Doherty Digest

• 10/13 Fall Picture Day (Flyer below!)
• 10/15 Late Start 11:10 AM
• 11/4 No School
• 11/12 Late Start
• 11/18 Evening Conferences- Elementary
• 11/21 Half-Day 12:12 Dismissal, Afternoon Conferences

Doherty Community,

One of the ways we continue to strengthen our school community is through our Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) program. Each month, our school focuses on a specific character trait that helps students grow not only as learners, but also as kind, responsible members of our community.

For the month of October, our focus is on Empathy — understanding and caring about how others feel. Throughout the month, students will learn what empathy looks and sounds like in everyday situations—listening carefully to others, offering help when someone is upset, or simply showing kindness through words and actions.

Our teachers and staff will be on the lookout for students who demonstrate empathy in big and small ways, and we’ll be recognizing these students as our “CKH Character Champions” for the month.

We encourage families to join us in this effort by talking at home about what empathy means and finding simple ways to practice it together—like checking in on a friend, being a good listener, or showing appreciation for others.

Thank you for helping us make empathy a daily habit at school and at home. Together, we’re continuing to build a culture of kindness, respect, and connection where every student feels seen and valued.

Warmly,

Daniel Spitzley

The recently approved State budget includes Universal Meals. Free breakfast & lunch will continue all year with no interruption.

Voting Locations

Sinking Fund Replacement FAQ's

Parents join us to hear about Math Pentathlon, important dates, and more.
Division 1: K & 1st Graders
Division 2: 2nd & 3rd Graders
Division 3: 4th & 5th Graders
Division 4: 6th & 7th Graders

Thursday, October 9 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
Zoom link: https://wbsd-org.zoom.us/j/89145698606

Register Your Child for Math Pentathlon Here

Skill Development, Drill Work, Shooting, Dribbling, Passing, Individual Defensive Technique and Modified Gameplay.
Co-ed for Grades 1-3 from 9-10 a.m.
Co-ed for Grades 4-6 from 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Led by WBSD Teacher & Coach Jeremy Denha

More Information and Register Here

WBSD After the Bell Contact
Kevin C. McIntosh, Enrichment & Recreation Coordinator
(248) 865-6467 office
kevin.mcintosh@wbsd.org

If you don't find that your Bus Zone app is tracking as expected you need to make sure to do the following:

1. Download App
2. Create log in
3. Put in district code: 4079WBSD
4. Add Student/s
5. Create Alert Zones (very important step!)

Be sure to enable push notifications for this app to utilize the full benefit of the tracking services. Click through the user guide linked below for an excellent step by step video tutorial.

• Bell Times
• Calendar for 2025-26
• Family Portal - Online Payments
• Food for Kids (formerly Blessings in a Backpack Information)
• Kids Connect Student Care Information
• Kindergarten Information
• PowerSchool Login
• PowerSchool Account Information
• Safeline/Attendance Information

When will I find out who my child's teacher will be?

Classroom placements and teacher assignments are prepared over the summer and will be shared with families approximately a week before the school year starts or sooner if finalized.

When can I see my child's classroom?

We will hold an open house for families in September, the information is included in this newsletter and will be sent home several times before school starts.

How do I find out where my bus stop is and when the bus picks up and drops off?

The transportation department routes all students eligible for bussing throughout the summer and will mail that information directly to families in mid-August. Other information about transportation is available on the WBSD Transportation website including School Of Choice Shuttle requests.

How does the school keep the building secure throughout the day?

The exterior doors and main entrance are ALWAYS locked at Doherty. All visitors must access the building by being admitted through our main office. Unscheduled visitors are not permitted and guests are accompanied at all times while in the building. We are also equipped with video surveillance and frequent patrols from the West Bloomfield Police Department.

Is the school nut-free?

The school is not nut-free but classrooms are. Any snack consumed in the classrooms must be nut-free. Parents of students with severe allergies should contact the office before school starts.

Can we send in cupcakes, or cookies or birthday cake to celebrate my child's birthday?

No. At this time our district and building policy is to not celebrate birthdays with treats, baked goods, candy or food of any kind. Elementary teachers will recognize students on their special day in special ways.

Will the students go outside for recess all year long?

All Doherty students will participate in outdoor recess when safe and weather permits. Outdoor play is important for a child's social and physical development. Parents are encouraged to acquire various weather-appropriate gear for their student to wear during recess. Students are outside for recess unless there is heavy rain, thunderstorms/lightning or the 'feels like' temperature is below 10* Fahrenheit.

How should my child dress for school daily?

Doherty students will play, use various learning materials and art mediums on a daily basis. They will also foster independence outside on the playground and in the cafeteria. Their clothing should be comfortable, weather appropriate and ok to get a little dirty sometimes. Closed toe, well fitting athletic style shoes are strongly encouraged for both safety and practicality.

Can I walk my student to their class on the first day of school?

Unfortunately, we cannot allow parents to accompany their students into the building and to their classrooms. Unscheduled visitors are not permitted for safety reasons and you can imagine what it might look like if there were nearly 500 students and their parents streaming into the building all at the same time! We will have many smiling staff members and teachers greeting students outside every day making sure they get to where they are supposed to be safely.