Doherty Family Update 5.3.2026
Family Update Week May 3, 2026
A school where everybody belongs.
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
Monday 5/4 - MCAS Science - 8th Grade only
Wednesday 5/6 - 8th Grade Class Photo - School Day
Wednesday 5/6 - Early Release Day - 11:30am
Wednesday 5/6 - PAC Meeting - DMS LIbrary - 7:00pm
Monday 5/11 & Tuesday 5/12 - MCAS Math - All Grades
Wednesday 5/13 - DMS BOC Concert - DMS Auditorium 7:00pm
Thursday 5/14 - PAC Family Bingo Night - DMS Library 6:30pm
Monday 5/18 - MCAS Civics - 8th Grade only
Monday 5/25 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
Thursday 5/28 - Doherty Open House - 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Friday 5/29 - Author Visit - 6th Grade only - School day
Wednesday 6/3 - PAC Meeting - DMS Library - 7:00pm
Friday 6/5 - 7th/8th Grade BOC Field Trip - School Day
Thursday 6/11 - Field Day - All School - School day (Rain date 6/10)
Friday 6/12 - 7th Grade Field Trip - Canobie Lake Park - School day
Monday 6/15 - 8th Grade Field Trip - Canobie Lake Park - School day
Tuesday 6/16 - 6th Grade Field Trip - Bradford Swim & Rec. Center - School Day
Tuesday 6/16 - 8th Grade Team Day - School day
Tuesday 6/16 - 8th Grade Dance
Wednesday 6/17 - 8th Grade Farewell Ceremony - DMS Auditorium - 8:30am
Wednesday 6/17 Last day of School - Early Release Day - 11:30am
Doherty MCAS
Reminder to bring your chromebook fully charged on testing days!
8th Grade Only: May 4 Science- Monday
May 11 Math- Monday
May 12 Math- Tuesday
8th Grade Only: May 18 Civics- Monday
Celebrating Our Journey Together | Teacher Appreciation Week
Dear Families,
As we approach Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4th – May 8th), we wanted to take a moment to reach out and share a bit of our hearts with you.
While this week is officially designated to recognize educators, it also serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible partnership we share with you. Every day, we have the privilege of watching your children grow, face new challenges, and discover their unique voices. That work wouldn’t be possible—or nearly as rewarding—without the foundation of support you provide at home.
Teaching is more than just lesson plans and grading; it is about building a community. We are deeply grateful for:
Your Trust: Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education and well-being.
Your Collaboration: Whether it’s helping with a tricky homework assignment or checking in via email, your involvement makes a world of difference.
Your Encouragement: A simple note of thanks or a kind word from a student often becomes the highlight of our week.
Our goal remains the same: to create a safe, inspiring, and joyful environment where every student feels seen and valued. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we are more energized than ever to help our students finish strong.
Thank you for being our partners in education!
Doherty community members at the Boston Marathon
It was a day of cheers and high-fives at the Boston Marathon for one of our very own students! Gio Cyrier was spotted along the course, serving as the ultimate support system for two of his favorite runners.
Pictured above: 7th Grade Teacher Ms. Amy Burke and one of her students Gio Cyrier
Gio had double the reason to celebrate: he was there to cheer on his mom, Gia Cyrier, as she tackled the historic 26.2 miles, while also rooting for his wonderful teacher, Ms. Burke! It was a proud moment for the Doherty community to see Gio showing such great spirit for both his family and his school.
Congratulations to Gia Cyrier and Ms. Burke on your incredible finish—and great job to Gio for being such a fantastic cheerleader!
Four students were selected to participate in the
Newburyport Art Association Youth Art Show
The Newburyport Art Association's mission is to promote and exhibit artwork while providing inclusive art education and ensuring broad community access to the visual arts.
Claire Gu (pictured above) is an 8th grader at DMS. Her work “Chinese Lotus Flower Hairpin” was chosen as a winner for it’s unique sculpture elements including tennis balls and cardboard.
Claire also wrote, and designed a Thank You letter for her award. The photo on the right shows Claire writing her thank you letter.
Other students who had artwork submitted were Henry Johnson, 8th grade, Ellie Wilfond and Leo Davenport both grade 7.
Show Choir Workshop - May 5th
The Andover High School show choirs are hosting a one-day workshop for any interested student in grades 5 through 8. Students will have the opportunity to work with the AHS show choir students and staff to learn vocals and choreography and to find out more about Andover’s show choir program.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday May 5th from 3:45 - 8:00 pm at South School. Sign up at this link: https://forms.gle/2A1VeJYSK1sQFKho8 or check with Ms. Lambros.
Questions can be directed to Ms. Lambros (sabrina.lambros@andoverma.us)
8th Grade Class Photo
O'Connor Studio will be taking our 8th Grade Class Photo on Wednesday, May 6.
Please see flyer below for info on purchasing a copy.
Copies of the flyer will go home to families prior to the day.
8th Grade Farewell Ceremony
Our 8th Grade Farewell Ceremony will be on the last of school, Wednesday June 17, 2026.
The Ceremony will be held in the DMS Auditorium and will begin at 8:30am.
More information about the Farewell Ceremony and other 8th Grade end of year activities will be shared with our 8th Grade families in Early May.
Summer Volunteer Opportunities for Students
The Robb Center is getting ready for summer programming and has some volunteer opportunities for students. Please see the flyers below more info.
SEPAC presentations on preparing for college
News from the Clinic
Counseling Corner
Course Verification for Andover High School
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.
Extracurricular Clubs
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
Schoology our Learning Management System (LMS)
APS Superintendent Search
Redistricting
FY27 Budget Information
Who We Are & Stay Connected
“Who We Are”
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.