Dryden Splash |September 13, 2026

Don't miss important Notifications!
PTA Birthday Book
Remembering Patriot Day
On September 11, our Dryden community came together to pause, reflect, and remember the lives lost on that tragic day in our nation’s history. A heartfelt thank you to our music teachers, Ms. Weismann and Mr. Szuwald, for their thoughtful leadership and care in organizing our Patriot Day remembrance. Their dedication helped create a meaningful and respectful ceremony for our students, staff, and families. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this a powerful moment of reflection, remembrance, and unity within our Dryden community.
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
Spring 2026 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Reports
Parents and guardians, please keep an eye out for your child’s Spring 2026 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) results. Reports will be sent home via backpack mail on Friday, September 18. Be sure to check your child’s backpack for their IAR report.
MAP Testing | September 1 - 18
All Dryden students will participate in the district MAP assessments September 1 - 18, 2026. Classroom teachers will communicate specific testing dates and times. MAP is a computer-based adaptive multiple-choice assessment. Test questions adjust to each student's ability level as they navigate the assessment. There is one math assessment and one reading assessment, taking in total about 1 - 2 hours. More information about the district and state assessment can be found here.
A good night's sleep, nutritious breakfast, and gentle, reassuring, positive encouragement will help our students feel confident and ready to do their best.
Reminder: No Parking in the Southminster Church's Parking Lot
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Important PTA Dates
UPCOMING DATES
9/14: Stock the Lounge
9/14: Fund the ‘Phin Begins
9/15: Running Club
9/17: Bike Rodeo
9/21: NO SCHOOL
9/22: Running Club
9/24: Bike Rodeo Rain Date
9/24: First General PTA Meeting- 6:30pm Open Door, 7:00pm meeting in the Dryden LMC
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
Thursday, September 24, 6:30-7:00pm | Principal's Open Door
You’re invited to join us for our Principal’s Open Door meeting, a great opportunity to connect with Mrs. Martinsen, ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about what’s happening at Dryden this school year. This informal gathering is a chance to continue building strong connections between our school and families and to discuss topics that are important to our Dryden community. The meeting will be followed by the PTA’s first meeting of the year from 7:00–8:00 p.m. Both events are for adults only. We hope you’ll join us!
D25 Families: Heritage Fest Is Looking for Booth Hosts
Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights
Heritage Fest is looking for families to host booths celebrating their culture, traditions, and heritage. If your family has participated in a D25 Multicultural Fair, this could be a great opportunity to share your culture with the broader Arlington Heights community.
Heritage Fest is presented by the Arlington Heights Park District, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Arlington Heights Historical Museum, and Village of Arlington Heights.
Fund the 'Phin Launches Tomorrow!
Echo is inviting YOU to join the wave of giving and donate to this year’s campaign!
Fund the ‘Phin is our biggest fundraiser of the year and our only direct ask! This means no selling, no pledges, no running – just send in your donation! Any amount you can give makes a difference in helping us reach our goal. With your support, we can continue to provide the wonderful programs that benefit every Dryden student.
🌊The brightest waves are made when we move together – every dollar helps our school! 🌊
Donations will be accepted September 14th through October 5th via the link below or by cash or check sent through backpack mail. Please make checks payable to Dryden PTA.
❤️Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity in supporting our Dolphins! With every splash of support, our students shine a little brighter! ❤️
SAVE THE DATE: Family Bowling 10/3
Join us for an afternoon of bowling, pizza, and fun! Save the date of October 3rd. More info to come!
1st – 2nd Grade Activity Night | Save the Date!
Get ready for a night of fun! Our 1st & 2nd Grade Activity Night is happening on Thursday, October 15, from 6:00–7:00 PM in the Dryden Gym.
We will bring back some old favorites and try some new activities! The sign up email will go out at 7pm on September 24th to all 1st and 2nd grade families.
PTA Membership & Directory Spot
DirectorySpot (Dryden’s online Family Directory) is being updated to include new families and PTA Members. DirectorySpot information for the 2026-2027 school year should be available by early October. In order to have access to DirectorySpot, you must join as a member of the PTA each year - join the PTA today!
Save the Date: PTA Social Events
We have a fun year ahead! Mark your calendars for these upcoming PTA social events. More details and registration information will be shared as each event approaches - hope to see you there!