Series Six : What We Will Miss Most About the Dever Elementary
Series Six: What We Will Miss Most About the Dever Elementary
💬 From the Voices Who Lived It
🎓 Landen Buckman
Former Dever Student, 2018–2025
As a recent graduate, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I’ll miss most about the Dever—and it’s not just one thing. It’s all the little moments that made this school feel like home.
More than anything, I’ll miss the simple, joyful times spent with my friends during recess and lunch. Those were the moments we got to just be ourselves—laughing, joking, and hanging out. I’ll also miss being part of the Chess Team, which not only challenged me but helped me connect with others in a fun and meaningful way.
But what I’ll miss the most is the time I spent with my teachers. They weren’t just there to teach—they were mentors. They cared, even when I was (admittedly) a bit of a pain! They always seemed to know what I needed, even when I didn’t.
I’m especially grateful for our amazing principal and all the staff who supported me every step of the way. Thank you for helping me grow into the student—and person—I am today.
The Dever was never just a school building.
It was a place where friendships blossomed, where I found my love for science, where I pushed myself on the chessboard, and where I always felt supported by a community that truly cared.
These are the things I’ll carry with me—and miss the most.
— Landen Buckman
🗣 Cheryl Buckman
Dever Alum, 1991–1996 | Parent, Community Advocate & Parent Lead at the Dever
Thirty-four years ago, I began my journey at the Dever. It feels like a lifetime ago—and yet, in so many ways, like it was just yesterday.
From the very beginning, I felt welcomed, heard, and respected. I had the privilege of learning from educators who are now long retired, but whose lessons still stay with me. I remember our school chant like it was etched in my soul:
“We are the Dever, Dever Dolphins—the mighty, mighty Dolphins!”
I remember the schoolyard turning into an ocean when it rained… or a skating rink on icy mornings. The art exhibits. The science fairs. The laughter in the hallways.
Fast forward 22 years—and I returned, this time as a parent. My son was now walking the same halls I once did. And stepping back into the Dever felt like coming home.
That same spirit of community and family was still in the air.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I stepped into a new role. I began to advocate—first quietly, then loudly—for our school. I was elected Parent Lead and spokesperson for the Dever’s parent community. I emceed my first rally—and I believe I rocked it! I helped launch the Dever Strong movement, and I’ve grown so much through this journey.
When the closure was announced, I’ll admit—I felt like I failed in some way. But the community reminded me of something powerful:
Family doesn't fade when buildings close. It lives on in our bonds.
What will I miss most? The countless friendships. The powerful connections with parents, teachers, students, and staff. I have been truly blessed and deeply honored to serve as your advocate, lead, and spokesperson.
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to stand up for the school that launched both my own educational journey—and my son’s.
The Dever will always be home.
And each of you will always hold a piece of my heart.
We are family—no matter where we go.
— Cheryl Buckman
🗣 Haval Abdulrahman
BPS Parent, Community Member, Co-Lead for the Dever
Parent of Two Dever Students (Grades 4 & 6)
As we prepare to say goodbye to Dever Elementary School—following the BPS vote to close it in March 2025—I want to share a few reflections as a parent. The closure will officially happen in June 2026.
When Dever closes its doors—due to what many of us believe is an unjust decision—parents will lose more than a neighborhood school. We’ll lose a vital source of connection, support, and stability.
For many families, Dever has been more than a place of learning. It has been a trusted space where children are known by name, where teachers and staff reflect the community they serve, and where generations have built bonds that extend far beyond the classroom.
The school has provided not only academic instruction, but also essential wraparound services:
• After-school programs
• Language support for multilingual families
• Access to social workers and counselors who understand the unique challenges of our neighborhood
The closure will force many parents to send their children to schools farther from home, disrupting fragile routines and making it harder to participate in our children’s education—whether attending school events or simply walking them to school each morning.
The sense of safety, familiarity, and cultural connection that Dever offered cannot easily be replaced. Its absence will leave a deep void in the lives of many Dorchester families.
Though we will miss all of Dever’s many accomplishments, we remain committed to carrying its legacy forward. The Dever community—educators, parents, and advocates—will continue to fight for equity and inclusion, even after the building closes in 2026.
— Haval Abdulrahman
🗣 Susan Cullity
Former BPS Parent & Grandparent
I’ve had three children and one grandson attend the Dever. My daughter Cheryl was the first to go, followed by her brothers, Danny and James. The Dever community has always been loving and welcoming.
The teachers and staff have always gone above and beyond to ensure each student understood the classwork and the homework. Recently, my grandson Landen graduated from the Dever, and I saw that same care and dedication still shining through. They made sure he was heard, seen, and supported.
I’ve never seen a child love a school as much as my children—and now my grandson—did.
When the school closes, I will miss the amazing teachers and staff. This school district will never be the same without the Dever here to serve its children.
But I know this: between the community, the students, and the educators, Dever’s legacy will live on.
And to see my daughter Cheryl helping to close out a school that molded her into the strong woman she is today—
That is nothing short of amazing.
— Susan Cullity
💔 These stories remind us that the Dever was never just a school—it was a home, a community, and the heart of Dorchester.
📌 Stay tuned for Series Six: Part 2, where we’ll continue to share the powerful voices of those who lived, learned, and led at the Dever.
#DeverStrong #BPS #OurStoriesMatter #SaveOurSchools
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