Dryden Community Schools Newsletter

The 141st graduating class of Dryden Junior/Senior High School.

We wish them the best of luck!

Dear Cardinal Families,

Over the past month, the Class of 2022 participated in activities planned just for them: College Signing Day, Prom, Senior Luncheon and Walk Through, Parade of Graduates, Awards Night, Commencement Exercises, and the Project Graduation All Night Party. My favorite senior event, though, remains the Dryden Memorial Day Parade, when graduating seniors walk hand-in-hand with graduating kindergarteners. Seeing the outgoing students welcome the incoming youngsters warms my heart. This year, it reminded me that while the seniors are looking back on their school years, the kindergarteners are looking ahead with anticipation for what their future holds. As the 2021-2022 school year winds down this week, we are doing the same as our students: looking both behind at the past and ahead at the future.

This school year, we celebrated our students' success and supported them through our neighbor's tragedy. Dryden students at varying grade levels attended dances, placed in a statewide essay contest, learned to read, shouted from the student section, enrolled in college courses worth 386 credits, devoured books, perfected their art skills, won games and lost some while learning humility and sportsmanship, shared their opinions, mastered multiplication, succeeded in EdTech competitions, joined clubs, grasped difficult concepts, and built relationships with their classmates and teachers.

What does the future hold? We're not fortunetellers, but we do know this: whatever the summer and next school year have in store for us, we will experience it together. We are beyond proud to consider all of you members of our Cardinal family, and we look forward to strengthening our bond as time progresses. This summer, please take time to relax, unwind, and create family memories that we can look back on with a smile.

Please reach out to us if we can help you or your family in any way.

Yours in Education,

Mary Finnigan

Superintendent

The School of Choice window is now open through August 25, 2022. Applications MUST be submitted by August 25 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 22, 2022. If you have any further questions, please contact Lori Hall at 810-448-4090 or at lhall@drydenschools.org

As we say farewell and best wishes to these retiring Dryden Community Schools employees,

let's take a moment to hear from them about their Dryden experience.

"There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests get together to work toward the same goals." This quote says it all. In the thirty years that I've been part of this family, I've seen both the most positive and unfortunate circumstances, but the one constant has been the positivity and resilience that Dryden Community Schools has shown.

I am so fortunate to have had the best students, parents and colleagues.

I have been with Dryden schools since 2001 and have enjoyed working with the staff and students. I will miss seeing everyone and will continue to sub in the kitchen as needed. It is time for the next chapter in my life to travel with my husband, Tom, riding snowmobiles and our Harleys. Good luck to all the new students!

Having worked at Dryden Community Schools for 25 years has given me so many great memories and experiences. There's something about teaching children and watching them grow up from preschool age to graduation that will forever stay in my heart. This was the best job ever! I loved doing what I did and wouldn't change it for the world. Thank you for many wonderful years.

Throughout my educational career, I have worked with students from pre-kindergarten through the university level. It gives me great pleasure to end my library days here at Dryden, where the faculty and administration welcomed me with open arms, and I cannot thank them enough for making me feel a valued member of their teaching community. I may have started this journey as a Raider, but will proudly end it as a Cardinal!

Dear Cardinal Families,

This week marks the end of our school year with three half-days of school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (June 8, 9, and 10). 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.

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

Congratulations to Caitlin Belleville, who earned her Associate of Arts Degree from Macomb Community College! A Dryden Early College student, Caitlin completed college courses while still in high school and has completed her degree as a 13th-year student. She plans to attend the University of Michigan Flint to study Business in the fall. We're so proud of you!

Congratulations to Reed Hall, who earned his Associate's Degree in General Studies from Macomb Community College! A Dryden Early College student, Reed completed college courses while still in high school and has completed his degree as a 13th-year student. Reed plans to earn his Bachelor's Degree at Northern Michigan University and will begin coursework there in the fall. We're so proud of you!

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.

College Signing 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 Signing Day event took place on May 2. 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, May 7, Dryden Community Schools proudly celebrated our students' achievements during the 10th annual Fine Arts Festival. K-12 student art was displayed in the library and hallways, the Dryden Bands performed a concert, and the Drama Club presented their production of Shoestring Theatre.

Thank you to all who attended and supported our students!

Dear Cardinal Families,

As our 2021-22 school year comes to a close, I would like to take a moment and reflect. We have seen a year filled with ups and downs, tragedy, triumphs, and miracles, and through it all we have remained strong. It is my sincere wish that when you look back, you think of the many many days filled with hope and happiness and have reverence for those that weren’t. I would also like to thank each one of you for making my first year at Dryden Elementary one I won’t soon forget. Being here has taught me immeasurable lessons and filled places in my heart that I didn’t expect, and for that, I am forever grateful.

On behalf of the entire staff, we appreciate your trust and support and are so thankful that you share your child(ren) with us. We are committed to continuous improvement and know that together we are better. Our students, families and staff are first-rate, top-notch, and second to none!

Parents and families can help with summer learning loss (a.k.a summer slide) by encouraging reading and practicing basic math facts. To assist with this, students will come home with math facts and books for summer reading. Mrs. Knox has two days planned, July 1st and August 1st, to get together at school and celebrate reading. Don’t forget, the Dryden Library also has summer hours.

We have a list of summer projects and are excited to get them started so that we can be fresh and ready for the new school year in August. We plan to make some building and grounds improvements, as well as enhancements to our programs, curriculum, and enrichment offerings.

A couple of quick reminders:

• The elementary office hours are 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday, from June 13-June 23. The office will reopen on August 1st at 9:00 a.m.

• The 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.

• Childcare: Monday-Thursday

• Infant room 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

• Cardinal Club (latchkey and preschool) 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

• Closed July 4th and 5th and August 15-19.

• Kindergarten Readiness: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., June 13-July 21. We will be closed July 4th and 5th.

• Cardinal Camp (summer school): Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m-12:00 p.m., June 13 - July 21. We will be closed July 4th and 5th.

• The SnoCone Social: August 17th from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (more information to follow regarding school pictures, PTA, immunization clinic, etc.)

• The first day of school is August 22nd!

Perhaps you are dreaming of or planning a vacation, trips up north or to the beach/pool, or maybe just a staycation around home. Whatever your summer brings, I hope you find time to spend with those you love and make memories. I look forward to seeing you soon! As always, please feel free to reach out if I can help or be of service.

Sincerely,

Stacey Abromaitis

Principal

Dryden Elementary

Keep your students reading through the summer months to avoid the “summer slide.” Visit the Dryden Township Library and allow students to self-select their own books, or stop by the Free Little Library located outside the front entrance of the school to choose a book. Students in grades K-1 can also use the weekly-themed reading and art schedule that was distributed to students after Memorial Day. Students in grades 2-5 can continue their progress on the 500 Books before Middle School Challenge. Information and handouts about all of these programs can be found on the media center website at www.drydenmediacenter.weebly.com or access it under “Dryden Elementary School” on the district website at www.drydenschools.org

Register for the Imagination Library

The Student Library Board presented a check to the Imagination Library Fund of the Four County Community Foundation with the proceeds from their April Coin War.

Registration is now open for all 0-4-year-olds to sign up for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Children will receive a brand new, FREE book each month through their 5th birthday! See the Dryden Elementary Media Center website for a registration form.

We have enjoyed watching all of our student-athletes participate in a variety of 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 2022-2023 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 an Urgent Care. (https://www.mhsaa.com/Schools/Forms-Resources)

2. A signed concussion form. This form is available online. (https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/pdfs/custom/headsupconcussion_parent_athlete_info.pdf)

Both documents must be turned into the office for each student-athlete to get a practice card. This card will verify that you are eligible to play and have the necessary paperwork on file in the office. You will not be allowed to try-out or practice without this card. If you have any questions about athletics, please visit our page: https://www.dryden.k12.mi.us/page/athletics.

All High School sports practices/tryouts will begin as follows for the 2022-2023 School Year:

• Fall Sports

• Aug 8

• Football*

• Cross Country

• Volleyball

• Football Sideline Cheer*

• Winter Sports

• Nov 14

• Girls Basketball

• Competitive Cheer

• Nov 21

• Boys Basketball

• Basketball Sideline Cheer

• Bowling

• Spring Sports

• Mar 13

• 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, feel free to contact the coach for more information. (https://www.drydenschools.org/page/sport-coach-contacts)

We also provide the following Junior High Sports for students in grades 6-8 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), Softball (7th & 8th only-hoping to start this season)

As always, Go Cardinals!

Ms. Loraine Brinker

Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

#PROUDCardinal

Coach Johnson

Skylar Graham

Ashley Hickmott

Joanna Livingston

Audrey Napolitano

Jenna Peters

Jessica Peters

Leni Ritzenhoff

Kierstyn Stankevich

*Co-op Team with Imlay City*

Coach Buffo

Jacob Buffo

Jacob Burgess

Owen Gall

Merrick Maris

Jase Tank

Dain Raymond

Coach Cherry

Aiden Fitchett

Audrey Napolitano

Ava DeVlaminck

Delaney Wolle

Hunter Parks

Jackson Spencer

Keira Miller

Kierstyn Stankevich

Lily Finnigan

Matthew Hickmott

Michael Stickler

Noah Hall

Olivia Stickler

Sean Finnigan

Sebastian Rager

Sophia Peter

Jalynn Delmotte

Connor Wolff

Coach Grondin

Lola Abromaitis

Haley Adamson

Mikayla Fleming

Avery Grondin

Ashley Hickmott

Jade Insley

Rilynn Lindsey

Madison Maday

Addie Tresnak

Becca Weiss

Coach Barker

Charlie Fliedner

Dylan Ledford

Joe Breeding

Josh Harris

Marty Barker

Mason Stofcheck

Michael Hickmott

Owen Gall

Sonny Coscione

Tommy Giles

Zack Lemke

If you're interested in joining the Cross Country team,

please join the Remind group by texting @drydencr to 81010.

June 13

July 11

August 8

September 12

October 10

November 14

December 12

All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.,

will be held in the Dryden High School Library,

and are open to the public.

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