IMAGE GALLERY: Charlotte Dunning Elementary Celebrates 50 Years

In the 1930s during the depression, a women in politics was unusual.

Charlotte Alyosia Dunning was a trailblazer. Born in Upton and trained at the Boston Conservatory, she ran for and won a 3-year seat on the Framingham Board of Public Welfare in 1936. She served on that Board for 35 years, 30 years, as its chair.

In 1965, Framingham re-named the former Frost Elementary School to the Charlotte A. Dunning Elementary School. Dunning, then 78 years old, attended the dedication.

On Sunday, current Dunning Elementary Principal Kim Taylor hosted a 50th anniversary celebration, attended by hundreds of students, parents, and current and former staff members.

Dunning Elementary has a rich history. Its first principal in 1965 was Mary E. Stapleton, who had another Framingham elementary school later named for her. Stapleton was elected principal of the then-Maynard School on Aug. 18 1950. She was paid $3,600 plus $400 in 1950 and $3,700 plus $400 in 1951. She later became the Dunning principal.

Framingham Superintendent of School Stacy Scott in speaking before an audience on Sunday remarked on how different education is from when the school was named for Dunning in the 1960s to now.

“There was no Internet,” said Scott.

Scott praised the school’s current leader Principal Taylor in his speech.

“Dunning has had a stellar and exemplary reputation,” said Framingham School Committee Beverly Hugo speaking Sunday. “It is a hidden jewel and a highly desired and sought after school community.”

Hugo said she is a “great admirer of the magic” that is Charlotte Dunning Elementary School.

“Today is a proud day for us, for our kids, and for our community,” said Hugo. “It commemorates the 50 years of caring for and educating our children and getting it right! Thank you for what you have accomplished as a school community and for putting kids first.”

As part of the celebration, there were performances by students and exhibits of students’ work.

Grade 5 students Sara Lagodimos, Madisyn Curet and Naomi Hoffman sang outside. Grade 4 students sang a song about the capitals of the 50 states, with music teacher Mrs. Hagarty.

In the gymnasium, students from kindergarten through grade 5 had art work on display, all ocean themed.

At the end of the day, a cake was cut to celebrate the milestone.

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Click on the link below to view 90 photos from Petroni Media Company.