Dr. Tommie Mabry

As state testing approaches, a now-familiar face stopped by the Binghamton City School District to encourage students to be enthusiastic learners and promote determination ahead of the state testing period.

Dr. Tommie Mabry stopped by our elementary schools on April 9 and 10 to speak to all our third through fifth grade students… and he brought along a special guest. “Little Tommie” is the main character of Dr. Mabry’s book Little Tommie’s Four B’s. The book teaches kids to be confident, be determined, be motivated, and be yourself – lessons that can benefit our students ahead of state testing and every single day! Dr. Mabry and Little Tommie emphasized those themes to our students, and of course, they had loads of fun!

You can read Dr. Mabry’s life story here. When he visited East Middle School back in January, he shared with our students how the choices he made and the environment he grew up in contributed to a rough childhood, but also how taking initiative accountability for himself led to his success as an adult. Now, he has a doctorate, is a New York Times bestseller, and travels the nation inspiring students and adults alike to be all they can be.

In the evening on April 9, around 50 people came out to Franklin Elementary to hear Dr. Mabry’s story, and parents learned how they can be advocates for their children’s education as well as be a partner with our schools. Thank you Dr. Mabry for all the information you’ve shared with our students, staff, and parents in all your visits!