Doherty Family Update 9.21.2025

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

Monday, September 22 9:00 AM- Principal's Coffee- All are welcome RSVP Here

Wednesday, October 8 Early Release Day - 11:30 Dismissal

Monday, October 13 No School - Fall Recess

Monday, September 22 at 9:00 AM in the Doherty Media Center

"The transition to middle school and what makes middle school special" will be the topic of our conversation. Our school counselor, Ms. Creamer, and other staff members will be present to provide support and answer any questions you may have about this transition and the expectations of middle school. In addition, we will also be discussing the new middle school schedule change and the potential opportunities it may bring.

This will be an informal meeting, and we kindly ask that you RSVP so that we can ensure there is enough coffee for everyone. If you are unable to attend, don't worry! There will be more "Coffee with the Principal" sessions throughout the year. Looking forward to getting to know you better and addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time. Best regards,

Mrs. Perry

RSVP HERE

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 by Friday, October 3rd. 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.

The presentation is all about helping students succeed by being responsible and respectful members of the school community.

A few key takeaways for parents are:

• Positive Behavior: The main focus is on being safe and kind. The presentation strongly emphasizes that bullying and harassment are not tolerated, and students are expected to use appropriate language at all times.

• Technology Use: The school has a strict "no phone" policy during the school day. Phones should be turned off and stored away to help students stay focused.

• Asking for Help: The school wants every student to feel supported. Students are encouraged to ask an adult for help whenever they need it, whether they have a question or are going through a difficult time.

Overall, the presentation reinforces a positive and safe environment where every student can learn and grow.

What is Schoology & why?

Parent View

Student View

Resources and Support

Power Block

Power Block is a team-based period held four days per week during which students participate in a variety of intervention and enrichment activities. These may include band, orchestra, chorus, interdisciplinary learning experiences, assisted study, directed or independent study, technology-assisted learning, and curriculum extensions. Power Block is designed to deepen understanding, support academic needs, and encourage exploration beyond the classroom.

Our Values Ambassador application is open for 7th and 8th grade students who would like to apply. This a great leadership opportunity for students to assist with our DMS Values Challenges!

Counselor Tip: If your student misses school, please encourage them to check in directly with their teachers to see if they missed any work or if there is anything they could catch up on! This is a great self-advocacy skill that they are developing each time they initiate that conversation, and as a bonus, it can impress a teacher!

Mental Health Resources for Youth and Families

Please feel free to check out the consolidated resources for mental health and behavioral needs that MA DPH put together.

State MH Resources for Youth and their Families

There are various state-wide BH resources available to youth and their families. This PDF provides an overview that should be shared with youth and their families. This document is also available on this Padlet in: Spanish Brazilian Portuguese Vietnamese Haitian Creole Chinese (simplified)Chinese (traditional)

padlet.com

Save The Date: November 2nd - Greater Lawrence Tech Open House

Pick Up Patrol – Absences and Dismissals

Starting this year, we will be using a system called PickUp Patrol to help us track dismissals. PickUp Patrol provides you with a convenient way to report your child’s attendance information.

How It Works

• Absences: When your child will be absent, you will submit a Plan Change via PickUp Patrol to notify the school.
• Missing Part of the School Day: If your child will be arriving late, leaving and returning, or leaving early, you will submit a Plan Change via PickUp Patrol to notify the school.

REGISTER:You should have received an email for PickUp Patrol. The family portal is free to families and can be accessed from your phone or computer.

If you have any questions, please first check the PickUp Patrol Parent Guide & if you need additional assistance, let us know.

🌟If you need assistance please contact Karen Reilly on our main office

phone 978 2479400 or by email karen.reilly@andoverma.us

If you are going to be dismissing your student via Plan Change on Pick Up Patrol, please make sure your student stops by the main office when they arrive to pick up a pass to give to their teacher.

Now that the first week of school is behind us, we want to thank all APS families who have already verified and updated their student’s information. If you haven’t done so yet, please take a moment to complete this important task through our secure online portal, Family Connection.

This information includes your child’s emergency contacts, medical information, demographics, technology usage agreement, as well as acknowledging other district policies. Using Family Connection helps streamline communication and significantly reduces the amount of paperwork for families. Most importantly, it ensures we have the most up-to-date information for your child in the event of an emergency. This system is accessible through the Aspen Family Portal. Once you have logged into Aspen, click on the link under the Announcements on the Home page that reads ‘Family Connection – Back to School Forms’. You will be redirected to the Family Connection "Verification Form" page which contains directions on how to complete and submit the forms. If you need help, please refer to the – Aspen Family/Student Portal page on the APS website.

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are an increasingly popular, sustainable, and enjoyable way to get around. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or exploring local trails, e-bikes offer an efficient and eco-friendly transportation option.

However, their growing use also brings a responsibility to operate them safely and within the law. Many young riders may not have completed driver's education or be fully familiar with traffic laws, increasing the risk for both cyclists and pedestrians.

With school back in session, Andover Police Safety Officer Glen Ota recently shared tips for operating e-bikes responsibly. Families can play a crucial role in guiding their children toward safe riding habits and compliance with local regulations.

• All Fall Events : https://andoverma.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx?CategoryID=1541&type=

• Half Days (attached)

• All programs QR codes for easy access (attached)

• Youth Council 6th -8th grade: Contact: Avre.vickers@andoverma.us

• 2025-2025 Membership (attached): https://andoverma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30641

• Full Fall 2025 Booklet: https://andoverma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17684/AYS-Fall-2025-Booklet-2

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.