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Doherty Blast Apr 3, 2026

  • Key Dates
  • What to Know Now
  • Parent Community News
  • Announcements

Key Dates

Tuesday, April 7— Little Big Talks Book Series, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m, Lotspeich Library
Wednesday, April 8-Friday, April 10
— Unit III to Glen Helen
Friday, April 10-Saturday, April 11 — Reunion Weekend
Wednesday, April 15 — Units I-III Recitals, 9 a.m.
Monday, April 20 — Lower School Author Visit
Friday, May 1  — Senior Circle. All School Lunch
Friday, May 1 — Doherty Carnival, 5-8 p.m.

Photos of the Week

  • A Lower Schooler from kindergarten through fifth grade from each campus took part in the groundbreaking of the new Doherty Lotspeich Lower School.
  • On the last day before Spring Break, Doherty celebrated Holi.
  • Kindergarten through fifth grade students attend the Doherty premiere of the Doherty Lotspeich Lower School rendering video.
  • Older students held a storytime for the younger Doherty classmates and read them books by Amanda Driscoll, who will be visiting the pre-kindergarten students on April 15.

  • The pre-kindergarten for 2-year-old students went on a nature walk through the Doherty Campus and explored the learning garden.

What to Know Now

Big Little Talks: Parent Book Series — Exploring Gender, April 7

Children are naturally curious, and questions about gender are increasingly part of what they’re noticing, discussing, and bringing home. As parents, it can be hard to know how to respond — or even where to begin.

Join us for our next Big Little Talks Parent Book Series, inspired by the “A Kids Book About” collection.

In partnership with GLSEN, a representative will be present to help answer parents’ questions around topics involving gender. Join us on Tuesday, April 7, at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. in the Lotspeich library. RSVP for the session that works best for you. This program is intended for Lower School parents, but all parents are welcome to attend.

Lower School Author Visit

You’re invited to order discounted, signed books from our two upcoming visiting authors — and they’ll be delivered right to your child’s classroom before the author’s visit! Book orders will close April 6.

  • Pre-kindergarten — Amanda Driscoll on April 15. Order Amanda Driscoll books.
  • Grades K–5 — Kelly Starling Lyons on April 20. Order Kelly Starling Lyons books.

How it works: The Bookshelf bookstore is hosting the sale and offering books at a discount. When ordering, select “I would like to pick up this order.” Books will be delivered directly to Seven Hills, and families will NOT need to pick up the books. When each author visits, they will sign and personalize your child’s book. Thank you for your continued support! Questions? Reach out to Mrs. Schnirring and Mrs. Suffield.

Reminder: Field House Parking Lot — Temporary Traffic Flow Changes

Due to the new Lower School construction, you are only able to enter and exit the Field House lot on the Hillsdale Campus from Bufler Lane. The exit onto Ellmarie Drive is closed through summer 2026.

Parent Community News

Come One, Come All, For CAR•NI•VAL!

Mark your calendars — we are just one month away from the Doherty Carnival! Join us on May 1 from 5-8 p.m. to celebrate a fantastic school year with an evening of games, inflatables, food trucks, and more.

The Doherty Carnival is our largest event of the year and is made possible by the dedication of our parent volunteers. To help ensure a fun and successful event for all, we ask that one person from each family volunteer just 30 minutes to run a game or supervise an inflatable.

You may sign up using SignUpGenius to select a time slot that works best for you, and additional volunteer time is always appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Aloah Duke.

Carnival T-Shirts

Carnival T-shirt ordering is now open! Orders must be placed by April 10. We are excited to announce that this year’s winning design was created by fifth grade student Claire Martin.

To place your order, please use the Carnival T-shirt order form.

Carnival T-shirts are a cherished Doherty tradition. While not required, many students and staff enjoy wearing them on Carnival day to show their school spirit.

Pre-kindergarten Garden Spring Clean-Up  

Calling all green thumbs! If you are interested in helping us plant and clean up the pre-kindergarten garden, meet us at the garden on April 7 after morning drop-off! 

Join the PC — A Welcome from Chair Natalie Martin and and Co-Chair Stephanie Helmer

The Parent Community (PC) is already excitedly preparing for the upcoming 2026–27 school year!

We are pleased to introduce next year’s PC chair and co-chair Natalie Martin and Stephanie Helmer.

From Natalie:
Hello! I’m Natalie Martin, and I have two children at Doherty — Claire (Grade 5) and Wyatt (Grade 3). My husband, Josh, and I are originally from Georgia, and since joining the Doherty community in 2016, we have felt incredibly fortunate to call it home. With over 10 years of Parent Community volunteer experience, I am honored to step into this role and look forward to helping make the coming school year both fun and memorable for our families.

From Stephanie:
Hello! I’m Stephanie Helmer, and I have two daughters, Maggie (PK3) and Anna (PK2). I am a proud Seven Hills alumna, starting in pre-kindergarten at Doherty and graduating with the Class of 2006. I am thrilled to now be part of this special community as a parent and am excited to connect with fellow families while supporting our school.

Get Involved!
The Parent Community offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with other parents while supporting Doherty in meaningful ways. Whether your interests include crafting, gardening, assisting teachers, or planning events, there is a place for everyone to contribute.

We welcome volunteers throughout the year! Additional information about PC roles, along with a volunteer interest survey, will be shared in May. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out via email or connect with us in person if you would like to get involved.

Announcements

Sign-up for Enrichment Spring Session!

Enrichment is now open for the Spring Session! We will run programs from April 6-May 15, with an exciting lineup on both campuses. Now is your chance to sample some of our fun summer offerings in the spring session so sign up soon!

Register via Veracross!

Units I-III Recital

If your Unit I–III student has registered for the recital, the event will be held in the cafeteria on April 15 at 9 a.m. Registration forms were previously sent home by Mr. Newlie and were due on March 11. If you have any questions or are still interested in having your child participate, please contact Mr. Newlie directly.

Summer String Camps

If your child is interested in continuing or starting their musical string instrument journey, please check out recommendations for summer from Michaela Hibbard, our strings teacher.

CCM Camp

  • Elementary Strings Camp (Grades K-5): June 1-5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ($350)
  • Elementary Strings Camp (Grades K-5): July 20-24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ($350)

Immanuel School of Music

  • Summer Strings Club (Approximately Grades 3-6): June 4-July 24, 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays in Northern Kentucky, Lakeside Park, about 20 minutes from Seven Hills

CCM Private Lessons

  • Contact Dr. Joyce Chan.

Private Violin Lessons

  • Near the Hillsdale Campus at the home of Maggie Niecamp.

CMA Silverton

  • See more at CMA Website.

Immanuel School of Music (NKY) Private Lessons

Contact me, Michaela Hibbard!

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Accreditations:

  • National Association of Independent Schools
  • Independent Schools Association of the Central States
  • Ohio Association of Independent Schools
  • State of Ohio
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