Splash 9/7/25

Dear Dryden Families,

As the new principal of Dryden Elementary, one of my top priorities is to get to know our students and staff while fostering strong, positive relationships throughout our school community. This week, I had the pleasure of spending time in several of our classrooms, specifically with some of our amazing 2nd and 5th grade students. I brought along a few favorite books to share, and we had a wonderful time reading together and getting to know one another.

I want to thank Ms. Dietrich, Ms. Schindler, Ms. O’Sullivan, and Ms. Quick for warmly welcoming me into their classrooms. The students’ enthusiasm and curiosity were truly energizing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the thoughtful conversations we shared around the stories we read and while getting to know one another.

I’m very much looking forward to visiting the remaining 2nd and 5th grade classrooms in the coming days. My goal is to connect with every classroom at Dryden; reading with students, learning alongside them, and supporting our talented teachers. These visits are just one of the many ways I hope to build strong relationships throughout our school and make Dryden an even more joyful place to learn and grow.

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this incredible school community. I’m excited for all that lies ahead!

Warmly,

Jessica Martinsen

All Dryden students will take part in the district MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments between September 11 and 18, 2025. Classroom teachers will share specific testing dates and times.

MAP is a computer-based, adaptive multiple-choice test in reading and math. The difficulty of questions adjusts based on each student’s responses, providing a personalized assessment experience. Both assessments together take approximately 1–2 hours to complete.

For more information about district and state assessments, click here.

To help students feel prepared and confident, we recommend ensuring they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and receive positive encouragement at home.

Each year, Dryden students and staff take part in several required safety drills to help us be prepared for emergencies. Below is our schedule for this school year:

• Evacuation (Fire) Drills: August 28, 2025 • September 30, 2025 • October 28, 2025*
  On October 28, 2025, firefighters from the Arlington Heights Fire Department will join us for the drill.

• Lockdown Drills: September 9, 2025 • April 7, 2026
  These drills will be conducted with officers from the Arlington Heights Police Department.

• Shelter-in-Place (Tornado) Drill: February 24, 2026

*Please note that the date of the evacuation drill with the AHFD has been moved to October 28, 2025.

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.

Students and parents are invited to join Mr. Toerner on September 11th for a moment of remembrance. We will gather together at 8:45 am by the flagpole in front of the school to share a moment singing a few meaningful songs. This gathering provides an opportunity to pause together as a school community and reflect on the significance of the day.

A Special Evening for Parents

This evening is designed just for parents to learn more about the exciting learning experiences planned for the year ahead. Teachers will share important information about classroom expectations, curriculum highlights, and how we’ll support your child’s growth and success at Dryden.

Evening Schedule:
6:00 – 6:40 PM – Classroom Presentations (Grades 3–5)
6:25 – 7:05 PM – Visit with Specials Teachers & Support Staff
6:50 – 7:30 PM – Classroom Presentations (Grades K–2)

Hook-A-Book in the LMC 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Join us in the LMC for Hook a Book. $10 hooks a book for your student. They get to be the first one to check out our newest books. We will also place a special Hook a Book label inside with your dedication. Books then return to the library to be checked out by all. $10 cash or check.

Dryden PTA is excited to nurture our students’ love for reading by celebrating their Birthdays with a Birthday Book! Below are the dates each student is invited to stop by the Birthday Book table during lunch break, to select their book of choice. We celebrate birthdays monthly, so all students will have a chance to choose a book during their birthday month.

Here is the list of Birthday Book dates for the year:
September 11th - August/September birthdays
October 9th - October birthdays
November 13th - November birthdays
December 11th - December birthdays
January 8th - January/July birthdays
February 12th - February birthdays
March 12th - March birthdays
April 9th - April birthdays
May 14th - May/June birthdays

New Dryden families - please click the link below to view some of Dryden PTA’s events and activities planned for this school year. This is your opportunity to let us know which events you are interested in volunteering for. Returning families received this survey back in the Spring - but there are still volunteer opportunities available!

Please read the form's header and descriptions before you fill out and submit. If you have any questions about volunteering, please email drydenpta@gmail.com.

Thank you for being generous with your time and talents!

2025-2026 Volunteer Interest Survey

Get ready for a night of fun! Kindergarten-2nd Grade Activity Night is happening on Thursday, October 9, 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! Keep an eye out for an email with sign-up details so your child doesn’t miss out on the fun!

DirectorySpot (Dryden’s online Family Directory) is being updated to include new families and PTA Members. DirectorySpot information for the 2025-2026 school year should be available by mid-September. In order to have access to DirectorySpot, you must be a dues paying member of PTA - join the PTA today!

Become a Dryden PTA Member: https://sd25.revtrak.net/PTA/Dryden-PTA/#/list

Thank you to all who have signed up to contribute to Stock the Lounge! We still have a few spots open if you would like to contribute. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A48A9AE2DA3F94-58055869-dryden.

Didn’t get a chance to grab your yard sign at our first sale? Don’t worry — you can still purchase one! Our sale runs through September 11th. Signs are $15 each and will be available for pick up at Dryden on September 21st from 9:15–10:00 AM, alongside our Fall Mum Sale pick-up. Perfect time to grab your mums AND your sign to show off your Dolphin spirit and support! ❤️🤍

🪧 Order your yard signs by 9/11 here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/purchase-your-dryden-d-yard-sign-on-site-copy/items

Stock your fridge with goodies from Beer on the Wall! The PTA is partnering with Beer on the Wall for September’s Dine Out! The fundraiser includes all items you purchase to take home or enjoy in person. Make sure to mention Dryden PTA at checkout!

When: September 21 from 3pm-7pm

Where: Beer on the Wall at 2 N. Dunton

Fund the 'Phin is our biggest no-stress fundraiser of the year and our only direct donation appeal to the Dryden community. With your help, we can reach our $9,000 goal! Get ready to support our Dryden Dolphins!

Coming Soon - stay tuned for more details and be ready to donate on day 1!

Join Dryden PTA

Sync the Dryden PTA Calendar to your phone!

Shop Dryden Spirit Wear

Purchase Dryden Yearbooks

Subscribe to the Dryden PTA Newsletter

Connect with Dryden PTA on Facebook & Instagram!

A legal holiday in all states and Canada observed the first Monday in September. Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers.

A day to honor the victims who lost their lives in the attacks on September 11, 2001. On this day, we remember the victims at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and passengers of United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

A month to celebrate the rich heritage of Hispanic Americans and the many contributions they have made to American culture.

Celebrated Sept. 15- Oct 15

This holiday celebrates Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810.

Mexican Independence Day is a nationwide celebration. The country’s leaders were inspired by our own July 4 Independence Day festivities, so fireworks fill the skies at night and the day is filled with patriotic speeches, flag-waving, parades, live music, and feasts.

Jewish New Year and holy days. Days of Renewed Responsibility and the first of the High Holy Days. The traditional greeting during Rosh Hashanah is the phrase “Shanah tovah,” which translates to “Good year.”

*Date changes year to year