A Reflection on Planting Papaya Trees

by Ms. Rebecca, Lower Elementary

Oh my goodness, I just have to tell you this story, it makes me laugh and makes me proud at the same time. So, Irie's mom gave us baby Papaya trees at the start of the year (4) and we have nursed them in different pots. And we discovered that the smallest pot grew the largest tree and its root is currently growing out of the pot. So, I looked at my bare landscape around my room and thought, Let's plant this baby! And I planted a tire palm once and it was NOT EASY digging in this soil, so I asked Wyatt, Matthew and Tameem if they were interested. And lo and behold, I have 3 enthusiastic boys, digging in this tough soil. We're pulling out worms, wiggling rocks free like a wiggly tooth and trying different techniques and they say, "Can we dig tomorrow too?" So now Liam is also asking, Can I dig? So yesterday they get to school and now all 4 boys are "CAN WE DIG?!" haha and I kid you not, they SKIPPED FREE CHOICE FRIDAY AND EXTRA PLAYTIME so they could dig! Isn't that the most beautiful thing you've ever heard?

My takeaway is their energy toward it. I love their drive and I observe that it's fulfilling a need. So, we're going to keep DIGGING that hole! And working to plant those papaya trees next week. I thought I'd reach out and ask you to watch a video on how to dig a hole in rocky terrain but all the vids I watched used heavy duty equipment like jackhammers and augers and I do NOT want to take away their enthusiasm for hardwork, teamwork and problem solving because a machine can do it better. If you would like to do some research with them, or give them tips, please do. Our maintenance guy is letting us borrow a digging bar and spade. And if you have a shovel or any (kid-friendly) tools that we could borrow next week, I would be so grateful. WE HAVE 4 TREES and a LOT of enthusiasm for digging right now.

** Side note: If you are not convinced this is important work, these boys are learning teamwork, problem solving, service work and they are exposed to soil science, microbiology, geology and geography as well as biology (planting the papaya and if it will grow). :)**

Teacher Joie Byrd Comes Home as the New “Ms. Veteran America”

Joie Byrd is crowned as the new Ms. Veteran America at the national competition last weekend.

A huge congratulations and Volts love goes out to our music teacher Ms. Joie Byrd, who returned after winning the national Ms. Veteran America competition in Orlando! Our entire community could not be prouder (as you’ll see in the video below).

Ms. Byrd, who leads VIMSIA’s Music Program, is a Staff Sergeant in the VI National Guard. As the winner, she becomes the official spokesperson for Final Salute, Inc., a nonprofit providing safe and suitable housing and resources to women veterans experiencing homelessness. Women veterans make up the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population.

“Lifting up these fellow veterans who have fallen on hard times really appealed to me,” says Ms. Byrd. “Plus, I was initially attracted to the idea of finding a larger network and community of women in the military. I was very positively influenced by a wonderful senior NCO (non-commisioned officer) in my former unit, and wanted to surround myself with more people like her. Once I learned of the greater mission of Ms. Veteran America, I was even more interested in participating.

She sees overlap between the values and characteristics needed to teach, and those being sought after in the competition.

“As ‘Ms. Byrd,’ I am teaching students critical thinking, problem solving, and empathy through the lens of music. As Ms. Veteran America, I utilize these same skills through the lens of advocacy. One of the main similarities is that as a teacher, you must meet students where they are and lead them forward. The advocacy work is similar, because you meet people who have varying understandings of the homelessness crisis.”

Ms. Byrd with VIMSIA staff and students at a benefit concert in August to raise funds for Final Salute, Inc.

Given her military experience, the mission of Final Salute, Inc. resonates deeply with Ms. Byrd.

”It’s important to me because I am a woman veteran myself, yet I was entirely unaware of the shockingly high numbers of other women veterans experiencing homelessness. I was surprised to learn that so few organizations cater to the specific needs of homeless female veterans. For one, many shelters flat out don't accept women. Others don't accept women who have children with them. This is particularly problematic knowing that about 70% of women veterans are also single mothers. Getting the word out about Final Salute Inc. is so important so that we can give women veterans a hand up to help them out of a hard situation.”

For the lengthy application process and road to her victory, Ms. Byrd says that it was strategic at every step.

“At first, I didn't understand why Ms. Veteran America was labeled as a competition and not as a pageant. However, after joining several months ago, it became instantly clear. This whole process from the application at the beginning of the year, to semi-finals in June, to finals last weekend, has been a job interview. Sure, we wore formal wear on a stage to assess our poise under pressure. Yes, we performed a talen to assess our willingness to step out of our comfort zones. Each step was crafted to assess our skills and select the best ambassador for Final Salute Inc.”

“The organizers did an amazing job of making this weekend fun and memorable. The first day was the most high-pressure as we completed our final interview and we're judged on our talent. After that, we had a wonderful "ladies night" where we were able to dance with new friends and relax after the stress of the morning. During our moments of down time, our cohort was able to swap stories and learn more about one another.”

As part of the application process, Ms. Byrd raised $4,070—which will provide 162 nights of transitional housing for homeless women veterans and their children. Now, she plans to spend the next year balancing travel and advocacy as the Final Salute ambassador with her military and school responsibilities.

“"People can support by spreading the word, donating their time, services, and skills, or making a tax-deductible donation directly to Final Salute Inc. Also, I will be hosting events on the island to raise awareness and funds (details to come).”

We love you, Ms. Byrd! Below, see the heartwarming celebration that the student body gave Ms. Bryd upon her return.

Music Teacher Ms. Byrd Advances to National "Ms. Veteran America" PAGEANT

This week we’re celebrating music teacher Ms. Joie Byrd, who is traveling to Orlando to compete in the final competition to be named “Ms. Veteran America,” as part of a larger effort to provide housing and resources to women veterans experiencing homelessness.

Ms. Byrd, who leads VIMSIA’s robust Music Program, is a member of the National Guard and formerly a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. You can read a full interview with her in the St. Thomas Source.

Joie Byrd

Montessori Music and MYP Arts-Music

“The funds raised from this event all go toward providing resources for homeless women veterans,” says Ms. Byrd. “Lifting up these fellow veterans who have fallen on hard times really appealed to me and got me interested in competing.”

Ms. Veteran America 2022 will be held this Sunday, October 30.

“I have never competed in an event like this, and it is far from my comfort zone, which makes it very exciting,” she says. “I keep coming back to the fact that every dollar raised makes a difference and every conversation educating people on the issue of homelessness among women veterans truly does matter.”

All proceeds benefit Final Salute, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit providing safe and suitable housing to homeless women veterans and their children. To support Ms. Byrd, you can either donate directly on their website or tickets are still available to attend virtually.

Go, Ms. Byrd!!! We’ll be watching and rooting for you!