Cardinal Crusader
March 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 March 14 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
Monday, March 14 —
School Board Meeting 7:00
Tuesday, March 15 —
Last Day -- Good News Club at 3:45-5:00
Mini Volleyball Clinic ~ Grades 4,5,6 ~ Girls 3:35-5:00
Wednesday, March 16 –
- 911 Class for students in K-2
Thursday, March 17 – Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
Mini Volleyball Clinic ~ Grades 4,5,6 ~ Girls 3:35-5:00
3rd Grade cub Scout Den Meeting 6:00-7:00
Friday, March 18 –
Mr. Dryden Pageant at the high school 7:00-9:00
Looking Ahead
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:
- 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
Thank You for your Support and Passing the Sinking Fund
SINKING FUND MILLAGE OVERVIEW
The sinking fund millage of 0.75 mills will raise approximately $399,000 over 3 years (i.e., $133,000 annually) to make major repairs to roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, driveways and bleachers; replace a fire suppression system; and install energy efficient lighting, a playground fence and an automated communications system.
With a 0.75 mill, there will 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.
The sinking fund millage is a limited property tax to fund major repairs and renovations. The tax is levied each year and the revenue generated from this levy is used to make the most urgent and major repairs and improvements identified by the school district. The school district can access the money on-hand to pay for projects as they are completed, but because the school district hasn't borrowed for the projects, the school district does not have to pay interest on the money Taxpayers will see the first tax on their December 2016 bill. Money is collected locally and comes to the school district on an annual basis – it’s considered a pay-as-you-go method. The money is collected locally; it stays local and does not go through Lansing. Projects could begin as early as the spring of 2017.
The sinking fund millage is a specific and restricted fund that can only be used for construction, renovation and major repair – 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, textbooks, technology software or equipment updates, or replacement of buses.
The law is very specific about what is considered an allowable use, and what reporting and audit requirements are expected. If it is found that the funds from a sinking fund millage were not used in accordance with the requirements outlined in the law, the school district would have to replace those funds from the operating fund, and could forfeit any additional millage revenues from the sinking fund levy and could not be allowed to levy a sinking fund millage again. Additionally, the school district is required to conduct an independent audit of its sinking fund on an annual basis, including a review of the uses of the sinking fund, and is required to submit the audit report to the Department of Treasury.
Money raised from the sinking fund millage will fund projects in the following areas:
o Summer of 2017 (Highest Priority Items)
Fire Suppression System (estimated at $85,000)
The high school fire suppression system is approximately 40 years old and needs to be replaced.
Bleachers (estimated at $6,000)
The foundation of the outdoor bleachers (i.e., football/track bleachers) at the high school is eroding and needs to be repaired.
Energy Efficient Lighting (estimated at $35,000)
Gymnasium lighting at both schools (i.e., high school & elementary schools) and cafeteria lighting at the elementary school is very old and needs to be replaced to optimize energy efficiencies. Replacing the gymnasium lighting at both schools and cafeteria lighting at the elementary school with LED lighting will conserve energy and save the school district a significant amount of money. For example, at the high school, it is estimated that $7,000 will be saved annually on utility costs alone. Additionally, new lighting will pay for itself within 3 years.
o Summer of 2018 (High Priority Items)
Roofs, Sidewalks and Staircase (estimated at $58,000)
High school and elementary school roofs are deteriorating and need major repairs, high school sidewalks need to be replaced, and stairs at the north end of the elementary school need major work.
Playground Fence (estimated at $15,000)
The elementary school playground needs a fence.
Bleachers (estimated at $20,000)
High school gymnasium bleacher seats are showing signs of fatigue and need to be replaced.
Automated Communications System (Metasys) (estimated at $22,000)
The school district needs to install an automated communications system to connect security, video surveillance, fire alarms, heating and cooling, ventilation and lighting for the purpose of improving energy and operational efficiencies in both buildings—bringing all independent systems together in an efficient and reliable manner to ensure that runtime, starts and stops are equalized across all building components.
o Summer of 2019 (Moderate Priority Items)
Parking Lots and Driveways (estimated at $150,000)
High school parking lots and service drives are falling apart and need to be repaved.
** Important Note: All of these aforementioned items perform a daily function in the operation of the school district and each of the district’s buildings have some type of
infrastructure needs, which would be prioritized annually by the Board of Education based on the availability of sinking fund dollars.
The sinking fund millage will enable Dryden students to learn and grow in a safe, secure and healthy environment; ensure the school district’s limited operating funds are available to support student learning; and protect the community’s investment in the school district’s buildings and facilities.
PTA Sponsored Grandparents Day and those considered Grandparents :)
Grandparents that are able to join us should meet in the elementary cafeteria at 8:30am to sign-in and enjoy some muffins and coffee. From there, you will be escorted by PTA volunteers to the various classrooms.
For lunch, feel free to bring your own OR there will be pizza provided by the PTA. Lunch is at 11:00. Kindergarten will eat in the cafeteria at that time while the 1st/2nd graders will eat in their classrooms.
Please RSVP or contact the office with questions at 810-796-2201.
Monday, Apr 25, 2016, 08:30 AM
Dryden Elementary School, North Mill 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.
"Wired to Move: The Difference in Boys' and Girls' Learning Needs"
Register now at 810-664-2737.
This workshop introduces participants to new research on how the brains of girls and boys are developmentally, structurally, and functionally different. Based on these differences, participants will learn helpful approaches customized to the distinctly different learning styles of girls and boys.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
This workshop is presented by Gloria Sherman, owner of Parenting with Great Learning Opportunities (GLO). She is a retired Middle School Counselor and has been providing consultation and presentations to parents and teachers individually and in workshops nationally for years.
Tuesday, Mar 29, 2016, 01:00 PM
Marguerite deAngeli Library
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
UMPIRES NEEDED 2016 SEASON DRYDEN HOMETOWN BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
DO YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAME ?
ARE YOU AT LEAST 15 YEARS OF AGE ?
DO YOU HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION ?
DO YOU WANT TO GET PAID TO ATTEND GAMES ?
IF YOU CAN ANSWER YES TO THESE QUESTIONS THAN WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU BECOME ONE OF OUR ELITE UMPIRES FOR THE 2016 SEASON
ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED
SIGN UP : MARCH 3RD, 8TH & 10TH
6PM TO 8PM @ DRYDEN ELEMENTARY
PLEASE CONTACT:
REBECCA SZYMANSKI
(586) 214-0362 OR EMAIL: BELLA.LIAMS.MOMMY@GMAIL.COM
(BE SURE TO PUT UMPIRE IN THE SUBJECT MATTER)
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
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.
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