CS Futures End Session Program Featured in National Publication

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PGIA's 2019 End Session program, CyberFutures, facilitated by Dr. Marc Boumedine of UVI and Ms. Rebecca Hoffart, was included in the National Cyberwatch Center's annual publication, 2019 Innovations in Cybersecurity Education on page 57.

 What is the National Cyberwatch Center?

Their website describes themselves as, " a consortium of higher education institutions, businesses, and government agencies focused on collaborative efforts to advance Information Security education and strengthen the national cybersecurity workforce." For more info https://www.nationalcyberwatch.org/

 In the three-week-long End Session program the students learned about, Computer Programming, Cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things. Students also completed independent projects using Raspberry Pi computers. The various projects included measuring the temperature or moisture in the room and programming LED light boards. 
Congratulations to the students and teachers in the CS Futures End Session Program for their hard work and national recognition!
Brianna Jordan 
Chris Griffith 
Diego Zakers
Divina Kamra 
Jayvyn Potter
Mikayla Kurtz 
Mireille Boumedine 
Riddhi Atmaramani 
Andy Yu
Ms. Hoffart and Dr. Boumedine

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End Session Presentations Take Us Around The World!

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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 in depth programs that focus on language, the arts, STEM, history and international-mindedness. Some involve international travel, while others provide these experiences here on campus - with special field trips and events.

The students’ experience culminates with a presentation to our school community and this year’s groups did not disappoint:

Mimi Presents at ASLO in San Juan

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This week PGIA 9th grader Mimi Boumedine, along with six other St. Thomas high school students, presented at the international ASLO (Association for the Sciences of Liminology and Oceanography) 2019 aquatic sciences meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Mimi shared her student team's research on fish preferences for natural vs. artificial coral reefs. She and her team built artificial reefs, then observed which fish preferred their reefs vs. the natural ones, categorizing by species and age. Their research was conducted this past summer with the Youth Ocean Explorers program at UVI. The presentation was given at a special high school poster session initiated and organized by none other than Dr. Michele Guannel, Assistant Professor of Biology with the Virgin Islands Institute for STEM Education Research and Practice at UVI.

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Karen Gauriloff takes 3rd place in the congressional arts competition

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Karen Gauriloff - 3rd Place

Karen Gauriloff - 3rd Place

Congratulations to PGIA Junior, Karen Gauriloff, for taking 3rd place in VICA's Congressional Arts Competition held this month.  Syna Sharma, PGIA 9th grade, also had two pieces entered in the competition.  The works entered in this competition were top notch.  Kudos to these young ladies and PGIA Arts Teacher Ms. Ferguson for making the effort to represent VIMSIA and the PGIA in this quality event.

Syna Sharma

Syna Sharma

Syna with reception hosts

Syna with reception hosts

Syna Sharma

Syna Sharma

DP Art Show - Gallery Event for Seniors

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The PGIA International Baccalaureate DP Visual Art class hosted their Exhibition on April 20th, 2018.  Silas Wisehart, Leah Gaskin and Nalani Figueroa's work showcased their exploration of works over the course of the two year DP Program.  The creations from these young artists are stunning.  Enjoy.

REAL

Graphic media, created with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. The photo is of me and is teacher-taken. The word clouds on the caution tape were formed with WordArt.com, a website that creates word clouds in custom shapes. The words in the background are a combination of quotes from rappers NF, Witt Lowry, and Logic, and sayings that I came up with.

This piece strives to discuss the general topics that are swept under the rug by mainstream media (depression, anxiety, suicide, etc.) The caution tape represents the wall that the media puts up against these topics, and I ironically placed the topics on the caution tape. The quotes in the background describe these issues that I put on the caution tape, especially focusing on depression and suicide. My inspiration for this project was from rappers NF, Witt Lowry, and Logic’s lyrics.

Senior - Leah Gaskin

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I Walk.Acrylic Paint on Canvas6 x 6 cmThe bible tells a story where Jesus walks on water in the middle of a storm and through faith and trust someone can walk with him. We each are walking through our own storms and could use a little faith.  T…

I Walk.

Acrylic Paint on Canvas

6 x 6 cm

The bible tells a story where Jesus walks on water in the middle of a storm and through faith and trust someone can walk with him. We each are walking through our own storms and could use a little faith.  This abstract piece has darker tones, bold lines, and isn’t clear as to what it is. Our lives never show a clear picture. This piece is to remind us that although we may have our little or big storms, through faith and trust you can overcome anything.  

First Day "Eclipses" All Expectations!

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There was a buzz of energy surrounding campus on our first day of school - and not just from the excitement of being back!  Our PGIA students were all hyped up for their field trip to UVI, and those of us still on campus spent the afternoon gawking upward with our jaws dropped.  Experiencing the solar eclipse at VIMSIA and UVI was simply awesome!  We had so much help and support from UVI and Dr. David Morris.  We thank them so much for being instrumental in the great science that abounded yesterday surrounding the solar eclipse.

Photo of the eclipse taken at UVI field by PGIA 8th grade student Vidhika .

Photo of the eclipse taken at UVI field by PGIA 8th grade student Vidhika .

Our PGIA students all took a field trip to UVI to participate in the solar eclipse educational outreach presented by UVI.  The Upper Elementary students hit the soccer field with eclipse glasses provided by UVI and pinhole cameras that they made in class.  Lower Elementary student groups took turns poking out from under the solar awning to experience the image through their solar glasses.

This from Upper Elementary Teacher, Ms. Morrison to UVI's Dr. Morris:

WOW ! Wow! Wow!   Thank you, Dr. Morris,  that was just amazing!  We had the opportunity to have all of our 9 to 12 yr olds, most of the 6 to 9 yrs olds view with teacher's assistance and most of the school administration each took a gander skyward.  We also had many parents, as they arrived to pick up their children, take a look and even a few little ones under their parent's supervision.  I had to laugh at the number of folks who, when initially offered the glasses, said "ah no, its no big deal"  yet when encouraged, exclaimed how incredible it was.  For a point of reference our pick-up time is between 3:25 and roughly 3:45 so prime shock and awe window.   

Sooo.... saying thanks really doesn't seem to express how grateful we are to you for the glasses. Really!

Sincerely, Ms. Morrison

Look closely at the images of light on the sidewalk.  The trees over the sidewalk have created a "pinhole" camera to reflect the eclipsed sun on the path.  These were taken at about 3:35, so very near the maximum coverage that we experienced here in St. Thomas.

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: 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!

End Session: NASA Day 2

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Today we met an ASTRONAUT! Dr. Sam Durrance spoke with us about his two missions to space and the telescope he helped to build. Very interesting stories. We then took a bus tour behind the gates. We saw all the launching pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building where they are currently building the SLS rocket to go to Mars, and the shuttle transport system. We also saw a retired Apollo shuttle and exhibit highlighting all the Apollo missions. We even got to touch a moon rock! Pretty amazing! We spent the afternoon in the historic Cocoa Beach Village, watching a major downpour from our hotel rooms, and ending the night at the movie theater. 

Tomorrow, we will see the Atlantis and experience a launch simulator. We'll also be going to a college fair. 

I love seeing your students in this environment. I am so proud of their openness to new experiences and their kind hearts. Thanks again for letting me "have" them for the week!

Hugs,

Ms. E

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!

Design Class Cardboard Boat Races!

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Dr. Staples' 10th grade design class has been working on designing and building cardboard boats this year.  Each group was tasked with designing and building a boat out of 4 cardboard Home Depot boxes and tape.  

Today was race day at Secret Harbor.  Our PGIA students kept the tourists well-entertained this afternoon.   Big thanks to John Phillips at West Indies Wind Surfing for lending us the kayak paddles.  

We will let the videos tell the story.  Suffice it to say - learning can be fun!

The PGIA's 10th grade design class was given an assignment to build a boat out of cardboard and a few other specific items. The project culminated in this boat race held at Secret Harbor. Great project! Kudos Dr. Staples.

PGIA Students Visit Petra, Jordan

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PGIA students on the Weizmann trip to Israel and Jordan spent their final day touring the ancient city of Petra.  All five students and their chaperones are now in route from Paris and are due back tomorrow.  We are so anxious to hear the student reflections and to see the presentation that they put together to document this amazing adventure.

Israel Trip - Jerusalem

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The students are now embarking on their tours through Israel and Jordan.  Today was spent in the City of Jerusalem.  Imagine the history!  What an experience.

Israel Trip: Days 1-3, Weizmann Institute of scientific research

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Our students have just completed their three day science session at the Weizmann Institute.  As you can see from the photos below, they were immersed in a wide variety of scientific topics and cutting edge research.  From curing cancer to curing Alzheimer's - covering topics in chemistry, physics, biology and astronomy - our students will return from Israel having had an experience unique to only a very few high school students in the world.  We are so thankful for our relationship with the Weizmann Institute and the amazing benefits it yields for these curious student minds.

The remainder of the trip will take the group to Jerusalem, Masada and the Dead Sea, and across the border to Petra in Jordan.  Watch for posts journaling the remainder of this great adventure!

Bon Voyage to Our Students Heading to Israel

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Weizmann Institute of Science has graciously invited our PGIA students back this year for another science camp at their amazing university.  World renowned scientists from Weizmann will have sessions with our students from Sunday through Wednesday, at which point the group will travel throughout Israel and Jordan.  Six students attended this trip last year with life altering results.  There are no words.  This year the students are Skyler, Silas, Aneesh, Megan and Ni'quay.

An excerpt from Vanshika's reflection of last year's trip:

This journey has thoroughly broadened my horizons, both scientifically and culturally. While being introduced to new customs and science, I found deeper meanings for both. Science isn’t simply knowledge, though knowledge is a poignant part of it; it is the ability to apply what knowledge you have and to solve questions that have never been asked before. Curiosity is the origin of all breakthroughs in science, because if scientists weren’t curious, they wouldn’t ask these excellent questions. 

Vanshika last year at the Dead Sea

Vanshika last year at the Dead Sea

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