunate man.”

DelCampo credits his family—especially his wife, Maureen, and his son, John Patrick—for their unwavering support, emphasizing that every accomplishment has been possible because of them. Dryden Athletic Director Brian Tresnak praised DelCampo’s impact on the school and community. “Coach DelCampo represents everything we value in high school athletics,” Tresnak said. “He builds strong players, strong teammates, and strong young men. His 300th win is a reflection of decades of commitment, integrity, and love for the game.”

Tresnak added, “We’re incredibly fortunate to have him leading our program. This milestone is well-deserved, and our entire community celebrates with him.” Dryden High School congratulates Coach DelCampo on this extraordinary achievement and looks forward to many more seasons of leadership, mentorship, and Cardinal pride under his guidance.

Introducing Tri-County Voltage Volleyball — Launching 2026!

Get ready to feel the energy… because a brand-new volleyball club is coming to the Tri-County area, and we’re turning up the power in 2026!

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of Tri-County Voltage Volleyball, a fresh, dynamic club built to inspire athletes, develop strong fundamentals, and create a high-energy volleyball community right here at home.

What to Expect in Our First Year:

• Exciting skill-building camps & clinics

• Beginner-friendly programs for new players

• Competitive training sessions for developing athletes

• Specialty camps to level up serving, passing, hitting & more

• A positive, supportive environment with a passion for growth

Whether you’re stepping on the court for the first time or leveling up your game, Voltage Volleyball is here to spark confidence, connection, and FUN. Our first round of camps launches in 2026 — details dropping soon! Be ready… spots will go FAST once registration opens.

Join our email list! - https://lclhhpcx.formester.com/f/GMmFihYov

Let’s build something amazing together!

Dear Cardinal Families,

As the crisp days of fall dissolve into winter and the year draws to a close, we have an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey we've shared so far and look forward with excitement to the possibilities of 2026.

This school year has been defined by incredible progress. We have watched your children embrace new challenges, collaborate on exciting projects, and achieve milestones in their academic and social growth. The energy in our hallways and classrooms—fueled by curiosity and supported by our dedicated staff—is truly inspiring.

Your partnership is the cornerstone of our shared success. We appreciate all you do to support your child and our school. Your continued commitment ensures that Dryden remains a vibrant and supportive place where every student can thrive. Thank you for investing your time and trust in our school community.

As the upcoming weeks bring the cherished traditions of the holiday season and a well-deserved break, I encourage you to disconnect from the daily routines, enjoy time with family and friends, make memories, and unwind. We hope you take immense pride in the resilience and progress your children have demonstrated so far this school year.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are ready to build on our momentum! On behalf of the entire Dryden Elementary staff, I wish you a holiday season filled with peace, love, and joyful connections. May the new year bring inspiration and continued success for our students, families, staff and community.

Warmly,

Stacey Abromaitis

Principal

Dryden Elementary

Shared Vision & Culture: As we continue our pursuit to emerge as a top elementary school, we are working intentionally to maintain the positive culture driven by our shared values of POSITIVITY, KINDNESS, GRATITUDE, and ASSUMING BEST INTENT. Thank you for respecting our Peaceful Pathway and Parent Code of Conduct.

New Faces: Welcome Ms. Reilly Finley (Special Education Paraprofessional), Mrs. Jessica Grogan (building aide), Mr. Ross Edson (2nd Grade Teacher), and Mrs. Gina Clark (Behavior Interventionist). We are excited for them to join our team!

Contact Info and Weather Alerts: Please ensure your contact information is fully up-to-date in PowerSchool so you receive timely alerts for snow days, delayed starts, or other urgent communications. If you have not been receiving our emails or text messages, please contact the main office immediately.

Outdoor Recess: Because it is so important for kids to get fresh air everyday; we will be going outside unless conditions are extreme. Children need to come to school prepared for the colder temperatures with appropriate outerwear: a warm coat, hats, waterproof mittens/gloves, boots, snow pants, and a scarf. Please contact the main office for confidential assistance.
Strive for 5 and Health & Wellness: We are doing our best to minimize the spread of illness. Please join us by keeping your child home if they exhibit symptoms that warrant doing so. Don’t forget to call the main office for absences and provide a doctor’s note whenever possible. And remember, we are Striving for 5 or fewer absences.
Food Service: Breakfast and lunch remain free this school year for all BK-6th grade students!
Support Our PTA: Our PTA is AMAZING! Please consider joining or volunteering. For more information, please email: drydenpta25@gmail.com
Early Learning Academy: Space may be available! For childcare (6 weeks - 3 year old preschool) and/or Cardinal Club, please contact Dr. Ryann Morley at 810-448-4085 or rmorley@drydenschools.org. For 4 year old Free Pre K for All or 3 year old Strong Beginnings, please contact Mrs. Koroleski at 810-448-4086 or lkoroleski@drydenschools.org.
Bond Work Update: It has been a transformational time for our school, and we cannot thank our community enough! There is new concrete/foundation work around the school. The gymnasium has taken on a whole new look with the windows on the north wall, the floor painted, and the newer and safer bleachers. Flooring was upgraded in almost half of the building, and windows were installed in almost every area. Colorful lockers were installed throughout the building and a couple of upper elementary classrooms were right-sized, too. Next up are replacing the floors in the other half of the building, more safety and security upgrades, and the south parking lot in conjunction with the village drain project- just to name a few.

The Giving Tree Library Wish List

Birthday Book Club Wish List

Are you looking for a holiday gift for your child, grandchild, or maybe a special friend? All the students at Dryden Elementary School are now part of the LEAF program and have a Childhood Savings Account! Maybe you can consider making a deposit in their CSA.

Seven years ago the LEAF program started in Lapeer County when our current sixth grade students were in Kindergarten. Each year we add on the Kindergarten class and, at long last, all of the students in the elementary school are part of the program.

The Lapeer County Education Attainment Fund (LEAF) is a children’s savings program brought to you by the Lapeer County Community Foundation, ELGA Credit Union and the Lapeer County Intermediate School District. LEAF provides kindergarteners with a savings account seeded with $25, and is designed to help students start saving for college or career training expenses. Currently all Begindergarten through fourth grade students in a public school in Lapeer County, including students at Dryden Elementary School, are enrolled in the LEAF program.

LEAF also provides financial education to students. Every year ELGA Credit Union staff come to Dryden Elementary school to help students learn about saving and planning for the future. This year our fourth graders, the oldest students in the LEAF program, took a field trip to the Dryden branch of the Oxford Bank.

The LEAF account is a CSA (Children’s Savings Account.) All savings are dedicated to career training/education after high school. This includes tuition for traditional 2/4-year degrees, professional training, or skilled trades’ certification. LEAF can also be used for other educational expenses such as lab supplies and textbooks. For more information, see the LEAF program under the elementary school on our district website.

Dear #proudcardinal Families and Students,

As we prepare to close out the year and head into a well-deserved holiday break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible spirit that defines Dryden High School. Each day, our students impress us with their determination, creativity, and kindness. Our dedicated staff continues to go above and beyond to support every learner, and our families remain true partners in helping us create a school community where students feel encouraged to reach their full potential.

The new year offers us something especially meaningful: opportunity. Opportunity for students to explore new interests, challenge themselves academically, and grow as leaders. Opportunity for our staff to continue developing innovative approaches that inspire curiosity and confidence in the classroom, and opportunity for families to stay engaged, celebrate progress, and support their students through every new milestone.

At Dryden High School, we believe opportunity is at the heart of learning. In the months ahead, we look forward to expanding programs, strengthening connections, and creating even more pathways for our Cardinals to thrive. Together, we will continue building a school environment where every student is known, valued, and empowered.

As you enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season, I hope you find moments of rest, laughter, and joy. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. I am excited for all the possibilities the new year holds for Dryden High School.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday,

Mary Finnigan

Dryden High School Principal

Dryden High School proudly welcomed ten new members into its chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) during an induction ceremony held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The ceremony recognized students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character—the five pillars of NHS.

The new inductees are Aiden Dunny, Levi Fitchett, Kai Grabowski, Juliet Hearold, Diana Lallbachan, Kayla Lapka, Gavin Prusakiewicz, Jaycen Roberts, Penelope Spencer, and Claire Wright.

They join current NHS members Mallory Barker, Caila Fitchett, Cara Prusakiewicz, Tyler Roberts, Luke Taylor, and Collin Tyrkus. The 2025–2026 NHS officers are Caila Fitchett, President; Cara Prusakiewicz, Vice President; and Mallory Barker, Secretary.

During the ceremony, new members recited the National Honor Society pledge, vowing to uphold the organization’s values: “I pledge myself to uphold the high purposes of the National Honor Society to which I have been selected; I will be true to the principles for which it stands; I will be loyal to my school; and I will maintain and encourage high standards of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Citizenship, and Character.”

Membership in the Dryden High School chapter of the NHS is a prestigious honor earned through both academic achievement and dedication to service. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply. Applicants must also demonstrate significant participation and accomplishment in leadership, service, and extracurricular activities, as well as strong character and citizenship.

“National Honor Society members embody the very best of what it means to be a Dryden Cardinal,” said Mary Finnigan, Principal of Dryden High School. “These students consistently demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving others. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to the many ways they will continue to make a positive difference in our school and community.”

The ceremony served as both a recognition of the inductees’ accomplishments and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with membership. NHS students at Dryden participate in numerous service activities throughout the year, including community events such as Trunk or Treat, the Easter Egg Hunt, and Red Cross Blood Drives.

Dryden High School congratulates all new and returning members of the National Honor Society for their dedication to the principles of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.

Dryden High School 8th grade students participated in the exciting career exploration event MiCareerQuest East at the Dort Financial Event Center in Flint. Hosted by GST Michigan Works!, the event invited students to engage in hands-on activities, meet industry professionals, and begin envisioning their future pathways in a variety of high-demand careers.

At the event, students visited interactive stations, tried out simulations, discovered emerging fields, and asked questions of working professionals. The experience is designed to help young learners understand the range of career options available in Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, and Tuscola counties.

“Our 8th graders had the opportunity to see first-hand what their future could look like,” said Kimberly Fleming, Counselor at Dryden High School. “Events like MiCareerQuest East are vital because they open students’ eyes to possibilities they may never have considered. It’s one thing to learn about careers in class — it’s another to experience them interactively and ask questions to professionals who are doing the work now.”

“I thought it was amazing!” shared Dryden 8th grader Charlee Bowerson. “You can go in cars and trucks! You can get tinsel in your hair, you can weld, you can do a bunch of technology and health stuff!” she continued. “I personally liked the cosmetology and automotive!”

Fellow 8th grader Nate Flores agreed. “It was really cool! I liked the rock wall and got info for my dream job,” Flores said. Classmate Ben Morris found multiple career options as well. “The MiCareerQuest was a very valuable experience to me for trying new things and trying to figure out what I want to do,” Morris reflected.

Sparking interest early in career pathways helps students build meaningful goals and equips them for success. As Dryden High School students continue exploring careers, they will be able to reflect on their experiences at MiCareerQuest East.

Dryden High School is proud to announce that senior Chloe DeLoy has been selected as the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award. This prestigious honor recognizes high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities.

Each year, only one senior is chosen from Dryden High School for this distinction, making Chloe’s recognition especially meaningful. She was nominated by her teachers and peers, who recognized her commitment to academic excellence, community service, and school leadership. “Chloe truly embodies the spirit of this award,” said Kimberly Fleming, Dryden High School Counselor. “She is dependable, compassionate, and consistently looks for ways to serve others. Chloe leads by example, and our school community is better because of her.”

Principal Mary Finnigan echoed this sentiment, adding: “We are incredibly proud of Chloe’s accomplishments, both in and out of the classroom. She represents the very best of Dryden High School, and her dedication to leadership and service makes her a role model for her peers. This recognition is well deserved.”

As the DAR Good Citizen Award recipient, Chloe is now eligible to participate in the DAR Good Citizen Scholarship contest, which includes submitting a personal statement and essay. The DAR Good Citizen Award and Scholarship Contest is designed to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. More information about the program can be found at www.dar.org.

Dryden High School is proud to celebrate the achievements of its students who earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program. The program, available on BigFuture®, helps students stand out on college and scholarship applications. Every year, talented students claim an award based on their achievement on College Board assessments, including the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and AP® Exams.

In 2025, the program offered three awards to students of all backgrounds and across schools nationwide: First Generation Recognition Award, Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, and, for the first time, the School Recognition Award, to honor top-performing students in every high school, including lesser-known schools.

This year, four students at Dryden High School were awarded.

● Zechiah Bryant: Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, School Recognition Award

● Chloe DeLoy: Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, School Recognition Award

● Caila Fitchett: Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, School Recognition Award

● Cara Prusakiewicz: Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, School Recognition Award

“We’re incredibly proud of our students and to see them recognized for their dedication and excellence,” said Mary Finnigan, Dryden High School Principal and Dryden Community Schools Superintendent. “This honor reinforces their exceptional achievements in high school and will support them in their pursuit of a big future.”

Students verify their eligibility during their sophomore or junior year by meeting the following criteria:

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT (10th, 11th), PSAT 10 (10th), and/or AP Exams (by the end of 10th).

• Earn a cumulative GPA of B+ or higher (at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) by the time of submission.

• Be one of the top 10% of test takers in their high school, among first-generation college students in their state, and/or among rural and small-town students in their state, OR earn a 3+ on 2 or more distinct AP Exams in the 8th, 9th, and/or 10th grade.

Dryden senior Caila Fitchett reflected, “I can’t express how grateful I am to receive such esteemed awards. Thank you to all the teachers who have supported me along this journey, and I won’t let this honor be wasted.” Classmate Cara Prusakiewicz echoed her sentiments. "I’m really honored to receive the College Board Rural and Small-Town Recognition and School Recognition Awards. It feels great to have my hard work recognized, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve had from my teachers and school,” Prusakiewicz commented.

The recognition serves as a signal for colleges eager to recruit awardees and as an opportunity for communities to celebrate students as they start a new school year. Thousands of nonprofit colleges and scholarship organizations using the College Board Student Search Service™ can connect with awardees during the recruitment process to share more about their postsecondary programs. “We are deeply committed to clearing a path for each and every student to take ownership of their future. We are excited that this program recognizes achievements of students across the country,” said Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board. “With the highest participation in the program’s history this year, we are proud to support these students on their future paths.”

Dual Enrollment

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).

Kimberly Fleming

Counselor

Dryden Junior/Senior High School

Dryden Early College Academy Enrollment

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.

Order your Yearbook here!

Attention #proudcardinal Class of 2026 Parents:
If you're looking for a great way to honor your 2026 graduate, consider purchasing a Recognition Ad in this year's yearbook. A 1/4 page ad costs $80. There are several formats from which to choose. Here are some examples from last year's yearbook. A limited number of ads are available and are sold on a "first come - first served" basis. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mrs. Palmerini at bpalmerini@drydenschools.org.

Click to Start Your Ad!

Whether it’s a first grader learning to dribble a basketball or a varsity athlete stepping onto the court for a championship game, sports are meant to teach lessons that last far beyond the scoreboard. Discipline, teamwork, resilience—and above all, sportsmanship—are values that we hope every student carries with them into adulthood. These values don’t magically appear when a student reaches high school; they take root early, on rec league fields, in youth gyms, and at elementary tournaments when children are watching the adults around them.

That’s why how we conduct ourselves as spectators matters. Players constantly look to the stands. They see how we respond to officials, coaches, opponents, and even our own children. They absorb our reactions, and those reactions become part of what they believe is normal and acceptable behavior. When adults model patience, respect, and humility, young athletes learn that competition is about more than winning—it is about character.

Unfortunately, not all moments in athletics reflect our best. Last year, I had to remove grandparents from a visiting school during a basketball game due to repeated foul language directed at our officials and coaching staff. That was not a moment I took lightly. These were adults—people who were there to support their grandchildren. Yet their behavior created a hostile environment that had no place in a school gymnasium. It was disappointing, and it was a stark reminder of what we risk when we let emotions override respect.

Our goal as a district is to create athletic environments that uplift students and encourage growth. That means cheering with passion, but maintaining composure. It means questioning calls or expressing frustration in the right way, at the right time, through appropriate channels—not shouting down officials or berating coaches who are working to support our kids. Officials, coaches, players, and fans all share the same mission: to provide meaningful, positive experiences for young people. As we look ahead to another season, I ask every member of our community—parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents, alumni, and friends—to help us promote the kind of sportsmanship we would want our own children to model. Celebrate effort, not just the outcome. Show empathy, even in defeat. And remember that the example you set from the stands will outlast any final score.

Together, we can ensure that athletics truly serves its greatest purpose: building better people.

Mr. Brian Tresnak,

Athletic Director