Doherty Blast Sep 1, 2023
Dear Doherty Families,
What a fantastic start we have had to the new year. The students have come in full of energy and excited to see what the day brings. For our youngest students, we have seen them develop a new sense of security with their teachers and peers.
For parents, the start of the school year is full of “to-do” items and the task of understanding the flow of communication to and from the school. The good news is that if you are reading this, you have already taken a significant step in ensuring you stay current on school happenings. The Blast is sent out weekly and will provide information from across the school.
Your Veracross parent portal is another essential school communication tool. It is important that you sign in to your account. Once in Veracross, ensure you have updated all of your family information. We rely on the contact information provided when we need to reach you. You will also find a link to Magnus, which is used for health information. If you have not done so, please complete the required medical forms. These must be done by Sept. 14. Veracross also allows you to report your child’s attendance. Simply click the “Report Attendance” link and follow the directions.
At Doherty, we are lucky to have such supportive families and an active Parent Community (PC) group. Meg Neiderhelman and Lindsay Cassady are our Parent Community co-chairs this year and are extending an open invitation to all parents to become involved in any way you would like. The first PC meeting will be on Sept. 8 at 8:30 a.m. at Bean & Barley in O’Bryonville (just up the road from Doherty). Feel free to stop by and learn more about how to get involved and the events planned for this year. If you can not attend but would like to get involved, feel free to reach out to Meg or Lindsay via email.
Have a great long weekend!
Tracy
Be sure to scroll down for key dates and announcements.
Key Dates & Events
Monday, Sept. 4 — Labor Day. No School
Friday-Satruday, Sept. 22-23 — Homecoming
Friday, Sept. 22 — Family Picnic, 5-7 p.m., Hillsdale Campus
Announcements
Seven Hills String Ensemble
The Seven Hills String Ensemble is open to third through fifth graders for violin, viola, and cello, no experience necessary. Instruments are not provided. Baroque Violin Shop is highly recommended. Ask for “Strictly Strings, Book 1” when ordering. Classes will be on Monday and Wednesday from 7:45-8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria. Please contact Michaela Hibbard with questions or to sign up. When emailing, please provide the child’s name, grade, and Lotspeich or Doherty. Classes begin in September. The deadline to sign up is Sept. 15.
After the Bell Updates
Encore
Encore Club is in full swing! We are now launching a weekly sign up, with options to pick up at 4:15 p.m. or stay until 6 p.m. This is all available in your parent portal the Friday prior to the month starting. If you need a drop in, please fill out a request using the Daily ATB Registration link under the parents links section. Parents will receive a confirmation email if registered.
If you are signed up annually, there is no need for you to select an option each week, as you registered for the full year.
Enrichment
Enrichment options (after school classes) will be live on your parent portal the week of Sept. 4. Programs will begin the week of Sept. 18. There are options at both campuses, and students in first through fifth grade may ride the shuttle for programs after school.
Music Lessons
If your child is interested in music lessons, we have violin and piano lessons available. For violin, we have space available for several days. Piano lesson spaces are more limited. Email Jill and Christina to find out more.
Questions?
Email Jill and Christina.
Best Point Counseling Services
Seven Hills is proud to continue its partnership with Best Point this school year. Through this partnership, Best Point will be able to offer individual and group counseling services on campus to students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade by a licensed mental health therapist. Best Point has two school-based therapists available to Seven Hills families, Haley Muth and Emily Daugherty, who are both currently accepting new clients.
You can access these services for your student by contacting your school counselor or by submitting a referral on the Best Point website. Call 513.272.2800 if you need further assistance!
PC Corner
Want to know more about what the Parent Community does for our Doherty families? Please join us for the PC Kickoff Friday, Sept. 8, at 8:30 a.m. at Bean & Barley right down the road from school (2005 1/2 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208). Grab a coffee and get to know everyone!
Mark your calendars and book your sitters for the Fall Doherty Parent Social on Oct. 14 from 7-10 p.m. (location TBD)!
Even if you are never able to make it to a meeting, you can still help the Doherty Parent Community with events and activities throughout the year! Please visit our SignUpGenius to view our current volunteer opportunities.