Latest news with #BinghamtonCitySchoolDistrict
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- General
- 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
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Binghamton High School recognized for musical excellence
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Binghamton City School District is one of over a thousand schools and districts across the country being recognized for making music part of a well-rounded education. News 34 was in the chorus room of Binghamton High School Tuesday morning as students were rehearsing for the annual Taste of Broadway cabaret. Binghamton has been named to the NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education list. Fine Arts Department Chair Ariana Koniuto says Binghamton provides musical opportunities at all levels, with violin and chorus beginning in 3rd grade and band in 4th. By the time they get to the high school, students have a number of bands, orchestras, ensembles, and choruses to choose from. Koniuto says the district provides musical opportunities to all students regardless of their interest or talent. 'We recognize that music is such a fundamental part of who we are as humans, and that a strong connection to the school community and a strong music background really helps our students in all other areas of their education,' said Koniuto. Special offerings at Binghamton High School include modern band and music production classes as well as the well-known steel drum band. Other local districts on the Best Communities list are Candor, Chenango Forks, Chenango Valley, Johnson City, Maine-Endwell, Owego-Apalachin, and Windsor. NY lawmakers push AI safety bills Elementary students join Mayor Kraham for first carousel ride of the season Local Rotary Clubs prepare for Band Organ Rally and Carousel Festival Binghamton High School recognized for musical excellence BLAST raises awareness for mental health with latest show 'Next to Normal' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Binghamton CSD becomes branch of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
BIGNHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – Young kids in Binghamton are receiving a special monthly treat in the mail, designed to foster a love of reading. The Binghamton City School District is becoming a virtual branch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Roughly 350 children between birth and 4 years-old who are currently enrolled in a Binghamton Pre-K or the PACT program began receiving the books last month. This morning, teacher Jennifer Mosher read 'The Little Engine That Could' to her students in the pre-K room at Calvin Coolidge Elementary. For the first month, all kids received The Little Engine That Could, but going forward, the books will be designed to be age-appropriate depending on the recipient. Scout Orr is the Director of Math, Science and Technology for the district. He says it allows parents and caregivers to share the adventure of reading with their kids. 'I know with my own children, they love running out to the mailbox and opening up a package in the mail. I think all the children who are receiving a book will be so excited every month,' Orr said. 'It's so important, it's so vital, it's beautiful, it's joyous to snuggle up with a good book and go down that adventure of reading.' Pre-K teachers and PACT educators are encouraged to incorporate the monthly books into their lessons. Binghamton has multiple Pre-K classrooms both in district schools and with partner agencies in the community. Funding to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Binghamton was provided by the Katie Titus Early Literacy Fund, which honors the memory of Binghamton High School Junior Katie Titus who dies in an automobile accident in 1996. The books will arrive year-round. Orr says she's hopeful the district will be able to sustain and grow the initiative in years to come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
