When will I find out who my child's teacher will be?
Classroom placements and teacher assignments are prepared over the summer and will be shared with family approximately August 22nd.
Where do I find my child's Student ID number?
If you've set up a parent portal account and are accessing powerschool, you'll be able to find it there when accessing your account from a web browser. Contact the main office if you don't have access set up yet and we can assist.
Will my child and I be able to see their classroom before school starts?
Of course! We'll host back to school meet the teacher events before the start of the school year and you can expect an invitation around the same time you receive your teacher's welcome letter.
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 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, or 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, 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.
When do I see the inside of my child's classroom and meet their teacher?
You can expect to hear from your classroom teacher after class lists are finalized. Teachers are not required to report back until August 24th, many will still be preparing classrooms for the first day of school and not available for an evening event. In the past (pre-pandemic) we've hosted curriculum nights for parents in person here at Doherty. If that is an option this fall we will be communicating that information at that time.
Can I walk my student to their class on the first day of school?
Unfortunately we cannot allow parents to accompany their students into the building and to their classrooms. Unscheduled visitors are not permitted for safety reasons and you can imagine what it might look like if there were nearly 500 students and their parents streaming into the building all at the same time! We will have many smiling staff members and teachers greeting students outside every day making sure they get to where they are supposed to be safely.
