Smore logo
remove_red_eye 632
page background
Logo

Dryden Splash |September 21, 2026

Dryden Splash |September 21, 2026
Dryden Splash|September 21, 2026
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Don't miss important Notifications! Don't miss important Notifications!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map
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!
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

PTA Stock the Lounge

A huge thank you to our amazing PTA and our Dryden families for showing our staff so much love this month! The PTA organized a wonderful Stock the Lounge event, filling our staff lounge with individual snacks, fresh fruit, canned pop, sparkling water, and plenty of treats to enjoy throughout the day. These thoughtful gestures mean so much to our staff and are such a wonderful reminder of the incredible Dryden community we have. Thank you for taking such good care of our teachers and staff!
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Bike & Scooter Safety Reminder

We love that our students make the healthy choice to ride bikes and scooters to school! Once students arrive on school property, however, all bikes and scooters must be walked. Our arrival areas are crowded, and riding creates a risk of accidentally hitting a younger student, an adult, or veering into the path of a bus or car. Please remind your child to dismount and walk their bike or scooter as soon as they enter school property.
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Learning About Our Community!

As a part of our "What is a Community?" social studies unit, our second grade students in Ms. Quick’s and Ms. O’Sullivan’s classes enjoyed walking field trips to the Arlington Heights Police Department and Village Hall this week! Students had the opportunity to learn more about our local government and the important people who help keep our community safe and running smoothly. A special thank you to the Arlington Heights Police Department and Officer O’Leary for spending time with our students and helping educate them about the important work they do. Ms. Stanhope’s and Ms. Considine’s classes will be heading out this week, and we look forward to sharing photos from their adventures in next week’s Splash!
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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

Reminder: No Parking in the Southminster Church's Parking Lot Reminder: No Parking in the Southminster Church's Parking Lot

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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.

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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.
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Important PTA Dates

UPCOMING DATES

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

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

FUND THE 'PHIN!!!

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! ❤️


FUND THE 'PHIN!


User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Family Bowling Afternoon – Join the Fun!

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.


Registration will be emailed on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 at 7:00pm. SPACE IS LIMITED so don’t miss out—reserve your spot today!


User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Dryden PTA General Meeting on September 24th!

Please join us for our first PTA General Membership meeting of the school year. The meeting will take place on Thursday, September 24th in the Dryden LMC. We will be joined by Principal Martinsen at 6:30 pm for an open door Q&A, followed by our PTA meeting at 7:00 pm. Come meet the board and learn about what PTA is working on for the year - this is a great opportunity to become engaged and get involved! No RSVP necessary. See you there!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

Help Dryden Earn $2,500!

Become an annual member of the ABC/25 Foundation for $40 and help Dryden secure the $2,500 Membership Incentive Grant ! This grant is awarded when 25% of the school’s families become members of the ABC/25 Foundation. In previous years, we have utilized this grant to purchase social-emotional posters, a new Echo statue, a sensory regulation room, and a makerspace in the LMC loft!


Your membership, along with any additional donations, helps fund another grant program specifically geared towards AHSD25 teachers, providing exciting new resources for the classroom! Our previous teacher grants have included Dash Robots, bilingual talking dictionaries, Osmo, dramatic play costumes, books, and so much more!


Your membership covers all District 25 schools that your students attend, plus you’ll receive free access to the ABC/25 STEAM events!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Dryden's Fall Bike Rodeo - RESCHEDULED to 9/24

Our Fall Bike Rodeo had to be postponed this week! But don't fret! Our rain date is Thursday, September 24th. Same time. Same place. Get ready for a fun morning and don't forget your helmets! If you signed up to volunteer, or to have your child participate, you should have received an email from our chairs - Nick Federowicz and Travis Broeker.


User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

Chess Club Sign Up is Coming Soon!

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)


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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map

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!

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

LABOR DAY- SEPTEMBER 7 LABOR DAY- SEPTEMBER 7

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

PATRIOT DAY- SEPTEMBER 11 PATRIOT DAY- SEPTEMBER 11

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

ROSH HASHANAH (Begins September 11) ROSH HASHANAH (Begins September 11)

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY- SEPTEMBER 16 MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY- SEPTEMBER 16

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size

YOM KIPPUR (Begins September 20) YOM KIPPUR (Begins September 20)

User uploaded image
zoom_out_map Show in original size
Dryden Elementary School
Empowered to Learn!
Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter