Horace Mann prepares to say ‘farewell' to Principal Peter Stewart
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The end of the school year will mark the end of an era for two veteran elementary school principals in the Binghamton City School District.
Peter Stewart at Horace Mann and Dave Chilson at Roosevelt are both retiring.
We sat down with Stewart to reflect on what he thinks has made Mann a place where kids love to learn.
On the last Friday of every month, Peter Stewart holds a whole school morning meeting with parents and guardians invited.
'It's a gathering, like a family gathers at a dinner table, so that everybody knows that we love them, they matter and we're going to take good care of them. So, that's why we do them,' said Stewart.
Wednesday marks Stewart's final morning meeting at Horace Mann, retiring after 18 years. His philosophy has remained consistent throughout.
'You will hear me say this over and over again, and I've been saying it since I started my career in education, is that you have to put relationships first,' said Stewart.
'It is really all about building great relationships with kids,' said Stewart. 'It's really about getting to know them. It's really about inspiring them.' Stewart added, 'It's really about letting them know that they matter. And I think once you do those things well, then the academics fall into place.'
Stewart grew up in the Bronx, where he started his teaching career. After moving to his wife's hometown of Binghamton, he taught at MacArthur Elementary before becoming an administrator in the Sidney School District and then Horace Mann.
His morning meetings promote school spirit and pride, build self-esteem, and focus on good character traits such as respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness.
'Kids feel safe, kids feel nurtured, kids feel loved, and so if you start with relationships, then attendance is not even an issue,' said Stewart.
Stewart is one of very few Black school administrators in our area. He wishes more people of color would pursue a career in public education.
'Kids need to see what they can become. It's unfortunate that we don't have as many Black principals, Black administrators or just people of color to help inspire our kids,' said Stewart.
Stewart says he enjoys reconnecting with past students and hearing about their favorite Mann memories, such as the 100-book reading challenge, the birthday lollipops, and other student celebrations.
'This school has been integral in terms of really, really tying this community together. There's a lot of teaching and learning going on but there's also a lot of love going on too here,' said Stewart.
Stewart says his career began as a substitute teacher, and he fell in love with the kids on Day One. A love that has never faded over his decades of service.
Stewart says he's ready to move on to new challenges and isn't certain of what his future holds.
On Thursday, we'll speak with Dave Chilson, the longtime principal at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary, who is also retiring at the end of the year.
Horace Mann prepares to say 'farewell' to Principal Peter Stewart
Ponies clinch 11th straight win on Baseball and Education Day
Healing After Loss helps community members cope with grief
Auchinachie donates $1,000 to Whitney Point Civic Association
Celebrate the anniversary of Schoolhouse No. 4 with free tour
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Roosevelt reflects on the legacy of Principal Dave Chilson
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The Binghamton City School District is losing two of its veteran administrators at the end of this school year. Roosevelt principal Dave Chilson and Horace Mann principal Peter Stewart are both retiring. We caught up with Chilson recently as he works to smooth the transition for the students and staff who have come to depend on him. Dave Chilson started a recent morning off talking with fifth graders about what's working and what could be improved when it comes to student behavior. 'I like to think that they follow my lead a little bit. We laugh, we have fun, we love each other, and we create a nice place for kids to be,' said Chilson. Chilson has been the principal at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary for 23 years, after spending several years teaching 5th grade in Johnson City and one year as a principal in Apalachin. He was recruited to come to the Northside of Binghamton, which has the highest poverty rate in the area. 'I like the challenge, and I knew that the Northside of Binghamton would present some challenges. I'm all about challenges,' said Chilson. So, Chilson helped to foster relationships with outside groups such as the United Way's Healthy Lifestyles Coalition and Cornell Cooperative Extension. But he says the main strategy has been to get to know each child individually. 'I want to have a school that challenges kids and gives kids what they need, both socially, emotionally, and academically. And I want it to be a place where kids want to go every day,' said Chilson. 'I want it to be a place where they're safe, they feel safe, and they want to come back to visit after they leave here.' Chilson continued, 'It's that they know that they're loved here, that we have fun, that we smile and we hug and we high-five.' During a recent facilities and enrollment study, Roosevelt was one of several elementaries schools considered for closing. Instead, the district decided to give the school a major renovation, which will require a temporary closure beginning the year after next. That prompted Chilson to decide that the time to retire was right. 'I felt like the next Roosevelt principal should have one year in this building to feel what it's like and feel the culture so that they can try to recreate that when the new building is built,' said Chilson. Chilson made the announcement to the students over the PA system back in March. That has sparked a lot of sadness and anxiety among the children and the teachers. The school's social worker Katelyn Felter created a children's book to help explain the transition. Chilson has been reading it to each individual classroom. It's been very emotional for everyone involved. 'Not many principals stay in the same building for 23 years. I'm very fortunate and blessed to have had the opportunity to do that,' said Chilson. Chilson has seen a lot of change over his time at Roosevelt, like the transition from chalkboards and textbooks to Chromebook laptops. And he's seen one generation turn over to the next. 'When we had our kindergarten welcome meeting this year with parents, I can't tell you how many parents in the room I was their principal too,' said Chilson. Chilson says he's proud of the work he has done, the caring staff that he's hired and the students that he's nurtured to become the best they could be. Chilson says he plans to spend more time with his grandchildren, doing lawn work and golfing. He also plans to serve as a substitute principal for Binghamton schools. You can watch the profile we did on Peter Stewart by clicking here. Eucharistic Procession makes way through Binghamton Celebrate Pride Month with an evening of laughter at Schorr Family Firehouse Stage Roosevelt reflects on the legacy of Principal Dave Chilson Mercy House prepares for $2.1 million expansion Upstate Democrats oppose cow limit for dairy farms Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man with no teeth sought for robbery at Newport News 7-Eleven
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – Newport News police are asking for public assistance identifying a man who robbed a 7-Eleven on May 14. According to officials, the man shoplifted from the business before returning, armed with a brick, around 2:17 a.m. He then demanded products from the clerks, which prompted them to hide in the back room of the business. The suspect then attempted to break into the room with the brick before giving up, according to information provided by police. The suspect stole several packs of cigarettes on his way out. Police provided this surveillance image. Based on victim descriptions of the suspect, police said he is a light-skinned Black male about five-foot-six to five-foot-eight inches tall, 150-170 pounds, and he reportedly has no teeth. If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting and submitting a tip. Continue to check for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Peoria celebrates Juneteenth with a powerful line-up of events and gatherings
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The City of Peoria is coming together to honor Juneteenth with a powerful lineup of events and a united voice. On Thursday, June 5, at 1:30 p.m., a Joint Press Conference was held at Peoria Freedom & Remembrance Memorial Park to officially kick off the community-wide celebrations. Hosted by the Peoria Park District in collaboration with key community partners—including the City of Peoria, Peoria's Miss Juneteenth Pageant, NAACP Peoria Branch, The YANI Collective, Southside Community Center, and the Heritage Ensemble—the press conference spotlighted the many events that make up Peoria's Juneteenth Week. Running from June 7 through June 21, Peoria's Juneteenth events will include parades, pageants, festivals, concerts, and gatherings that highlight Black excellence, resilience, and culture. These celebrations are aimed not only to entertain, but also to educate and unite the community through music, storytelling, art, and remembrance. Local leaders, including Mayor Rita Ali and Robert L. Johnson Sr., along with representatives from each organizing group, will speak at the press conference about the significance of Juneteenth and what each event contributes to the celebration. Event Highlights Include: • Peoria's Miss Juneteenth Pageant Saturday, June 7 | 3:00–6:00 PM | Carver Center A showcase of young Black women exemplifying leadership and cultural pride. • Ernestine Jackson Juneteenth Freedom Parade Saturday, June 14 | 12:00 PM | NAACP Peoria Branch Building A lively parade honoring the legacy of Black freedom fighters. • Juneteenth Fest: Black Wall Street Saturday, June 14 | 11:00 AM–6:00 PM | John H. Gwynn Jr. Park A vibrant festival celebrating Black entrepreneurship and culture. • 26th Annual Juneteenth Father's Day Choral Celebration Sunday, June 15 | 3:00–5:00 PM | ICC Performing Arts Center An uplifting musical tribute from the renowned Heritage Ensemble. • Jubilee Day: A Juneteenth Celebration Wednesday, June 19 | 1:00–9:00 PM | Glen Oak Park A full day of family-friendly fun, performances, and community gathering. • Freedom Fest 2025 Friday, June 21 | 12:00–4:00 PM | Trewyn Park A joyful celebration hosted by the Southside Community Center to close out the week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
