Doherty Blast Nov 17, 2023
Dear Doherty Families,
The students have been busy preparing for our Grandparents and Special Persons’ Day on Nov. 21. The schedule can be found in the previous week’s Blast. Please inform your child’s teacher if their guest can take them home after the classroom gathering.
Our students are not the only ones who have been busy! The Lower School teachers have been engaged in conversations regarding the teaching of literacy. We know that strong literacy skills are the foundation of academic success and lifelong learning. With this in mind, we have been reviewing current research to ensure our teachers are equipped with the latest pedagogical techniques, research-based strategies, and effective tools to foster literacy development in students across all grade levels. Lotspeich and Doherty have been working together with a literacy consultant as we review our curriculum and literacy practices to share best practices and innovative ideas to elevate the literacy learning experience for your children.
Last week, kindergarten and Unit I had the opportunity to visit the Aronoff Center to see the play “Giraffes Can’t Dance,” based on the book by Giles Andreae. The play used singing, dancing, and humor to teach the audience to appreciate others’ strengths and encourage them to “find their own music to dance to.” Ask your kindergartener or first grader if they remember how they can say “hello” differently.
December will be here before we know it, which always brings a flurry of activity! Make sure to read the information below about our winter holiday, and mark your calendars. Remember that next week is a short week due to Thanksgiving. There is no school Nov. 22-26.
Have a great weekend.
Tracy
Key Dates & Events
Tuesday, Nov. 21 — Grandparents and Special Persons’ Day
Wednesday, Nov. 22-Friday, Nov. 24 — Thanksgiving Break. No School.
Monday, Nov. 27 — School Resumes
Wednesday, Dec. 13 — Winter Program for Pre-kindergarten Parents
Friday, Dec. 15 — Winter Program for Kindergarten through Fifth Grade Parents. Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16-Monday, Jan. 1 — Winter Break
Tuesday, Jan. 2 — Faculty Professional Development Day. No School.
Wednesday, Jan. 3 — School Resumes
Announcements
Grandparents and Special Persons’ Day
Invitations have been emailed to your child’s grandparents or special persons. Please remind them to RSVP by Monday, Nov. 20.
Doherty Winter Programs
The Winter Program performance for pre-k parents to attend will be Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 9 a.m. in the Doherty cafeteria. This will include all students in pre-k through fifth grades.
The Winter Program performance for parents of grades kindergarten through grade five will be Friday, Dec. 15, at 9:30 a.m. in The Schiff Center on the Hillsdale Campus. Please look for a packet of FAQs and a dismissal form in your child’s folder.
View this flyer for more information about both programs.
Save the Date — Books for Lunch 2024!
The 2024 Books for Lunch committee, chaired by Seven Hills parents Lisa Briquet and Lalitha Chunduri, is honored to present this year’s guest author, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Andrew Sean Greer! Please join us in the Madisonville Ballroom at The Summit Hotel on Feb. 2 for lunch, community, and an engaging address from Greer. Please visit 7hills.org/BFL to purchase tickets and learn more about the events, Greer, and his work.
After the Bell Updates
Encore Club
We now have 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.
Winter Holiday Care
We are having care for four dates when school is still closed: a half-day program held at both campuses on Dec. 15., and full day programs on Dec. 18, 19, and Jan. 2 on the Hillsdale Campus. Register today!
PC Corner
Music and Mingle Family Reception — Dec. 2, 3:15 p.m
Join us to support Stinger performing arts at the instrumental performances and the Music and Mingle Family Reception on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Meet up to mingle with fellow Stinger music lovers in The Schiff Center lobby directly following the Middle School Instrumental Concert, which starts at 2:30 p.m., and before the Upper School Instrumental Concert, which starts at 4:30 p.m. This reception is open to all attendees of the instrumental performances. Afternoon snacks and drinks provided by the Arts Boosters Parent Community.
Parent Coffee/Holiday Social — Dec. 8
Please join your Doherty PC after drop off in the basement of Bean & Barley on Friday, Dec. 8, for coffee and socializing ahead of the holiday break! See you there!
Save the Date(s) — February Events
We have two February events for you to put on your calendar: Books for Lunch on Friday, Feb. 2, at the Summit Hotel (this is an adults-only lunch event), and the Winter Family Social on Friday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Urban Air (bring the whole fam!). More details to come.
Parent Walking Club
We are a group of parents who get together bi-weekly on Wednesdays after morning drop off to talk and walk the lower soccer field on the Hillsdale Campus. All divisions are welcome, and no RSVP is required. This group provides you a great opportunity to connect with other community members all while getting your steps in! Please park in the lower field parking area; campus guest passes will be passed out to ensure visibility, for security purposes. When inclement weather occurs, we gather at Element Eatery to chat. Our next meet up is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Subsequent dates are Dec. 13, and Jan. 10, 2024. I look forward to chatting with you soon. Carolyn Klein (Mom of Spencer, 11th grade, and Courtney, seventh grade)