Dryden Community Schools Newsletter

Dear Families,

The Dryden High School Class of 2023 graduated on May 25. Their high school years are behind them. This summer, they will transition to the next chapter of their lives by going to work, attending military training, or preparing for college or trade training in the fall.

The Dryden High School Class of 2035 will graduate this week. Their elementary years are in front of them. These kindergarteners will start 1st grade in the fall.

Our students from Kindergarten through 12th grade and all of their accomplishments this school year are a source of pride for us. In the classroom, in clubs and service, and on the courts, tracks, diamonds, and fields, our students shine.

We wish the best for our new graduates and their futures. May all of your dreams come true!

Have a wonderful summer, and we'll see you in the fall!

Yours in Education,

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

Thank you, voters, for your support of our May Bond Proposal. We appreciate your trust in us to be responsible financial stewards and allocate money in the best interest of our students.

The sale of bonds takes place at the end of this month. Funds to begin projects should be received at the end of July or early August. Administrators will meet with the construction manager this week.

Copies of our building plans have been delivered to the project architect so we can start planning more secure entrances, and preparation is underway for roof replacements at both buildings.

The School of Choice window is now open through August 24, 2023. Applications MUST be submitted by August 24 to either the High School or Elementary School secretaries.

School of Choice applications can be found on our website at the link below. Please feel free to contact Lori Hall at lhall@drydenschools.org or 810-448-4090 for more information.

All incoming Begindergarten, Kindergarten, and 7th Grade Students must be up-to-date on their immunizations by this fall. Lapeer County Health Department has the Tdap., Meningitis, and Chickenpox (varicella) vaccines along with all CDC and ACIP recommended vaccines available for children needing them to meet school requirements.

Call 810-667-0448 to see if your child’s immunizations are up-to-date before the new school year this fall. If you choose to get a waiver, you must make an appointment with the Lapeer County Health Department to receive one.

Please mail, bring to the high school office, or fax to 810-796-3698, a copy of your child’s updated immunization record on or before Monday, August 21, 2023. If you have any further questions, please contact Lori Hall at 810-448-4090 or at lhall@drydenschools.org

Dear Cardinal Families,

This week marks the end of our school year with three half-days of school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (June 7, 8, and 9). Students will attend each of their classes for an extended exam period, and school will be dismissed at 10:35 a.m. each day. High school students may be taking an exam or completing a project; junior high classes do not have exams.

Dryden High School's summer office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for the months of June (beginning June 12), July, and August (until school starts). The building is closed on Fridays.

Thank you for your endless support of our students this year. We are proud to work with our students and their families to create successful learning opportunities for all, and we wish you a happy and healthy summer break filled with lasting memories.

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

College Decision Day is a national celebration of all high school seniors and transfer students, especially those from low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation college-going backgrounds who have committed to pursuing higher education — whether at a community college, a four-year college or university, or a professional training program, or by joining the military. Former First Lady Michelle Obama started celebrating College Signing Day at the White House as part of the Reach Higher initiative. As the tradition continues, we were thrilled to take part in a network of over 2500 events nationwide right here in Dryden. Celebrating our seniors' success means more than a party; it means they know we are proud of their hard work, invested in their futures, and excited to see what they do next.

Our College Decision Day event took place on May 1. Seniors were encouraged to wear a shirt with the name of their chosen school, program, or military branch.

Students completed four stations:

1. Intention: students decorated the Commons Area windows with their higher education commitment

2. Photos: students had an opportunity for group pictures

3. Gratitude: students wrote a thank you note to someone who has helped them reach their goals

4. Advice: students signed a banner giving advice to underclassmen

On Saturday, April 27, Dryden Community Schools proudly celebrated our students' achievements during the 11th annual Fine Arts Festival. K-12 student art was displayed in the library and hallways, the Dryden Bands performed concerts, and the Drama Club presented their production of One Stoplight Town. Thank you to all who attended and supported our students!

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,

As another school year comes to a close, take a moment to reflect. Let’s choose to focus on the positive and persevere in our commitment to continuous improvement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the voters for their support of our recent bond. We are excited to get projects rolling here at Dryden Elementary! And on behalf of our entire staff, thank you for your continued support and trust in us. We are honored to be part of your child’s educational journey.

As you know, Summer Slide is real and can have a lasting impact on students. Let’s work together to reduce the Summer Slide. We have two main activities planned. First, Cardinal Camp (Summer School) begins June 13th. If you would like to sign your child up, please see the flyer below. Space is limited. Second, Mrs. Knox is partnering with the Dryden Library in several fun activities this summer. Please see below for more information. At home, families can read and write every day, practice math facts together, participate in game nights, go on mini adventures, set goals and celebrate achievements, and/or take a virtual field trip to help prevent learning loss.

Here are a few general reminders:

• Summer hours for Dryden Elementary are 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Thursday, from June 12 - June 29. The office will reopen on July 31st at 9:00 AM.

• School playgrounds will be closed to the public when summer programming is in session. Please see posted signs for more information/guidelines, including those regarding hours and supervision.

• Cardinal Camp will run from June 13th - July 20th (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Closed July 4th and 5th

• Kindergarten Readiness: Tuesday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, June 13th - July 20th; Closed July 4th and 5th.

• SnoCone Social is August 16th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM.

• First day of school is August 21st and will be a half day.

• Summer ChildCare: June 12th - August 10th; Monday - Thursday from 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM; Closed July 3rd - 5th.

• If you are in need of information for Fall registration for our Cardinal Early Learning Academy or Cardinal Club (Latchkey), please contact Mrs. Pocius or Ms. Fitchett at 810-448-4085.

• GSRP is accepting applications now for the 2023-24 school year. Please contact Mrs. Koroleski and Mrs. Rhodes for more information: (lkoroleski@drydenschools.org) and (krhodes@drydenschools.org)

• We are accepting School of Choice applications for Fall through August 24th.

Summer brings a plethora of exciting opportunities. Some of us may vacation or take a quick trip. Others may visit the local beach or pool. Let’s not forget it’s also a time to relax and recharge, to play, and maybe even to have a little less structure on occasion. Regardless of your summer plans, I hope it is one filled with laughter, love, and the best memories. We look forward to seeing you in August!

Sincerely,

Stacey Abromaitis

Principal

Dryden Elementary

For more information or to register for the Cardinal Early Learning Academy, please contact me or Rachel Fitchett at (810)448-4085.

Ginger Pocius

Central Administrator

Cardinal Early Learning Academy

We have enjoyed watching all of our student-athletes participate in various sports this year. Nearly half of the students at Dryden Schools play at least one sport. We would like to see more of our students playing with their friends next year and boost participation. Please encourage your classmates or students to get out there and join a team.

All students interested in playing sports in the 2023-2024 school year will need the following on file in the office prior to playing.

1. A PHYSICAL on file PRIOR to any conditioning/practicing. The form can be picked up at the HS office or printed from the MHSAA website. Student-athletes can get their physicals at their doctor’s office or Urgent Care.

2. A signed concussion form. This form is available online.

Both documents must be turned in to the office. You will not be allowed to try out/practice without these documents. If you have any questions about athletics, please visit our page.

All High School sports practices/tryouts will begin as follows for the 2023-2024 School Year:

• Fall Sports

• Aug 7

• Football

• Cross Country

• Volleyball

• Football Sideline Cheer

• Winter Sports

• Nov 6

• Competitive Cheer

• Nov 13

• Bowling

• Boys Basketball

• Basketball Sideline Cheer

• Nov 20

• Girls Basketball

• Spring Sports

• Mar 11

• Baseball

• Golf

• Softball

• Track

• Girls Soccer*

(* Cooperative with Imlay City)

Coaches will host conditioning & summer workouts throughout the summer. Please check out the Dryden Community Schools and Dryden Athletic Boosters Facebook pages for more details. If you have any questions about a sport, contact the coach for more information.

We also provide Junior High Sports for grades 6-8 students throughout the school year.

• FALL Sports will start on the 1st day of school

• Cross Country

• Volleyball

• WINTER Sports

• Basketball

• Girls: Nov-Dec

• Boys: Jan-Feb

• SPRING Sports will start after Spring Break

• Track

• Baseball (7th & 8th only)

As always, Go Cardinals!

Ms. Loraine Brinker

Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

#PROUDCardinal

Dryden Basketball will be hosting Steve Cramer Basketball Clinics on June 16th. “We are thrilled to have Steve back,” said Dryden varsity coach John DelCampo. “He has done clinics here in the past and the players had a tremendous experience.”

Steve Cramer is a former overseas pro and college athlete. He has coached at the high school and junior high level in the U.S. and in Germany. He trains thousands of athletes each year from throughout the country. He is known for his intensity and detailed instruction. “The players in the past have really benefited from the clinics,” said DelCampo.

The clinics are for both boys and girls and are held at Dryden High School. There are two sessions - Session 1 is for players entering grades 9 through 12. This clinic will focus on offensive skills. It is from 9 am to 12 pm. The cost is $25 for Dryden students and $30 for non-Dryden students.

Session 2 is for players entering grades 5 through 8. This clinic is an overall skills clinic. It runs from 1- 3 pm. It is $15 for Dryden students and $20 for non-Dryden students.

“His intensity at his clinics is amazing. He really relates to the players,” said DelCampo.

Forms are available at Dryden High School and Dryden Elementary School. They can also be obtained by emailing Coach DelCampo at coachdelcampo@aol.com.

There are a limited number of spots available. Everyone is encouraged to enroll as soon as possible.

Four County Community Foundation holds several funds that award grants directly to your local community. Grants support your schools, your museums, your food pantries, your local parks and trails and so much more. Consider donating to your Community Fund today!

Your donation will come right back to your local community.

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