Doherty Blast Sep 8, 2023
Dear Doherty Families,
I hope everyone had a wonderful, long weekend. Labor Day always marks the end of summer and what feels like the official start of the school year. The students have gotten into the rhythm of the school day, and even our youngest are settling into their classrooms very well.
Unit III kicked off their language arts classes with a “Book Tasting.” The event allowed the students to visit several tables containing books of a specific genre. During their time at each table, they could browse the genre by reading a few pages and making notes about books they might like to read or genres and authors they found interesting. The event has undoubtedly sparked the students’ interest, and they look forward to reading their favorites.
Unit III students sample books at their “Book Tasting.”
Seven Hills has committed to our work on diversity. Racheal Quinn, our director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, has been working with teachers to bring this work to their classrooms. We have been piloting the AmazeWorks curriculum, a literature-based program that empowers teachers and children to co-create classrooms of equity and belonging where children feel valued, respected, and connected by engaging in intentional, regular discussions about identity, differences, and bias. See the parent letter for more information about the program.
Congratulations to our fall athletes who were recognized at Fall Spirit Night. There was a lot of energy running across that field! Registration for our winter sports begins on Sept. 18. Watch The Blast for registration information.
Please check Veracross for your child’s teacher’s webpage, which contains weekly newsletters. To access the webpage, log in to your Veracross Parent Portal from our webpage. Once in your portal, scroll down to “My Children” and click “classes and reports.” From there, you will see a variety of classes for your child. Find the one with your child’s grade, for example, “Unit II,” and click “website.” If you look to the right, you will find the webpage menu. You will find the “newsletters,” which the teachers update weekly. If you need help locating the class website, reach out, and we can assist you.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. To kickoff our service learning, we are asking students to donate any Crayola products or coloring books. See more information about the item drive here.
Have a great weekend,
Tracy
Be sure to scroll down for key dates and announcements.
Key Dates & Events
Friday, Sept. 22-23 — Homecoming
Friday, Sept. 22 — Family Picnic, 5-7 p.m., Hillsdale Campus
Announcements
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 under the Student Logistics request, and we will approve if space is available.
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
Check out our enrichment options (after school classes). 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. Look for a link to register soon.
Music Lessons
If your child is interested in music lessons, we have violin and piano lessons available. For violin, we have space for students on several days. Piano lesson spaces are more limited. Email Jill and Christina to find out more.
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, 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.
Spirit Week — Sept. 18-22
The week of Sept. 18-22 will be a Spirit Week in celebration of Homecoming. Check out the flyer for each day’s theme and prepare to show your Stinger pride!
PC Corner
Parent Basketball Group
Parent Basketball Group (PBG) is back again this year! The PBG is a weekly standing pickup basketball game every Wednesday night at the Hillsdale Campus in Stoehr Gym for parents of students in all divisions of the school. The court will be open to parents starting at 7:45 p.m. and the pickup game(s) will begin at 8 p.m. Day-of sign-up via SignUpGenius is required.
Doherty Book Club
The Doherty book club will host its first meeting Sept. 13, 6 p.m. at Element Eatery in Madisonville. Email Lindsay Cassady if you are interested in more information, all are welcome!
Fall Parent Social
Mark your calendars and book your sitters for the Fall Doherty Parent Social on Oct. 14 from 7-10 p.m. (location TBD)!
Parent Volunteers
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! We are especially looking for volunteers for Spooktacular. Please sign up via this SignUpGenius for our fun fall event (and others throughout the year).