Currently in his eleventh year working in Duxbury schools, Jim Donovan is enjoying his new role as DHS assistant principal. We recently caught up with Jim and discovered how much he cares about and appreciates his students.

When did you start working in Duxbury?

I’ve been working in the district for eleven years. I started working as a music teacher at Chandler, and then went on to teach fifth grade at the middle school where I worked for two years. I then transitioned to choral director for the middle and high schools. Last spring this position became available so I applied for it, and started July 1.

How have you found the position so far?

It’s great. It’s very different from what I did before. I feel fortunate that I had a relationship with a lot of the teachers and staff and that I had been in this building for eight years as a teacher. I have a lot of relationships with the kids that I think are beneficial. It helps a lot.

Prior to working in Duxbury, what were you doing?

I got hired right out of college. I graduated from UNH and working at Chandler was my first job.

What are the biggest differences between teaching in elementary and high school?

It’s totally different. Chandler is a great place to work. Everything is really small. You know, smaller kids have smaller problems and bigger kids have bigger problems. At Chandler and Alden kids walk in lines down the hallways, the ceilings are lower. Kids are kids and they’re great. Working in the music department, I had the benefit of working with kids from sixth to twelfth grade. I got the opportunity to really get to know the kids in a way that a lot of the other teachers don’t, and I got to know the families that way and build relationships, build a program. This is a great place to work.

Are there any things you miss about teaching now that you’re in a different role?

Yeah, there are a lot of things. I enjoy this new position. The pace was really fast before as a music teacher. There were a lot of nights and weekends, performances etc. So I think that prepared me for this position. I have a different interaction with the students in the hallway now.

Do you think the students view you differently now?

Sure, absolutely. The role is different. I don’t know every kid in this building, but I did have a lot of them in class. I’m fortunate for that.

What’s your favorite aspect of this position thus far?

I’ve worked here for a long time and I care about the building a lot, so being in a position to help make things function smoothly and work well for the teachers and students is something that is really important to me. It’s something that we’ve tried to do this year. When it all works well, that’s a very satisfying thing. The high school is about student achievement, which happens through learning experiences, great teaching and great opportunities. So helping teachers and students make that happen, and giving them the support they need, is by far the most important and gratifying part of it.

What has been the most challenging part?

I think a real challenging part is keeping up with all of it. The pace is furious and a hundred miles an hour every day and everything is important. We deal with a lot of very important things for students here in the offices that need to be done right, carefully and consistently. And there are only so many hours in the day. Getting everything accomplished is hard.

What are your thoughts on the new school and what do you hope it will bring to the town?

The present building is really limited in what we are able to do. It was built on a different philosophy and for a different time. The new building is designed with tomorrow in mind, and so we will have tools, resources, space and furniture that moves---little things that will give the students and teachers the tools they need to succeed. It’s very exciting.

How does Duxbury’s public education system compare to other towns?

The kids here achieve at a very high level. We have exceptionally high MCAS scores every year. US News and World Report voted us one of the top high schools in America last year. The kids get a superior education in this school system. I think it is equal to the best schools in the state. Kids do very well coming out of here. We compare favorably in every category we can come up with.

How would your students describe you in five words or less?

I don’t know if I want to know that answer! I think it’s probably changed from last year to this year.

Do you have any hobbies?

I try to spend all the time I can outside of here with my wife and two young boys.

So when you’re not at the high school we can find you…

At home raking leaves!