MYP Personal Project Exhibition

Personal project is a capstone project that grade 10 students complete in their fifth year of the MYP program. The project is designed to help students prepare for the kind of work they will complete in the DP program. Students chose the project based on personal interest and exhibit skills such as time management, research, writing, critical thinking, and reflection. The students create a product and write a lengthy report. At the end of the year, they present their projects in the personal project exhibition. This year, 7th, 8th, 9th grade, teachers, parents, and staff came to see the hard work the grade 10 students spent all year completing. It was an excellent experience for all involved. 

Ms. Truax

Marissa Bornn International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Marissa Bornn

International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Every other month, Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) gives out the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award to a high school  student who best embodies the traits of the IB Learner Profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. Nominations are led by students and staff, and finalized with an Peter Gruber International Academy teacher vote. This month's winner is Marissa Bornn!

“Marissa confidently solves problems but also isn't afraid to ask for help. She asks thoughtful questions and collaborates well with others. Marissa also has the ability to interpret music with such grace and beauty through her dance. She is well-deserving of the IB Learner Profile Award.” –Mrs. Liz Elger

“Marissa consistently embodies all of the qualities of an IB learner on a daily basis. She is always willing to help out and has a positive attitude toward anything thrown her way. She handles any adversity with careful consideration and displays a calmness in all of her actions. She always asks for feedback in an effort to make her work as best as possible. It is a pleasure to teach her at VIMSIA!” –Mr. Matt Stocking

“Marissa is a kind, reflective student eager to learn and help others.  She took a risk playing soccer this year, and has shown great growth as a result.  Her passionate devotion to whatever activity she undertakes is an example for all to follow.” –Mr. Joe Elger

“Marissa always has a smile on her face and takes on challenges without a second thought. She is caring, open minded, principled and is able to do what many struggle with; balance all aspects of her life. I have seen this young lady embrace her weaknesses and use them as a jumping off point for reflection and growth.  She demonstrates, through action, what being an IB student is all about.”  –Ms. Jana Ferguson

""Fail and fail often".  In this regard I know you have probably failed to satisfy your father's expectations.  But failure does not come easy to deep thinkers.  And no matter how deep we (teachers) may go, you are always there to see us eye to eye, in that silent way of yours.  Your demeanor and your mind will inspire all those around you that can pause long enough to distinguish a rose from a thorn.  Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.” –Senor Andy Gever

Amoi Ottley International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Amoi Ottley

International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Every other month, Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) gives out the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award to a high school  student who best embodies the traits of the IB Learner Profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. Nominations are led by students and staff, and finalized with an Peter Gruber International Academy teacher vote. 

Amoi Ottley, a senior student won at yesterday's ceremony.  The award was presented to him by two of his peers creating a heart-warming scene. 

“In the last year, Amoi has become a true leader and an example for other students. He is strong willed and stands up for what he believes in while looking out for his classmates, peers and teammates and is a positive member of our community. His maintaining of a positive attitude consistently after the storms, and throughout the school year is particularly admirable especially when he was one of the hardest hit.”
–fellow PGIA classmate and teammate

“Amoi is a respectful young man that always keeps me smiling.  Although I do not have him as a student this year, when we do interact I enjoy listening to him.  I admire Amoi for the way he handled himself after the hurricanes.  I am impressed that he was able to overcome the devastation and still remain grateful and consistent in his school work and sports.  Congratulations Amoi!  I can't think of anyone else who deserves this award more than you.”
–Ms. Weichman

“Amoi has discovered this year what the growth mindset is all about.  With the knowledge that the only type of failure is in not trying, he has been working harder than ever to achieve his goals.  It has been a real pleasure to watch you grow, Amoi.  Can't wait to see how far you will go.” –Senor Gever

“Amoi is an incredible young man on so many levels. He is coachable, hard-working, determined, inspiring, and full of grit. One day, we will all be able to say, "I knew Amoi when...". Amoi is the walking example of a growth mindset with the brightest of futures ahead of him.” –Mrs. Elger

“Amoi is an excellent leader on and off the soccer field. On the field, he pushes his teammates to do the best they can and it lifts everyone's spirit. Off the field, Amoi is a hardworking student. Whenever others are off-track, he likes to remind them to get back on task.” –fellow PGIA classmate and teammate

“Amoi brings a mixture of hard work with a playful attitude to the classroom which brightens our community and also sets a good example for those around him.” –Ms. Silva

Welcome to SPAIN!

Saskia C., Kaia A., and Ava Jayne P

Our three 7th grade girls were warmly welcomed by their student buddies from Casvi IB School in Madrid, Spain. Our students are taking part in a 5-week Spanish Immersion Program. We can't wait to hear about their wonderful experiences!  Go Spanish!

Spanish Exchange Program with Casvi IB School in Madrid

Saskia C., Ava Jayne P. and, Kaia A.

Congratulations to these three 7th grade girls! They are off to Casvi IB School in Madrid, Spain for a 5-week Spanish immersion exchange program. We wish them safe travels while they represent PGIA in the international IB world. Go Spanish!

The Madrid students will be with us here at VIMSIA in February & March. 

Interdisciplinary Science: The Grade 11 IBDP Group 4 Projects

Last week was a busy time for all of the hard working students in the PGIA. While grade 7-10 were engaged in the Iowa Tests of Educational Development and the grade 12 students were finishing their IBDP Mock Exams, the grade 11 students were completing their "Group 4 Projects", an integral part of the IB Diploma Program.

“The group 4 project is a collaborative activity where students from different group 4 subjects work together on a scientific or technological topic, allowing for concepts and perceptions from across the disciplines to be shared. Its aim is to develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines, their influence on other areas of knowledge and to appreciate the environmental, social and ethical implications of science and technology.”

— - International Baccalaureate Organization

“This year’s Group 4 project took the form of an interdisciplinary, collaborative investigation into epidemics. Through research and presentations, students demonstrated how biology, physics, chemistry, and environmental systems and societies are required for a full understanding of infectious diseases, including those afflicting both human and animal populations. The final presentations covered viral hemorrhagic fevers (i.e. ebola and dengue fever), HIV/AIDS, polio, and colony collapse disorder. ”

— Ms. Silva IBDP Biology Instructor

“I knew before that Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies were connected but it amazed me nonetheless. It just further showed me that science is related to many, if not all, aspects of life and it is so crucially important that we understand it because it so important to the way in which we live our lives. The value of the project was much larger than I expected. Collaborating with others and then learning more about the topics presented definitely solidified my decision to minor in a field related to the sciences while in college.”

— Leah, Grade 11

“Through completing the G4 project I began to better understand that each of the G4 subjects are like puzzle pieces, interconnected to look at through what are similar yet different perspectives to better understand and formulate a whole picture. Physics, Chemistry and Biology are subjects all used to investigate science-related topics in great detail through experiments and calculated data and ES&S interconnects these findings to look at their implications on the environmental systems within a society. Though execution of this project results in an array of learning opportunities, most importantly it further reinforced lessons of the importance of accountability, developing communication skills, remaining open-minded and having the ability to self motivate and independently execute a project.”

— Kayla, Grade 11