Dryden Community Schools Newsletter

Dear Families,

If you don't like the Michigan weather, wait five minutes! While this phrase explains the roller coaster of temperatures (and the multitude of potholes) we've experienced lately, it does not describe the atmosphere we aim to maintain in our schools.

We are proud to provide consistency for our students. With guidance, high expectations, and a large dose of love, we are a steady presence in the lives of your children, and we are honored that you have made Dryden Community Schools your choice for education. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly.

We are here to support our students as they navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom, and we look forward to working with you to ensure their success.

As always, please reach out to us if we can support you in any way.

Yours in Education,

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

Dear Cardinal Families,

We are more than halfway through the third marking period and are approaching Spring Break (March 28-April 1). Our students continue to make us proud of their accomplishments in all aspects of their education, and we look forward to a strong finish to the school year.

As the warmer weather approaches, please encourage your student to keep working diligently toward completing work and earning passing grades. Assistance from teachers can be received during office hours, via email or virtual meetings, or through Google Classroom sites.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help in any way.

Warmly,

Mary Finnigan

Dryden Junior/Senior High School Principal

The Dryden Junior High Spelling Bee was held on February 10, 2022, in the Dryden High School Multi-Purpose Room. The champion was 8th grader Caila Fitchett, who will represent Dryden Junior High in the Lapeer County Spelling Bee on March 22, 2022, at the Lapeer County Education and Technology Center. Caila’s winning word was “texture”.

The following students also participated:

7th grade: Mikey Luciano, Jared Taylor, Bishop Wilson

8th grade: Cara Prusakiewicz

Dryden Elementary and Junior High students had an opportunity to enter their writing in the annual Elks Americanism Essay Contest. This year's essay prompt was “What does it mean to love your country?”. Writing was submitted by Levi Fitchett, Logan Korth, and Cara Prusakiewicz.

First, second, and third place winners in each of two divisions from the local Lapeer Area Elks Lodge received cash prizes and will represent our area in the state level competition with an opportunity to be recognized at a national level.

Cara Prusakiewicz was awarded first place in the 7th & 8th grade division, and Levi Fitchett earned 2nd place in the 5th & 6th grade division. Winners were invited to a burger dinner at the Lapeer Elks Lodge, where they shared their essays and received their prize from Lapeer Exalted Ruler Jo Grossbauer.

Congratulations, Cara and Levi, and good luck in the state competition!

State testing, which includes the M-STEP, PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and Michigan Merit Exam (MME), is currently scheduled to begin the week of April 11.

The testing schedule will be shared with parents prior to Spring Break.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Fleming

Counselor, Dryden Junior/Senior High School

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).

OPPORTUNITIES WITH SIX HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERS!

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.

Dear Cardinal Families,

I hope this message finds you well. The first semester is behind us, and we are almost midway through the second semester. WOW! Our students and staff have been working tirelessly this school year. I am proud of our accomplishments and progress so far and recognize we still have work to do on the path of continuous improvement.

As you can imagine, we have a lot going on here at Dryden Elementary. You can find more detailed information in the monthly newsletters, but here is a brief list:

• Mrs. Evola has joined our staff as a mental health therapist. We are excited she is here and see the positive impact already. If you have questions, please feel free to contact her directly at (810)448-4017 or kevola@drydenschools.org

• Mrs. Ciaramella has joined us in the EI program to help support our students. You can reach her directly at (810)448-4003 or cciaramella@drydenschools.org

• The Positivity Project- All students in K-6th grades participate daily in lessons and activities to promote our social-emotional learning.

• March is Reading Month!- Not only is our whole school reading the same book (The World According to Humphrey), we have fun activities planned each day. Be on the lookout for some special guest readers, too.

• Our M-STEP schedule is being finalized. The test window is from April 11- May 6. Please remember that all students in grades 3-6 need to take the M-STEP test.

• The final round of NWEA testing is scheduled to take place in May.

• Summer School- Look for more information to come on our program for Summer 2022.
  
  

Thank you for your kindness, support, encouragement, and passion in making our school a better place. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. We are here to help!

Sincerely,

Stacey Abromaitis

Principal

Dryden Elementary

The Elementary Spelling Bee took place on Thursday, February 10. After ten amazing rounds, we finally had a winner, 6th grader Levi Fitchett.

Levi will represent Dryden Elementary at the Lapeer County Spelling Bee on March 22, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lapeer County Education and Technology Center. Good luck, Levi!

Dear Elementary Families,

During the month of March, Dryden Elementary School is embarking on an exciting project once again—a school-wide reading club called One School, One Book. Every BK-6 elementary student and staff member received a copy of the same chapter book. The title was revealed at our kickoff assembly on March 1st. We are reading The World According to Humphrey by Betty Birney!

This is our second year participating in the project. We received such positive feedback from last year’s book, Upside Down Magic, we just couldn’t wait to do it again! In a nutshell, this is how the book club works: Each evening, following the reading calendar that was sent home, families are asked to read the designated chapter. The following day, students are asked trivia questions about the previous night's reading. In addition, there are several classroom and school-wide activities to unite the student body around the book. With the entire school reading the same book, there is definitely a buzz of excitement in the building!

Through the One School One Book program, the goal is to build a community of readers that includes students, parents, teachers, and other school staff. We are personally asking everyone to make time in their nightly schedule to participate in this special event. The benefits of reading aloud to children are remarkable, even to those who are old enough to read by themselves. Not only will these nightly reading sessions enrich the literacy skills of your children, but they will also promote discussion and family bonding.

We excitedly anticipate this journey through the land of literature together!

Sincerely,

Dryden Elementary Teachers & Staff

Student Library Board Formed

This semester students in the 3rd – 6th grades were able to apply to become a member of the Student Library Board (SLB). The goal of the group is to plan special reading programs for their peers, share their love of reading with others, and help to keep the media center organized. Twenty-three students are members of the board.

So far, students have created a Padlet where they are sharing their favorite book recommendations with others. Go to https://padlet.com/dknox37/booktalks to view the titles they have suggested.

Currently, the SLB is working on a couple of literacy fundraising goals. The 3rd & 4th graders are planning a Coin War for April to raise money for the Friends of the Imagination Library Fund, a part of the Four County Community Foundation. The goal is to provide the postage for all Dryden resident preschoolers (ages 0-5 years old) to receive one book a month for five years which would equal 60 books each. The new books would be provided for free from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The 5th & 6th graders are planning to present a funding pitch in the Four County Community Foundation’s Grant Tank program (similar to Shark Tank) for a new and exciting literacy experience at the elementary school…we’re still keeping it a surprise for now!

Website Now Up and Running

The media center now has a hub for the entire school’s online resources. It includes information about March Reading Month, online books, online web resources for K-2 and 3-6, pages for classroom research projects, and online teacher resources. Check it out at www.drydenmediacenter.weebly.com or access it under “Dryden Elementary School” on the district website.

Thank You for your Generosity

A big thank you to all who donated a new book to the library from our Giving Tree Wish List. Amazingly, 77 brand new books now have a place on our library shelves. Each book displays a name plate thanking its donor.

For more information or to register for the Cardinal Early Learning Academy, click here:

https://www.drydencardinalacademy.com/

Kelly Fuerst

Central Administrator

Cardinal Early Learning Academy

Our winter sports season is coming to a close. For those that are not able to attend events in person, watch your Cardinals on the NFHS Network. https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/

The MHSAA State Tournaments have started.

• The Bowling Regional took place on February 25 and 26. Everyone bowled well and had a great time. We did have a Singles qualifier: Congratulations, Joanna Livingston! She finished 10th overall at Regionals. At the Singles State tournament on Saturday, March 5 in Battle Creek, Joanna bowled games of 154, 147, 105, 132, 138, and 164 for a 43rd place finish.
• The Girls Basketball District started with a win. On Wednesday, March 2, the Lady Cardinals defeated Peck in the District Semi-Finals at Mayville. They played in the District Final on Friday, March 4, and lost to Genesee Christian, 55-23.
• The Boys Basketball Districts will begin this week in Dryden. Our Dryden Cardinals will play on Wednesday, March 9, against Genesee Christian at 7:00 p.m.
• All tickets for the State Tournament will be pre-sale ONLY through GoFan, with no tickets available at the door. Please follow the link to purchase your tickets. (https://gofan.co/app/school/MI9945)

All spring sports will start on March 14! The following sports are available this spring:

• Baseball (High School & Junior High)
• Golf
• Girls Soccer (co-op w/Imlay City)
• Softball
• Track & Field (High School & Junior High)

For any student who wants to participate in our Spring Sports Season, please make sure you have a current physical. This can be picked up in the office or found at the following link: https://www.mhsaa.com/portals/0/Documents/health%20safety/physical2page.pdf

The schedule can be found on our school website or at this link:

https://www.drydenschools.org/page/athletics

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you outside!

As always, Go Cardinals!

Ms. Loraine Brinker

Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

#PROUDCardinal

Stacey Abromaitis

Dryden Elementary School Principal

Loraine Brinker

Athletic Director

Dryden Junior/Senior High School Assistant Principal

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

Dryden Junior/Senior High School Principal

Email: MFinnigan@drydenschools.org
Website: https://www.drydenschools.org/
Location: 3866 Rochester Road, Dryden, MI, USA
Phone: 810-796-9534
Facebook: facebook.com/DrydenCommunitySchools
Twitter: @DrydenSchools