Doherty Family Update 10.19.2025

Typical beginning and ending of the day

School opens at 7:50 for breakfast in the cafeteria

8:05 Bell rings - students can access their lockers

Our school day starts promptly at 8:15

Doherty Website- Has all the Information

October 21-23 Book Fair PAC Book Fair

• Tuesday 10/21 - Merrimack Men's BBall Team to visit 7A - AYS - 8:20

• Thursday 10/23 - Essex Aggie Visit for interested 8th grade students only - Room 138 - 8th period
• Tuesday 10/28 - Merrimack Men's BBall Team to visit 7B - AYS - 8:20
• Thursday 10/30 7th and 8th Grade BIMAS Screening Mental Health
• Monday 11/3 - Start of Second Quarter Integrated Arts Rotation
• Tuesday 11/4 - No Classes - Teacher Professional Development Day
• Wednesday 11/5 - Picture Retake Day for students who would like a retake or who were absent on picture day
• Tuesday 11/11 - No School - Veterans Day
• Wednesday 11/26 - Early Release Day - 11:30
• Thursday - Friday 11/27-11/28 - Thanksgiving Recess

AHS - Programs at-a-Glance – November 13, 2025, 6:30–8:00 PM

Congratulations to 8th graders Abby Buchwald and Emily Buchwald, who have been named this year’s Doherty Middle School Yearbook Editors. Both are three-year veteran staff members who have contributed in every area of yearbook production, from photography and technology to layout and design. Each brings unique strengths that will help guide the club through another exciting year of creativity and collaboration.

This year’s theme, “Make a Splash,” celebrates our Doherty Dolphins and the wonderful memories being made throughout the year. All three grades, academic teams, and school programs will be represented in this vibrant publication.

The Yearbook Club is open to students in all grades and meets on Thursdays after school until 3:50. Together, our students are creating a yearbook that reflects the spirit, talent, and community of Doherty Middle School.

Reminders from the clinic

Principal's Coffee: Monday, November 3rd 9:00 -10:00 AM Doherty Media Center

The next coffee will take place on Monday, November 3rd at 9:00 AM, and the topic will be the transition to high school. We are excited to announce that our special guests for this coffee will be our Andover High School Principal, James D'Andrea and the 9th Grade Coordinator Holly Breen. However, there will also be time for questions and open conversation. All families are welcome to attend. Please RSVP here.

As many of you know, October is National Bullying Prevention Month. All students have been engaging in bullying prevention lessons in their advisories. Please ask them one thing they learned! Also, Ms. Thero’s values challenge has been wonderful to see in action this month, with a focus on kindness. Feel free to ask your student if they have received a raffle ticket for kindness yet this month!

We are excited to share that for the second year in a row, the Merrimack Men's Basketball Team will be partnering with Doherty Middle School's 7th grade. On October 21st and October 28th, members of the team will visit students to share about their Stay In To Win Program.

Stay In To Win is an educational initiative targeting middle school-aged students that started in 2012 and is sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The goal of the program is to motivate students to stay in school, understand the impact of their decisions on their futures, and encourage them to develop success teams and plans. The Merrimack coaches and players were amazing with our students last year and we are so grateful for Year 2!

Upcoming High School Open Houses

Andover High School – Discover AHS: Programs at a Glance

Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 6:30–8:00 PM

Join us for an engaging evening designed to give prospective students and families an in-depth look at AHS.

• Begin with our Clubs, Activities, Athletics, and Fine Arts Fair, where you’ll meet current students and learn about the many opportunities to get involved.
• Then, gather in the Collins Center for a presentation from AHS administrators and students, who will share insights into academics, extracurriculars, and student life at AHS.

Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) – Open House
Sunday, November 2, 2025

GLTS offers students hands-on learning through career and technical education combined with a full academic program. Students have the opportunity to explore career pathways such as health and medical assisting, information technology, culinary arts, engineering, construction trades, and more. These programs prepare students for both college and career readiness.

• Note: GLTS will also be visiting our middle schools this fall to share information directly with students. Dates will be announced soon.

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Essex Tech provides students with unique opportunities in agricultural, animal, environmental, and technical programs, alongside a rigorous academic curriculum. Students can explore areas such as veterinary science, sustainable horticulture, environmental technology, engineering, and culinary arts, while also benefiting from a strong focus on community service and leadership.

We encourage you to attend one or more of these open houses to explore the many pathways available to you in high school. These events will provide valuable information as you begin thinking about your future.

If you have any questions or need additional information about the high school transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school counselor Ms. Creamer at marymargaret.creamer@andoverma.us. Thank you for your continued support!

8th Grade Families interested in the Private School Process see form below:

We’re excited to offer a wide variety of after-school programs and clubs here at Doherty Middle School! These activities provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills, and connect with peers in a fun and supportive environment that promotes community.

Please note: A completed permission slip is required for students to participate in any after-school club or program. Be sure to submit the form to ensure your child can join in on the fun!

Dylan Birch Clubs Organizer

Mondays:

Anime Club Ms. Physic – Room 221

Board Games Ms. Hudak – Media Center

Dateline Doherty Ms. Angis – Room 222

Tuesdays:

Arts and Crafts Club Ms. Abernathy and Ms. Leyne - Room 123

Make it or Bake It Club Ms. Bergin – Staff Lounge/Kitchen

Thursdays:

Homework Hang Ms. Creamer - Room 138

Math Team Ms. Tyrell - Room 207

Robotics Club Mr. Schack – Room 135 (starts 3rd Quarter)

Student Council Ms. Heintzelman – Room 122

Yearbook Ms. Bakshi – Room 211

Math Team Information The Doherty math team competes in the Intermediate Mathematics League of Eastern Massachusetts, information about the league can be found at http://www.imlem.org/ Doherty’s Math team practices on Thursdays from 2:50-3:45(rm 207), except on meet days. Meet days involve competing with our geographic cluster, which includes West Middle School in Andover and Wynn Middle School in Tewksbury. Meet days take longer, and students should bring snacks and homework, as there is some down time during the competition. Math Team Meet Dates and locations, as well as information about pick up times Meet #1 October 23 @ Doherty, Parent Pick up at 5:30 Meet #2 November 20 @Wynn Middle School Tewksbury, Parent Pick up at Doherty 5:30 Meet #3 January 15 TBD Meet #4 Feb 26 TBD Meet #5 March 26 TBD Math Team advisor- Elizabeth Tyrell Room 207

It is the policy of the Andover Public Schools to review residency information at each change of school level – elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. This policy helps to ensure that only residents of the Town of Andover attend our public schools. Therefore, it is required that all 6th grade families submit an affidavit of residency. We have extended the date to Friday, October 24th. Please complete the appropriate form based on your current residency situation, and return it to us along with a bill dated within the past 30 days. These items can be dropped off, mailed (50 Bartlet St), or emailed (karen.reilly@andoverma.us) to the front office.

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, the Teaching and Learning office has conducted a deep analysis of the uses and impacts of AI on teaching and learning that has included:

• An examination of existing AI policies and guidelines from other districts in Massachusetts, other states, educational organizations, colleges and universities

• APS secondary faculty focus groups

• APS secondary student surveys

• APS superuser team review

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to this year-long process. While this work will continue to evolve, just as technology evolves, we would like to share the Andover Public Schools Teaching and Learning Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence for the 2025-2026 school year.

Communication with our families is essential to the success and wellness of our students. To assist our families and help them connect with the appropriate staff who is best suited to answer questions, we have updated our “Who We Are” page on our website. The information will guide families to resources on how to reach staff with concerns and how to stay connected to news and events across the district.