Welcome to the Family!
Meet Your New Cardinals
New Faces Join Dryden in the 2021-2022 School Year
A huge #proudcardinal welcome to our new staff members!
Let's get to know them!
Mrs. Stacey Abromaitis
Why did you choose Dryden?
It is a combination of perfect timing along with the opportunity to come home and give back to our amazing school and community.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am looking most forward to building on what we have and working with our students and families, the exceptional staff, and the community to move our school to the next level.
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I grew up in Dryden, attended Dryden schools, live in the community with my husband and children, our four children attend(ed) our schools, and we own a local business. I am passionate about education, our school, and our community!
Mrs. Jamie Adams
Why did you choose Dryden?
I love the tight-knit community of Dryden. I grew up in a small town on the west side of the state, and Dryden feels like home in many ways.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to connecting with my students, colleagues, and the community. I am looking forward to teaching my first graders more about becoming avid readers and writers! I love to read, so sharing that joy with my students is something I am very excited about!
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
My husband Dylan and I live in Oxford and have two kids: Caden, who is 14 and will be a freshman at Oxford High School this year, and Carmen, who is 12 and will be in 7th grade at Oxford Middle School. We also have an 8-year-old boxer-shepherd mix named Jax. In my free time, I love to read, go on hikes, practice yoga, and kayak. I am very excited to be joining the Dryden family and getting to know everyone!
Mrs. Lisa Birkett
Why did you choose Dryden?
My family moved to Oxford and Dryden is close to home. I have heard wonderful things about the community and love the friendliness when I visit.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I look forward to meeting my new students and their families. I am also excited to be working with my new teaching team!
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I attended Oakland University. I majored in Elementary Education with a focus in math and science. I also have my master's in Educational Administration. This is my nineteenth year teaching. I have experience teaching 3rd grade, 5th grade, and middle school math and science. I am a mother of three: JT, Lauren, and Ellen. I am a dance, hockey, and soccer mom. I have some specific goals for the year. First, I will do my best to make school enjoyable; I want your child to love learning. I believe all children can experience success. I would like them to be as enthusiastic about reading, literature, and writing as I am. I implement extensive hands-on approaches to math and science. I hope students will develop lasting friendships with their peers. I will be focusing on leadership, teaching, and modeling the seven habits to create respectful, self-driven, and motivated students. Finally, I believe that when teachers and parents work as a team, children are more successful! I look forward to meeting you this fall.
Mrs. Jessica Bonesteel
Why did you choose Dryden?
I want to be part of something amazing. The district's reputation and dedication to helping its community is the reason I went into education.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
It’s my first year in upper elementary. I am looking forward to becoming a better teacher and hope to motivate students at this level to fall in love with learning.
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I have years of experience but all in the younger years, appreciate guidance and feedback, and want to make a difference. I got married this year and have three children, three stepchildren, and hosted three exchange students…family, camping, and traveling are my absolute passions!
Ms. Alyssa Gorski
Why did you choose Dryden?
I know that Dryden is especially committed to promoting creative opportunities for children, and this is something that interests me personally. I am excited to become a part of such a committed team and add my own skills and experience to further strengthen the high-quality experience that Dryden Elementary offers its students.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I cannot wait to build relationships and make memories with my new fourth graders!
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
That I am very eager to meet and get to know all of the staff and students at Dryden Elementary!
Mrs. Breanne Palmerini
Why did you choose Dryden?
My husband and I moved to Dryden at the end of 2019 and we have made this our home. I'm excited to be a part of the community.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Meeting my new students! I'm also excited to build strong learning practices and skills to carry them to the next level and beyond. I love to read and I can't wait to share my passion for books to help get kids hooked.
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I am an animal lover! I have two horses, a mini horse, ten chickens, three cats, and a dog. My husband and I love working outside and riding horses.
Mrs. Laura Sawicki
Why did you choose Dryden?
I went to Dryden Schools when I was young. It feels like I’m home again!
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Meeting Dryden students and their families and engaging students through stimulating activities.
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I am married to my husband Eugene, have two adult sons, Andrew & Aaron, daughter-in-law Emily, step-grandsons Liam and Logan, and have a new grandbaby on the way, Eleanor! We live in Capac. I love to garden, try new recipes, create earrings, and travel. I am a Dryden alumni!
Mr. Kevin Shute
Why did you choose Dryden?
Dryden is a wonderful small town and loving community. I appreciate getting to know almost every student in every graduating class.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I'm excited about teaching high school courses.
What would you like your new Dryden family to know about you?
I am a State and Regional Champion Bowling Coach.
Dryden Community Schools
Email: MFinnigan@dryden.k12.mi.us
Website: https://www.drydenschools.org/
Location: Dryden, MI, USA
Phone: (810) 796-2266
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drydencommunityschools
Twitter: @DrydenSchools