by Brian Keaney

After 14 and a half years, Greenlodge School has a new principal.  Principal Betty Cummings last day at the school was yesterday, and the PTO organized a tribute and reception in her honor.

Seven gifts were presented to Cummings, who plans to travel and spend more time with her grandchildren and travel in her retirement.  The gifts included a song sung by students, a scrapbook with each grade filling a different chapter, and a miniature version of the large green stuffed bulldog known as Lodge, who Cummings found and brought to serve as the school’s mascot.

The school’s library and media center, which Cummings had spearheaded and was the “driving influence” behind, was also named in her honor. 

“I was truthfully overwhelmed and touched by it,” Cummings said.  “I wasn’t expecting that at all.”

Teachers, parents and administrators all spoke of Cummings’ devotion to the school.

“For the past 14 plus years, she has worked generously and tirelessly to elevate Greenlodge to the outstanding school it is today,” said Michelle Hache, president of the Greenlodge PTO.  “She has garnered the respect, loyalty, and adoration of us all.”

Delia Derby, a 4^th grader at the school, said she would miss her principal.  “She always had a smile on her face,” Derby said.

Jennifer Balfour, a 1^st grade teacher, said teachers always felt their work was valued by Cummings, and this was shown by Cummings returning to the school for half a year even though she wanted to retire last June. 

“We were so lucky to have her for an extra few months to ensure a smooth transition,” Balfour said.  “It really shows how generous and caring she is.”

Greenlodge is home to the Lunchtime Learners program.  Each Thursday about 15 senior citizens come in and teach students skills such as crafts, chess or crocheting.  Several of the seniors who participate in the program were also in attendance on Friday.

“My heart is broken,” said Carmela Kerrigan, one of the Lunchtime Learners.  “She’s going to be awfully hard to replace.”

For the remainder of the year Cummings will be replaced by Ronald Dziergowski, a 4^th grade teacher who has spent his entire career teaching at the Greenlodge and Capen Schools.  Cummings had a large wooden key made up and presented it to Dziergowski during the afternoon ceremonies.

Dziergowski had only the highest praise for the woman whose office he would take over in the new year.

“Dedham has lost one of the most respected and loved educators,” he said of Cummings.

The universal sentiment on Friday afternoon seemed to be that it would be a seamless transition.

Fifth grade teacher Ken Toomey said that Dziergowski knows the school and the staff very well.  “It’s the best possible scenario, other than Betty staying,” he said.

Superintendent June Doe said the position has already been advertised, and will run again in January.  If there is a good response by applicants Doe said she hopes to announce a permanent replacement by late winter.

Cummings has said leaving the children will be the hardest part.  “Seeing their little faces, that’s what gets you,” she said as she hugged students and said goodbye.

Doe said that Cummings was always lobbying for her school, and Cummings final thoughts proved this point as she asked officials to “always keep the schools at the forefront of budget talks.”

“Look at all these little faces,” Cummings said.  “If they didn’t have public education, where would they go?”