Cardinal Crusader
February 2016
DRYDEN ELEMENTARY
Home of the Young Cardinals
We are Dryden Elementary
Email: rdowney@dryden.k12.mi.us
Website: www.dryden.k12.mi.us
Location: 3835 N Mill Rd, Dryden, MI, United States
Phone: (810) 796-2201
Twitter: @DESPrincipalD
Week of February 15
Monday, February 15 —
NO SCHOOL
5th/6th Grade Girls Bball 3:35-4:30
4th-6th Boys Bball practice 5:00-6:30
Tuesday, February 16 —
Good News Club at 3:45-5:00
Wednesday, February 17 –
- 4th-6th Boys Bball practice 5:00-6:30
Thursday, February 18 –
Principal of the Day Connor Smith (1st grade)
5th/6th Grade Girls Bball 3:35-4:30
3rd Grade Cub Scout Den Meeting 6:00-7:00
Friday, February 19 –
5th/6th Spelling Bee at 2:00
Looking Ahead
February 24 - 100th Day of School
March 2 - Sinking Fund Informational Meeting 7:00pm at the high school
March 8 - Sinking Fund Millage Election
March 22-24 - Fire Prevention Classes
March 25 – 28 Good Friday – Easter Monday – No Classes
March 31 - Preschool/Kindergarten Roundup
April 4 – 8 Spring Break – No Classes
April 15 End of Marking Period
April 21 Parent Teacher Conferences - Elementary and High School
May 30 Memorial Day - No Classes
June 14 - 16 Exams - Half Day for Students
June 16 Final Scheduled Day for School - End of Second Semester
Upcoming PTA Events:
- Daddy Daughter Dance - Saturday, February 20th 6-9pm
- Mother Son event - TBA
- Bingo-March
- Duffy Scholarship Road Rally- March/April
- Mom to Mom Sale- April 23, 8am-1pm
- Moms N Muffins- April 26 & 27
- Grandparents Day- April 25
- Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-6
- Dads N Donuts TBA
- Carnival - June
Sinking Fund Informational Meeting
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are writing to provide you with important information about a sinking fund millage proposal that the Board of Education has placed on the March ballot. On Election Day, March 8, 2016, voters of the Dryden School District will be asked to consider a sinking fund millage proposal of 0.75 mills for 3 years. If approved by voters, this sinking fund millage will raise approximately $133,000 annually or $399,000 over 3 years for the purpose of making major repairs to district roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, driveways and bleachers; replacing a fire suppression system; and installing energy efficient lighting, a playground fence and an automated communications system.
A sinking fund allows the school district to pay for major repairs and renovations without having to borrow money or pay interest. A sinking fund generates revenue, but does not need to be paid back to a third party with interest like a bond. In addition, the sinking fund is a specific and restricted fund that can only be used for construction, renovation and major repairs—not salaries, benefits or even routine maintenance. School districts are not allowed to use sinking fund dollars for operating expenses such as teacher, administrator or employee salaries or benefits. Sinking funds must be kept separate from the district’s operating funds.
Over the past nine years, severe cuts in state funding for public schools have delayed necessary repairs to buildings as the school district has worked hard to protect the learning that takes place in the classroom. A sinking fund would help keep general fund dollars in the classroom. Without the millage, major facility repairs would be paid for with operating funds that would otherwise go to support educational programs for students.
With a 0.75 mill, there would be a tax of $0.75 per every $1,000 in taxable value of a home. For example, the owner of a home with a market value of $100,000 and a taxable value of $50,000 would be taxed $38 annually (or $3.17 monthly) for 3 years. Likewise, a home with a market value of $125,000 and a taxable value of $62,500 would pay $47 annually. As one final example, a homeowner with a home worth $150,000 and a taxable value of $75,000 would be taxed $56 per year.
We are also writing to invite you to a sinking fund information night. This information night will be held in the Junior/Senior High School Library on Wednesday, March 2; meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. School officials and Board members will be on hand to answer sinking fund questions.
Additionally, we have attached a list of frequently asked sinking fund questions and answers that might be of interest to you. If any of your questions remain unanswered, please feel free to contact us at (810) 448-4090.
Please accept our very best wishes,
Dryden Board of Education
Wednesday, Mar 2, 2016, 07:00 PM
Dryden Junior/Senior High School, Rochester Road, Dryden, MI, United States
Do you have questions regarding the Sinking Fund?
Sinking Fund Millage Election Day
Tuesday, Mar 8, 2016, 07:00 AM
Dryden Township Offices, Dryden Road, Dryden, MI, United States
SAVE the DATE - PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN Roundup
Kindergarten and Preschool Roundup for Dryden Elementary School will be on Thursday, March 31, 2016 for children who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2016. The following times have been set up for your convenience:
Thursday, March 31: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
If you have younger children, you can sign up for one of our Preschool Programs. We have a tuition-based program available for children 3-5 years old and a free Great Start Preschool program for qualifying families.
We ask that you bring:
- Child’s original birth certificate
- Immunization record
- Proof of residency
- Bring your prospective kindergartener for hearing and vision testing
If you have any questions, please call the elementary school at 810-796-2201.
Insurance Questions?
Did you know....
Things to consider:
1. Is your current doctor part of the new plan
2. Is the hospital the one you want
Click the link below for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources
Math Fact Challenge
Dear Parent,
Building math fluency, specifically through math fact practice, is a critical skill that we are focusing on helping our students improve. At school, we are dedicating 10 minutes of class time daily, as well as, using our Technology class for additional practice.
But for a ten-week period we are challenging our students to practice their math facts at home for 10 minutes per day, five days a week and are requesting your help in this endeavor.
As part of the ten week challenge though 1st-6th graders may earn ONE of the following rewards:
Return all 10 of the weekly practice at home sheets = Mystery Field Trip
Return 8 or 9 of the weekly practice at home sheets = Movie Day at school
Return 7 of the weekly practice at home sheets = Pizza for lunch
Make sure to contact your child’s teacher regarding their expectations and/or ideas for how practicing at home might be accomplished.
Monday, Jan 25, 2016, 08:30 AM
Your Child's Classroom
Are We Going Outside for Recess?
School Hours 8:35am-3:35pm
Students dismissed to classrooms at 8:25
Morning Drop Off
Afternoon Dismissal
Cardinal Club (Latchkey)
Lunch Price Changes
PARENT CORNER
Family Literacy Center
Call Family Literacy Center at 810-664-2737 for more information and to register your child.
New Family Play Groups for the New Year
Free play groups for children (birth to 5 years) and parents, grandparents, or caregivers. Have fun while learning through song, play, friendship, and crafts. Children will enjoy a snack, social time with other children, and a free book.
NOTE: All sessions are held at the Marguerite deAngeli Library, 921 W.. Nepessing St., Lapeer
January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16 - Tuesdays - 10-11:30 am
February 22, 29, March 7,14, 21, 28 - Mondays - 10-11:30 am
April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10 - Tuesdays - 10-11:30 am
New Ready, Set Go Workshops for the New Year
This is an entertaining FREE workshop for 3-5 year olds and parents/grandparents/caregivers. Enjoy FUN learning activities that will help develop your child's skills and prepare him/her for school..Children also enjoy a snack, story time, and a free book. Siblings are welcome!
NOTE: All workshops are held at the Marguerite deAngeli Library, 921 W.. Nepessing St., Lapeer.
Thursday, January 21, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 28, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 22, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 21, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 19, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 23, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
From the Desk of Superintendent Dr. Richards
Inclement Weather
According to most meteorologists, the winter for us this year should be warmer because of what is being called a Godzilla or Super El Nino. It is being compared to the strongest El Nino ever recorded, which was in 1997. That year, mudslides made a mess in California, tornadoes tore through Florida, and the Southeast was deluged with floods. Only in the Midwest did people get off easy with a mild winter.
Although I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for a mild winter, frigid cold, more snow and ice may soon be upon us (YUCK!). As you can imagine, the decision to close school is quite complex. For example, the school district covers a large territory, with extreme terrain variations. Conditions in one area of the school district can be quite different from another area of the school district. Additionally, weather patterns and conditions can change suddenly, without warning.
On days when the weather is questionable and the schools are open, parents always have the right to keep their children at home if they do not believe their children should go to school. Under no circumstances should parents risk the safety of their children. If parents feel that driving conditions are dangerous or will become worse, they are encouraged to use their best personal judgment regarding attendance. Students will be excused.
Mission Statement
- To provide an educational foundation of academic excellence that promotes responsible social, civic, and ethical conduct.
Vision Statement
- Passionate teachers developing 21st Century Skills for all students
- An individualized and challenging curriculum
- Commitment to a safe, technology-rich learning environment
- Encouraging community and family engagement
Human Development Commission's Walk for Warmth
If you have any questions, please contact Brenna Cavanaugh, Sandi Klein, or Tara Dunham at 810-664-7133.