Dryden Memorial

I have children in Grades 1 and 3 at Dryden and they both started there in Kindergarten. Since new administration has come in this year, the school has improved greatly. As an active parent, I can see that students and parents as well as teachers seem to have a better feeling. Everyone is made to feel welcome and parents are made to feel like family. The principal is never too busy to talk to anyone. She makes time for all and is a pleasure to deal with. My children are happy and learning. This school recently received 2 awards for MCAS and are tops in the city. This is a school that will go places now. Already, in just a few months, the principal and faculty have accomplished so much. Many programs have been brought in that enrich the students education. Hurray for the new principal and her staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 3rd grade and my son in his 1st yr of Pre-K. We have only great words to say about our school. The principle is receptive and the teachers go above and beyond in every way! The kids are both doing amazing and love going to school. We are very pleased with the academic and social areas that our school has provided. The entire staff treats us like family!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has attended Dryden Memorial since grade one. This year the school has been a great disappointment to me. I strongly feel the lack of leadership and resources may well be the reason for my child not performing as well as other students from various schools within the same grade. I have been in past years satisfied with his progress. I feel the schools needs new leadership to achieve better standing in respect to other local schools. I would hope within the next few years the educational leadership at Dryden changes hands.
—Submitted by a parent

I hear that Dryden is a top performing school and they may be on tests but, I have not seen it this year. My child has been left behind, not because he is below average but, just the opposite and he is bored in school and not being challenged by his teachers. Every child should have an IEP. I think the schools focus too much on the test scores and how the school looks. I've brought my concern to my child's teacher, to the Principle and the the superintendent's attention with no resolution that will benefit my child for the remainder of the year. I'm sure that would hate to lose his test scores as he is one the top two students in his grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Dryden Memorial School is one of the best schools in Springfield. The Principal, Miss Dryden, is wonderful with the children and always has time for the parents. She instills great morals and values in each of the children that attend the elementary school. The level of parent involvement is substantial due to the family atmosphere in the school. Everyone is helpful and friendly. The teachers are fantastic and are always willing to meet with you at a moments notice. Miss Dryden, along with all of her teachers, give 100 percent of themselves to make sure each student will achieve their ultimate goals. Hats off to Miss Dryden and her elementary school!
—Submitted by Tanya Champagne, a parent

Principle will not take a parent's concerns seriously. Upon discussing my concerns with the principle regarding my child, she told me only what I wanted to hear to pacify me and nothing changed. She is fond of giving lectures to the parents on the phone or in person if she feels that the parent has no basis for their concern and she backs her teachers no matter what, whether you feel they were in the wrong or not. The conduct or performance of her teachers is not open for discussion, whether she leads you to believe it is or not and they are her teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This school, in contrary to the other reviewer, has a problem with overpunishment. Specifically one 5th grade teacher and the councilor. My daughter came from Glenwood Elementary. Glenwood is much better and she did great there. I know my daughter isn't a saint, but she is wholly very good because I am strict at home. On several occasions she was punished based on hearsay with no proof. On another occasion, she came forward to the teacher and told about an incident that happened on the bus. She was not punished then for that incident, BUT was punished later in the day by the teacher for a completely different incident that she didn't do! Her teacher is fond of cattiness. On top of this all, this school has no real gym or music classes.
—Submitted by a parent

Great administrative leadership with true family atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent