End Session Begins

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VIMSIA's End Session began Today!

End Session is a unique adventure in learning created specifically for our Peter Gruber International Academy students (7-11th Grade)

This year we are offering 8 amazing courses!

VI Nature Explorations

Wellness Retreat

Sustainable Farming

SCUBA

Joy of Sailing

Chemistry of Cooking

Activism & Creativity

STEAM Patterns & Problem Solving

End Sessions off and Running .... or flying - as the case may be.

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This year there are eight End Session programs including London, Iceland/Ireland, Panama, Film Making, Sports, Music and Expression, Computer Science and Trash to Treasures. See all End Session program descriptions for 2019.

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PGIA End Session is one of the exceptional programs that sets VIMSIA apart from other schools. Each year, we put together several program options for these last few weeks of school. These are indepth programs that focus on the arts, science and international-mindedness. Some involve international travel, while others provide these experiences here on campus - with special field trips and events.

VIMSIA Travel Map - pins indicate countries visited for educational travel

VIMSIA Travel Map - pins are places we have traveled for student education

VIMSIA Travel Map - pins are places we have traveled for student education

End Session : Boundary Waters Out from the Wilderness

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Wow, what an adventure! I must say that Ms. Butler and I are so proud of this group and they should be very proud of themselves. We had an amazing four days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness where they paddled and portaged canoes, set up camp, slept and lived outdoors, swam, fished, saw the Northern Lights and experienced all the beauty of the northern boreal forest. There were ups and downs, frustrations and celebrations, and through it all this group of eight students showed true grit!

Today we are heading back to Minneapolis and along the way we will visit the International Wolf Center to learn more about the animals we heard during our nights in the woods.

End Session: Mauritius

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All the kids did great, acting very respectfully and easily making it to the top and back down. The teachers on the other hand… well, let's just say, it was a little humbling.

Tomorrow we are off to the "Last Surviving Forest" Ferney Valley, where we will finish up our biodiversity research. And have a very traditional Mauritian lunch prepared right in front of us.

We are having a wonderful time, more updates soon!!

Ms. Z and Mr. E

End Session: Mauritius

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Dear All,

We had a great day in Mauritius, highlighted by a trip to the Albion Tide Pools and Lighthouse.  The students did some biodiversity research and enjoyed the spectacular Indian Ocean scenery.  While jet lag definitely was still in effect, their effort was admirable.  Tomorrow sees us off to the Black River Gorge to see some of Mauritius' most endangered species up close.  Enjoy the photos!

Mr. E and Ms Z.

End Session: NASA Day 4

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What a blast we've been having...pun intended. 

On our way out of the Space Coast, we visited the Space Coast Fab Lab. We saw many huge 3D printers and other amazing equipment that will be used in this maker space. We also learned about hydro phones. Hopefully our school will develop a further relationship with this group to conduct research in the VI. 

We arrived in Orlando and hit the Mall of Americas for food and shopping. We then spent three hours at the Sky Zone for glow night. LOTS of laughter (and good exercise) had by all. 

We rose yesterday bright and early to reach Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We started the day at Hogwarts playing quidditch, defeating dragons, and drinking butter beer. Some of us took risks and rode rides that were way outside of our comfort zones. We met transformers, Thing 1 & 2, and Cat in the Hat. One of the scariest rides was Mummy as you can tell from the picture. We rode the Hogwarts Express to Kings Cross Station Platform 9 3/4 and spent some time in London, San Francisco, and New York. We ended the evening with exploring Gringotts Bank and fighting Voldemort. As we were leaving the park, we were treated to a water show and fireworks. Lots and lots of walking but so worth it to hear the screams and laughter!

We started our today going to Volcano Bay which opens at 9:00. By 9:30, they had reached capacity so no one else was allowed in. This is probably a blessing in disguise as we were all pretty tired from yesterday! Today we are relaxing, playing putt-putt and beach volleyball, maybe swimming in the pool, shopping and perhaps seeing a movie. Tomorrow, we are leaving bright and early to make sure we will get into Volcano bay! 

I am absolutely loving spending time with these kids. I am so blessed to have such an amazing group. Thank you again for sending your children on this adventure with me. 

Major hugs,

Ms. E

End Session: NASA Day 3

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Our final day at NASA was pretty awesome. We saw the Atlantis and learned all about the history of the shuttle program. Pretty spectacular. We rode the shuttle simulation which definitely tested one's love of turbulence and sense of balance. We attended a college fair, talked with some robotic teams, and saw one team's robot have a very successful run in the competition.

Tomorrow, we'll visit the Space Coast FabLab and then settle into our villa in Orlando, probably followed by shopping and a movie. 

I have laughed so much today at each of your children. They say the wittiest things...especially when they don't think you're listening. I've also learned a lot about music and Snapchat!

Hugs, Ms. E

End Session: Boundary Waters

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The students are enjoying their time in the north! After a fun day at the amusement park, Valleyfair, we picked up some supplies and left Minneapolis. We made our way to Split Rock Lighthouse, north of Duluth, and visited the restored lighthouse and learned about its role in shipping on the Great Lakes. We then returned to Duluth for the night. 

Today we will be heading further north to Grand Marais and stopping at North House Folk school for a workshop on baking homemade pies (Mmmmm). Afterwards, we will make our way to Thunder Bay, Ontario (Canada), with a stop at Grand Portage National Monument.

End Session: Galápagos Trip Day 1

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The Galapagos End Session spent two days exploring Quito and surrounding areas.  Tuesday they visited historic areas in Quito, and sampled famous local dishes such as guinea pig. Some were open-minded enough to try an ice cream flavor called “caca de perro.” Wednesday they went to Cotopaxi, the world’s second highest active volcano. They observed llamas and condors; in fact they spent an hour watching the condors - their guide said he hadn’t seen so many condors together in 20 years!  Thursday it’s off the the Galapagos Islands!

NASA End Session - Quick Note from Ms. Elger

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We got to see rockets today! Our first day at NASA was great. We watched an IMAX movie about Mars, sat in on the opening ceremony of the robotic mining competition where we heard from the NASA Director and former astronaut, walked through the space shuttle garden, and saw Atlantis. Tomorrow we will meet an astronaut, see inside Kennedy, and take part in a flight simulation. 

 

 

Thanks again for letting me take your kid to space-ish!

Yucatàn End Session Group Visits the Cenotes

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Sean on his trek down (through this itty bitty space!) to an underground cenote

Sean on his trek down (through this itty bitty space!) to an underground cenote

Dear parents:

We write tonight after a day filled with excitement and great memories. Students selected experiences that included a visit to three cenotes in Cuzama or a visit to the Great Mayan Museum of Merida followed by a local spa session. 

The cenote group took a colectivo to get from our hotel to Cuzuma. Once there, they got in motor taxis to make their way to the three cenotes. There, they navigated the deep misteries and secrets of Mayan culture. The experience was one of a kind and they all had a great time. 

The Mayan Museum group was taken by the amazing exhibit and the interactive presentations throughout the building. Our students got a chance to share time with a local school group who was also there for a visit. Students were in awe of the beauty of each item they saw and spoke with the curators as much as they were able to. After this, a visit to a local spa gave them a chance to experience the manners and charm of a yucateca host. 

As you can see, this was a day to be remembered. Tomorrow we head to Chichen Itza, we will tell you all about it in a few days. 

Feeling grateful for the opportunity,

Dean Vazquez and the crew

Chichen Itza Visit for Yucatàn End Session Group

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Dear parents:  

A quick note today to keep you posted. We had a great day yesterday. It started early with our visit to the temples and city of Chichen Itza. 

We had an educational tour of the ancient city, followed by lunch, local shopping, and pool time at the Mayaland Hotel. The day ended with the light and sound show in the Chichen Itza grounds. 

We got back around 11:30 pm and it was another amazing day. 

Happy Sunday!

Dean Vazquez 

Letter from the Yucatàn End Session Group

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Cancun Underwater Museum

Cancun Underwater Museum

 
Maya with one of the statues they will see on their underwater museum tour

Maya with one of the statues they will see on their underwater museum tour

We have now had two full days of great fun and adventure. We have gotten to know Cancun, traveling by public bus and really experiencing how the everyday folk here moves about and interacts with the city. 

Yesterday we saw the MUSA underwater sculptures and park, a sight to be remembered. Following that, we visited a local mall, ending the day with a bouncing indoor park experience called "Sky Zone".  

It was great to see students throughout the days speak Spanish to the locals, read signs and look for directions, make accounts about their money considering the exchange rate and such. Many were looking for items to bring back that would be just the right fit for their loved ones. Indeed a cultural immersion they will remember for life. 

Today, the Yucatecos head to Merida and the adventure shall continue. We will remain in touch and will share pictures soon. 

With excitement, 

Dean Vazquez 

Bon Voyage to our Yucatàn End Session Crew

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Viajes seguros, safe travels, to Mr. Elger, Señora Vazquez, Ms. Ferguson and their 17 PGIA student travelers as they are on their way to Mexico for a week of Spanish language immersion, arts and local culture.  Exploring Chichen Itza, snorkeling in the Cancun Underwater Museum MUSA and in the cenotes of Mexico's Yucatàn Peninsula, swimming with whale sharks....and, of course, que estarán hablando en español!  Jealous anyone?  I am!

Amsterdam Update

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Good night everyone,

Today was a day that began for me when I was in second grade and discovered the artist/crazy mathematician MC Escher. We took a day trip to The Hague to visit the Escher Museum and saw many of his original works. There were also many interactive exhibits that were simply fascinating. So so so so cool!  We saw the church where Farenheit is buried, the grave of Spinoza, the congress buildings for the Netherlands, a beautiful park, cool sculptures around the city, and an antiques market. We ate a leisurely lunch in a huge square and enjoyed people watching. We travelled back to Amsterdam and had dinner at De Food Hallen, the same place we ate on our first night because it was that good. We all tried different things tonight and everything was oh so yummy. We are all going to miss the food! Tomorrow, Vanshika will be with her aunt, Donovan will take the girls shopping, and I will visit with a Dutch family we were close with during our time in the Republic of Georgia. We will all meet at the Pancake Boat for a canal cruise and all you can eat pancakes! Until then...hugs and misses from Amsterdam.

Lots of love,
The Amsterdam Girls