Doherty Family Update 4.12.2026

Typical beginning and ending of the day

School opens at 7:50 for breakfast in the cafeteria- 🌟Only the Front Door is open at 7:50

8:05 all doors including the back and side of the build are open

8:05 Bell rings - students can access their lockers

Our school day starts promptly at 8:15

Doherty Website- Has all the Information

Tuesday 4/14 - 8th Grade Career Day - during school day - Andover High School

Friday 4/17 - Essex Ag. Tech. School visit with 7th Grade - during school day

Monday 4/20 - Friday 4/24 - NO SCHOOL - Spring Recess

Reminder to bring your chromebook fully charged on testing days!

8th Grade Only: April 30 Science- Thursday

8th Grade Only: May 4 Science- Monday

May 11 Math- Monday

May 12 Math- Tuesday

8th Grade Only: May 18 Civics- Monday

Our Doherty 8th graders joined their peers from Wood Hill for the annual Step Up Day, a high-energy introduction to life at AHS. The warm welcome began the moment they stepped off the buses, greeted by the rhythmic beats of the Andover High Band, a vibrant performance by the Color Guard, and cheering high schoolers holding personalized welcome signs.

Highlights of the visit

• Guided Explorations: Small groups of students were led by seasoned high school student leaders, getting an insider’s look at the campus layout.

• Club Fair Extravaganza: From robotics to community service, students browsed a massive showcase of extracurriculars, getting a head start on how to make their mark outside the classroom.

• Peer Connections: The visit offered a perfect opportunity for 8th graders to ask questions, calm those "big school" nerves, and start building connections with their future classmates.

• Officer Maggie: Students met Andover PD Comfort Dog as she hangs out at Andover High.

Student Welcome

Doherty and Wood Hill students at Andover High

Find The Courage Win Here are some pictures from Ms. Creamer and Ms. Hall's third rotation of their Win class, Find The Courage. Throughout the seven sessions, students learned six different strategies for being an “upstander” and were encouraged to be leaders promoting respect, kindness, encouragement, and inclusion. In the final lesson, students creatively shared what they had learned through role-plays and artwork—showcasing their voices and leadership.

WEB is a transition program designed to help 6th graders adjust to life in middle school by creating connections, community, and support from the very first day of school. Selected 8th graders participate in the WEB Leadership Academy training to become WEB Leaders, and then they serve as mentors for 6th graders throughout the entire school year. WEB exists to support a school climate Where Everybody Belongs.

For interested 7th-graders (rising 8th-graders), WEB Leader applications are due Wednesday, April 29th by the end of the school day. If students choose to apply, they must join the WEB Leader Application ‘26-27 Schoology course using the code posted on their team’s Schoology page and around the hallways, and they must complete/submit the application posted on the Schoology course. If students have questions, they can reach out to their team leader, Mrs. Carlton in room 234, (kate.carlton@andoverma.us), or Mrs. McIntyre in room 201 (shannon.mcintyre@andoverma.us).

**Please note that in order to apply, students MUST commit to attending the MANDATORY DATES for training (Wednesday, August 26th and Thursday, August 27th) and the 1st day of school (Wednesday, September 2nd)!**

On Wednesday, 8th grade WEB Leaders presented to 7th Graders about the opportunity of becoming a WEB Leader

As part of their civic action projects, students in Mrs. Cherry’s 8th grade Social Studies classes have been researching local issues and exploring strategies of civic action. As part of this work, they need community feedback and have designed the voluntary surveys listed below. They would be grateful for the participation of the Doherty community!

Note that only three out of the four social studies classes on Team 8A are included because the fourth class project focuses on a narrower subset of the community.

Survey 1: Financial Literacy

Our class is focused on the lack of opportunities to learn real-life financial literacy. We are interested in the possibility of a required financial literacy course at the high school level.

Survey 2: Sidewalk Access

Our class is researching sidewalk access and availability throughout town. We specifically hope to address sidewalk access for school walkers and other high need groups.

Survey 3: Intersection Safety

Our class is addressing intersection safety in town and specifically seeks the feedback of drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. We are seeking community-based solutions to this issue.

The talent at Doherty Middle School is incredible! After two amazing shows, it’s clear these students have poured their hearts into The Little Mermaid. They’ve turned the stage into a total underwater wonderland, and the energy is infectious.

The singing is the soul of the performance. From the big notes in "Part of Your World" to the fun ensemble numbers, the vocals are seriously impressive. The choreography and "tech" pull it all together perfectly—the cast moves with a fluid grace that makes you feel like you're actually under the sea, especially during the colorful "Under the Sea" showstopper. With awesome lighting and creative costumes, the whole production is a total triumph.

There is only one performance left today, Sunday at 2:00 PM! Don’t miss your final chance to support these hardworking students and see this spectacular show.

Questions about the AVID program? Curious whether it is the right fit for your student?

8th grade parents and caregivers interested in the AVID program are invited to join Nora McDermott (AVID Coordinator and AHS School Counselor) for coffee on Thursday, April 16, at 9:00 a.m. in the Doherty Media Center.

Ms. McDermott will be available to answer questions about AVID, the application process, AVID scheduling, and any other concerns you may have. If you think you can attend, please RSVP here.

For more information on the AVID program, please see below:

The AVID Scholars Program is seeking rising ninth graders who would benefit from learning skills that help them succeed in rigorous coursework at Andover High School. AVID teaches the academic and organizational skills students need to advance in school with the ultimate goal of attending college. In the course, students learn study strategies, note-taking, time management, writing, and research skills, and they receive regular tutorial support.

The AVID class also connects students with college information through field trips, guest speakers, and college tours. At Andover High School, AVID is a four-year elective that prepares students for four-year universities while building social and community skills.

More information is available on the AVID page: https://www.aps1.net/o/ahs/page/avid

Support Project 351 by donating to Cradles to Crayons and helping children in need.

A Donation box is located in the Main Foyer at Doherty Middle School.

Please see the flyer below for more details.

Andover Public Schools is pleased to announce we will continue to offer acceleration opportunities for students in Mathematics this summer. We realize that all students develop their mathematical abilities at different rates, so offering a variety of entry points remains important to us.

We will be offering an Accelerated Math Program (AMP) Summer Enrichment Program for students who will be entering Grade 8 in 2026. The course will be open to students who wish to be placed in the Accelerated Math Pathway for Grade 8. Consideration will be given to students based on their grades and teacher recommendation.

PLEASE NOTE: AMP Summer Math is not intended for students who are currently in the AMP for Grade 7.

The program will run in person from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. each day for a total of 16 contact hours over two weeks.

• June 22 - June 25

• June 29 - July 2

The cost of the program is $200. Students interested in participating should register below. Payment information will be sent directly to parents/guardians. The deadline to register is May 1st. There is a ten-student minimum to run program. Need-based scholarships are available; please reach me at paige.crowley@andoverma.us with any questions.

• Sign-up through google form at: AMP Summer Program Sign Up 2026

Thank you,

Paige Crowley

Math Program Coordinator, grades 6-12

Andover Public Schools

Andover Public Schools is pleased to announce we will continue to offer acceleration opportunities for students in Mathematics this summer. We realize that all students develop their mathematical abilities at different rates, so offering a variety of entry points remains important to us. We have outlined the summer mathematics programs that would enable your child to participate should they qualify. We will be offering two in-person summer courses at the high school: Algebra 1 and Geometry. Please note that if your student is currently in the Accelerated Math Program (AMP) they are learning both the Grade 8 and Algebra 1 math content.

See details below:

Math Summer Enrichment 2026

We have many items on our Lost & Found Shelves!

* Please encourage your student to check for any missing items

* Parents/Caregivers are welcome to come in during the school day to check for lost items.

Any unclaimed items will be donated prior to April Vacation!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Buckridge/ Shenker Advisory!!!

Questions about the high school process?

* Every Wednesday during eighth-grade lunch, Ms. Creamer will host “open office hours,” for eighth-grade students to stop by and ask questions.

* Parents are also welcome to contact Ms. Creamer with any questions.

* Please feel free to visit the 9th Grade Transition to AHS information Website and feel free to reach out to Ms. Creamer (marymargaret.creamer@andoverma.us) with any questions.

We are so grateful to the members of AHS’s Junior Board for their dedication and support over the past few months. Since December, they have visited our school each week to tutor students, consistently showing patience, kindness, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Their steady presence made a meaningful impact—not just academically, but also in building students’ confidence and sense of support. These amazing students truly made a difference, and we deeply appreciate the time, care, and effort they gave to our school community.

As these dedicated students shift their focus to upcoming AP exams, they will no longer be able to tutor. However, students are still welcome to come work on homework on Thursdays in Ms. Creamer’s room until 4:00

Molly Creamer

School Counselor

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

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.