This school year has brought on many new changes to the faculty, including Daniel Doughty becoming the new head of the middle school. As an individual who has already been part of the Poly community for 18 years now, Doughty has served as a former music teacher, performing arts department chair, and director of music.
The process for hiring the new head of middle school involved many different groups’ opinions. According to Michal Hershkovitz, assistant head of school and academics, “When we were looking for a new middle school head, we were looking for someone who loves middle school,…to embrace the challenges that [middle schoolers] are capable of reaching and meeting.”
Hershkovitz explained that hiring processes for this level of administration are commonly managed by a professional search firm, who comes to the school and meets with various groups of faculty, students, administrators, and families to see what they would want in a new head of middle school. The firm also meets with other external candidates.
In reflecting on his years at Poly, Doughty recognized how the skills he has developed will help him in his new position. For instance, as performing arts department chair, he was “overseeing a lot of hectic schedules, planning big events, and coordinating with other departments in the school, such as admissions and operations,” which Doughty said have all been useful resources in his new role. Likewise, he shared that, as a music teacher, he was often working in large groups and building community, something he has taken with him as he interacts with his middle school students and faculty.
Hershkovitz emphasized that, because middle school is a time of learning and transition, Poly needed someone who was going to embrace this unique chapter. Similar to his students, Doughty is also embarking upon his own journey as he transitions into his new role. “It’s all a growing experience,” Doughty explained. “I went into this year knowing that every experience is going to be a first and that it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and think about how to make it better for the future.”
When asked if Doughty missed his former arts-oriented role, he said, “Of course, I will miss making music with all my singers. I have enjoyed getting to know a broader group of students in this different role.” Doughty mentioned that he still feels connected to the students, just in a different way, and that he will continue to make music with his all-male identifying acapella group, The Blue Notes.
In addition to the responsibilities he has as the head of middle school, Doughty is also supporting recent hire Vincent Iannelli, the new choral director and music programs coordinator, in his transition to Poly and the music department. Iannelli described the transition as fun and interesting. “[I’m] trying to learn all there is to know about chorus, while trying to learn everything there is about the rest of the music department as well,” he said.
Freshman Lauren Pauls had Doughty as a teacher in middle school. In an email to the Polygon, Pauls said that Doughty was always one of the fun teachers and that he made sure to include every student in the room. “I remember many students felt uncomfortable about singing in front of an audience, but he changed that and brought the group together,” Pauls said, noting that “he is a true leader.”
“I really like Mr. Doughty,” said current seventh grade student Brendon Merchant. “It’s been really fun with him because I’ve been in his music classes, […] and now that he is the head of middle school, he’s kept his role in the Poly community,” Merchant continued. “He’s a very kind person. He helps out people in need, and I’m very happy that he got the position,” added Jon Balikci, another seventh grade student.
“I feel that we are so lucky [and] blessed to have him in this role, where I am certain without a shred of doubt that he will be as successful and creative and thoughtful as he has been in every other position he’s held,” Hershkovitz said.
Additional reporting by Charlotte Arzouian.
