Enthusiastic, motivated, and dedicated come to mind when one first meets new DHS Assistant Principal Rachel Chavier. Her optimistic mindset is sure to bring a positive aura over the school and set DHS on the track for success in the upcoming years.

Ms. Chavier attended Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, majoring in English and minoring in secondary education. In 1997, she began teaching English 6-12 at DMS and DHS, continuing to do so for 15 years, working her way up to English Department Chair. Eventually, Ms. Chavier felt it was time to move to an administrative position, but DHS did not have any openings. She ended up as the assistant principal at Furnace Brook Middle School in Marshfield, MA and has been in the position for three years.

In just those three short years, Ms. Chavier has already managed to improve Furnace Brook Middle School for the better. She has worked diligently to improve the literacy in the school and provide Response to Intervention (RTI) programs for students who need extra help in their classes.

She also promotes the One Book, One School program that unifies the community by encouraging students and their parents to read the same book and discuss it chapter by chapter throughout the month.

Ms. Chavier enjoys working one on one with students and teachers in order to better understand their needs. She has made multiple cameo appearances in school plays at Furnace Brook Middle School. “I’ve dressed up as the Grinch, I’ve been a slice of pizza,” she said, “and I’ve been Glinda the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz.”

Although she is admittedly not the best basketball player, she has also taken part in two faculty-student basketball games. “I didn’t do so great,” she said. “I think I made three baskets.”

Ms. Chavier joined the Furnace Brook Middle School administrative team three years after they started raising money for the Jimmy Fund.

She has been personally responsible for setting up community events such as Pizza Bowls, where local residents vote on the best donated pizza after purchasing tickets for the event, creating community breakfasts, and monitoring the student council and advisory fundraisers.

Within six years, the school was able to raise $95,000 for the Jimmy Fund and Ms. Chavier is continuing her charitability by raising money to create a well through Water for South Sudan. “It builds a sense of community and empathy among the student body,” she said.

Ms. Chaiver plans on bringing what she has learned from working at Furnace Brook Middle School back to DHS. “I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the community,” she said.

She will focus on collaborating with the leadership team and developing programs that meet student needs. She feels we must keep a balance at DHS by pushing forward with the academic honors we have been able to receive as a Level One school.

“I have a lot of respect for [the DHS staff],” said Chavier. “I’m looking forward to connecting with those I knew in Dartmouth. Dartmouth is where my home is, and I want to come home.”