Parker School dedicates walkway, honors retired principal

Parker School dedicates walkway, honors retired principal
‘Todd stood out here … to say good morning to all’
 
 
By M.E. Jones
PUBLISHED: September 15, 2025 at 5:35 AM EDT
 
 
DEVENS – The day before school started was a red-letter day at The Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School, as the school community dedicated a new walkway and honored former principal Todd Sumner, who stood on that walkway to greet students every morning during his 11 years at the helm.
Providing a whole new sense of curb appeal, the front of the school never looked more welcoming, with a broad expanse of spotless new pavement leading to a newly re-designed entrance, surrounded by new landscaping.
The handsome entryway is the centerpiece of a major construction project completed over the summer that also added an outdoor classroom area and a garden at the side of the building.
The eye-catching garden, featuring an artful array of select shrubs and blooming greenery, borders a sidewalk leading to the library, where guests gathered for a reception after the ceremony.
 
The construction project was funded in part by a fundraising campaign launched in Sumner’s name, a fitting tribute to the man for whom the walkway holds special significance, as he welcomed students there each morning. The practice he began became a Parker tradition.
Executive Director Brian Harrigan highlighted that point at the dedication ceremony, noting how Sumner had started each school day on the walkway, pre-makeover, greeting students by name.  “Todd stood out here in all kinds of weather to say good morning to all,” Harrigan said.
“That’s the culture Todd created,” he said. “Thank you!”
Sumner returned the sentiment. “Thank you for this honor,” he said.
 
 
Sumner said his tenure at the school was a high point for him.
“My eleven years was the most amazing professional experience of my career,” he said, including, “those thirty minutes outside…in all kinds of weather.”
Other speakers included student leader Elsa Achtem, Board of Trustees Chairwoman Pam Gordon, state Sen. Jamie Eldridge and Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Melissa Fetterhoff.
Gordon recalled Sumner’s daily stand outside the front door when she dropped her kids off in the morning. “I was one of those parents…when Todd was here,” she said.
 
 
 
As Parker marks its 30th year, Gordon said she’s pleased “with the direction the school is going” with a strategic plan in place to continue moving forward.
Fetterhoff said her history with the school included helping to prep this building — a former Devens elementary school — when it was being renovated as the Parker School’s new quarters. “I was part of the cleaning crew,” she said. Since then, she’s been “fortunate to partner with Parker” in other ways, she said, from hosting interns to participating in career days.
Sen. Eldridge drew laughter with his opener, saying this event might be a first for him, as he’s never been asked to cut a ceremonial ribbon “for an entryway” before. But he was happy to do it, he said, and to honor Sumner.
“Tremendous job, Todd!” he said.
Noting the many events he’s attended at Parker over the years, from school tours to student projects to graduations, Eldridge said it’s all part of what the school stands for.
“Thank you for being a welcoming place where kids can grow and achieve,” Eldridge said.