Sunday, February 25, 2018

Where the Magic Happens

This is one of my favorite graphics, as it reminds me of how important it is to step outside of our comfort zones and try something new from time to time.

Our Variety Show is the perfect example! It truly was a magical evening as our students shared their talents, passions and creativity on stage in front of a live audience. 






This special event would not have been possible if it weren't for many awesome volunteers! We had many former Dolphins return to Dryden to help out as well as many parents. We are so grateful for their support!

During a parent presentation about Internet safety and digital citizenship, Assistant Principal Mrs. Beane helped many of us think outside our digital comfort zone about conversations and precautions we can take with our children to support their safe online behavior. By doing so, we can help our students utilize the Internet for many positive and productive purposes that can enhance our lives and relationships. 

 Teachers and students are encouraged and supported to safely step outside their comfort zones in the classroom. This class is working together to retell a story in a creative and entertaining way as they take turns around the circle. 

These students are examining properties of matter and realizing there's a lot more to it than just "solid, liquid or gas". 

Techniques for making two-dimensional artwork look three-dimensional as well as painting with complementary colors is the focus of this creative art lesson.

Yo! Never in my life did I think I would be rapping on stage! Thanks to the encouragement of this AWESOME group of teachers and their willingness to take this risk with me, I stepped outside my own comfort zone and rapped on stage at the Variety Show. It was exhilarating! I am so proud of the way they are modeling and encouraging our students to try new experiences, follow their interests and find their passions to help make this world a better place! Word!




Saturday, February 17, 2018

Love & Kindness



 We have been fascinated by the Winter Olympics this week at Dryden! What a special treat to receive this handmade gold medal from our students!

Our Student Council developed the slogan "Build On, Build Strong, Build Happiness!" to encourage our students to work creatively and cooperatively together in the snow. Rather than ruining a snow creation that someone has started at recess, students are joining in to build on to what has already been started. Their positive efforts have been so impressive!



Dryden Kindness Ambassadors have been hanging hearts with caring messages all around Dryden. Students and staff are welcome to "Take What You Need" - an uplifting message or positive reminder about how special and important each person is. It's wonderful to see the smiles this group brings to so many students and teachers. 

Another group of students took the initiative to find ways to help our custodians. They did a great job cleaning up and organizing our Lost and Found!

We had so much fun celebrating our friendships at Dryden on Valentine's Day! Thanks to our awesome PTA, students participated in so many fun games and crafts!














Sunday, February 11, 2018

Warmth in the Winter

The Chicago area has seen its share of snow and freezing temperatures over the past few days, but there are so many wonderful ways we are experiencing "warmth" this winter!

We shared our appreciation for Mr. Poteracki, our awesome crossing guard, on National Crossing Guard Appreciation Day! Rain, snow, sleet or shine, we can count on Mr. Poteracki to greet us with a warm and friendly smile every day!

The PTA Dryden Dolphin Book Clubs are under way! Thanks to PTA volunteers, students can stay inside during recess to read and talk about some great books. This year's books focus on the theme of kindness. 



Fourth grade students have been busy creating a Native American museum to show how different tribes lived in different regions of the United States long ago. It's interesting to think about the shelter, tools, clothing and food they had to survive in this kind of weather hundreds of years ago!





In art class, these second grade students have been creating Picasso portraits with wood and paint. The vivid colors and patterns brighten our days during the frigid winter. 

Students found all kinds of meaningful ways to spend Global School Play Day in the classroom! By observing children as they play, we are so impressed to see the ways they plan, persist, collaborate, problem-solve, imagine, innovate, role-play, invent, share and make decisions. This helps us think of ways we can make our work and learning feel more like "play"!