By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — A Tewksbury administrator was appointed as Summer Street School’s interim principal last week.
Superintendent Kristen Vogel announced in a letter sent to Summer Street School families on Sept. 8 that North Street Elementary School Principal Karen Cronin has been appointed as Summer Street’s interim principal. She will begin her tenure on Wednesday, Sept. 29.
Cronin will succeed former Principal Dr. Karen Dwyer, who left Summer Street before the start of the academic year after being appointed as Uxbridge Public Schools’ interim assistant superintendent. Dwyer led Summer Street School for three years.
“Ms. Cronin brings many years of experience, both as an elementary classroom teacher and administrator, to Lynnfield,” Vogel stated. “Ms. Cronin spent 19 years as an elementary classroom teacher both in general and special education.”
Cronin has worked in education for the past 26 years. She has served as North Street School’s principal for the past four years, which overlapped with Vogel’s tenure as Tewksbury Memorial High School’s principal. Cronin also worked as an elementary school assistant principal in the Nashoba Valley Regional School District. She also served as an elementary classroom teacher and special education teacher in the Flagstaff Unified School District in Arizona, Newton Public Schools and Billerica Public Schools.
“I am thrilled to be joining such a fine team in Lynnfield, and am looking forward to getting to know the staff, students and families of the Summer Street School,” said Cronin in an email sent to the Villager. “I think we will have a wonderful year together.”
Cronin stressed the importance of building relationships in her cover letter.
“This extraordinary time in our world has revealed the symbiotic relationship between teachers, families and students, and the extreme importance of the contribution of each,” Cronin wrote. “As principal, it is my charge to ensure there is a well structured path for all three groups to walk together. I bring people together to ensure the inside of their school is inclusive, dynamic, focused, high achieving and rewarding.”
While Cronin’s first day as Summer Street’s interim principal will be Wednesday, Sept. 29, she was introduced to families during a meet and greet that took place on Tuesday, Sept. 14, taking place after the Villager’s deadline. She will also be meeting with staff and students on Friday, Sept. 17 and Tuesday, Sept. 21.
“I know that transition can be difficult and can cause anxiety as you consider the unknown,” Cronin stated in a letter sent to parents and Summer Street staff members on Sept. 10. “My goal this year is to learn what makes Summer Street School a place of excellence, so those elements can remain firmly in place. I welcome your involvement and input throughout this year as we envision the future together.”
Cronin also stated that she is looking forward to meeting Summer Street School’s students.
“I am looking forward to finding out what you love about school, and what you love to do when you are not in school,” Cronin wrote. “I think we will have a wonderful year learning together.”
Elementary Math/Science Curriculum Director Christina Perry and Elementary Special Education Team Chair Nicole Hyde-Bradford have been leading Summer Street School since the 2021-2022 academic year began on Sept. 1.
“I also want to thank Christina Perry and Nicole Hyde-Bradford for their incredible leadership of Summer Street School as we transition to a new principal at the start of the school year,” Vogel stated. “I am so appreciative of everything they have done to ensure a smooth opening and beyond, while juggling additional responsibilities.”
