Dryden Splash |September 21, 2026

Don't miss important Notifications!
PTA Stock the Lounge
Bike & Scooter Safety Reminder
Learning About Our 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
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
9/21: 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
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!
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! ❤️
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!