Doherty Family Update 11.24.2024

On Friday November 15th, the 6th grade bands across Andover traveled to Durham, NH to attend the University of New Hampshire’s Band Extravaganza. Each year the UNH Music Department invites schools from around New England to attending this performance featuring the University’s Wind Ensemble and Marching Band. This educational performance give students the opportunity to learn about new instruments, hear a variety of musical genres played by high level musicians and explore what the band experience could be as they continue to grow as musicians.

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.

It's that time of year again when the days are getting colder and student absences tend to increase. Did you know that if a student misses just one day of school each month, they will miss a total of 10 days in a school year? If a student misses two days of school each month, they are considered chronically absent. Missing school days can really add up. I often say, "New Day, New Lesson, Every Day Counts!" When a student misses one day at Doherty, they may miss lessons from six different teachers or more. Each lesson is crucial, and every lesson missed impacts our students.

As we move forward in another school year, I want to take a moment to highlight a critical issue that directly affects our students' success: school attendance.

At Doherty, we believe that consistent school attendance is vital for academic and social success. Research shows that students who attend school regularly are more likely to excel in their classes, develop positive relationships with peers and teachers, and engage in school activities. Conversely, frequent school absences—even if they are excused—can significantly hinder a student's ability to keep up with lessons, assignments, and projects, leading to learning gaps that can be hard to bridge.

What is Chronic Absenteeism?

In Massachusetts, a student is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of school days in a year, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused. For a typical school year, this amounts to 18 missed days. While some absences are unavoidable due to illness or other circumstances, chronic absenteeism can severely affect a student's academic performance and long-term educational outcomes. Even students who miss just a few days each month can fall behind, and those gaps can accumulate over time.

Why Does Attendance Matter?

**Academic Success:** Every lesson builds on the previous one. When students miss school, they miss important instruction and may struggle to catch up.

**Social Development:** Regular attendance helps students forge strong relationships with peers and teachers. Being present is essential for participating in class discussions, group activities, and school events.

**School Engagement:** Students who attend school regularly are more likely to be engaged in their learning, confident in their abilities, and willing to participate in extracurricular activities—all of which contribute to a positive school experience.

What Can We Do Together?

We recognize that various life events and challenges can make it difficult for students to maintain consistent school attendance. However, we are committed to supporting both students and families in overcoming any barriers to attendance and helping students stay on track. Here’s how we can collaborate:

**Communication:** If your child is struggling with attendance due to illness, family obligations, or other challenges, please let us know. We are here to offer support and resources to keep your child engaged in their learning.

**Routine:** Establishing a consistent routine at home—such as setting a bedtime and morning schedule—can help prepare your child for a successful day at school.

**Engagement:** Encourage your child to participate in school activities and build relationships with teachers and classmates. Students who feel connected to school are more likely to attend regularly.

**Prompt Intervention:** If your child begins to miss school frequently, please reach out to our school office or attendance team so we can work together on a plan to improve attendance.

We understand that every family has unique circumstances, and our goal is to partner with you to ensure your child's success. If you have any questions or need assistance with attendance issues, please do not hesitate to contact me or our school’s attendance team. Together, we can help every student reach their full potential.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to working with you to ensure that all students at Doherty have the opportunity to succeed.

Ms. Thero- Assistant Principal

Ms. Creamer- Guidance Counselor

Ms. Jacobo- School Social Worker

Ms. LeBeau- School Social Worker

Ms. Carr- School Nurse

As a parent or guardian, you might be thinking, "My student is often tardy, but they don't have an attendance problem because they go to school every day." However, being tardy is, in fact, an attendance issue. School starts promptly at 8:15 AM, and the doors open for breakfast at 7:50 AM. If a student arrives at 8:20 AM, by the time they sign in at the main office, go to their locker, and get to class, they may not be in their first-period seat until 8:30 AM or later. The beginning of a lesson is one of the most critical components. During this time, teachers provide the agenda, objectives, and directions. Missing these key pieces can significantly hinder a student's learning experience.

Andover High School Theater Guild proudly presents Into the Woods, a modern twist on classic fairy tales by Stephen Sondheim. Follow beloved characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Baker as their wishes take them on an unexpected journey through the dark and magical woods. Please come and support over 60 performers, crew members, and musicians.

Location: Andover High School, J. Everett Collins Center for the Arts, 100 Shawsheen Road, Andover

Show Dates & Times:

• Nov 21, 22, 23, and 26: 7:30 PM

• Nov 24: 2:00 PM

Ticket Prices:

• Adults: $20

• Seniors: $15

• Students: $5

Visit andovertheatrearts.com to get your tickets today. Don’t miss this enchanting and exciting production!

Doherty Drama Club is pleased to announce that our spring musical will be… Newsies! Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right. This show has terrific musical numbers and featured parts for a multitude of actors.

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience. There will be three performances – April 4, 5, and 6 - mark your calendars!

Auditions will take place in early January. Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 – 6:00 and on Fridays from 3:00 - 5:00. (Please note the change in rehearsal times from last year’s schedule.)

Further details will available at the Doherty Drama Club webpage in the next few weeks:

https://sites.google.com/a/k12.andoverma.us/dms-drama

Questions? Contact Ms. Kennedy (elizabeth.kennedy@andoverma.us)

Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is continuing to sponsor a free Parenting Solutions Library. MPY is offering this valuable resource in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit organization located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Through this partnership, MPY is providing proven resources to help students’ families thrive.

Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children's mental well-being. The Parenting Solutions Library is easily accessed using the link on MPY’s home page. No log in or passcode is needed.

What is RULER?

RULER is an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

Purpose of Morning Check In:

• Create a unified low-stakes rollout for all three APS Middle Schools
• Begin a student focus on the emotion matters mindset and discussion
• Build student relationships and community

RULER VIDEO and Website

The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute competition designed for students in grade 8 and below. The competition focuses on middle school mathematics topics, including counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, elementary geometry (including the Pythagorean Theorem), spatial visualization, and interpreting graphs and tables. Some of the later questions may touch on beginning algebra topics, such as linear or quadratic functions and coordinate geometry. The competition is in January, 2025, please register by December 1st if your student would like to compete.

AMC 8 Sign Up Form

The AMC program is more than just a competition; it’s a national effort to strengthen the mathematical capabilities of our next generation of innovators. By challenging students with engaging problems, the AMC sets the stage for lifelong mathematical exploration, discovery, and achievement.

YEARBOOK

Simply scan this QR code and follow the prompts. Yearbooks will be delivered to homerooms the last week of school

You may also call 866-287-3096 or go to www.YearbookOrderCenter.com and use order number 13395

APS has partnered with Idioma Consulting & Education to continue offering FREE English classes for parents/guardians. See this link for details: https://secure.smore.com/n/d0gub-appel

APPELL - https://secure.smore.com/n/d0gub-appel

These are in-person classes held at CO in Conference Room A starting on November 12 from 9:30-11am. No sign up necessary.

ESOL Virtual classes - https://secure.smore.com/n/w52nra-esol

Classes meet virtually on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm starting on November 6. Participants need to sign up to receive a Google Meeting link by November 1. Limit 25 participants.

To be completed if your student will participate in after school Extracurricular clubs. Click here for the form. The form is also available on our website.

Completed form can be dropped off at the Main Office.

List of Clubs and Activities can be found on our website under INFORMATION and RESOURCES

📱Reminder to notify the school if your student will be absent.

Please call the Attendance Line on 978-247-9401