Seven principles, one goal
Stewart Elementary School focused on honoring heritage

Ask most kids what they like best about school, and the answer usually runs along the lines of gym and lunch. But ask fourth-grader Dimaunn Flournoy what he likes best about school, and prepare yourself for an unexpected response.

"I LOVE reciting the seven principles of Nguzo Saba," exclaims Dimaunn as his eyes grow large with excitement.

The what?

He patiently explains, "Umoja is unity. Kujichagulia is self-determination. Ujima is collective work and responsibility. Ujamaa is cooperative economics. Nia is purpose. Kuumba is creativity, and Imani is faith."

These seven principles guide the mission of Stewart Elementary School located on Vernon Odom Boulevard in West Akron. In 2000, after extensive research and numerous community planning meetings, Stewart was transformed from a traditional K-3 primary school into a magnet school with an Africentric-education focus. The school has since expanded to welcome grades four and five.

"We're just like any other school in the Akron district," explains intervention specialist Dorothea Dingle. "Our goals are the same – to have our children achieve at their highest ability. What we do along with that is incorporate the African-centered pieces and concepts to make them feel comfortable about who they are, where they came from and what they have to offer to the future. We take a village approach to education."

Stewart's day starts somewhat differently than other schools. Students are greeted in the parking lot by the school's Council of Elders, a special group of volunteers who devote extraordinary amounts of time and attention to the school. One elder opens car doors with a smile and a friendly word. Another group of elders welcome students again at the front door.

As the first bell rings, a group of specially chosen students led by an elder, circle the hallways with drums calling the students class by class to meet in the gymnasium for morning announcements. Staff takes the opportunity to recognize everything from excellent behavior to birthdays. Honorees stand in front of the student body for special recognition. According to parents, teachers and volunteers, this self-esteem-building exercise reaps tremendous benefits.

"From self-esteem, students learn respect," says parent Sharett Swails. "My oldest daughter is now in middle school, and teachers say they can tell she came from Stewart. Thanks to what she's learned in the home and at Stewart, she knows how to respect her elders. She wants to get along with others."

"This school was founded to help children develop self-esteem," says elder Edna Torrey. "I want children to internalize the lessons they learn here so they will always feel valuable and know they have a role in the community. 'Africentric' has nothing to do with segregation and everything to do with internalizing self-esteem and discovering who you are. Know where you come from so you will know where you are going."

Torrey, who spends upwards of three hours a day tutoring children and providing whatever help is needed, was also on the school's planning team in 1999.

"In my retirement, I decided to give back as opposed to just sit back," says Torrey with a laugh. "Be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. I just love it. I wouldn't do anything else."

Every student, parent, teacher and volunteer stresses that students learn the same academics as other Akron public school students - they just learn it differently.

"The African-centered piece is what first attracted me to Stewart and interested me in applying for a teaching position," says Dingle. "Incorporating that philosophy into teaching is wonderful. You go back to the roots of Africa and relate it to math and reading and writing. Hieroglyphics, for example, was the first form of writing. We discuss its significance and how it has transformed into what we have today."

Still, Dingle understands there are misconceptions about the program and what students are learning.

"The Stewart experience is an opportunity for students to be more responsible and accountable for their lives. We give students an anchor and a solid foundation. If they cannot respect and honor their own heritage, how can they respect someone else's?"

Stewart Elementary School students must open enroll to attend. To arrange a visit or to learn more about the program, call 330/873-3396.

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