Dolphin Tales
School Update 12/15
Important Dates
December 23 - Jan 7 - Winter Break
January 10 - Late Start (Doherty will start at 10:10)
January 15- No School, MLK Jr. Day
January 18 - Half Day- Dismissal at 12:12
January 19 - Half Day- Dismissal at 12:12
January 24-Late Start (Doherty will start at 10:10)
Front Page News
PTO Family Craft Night Success!
All School PJ day Friday December 22!!
Over the next several weeks, the Doherty Family S’more newsletter will share out some great resources, tools, and information from an SEL program we use in WBSD called RULER. We hope that by providing this information, families can begin to implement some of the tools at home to reinforce and boost SEL skills that help our children thrive
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is more important than ever! Data shows that implementing SEL in schools helps set students up for success, giving them skills to navigate relationships, identify and manage emotions, manage stress, and succeed in school. It also has long-term benefits on students’ lives and relationships.
Family RULER Connection
Have you ever tried to pay attention to something when you’re really anxious? How was that? Difficult? If your children come to you for homework help and you are distracted by some disturbing news, how does that affect your conversation? If your child arrives at school feeling upset, how do you think they will do when they try to learn in class?
Emotions drive decision-making: We consider our emotions when making decisions. Does it “feel” right? Different moods lead to different types of decision-making. For example, how does waking up after a poor night’s sleep affect deciding what to do with your children on a weekend?
Emotions impact relationships: Research has found that children who are good at managing their emotions, those who are emotionally skilled, have better quality friendships, and better social skills, and are viewed as leaders by their teachers. Emotionally skilled caregivers experience more positive emotions and have better relationships with their children. People who are aware of emotions in themselves and others make better collaborators on projects.
Emotions influence health: In particular, how we manage our emotions is linked to our health. Emotionally skilled children have less anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity. Many health-related illnesses are a result of poor emotion regulation. Knowing what to do with our emotions improves our health and isn’t that what we want for our children?
In other words, emotions matter in all parts of life - and impact every aspect of our day to day functioning.
23-24 Yearbook Orders are Open!
From Doherty's School Social Worker Mrs. Schwartz:
Updates from Specials
📲Student Absences📲
Save the Doherty Safeline # in your phone: 248-865-6002
Leave a message on the Doherty Safeline if you're child will not be attending school.
Stay ready for the weather!
💙 Doherty PTO 💙
PTO Events and Meetings
Grocery Card Passive Fundraising
🆓 SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH INFORMATION 🆓
December Lunch Menu
- Students may elect to pack a lunch from home OR order a Free Lunch
- One breakfast and one lunch permitted per student per day
Families who have previously received breakfast and lunch assistance or are currently in a difficult financial position need to fill out the application by clicking the blue button below. There are a variety of important resources that are tied to that application, including Blessings in a Backpack, grant funding, etc. The applications are confidential and should be filled out each year for your students. The goal of completing the forms is to provide extra support for those students who need it.
Across the district...
K-5 Redistricting Info
Capturing Kids Hearts Resources
Each month classrooms will focus on a different character trait through our Capturing Kids Hearts framework. Below you will find a family newsletter that introduces the character trait of Empathy!
BUILDING INFORMATION
School Bell Times 2023-2024 SY
Start time 9:10 a.m.
Dismissal time 4:02 p.m.
Late Start Time: 10:10 a.m.
Half-Day Dismissal time: 12:12
Carline Reminders
- Please use crosswalk or sidewalk by the basketball courts.
- Please remain in your vehicle. A staff member will help your student(s) out of the car.
- Neighborhood parking.
Important WBSD contacts:
Nutrition Services
- 248.865.6733
Contact Nutrition Services with any questions regarding lunch accounts, free and reduced lunch applications or account set up.
Jake Sutton Transportation General Manager
Jake Sutton, General Manager
jake.sutton@wbsd.org
Durham School Services, West Bloomfield
3340 Orchard Lake Road
West Bloomfield, Michigan 48324
Phone: (248) 865-3680
- Bethany Helka
Kids Klub Secretary
(248) 865-6468
bethany.helka@wbsd.org
Frequently Asked Questions/Building Info
❔Frequently Asked Questions- We will add more as they come in! ❔
🚌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, cookies or birthday cake to celebrate my child's birthday?
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, and 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.