Doherty Family Update 1.26.2025

Wednesday 1/29 - Early Release Day - 11:30

MCAS Dates

April 14 & 15 – ELA

May 1 – Civics (8th grade only)

May 5 & 6 – Math

May 15 & 16 – STE Science Technology Engineering (8th grade only)

Please make sure that during our morning arrival and afternoon pickup times that you are following our Daily Routines. We are seeing many parents that are parking within the Andover Town Office parking area during both drop-off and pickup. Please make sure you are only within the designated areas during these times as the town utilizes these spaces.

What do middle school students need to be successful? Our Student Support team will talk about middle school age students and how us, the adults can support them through these transitional years. Coffee and conversation with our assistant principal, guidance counselor, nurse, & social workers.

AYS 2025 Winter Booklet: https://andoverma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15963/Winter-2025-Booklet-

*NEW* Speech and Debate (free): https://andoverma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30550

* Deadline to register is coming up- program starting 2/5/2025

½ School Day 1/29/25 open 11:30AM-2PM (free for members/$10 drop in)

Summer program registration: https://andoverma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30542

All opportunities are available to middle school students, though the booklet will also feature additional programming for high school students. We are offering a discounted membership rate of $175 (down from $300) for access through the remainder of the school year. Additionally, registration is now open for our Summer Programming.

Parents are always welcome to reach out to us directly, or through referral, for any financial aid inquiries.

Building a homework routine can be really helpful and create strong homework habits. Check out a few tips below:

• Doing homework at the same time and place every day.

  
  

• If it is hard to keep the "same time," routine with after-school activities, you could focus on the study space being consistent. Perhaps it's the kitchen table, or a desk in their room, or a quiet space in a room of their choice.

  
  

• Research shows that the mere presence of a smartphone reduces a person's ability to focus. If your student has a phone, consider having them put the phone away or in a different room while doing homework.

There is a new Speech and Debate Club starting at the Andover Rec Center. The program is free and is a great way for kiddos to get involved in the community and build some valuable experience. Deadline to register is coming up - program starting 2/5/25

https://andoverma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30550

From the desk of Ms. Creamer, DMS Guidance Counselor

I am writing to share an update about an exciting upcoming event at Andover High School. On Monday, January 27th, at 6:30 PM, 8th grade students and families are invited to Andover High School's Programs at a Glance event! This event is designed to introduce 8th grade students and their families to all that AHS has to offer.

The event will feature:

• An in-depth look at Andover High School's Academic Programs

• Opportunities to meet some of Andover High School's talented students
• A special performance from the Fine Arts Program
• Music from the AHS Band
• Information on Andover High School's diverse student clubs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities
• A chance to learn about valuable resources at AHS

Additionally, Andover High School will be providing other ways for families to learn more about the school. Please see the Roadmap below.

This is a reminder that the Priority Deadline for Greater Lawrence Technical High School is February 1st. Access the high school application here

Doherty Values Challenge

Each month our DMS community will focus on recognizing students who are showing the value of the month. Throughout the month, the main office will incorporate the values into our morning announcements to help get the students aware of the value and ways that they could accomplish the value.

As we continue the K-8 redistricting process, we are pleased to invite the community to highlight areas of interest (i.e., neighborhoods, streets), with an interactive, online mapping tool - ARCGIS.

This resource will allow the community to review an updated scenario based on the collaboration with the School Committee at its January 9th meeting and community engagement. The updated scenario was presented to the community at a Let’s Talk! session on redistricting held January 16, 2025.

The community can provide visual feedback and written comments to DillingerRAD, the consultant supporting APS with this process. For more information on how to utilize the tool, please check here. Access to this link or the QR code below will close on Friday, January 24, 2025.

In Spring 2025, the School Committee will review the proposed redistricting options and vote on the preferred redistricting plan. The approved redistricting plan will be implemented in the 2026-27 school year. This allows the district sufficient time to operationally plan for the new school zones.

We appreciate your feedback.

• Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - District departments presented their budget proposals.

• Thursday, January 23, 2025 - The School Committee will hold a preliminary vote on the FY26 budget allocation in relation to the overall town’s FY26 budget.

• Thursday, March 6, 2025 - The School Committee will hold a public hearing. Following the hearing, the School Committee will vote on the School Department budget.

• Saturday, March 8, 2025 - The Superintendent will share the FY26 budget approved by the School Committee to the Town of Andover’s Select Board and Finance Committees at the Tri-Board meeting.

• Tuesday, April 29, 2025 - The school budget will be presented as part of the total town budget for a vote at the annual town meeting.

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.

What is RULER?

RULER is an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

Purpose of Morning Check In:

• Create a unified low-stakes rollout for all three APS Middle Schools
• Begin a student focus on the emotion matters mindset and discussion
• Build student relationships and community

RULER VIDEO and Website

YEARBOOK

Simply scan this QR code and follow the prompts. Yearbooks will be delivered to homerooms the last week of school

You may also call 866-287-3096 or go to www.YearbookOrderCenter.com and use order number 13395

The Doherty Middle School Yearbook Club is thrilled to include a special collage page celebrating our 8th graders' unique passions—whether it’s sports, hobbies, music, or quality time with a favorite pet.

We invite you to submit ONE clear, high-quality photo of your student enjoying their activity from their middle school years. The deadline for submissions is April 1st, 2025. Simply use the provided QR code to upload your photo (select “Upload Portrait” and choose “Pre-K” for the grade to help us sort the photos).

Yearbooks are $40 and available for all grades. Reserve yours today at www.YearbookOrderCenter.com (order #13395) or call 866-287-3096.

For questions or scholarship inquiries, please contact faculty advisor, Ms. Bakshi at leela.bakshi@andoverma.us. Let’s make sure every 8th grader is celebrated in this year’s book!

To be completed if your student will participate in after school Extracurricular clubs. Click here for the form. The form is also available on our website.

Completed form can be dropped off at the Main Office.

List of Clubs and Activities can be found on our website under INFORMATION and RESOURCES