Doherty Family Update 5.31.2026
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 - 6pm -7:30pm
Wednesday 6/17 - 8th Grade Farewell Ceremony - DMS Auditorium - 8:30am
Wednesday 6/17 Last day of School - Early Release Day - 11:30am
Holly Thompson
On Friday, May 29, Doherty welcomed author Holly Thompson for a special visit with our 6th-grade students.
Ms. Thompson shared some of her work and took time to answer student questions about writing. She then challenged the students to write an original poem about a favorite activity, focusing specifically on using strong verbs.
To wrap up the visit, several 6th graders proudly shared their newly composed poems with the room. Thank you, Ms. Thompson, for inspiring our young writers!
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.
Hello DMS Families,
As we come to the end of the school year, the library has stopped lending books and has started collecting any outstanding and overdue book returns. The last day to check out books was Thursday, May 21st. The school librarian would appreciate any efforts at home to find overdue books and get them in the Doherty Library book drop prior to June 8th. After that date, bills will be sent home to families for the cost of the unreturned items. Thank you so much for encouraging your children to read, to use their school library, and to return their books so they are available to others!
Important Update: New Medication Order Requirements for the 2026-2027 School Year
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines regarding the administration of medication in public schools has been updated.
To ensure we remain in compliance with these new state regulations, and to provide the highest level of safety for our students, the district has updated its policy regarding the validity period of medical orders.
New Medication Order Requirements:
Effective immediately, all medical orders for both prescription and non-prescription medications for the upcoming school year must be dated within the current academic cycle: July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027.
What this Means for your family:
- Annual Renewals: Any medication orders on file from the previous school year will expire on June 30th. You must provide a new, signed medication order from your child’s licensed prescriber for the upcoming school year.
- July 1st Start Date: We encourage parents to schedule wellness visits or contact their child's physician after July 1st to ensure the paperwork is correctly dated for the full upcoming school year.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and healthy.
Jeri Quirk-Carr, M.Ed, BSN, BS, RN
Doherty Middle School Nurse
50 Bartlet Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-247-9402 (clinic)
978-824-9790 (fax)
Counseling Corner
Dear Doherty Community – Counseling support will continue to be available for our school community. We are proud of the care, compassion, and strength our students and staff have shown in coming together to support one another during this difficult time. Please see this link provided by our APS mental health team for additional resources and support information.
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