Doherty Family Update 4.5.2026

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

There is a distinct shift in the air! It has been wonderful to see our students enjoying the fresh air and sunshine as the weather finally begins to turn. As we embrace the energy that Spring brings to our hallways, it’s also the time of year when we refocus on our school’s safety rhythms.

To ensure our students and staff are prepared and confident, we will be conducting our Spring Safety Series over the next couple of weeks.

What to Expect

During this window, we will practice two essential protocols:

• Fire Drills: Our standard practice for evacuating the building quickly and safely.

• ALICE Drills: These age-appropriate drills focus on our "Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate" protocols. Our goal is to empower students with the knowledge of what to do in an emergency without causing undue stress.

How You Can Help

Safety is a partnership. You can support your child by:

1. Normalizing the Experience: Remind them that drills are just like "practice games" for our safety muscles.

2. Encouraging Questions: If they come home with questions, listen and reassure them that these practices are how we keep our school a safe place to learn.

We are committed to maintaining a secure environment while keeping our focus on the joy of learning. Thank you for your continued support as we head into this beautiful season!

Warmly,

Rebecca Perry Principal

During March we celebrated the value of teamwork! The following scholars were recognized for showing positive teamwork within the building! We look forward to celebrating students for showing respect during the month of April!

8th Grade Winners (left to right): Penelope Chave, Aidan Sheehan, Lauren Green, Zack Rapczynski, and not pictured, Gunnar Landry

7th Grade Winners (left to right): Amira Baguma, Elias Morillo, Luca Boden, Gus Alexander, Nancy Butler, Peyton Silva, and Sophie Luo

6th Grade Winners (left to right): Nadine O’Halloran, Sima Gukovsky, Sammy Hart, Asher Friedman, Landon Straub, and Chris Zhu

Doherty Middle School is excited to start a Girls on the Run Middle School chapter (Heart and Soul)!

Practices will be held every Monday and Thursday after school from 3:00-4:30pm, starting Monday 4/6/2026 through Thursday 6/4/2026.

Program fee: Sliding Fee $35-$225 more financial aid available

We will meet, play fun games, learn some important skills and walk/run as we enjoy beautiful (hopefully) spring days.

Participants end their season with a celebratory 5k on the Boston Common, scheduled this year for May 30th. This closing event commemorates their experience and dedication: participants enjoy the feeling of accomplishment of reaching their goal, complete with a medal to celebrate their achievement!

To learn more about Girls on the Run, please see below

https://www.girlsontherunboston.org/impact

Link to register

https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/SPRING26Reg?sid=fb05b078cd4a4a4bb5db7821cdbf89ac

Reach out to one of our wonderful coaches with any questions!

Kate.Carlton@andoverma.us

Jeri.QuirkCarr@andoverma.us

Mollie.Shenker@andoverma.us

Emily.Hall@andoverma.us

Sarah.Rudolph@andoverma.us

Link to register

https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/SPRING26Reg?sid=fb05b078cd4a4a4bb5db7821cdbf89ac

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.

Students across the entire Merrimack Valley were invited to submit artwork to the Newburyport Art Association for display and awards. Four of our students have been selected to represent the Doherty Middle School. The work was chosen for its originality, craftsmanship, and the creativity.

The exhibition runs from April 1 to 25, and I truly encourage you to visit the gallery with your student and family. Seeing other student artwork displayed in a professional setting is a meaningful experience and a wonderful way to celebrate all people who create.

The art gallery is located at 65 Water Street, Newburyport. Call 978-465-8769 or visit www.newburyportart.org for gallery hours.

Colleen Mongell- Doherty Art Teacher

Make a splash this spring with Doherty Drama Club’s production of The Little Mermaid - April 10 at 7:00 pm, April 11 at 7:00 pm, and April 12 at 2:00 pm.

Dive into an unforgettable under the sea adventure filled with dazzling music, vibrant storytelling, and show stopping performances from our incredibly talented Doherty students. From beloved songs to colorful characters, this heartwarming production will delight audiences of all ages. This is one of the most anticipated performances of the season and you will not want to miss the magic our students bring to the stage. Get your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable experience.

All tickets are $15 - available online, in the main office and at the door.

Click the link to purchase.

https://cur8.com/25057/project/138605

This past weekend, all four of our performing groups competed at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) festival, and for the first time in our program history, every group received a Gold rating. This was a clean sweep. MICCA is the premier organization in Massachusetts dedicated to high standards in ensemble performance and education.

Congratulations to our Concert Band, Orchestra, Chamber Choir, and Percussion Ensemble on this remarkable achievement.

Additionally, our Theater Guild performed at the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) State Finals on Friday in Boston. Their production of Proof was one of only 14 schools selected from more than 100 plays/schools across the Commonwealth. Though not selected as one of the top three, they were recognized in acting and technical categories. What an achievement for our theater students and staff!

This is coming off being recognized as Outstanding Musical by METG last year for Into the Woods. A program of continued excellence.

I look forward to the continued success of the Performing Arts Department here in Andover.

Sean Walsh

PK-12 Visual & Performing Arts Program Coordinator

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.

Thank you to all that tried Principal Perry's sandwich! Doherty has won a school wide ice cream party and the sandwich will be on the MAY Lunch menu!

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!

📅Competition Schedule:

Week 1: March 2-6

Week 2: March 9-13

Week 3: March 16-20

Week 4: March 23-27

🏆Championship Round: March 30-April 3

Each week we are recognizing the advisories in each grade that have the top attendance and updating our March Madness Attendance Challenge

🌟6th Grade: Ms. Mongell/ Ms. Skowyra

🌟7th Grade: Mr. Givens/Ms. Hall/ Ms. Hall

🌟8th Grade: Ms. Jacobo/MS. Lavin/ Ms. Nicolas

Our March Madness bracket and our new weekly winners will be announced on Monday morning.

Ms. Mongell/ Ms. Skowyra Advisory with their fun glasses!

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.

Hello 8th‑grade families,

If your child will not be attending Andover High School next year and you would like to be removed from future course selection email communications, please click the link below and complete the google survey.

https://forms.gle/ajSz26S7KjuQfm1RA

Homework Help with AHS Students

Andover High School’s Junior Board assist Doherty Middle Schoolers with their homework. If you're interested in attending next week’s session, please RSVP. We'll have food available since the club starts at 3:15 PM. Note any allergies or restrictions on the sign-up sheet. Kindly RSVP to plan the number of HS volunteers.

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.

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!

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.