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The Ivanna Eudora Kean High School has announced the Summer Reading assignments for all students for the 2017-2018 school year.  Students are required to complete the English Language Arts summer assignments that will be submitted to the English Department on October 2, 2017; whether you have English in the first or second semester.  These assignments will be graded as projects/tests grades.  

July 13, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education encourages all schools, teachers, parents of students in schools, participants in adult and vocational education programs, Department employees, and the general public with knowledge of the misuse of Federal education program dollars to report the fraud by calling the following hotlines:

• U. S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General: 1-800-MISUSED
• U. S. Department of Interior Office of Inspector General: 1-800-424-5801

The Virgin Islands Department of Education is committed to empowering all students for success.

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June 7, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education in partnership with the Office of the Governor announces the launch of the 9 th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, which will run Monday, June 12 through Friday, September 22, 2017.

The annual activity challenges students in grades K-6 to read five or more books during the summer months in an effort to boost students’ literacy skills. The national initiative enjoys participation from governors of all 50 states and territories. In the Virgin Islands, students receive a packet containing two books, tracking sheets and a letter offering motivational words from the governor. All books are written and illustrated by Virgin Islands’ or Caribbean authors—a unique feature of the Virgin Islands Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge.

In his letter to students, Governor Mapp stressed the benefits of reading and the wide variety of books that are available. “Books, after all, are written about every subject under the sun,” he states. “Even fictional books will entertain you, stimulate your imagination and expand your vocabulary. It is up to each student to choose what books to read, but rest assured that any choice will expand your learning skills.”

This year, six new titles have been introduced to the Summer Reading Challenge, including: “B is for Benye,” “Spider in the Rain,” “When the Trees Come Alive,” “When I Grow Up,” “With Grace,” and “Sea Turtles of the Virgin Islands.”

Launch events are planned at schools featuring book authors, and officials from the Department of Education and the Office of the Governor. Members of the media are invited to attend:

Friday, June 9 at 9:00 a.m. - Auditorium

• Juanita Gardine Elementary School – St. Croix

Monday, June 12 at 8:00 a.m. – Outside court area

• Lockhart Elementary School – St. Thomas

Tuesday, June 13 at 8:15 a.m. – Auditorium

• Julius E. Sprauve School – St. John

For more information on the 9 th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, visit www.readfive.org.

May 30, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – Under the direction of Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) now directly leads and regulates, within the Governor’s prioritizations, the management and delivery of all VIDE Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) that were previously administered through the V.I. Department of Public Works. Funded largely through the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority (PFA), CIP comprise major renovations to or new construction of Department of Education facilities in excess of $100K per project, and with a minimum lifespan of 15 years. While CIP projects are ongoing, a number of projects have been successfully completed or are nearing completion.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) PROJECTS’ STATUSES:

1. Kean Track Phase III Construction Project:
   1. Construction Commenced on 1/30/17 and will conclude on 11/30/17.
   2. Project is now 5% Completed.
   3. PFA Bonds: $1,848,849.61

2. SCEC Track Construction Project:
   1. Construction Commenced on 10/24/16 and will conclude on 8/24/17.
   2. Project is now 60% Completed.
   3. PFA Bonds: $1,738,775.88

3. Cancryn PE Building Construction Project:
   1. Bid Evaluations were completed on 3/6/17
   2. Construction will commence on 6/26/17
   3. The Pre-Construction & Stakeholders’ Project Meeting is now scheduled for 6/12/17.
   4. PFA Bonds: $326,502.82

4. Larsen Roofing Construction Project:
   1. Construction Commenced on 11/28/16 and will conclude on 6/25/17.
   2. Project is now 90% Completed.
   3. DOI-OIA Grant: $275,000.00

5. Gardine Roofing Construction Project:
   1. Construction Commenced on 10/24/16 and will conclude on 7/5/17.
   2. Project is now 90% Completed.
   3. DOI-OIA Grant: $125,000.00

6. CAHS Track Project:
   1. Construction Reinstatement arrived 5/1/17 at DOJ for further processing.
   2. PFA Bonds: $2,094,246.50

7. EBO Kitchen Renovation Project:
   1. Construction was completed on 12/27/16.
   2. Final Payment is now being processed via DOF.
   3. Purchase Order #21716: $120,000.00

8. Gomez Fencing Construction Project:
   1. Construction Commenced on 1/30/17 and will conclude on 6/1/17.
   2. Project is now 90% Completed.
   3. Purchase Order #48080: $290,500.00 & Purchase Order #14203: $1,000.00.

9. Julius E. Sprauve STJ Playground Construction Project:
   1. Construction Commenced on 3/5/16 and will conclude on ~10/30/17.
   2. Project is now 37% Completed.
   3. Remained Dormant from 9/16/16 until approx. May 2017 due to DOF.
   4. Purchase Order 37030: $130,000.00 & Purchase Order 27200: $16,000.00.
   5. With full payment on 5/25/17 of Pay Request #2 dated 9/16/16, Remobilization is now being established through negotiations of an anticipated Change Order and, additional funding, via a newly required Purchase Order, will have to be established by VIDE for said Remobilization Change Order to recommence this specific CIP Project.

10. CHS Music Building Partial Renovation Project:
    1. OMB released the funding as detailed within Act #7972 for this CIP Project on 5/23/17 and the Engineering Office now awaits DOF’s establishment of the Account in order to process the previously approved Justification Letter for Project’s Architectural Engineering (A/E) Professional Services in order to secure a Purchase Order (PO) to commence said Professional Services.
    2. A/E Services will take 45 Working Days after which procurement for construction services will be pursued through P&P for this partial renovation Project.
    3. Funding under Act #7972 will expire on September 30, 2017.

May 30, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI -- Under the direction of Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its embedded consultants (HHF Planners, Inc.), administers and implements the Insular Assessment of Buildings and Classroom Initiative Projects (ABC’s). Now entering its third year, the five-year, $7 million program funded through the U.S. Department of Interior Office of Insular Affairs (DOI-OIA), was established to address long-standing Deferred Maintenance Reduction Program (DMRP) projects throughout the physical plants and facilities of school campuses within the U.S. Virgin Islands. Significant progress have been made on these ongoing DMRP projects:

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Projects’ Statuses:

1. Construction start-up on the Alfredo Andrews Elementary School Roof Resurfacing & General Repairs DMRP Project:
   1. Construction Commenced on 4/25/17 and will conclude on 7/17/17.
   2. Project is now 20% Completed.
   3. DOI-OIA Grant: VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP00127 Committed: $160,791.

2. Construction start-up on the Alexander Henderson Elementary School Roof Resurfacing & General Repairs DMRP Project:
   1. Construction Commenced on 4/21/17 and will conclude on 7/21/17.
   2. Project is now 15% Completed
   3. DOI-OIA Grant: VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP00127 Committed: $310,6125

3. Construction start-up on the Arthur A. Richards Junior High School Roof Resurfacing & General Repairs DMRP Project:
   1. Construction started on 5/4/17 and will conclude on 8/21/17.
   2. Project is now 15% Completed
   3. DOI-OIA Grant: VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP00127 Committed: $385,213

4. A Construction Contract for Roof Repairs and A/C Replacement at the Lockhart ES- DMRP Project:
   1. A construction contract awarded, work to commence on 6/6/2017
   2. Project is now 0% Completed.
   3. DOI-OIA Grant: VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP00127 Committed: $129,200

5. A Construction Contract for Roof Repairs and A/C Replacement at the E. Benjamin Oliver ES- DMRP Project:
   1. A Construction Contract awarded, work to commence on 6/6/2017
   2. DOI-OIA Grant: VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP00127 Committed: $133,027

6. A Construction Contract for Roof Repairs and A/C Replacement at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School:
   1. A Construction Contract awarded, work to commence on 6/6/2017
   2. DOI-OIA Grant: VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP00127 Committed: $372,046

7. A Construction Contract for Roof Repairs and A/C Replacement at the Yvonne Milliner Bowsky ES:
   1. A construction contract awarded-work to commence on 6/6/2017
   2. DOI-OIA Grant: VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP00127 Committed: $85,875

8. Several Invitation For Bid (IFB) packages are currently in preparation or already out for public advertisement (bid-solicitations) for DMRP work at the following schools:
   1. St. Croix District:
      1. John Woodson JHS- Roof Resurfacing and General Repairs
      2. Ricardo Richards ES – Roof & General Repairs
          
   2. St. Thomas/St. John District:
      1. Edith L. Williams Alternative Academy - Roof Resurfacing & Repairs
      2. Joseph Sibilly ES - General Repairs

9. Request For Proposals were issued, advertised and vendors selected for
   1. Professional A/E Task Order Services in the District STT/STJ
      1. Contract for Services Contract prepared en route for execution.
      2. DOI-OIAGrant:VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP0012
      3. Committed: $150,360
          
   2. Professional Fire Alarm Command Design Services for in the Territory: Dept. P & P Selection and Award Decision in Progress
      1. Joseph Sibilly ES
      2. Ivanna Eudora Kean HS
      3. Alfredo Andrews ES
      4. Arthur A. Richards JHS
      5. DOI-OIA Grant: VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP00127
      6. Committed: $110,000
          
   3. Professional A/E Task Order Services in the District STX
      1. Bid Solicitation for these A/E Services underway
      2. DOI-OIA Grant: VI-CIP-2-15-2D15AP00127
      3. Committed: $200,000

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May 30, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Lockhart Elementary School will stage an active shooter drill on Wednesday, May 31 on the school’s campus.

Personnel from VITEMA and the VIPD will lead the exercise, which aims to gauge the school’s preparedness to conduct an effective lockdown in the event of an active shooter emergency.

The drill’s start time is not being publicly announced, but the exercise is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.

Parents, residents and businesses in the surrounding community should not be alarmed during the exercise.

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May 26, 2017

WHAT: The Ulla F. Muller Elementary School has been designated as a tourist destination by the Department of Tourism in celebration of Tourism Day on May 31. Join students as they host Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty and learn about the rich history and culture of St. Thomas when the school’s campus is transformed into historical sites and students become tourists for the day!

WHEN: Wednesday, May 31, 2017

TIME: 9:00 A.M.

WHERE: Ulla F. Muller Elementary School

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May 25, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI –The Addelita Cancryn Jr. High School closed out another year of its Cancryn Oral Reading Exchange (CORE) program with a fun Book Parade on Friday, May 26.

The annual event kicked off at the school, made its way to the Emile Griffith Ball Park and back to the school’s campus.

Seventh and eighth grade students assigned to teams formed troupes and brought book characters to life with vibrant costumes, props and performances. Second graders from the Ulla F. Muller Elementary School were guest participants in the parade and wore handcrafted costumes depicting the African folkloric tales of Anansi.

Stories represented in the parade were Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules, Five Chinese Brothers, It Must Be A Duppy, The Lady and The Tiger, Once on This Island, Why the Turtle Has a Cracked Back,and The Monster are Due on Maple Street.

Book Parade coordinator and social studies chairperson Wendy Diaz shared the history of the CORE program and book parade. “The CORE Book Parade was started around 2002 and the idea was to promote the importance of reading among our students who, in many cases, tend to read at a lower level in terms of comprehension,” she said. “It’s a reading program and to keep it fun and interesting, we culminate with the book parade.”

This year, the CORE program shifted its focus to close reading, a key requirement of the higher academic standards adopted by the Department of Education. Close reading is a thoughtful, critical analysis of a text that focuses on details in order to help students develop a precise understanding of the text’s form, craft and meanings.

Following the parade, students took to the auditorium’s stage where they performed a play depicting the book their student team was assigned. Performances included the students’ choice of a rap, chant or song.

New to the Book Parade and presentation was the book trailer. In an effort to incorporate technology into literacy, students and team leaders were tasked with creating a short film, similar to a movie trailer, highlighting the major themes of each story.

At the heart of the CORE program, administrators highlight oral reading and exchange, which are key components that help teachers quickly assess whether students can identify words phonetically—a critical skill students need for comprehension—and help students understand that literacy is an exchange between reading, writing, listening and critical thinking.

Student teams were judged on Best Book Trailer, Best Cinematography, Best Performance on the Road, Best Oral Presentation, Best Rap, Chat or Song, Best Costumes and Best Book Cover.

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May 25, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – The Claude O. Markoe Elementary School will present its First Philippine Folkdance Festival on Wednesday, May 31 at 9:00 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium.

First to third grade students will engage in field demonstrations showcasing some of the Philippine’s traditional folk dances.

Additionally, Filipino teachers will present a MassKara Festival, where they will perform some of the Philippine’s popular folk dances. The event is free and open to the public.

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May 24, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) Division of Agriculture, St. Croix District, partnered with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Cooperative Extension Services, and the Department of Agriculture to hold the first annual “Gardens in Our Schools Seminar” at UVI’s Albert Sheen Campus on Thursday, May 18.

“This collaboration between the Department of Education and other government agencies propelled agricultural endeavors forward in the Virgin Islands as we continue to expand our horizon,” said Velda Hendricks, VIDE’s director of agriculture, St. Croix district. “The successful seminar on the budding gardens in St. Croix schools was held to assess and encourage agricultural development throughout the islands.”

Seminar presenters included Kathlyn P. Worrell-George, DPNR Assistant Director for the Division of Environmental Protection; Stafford Crossman, an assistant director at UVI’s Cooperative Extension Services, and DPNR’s environmental specialists Kyle Davis, Nevlin Williams, and Leslie V. Leonard.

“As the proceedings of the seminar took place, the atmosphere was filled with essential questions and answers and much engagement from presenters and attendees,” Hendricks said.

Sessions included Integrated Pest Management in School Gardens, Pest Management Strategies for School Gardens, Pest Deterring Plants and Organic Fertilizers, and Workers’ Protection Standards, as guided by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Participants included agriculture teachers in public and parochial schools, as well as other school staff, nonprofit organizations, and various community institutions serving as advisors to the agricultural programs in the schools.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the agencies who aided in making this first agricultural professional development experience possible and the participants for making the seminar a very successful one,” Hendricks concluded.

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2017 graduates of the Pearl B Larsen Elementary School, Elena L. Christian Jr High, and St.Croix Central High School:Applications for the 2017 Scholarship Competition are now available!

Prizes: PBL and ELCJHS winners will receive an Apple iPad w/ Beats by Dre Pill Speaker!

May 22, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Addelita Cancryn (ACJHS) Fine Arts Department welcomed family, friends and supporters to “A Night of Spectacular Music” on Thursday, May 11, 2017 in the school’s auditorium. The annual spring concert featured selections from the concert band and choir, jazz ensemble, Phoenix Pan Jammers and Wachanga Drummers.

Following a warm welcome by Mistress of Ceremony and former Miss ACJHS Nisieni Griffith, and remarks from Principal Lisa Hassell-Forde, the concert opened with two selections by the concert band, under the direction of Niels Gooding, featuring a student saxophonist and vocalist My’Asia Massenburg.

Next, the concert choir, directed by Malvern Gumbs, performed a selection of crowd favorites, including “My Life Is In Your Hands," “Over the Rainbow” and “Lean on Me." Massenburg, Joriz Parohinog, K’Nia Maduro and Abrianna Gregoire all took the spot light with solo selections throughout the evening.

The Wachanga Drummers performed three selections, including popular greeting song, “Fanga Alafia.” The school, student drummers and audience then bid farewell to Wachanga Drummers director, Kumba Ola-Niyi, as it was his last year of instruction with the group. The newly formed Phoenix Pan Jammers wowed the audience with their performances of soca favorites, such as “I’ll Be Okay," “Fete You," “Full Extreme” and the 2017 St. Thomas Carnival Road March song by the Spectrum Band, “My Life." 

Adding to the eclectic mix of music, the Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Joshua Carr, executed two soulful selections depicting students' in-depth knowledge of the genre.  

Coming off the heels of carnival, concert-goers were pleasantly surprised with an encore performance of three junior calypsonians’ original songs. Champion of the competition's Intermediate Division, K’Nia “Lady K” Maduro performed her winning song and crowd pleaser, “Das a Sin." My’Asia “Queen My My” Massenburg performed her original song, “Jump Up” and second runner-up of the Secondary Division, Abrianna “Princess Abi” Gregoire sang “Murderer.”

Winding down the show and presenting one of the evening’s highlights was duo Tyreeq Perez and Jahki Johnson's cover of the upbeat Mark Ronson single “Uptown Funk," featuring Bruno Mars. The students were backed by the Concert Band.

Cancryn's "Night of Spectacular Music" closed out in spectacular fashion with “Till We Meet Again” by the Concert Choir.

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May 22, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI—Middle and high schools students in St. Thomas enjoyed a candid conversation with Virgin Islands’ native and renowned talk show host Peter Bailey when he sat down with St. Thomas boxer and celebrity chef, Julius Jackson on Bailey’s popular online talk show, NiteCap LIVE on Friday, May 12 at the Bertha C. Boschulte (BCB) Middle School Auditorium.                                                

Students attending the Charlotte Amalie High School, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, All Saints Cathedral School, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School and BCB Middle School filed into the auditorium for the live taping. The show opened with a folkloric Anansi tale told by master storyteller, Yohance Henley. The story highlighted the reality of gun violence and neighborhood conflicts facing local communities. Following Henley’s performance, Kean senior Indira Labone gave a riveting rendition of Andra Day’s “Rise Up’ and was also asked for an encore performance when Bailey appeared on stage.

In Bailey’s chat with Jackson, Jackson opened up about his rise to national and international prominence and some of the challenges he faced growing up on a small island. He credits his family for ensuring he and his brothers knew the value of hard work and determination, which he says help him in his entrepreneurial endeavors today.

Bailey and Jackson are both alumni of Ivanna Eudora Kean high School and agreed that education is the foundation of success. They encouraged students to study and remain focused on succeeding in school.  

“Education is one the most important keys to success," Bailey starts. "[Going to] college was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When people see me, they think I am an athlete. I wanted to be the team owner, not the player and I always believed that you’re only as strong as your intellect.”

The themes of ‘beating the odds’ and ‘challenging stereotypes’ echoed throughout the conversation, as Bailey and Jackson told numerous stories of being the underdog in situations that eventually contributed to their success.

Bailey, who stands 6’8”, confessed his passion for writing at a young age and breaking stereotypes that he should have been an athlete. Jackson, who is an athlete, also shared that he is stereotyped by some to be solely an athlete.

“Because I am an athlete, more so a black athlete, some people think that’s all I aspire to be,” said Jackson. “I wear my chef hat when I travel to fight and people are actually surprised that I am also a chef and an entrepreneur.”

A question-and-answer segment followed the dialogue and several students asked about Bailey and Jackson’s educational background, current success, and simple life hacks to high school and getting through teenage years.

Peter Bailey is a US Virgin Islander and nationally recognized author and journalist. His book on the life of hip-hop star Trick Daddy was praised as “one of the pop music gems of 2010” by the New York Times. Bailey’s popular web-based show, NiteCap with Peter Bailey” is filmed in different locations throughout the United States with more recently with live show in the Virgin Islands including the territory’s high school students. NiteCap has seen the likes of Rick Ross, Janelle Monae and Chad Johnson covers the entertainment industry and pop culture. Prior to launching NiteCap Bailey wrote for TIME magazine, Newsweek and the Miami Herald. Bailey hopes bringing the show to the Virgin Islands will provide inspiration for youth and serve as positive media exposure for the territory.

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May 22, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education, Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education, invites the public to The Revival of Quadrille in Our Schools 12th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 27 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Central High School Gymnasium.

Students attending the territory’s public, private and parochial schools will showcase the history and splendor of quadrille dancing.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

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May 17, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The St. Croix Central High School (CHS) will host a “Connecting Careers Expose” for its 9 th and 10th grade students on Tuesday, May 23 beginning at 9 a.m. in the gymnasium.

According to school guidance counselor Sandra Cannon, who organized the event, the fair is designed to introduce students to STEM careers available on St. Croix, as well as to pique students’ interests in careers they may not have otherwise considered.

The expose will feature a morning session from 9 to 11 a.m. and an afternoon session from 12 to 2 p.m. Various employers from both the public and private sectors will participate.

For more information, contact the St. Croix Central High School at (340) 778-0123.

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May 15, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI –The Department of Education’s VI Youth Ensemble is joining local songstress Lorna Freeman for a Post-Mother’s Day Edition of her weekly “Jazz with a Twist” on Monday, May 15, 2017 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Da Chill Station located in Market Square.

The VI Youth Ensemble consist of students from St. Croix and St. Thomas along with members and supporters of the United Jazz Foundation, a non-profit organization that runs the Mentoring through the Arts of Music program in the Virgin Islands public schools.

GRAMMY award-winning drummer and native US Virgin Islander Dion Parson leads the foundation.

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May 12, 2017

Human Resources open from 9am – 12 pm May 13 on St. Thomas; May 20 on St. Croix

ST. THOMAS, USVI—Governor Kenneth E. Mapp recognized at the UVI Commencement Ceremonies the wealth of local talent available. As a result, the Department of Education is accepting applications for all areas: Teachers, School Nurses, IT Technicians and Business positions.

New graduates are encouraged to apply at Human Resources on St. Thomas on Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and on St. Croix, Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For more information, call 340-774-0100 on St. Thomas and 340-773-1095 on St. Croix.

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May 12, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI –St. Croix Educational Complex High School (SCECHS) art students recently enjoyed the fruits of their creativity in a Virgin Islands Centennial-themed art exchange excursion to St. John.

In late April, twelve National Art Honor Society and SCEC Art Club students traveled with SCECHS Visual Arts educator Danica David, and four parent chaperones. Prior to the educational trip, the group fundraised by selling Virgin Islands Cultural Contributors Calendars. The calendar project is a collaborative effort devised in fall 2017 by Ms. David and fellow St. Croix Educational Complex Drama and Speech educator, Sayeeda Carter. Ms. David’s students created artwork for the calendar, while Ms. Carter’s students interviewed and wrote biographies about the selected participants. The project is an interactive learning experience for SCECHS students and participants in the community who are actively contributing to Virgin Islands culture.  

Several months before the calendar project began, Priscilla Hintz Rivera Knight and husband David Knight, Jr., owners of Baja El Sol Gallery on St. John, invited Ms. David and her art students to display artwork in the gallery's 100 Years Of...A Centennial Transfer Reflection Exhibition. The Knights are actively involved in developing the arts on St. John and St. Thomas.

The exhibition opened to the public on April 7, but the SCECHS delegation arrived later in the month. The students were in awe of the artistic representations found in the centennial transfer exhibit.  “I was amazed at all the ways various artists interpreted the theme," said 9th grader Tyrone Reed. The Knights' vision for the show was for participating artists to emulate the nuances of U.S. Virgin Islanders’ senses of identity and history after the transfer from Danish to American occupation.

Several SCECHS National Art Honor Society students along with Ms. David created acrylic, mixed media, or assemblage paintings. Student Shania Joseph created an acrylic painting of St. Croix’s Fort Frederik with two moko jumbies dancing. Her art depicted the expressive cultural freedom that Virgin Islanders experience today. Student Aisha Roberts' mixed media painting included images of St. Croix Government House with the Danish, American and Virgin Islands flags juxtaposed in three equal parts behind the building. Her artwork showcased Virgin Islanders' substantial dependence on the government. Student Naeem Sealey's acrylic painting depicted a carnival masquerader with the Virgin Islands flag. Describing his creation, Naeem said, "My artwork is about the fun and playful side of Virgin Islands' culture today."

The acrylic paintings of students Bianca Alexis and Yolinette Velazquez reflected the harsh reality of slavery under Danish occupation and celebrates the freedom that Virgin Islanders experience today.  Ms. David created an assemblage triptych series that depicted the resiliency of enslaved African who are the ancestors of many Virgin Islanders today. She incorporated images of the enslaved tightly positioned on a slave ship as the first layer on board panels. A smaller-sized linen canvas was then attached in the center of each panel. On the linen canvases, Ms. David portrayed the Danish flag, the American flag, and the Virgin Islands flag. Each flag incorporates touches of African fabric.  

Other students that participated in the excursion created artwork for various art-related projects and exhibitions. Jahmoi Benjamin, Niesha Bennett, Ernie Bodley Jr., Sanay Hewitt, Sherville Huggings Jr., and Tyrone Reed created artwork for the 2018 VI Cultural Contributors Calendar Project. Zaquira Carti and Kyanna Torrens created artwork for the VI Congressional Art Award competition.

While visiting St. John, students spent two days participating in art–focused and historical education activities. They attended Kurt Marsh Jr.'s Industrial Art class at the Julius E. Sprauve School. Mr. Marsh, a second-generation artist and wood turner, demonstrated how to transform a mahogany slab into a bowl on a lathe. Zaquira Carti, a senior, said, "Mr. Marsh sparked my interest in industrial arts. I would love to learn more about it when I go to college.”  Mr. Marsh is the great-nephew of world-renowned artist and wood turner, Avelino Samuel.

At St. John's Gifft Hill School, the group participated in other art education activities. They joined Ms. Rosemary Richards’s art class where they learned to create Japanese-inspired Sumi-e paintings and how to create ceramic bowls using the hump clay sculpting technique. The students also toured the campus and visited the social studies, yearbook, culinary arts, and drama classrooms. The group also enjoyed a tour of the Cinnamon Bay Beach Virgin Islands National Park's archeological museum.

The Knights organized the various educational activities for the St. Croix students. This was the second invitation SCECHS received from the family. Last year, SCECHS students participated in the Caribbean Colour exhibition at Yacht Haven and for the past two years, SCECHS the National Art Honor Society and SCEC Art Club students have traveled and participated in art exchange activities within the Virgin Islands’ territory.

“I really want to broaden students’ artistic perspective by traveling to other amazing countries every year,” Ms. David concluded.

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May 10, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – Parents, educators and many others in the community showed their support for students as they displayed their top projects during the St. Croix District 2017 Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair held at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall, May 1 – 5, 2017.

An array of impressive, creative and intricate projects were displayed in grade-level specific categories, including Kindergarten, primary (grades 1-3), intermediate (grades 4-6), junior high (grades 7-8) and senior high (grades 9-12).

At an elaborate awards ceremony on Friday, May 5, winners in first, second and third places of each category received monetary prizes for their ambitious endeavors and hard work.

Following are the official STEAM Fair results, supplied by Mathematics Coordinator Juanita Boneque and Science Coordinator Rosa White:

Kindergarten

1 st Place Marvelous & Magnificent M & M’s #5

Chinity Pickering

Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School

2 nd PlaceFlower Power #7

Zaylia Authers Ricardo

Richards Elementary School

Primary

1 st Place Rainbow of Tasty Colors #3

Bella Peter 2 nd grade

Claude O. Markoe Elementary School

1 st PlaceHow Can Mangrove Forest Protect the Coastline during a Tsunami #24

Khaleel Williams 3rd grade

Eulalie Rivera Elementary School

1 st Place Build a Light Bulb #10

Joshua Emmanuel 2nd grade

Alfredo Andrews Elementary School

1 st Place Kassidy’s Art Box # 23 Arts Award

Kassidy St. Prix 1 st grade

Eulalie Rivera Elementary School

1 st Place Sunken Treasure #22 Math Award

Soriyah Evans 2 nd grade

Eulalie Rivera Elementary

1 st Place Soda or Water

Ernel Willie 1st grade

Lew Muckle Elementary School

2 nd Place Pineapple Enzyme #25

Mah’Kaijah Jean 3rd grade

Eulalie Rivera Elementary School

2 nd Place Gummy Bear Lab #20

Yamaliz Carmona 3rd grade

Alexander Henderson Elementary School

2 nd Place Sun Powered Car Day & Night #17

Adaina Smith 3rd grade

Alexander Henderson Elementary School

2 nd Place Why Doesn’t the Ocean Freeze?

Janiery Adams 2nd grade

Lew Muckle Elementary School

3 rd Place Grow Crysals #13

Leilanie Batista 2 nd grade

Alfredo Andrews Elementary School

3 rd Place Gassy Beverage #16

Samyrah Lake 2nd grade

Alfredo Andrews Elementary School

Honorable Mention

How Do Crystal Form? #11

Manual Encarnacion 3rd grade

Lew Muckle Elementary School

Intermediate

1 st Place All Hands In: Let’s Recycle #2

Bry’Nice Berley 6th grade

Ricardo Richards Elementary School

1 st Place PEMDAS #22 Math

Shamaar Evans 6th grade

Eulalie Rivera Elementary School

1 st Place How to Make an Air Conditioner #24

Kimona Plante 5 th grade

Claude O. Markoe Elementary School

1 st Place2 See or Not 2 See #26

De’Mario Obeius 6th grade

Ricardo Richards Elementary School

1st Place Hydralic Arm # 30

Lazaro Ransom 6th grade

Alfredo Andrews Elementary School

1 st PlaceThe Vortex Simulator #38 Engineering

Jared Brown 6th grade

Alfredo Andrews Elementary School

1 st Place Do You Hear What I Hear? #40

Carmindy Pickering 6th grade

Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School

1 st Place Geometry Keeps You In Shape #41 Math

Angelina Springer 6th grade, Erin Flynn, 6th grade 

Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School

2 nd Place Gooseberries vs. Blueberries #1

Zion Delauney 5th grade

Ricardo Richards Elementary School

2 nd Place Parakeets in Tunes #4

Kaiden Sobrath 4th grade

Ricardo Richards Elementary School

2 nd Place Hair & Humidity #8

Sakura Flores 6th grade

Alexander Henderson Elementary School

2 nd Place Engineering to Gossembrot Labyrinth or Building a Maze #45

Lielah Loving-Lee 4th grade

Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School

2 nd Place Fashion Sense & Self Esteem #46

Jaelyn Bailey 5th grade

Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School

2 nd Place What is the Effect of Music on Memory #47

Gabriel Lewis 6th grade

Alfredo Andrews Elementary School

2 nd Place How Accurately Can You Measure Water Pressure? #17

Lebron James 6th grade

Claude O. Markoe Elementary School

3 rd Place How To Make a Generator #14

Neisha Modeste 5th grade

Claude O. Markoe Elementary School

3 rd Place Spider-ology #39

Alexandra Bonafe 6th grade

Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School

3 rd PlaceDeSalination for Hydration #18

Alijah Lynch 4th grade

Ricardo Richards Elementary School

3 rd Place Multitasking Mathematicians #6 Sociology

Sariah Jonas 4th grade

Ricardo Richards Elementary School

Honorable Mention

Battery that Make Cents #16

Janika Charles 6th grade

Claude O. Markoe Elementary School

Junior High 

1st Place Solar and Battery Power Generator #24

Akyel Prince 7th grade

Arthur A. Richards Junior High School

1st Place Air Compression #9

Tyron Orendain 7th grade

John H. Woodson Junior High School

1st Place Environmentally Friendly Fish Pot #15

Vernan Stapleton 7th grade

Elena L. Christian Junior High School

1st Place Explosions 101 #19

Eliani Osorio 7th grade

Arthur A. Richards Junior High School

2nd PlaceElectrolyte Challenge #1

De-Andre Taylor 8th grade

John H. Woodson Junior High School

2nd PlaceFertilize or Not #2

Jewel Joseph 8th grade

John H. Woodson Junior High School

2nd Place Right Vs Left #3

Helena Gonzales 8th grade

John H. Woodson Junior High School

2nd Place Battery Powered Electric Car #16

Maelen Hodge &Philogene& Denelle Stevens 8th grade

Arthur A. Richards Junior High School

3rd PlaceCan I Trick Your Brain #4

Yahn Velasquez 8th grade

John H. Woodson Junior High School

3rd Place Do It Yourseld Generator #12

Veremy Peguero 7th grade

Elena Christian Junior High School

3rd Place Home-made Vacuum Cleaner #13

Aleja Thomas 7th grade

Elena Christian Junior High School

3rd Place Miniature-Steam Power Generator #14

Xandria Acevedo 7th grade

Elena Christian Junior High School

3rd PlaceElectromagnetic Induction #7

Aaliah Saret 7th grade

John H. Woodson Junior High School

3rd Place Hover Board #6

Yaira Ortiz 7th grade John H.

Woodson Junior High School

###

May 10, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – The Arthur A. Richards Jr. High School will host a mandatory meeting for incoming 7th graders and their parents to introduce them to the school’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program on Friday, May 12 from 8:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the auditorium.

The meeting is geared toward current 6th graders attending Claude O. Markoe, Alexander Henderson and Eulalie Rivera elementary schools. It will provide attendees with the expectations of the PBIS program, which helps to influence the school’s positive climate and culture.

In addition, the assembly will serve as a time for the prospective students to select their electives, tour the school, and orient students to the school’s rules and regulations for the 2017-18 School Year.

Students should wear the uniform of the school they currently attend.

For more information, please contact Arthur A. Richards Jr. High School at (340) 772-1500.

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May 8, 2017

Education Commissioner issues statement praising commitment of teachers

ST. THOMAS, USVI – Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., expressed gratitude for the work and commitment of teachers as part of the week-long celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8-12, 2017.

“This week, we pause to thank teachers for the sacrifices you make and the many hats you wear to ensure that our children are receiving the best education possible,” she said. “Your ability to inspire students and set them on a path to realize their destiny is the single most generous thing one human can do for another.”

Throughout the week, the Department of Education will also feature the territory’s top teachers in short video clips on its Facebook page: facebook.com/USVI.VIDE. These teachers were previously recognized in October 2016 as finalists for the 2016-17 District Teacher of the Year, which was awarded to Kendra Vicars, in the St. Thomas-St. John District and Dinah Browne, in the St. Croix District.

On Tuesday, May 9, National Teacher Day, Vicars and Browne, who is also the 2017 Virgin Islands State Teacher of the Year, will appear as guests on the Department of Education’s weekly talk show, Hall Pass. The top teachers will discuss their love for teaching, the future of education and other topics. The episode will air at 8 p.m. on WTJX Channel 12 and rebroadcast on Sunday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m.

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May 8, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI- Ivanna Eudora Kean High School's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadet Breanna Elie, a 9th grader, received an Honorable Mention in the Army JROTC’s annual JROTC Essay Contest. This makes Elie the top winner of the contest in the Caribbean region, where she placed in the top seven for the 6^th Brigade that is comprised of JROTC programs in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

On Thursday, May 4, Colonel Alfred Francis assembled the cadets to the blacktop outside of the JROTC classroom on Kean's campus and briefly spoke about the magnitude of Elie’s success. “Cadet Elie came out to be the first place winner for the Caribbean region," he said. "She truly deserves this recognition."

He went on to share inspirational words regarding the great potential his students have. "Stealing a note from Commissioner Sharon McCollum, when one of you succeed, we all succeed. Today, here at JROTC, is a proud moment for us all because we have received that recognition at the national level. You all have the ability to compete and win nationally.”

There are over 250 JROTC programs within the 6^th Brigade and more than 1,700 programs within the Cadet Command of the U.S. Army. The Cadet Command is comprised of eight Brigades that cover the United States and its outlying territories. The 6^th Brigade selected seven essays and the top four were forwarded to Ft. Knox, Ky., to be judged for an overall U.S. Army Cadet Command winner.

Elie’s instructor, 1^st Sergeant Raymond Frett, had the honor of presenting Cadet Elie with her Certificate of Achievement and Brigade coin in the presence of her mother.

“This is truly an honor,” Sgt. Frett started. “This honor comes to me from the actions of my students, when you display your skills, your ability to follow, to write and to improve on your communication skills. When you succeed, I feel good, I feel happy.”

This year’s essay contest theme was “Service to Others,” and Cadet Elie’s two-and-a-half page essay expressed her belief that service to others has a positive and rewarding impact on oneself, the immediate community and the world.

Cadet Elie’s motivation to enter the contest came from Sgt. Frett, who encouraged students to participate so they could improve their writing skills. She also found the topic easy to write about because service is important to JROTC and the Interact Club, which she is also a member.

“This accomplishment really feels good,” Elie said. “I never thought I’d make it this far, but I did. Knowing hundreds of students within our Brigade submitted essays, this is a huge accomplishment. I’ll definitely be participating in the contest next year.”

Sergeant Frett also recognized 11th grader Cadet Kiara Wattley, who placed in the top ten within the Brigade last year. Cadet Wattley, who aspires to be an author and book editor, says she will also enter the contest again next year.

Both cadets praised Sgt. Frett for his time in preparing and assisting students though the writing process, which included constructing a thesis, engaging in research and creating an outline.

The 6^th Brigade took home First Place at Cadet Command with the national winner announced as Tiffany Bryant from Lanier High School in Jackson, Miss.

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May 7, 2017

ST THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education invites the community to attend its 2017 spring concert season.

Addelita Cancryn Jr. High School May 11 @ 6:30 p.m.

“A Night of Spectacular Music”

Auditorium

$5 students; $10 adults

Charlotte Amalie High School May 14 @ 5:30 p.m.

“Vintage & Current: A Musical MemoRewind”

Auditorium

$5 students; $10 adults

BCB Middle School May 20 @ 5 p.m.

Annual Spring Concert

Auditorium

$5 students; $7 adults

Additional dates will be announced as they become available.

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May 2, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – Steel bands from public and parochial schools on St. Croix showcased their musical talents at the Department of Education Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education’s annual Steel Pan Exposition held April 22 at the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack.

Director of Cultural Education and event coordinator Valrica Bryson welcomed parents, students and supporters to the event and thanked the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation for allowing the event to be housed on the racetrack. The Steel Pan Expo has been traditionally held at the St. Croix Educational Complex.

St. Croix District Deputy Superintendent Faith Dane George-Boone served as mistress of ceremony and warmed the students up with a drumroll while introducing each school. The St. Mary’s Catholic School steel band, directed by Jessy Joseph, kicked opened the high-energy show, followed by the Lew Muckle Steel Orchestra, led by Noel Wynter.

Throughout the evening, the John H. Woodson, Alfredo Andrews, Alexander Henderson, Claude O. Markoe and Elena Christian schools serenaded the audience with hit songs, such as “Virgin Islands Nice,” “Fete You,” and “Bacchanalist.” The youngest musicians came from the Alexander Henderson Elementary School, which performed “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” from the Disney classic, The Lion King.

Education Assistant Commissioner Chermaine Hobson also attended the event and praised the students and parents for engaging in extracurricular cultural activities. She noted that some students go on to play in larger bands much like the Superior Court’s Rising Stars and even become instructors.

The University of the Virgin Islands steel band closed out the evening’s concert with a soca medley.

###

May 1, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education, St. Thomas-St. John District, will hold its annual STEAM Week, Tuesday, May 16 to Friday, May 19 beginning at 8:30 a.m. daily at the UVI Sports & Fitness Center on St. Thomas.

This year’s theme is “Pushing the Threshold” and will feature a wide selection of Science, Technology, Engineering Art and Mathematics projects from public, private and parochial schools across the district. On Friday, May 19, STEAM Day, attendees will enjoy a host of interactive, educational activities and displays created by students and local vendors.

All activities are free and open to the public.

STEAM Week 2017 Schedule:

• Technology (K-12th grades)
  Tuesday, May 16
   
• Science & Math (K-6 th grades)
  Wednesday, May 17
   
• Science & Math (7th -12th grades)
  Thursday, May 18
   
• STEAM Day (4th -8 th grades)
  Friday, May 19

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May 1, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – Hundreds of young learners took to the D.C. Canegata Ballpark on Friday, April 21 for the culminating activity of Week of the Young Child, celebrated April 17-21, 2017 in the territory. The fun day celebrated students in Kg – to 3^rd attending St. Croix district’s public elementary schools.

Students, their parents and teachers enjoyed entertainment from the St. Croix Central High School Marching Band and a local DJ. St. Croix District Deputy Superintendent Faith Dane George-Boone and Elementary Programs Coordinator Jeselle Cruse-Peters, who plans the annual activity, gave opening remarks. Miss St. Croix, Elle Nielsen led a rendition of the energetic, motivational dance “Move Your Body” by Beyoncé. Students were also treated to the widely popular Smurfs movie character, Brainy Smurf.

Participating agencies and community organizations were WAPA, VI Fire Service, WTJX Channel 12, My Sisters Keeper, Inc., St. Croix Jeep Association, VIPD’s McGruff the Crime Dog, the Office of Highway Safety’s Buckle Bear, Frederiksted Health Care, Inc., Home Depot, VIWMA and VITEMA. Students also enjoyed face painting by Jay Jay the Clown, bounce houses and tee-ball games.

The Department of Education’s Division of Cultural Education gave a presentation of Mocko Jumbies and the district offices of Agriculture and School Community Affairs provided information and giveaways to parents and students.

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers and families.     

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May 1, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – Elementary, junior high and high school students in the St. Croix District will display their respective school’s winning exhibits at the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair from Monday, May 1 to Friday, May 5 at the Great Hall of the Albert Sheen campus of the University of the Virgin Islands from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The public is invited to take advantage of this free opportunity to view and learn about the scientific and art projects conceived by students. The projects will be judged on Wednesday, May 3 and an awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 4.

For more information, please call (340) 773-1095, Ext. 7054 for Math Coordinator Juanita Boneque or Ext. 7059 for Science Coordinator Rosa White.

###

May 1, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI—The Arthur A. Richards Junior High School (AARJHS) inducted fourteen of its top scholars into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on Friday, April 21, 2017 during a ceremony held in the school’s auditorium. The formal event welcomes the top students who exemplify the society’s five core principles: scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship.

Chapter adviser Cicely Ferguson led the processional of the inductees into the auditorium and onto the stage. Mistress of Ceremony and current NJHS member Allana Jackson welcomed attendees. Former NJHS member and Educational Complex sophomore, Mojania Denis served as the guest speaker, where he shared tips that have allowed him to be a successful student.

Following Mr. Denis’ address, the induction began with the ceremonial lighting of the candles for each of the five NJHS principles. Once all candles were lit, the chapter advisor led the recitation of the pledge, which formally named the students members of the Carlos F. Rodriguez chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Each student received a lapel pin and certificate of membership.

Arthur Richards Principal Kent Moorehead congratulated the students and their parents on a job well done, and encouraged them to uphold the principles of NJHS, even as they move on to high school and college.

The Arthur A. Richards 2017 Carlos F. Rodriguez NJHS Inductees are Arianna Angol, Nya Ashley, J’Nyah Charles, Kaisha Cumberbatch, Jamaine Gurley-Hopson, Omega Harris, Amarjahan Joseph-DeCambra, Safia Marin, R’Daejah Milligan, Christina Nieves, Monisha Noelien, Melanie Rodriguez, Jaiden Ventura and Aundre Watley.

###

April 25, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., and the Virgin Islands Department of Education invite the community to support the 65th Annual Carnival Children’s Parade on April 28 beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Charlotte Amalie. This year, the Department has as its theme, “Learning, Feting and Fun for the Centennial Celebration.”

Under the direction of Dionne Donadelle, territorial director of music, the Department will showcase entries featuring the three A’s: academics, athletics and the arts. The Department’s engineering and maintenance divisions have constructed floats with themes surrounding cultural education, agriculture and sports. Life-sized characters from books featured in the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge will be highlighted prominently, and the Department’s anti-litter mascot, Squeaky, will make its official debut.

Close to 300 students and chaperones from sister-island St. Croix will also participate in the parade. The territory’s four high school bands will perform and athletes from Tortola, currently participating in the Department’s First Annual Hoops in Paradise Invitational Tournament at BCB Middle School, will join Department of Education athletes along the parade route. A special STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Mathematics) troupe will also perform. In addition to the Department’s entry, comprised of approximately 600 students, individual schools will give presentations.

The Department of Education’s Student Quarterly magazine will be distributed to parade attendees, as well as reusable bags, children’s books and other promotional items.

Of the endeavor, which is inclusive of general and special education students, as well as English Language Learners, Commissioner McCollum said, “We want everyone to come out and support our students to show them how much we care about them. They have worked extremely hard and we look forward to seeing the community in large numbers.”

###

April 24, 2017

Governor Mapp praises athletes and tournament organizers

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education, in conjunction with the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and Island Ballers is hosting the First Annual Hoops in Paradise Invitational Tournament at the BCB Gymnasium, April 23-26, 2017. On Monday, April 24, Governor Kenneth E. Mapp attended the tournament along with Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum and other Education officials.

Following a nail-biter between the Charlotte Amalie High School Hawks and the BVI Future All Stars team, which bested the Hawks 66 to 63 in double overtime, Governor Mapp praised the tournament’s participants and organizers.

“This is the first time in the Department of Education’s history that we’re promoting interisland competition among our high schools in all of the territories—the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands,” said Mapp. “I want to thank you for coming and all of the people that worked hard to put this together. I want to thank you all and commend you on the sportsmanship and the work you are doing.”

Commissioner McCollum expressed her satisfaction with the first-time effort that has brought together teams from St. Thomas, S. John, St. Croix, the BVI and Puerto Rico.

“This initial endeavor of bringing together the surrounding islands is a positive start,” she said. “We will move forward growing this event and others into a bigger competition for our students.”

Ramon Galvez and Ferdinand Cedeno, coaches of Coqui and Van Scoy from Puerto Rico, traveled with a delegation of 56 that included athletes and chaperones.

“This is a very good tournament and we are happy to participate,” said Coach Cedeno. He noted that his relationship with BCB began last year when the BCB Blazers basketball team participated in a tournament held in Puerto Rico.

Derwin Scatliffe, coach of BVI teams JV All Stars, BVI Stars and BVI Future Stars, brought 28 students and chaperones to the games.

“It’s always great to participate in [tournaments] because it helps our students expand their reach, get seen by scouts and have the opportunity to obtain scholarships for college,” he said. Coach Scatliffe pointed out this was the first time many of his athletes have traveled outside of the British territory, offering them the opportunity to grow their basketball skills and expand their horizons.

Donald Bough, coach of the St. Croix Central High School Caribs, says his team—comprised of ten JV and varsity players—is pleased to attend the tournament, and pointed to both the athletic and cultural benefits students are enjoying.

“This is a great time for our students to be here on St. Thomas to compete in basketball and also to experience the Carnival,” he said. “I commend the Department of Education for organizing this activity because it shows their genuine concern for students.” Members of the Caribs team will also participate in the St. Thomas Children’s Parade on April 28.

Teams from Gifft Hill School on St. John and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School JV basketball team are also participating in the tournament. The Hoops in Paradise Invitational Tournament continues through Wednesday, April 26 at the BCB Middle School Gymnasium beginning at 10 a.m.

###

$10,000 Tuition Scholarships Available for High School Seniors Attending College in Fall 2017

From Viya (formally Innovative and Choice Wireless)

pdf VIYA (1009 KB) pdf Scholarship (1009 KB)

ELIGIBILITY: Viya Scholarships will be awarded to two Virgin Islands high school seniors—one in each district—who have already been accepted to a college or a university to pursue a degree in one of the following areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Business Administration, Accounting or related fields.

The winning student in each district is awarded a one-time $10,000 scholarship to be used for tuition only.

Open to 10^th and 11^th Graders

Essay Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 7, 2017  

Register:

-for Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PT68957

-for Praxis Elementary Education Content Knowledge Test: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PX32PYY

Centennial Quiz Answer Key

April 17, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education will hold its annual celebration of the Week of the Young Child at elementary schools across the territory from April 18-21, 2017.

The annual activity is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and celebrates early learning, young children, their teachers and families.

The territory’s celebration comes a week ahead of the national celebration, marked for April 23-28, 2017, in an effort to not conflict with local Carnival and Spring Break activities taking place

in the territory during the last week of April. 

St. Croix Elementary Programs Coordinator Jeselle Cruse-Peter has announced a variety of activities being held at the district’s elementary schools, in addition to a culminating activity at

Canegata Ballpark on Friday, April 21. 

Listed below are scheduled on-site celebrations at schools as well as complete details on the April 21 culminating activity.

Lew Muckle Elementary School

• Tuesday, April 18 …………………………. Kindergarten & First Grade Program
• Wednesday, April 19…………………..........Career Day (students dress in careers of their choice)
• Thursday, April 20 …………………………. Kindergarten Lunch

Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School

• Tuesday, April 18…………………………………………... Kickoff/Tasty Tuesday
• Wednesday, April 19…………………………………………Artsy Wednesday
• Thursday, April 20……………………………………… ……Showcase Thursday/Twin Day.
• Friday, April 21…………………………………………….Science Fair/Movie Day
•  

Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School

• Tuesday, April 18…………………………………………...Read to Your Child Day!
• Wednesday, April 19………………………………………Book Parade/Art Day!
• Thursday, April 20…………………………………………All Day Career Day/Building Day!

Alexander Henderson Elementary School

• Tuesday, April 18………………………………………………………………..Tasty Tuesday
• Wednesday, April 19…………………………………………………………..Wacky Hair Wednesday
• Thursday, April 20……………………………………………………….Dress for your Career Day

Alfredo Andrews Elementary School

• Tuesday, April 18 - Reading to students (invited guests from the community, or any parent that would like to read to the students)
• Wednesday, April 19 - Classroom Breakfast/Each student is encouraged to dress in the career attire he/she aspires to be in the future
• Thursday, April 20 - Pajama/Movie Day
• Friday, April 21 - Afternoon healthy snack picnic where each student will bring fruits to share with classmates as they engage in outdoor old time games like jump rope, hop scotch, Duck, Duck,
• Goose, kickball, Red Light, Green Light.

Juanita Gardine Elementary School

• Tuesday, April 18 – Week of the Young Child Kick Off:
  • Pajama Day/Classroom Breakfast with Parents 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
  • Storytelling 11:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 19 – Team-Building Fun Day 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, April 20 – Wacky Socks / Mural Day All day activity

Friday, April 21: Culminating Celebration - David Canegata Ballpark

• All Elementary Schools – Kg to 2nd grade students will participate in the Week of the Young Child Culminating Activity “Celebrating Our Youngest Learners” at the David Canegata Ballpark in Christiansted from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Students, teachers, and parents will embark on a “Station Rotation Education” activity as they visit various stations developed by the following departments/agencies:
  • VITEMA
  • Waste Management
  • McGruff, the Crime Dog
  • WTJX, Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting
  • Jeep Club
  • Water and Power Authority
  • Highway Safety
  • Cultural Education
  • Agriculture, Planting My First Seedling Station
  • Reading Corner
  • Sports Mania
  • Fire Department
  • Home Depot
  • Smart Art
  • “Jay Jay” the Clown
  • Tammybull Bouncing Fantasy
  • F’sted Health Clinic
  • My Sistahs Keeper- Recycling Education

For more information on the “Week of the Young Child” activities at St. Croix elementary schools, contact Mrs. Cruse-Peter at (340) 778-1600, ext. 7523.

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April 7, 2017

 ST. THOMAS, USVI— The Gladys Abraham Elementary School took home its second Spelling Bee victory this year as second grader Nyeema Henderson correctly spelled “secede” to win the 2017 St. Thomas-St. John District Primary Spelling Bee held Thursday, April 6 at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School auditorium. 

Elementary Programs Coordinator Kalamis Maduro opened the program by bringing greetings on behalf of Insular and Deputy Superintendents Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Raquel Berry Benjamin and Michael Harrigan. Maduro praised the students for achieving the milestone of making it to the Primary Spelling Bee and reminded them that they are all winners. 

“No matter what the results are of the Spelling Bee today, all of these students are winners and we definitely look forward to seeing them participate in the intermediate spelling bee when they move onto the fourth grade” she said. 

Twenty in-school winners from public, private and parochial schools participated in the Primary Bee, which lasted for 11 rounds. The students held strong with the first elimination coming only after five rounds. Round 10 met Joseph Sibilly third grader Annalisa Fletcher and Henderson with a challenging matchup, where Henderson was victorious. 

All Spelling Bee participants received a trophy, spelling bee pencils and erasers, three books from Scholastic and a personalized Webster’s dictionary. The top six finalists also took home a Bananagrams game and the winner additionally received an iPad. 

Maduro also explained that the St. Croix district is working to establish its district Primary Spelling Bee and similar to the Intermediate Spelling Bee, the top six from both districts will advance to compete in the territorial competition. 

The top six finalists from the St. Thomas-St. John district in order of placement are Nyeema Henderson, Gladys Abraham; Annalisa Fletcher, Joseph Sibilly; Mirza Baig, Lockhart Elementary; Adore Defoe, Joseph Gomez; De'Aneysha Hill, Julius E. Sprauve; and T'Marii Francis, Bethel Baptist Day School. 

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April 6, 2017

 ST. CROIX, USVI – Students and faculty involved in the St. Croix Central High School (CHS) Foreign Languages Program travelled to Puerto Rico March 19 to 24 as part of a cultural educational exchange program. The annual trip is conducted to give students the opportunity to explore the educational offerings of the American Commonwealth, as well as immerse themselves in the culture of the island. 

The students visited various museums, Cavern Park (Caves), Observatory of Arecibo, Mayaguez Zoo, as well as toured the “Capitolio” (Legislature), various parts of Old San Juan and received a warm welcome from the President of the Camera of Representatives Hon. Carlos J. Mendez. 

CHS students also enjoyed exchanges with the Escuela Hotelera de San Juan (Culinary), Mayaguez Campus and the School of Art and Culture of Municipality of Mayaguez. They also received enrolment information from the National University College and Puerto Rico University campuses of Mayaguez. 

The trip was led by the Foreign Languages Program staff, including Eli A. Torres, instructor; Monifa Steele, chairperson and Mr. Ehsan Said, chaperon. 

The VI Lottery, Office of Special Grants of the Department of Education and other sponsors helped make the trip possible. Special thanks to the Municipality of Mayaguez, PR and Mayor Hon. José G. Rodríguez for the warm hospitality. 

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April 6, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI –Twelve educators and educational leaders from the St. Thomas-St. John district received the President’s Award at the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE)

46th Annual Conference and Expo for their innovative and successful practices of technology use in education. The conference, themed, “Bridging Today’s Capabilities with Tomorrow’s

Opportunities” was held March 22-24 in Portland, Ore., and brings together educators of all grade levels to share discoveries and develop solutions to challenges they face while connecting to a

global network of education resources.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education has been involved with NCCE since 2014 through sponsorship of the Department’s Territories and Freely Associated States Educational Grant

(T&FASEG). NCCE teaches educators how to integrate technology into their classrooms through a train-the-trainers initiative known as Technology Integration to Improve Teaching and Learning

(TITL). This year, TITL educators were not only conference attendees, but also conference presenters. They gave presentations on topics, such as working smarter, not harder; educational

software; and nurturing technology use in the classroom and for school administrators. 

Alice Joseph, Department of Education T&FASEG program director, expressed pride in the employees that attended the conference. “Our teachers presented on relevant and interested topics

and demonstrated full knowledge and experience on their topics,” Ms. Joseph said. “As I sat in on the presentations, and in a few instances, I had to stand because the room was full, I felt a sense of

pride. I am very proud and do appreciate all of the TITL participants.”

Shortly before the keynote addresses, given by Google’s Jamie Casap and Kevin Carroll, a former Nike executive and founder of Kevin Carroll Katalyst, LLC, NCCE’s president Richard Snyder

presented the VIDE educators with the 2017 President’s Award for their significant strides in technology innovation in the St. Thomas-St. John district.

“In 2012, NCCE helped to develop a program that was built to foster leadership in teaching and the effective use of technology,” Mr. Snyder said. “We partnered with a group of energetic teachers

that were excited to learn, yet struggled. They struggled with access to technology, they struggled with lack of resources for their students. They struggled with fear and hesitation to try something

new. Five years later, this group of educators have become leaders at home and leaders abroad.  They have embraced change and modelled growth-mindset in how they teach and learn.”

NCCE is the largest education organization in the Northwest devoted to providing professional development opportunities to educators. VIDE TITL educators have attended 2015, 2016 and 2017

conferences. 

VIDE Presenters at the 2017 NCCE Conference:

• Kisha and Terence Corbett presented on “OneNote for Administrators”
• Judy King-Edmeade, Damiana Gonzalez-Williams and Eustacia Steinbergen-Mells presented on “Nurturing Technology Use in Your Building Through Coaching, Engaging
• Professional Development, and Collaboration”
• Renita Rhymer presented on “Burst Into Bloomz”
• Peter Wholihan and Leroy Groeneveldt presented on “Virgin Islands & New Jersey Student Concerns: Technology and Data Empower Students”
• Donnia Attidore-Meyers presented on “Working Smarter, Not Harder with Adobe Spark”
• Astrid Hypolite presented on “OneNote: Everything in One Place”
• Juanita Frett presented on “Kahoot It”
• Eleanor Francois presented on “Using Technology for Formative-based Assessments”

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April 6, 2017

 ST. CROIX, USVI – Eulalie Rivera Elementary School students, faculty and staff went all out in support of V.I. tradition on March 27 with a cultural day celebration and the commemoration of the anniversary of the territory's Transfer Centennial, titled, “Celebrating Our Past Today To Build a Brighter Tomorrow.” 

The day-long activities kicked off early in the morning with a guest lecture by Lauren Larsen, Ph.D., St. Croix social studies coordinator, on the “History of Transfer and What the Commemoration Means.” He was followed by special slave song performances by students, and later a fashion presentation by students, staff and parents to the popular Reggae song, "V. I. Nice.” 

Later that morning, students were treated to cultural storytelling by Janice Pemberton-Tutein, Rachel Samuel and Jamiliah Moorehead. Janice Essanason came out to share with students her skills of creating old-time crafts. Bomba Allick was also on hand to present his conch shell art and the technique he uses to create them. Music culture bearer Dean Hodge entertained students with toys and traditional instruments at his music center. Cedelle Peterson Christopher shared the origins of Calypso and Soca music during her Cariso presentation. 

The Cultural Day afternoon at Rivera School wrapped up with Quelbe music by the Sweet Peppa Band and Quadrille performances by Rivera School students and the We Deh Yah Cultural Dancers. 

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April 6, 2017

 ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education, Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education, held the first of the St. Croix district's Centennial Commemoration titled, “Building Our Future Through Education, History and Culture” on March 23, primarily for elementary school performances, at the St. George's Botanical Garden. 

Assistant Commissioner of Education Chermaine Hobson, along with St. Croix Superintendent of Schools Colleen Mae Williams and Deputy Superintendents Vaughn Hewitt and Faith Dane George-Boone, attended to witness the outstanding performances that showcased Virgin Islands' culture and traditions. There were Quadrille, Maypole, Mocko Jumbie and Cariso performances by several school groups after local storytellers lightened up the audience with Anansi and other tall tales. 

Student performances were complemented by workshops and presentations in the courtyard on conch shell art, basket making, Mocko Jumbie building, local instrument making, coal pot lighting techniques and loom making. 

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April 4, 2017

 ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Emmanuel Benjamin Oliver (EBO) Elementary Music Department closed out Music in Our Schools Month on Thursday, March 30 with stellar performances by its concert band, concert choir and Steel Owls steel pan orchestra. The last of the mini concert series for the district was held in the school’s amphitheatre and attended by dozens of parents, district officials and the community. 

The EBO school family wore red t-shirts and polos bearing the 2017 National Association for Music Education Music in Our Schools month theme, “Music Inspires.” EBO principal Carolyn Archer welcomed students and guests to the annual concert and asked the audience to join in on the Star Spangled Banner and VI March. 

The concert got underway with a performance by the concert choir, followed by two selections by the third grade recorder class. A full concert band, complete with trombones, a xylophone and percussion section wowed the crowd with its performance of And the Trumpets Soundand Lean on Me,directed by Clayton Emmanuel. Audience members were impressed by the students’ effortless ability to read and play music. 

Fresh off their 2017 WorldStrides On Stage Music Competition win, the EBO Steel Owls gave the audience nothing short of an award-winning performance. The small band, directed by Shanee’ King, performed crowd favorites, such as R. City’s Locked Away, Justin Beiber’s, Sorryand Jam Band’s, Music from the VI. 

The concert choir, directed by Howard O. Jones, sang several inspirational and upbeat tunes, and even encouraged the crowd to sing along. EBO’s budding musicians also showed their skill and talent by performing piano, bass clarinet and trombone solos. 

Assistant Principal Phyllis Bryan gave closing remarks and thanked supporters of the EBO Music Department for their continuous support. Insular Superintendent Dionne Wells-Hedrington and Territorial Music Director Dionne Donadelle also attended the concert. 

The concert ended with a rousing encore performance by the Steel Owls. 

March has been designated Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) by the National Association for Music Education in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that schools are where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages. 

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April 3, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – Following nine rounds of exciting competition, Z'Qi Chapman (#5), an 8th grader at Church of God Holiness Academy on St. Croix, emerged as the 2017 Territorial Spelling

Bee Champion on Thursday, March 30. He will represent the Virgin Islands at the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee, May 28-June 4, 2017 in Washington, D.C.

The Territory's top 12 spellers—six from each island district—competed in the 44th annual territorial competition held at the John H. Woodson Jr. High School. The students represented

Wesleyan Academy, Good Hope Country Day School, St. Patrick's Catholic School, All Saints Cathedral School, Church of God Holiness Academy, St. John Gifft Hill School, Gladys Abraham

Elementary School, Lockhart Elementary School, Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School, Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, John H. Woodson Jr. High School and Eulalie Rivera Elementary

School.

The soft-spoken Z'Qi credits his success to the support of his family and coach, Mr. Stephen Marcel. Of his big win, Z'Qi said, "I feel excited and nervous at the same time." He further pointed

out that his winning strategy is simple, "Studying, studying and more studying." Z'Qi has only participated in spelling bees over the last three years and looks forward to representing the Virgin

Islands at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The territorial competition began with a practice round that afforded each student the opportunity to spell a single word without points or penalty given. Round 1 began soon thereafter,

with each student spelling his or her word correctly. In Round 2, Mera Foster (#6) of Gifft Hill School was eliminated from the competition on the word "brooding." The remaining spellers

continued to Round 3, at the end of which Carmindy Pickering (#9) of Pearl B. Larsen, V'Andre Rochester (#10) of BCB Middle School, and Ivante Mark (#12) of Eulalie Rivera were

eliminated on the words "doleful," "wane" and "fellowship," respectively. 

Aiden Glasford (#1) of Wesleyan Academy was eliminated on the word "mounties" in Round 4 and Michael Atwell (#2) of Good Hope Country Day School was eliminated on the word "urbane"

in Round 5. Near the end of Round 6, Makayla Todman (#11), the current St. Croix District Spelling Bee winner and two-time Territorial Spelling Bee champion in 2015 and 2016, was

eliminated from the competition on the word "pandowdy." 

Round 7 continued with remaining participants correctly spelling the words "semester," "legislation," "vertebral," and "pedicure." In that round, Waniya Baig (#8) of Lockhart Elementary

was eliminated on the word "billycan." After an impressive run, Daniel Lugo (#3) of St. Patrick's Catholic School, Krishiv Amarnani (#4) of All Saints Cathedral and Joshua Morgan (#7), the

current St. Thomas-St. John District Spelling Bee winner from Gladys Abraham Elementary were eliminated on the words "palfrey," "surmountable," and "discalced," respectively.

Z'Qi was left standing at the end of Round 8, having spelled the word "hydrate" correctly. He then spelled his final word, "prodition" correctly in Round 9 to claim the 2017 championship.

Coach Marcel expressed his pride in Z’Qi’s successful run. "I knew we had a great chance because he is a very brilliant student,” he said. “We studied very hard. We studied the different languages,

the roots of words, entomology, prefixes and suffixes. We expect him to go very far, as well, in Washington, D.C." 

As part of his prize package, Z'Qi received a trophy, an electronic tablet and a $200 Amazon gift card. Additionally, he received the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, a free one-year subscription

to Britanica Online Premium and a one-year subscription to Merriam-Webster Unabridged Online. As a primary sponsor of the Territorial Spelling Bee, the Virgin Islands Daily News will cover all

travel and hotel expenses for Z'Qi, family members and his coach to attend the National Spelling Bee. Each Territorial Spelling Bee participant also received a certificate and a gift bag containing

a notebook, pen, flask, flashlight, screwdriver set, and a flash drive. 

At the opening of the spelling competition, Assistant Commissioner Chermaine Hobson expressed her support and confidence in the students' ability to perform well. Host Principal Rodney

Moorehead also greeted students, parents and guests. St. Croix Central High School band students performed the Virgin Islands March and the Star Spangled Banner under the direction of Mr. Joins.

The John H. Woodson Jr. High School concert band, under the direction of Mr. Mario Thomas, performed a series of selections before the start of the program.

District Spelling Bee coordinators, Dr. Carla A. Bastian, language arts coordinator in the St. Croix District and Mrs. Jessica John-Baptiste, language arts coordinator in the St. Thomas-St. John

District, assisted in the success of the program; and Ms. Denise Gomes, program manager, State Office of Curriculum and Instruction, coordinated the 44th Annual Territorial Spelling Bee.

Mr. Victor Somme, III, director of the Alternative Education Program on St. Croix, served as Master of Ceremonies; Maureen Moorehead was Chief Judge, presiding over judges Mr. Avon

Benjamin and Mrs. Cheryl Jeremiah-Ambrose; Rev. Wesley Williams and Mr. Richard Muhammad were pronouncers; Mrs. Shamika Williams-Henley and Mrs. Nicole Samuel-Miller

served as observers; Mr. Gerald Walters served as monitor; Dr. Everett Ryan recorded the competition; Mrs. Yvette McMahon-Arnold and Ms. Dinah Brown, 2017 VI State Teacher of the

Year, served as comfort persons; Mrs. Judith Molloy was the competition's grievance official, and Alexandria Baltimore-Hookfin oversaw registration. Superintendent Colleen Mae Williams and

St. Croix District Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Maria Encarnacion, offered congratulatory remarks to students.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and the Virgin Islands Department of Education are also sponsors of the Territorial Spelling Bee.

Student and Coach:

#1 Aiden Glasford, Coach: Agnes Bellot; #2 Michael Atwell, Coach: Denise Blanchette; #3 Daniel Lugo, Coach: Sharosne Elcock; #4 Krishiv Amarnani, Coach: Suzy Gomez-Smith; #5 Z'Qi

Chapman, Coach: Stephen Marcel; #6 Mera Foster, Coach: Mary Burks; #7 Joshua Morgan, Coach: Loretta Silcott; #8 Waniya Baig, Coach: Daniela Roumou; #9 Carmindy Pickering, Coach:

Veronica Sargeant; #10 V'Andre Rochester, Coach: Tamik Pilgrim; #11 Makayla Todman, Coach: Chantelle Quinones; #12 Ivante Mark, Coach: Ellen Cyrille-Charles.

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March 28, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – The Copenhagen Brass Ensemble visiting the Virgin Islands to participate in Transfer Centennial activities on March 31, performed for students at John H. Woodson Jr. High

School on Monday, July 27. The group conducted a performance workshop for music and other interested students in the school’s auditorium. Students were genuinely fascinated by the versatility of

the orchestra, which played a variety of instrumental pieces, including a Calypso tune to close out the performance. 

The 25-member Danish band visited the school by invitation of Woodson Music Department Chairperson Mario Thomas, whose music colleague Dr. Eugene “Doc” Petersen was instrumental in

bringing the ensemble to the island as part of a cultural exchange program.

“I am happy that the Copenhagen Brass Ensemble came to our school because we try our best to give students a well-rounded education and the fine arts is a strong component of our curriculum, as it

takes a lot of discipline,” Mr. Thomas said. “You can see how the students sit and listen attentively, and they are a very perceptive audience. We appreciate people of different cultures coming to our

school, knowing that our students are going to give them their full attention.”

Principal Rodney Moorehead, as well as Woodson faculty and staff were among audience members. “We got a phone call from ‘Doc’ Petersen inquiring if we were interested in having the Danish band

perform at the school. Without any doubt we agreed because this was a great opportunity we definitely didn’t want to miss,” Mr. Moorehead said. “We are happy that the band is here performing for us.

The Ensemble couldn’t have come at a better time, as we are celebrating Virgin Islands History this month and also observing the Transfer Centennial.”

St. Patrick’s School Assistant Principal Edna Thomas brought with her nine members of the school’s concert band. “It was well conducted,” she said. “It was a good workshop. I am very pleased.”

According to Ensemble Manager Alexandra Joenssen, the band was founded in 1986, and its members range between the ages of 11 and 45. “The band is open to everybody,” she said. “If you love to

play, you can come to play with us. It is a public-funded group. We won the national competition this fall in Denmark.”

Ms. Joenssen went on to say that the group has been enjoying its visit to St. Croix. “Some members have been to St. Croix before and the ones that are new, are just falling in love with the place—the

atmosphere, the people, the music and the nice warm welcome that you get from everywhere. Whenever we play at concerts, the people are very interested and actually appreciate us. It’s very nice.”

The Copenhagen Brass Ensemble was invited to the Virgin Islands to participate in Transfer Centennial activities, according to Doc Petersen. “We invite them here because they hosted us last summer

when we, Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights, Lloyd Bennerson, Dr. Lauren Larsen along with the Ay Ay Cultural Dancers and other groups went to Denmark, so we agreed to host them when they

came to St. Croix,” he said. “This is a cultural exchange program that we have been doing for over ten years now, where we send groups to Denmark to perform and they send groups here to perform,

as well. We have had Danish groups perform at Island Center and at Whim Museum as part of the exchange program.”

The Copenhagen Brass Ensemble will perform at Island Center on March 30 and participate in the Centennial Parade on March 31. The group is scheduled to travel to St. Thomas for a one-day trip to

perform at the West Indian Company (WICO) Dock during the visit of the Danish ship, the Denmark, before returning to St. Croix to depart on April 7. While on St. Croix, the band has also performed

at a Moravian church, a senior citizens home, St. Croix Central High School and is making arrangements to perform at the St. Croix Educational Complex.

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March 27, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI -- Five St. Croix Educational Complex High School students explored the topic of self-identity in an in-depth panel discussion titled, “A Conversation on Self Identity: The Effects

of Colonialism and Perceptions Over the Last 100 Years,” held March 23 at Whim Museum as part of the museum's commemoration of the March 31 Transfer Centennial.

The discussion was a precursor to the students' planned visit to Denmark from March 25-31, 2017 as part of a UNESCO-supported Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Collaboration Project conducted with

other high school students in Denmark. While visiting the territory's former colonial owner, the students will participate in two conferences, as well as showcase their exhibit on the atrocities of

the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade at Copenhagen's City Hall.

The two-hour discussion was the first of its kind in Whim Museum's history. According to Sonia Jacobs Dow, executive director of the St. Croix Landmarks Society, which operates the Whim 

Museum, it was the first time students curated, researched and constructed an exhibit at the historic museum. Before the discussion got underway, attendees received a guided tour of the exhibit,

which was constructed by a total of 16 students.

In his opening statement, student Aaron Nickie, Jr., presented the audience with a series of thought provoking questions.

"Identity has different aspects. When we look at identity, we can talk about identity in terms of religion, culture or self-identity--'Who am I as a person?' 'Who are you as an individual'," he said.

"A lot of time, when we talk about identity as African Americans, it has to go back to our ancestors. 

But, there are so many questions. How far back do we go in figuring out who we are as our identity? We can go back to the plantations, we can go back to Africa before the enslavement

period, but what aspects of our identity are we claiming as our own? What is important to us and how far back do we go to figure out who we are as individuals?"

Each student had the opportunity to share his or her insights on the topic of self-identity. Student Habeeba O'Neill stated, "We have to confront our past in order to assess our identity. If we can't

accept wholly who we were once, then we cannot move on from that."

To that, Nickie suggested that a person's identity can be influenced by any number of factors. "At different ages and at different cultural perspectives, identity won't be [the same] for everyone.

Depending on location or background, we have different perspectives of identity, particularly when it comes to our colonial history."

Student Keshawn Hardy chimed in, questioning how deeply one should go to discover one's identity. "Identity has to do with the history we know and the history that we don't know.

How far can we go with our history?"

Student Chelsea Valery said identity should not be viewed as solely an individual concept, rather, she said it is tied to one's ancestry. "Along with self-identity, there is also that aspect of you being

influenced by your people," she began. "When I say 'your people,' I mean your ancestors--those who came before you. So, when you have colonial history, our people went through such a

horrible ordeal, we can also characterize our identity as being linked to [our ancestors]."

Yet, one student suggested that the notion of self-identity can be confusing at times, particularly for people with mixed racial or ethnic backgrounds. "People are confused, very confused when it

comes to self-identity," said Ammiel Francis. "Some people may say, 'Hey, my ancestors weren't slaves, my family came from Puerto Rico, Colorado or St. Lucia’. But, they are still confused with

determining who they are because although history is very important, at times, that history can be disconnected." Francis went on to explain that due to his own background--his mother is Puerto

Rican and his father is St. Lucian--not being able to know more about his family’s history because both his great grandparents are deceased contributes to the disconnectedness he sometimes feels.

Advisor Duane Howell praised the students' hard work and bravery in presenting the topic and fielding questions from audience members. He pointed out that the students' journey to Denmark

is the second such trip St. Croix students have made since he became the UNESCO liaison in the Virgin Islands six years ago. As part of the on-going collaboration, Danish students visit the

territory up to two times per year. The students will attend a conference on global citizenship as well as one that takes a look at the 1917 sale of the Danish West Indies to the United States of

America and the effects 100 years later.

Dr. Lauren Larsen, Anika Johnson and Zarah O'Rielly are also advisors to the group.

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Wins gold and first group to give encore performance in the competition’s 25-year history

March 26, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The EBO Steel Owls steel pan orchestra captured gold, as well as received highest honors from judges at the WorldStrides OnStage Music Festival, held March 23-26, 2017

in Washington, D.C. The group, comprised of 11 students representing E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary School and BCB Middle School, stood out as the youngest participants performing in

this year’s competition, going up against high school music groups from around the country.

On Saturday, March 25, the Steel Owls performed a variety of classical tunes as well as a medley of songs. They won gold in the percussion category, and were also the recipients of the Adjudicator

Award, which is awarded the group with the highest overall scores from the judges. Each member of the Steel Owls also received the Maestro’s Award—traditionally given to a solo performer—

because of their exceptional performance skills.

According to Shaneè King, EBO fifth grade teacher and Steel Owls director, the students were judged on the repertoire of music played, level of difficulty, dynamics, sound and overall

performance. In fact, the students impressed the judges and the audience so much so that they made history by being asked to give an encore performance.

“The judges were amazed,” said Ms. King. “The judges said that for the first time in 25 years, an audience asked for an encore performance. This was also the first time that a judge came on stage

and gave a constructive critique of a group’s performance. The students definitely put the Virgin Islands on the map.”

Ms. King pointed out that the students had been playing together for the last two years. As part of their training leading up to WorldStrides, they performed at various school and community events.

“Within the last year and a half, I’ve seen the students’ potential, growth and most importantly, I’ve seen their dedication,” she said. “I thought it would be a great opportunity for them to go away

and compete.”

Ms. King added that it was important for her to give her students the opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage because she was afforded many similar opportunities to travel when she

played steel pan as a student.

“The students did an amazing job,” she said, adding, “Their songs were on point and they executed everything I expected them to do and more.”

Chris Rommis, Jr., a tenor pan player with the Steel Owls, said, “The WorldStrides Competition was a good experience. I was nervous, but we got it done.” He also pointed out that the group

enjoyed other activities in Washington, D.C., such as visiting the Medieval Times restaurant, African American History Museum, and the Jefferson, Lincoln and Martin Luther King memorials.

Fifth grader V’kesha Adams enjoyed the experience. “The weather was very cold, but we bore it; the experience was great. I was nervous, but we made it through and we won first prize.”

Ali Marks, 6th grader on the double second pan, said, “I enjoyed the experience and hope we can do it again.”

Ciara Rodney, a 5th grade student on the double second pan, said, “Being able to travel to Washington, D.C., was a good opportunity and I used it. My experience was very exciting and I

wasn’t nervous.”

Celina Rodney was proud to represent the Virgin Islands in the nation’s capital. “At WorldStrides, there was Lincoln Park High School, Rockridge High School and East Brunswick High School,”

she said. “We won in our category and I feel good that we won. We saw our leader, Ms. King, and Mr. Simmonds cheering for us. She was very happy for us and I was happy as well.”

St. Thomas-St. John Superintendent Dionne Wells-Hedrington was one of several parents and teachers that chaperoned the group. She expressed her pride at the students’ history-making

performance.

“I’m humbled to have been given the opportunity to travel with the students,” she began, it was truly a remarkable experience. They are very talented, smart and well-behaved. What I really liked

is that they worked as a family and as a team. They have great respect for Ms. King, and I have to commend Ms. King for her dedication, diligence and patience with the children. The responses

from professors, who were judges, were phenomenal. The structure and parental involvement also lends to the success of the band. There are some things we have discussed to help the band flourish

even more, and we are going to make it happen because it is something positive for the students.”

Steel Owl Winners at WorldStrides Onstage 2017 – Washington, D.C.:

Tashimo Scatliffe, Jr., Malik Francis, Chris Rommis, Jr., Jeremy Hodge, Ali Marks, Ciara Rodney, Celina Rodney, V’kesha Adams, De’Aundre Weekes, Cyril Fahie, J’Nisa Challenger. Mr. Le’Roi

Simmonds is the group’s musical arranger.

Sponsors:

A9 Trucking Services Enterprise, Inc., Brown’s Communication, Domino’s Pizza, EBO Steel Owls Parents, FirstBank, Inter Islander Boat Services, Inc., Lockhart Realty, LP Entertainment,

Pryor Family Foundation, School Bus, Inc., Shamar’s Specialties, USVI Department of Tourism, Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, Virgin Islands Lottery, and Virgin Islands Port Authority.

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March 24, 2017

 ST. CROIX, USVI – St. Croix’s culture bearers and musicians joined students as they celebrate the tradition and history of the Virgin Islands during the month of March. From a large pot of homemade kallaloo to the modeling of cultural wear and headdresses, culture was alive at the Elena Christian and John H. Woodson junior high schools, as well at the Juanita Gardine Elementary School and St. Croix Central High School. 

Elena Christian’s Cultural Day on Tuesday, March 14, titled, “A Blast From the Past, 10 Decades of Our Culture” drew support from community members, such as storyteller Jahmilia Greenway, We Deh Yah Dancers and Pat Browne, who demonstrated how to tie a headdress. There was Cariso singing, steel pan playing, fire dancing, mocko jumbie performances and a cultural wear fashion show as part of the affair. The youthful Sweet Peppa and Mini Peppa Quelbe bands took the celebration to a vibrant finale, providing music for the school’s Quadrille and Maypole dancers. 

A Virgin Islands History Month Centennial Program was held at the Juanita Gardine Elementary School on Wednesday, March 15, titled, “Our Lives, Our Culture--Celebrating 100 Years in the Virgin Islands of the United States of America.” The sounds of the St. Croix Central High School’s Conch Shell Blowers guided by DeJesus Espinosa echoed through the school’s auditorium, triggering a spark of cultural excitement that permeated throughout the celebration. Student performances took center stage with poetry, skits, steel pan playing and Quadrille dancing. The school's original centennial song, “100 Years,” made 

the spotlight as 6th graders belted out the lyrics to music teacher Otis Gibbs' composition. A masquerading presentation by cultural bearers of the art form held students in awe as they enjoyed Virgin Islands’ traditions real time. The masqueraders were Joan Paulus, Mirza Saldana, Asta Williams and Sonia Griles. 

A Taste of (John H.) Woodson on Thursday, March 16 brought students and visitors to the school’s courtyard to sample food that teased their cultural appetite, while the school’s Maypole and steel pan provided entertainment. They relished local tarts, candies and cakes prepared by La-Verne Y. Bates; and pates, shish kabobs and beverages served by members of the school’s clubs and other vendors. 

St. Croix Central High School Social Studies Department didn’t let up on its observance of Virgin Islands History Month. Teachers went all out to ensure that students had a fun-filled day while getting a solid grip of their rich cultural heritage. The school’s cultural presentation at the stage in the front lawn on Friday, March 17 titled, “Learning from the Past and Preparing for Our Future,” saw performances from several school and community groups, such as the Filipino Dancers. 

The elementary school most represented at the high school cultural affair was Ricardo Richards, which brought out Masqueraders, African Dancers and a presentation of the “Historical Timeline of the Virgin Islands." The community-based Ay-Ay Quadrille dancers set the pace for Quadrille groups from the St. Croix Educational Complex and St. Croix Central High to follow. Mocko jumbies danced high above spectators. The gregarious and omnipresent Stanley and the Sleepless Knights provided live music for most of the performances. 

St. Croix Festival 2017 Calypso Champion Temisha Libert, popularly known as “Caribbean Queen,” enlightened the students with strong lyrics from her winning compositions. Musical performances by individuals and groups, such as the CHS Jazz Band and the popular Stylee Band closed out the day of cultural awareness at the St. Croix Central High School. 

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March 22, 2017

 ST. THOMAS, USVI – Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS) commemorated the territory’s Transfer Centennial with a cultural showcase featuring local dance, poetry, music and food. The two-part event took place at the Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium and the CAHS athletic field on Friday, March 17. 

Senior class president Shamari Davis served as Master of Ceremonies and opened the event with a warm welcome to teachers, the community and fellow students. The CAHS Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Color Guard posted the colors, followed by the National Anthem and the Virgin Islands March by Ripples on the Lake and Swans on the Lake ensembles, respectively. A special audio recording of the Danish national anthem was aired in recognition of the territory’s Centennial Transfer anniversary on March 31, 2017. 

The CAHS Quadrille Team Dancers, led by Jahbari James, began the program with a high-spirited performance followed by a viewing historical footage of the Transfer Day ceremony in 1917. Incorporating students’ love for fashion into the festivities, young seamstresses in Ms. Smith’s sewing class modeled original designs made of madras fabric. Following the fashion showcase, the CAHS Golden Hawkettes Bamboula Dance Company performed a riveting tribute to the late Marie Ann Christopher, culture bearer and Bamboula instructor. 

CAHS English Language Learners (ELL) class contributed to the celebration with the performance of an Afro-Caribbean dance following a series of centennial-themed poems recited by V.I. History students. 

The morning program ended with a catchy, original Quelbe song written by CAHS music instructor Francis Callwood and performed by the CAHS Concert Choir titled, “Quelbe Music.” 

After lunch, students and teachers convened on the field for part two of the festivities. There, the Superior Court’s Rising Stars Steel Orchestra and the CAHS Concert Band entertained the crowd with music as students enjoyed local food, games and displays. 

Students built and flew kites, played jump rope, sampled local treats, such as red pea soup and gooseberry stew. A young Mocko Jumbie was also present, and students learned how to make dumb bread and sweet bread from local bakers. 

The day of celebration of Virgin Islands history was presented by the Department of Education, Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education, Centennial Cultural Commemoration Committee and the CAHS Social Studies department. 

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March 21, 2017

ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education invites the community to the 44th Annual Territorial Spelling Bee on Thursday, March 30 beginning at 10 a.m. at the John H.

Woodson Jr. High School Auditorium.

The territory’s top 12 spellers will compete for the championship title and the opportunity to represent the Virgin Islands at the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee, May 28-June 6, 2017 in

Washington, D.C.

The Virgin Islands Daily News is the sponsor of the Territorial Spelling Bee.

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March 20, 2017

 ST. CROIX, USVI – Creative juices flowed and were mixed with delicious baked goods as St. Croix Central High School students showed their ingenuity in using mathematics for fun at the school’s first Pi Day Math Expo on March 14. The event commemorated the annual national celebration of the Greek letter Pi (“π”), which is the symbol used in mathematics to represent the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter—approximately 3.14159. 

Math students displayed an impressive array of original math games and projects. Prizes were awarded to students in the following categories, including best Pi Day T-shirt, best mathematical presentations and displays, and student who recited the most digits in Pi. 

St. Croix Central High School Math Chairperson Vihba Bansal said the school’s first Pi Day observance was very successful. “Students really enjoyed themselves immensely as they found new ways to appreciate mathematics and have fun doing so,” she said. “We shared pies -- apple, pineapple, and other flavors -- with the students while they enjoyed playing several games that incorporate some aspect of mathematics.” 

Pi Day was founded by Physicist Larry Shaw of the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988 and is celebrated at educational institutions around the world. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives supported the designation of Pi Day. 

St. Croix Central High School First Annual Pi Day Math Expo winners are as follows: 

Pi Day T-Shirt Winners 

1st Place - Alayna Caraballo 

2nd Place - Brianna George 

Pi Digits 

1st Place - Indeya Todman 

2nd Place - Marthisha Charles 

Presentations and Displays 

1st Place - Spin It, Guess It to Win It-- Amelia Able, Madelin Yousef, Khaleese Figaro, Bermary Calderon, Kiara Jarvis, Sasha Francis 

2nd Place – Mathonopoly-- Shelia Matthew 

3rd Place – Tipsy --Antoine Harley, Haysely Durand, Sedeja Fieulletteau 

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March 10, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI - Antilles School students Kashish Chainani, Tanya Mirchandani, Aishwarya Nagpal and Good Hope Country Day’s Patrick Boring will represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 2017 Raytheon MATHCOUNTS National Championship slated for May 14-15, 2017 in Orlando, Fla. The students earned the top scores in both the Sprint and Target rounds combined. The team will be coached by Michele Humphries of Antilles School. 

The students won the rights to represent the Virgin Islands during State MATHCOUNTS competition held on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School library. Chainani ranked first with a score of 22, Mirchandani second, scoring 13; Nagpal scored 11 and Boring ranked 4th place with a score of 9. 

State STEM Director Shamika Williams-Henley opened the event with brief remarks and welcomed the students to another year of the exciting math competition. She encouraged the students to do their best and above all, have fun. 

The competition included a Sprint round—students are given 40 minutes to complete 30 math problems, Target round comprised of four pairs of problems in which students have six minutes each to complete and Team round which allows teams of four, 20 minutes to complete ten problems. 

The remaining six students in the Top Ten, in order of rank are Mohit Mirpuri, Antilles; Alessandro Gever, Antilles; Jahan, Daswani, Antilles; Maya Griffith, Good Hope Country Day; Ronit Totwani, Antilles; and Molly Brownsdon of Good Hope Country Day. 

The Antilles school team placed first in the Team Round and the Good Hope Country Day School team placed second. 

The remaining mathletes in the V.I. State MATHCOUNTS competition were Mitchell Turnbull, Jr. and Arman Isranu of Antilles; Kira Mitchell of the Peter Gruber International Academy; Saba Alfred, Cehara Briscoe, Brice Richards and Colin Gray of Good Hope Country Day; Samantha Peter, Church of God; Marck Sinco and Christian Rose of John H. Woodson. 

MATHCOUNTS is coordinated by math coordinators Juanita Boneque in the St. Croix district and Avon Benjamin in the St. Thomas-St. John district. Ludence Romney serves as the State MATHCOUNTS coordinator. 

Representatives from the St. Thomas-St. John district served as proctors for the event. Deputy Superintendent Michael Harrigan facilitated the award presentation. 

MATHCOUNTSis a national program designed to improve math skills among U.S. students. The program focuses on middle school students who are at a crucial stage in developing and sustaining math interest and ability. 

Local sponsors of MATHCOUNTS include the Virgin Islands Department of Education,Rotary Club of St. Thomas II. All costs associated with the competition to include trophies, plaques, and meals for mathletes and officials were underwritten by the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II. 

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March 15, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education, Division of Special Education, is seeking children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in the

USVI Special Olympics Area Games on March 25 on St. Croix and May 6 on St. Thomas. Volunteers are also needed to aid organizers at the events. Maureen Moorehead, St. Croix Special Education district coordinator, said, “Mrs. Bryan-Heyliger and I would like to thank those special educators, family and friends of the athletes, and all the volunteers who give so freely of their time to support the Special Olympians as they discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. We look forward to seeing you on March twenty fifth at the St. Croix Renaissance Park.”

St. Croix – March 25, 2017

St. Croix Renaissance Park (across from Diageo)

Registration: 8:00 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies: 9:00 a.m.

St. Thomas – May 6, 2017

Charlotte Amalie High School Field

Registration: 8:00 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies: 9:00 a.m.

Special athletes may participate in up to three sports, including track and field, basketball, bocce, football (soccer), and tennis.

Janice Lee, Special Olympics retired national director, said, “The athletes would be thrilled to have their parents, teachers, other service providers and volunteers at the event cheering as they

compete, collect awards, get and give hugs, smiles, and love.”

“To make this annual event a success for our special athletes, we need the support of our entire community,” said Kishma Creque, St. Thomas Special Olympics assistant games coordinator.

“Together we can make this year’s event enjoyable and memorable for our athletes with intellectual disabilities.”

To register, parents of students with intellectual disabilities who are enrolled in V.I. public schools, may pick up registration packets from their child’s teacher. Students and individuals who are not

enrolled in public schools, may contact the appropriate representatives on each island to register.

To volunteer for the St. Croix Area Games, please contact Janice Lee at (340) 772-2277 or register to volunteer for on St. Thomas, contact Kishma Creque at (340) 776-4303.

Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. Its mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition a variety of Olympic-type

sports for participants. The Virgin Islands Special Olympics was founded in 1977.

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March 6, 2017

ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education, St. Thomas – St. John District Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Technology held its annual Social Studies Fair on Friday, March 3, 2017 in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Park which aims to recognize students’ knowledge and understanding of lessons taught in their social studies and history classes. The theme for this year’s fair was “One Hundred Years under the Stars and Stripes”, in commemoration of the territory’s Transfer Centennial. 

Charlotte Amalie High School, Bertha C. Boschulte (BCB) Middle School, Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, Julius E. Sprauve School and Ulla F. Muller Elementary were this year’s participants. 

District Social Studies Coordinator, Annie Smith, orchestrated the event that included steel band performances, skits, monologues, vocal and instrumental performances as well as visual displays. Following the posting of the colors by the Charlotte Amalie JROTC Color Guard, Mrs. Smith gave welcome remarks. 

“It’s rewarding to see that the students truly know and understand the history and what they learn in class and through their individual research”, said Mrs. Smith. “This year in particular, with the Centennial, students are truly understanding and learning more about VI History because that is what this commemoration is all about, a reflection of the past 100 plus years.” 

Cancryn’s Concert Choir opened the program with a performance of Kirk Franklin’s “My Life is in Your Hands” followed by an instrumental by the school’s Saxophone Quartet. 

Lt. Governor Osbert Potter, after hearing a preview of presentations to come from his office, made his way to the park to enjoy the performances. Following Charlotte Amalie’s ninth grade VI History class’ reenactment of the 1848 Fire Burn in St. Croix, he gave a brief encouraging word to the students and audience. 

“It feels good to come down to the park and see our talented students doings things that keep our culture alive through education and ultimately brings back memories”, Lt. Governor Potter said. 

The steel bands from both Cancryn and BCB performed a range of local calypso, reggae and R&B hits to entertain the audience while Muller’s Bamboula Dancers, dressed in all white amazed the crowd with the traditional Afro-Caribbean dance performed by their own Bamboula drummers. 

Cancryn’s social studies department presented several works displaying their knowledge of African, African American and VI History in the forms of dance, poetry, art and music. 

Julius E. Sprauve School’s fourth grade class presented poems that represented life in the Virgin Islands then and now and its fifth grade class displayed 100 facts about Transfer Day which piqued the interest of Senate President Myron Jackson who also attended the event. 

The Social Studies Fair allows students to present their ideas and knowledge gained in the classroom in their own unique and artistic way in efforts to further teach and engage their peers. It is held on the first Friday in March, usually to kick off Virgin Islands history month. 

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The Virgin Islands Association (VIA) of the DC Metropolitan area was founded in 1980 as a non-profit association committed to our community, academic excellence and our cultural traditions. VIA-DC is an active community network, supporting the enhancement of cultural diversity and providing professional development and mentoring to our college bound students. To fulfill our mission of academic excellence and extend our support to Virgin Islands students, VIA-DC is pleased to announce the following 2017 scholarships:

*Paid Summer Internship* D9 Student Trainee (GS-0399-02/07) - Summer Enrichment Program Opportunity CIS-STU-1933893-D09

Should you have further questions, please contact Chrystal Daley at the Dept. of Homeland Security at (340) 774-1390 x250.

Scholarships are also open to undergraduate and graduate students.

U.S. Virgin Islands- The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) is pleased to announce that their annual academic scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students are now available. The Foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of life for children, youth and families in the Territory by creating opportunities that otherwise would not be available. Funds for these offerings are provided through the generosity of CFVI donors. Continue Reading Job Applications Available for 2017 Summer Food Service Program Continue Reading Music Educators Hold 'Jam Session' At Professional Development Workshop Continue Reading EBO Steel Owls Steal the Show At National Music Competition   Continue Reading SCEC Students Have 'A Conversation on Self Identity' At Whim Great House Continue Reading SPED FFY 2017 Federal Grant Application Available for Review Renee Charleswell, Ph.D., director of the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s State Office of Special Education (SOSE), wishes to inform the public that copies of the Division’s FFY 2017 IDEA Part B Federal Grant Application are available for public review in both Virgin Islands school districts over the next 60 days. Comments will be accepted up to 30 days after the close of the public review period, and may be submitted to the SOSE Director via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or dropped off at the office between April 10 and May 10, 2017. Copies of the grant application, containing a tentative state budget, may be obtained from the State and District Offices of Special Education, the superintendent of schools offices, the office of the Commissioner of Education in both districts, and the University of the Virgin Islands campuses.  A copy may also be found at VIDE website, www.vide.vi under the Special Education Division. For more information, contact Dr. Charleswell at the SOSE office at (340) 776-5802.       Open for Review:   2017Grant Application Interactive Spreadsheet.pdf      PartB-app2017-final.doc-FILLED.pdf            Cheer Them On At the District Spelling Bee on February 10 Continue Reading Annual McDonald's MLK Basketball Tourney Is Jan 13-16, 2017 Continue Reading Sprauve School Christmas Program in the Park The Julius Sprauve School delighted guests and tourists at their annual Christmas program held at the Frank Powell Park in Cruz Bay on December 21. Students performed a myriad of selections ranging from classical holiday jingles to cultural dance pieces. Principal Marion Lynch Esannason welcomed students and guests to the program and wished everyone a happy holiday season. Assistant Principal Lisa Penn also brought greetings and acknowledged all the hard work students had put into the production. 2015-2016 Julius E. Sprauve School queen served as Mistress of Ceremony. Sprauve School Ethnic Drummers, directed by Mr. Eddie Bruce, opened the program with an upbeat African drum beat selection. Sprauve music teacher Nancy Liburd then directed five Christmas carols performed by the kindergarten through fifth grade classes, to include the VI Holiday Medley, Sing Noel and Jingle Bells.  The middle school band, directed by band instructor Joyann Foster also performed holiday favorites on their instruments having recently learned to read music. The program closed out with Sprauve School Quadrille Dancers performing two types of promenades in cultural madras attire. Continue Reading 2015-16 Smarter Balanced Scores Show Growth in ELA And Math In the spring of 2016, the Department of Education successfully completed its second year of testing using the new Smarter Balanced assessments. The tests are aligned to higher academic standards being taught in Virgin Islands’ public schools and provide teachers and parents with more accurate information of how well students are performing as they prepare for college or the career of their choice. This year’s Smarter Balanced scores show students, territory-wide, have made gains when compared to scores from first-year testing that occurred in the spring of 2015. Continue Reading The Student Quarterly now online. Take A Read!     Continue Reading Season's Greetings from Commissioner McCollum Cancryn Gets In The Holiday Spirit With “A Christmas On The Rise” Concert The Addelita Cancryn Fine Arts Department welcomed family, friends and supporters to its A Christmas on the Rise Concert held December 8 in the school’s auditorium. The festive gathering featured new and familiar holiday selections from the jazz band, concert band, steel pan ensemble and concert choir. The Mistress of Ceremony, Nisieni Griffith, gave the invocation and Assistant Principal Judy King-Edmeade welcomed guests in the true spirit of the season. A highlight of the evening came with the announcement of the evening’s release of the school’s Christmas on the Rise CD, featuring beautifully arranged pieces from the concert band, concert choir, jazz band and steel pan ensemble. Continue Reading Special Education Hosts BVI Delegation In Tour of Schools Continue Reading IEKHS "Christmas Around the World" Concert - December 15 EBO "A Festive Christmas" - December 14 ULLA MULLER ELEMENTARY ROLLS OUT POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INITIAITVE AT PEP RALLY Continue Reading Parent University Bootcamp - Dec. 6 - 20 Arthur Richards Christmas Concert on Dec. 14  The Arthur A. Richards Jr. High Schools presents its annual Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Commissioner McCollum Hosts Special Meet & Greet to Thank Donors Continue Reading Gladys Abraham Elementary Certifies 17 School Safety Patrol Student Officers Continue Reading Cancryn's "Christmas on the Rise" 2016 Concert FREE GRADUATE-LEVEL MATH COURSES FOR SECONDARY MATH TEACHERS BCB Annual Christmas Concert - December 10 Clean Places Happy Faces Anti-Litter Campaign - Grades K-6   Learn more about our fun poster competition inside!   Continue Reading Happy Thanksgiving 2016 from Commissioner McCollum FREE UVI Classes for Teachers - Sign Up Today! CAHS "Tales of the Season" Christmas Concert 2016 Join St. Croix's 2017 Carnival Troupe - November 19 Cosmetology Students Pamper Cancer Survivors Cosmetology students at the Raphael O. Wheatley Skill Center pampered cancer survivors receiving treatment at the nearby Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Center on November 15. The special event allowed students to hone their cosmetology skills while giving back to the community. Patients received a range of services, including manicures, fingernail painting, facials and waxing.  Continue Reading A Hauntingly Fun Literacy Experience Ghouls and goblins recently made an appearance for a good cause at the Literacy Through Mystery fundraiser held at the St. Thomas-St. John Curriculum Center on December 31. The unforgettable event brought out children and families dressed in their scariest costumes for an evening of ghoulish fun. The event helped raise funds to support the district's literacy activities. Needless to say, it was a boo-tiful experience! Continue Reading St. Croix Teams Complete Round 1 In CyberPatriot Competition Continue Reading Commissioner McCollum Host BVI Education Delegation In a show of unity and collaboration, Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., hosted a delegation of BVI officials from the Ministry of Education and Culture on November 8 to discuss ways in which the USVI and the BVI education departments could work together in the future. Topics of discussion centered around agriculture, cultural programing, sports and music. Agreements were made to have greater participation of schools in each territory's cultural events and activites. Commissioner McCollum Hosts BVI Education Delegation Continue Reading Juanita Gardine Elementary Establishes EarlyAct Club Continue Reading Ricardo Richards Roll Out Initiative to Encourage Good Behavior Continue Reading CAHS Mock Election Results 2016   Continue Reading St. Croix High Schoolers Gear Up for CyberPatriot Competition Continue Reading $200K Donation from Innovative to Benefit VOCED and STEM Programs Continue Reading Literacy Through Mystery Haunted House Fundraiser - October 31 CAHS Intl Dinner Night Fest 7 Fundraiser - November 5 CAHS "Evening of Ensembles" Is October 26 IEKHS "It's All In the Reel: Let's Get Animated" Is October 23 A Lesson In Civics: St. Croix Complex High School Hosts Senatorial Forum All ten St. Croix senatorial candidates running for a seat in the 32nd Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands accepted the St. Croix Educational Complex High School Senatorial Forum challenge on Friday, October 14 and carefully outlined their individual platforms before an audience of students in the Social Studies and English classes.  The candidates, both sitting senators and aspirants, were invited to participate in the school’s senatorial forum according to Social Studies Department Chairperson Augustina Gonzague, the organizer of the event. Continue Reading St. Croix Schools Close Hispanic Heritage Month in Grand Style Continue Reading High School Seniors: Apply NOW for College Financial Aid Click here to apply today!    Continue Reading Gladys Abraham Students Showcase Gardening and Science Skills for DC Official Continue Reading Commissioner McCollum Lays Out Plans for SY 2016-17 At Rotary Club Meeting Virgin   Islands   Department   of   Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., addressed The Rotary Club of St. Thomas II at its general meeting held September 7 at the Frenchman’s Reef Marriott & Morning Star Beach Resort. Commissioner McCollum assured club members that the Department is making progress with renovating the infrastructure of the territory’s public schools, while focusing on student achievement and the importance of public-private partnerships. “This department is the one agency that can lead change in this community. It can change the crime rate. It can change the workforce,” McCollum insisted. She further expressed the need for public-private partnerships and acknowledged the University of the Virgin Islands’ sponsorship of new wooden basketball floors recently installed at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School. She stated that capital projects for enhancement and repairs are forthcoming to the St. Croix Educational Complex, Charlotte Amalie High School and Ivanna Eudora Kean High Schools’ running tracks. The renovation and maintenance of school buildings are a priority for the Department. Commissioner McCollum pointed out that she has requested bond funds to rebuild and refurbish the territory’s public schools. “The average age of our school buildings is 40 – 45 years old…we need to build schools,” she urged. However, the lack of up-to-date facilities does not affect the quality of instruction within the classroom. Commissioner McCollum said student achievement is the focus of the Department. She has identified music and sports as two major components to enhance student achievement and has positioned two individuals to head territory-wide music and sports programs. In addition, both the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts now have directors of agriculture. Commissioner McCollum stressed the importance of food grown locally—specifically by students in Virgin Islands’ schools. This concept is two-fold, as it allows students to have a green thumb as well as supply produce to the school lunch program. Commissioner McCollum also acknowledged the success of the tilapia farm at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and promises to introduce hydroponics and table gardens to the remaining schools territory-wide. Commissioner McCollum closed by ensuring Rotary Club of St. Thomas II members that there are lots of success stories coming out of the public school system and with time, support from the local community and an extra effort, the Department can make a positive difference and implement change in the territory. Commissioner, Governor Inspire At 'Back to School' District Meetings Administrators in the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John school districts recently prepared for the 2016-17 School Year by attending a full day of informative and inspirational workshops. On August 29 on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth E. Mapp and Commissioner of Education Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., addressed the gathering of principals, assistant principals and district coordinators at the Buccaneer Hotel. During her remarks, Commissioner McCollum passionately expressed the importance of the Department's employees working together. “We all need to be on the same page – monitors, the administrators and upper administration," she began. “When I took this job, I said and I will continue to say, 'Superman is not flying in.' There is no knight in shining armor that’s going to come charging in here. And with the pending change in the Federal government, until we see where that’s going to be, we are pretty much on our own. We have to be the strong unit.  We have to save ourselves.  We should be on the same page." This school year, Commissioner McCollum said greater focus must be given to student achievement. "Our children must achieve. When our students achieve, we all achieve," she stressed to the group.    Commissioner McCollum identified significant changes that have taken place in the Department of Education, such as territorial directors for music and athletics, who will solely focus on supporting curriculum in the schools. Also, two individuals have been hired in both districts to spearhead agricultural education in the schools. Governor Mapp praised the work of Commissioner McCollum. “Dr.  McCollum has no lost words in asking for monetary resources,” Governor Mapp began. “I try to sit with Dr. McCollum at least once every three weeks, one and one to talk about the issues on education.”  He said during their last meeting, he encouraged Commissioner McCollum to spend all the money the Department of Education has on hand.  “We had a great meeting with her (McCollum) team on the federal education USDOE dollars, and I am troubled not by anything the VIDE is doing, but we have this condition imposed by USDOE to have a third party fiduciary to spend VIDE dollars," Governor Mapp said. "We have to pay the fiduciary agents out of the general funds. We are not allowed to use grant monies to pay fiduciary agents and of this fiscal year we have aide the third party fiduciary agents 32 million dollars, that’s a school we could have built and if we do not change our concept of how we work with the fiduciary, with the process of utilizing the federal dollars, spending it timely and appropriately, and get the fiduciary agent away from the table, we will continue to have this course.”  Colleen Mae Williams, St. Croix district insular superintendent, presented a video that followed the journey of two school principals on the mainland who turned their failing schools around through teamwork, commitment and love. The captivating video showed the principals greeting students with hugs and high-fives. The message conveyed was that administrators who care about the students and their families, and who have close and regular communication with teachers and staff will see change. On St. Thomas, a similar scene played out with the district's principals, assistant principals and coordinators at the Curriculum Center on August 30. There, Commissioner McCollum laid out a plan for the new school year. She shared information about the Department's new Office of Special Funding, which supports the Department's fundraising efforts by securing funds from private donors and grants. She highlighted the many public-private partnerships the Department of Education is enjoying, one such that resulted in BCB Middle School receiving a hardwood basketball floor from the University of the Virgin Islands and a $25,000 donation to refurbish and install it. The new floors were installed in August 2016. "I picked up a check last week for $30,000 to continue the iPad Project," Commissioner McCollum continued, explaining that the project, which began in St. Thomas schools will expand to schools in St. Croix this year. The iPad Projects supplies students with the tablets for the use in the classroom. But, Dr. McCollum said more checks and support are on the way. "On September 12, we will be getting a check for $200,000 from Innovative to move forward with IT training for our students," she said. "We're in conversations with JetBlue. One of the things I'd like to see is the name of our schools on the side of their jets. We are also knocking on the doors of corporate America. We are huge consumers, but I'm not seeing the benefits. It's time they (corporate America) recognize that we are here and we are spending a lot of money, and it's time [for them] to give back." In brief remarks, Governor Mapp reaffirmed his support for the Department of Education. "It's important for me to ensure that you (the Department of Education) have as much of the resources that I can provide to you to get the job done," he said. "I am happy to be the biggest resource for Dr. McCollum and her efforts to transform public education." He pointed out that in recent discussions with the Legislature, the governing body is expected to act "on $25 million to invest into the physical plants of the schools throughout the territory." In closing, Dr. McCollum implored employees to work together to benefit Virgin Islands' students. "We have to get this done. We must do it for the children. We must change this Department. Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to have a remarkable year and know that I'm only a phone call away," she said.. St. Thomas-St. John Insular Superintendent Dionne Wells-Hedrington also offered a passionate appeal for administrators and coordinators to never lose sight of their mission. "We have to take back our schools," she said. "Whatever happens in the community finds their way into our buildings. We cannot turn a blind eye; we have to find ways to support our children."       Commissioner, Governor Inspire At 'Back to School' District Meetings Continue Reading Registration open for GED and Adult basic education courses in the st. Thomas-st. John district ST.  THOMAS, USVI –   Dahlia C. Adams, principal of the Adult Education Program in the St. Thomas-St. John district, announces that registration for GED prep and Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses will be held through October 7 at the Adult Education Center on Garden Street. Continue Reading ULLA F. MULLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ANNOUNCES ORIENTATION AND OPEN HOUSE FOR SY 2016-17 ST. THOMAS, USVI – The administration at the Ulla F. Muller Elementary School has announced School Year 2016-17 opening activities according to the following schedule: Continue Reading CLAUDE O. MARKOE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ANNOUNCES ORIENTATION FOR SY 2016-17 ST. CROIX, USVI -- The administration of the Claude O. Markoe Elementary School has scheduled School Year 2016-17 orientation for kindergarteners and new or transfer students on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.  Continue Reading WOODSON JR. HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCES PHOTO ID AND CLASS SCHEDULE DISTRIBUTION FOR SY 2016-17 ST. CROIX, USVI – The John H. Woodson Jr. High School will collect school fees, take photo IDs and distribute class schedules for School Year 2016-17 according to the following schedule. Continue Reading STUDENT REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION SCHEDULED AT YVONNE BOWSKY SCHOOL ST.  THOMAS, USVI – Daphne Gonzales-Thomas, acting principal of the Yvonne Milliner-Bowsky Elementary School, has announced registration and orientation dates for School Year 2016-17 according to the following schedule. Continue Reading NEW DISMISSAL TIME ANNOUNCED FOR STUDENTS AT ALEXANDER HENDERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ST.  CROIX, USVI –   St. Croix Insular Superintendent Colleen Mae Williams announces that Alexander Henderson Elementary School students will now be dismissed at 2:45 p.m. instead of 3:00 p.m. for the 2016-17 School Year. Continue Reading ARTHUR A. RICHARDS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL HOLDS ORIENTATION FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS ST.  CROIX, USVI – The administration of the Arthur A. Richards Jr. High School has scheduled School Year 2016-17 orientation for Friday, September 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for seventh (7th) graders, and from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for eighth (8th) graders. Continue Reading VIDE Submits FFY 2016 CGA RLIS Waiver The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) has submitted a request to the United States Department of Education for a Rural and Low-Income School Program (RLIS) Waiver, as required under section 9401 (b) (3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The purpose of the waiver is to allow VIDE to use federal fiscal year (FFY) 2016 funds under the Consolidated Grant to Insular Areas (Consolidated Grant) and any remaining FFY 2015 Consolidated Grant funds to provide private school students and teachers under the RLIS program with equitable services.   RLIS Waiver FFY 2016.pdf  PHOTO ID AND ORIENTATION SCHEDULES ANNOUNCED FOR ADDELITA CANCRYN JR. HIGH STUDENTS ST.  THOMAS, USVI – Lisa Hassell-Forde, Ph.D., principal of the Addelita Cancryn Jr. High School, announces the following School Year 2016-2017 schedules for photo IDs for incoming 7th and 8th grade students, and orientation for all students. Continue Reading K-6 STUDENTS, PARENTS INVITED TO BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education, in conjunction with DPNR’s Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums invites students in grades K-6 and their parents to the first Back to School Night at the Library, slated for Saturday, August 20 on St. Thomas and Saturday, August 27 on St. Croix. Continue Reading When Our Students Achieve, We All Achieve Continue Reading CHS ANNOUNCE ID AND INSURANCE CARD ISSUANCE FOR SY 2016-17 ST. CROIX, USVI -- The St. Croix Superintendent of Schools office announces that I.D. and insurance cards will be issued to all St. Croix Central High School students enrolling in the 2016-17 School Year, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. according to the following schedule. Continue Reading JANE E. TUITT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ANNOUNCES ORIENTATION FOR SY 2016-17 ST. THOMAS, USVI – The administration of the Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School has announced that orientation sessions for School Year 2016-17 will be held according to the following schedule. Continue Reading ORIENTATION SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR BCB MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ST. THOMAS, USVI – The administration of the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School announces that orientation sessions for School Year 2016-2017 will be held for students according to the following schedule. Continue Reading SCHOOL OPENING ACTIVITIES SET FOR KG STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS AT SIBILLY ELEMENTARY ST. THOMAS, USVI – Felix Durand, Ph. D., principal of the Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, announces the following activities at the main campus for Kindergarten (Kg) students and their parents prior to the opening of the 2016-17 School Year. Continue Reading JOHN H. WOODSON JR. HIGH ANNOUNCES NEW SCHOOL HOURS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2016-17 ST. CROIX, USVI – Principal Rodney E. Moorehead of the John H. Woodson Jr. High School announced today that school hours for SY 2016-17 will be 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Continue Reading PUBLIC INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN ONLINE SURVEY TO OFFER FEEDBACK ON PRESSING EDUCATIONAL ISSUES ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s State Office of Curriculum and Instruction invites the community to participate in an online survey that requests feedback on pressing educational issues and how the United States Department of Education’s Comprehensive Centers (Centers) can provide assistance to address those issues. The deadline to respond is August 18, 2016. Continue Reading CULTURAL EDUCATION HOSTS CONFERENCE FOR CULTURE BEARERS ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Division of Cultural Education invites persons in the community to attend the first annual “A New Vision: Traditionalist and Preservationist Culture Bearers Impacting Students’ Learning” conference on August 29 at the Curriculum Center on St. Croix and September 2 in the ACC 1st Floor Conference Room at UVI St. Thomas. Both conferences will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Continue Reading Final Orientation Announced for Complex Students SY 2016-17 ST. CROIX USVI – St. Croix Educational Complex High School students, both new and returning who have not participated in orientation will be given the final opportunity to do so on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the school’s auditorium. Continue Reading SOSE Parental Satisfaction Survey Results Meeting - July 2016   DOE - Office of Special Education To Release Results of Parental Survey.pdf  CAHS Photo ID and Orientation Schedules Announced For SY 2016-17 ST. THOMAS, USVI—The Charlotte Amalie High School has announced schedules for photo IDs, orientation and class schedule distribution for school year 2016-17. Continue Reading EDUCATORS IN 13 TEACHER SHORTAGE AREAS ELIGIBLE FOR STUDENT LOAN BENEFITS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                 July 8, 2016 Contact: Cynthia T. Graham Director of Public Relations (340) 774-0100, Ext. 8136 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.vide.vi EDUCATORS IN 13 TEACHER SHORTAGE AREAS ELIGIBLE FOR STUDENT LOAN BENEFITS   ST. THOMAS, USVI – The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) on June 21 approved an application from the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) to designate 13 of the VIDE’s academic disciplines or subject matter as teacher-shortage areas during the 2016-17 school year. As a result of the USDE’s approval, student grant and loan recipients who are qualified to teach in the following areas may benefit by receiving loan cancellations or other incentives: Statewide Academic Disciplines or Subject Matter Art Bilingual/English as a Second Language Elementary Education English Foreign Languages Mathematics (Grades 7-12) Music Physical Education Reading School Nurse Science Social Studies Special Education According to the USDE, the benefits to student financial aid recipients are indicated in the following regulatory provisions: • 34 CFR 682.21 O(b)(5)(ii), (b)(7), (q), and (s) enable a borrower who had no outstanding Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loan on July 1 , 1987, but who had an outstanding FFEL Program loan on July 1, 1993, to qualify for deferment of loan repayment under the Stafford Loan Program anytime within the life of the borrower's loan(s) for up to three years of service as a full-time teacher in a private elementary or secondary school in a teacher shortage area designated by the Department, and as certified by the chief administrative officer of the particular school in which the borrower is teaching; • 34 CFR 674.53(c) enables Federal Perkins Loan borrowers who are full-time teachers of mathematics, science, foreign languages, bilingual education, or any other field of expertise where the State educational agency determined there is a shortage of qualified teachers to qualify for cancellation of up to 100% of the outstanding balance on the borrower's Federal Perkins loans; and • 34 CFR 686. 12(d) enables grant recipients to fulfill their teaching obligation under the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program (regarding the requirement to serve at least four academic years, with in eight years of graduation) by teaching in a "high-need field," which includes academic disciplines/subject areas identified as teacher shortage areas at the time the grant recipient begins teaching in that field. Stafford Loan and Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS) borrowers with questions concerning their loans, may contact the Federal Student Aid Hotline at 1-800-4FED-AID. Federal Perkins Loan borrowers should contact the school where they received the loan. For other questions or concerns, contact the VIDE’s Human Resources Office at (340) 774-0100. ### Campers Visit Department HQ, Enjoy Fun Day at Roosevelt Park Continue Reading Aubrey Isaac Funeral Booklet   Aubreyprint.swf  Countdown to Kindergarten Calendar   KindergartenCalendar.pdf  8th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge to Launch June 8 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                         June 5, 2016 Contact: Cynthia T. Graham Director of Public Relations (340) 774-0100, Ext. 8136 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.vide.vi   ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Office of the Governor in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Education will launch the 8th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge on Wednesday, June 8 and it will run through September 23, 2016. The annual activity challenges students in grades K-6 attending the territory’s public, private, and parochial schools to read five or more books during the summer months in an effort to encourage and promote literacy. In a special letter to students, Governor Mapp writes, “The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is a reflection of my certainty that reading is a fundamental skill that will serve you throughout your life. Let your imagination run wild as you contemplate novels, histories, adventures, biographies of interesting people, or even comic books. Just about any book that you read will advance your most basic skill, and stimulate your mind to grow more curious as all your learning skills develop.” Launch events are scheduled at schools on St. Croix and St. Thomas on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Education and Government House officials will be in attendance to distribute books to students and to get them excited about participating in this year’s Challenge. St. Croix School District Eulalie Rivera Elementary School Grove Place June 8 at 12:30 p.m. – Outdoor Amphitheater St. Thomas-St. John School District Joseph Sibilly Elementary School June 8 at 10:00 a.m. – Outdoor Amphitheater To kick-start their summer reading, students are provided with up to two of five books based on their grade level. While the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is a national initiative of governors from across the country, the Virgin Islands’ Challenge is unique in that students receive books written and illustrated by Virgin Islands’ or Caribbean authors and illustrators. The 2016 Reading Challenge books include: Where Did the Baby Go? by David and Phillis Gershator, We Are Pirates/Somos Piratas by Adrian Guerra, Brown Pelicans, Broo ‘Nansi and the Tar Baby collected and written by Dr. Lois Hassell-Habtes and Caribella by Phillis Gershator. Students are encouraged to visit their local libraries for additional books. Students must keep track of the books they read on the tracking sheets provided in their book packages or by downloading tracking sheets online. At the end of the Challenge, participating students are invited to attend celebrations in their respective island district. For more information, visit www.readfive.org. ### Waiver Request to Extend FY 2014 Obligation Period   4 19 2016 FY2014 CGA Waiver Request.pdf  CHS Announces Orientation Schedule for SY 2016-17 ST. CROIX, USVI -- Parents and students in the St. Croix school district are advised of the following schedule put in place to conduct grade-level orientations for the 2016-2017 school year at the St. Croix Central High School. All sessions will be conducted in the school's gymnasium. Continue Reading Educational Complex Announces Orientation Schedule for SY 2016-17 ST. CROIX, USVI -- Parents and students in the St. Croix school district are advised of the following schedule put in place to conduct grade-level orientations for the 2016-2017 school year at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School. All sessions will be conducted in the auditorium. Continue Reading Grand Art Exposition Scheduled At CHS - May 14, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:              April 26, 2016 Contact: Cynthia Graham Director of Public Relations  (340) 773-1095, Ext. 7096  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.vide.vi ST. CROIX, USVI – The Career and Technical Education program and the Fine Arts and Foreign Languages Departments of St. Croix Central High School (CHS) link up to showcase the creative works of students in a grand Art Exposition scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. Community residents are invited to attend and view the lively creations of students in the Fine Arts program and Fashion Designing. Delicatessen delights, expertly prepared by CHS Culinary Arts students, will be served. Entertainment will be provided by the CHS Band, the school’s Heritage Dancers, and the ROTC Drill Team will demonstrate their skills. For more information, contact Assistant Principal Marine Joseph, Ph.D., at (340) 778-0123 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ### STTJ District 2016-17 SY Public School Registration Registration is May 2016 through June 22, 2016   pdf 2016 2017 SY Public School Registration Schedule (570 KB) 2016 Employees of the Year     Public Invited to Maypole Extravaganza on Saturday, May 7 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                  May 5, 2016 Contact: Cynthia T. Graham                                                                                                                          Director of Public Relations                                                       (340) 774-0100, Ext. 8136                                                      This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.     www.vide.vi   ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education Division of Cultural Education has joined forces with community partners to present “May Day Bring Back Our Maypole Tradition” on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Agriculture Fairgrounds on St. Croix. The event will feature traditional maypole dancing from various schools and a host of other cultural activities, music and food. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The Division of Cultural Education will also present “The Revival of Quadrille in Our Schools” on Saturday, May 28, 2016 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at St. Croix Central High School. Both events are designed to increase cultural awareness among students and the community at large. For more information, contact the Division of Cultural Education at (340) 774-0100 x2808.   ###   Steel Ensembles Invited To Participate In Pan on the Green Musical Showcase FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Contact: Cynthia Graham                                                                       Anthony Mills Director of Public Relations                                                                   Specialist/Writer (340) 773-1095, Ext. 7096                                                                     (340) 773-1095, Ext. 7064 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                                                                               This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   ST. CROIX, USVI –Steel ensembles on St. Croix are invited to register for participation in the 2016 edition of  Pan on the Green competition scheduled on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the St. Croix Educational Complex football field.  Steel ensembles or orchestras from schools, churches, businesses and community organizations are eligible to perform. An entry fee of $100 is required to participate in Pan on the Green.  Each ensemble will play a musical piece of their choice, and Pianist and Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s classic, “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” for a total of 20 minutes.   Translated “a little serenade” in German, the Mozart composition is written for an ensemble of two violins, viola and cello with optional double bass. The musical arrangement is often performed by string orchestras. The winning steel ensemble receives a monetary prize of a $1,000. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.  Participating ensembles receive 30 tickets to contribute to their fundraising efforts. For more information and/or to sign up, contact Valrica Bryson, Cultural Education Director for the Department of Education, at (340) 773-1095, extension 7032. ### Notice of Reporting of Misuse of Federal Education Funds FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                April 15, 2016   Contact: Cynthia T. Graham                                                                                                                                   Director of Public Relations                                                   (340) 774-0100, Ext. 8136                                                      This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   www.vide.vi   ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education encourages all schools, teachers, parents of students in schools, participants in adult and vocational education programs, Department employees, and the general public with knowledge of the misuse of Federal education program dollars to report the fraud by calling the following hotlines: ·         U. S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General: 1-800-MISUSED ·         U. S. Department of Interior Office of Inspector General: 1-800-424-5801 The Virgin Islands Department of Education is committed to empowering all students for success.                                                                            ### 7th Annual Special Education Youth Summit Empowers High School Students Continue Reading St. Croix Students Learn About Resiliency, Financial Independence At Man Up 2016 Continue Reading STTJ District Man Up 2016 Delivers Positive Messages for Students' Success Continue Reading Clean Up St. Croix Donates Garbage Bins to Arthur Richards Jr. High   Continue Reading 'Caught You Reading' Inspires Young People To Read The Virgin Islands Department of Education's 'Caught You Reading' campaign seeks to inspire and motivate Virgin Islands young people to read, thereby enhancing their literacy skills. The poster campaign will showcase a variety of Virgin Islanders from all walks of life reading their favorite books. Posters will be placed in schools and throughout the communities of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. From Governor Kenneth Mapp to a local horse jockey and radio/TV personalities, 'Caught You Reading' will show...and tell...the 'reading' stories of some of the most recognizable faces in our community. The campaign is ongoing and will rotate images and posters of readers throughout its duration.  Share your reading photos with us on facebook! #caughtyoureading     Continue Reading Fun at the Movies With Commissioner McCollum Continue Reading Fathers Are Role Models (F.A.R.M.) Launches At Muller Elementary ST. THOMAS, USVI— The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s St. Thomas-St. John Office of the Insular Superintendent, Division of School and Community Affairs, has partnered with the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation to improve the involvement of fathers in the district’s public schools through the Fathers Are Role Models (F.A.R.M.) initiative. Continue Reading First Year of New Assessment Results a Starting Point for Measuring Students’ Progress Toward College and Career Readiness ST. THOMAS, USVI–Virgin Islands Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum has announced a new starting point for how Virgin Islands public school students are performing academically. The territory-wide results for the 2014-15 Smarter Balanced Assessments and National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) Alternate Assessments are the first results aligned with the Virgin Islands’ new, higher standards and provide teachers and parents with more accurate information of how students are performing on the path to success after high school. Continue Reading Season's Greetings from the Commissioner of Education Peter Bailey Brings Critically Acclaimed 'NiteCap' to Charlotte Amalie High School ::cck::20::/cck:: ::introtext:: Juniors and seniors at Eudora Kean and Charlotte Amalie High Schools will enjoy an afternoon of insightful conversation with St. Thomas native Peter Bailey when he brings his popular online show NiteCap to Charlotte Amalie High School on Friday, December 18 at 12:30 p.m. ::/introtext:: ::fulltext:: Peter will be speaking with actor/comedian Tone Bell on achieving and maintaining success. Mr. Bailey is a graduate of Eudora Kean High School and looks forward to being back home to share this moment with students. Read more about this exciting event featured in Rolling Outmagazine here: http://rollingout.com/2015/12/04/peter-bailey-brings-critically-acclaimed-nitecap-st-thomas-get-scoop/ Learn more about the award-winning journalist and his popular NiteCap series by visiting www.iampeterbailey.com. ::/fulltext:: Continue Reading Message from the Commissioner of Education SHARON ANN MCCOLLUM, PH.D.    Welcome to the Virgin Islands Department of Education, where we are committed to preparing our students for success in college or the career of their choice upon graduation from high school. To do this, the Virgin Islands have adopted new, higher academic standards that require students to focus on critical thinking, problem solving and analytical writing. This approach is proven to be the right way forward as we seek to ensure our young people will be successful in the 21st Century. As a Department, we have identified three main priorities through which we filter everything we do: student achievement, organizational culture, and teacher/leader effectiveness. These objectives serve as guideposts to help us remain focused and ensure we are delivering the quality education students deserve. I invite you to partner with us as we endeavor to transform the Virgin Islands public education system. This can only be done through teamwork. The proper education of our students requires all hands on deck because when our students succeed, we all succeed. I am committed to serving the Territory's children, and supporting our educators and administrators on this wonderful journey. Please join us.                Inaugural Presentations Scheduled for Dancing Classrooms at 3 St. Croix Schools After thriving in the St. Thomas-St. John district for several years, Dancing Classrooms have been launched at the Juanita Gardine, Ricardo Richards and Claude O. Markoe Elementary Schools in the St. Croix district. Continue Reading Community members invited to St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center Career Fair and Open House Students, faculty and staff at the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center(CTEC) will host the 18th Annual Career Fair and Open House on Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Community residents are invited to come out to witness the skills CTEC students have acquired in the vocational-technical, business and technological areas. Continue Reading Bertha C. Boschute 6th graders donate more than 1,000 cans of food to Homeless Shelter on ST. Thomas In the spirit of the season, sixth grade students at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School recently donated more than 1,100 cans of food and non-perishable items to Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands’ Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless on St. Thomas. Continue Reading Muller Elementary invites parents to Annual Parent Involvement Day on November 25 The Ulla F. Muller Elementary School invites parents to attend its annual Parent Involvement Day on Wednesday, November 25. According to Principal Symra Dee-Brown, the day will feature a host of mini educational workshops for parents, including “Staying Connected with Online Resources,” “Assistance for Hispanic Families,” “Homework Help” and more. The class with the most parents attending will be awarded a special prize. Continue Reading DOE and United Jazz Foundation Announce An Evening with the Masters of Jazz Fundraising Event with World-Renowned Trumpeter Jon Faddis and Triumph of Trumpets United Jazz Foundation (UJF), a not-for-profit organization, is partnering with the Virgin Islands Department of Education to bring world-renowned master trumpeter Jon Faddis to the US Virgin Islands, along with Triumph of Trumpets all-stars Terell Stafford, Sean Jones, and native Virgin Islander Rashawn Ross. Continue Reading Ulla F. Muller Elementary announces Annual Career Development Activities. The Ulla F. Muller Elementary School has announced its annual Career Development Activities for the months of November and December in an effort to begin introducing students to various careers at an early age. The Virgin Islands Department of Education welcomes the community’s support of our students at these upcoming activities. Continue Reading DOE Partners with Nonprofit to Revitalize Guy Benjamin Elementary School on St. John The Virgin Islands Department of Education (DOE) has established a memorandum of understanding between nonprofit Partnerships in Hope-St. John, USVI, Inc. that would revitalize the closed Guy H. Benjamin Elementary School in Coral Bay and use the 10,032 sq. ft. facility as a multipurpose community center to house various educational, recreational and vocational training programs for residents. Continue Reading Police to Speak on School Security at Lew Muckle's PTA Meeting Parents and guardians are invited to the Lew Muckle Elementary School (LMES) Parent-Teacher’s Association (PTA) meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria. Continue Reading Henderson School Career Extravaganza Honors Alvin Gee The Alexander Henderson School ‘Sharks Rule Career Day Extravaganza’ -- a tribute to late news man Alvin G. Southwell, also known as, Alvin Gee—will feature St. Croix Reggae Artist Mada Nile and a host of professionals in the public and private sector on Friday, November 20, 2015. Continue Reading Parent Smarter Balanced Overview Scheduled At Claude O. Markoe Elementary In preparation for the upcoming administering of the Smarter Balanced interim assessments in English Language Acquisition (ELA) and Mathematics at Claude O. Markoe Elementary School, parents of 3rd to 6th graders are invited to a Smarter Balanced Overview session on Thursday, November 12, 2015. Continue Reading Department Officials Appeal To Community to Help Stop School Vandalism The Virgin Islands Department of Education St. Croix District Office of the Insular Superintendent and the leadership of the Elena Christian Jr. High School are appealing to residents living in the Aureo Diaz Heights Housing Community and surrounding neighborhoods to keep a watchful eye out for suspicious activity in and around the school campus during after-school hours and on weekends. Residents are asked to call 911 if suspicious activity is observed at this or any school. Continue Reading 7th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge Ends September 11 The 7th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge ends on Friday, September 11. The Challenge given to students at all public, private and parochial schools in grades K-6 was to read five or more books from June 8 through September 11. These students are the Territory's current first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh graders. Continue Reading Governor's Summer Reading Challenge Books Available For Pick Up The Virgin Islands Department of Education wishes to inform the parents and guardians of students who have not already received book packages supplied by the schools as part of the 7th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge that books may be picked up at the schools during regular business hours throughout the summer months. Continue Reading Look Who's Reading Campaign to Launch July 4 on WTJX Channel 12 The Virgin Islands Department of Education in conjunction with WTJX Channel 12 will launch its all-new “Look Who’s Reading” campaign on Saturday, July 4 during the PBS station’s live coverage of the St. John parade beginning at 11 a.m. Continue Reading Education Commissioner Issues Statement on The Passing of Zeke Sewer Jr. Virgin Islands Department of Education Commissioner Sharon McCollum, Ph.D., has issued the following statement on the passing of longtime St. Thomas-St. John District educator, Oswin ‘Zeke’ Sewer, Sr.: Continue Reading Commissioner McCollum Expresses Commitment To Improving Department Operations At Senate Hearing <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">In testimony Tuesday before the Senate Committee on Education and Workforce Development chaired by Senator Jean Forde, Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Sharon McCollum and other Education officials reaffirmed their commitment to address the maintenance needs of the Territory&rsquo;s public schools, noted plans to enhance the School Lunch Program and expressed their intent to ensure strong administrator leadership across the Department&rsquo;s schools.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Commissioner McCollum addressed the closing of two St. Croix District schools next school year, noting that plans are in place for the bussing of affected students to already-identified schools. In May, the Department announced that Elena Christian Jr. High and Evelyn M. Williams Elementary schools would close during the 2015-16 school year to undergo extensive repairs. When asked by Committee members whether demolition of the schools was a consideration, Commissioner McCollum said a final decision would be made on the schools&rsquo; status once student populations are assessed at the start of the 2015-16 school year and discussions take place about the Department&rsquo;s fiscal ability to rebuild new schools.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Commissioner McCollum&rsquo;s testimony comes one day after she and education officials on St. Croix hosted a walk through tour of four schools on June 22 with members of the 31<sup>st</sup> Legislature and Mapp Administration officials. A slideshow presentation to the group also showcased the critical maintenance needs of the island&rsquo;s 15 public schools and offered a call for financial help to meet those needs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Freshman St. Croix Senator Novelle Francis pledged his support of the Education Department.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">&ldquo;Going on the tour yesterday was an eye-opener for me and I have decided to do whatever it takes to prioritize education,&rdquo; he said at Tuesday&rsquo;s hearing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Representatives from the Department&rsquo;s School Lunch Program also testified that discussions are underway about sourcing greater amounts of produce from local farmers in an effort to provide fresher, more nutritious food options to students. In addition, student cafeteria committees are expected to be formed in schools across the Territory to offer student input on menu items. Furthermore, Education officials say steps have been made to purchase new kitchen equipment and foster overall improvement of the School Lunch Program.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Insular Superintendent of the St. Thomas-St. John District, said the recent changes in administration at Charlotte Amalie High School with the reassignment of Principal Stefan Jurgen to head Ivanna Eudora Kean High School in the 2015-16 school year is an example of the Department&rsquo;s strategy to &ldquo;create good leadership teams&rdquo; across all of its schools. Jurgen&rsquo;s replacement at CAHS will be veteran administrator Alcede Edwards, who has served as an assistant principal at the high school for almost two decades. Sally Petty, current acting principal at Eudora Kean, will vacate her position to go on military leave.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">In her closing remarks, Commissioner McCollum said, &ldquo;I think we have demonstrated today the commitment we have to our children and to public education. We embrace all members of our community becoming involved in the education of our children.&rdquo;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p> <p class="Default" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Default" style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:windowtext">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Default" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="color: windowtext">###</span><o:p></o:p></p> DOE Hosts St. Croix District Tour For Better Schools ST. CROIX, USVI – In an effort to get a head start on assessing the maintenance needs of St. Croix District public schools and seeking the requisite funding to correct them, Education Commissioner Sharon McCollum, Ph.D., along with the St. Croix Office of the Superintendent hosted ‘Tour for Better Schools 2015’ on Monday, June 22. Continue Reading Dr. Sharon McCollum Sworn In As Education Commissioner Government House on St. Thomas was packed with supporters and well-wishers as Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum was sworn in as Education Commissioner for the Virgin Islands. With her 85-year-old mother, Helen Ruth McCollum, holding the Bible, Dr. McCollum was sworn in by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Rhys Hodge. Continue Reading VIDE To Host Territory's First Farm-To-School Conference The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) will host the territory’s first farm-to-school conference titled “Linking the V.I. Chain” on Thursday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall on St. Croix. Continue Reading Education Commissioner Notes Significance of Earth Day 2015 <p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 21, 2015</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">Contact: Karen Gutloff<span style="mso-tab-count: 6">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">Director of Public Relations<span style="mso-tab-count: 6">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">(340) 774-0100 x 8136<span style="mso-tab-count: 6">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'"><font color="#330099">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.</font></span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 7"><font face="High Tower Text">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </font></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">Anthony Mills</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">Public Relations Specialist/Writer</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.</a></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">Over 700 Students to Participate in 2-Day EcoFair on St. Croix</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day</i> will be celebrated throughout the nation on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, and Commissioner designee of Education Sharon McCollum is encouraging schools in the territory to take the lead and schedule activities that teach students to respect their natural environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333">&ldquo;<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day</i> is important because it reminds us to modify our consumption practices to conserve natural resources, and it teaches us how to preserve our environment &ndash; the Earth,&rdquo; Commissioner McCollum said. &ldquo;This is one approach to ensuring a greener, cleaner and healthier environment for our children to live and work in.&rdquo;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The theme for the observance of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day </i>2015 is, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">&ldquo;It&rsquo;s Our Turn to Lead.&rdquo;</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #333333; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333">Meanwhile public, private and parochial schools on St. Croix will be sending classes of students to participate in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">22<sup>nd</sup> Annual Earth Day EcoFair </i>and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Seventh Annual Litter Stomp</i> conducted by the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA). </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #333333; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333">In sanctioning the participation of students in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day </i>activities at schools and at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">EcoFair</i>, St. Croix Superintendent of School Colleen Williams said, &ldquo;</span>Our Earth is precious, and we must do everything in our power to sustain our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Earth Day 2015 is our opportunity to continue to teach and highlight for our children the importance of reducing our everyday practices that harm our planet.&rdquo; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span>About 700 students in the school district in grades three (3) to six (6) are expected to participate in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day </i>activities.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Eco-Fair</i> activities<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> </i>sponsored by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA)<u> </u>begin at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">8:30 a.m</b>. at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">St. George Village Botanical Garden</i> on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Wednesday, April 22 for third (3<sup>rd</sup>)</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">fourth (4<sup>th</sup>) grade </b>students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&ldquo;The purpose of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">EcoFair</i> is to teach basic environmental science concepts through activities and provide information about protecting our local ecosystem,&rdquo; according to SEA Environmental Education Coordinator Rebekka Stone. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #333333; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333">Third and 4<sup>th</sup> graders have also registered to participate in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Litter Stomp</i>, presented by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Wednesday</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&ldquo;The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Stomp</i> is an opportunity for schools to show their support of community efforts to stop roadside litter,&rdquo; says Charmin Springer of VIWMA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&ldquo;Students will &ldquo;stomp&rdquo; from the Sunshine Mall parking lot to the Botanical Garden, about one mile, to demonstrate to the St. Croix community that students have zero tolerance for litter and litter offenders.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Eco-Fair </i>activities will continue at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Botanical</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Garden</i> on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Thursday, April 23</b> for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">fifth (5<sup>th</sup>)</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">sixth (6<sup>th</sup></b>) graders. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #333333; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Over 40 teachers will bring students to the EcoFair from Alfredo Andrews, Claude O. Markoe, Eulalie Rivera, Evelyn M. Williams, Lew Muckle, and Pearl B. Larsen elementary schools, and the AZ Academy, Church of God Holiness Academy, Good Hope Country Day and Seventh Day Adventist School. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tunga; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Students will choose from over 20 activities presented by the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education Foundation</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Department of Planning and Natural Resources-DEP</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Jazzy Blue Band</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">National Park Service</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Seven Seas Water</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">St. Croix Environmental Association</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">St. George Village Botanical Garden</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">University of the Virgin Islands-CES</i> and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">University of the Virgin Islands-CMES-VIMAS</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Students will also hear from Ras Lamamba, Veronica Gordon, V.I. Public Television-WTJX <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Channel 12, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, V.I. Energy Office, V.I. Waste</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Management Authority, Water and Power Authority </i>and&nbsp;<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">the Youth Engagement Enhancement Education Programs.</i></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">For more information on SEA&rsquo;s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">EcoFair, </i>call Ms. Stone at (340) 771-1989, and for information on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Litter Stomp</i>, call Ms. Springer at VIWMA at (340) 712-4961.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify">&nbsp;</p> EDUCATION COMMISSIONER DESIGNEE RE-AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NEW TEACHER/LEADER EFFECTIVENESS SYSTEM <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">EDUCATION COMMISSIONER DESIGNEE RE-AFFIRMS COMMITMENT</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">TO NEW TEACHER/LEADER EFFECTIVENESS SYSTEM<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Date: Monday, March 16, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">In June 2013, the Virgin Islands Department of Education commissioned a task force to revise the existing educator evaluation processes. The result of the task force work is the new Teacher and Leader Effectiveness System. Following a meeting on March 5<sup>th</sup>, 2015 between the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Local 1825 and 1826, and the Educator&rsquo;s Administrators Association (EAA) leaders, and the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) to discuss the implementation status of the revised evaluation processes, Commissioner Designee Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum re-affirmed the Department&rsquo;s commitment to the new <i>Teacher and Leader Effectiveness System</i>, the VIDE revised process for evaluating teachers and administrators, launched in the 2014-2015 school year.&nbsp; Dr. McCollum outlined increased support as teachers and principals work with the system this year in preparation for full implementation next school year. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">&ldquo;This year will be viewed as an opportunity to learn the new system to ensure a successful experience for all teachers and principals in the 2015-2016 school year,&rdquo; Dr. McCollum said.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">During the meeting the school districts&rsquo; superintendents and AFT and EAA leaders were updated on the status of the implementation.&nbsp; Commenting on the meeting, Commissioner Designee remarked, &ldquo;Challenges in implementing the revised evaluation processes this year were discussed and supports were recommended.&rdquo; Commissioner Designee McCollum added.&nbsp; &ldquo;Participants worked collaboratively to recommend solutions and request additional support for teachers and administrators.&rdquo;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The new teacher and leader effectiveness system was designed by a broad task force of education stakeholders.&nbsp; While it is an evaluation system, the strength of the system is its focus on professional growth and support for teachers and principals.&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">This school year provides a valuable opportunity for teachers and principals to complete their evaluation process in a supportive penalty-free environment. At the end of the current school year, teachers and principals will receive a numerical score, however the score will only be used to provide feedback, guide development of professional growth plans for next year, inform next year&rsquo;s evaluation process, and develop cut scores to establish performance ratings; hence, ratings of performance </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">will not be assigned this year</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">. &nbsp;According to Dr. McCollum, &ldquo;this year allows us to learn about glitches and to address them now before full implementation in the 2015-2016 school years.&rdquo;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, teachers and principals will receive a rating of performance through the new Teacher and Leader Evaluation Process.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">For more information on the VIDE&rsquo;s <i>Teacher and Leadership Effectiveness System</i>, contact Yvette McMahon-Arnold, State Director of Instructional Development at 773-1095, ext. 7086 or </span><a href="mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."><span style="font-size:12.0pt">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt">.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 2014-15 GED PROGRAM IS HERE IN THE V.I.! 2014 GED® Program is Here! Here in the U.S. Virgin Islands we’re excited to offer you the 2014 GED® program and a fighting chance at a good job with good wages. Learn more below or sign up today at http://www.GED.com Continue Reading UVI President to Deliver Keynote Address at St. Croix's Adult Education Ceremony Commencement exercises will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Croix Educational Complex auditorium for about 100 adult learners graduating from the Adult Secondary Education and the General Educational Development (GED) programs. Continue Reading Territory's Teachers Eligible for Student Loan Deferment Local public and private school teachers are eligible for federal student loan deferment and cancellations retroactive to the 2004-2005 school year, as the V.I. Department of Education has once again received approval for its designated teacher shortage area proposal, according to Human Resources Director Zenzile Hodge. Teaching professionals with outstanding FFEL (Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Program loans as of July 1, 1993 will qualify for deferment of loan repayment under the Federal Stafford Program anytime within the life of the their loan(s). The proposal enables Federal Perkins Loan borrowers who are full time teachers of mathematics, science, foreign languages, bilingual education -- or any other field of expertise where the Department determines there is a shortage of qualified teachers -- to qualify for cancellation of up to 100% of their loan. The proposal further enables scholars to qualify for the reduction of their teaching obligation under the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program. Continue Reading Participate in Waste Management Authority's Annual Aluminum Can Collection Contest! It's time again for the V.I. Waste Management Authority's annual Aluminum Can Collection Contest and the V.I. Department of Education is urging all students and schools to participate. Click the links below for the official poster, application and survey! Continue Reading 404 404: Not Found Sorry, but the content you requested could not be found St. Thomas 1834 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas, VI 00802 Phone: 340-774-0100 Curriculum Center: 340-775-2250 Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM            St. Croix 2133 Hospital Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820 Phone: 340-773-1095 Curriculum Center: 340-778-1600 Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM