Doherty Family Update 11.23.2025

Ms. Bakshi’s Passport to Japan WIN course introduced students to the tradition of Sampuru, the realistic food replicas used in Japanese restaurants to showcase dishes. After learning how artisans create these models and why they are an important part of Japanese food culture, students designed and crafted their own replicas. Their creations showed careful attention to color, texture, and detail, and reflected a deeper understanding of this unique cultural practice.

Racing to fill out a multiplication chart!

Double digit multiplication with chalk!!

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

• Wednesday 11/26 - Start of Second Term
• Wednesday 11/26 - Early Release Day - 11:30
• Thursday - Friday 11/27-11/28 - Thanksgiving Recess
• Wednesday 12/3 - AHS Warrior visit 8th graders
• Wednesday 12/3 - Early Release Day - 11:30
• Wednesday 12/10 - Band, Orchestra, and Chorus Concert - Auditorium - 7:00
• Wednesday 12/24 - Friday 1/2/26 - Holiday Recess
• Monday 1/5 - Back to School

This year, Andover High School Drama Guild is performing 1776, a Broadway musical depicting the Second Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The guild had invited all the 8th grade students in the district to a special performance of the show on Tuesday, November 18th. The 8th graders had a fantastic field trip to see the performance, and the play itself was absolutely fantastic.

Pictured: Some of the cast answering questions from:

Mr. McCarthy, Program Coordinator - Social Studies

and Mr. Walsh, Program Coordinator - Fine Arts

The Doherty Student Council is excited to announce a food drive from December 1st to December 18th! This is a friendly competition between Advisories to collect the most non-perishable food items. You can bring cans, pasta, bottled water, protein bars, macaroni and cheese, or any other non-expired items you have. All donations will go to the Bread and Roses food bank in Lawrence to help families in need during the holiday season. Don’t forget to check the Main Foyer Bulletin Board to see how your Advisory is doing in the competition! Let’s work together to make a difference!

Please remind your student(s)

Now that we’ve settled into the school year, we want to share a friendly reminder about student devices.

Students are expected to bring their fully charged computers to school every day. You can really help us with this by reminding your student to charge their computer every night. This simple routine makes a big difference in ensuring they are prepared for class each day.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your student's education.

Middle school students across the district will soon begin developing their own MyCAP (My Career and Academic Plan) using the tools available through MEFA Pathway. This online platform helps students explore their interests, careers, and learning styles, encouraging them to think about their future goals in a meaningful way.

Starting this November, students will engage with MEFA Pathway during select advisory periods, with lessons spread out throughout the school year. Through these activities, students will practice self-reflection, discover their individual learning styles, and begin their journey into career exploration.

Our goal is to help students better understand themselves as learners and to begin thinking about the many exciting paths that lie ahead.

High School Updates:

CTE High School Update:

Greater Lawrence Technical School and Essex North Shore applications are open! Please note, students should be using their parent or guardian's email account to apply, and there is no teacher recommendation required.

Greater Lawrence Technical School: If your student is interested in applying to GLTS, the application closes February 1st. The application is here:

Essex North Shore Updates:

• The Essex North Shore application closes on January 10th, 2026.

• If your family would like to learn more about Essex North Shore, you can join a virtual information session for families via zoom on Monday December 1st. They have a 12pm zoom available or a 6pm zoom available. Your family must register prior.

Lottery Process: There is a new policy in Massachusetts for CTE schools and programs. The main change includes a lottery-based admissions process. The Essex North Shore Admissions policy is linked here: The GLTS Admissions Policy is linked here

Andover High School Students will be here to help Doherty Middle School Students with homework after school, beginning Thursday, December 4. These incredible role models plan to assist students with assignments across a variety of subjects, help strengthen study habits, and offer mentorship in a positive, encouraging environment. We could not be more excited to have these incredible student mentors. If you are interested in your student joining, please fill out this form. Please note: It does not need to be a weekly commitment, students can come when it works best for their family’s schedule.

Reminder about School Visits

If your student is missing school because of a school visit, we kindly ask that you notify Doherty and indicate this is the reason they are missing school. This helps us ensure your student’s attendance is recorded accurately. Thank you for your help!

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:

The Village Food Hub is preparing Thanksgiving meals for families in need. Please see below link:

Thanksgiving meal tickets

Holiday Gift Card Drive is happening again this year- In partnership with PAC, holiday gift cards (Target, Market Basket, Shaw’s etc.) are being collected to distribute to families needing support this holiday season. If you would like to contribute, gift cards can be brought to the main office. Increments of $25 are greatly appreciated.

If you would like to request a gift card for your family, please contact Mrs. Perry rebecca.perry@andoverma.us by Monday, November 17th. All donations and requests are confidential.

Your generosity can make a real difference in brightening the holiday season for our families. Thank you for your support of the Doherty community!

Our Lost and Found is overflowing!

Please encourage your student to check the Lost & Found Shelves for any missing items.

Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to stop by to check for items during the school day.

Unclaimed items will be donated after the Thanksgiving Break.

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: 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

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

Student Council Ms. Heintzelman – Room 122

Yearbook Ms. Bakshi – Room 211

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.

• Sunday, December 7, 2025
• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Reading Gymnastics Academy, North Reading, MA
• Recommended for ages 3–13
• $60 / $50 siblings
• AHSGymnasticsTeam@gmail.com
• Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZJXW7nRBUqL8VjjCKMZEYe_ZGz5oXd-ZezJDjPUBIWudIoA/viewform

*Sponsored by Andover/North Reading Gymnastics Team Booster Club

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.