Doherty Digest

Dear Families,

As we wrap up the first week of school, I want to share how proud we are of the start we’ve had together. Much of our time this week has been focused on connecting with students, building relationships, and setting the tone for a successful year.

Our goal is to maintain high expectations for all students, and we believe the best way to achieve this is by giving clear directions and consistent expectations in every part of the school. From the classroom to the hallway, lunchroom, and playground, students are learning what it means to be respectful, responsible, and ready to learn.

I encourage you to ask your child about the expectations in these areas and how they are practicing them each day. Your partnership at home helps us reinforce these positive habits and creates a strong school community.

Thank you for your continued support—we are excited for a great year ahead!

- Mr. Spitzley

• 8/29 No School
• 9/1 Labor Day - No School
• 9/9 Doherty Curriculum Open House
• 9/10 Late Start - 11:10 AM, Doherty PTO Meeting (evening)
• 9/23 No School
• 10/2 No School
• 10/3 Color Run Fundraiser
• 10/13 Fall Picture Day

Please take some time to complete the following tasks before school starts on August 25th

Visit the Back 2 School Central page on the WBSD website.

• 📫Watch your mailbox for transportation assignments, if eligible, from Durham Transportation.
• 💻Complete the Back to School Update Forms in Powerschool **VERIFYING CONTACT INFO** for each student.
• Click here for help.
• 📏 Review suggested school supply lists here.
• 🍎 Fill out Education and Nutritional Benefits Application.
• ✅ Read and review the current WBSD Student and Family Handbook
• Attendance Policies
• Sick Student Policy
• 🚌 Read and discuss the content of the Transportation Handbook with your child if riding bus.
• Download or bookmark the Durham Transportation App for bus tracking - links here.
• 📁 Turn outstanding immunization (or completed waiver), hearing, dental and vision records to the office before the first day of school.

• Bell Times
• Calendar for 2025-26
• Family Portal - Online Payments
• Food for Kids (formerly Blessings in a Backpack Information)
• Kids Connect Student Care Information
• Kindergarten Information
• PowerSchool Login
• PowerSchool Account Information
• Safeline/Attendance Information

Start time 9:10 a.m.

Dismissal time 4:02 p.m.

Half-Day Dismissal time: 12:12

The Michigan School Aid Budget for 25-26 has not been finalized, so it's still uncertain whether the state will provide funding to offer free meals for all students.

To ensure your child's access to meals is not interrupted and to help West Bloomfield School District secure critical state and federal funding, we need ALL families to complete the Education & Nutrition Benefits Application (formerly known as the Free & Reduced Meals Application).

Complete your application today at: https://westbloomfield.familyportal.cloud/
If you need assistance or have questions about completing the form, please contact Andrea Grobe at andrea.grobe@wbsd.org

It's quick, confidential, and critical for student support and district funding.

• Your application helps ensure we can continue to provide nutritious meals to all students.
• Funding tied to our free/reduced rate supports far more than meals; it impacts academic programs, technology, and student services.
• Event if you think you may not qualify, completing the form still helps the district.

All purchases should be made from your student’s prefunded cafeteria account. Cafeteria account deposits can be made online through the Family Portal or by cash or check in the cafeteria at breakfast service only. There is no charge for online or in-person cafeteria account deposits. All change will be deposited into student accounts.

If a doctor has determined that your child has a disability, and the disability would prevent your child from eating regular school meals, the nutrition program will make substitutions prescribed by a licensed physician at no extra charge. This includes food and milk allergies. The physician’s statement, including diet and/or substitutions, must be submitted to the nutrition office so appropriate changes can be made.

When will I find out who my child's teacher will be?

Classroom placements and teacher assignments are prepared over the summer and will be shared with families approximately a week before the school year starts or sooner if finalized.

When can I see my child's classroom?

We will hold an open house for families in September, the information is included in this newsletter and will be sent home several times before school starts.

How do I find out where my bus stop is and when the bus picks up and drops off?

The transportation department routes all students eligible for bussing throughout the summer and will mail that information directly to families in mid-August. Other information about transportation is available on the WBSD Transportation website including School Of Choice Shuttle requests.

How does the school keep the building secure throughout the day?

The exterior doors and main entrance are ALWAYS locked at Doherty. All visitors must access the building by being admitted through our main office. Unscheduled visitors are not permitted and guests are accompanied at all times while in the building. We are also equipped with video surveillance and frequent patrols from the West Bloomfield Police Department.

Is the school nut-free?

The school is not nut-free but classrooms are. Any snack consumed in the classrooms must be nut-free. Parents of students with severe allergies should contact the office before school starts.

Can we send in cupcakes, or cookies or birthday cake to celebrate my child's birthday?

No. At this time our district and building policy is to not celebrate birthdays with treats, baked goods, candy or food of any kind. Elementary teachers will recognize students on their special day in special ways.

Will the students go outside for recess all year long?

All Doherty students will participate in outdoor recess when safe and weather permits. Outdoor play is important for a child's social and physical development. Parents are encouraged to acquire various weather-appropriate gear for their student to wear during recess. Students are outside for recess unless there is heavy rain, thunderstorms/lightning or the 'feels like' temperature is below 10* Fahrenheit.

How should my child dress for school daily?

Doherty students will play, use various learning materials and art mediums on a daily basis. They will also foster independence outside on the playground and in the cafeteria. Their clothing should be comfortable, weather appropriate and ok to get a little dirty sometimes. Closed toe, well fitting athletic style shoes are strongly encouraged for both safety and practicality.

Can I walk my student to their class on the first day of school?

Unfortunately, we cannot allow parents to accompany their students into the building and to their classrooms. Unscheduled visitors are not permitted for safety reasons and you can imagine what it might look like if there were nearly 500 students and their parents streaming into the building all at the same time! We will have many smiling staff members and teachers greeting students outside every day making sure they get to where they are supposed to be safely.

As you prepare to send your child to school this fall it's very important that you label everything you send in with them. Especially common items like water bottles, lunch boxes, shoes, boots, jackets, backpacks, etc. Many of the students have nearly identical items and labeling them is the very best way to keep their items out of the lost and found!

You can use a sharpie, or if you'd like it to be more convenient you can order from our Mabel's Labels fundraiser. One pack will easily provide labels for several years of your student's belongings! Best part is it's FREE SHIPPING on all orders. Click on the image to head ot the Mabel's Labels site and search Doherty Elementary to find us. We recommend any of the multi use labels, mini or rectangle- with at least a first name with last initial.

The small commission from this sale will be put into our student activities account that is used for covering the costs of items or activities that our students may not be able to cover themselves.