NASA Visits VIMSIA - Join us Tonight at 5:00

NASA's Community Outreach event is tonight under the awning at VIMSIA.  The event starts at 5:00 and should wrap up by 8:00.  What a great opportunity to have a photo op with an astronaut and chat with NASA engineers.  All are welcome to attend - no admission fee.

Our six NASA guests arrived on island Saturday and have been busy preparing for the week ahead.  They spent the day with us here at VIMSIA today.  MIddle and High School students from around the island joined our PGIA students for a full day of NASA Science.  In addition to these NASA engineers, Dr. David Morris and Andy Watts brought solar telescopes so that the students could see the transit of Mercury across the sun.

While the older students were busy going through their NASA rotations throughout the day, a NASA astronaut made his way to visit the elementary students.

Visit the school website for information on the week's schedule for NASA.

Ms. Hess's Class gets a visitor!

Grade 10 Students Present Their Personal Projects

On Wednesday a sampling of Grade 10 students had the opportunity to present their Personal Projects for the MYP student body and parents. The Personal Project is a culminating activity for the IB MYP and serves to prepare students for the IB Diploma Program. The Personal Project is a significant body of work that is the product of a student's own initiative and creativity. It's goal is for each MYP Grade 10 student to develop a focus of deep personal interest that reflects the knowledge they have gained through participation in the IB Middle Years Program.

Some of the topics covered in this year's Personal Projects included: The nature and purpose of creative expression through writing, The effects of captivity on marine mammals, How Shakespeare is relevant to our lives today, Telling stories through animation, Launching and promoting an online identity, Learning to love yourself and the importance of positive self image, The relationship between diet and athletic training, plus many many more.

It was a wonderful afternoon and the students all did a stellar job presenting their research and products as well as answering a variety of questions from the attendees. 

Art is a Verb! This Friday evening - Join us!!

Are YOU ready for Art is a Verb?!  Any guess what this student is cutting out of wood?  Come to Art is a Verb THIS FRIDAY @ 6pm to see if your guess is correct!  

Ms. Ferguson and her PGIA Art students cordially invite you all to our 3rd Annual "Art is a Verb" interdisciplinary art show.  

All proceeds go to the PGIA Arts Department for productions, costumes and art projects.  Feel free to share this poster with friends, family & our community.

Concession stand will be open for light refreshments.  

Montessori Students Speak in United Nations General Assembly

Two of our VIMSIA students were called upon to speak at Montessori Model United Nations last week.

Some Spanish Exchange Students See Snow for the First Time!

Lots of great new experiences for our PGIA students abroad at the Casvi School in Madrid.  One of which, at least for Kira and Aviella, was seeing snow for the first time!

PGIA Exchange Students Visit Spain's Ministry of Education

At the Ministry of education

The center of Villaviciosa de Odon

The Royal Palace

From our chaperone, Ms. Brigitte Bornn ~

Good afternoon, parents.  We had a great excursion today! We were invited to visit for awhile at Spain's Ministry of Education department.  We had a meeting in the legislature with the Ministress herself that was very delightful.  She spoke with our students in Spanish only and our students did very well, asking and answering articulately in Español.  I was so very proud of them! 

MMUN Opening Day!

“Emotionally supercharged by a an ocean of kids, teachers, and chaperones working together for world peace at the opening and tenth anniversary of the Montessori Model United Nations, New York. Kids were told that their voice can make a difference, that their light can change the darkness of war, fear, discrimination, hunger, and the negative changes affecting our global climate . They were each given a light to shine in the darkness of the room as they were told with emblazoned passion they can make a difference ! Wow wow wow !!!”

— Lawrence Aqui, parent and chaperone

Bon Voyage to Our MMUN Delegates!

Bon voyage to our sixth graders from Ms. Batten and Ms. Morrison's classes that are attending the Montessori Model United Nations Conference in New York City this week.  This will be VIMSIA 7th (at least??) year attending the conference.

“On my way to the Montessori Model United Nations, New York, where my daughter Maia will be addressing the topic of Cyber Security in Viet Nam !!!”

— Lawrence Aqui, Parent and Chaperone

From the MMUN Website:

Model United Nations is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies. In Model UN, students step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization’s agenda. While playing their roles as ambassadors, student “delegates” make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the Model UN conference rules of procedure – all in the interest of mobilizing “international cooperation” to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.

Before playing out their ambassadorial roles in a Model UN simulation, students research the issue that their committee will address. Model UN participants learn how the international community acts on its concerns about topics including peace and security, human rights, the environment, food and hunger, economic development and globalization. Model UN delegates also look closely at the needs, goals and foreign policies of the countries they will represent at the event. The insights they gain from their exploration of history, geography, culture, economics and science contribute to the authenticity of the simulation when the role playing gets under way. The delegates’ in-depth knowledge of their countries guarantees a lively and memorable experience.

- Read more

Bon Voyage PGIA Students to Madrid!

Last week we bid farewell to the Spanish exchange students that were here at VIMSIA for six weeks, and this week we send off our own PGIA contingent to visit their school in Madrid for six weeks.  

Qué increíble oportunidad !  We are so proud of you all for being IB risk-takers and for paving the way for future PGIA language exchange students!  Felicitaciones - que son increíbles !

Service News from PGIA

Nurturing service-oriented, creative members of our society is an important goal of the PGIA.  In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (DP) students are required to complete personally meaningful projects as part of the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) program.  In the Middles Years Program (MYP), students participate in the Service and Action (SA) program.  Big congratulations to Xiara, (Grade 12) and Taber, (Grade 7) for being the first students to successfully complete the CAS (DP) and SA (MYP) programs this year!

Dean Vazquez shared, “I am so impressed by both students’ learning experiences and the fact that both exceeded the requirements of our school. I loved seeing them embrace the programs and achieve balance between their academic works and giving of themselves to the community they are a part of. During my meetings with these young people, I was inspired by both, and enjoyed getting to know the great human beings they are.”  

Coming-In

Ms. Batten's class had an exciting “coming in” last week! Julius Jackson, a VI native and Olympic boxer, came in and was interviewed by two students researching Julius and his father, Julian, for their "Night at the Museum" project.  Kaia, (6th year) and Ava Jayne, (6th year)  were able to collect first-hand information to expand their research, using  Media Interview Survey and Observation (MISO) at its finest!  Some other interviews included Verne Hodge, Rock City's Theron and Timothy Thomas, and the family of the late Judge Almeric Christian.  Thank you to all who helped make these interviews happen!

Congratulations to our Mathletes from Ms. Elger

First of all, I want to say what an honor it is to work with a community of such incredible individuals.  I am humbled by all the gifts and talents our school's mathletes possess.  Of the six that competed today, not only are they strong in and passionate about math, they are swimmers, runners, soccer and basketball players, artists, programmers, coders, volunteers...the list goes on and on.  In my four years on this island, I've grown to understand, we just have good kids at our school.  So, thank you, mathletes, for being downright good kids.  Thank you parents for raising these young ones and for supporting the efforts of the PGIA.

Secondly, I want to congratulate all of our mathletes who competed and attended today's competition.  Our team, consisting of Anna Lola Williams, Carter Maltby, Kira Mitchell, and Captain Skyler Anspacher, placed second.  Skyler Anspacher placed third individually and fourth in the Countdown Round.  BRAVO, Skyler!  This means he qualifies to compete at the state level and could have the potential to compete at the national level; however, he will be in Madrid putting the "I" in International Academy.  So, they had to call up the person in 11th place...who just happens to be our own Carter Maltby.  Carter will be competing at the State MathCounts Competition on St. Croix on March 30 (right after representing the USVI National Swimming Team!).  Again, nice work, y'all.

Thirdly, I want to challenge each of us to have a growth mindset.  This is my fourth year coaching the PGIA MathCounts team, and each year, I look for ways to improve.  I would appreciate feedback from mathletes and parents on how we can strengthen our program.  We can and will do better!  I so relish in our successes, but I always see opportunities for improvement.  Please share your thoughts with me when you have a chance.

Thanks again, everyone, and GO MATH!

Take care,

Mrs. Elger

Spotlight: Anushka Spelling Bee

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANUSHKA CHANDIRAMANI! 

Anushka competed against 17 other school champions in the St. Thomas/St. John District Spelling Bee on Friday, February 12. She was poised and very well prepared. Anushka won second place, and qualified to compete in the Territory Spelling Bee in March! Her coach, Melissa Bump shared, “Anushka is a very studious young lady, and her hard work really paid off today. I’m so proud of her!”

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

Day 2 for PGIA Students at The Weizmann Institute of Science

From Michael Bornn:  The students are immersed in science.  Today we started at 9:00 am with our first lab, it's now 9:25 pm and they are still in a lab.  And no one is complaining. In fact I have had to pull students out of labs to go to the next lab. One of our talented students asked the professor " if I could come back later".   Each student is finding their interests. They are interacting with each other more and more. Mr. Palmer is observing their interests and adding more lessons over breakfast and dinner breaks.  All I have to do is listen, watch and try and recall my science knowledge to follow the topics.  They are also observing and learning about the Israeli way of life.

Students at the Weizmann Institute in Israel Experiencing Science Firsthand: Day 1

Six PGIA students are at the Weizmann Institute this week further igniting their passions for science.  "Each student seems to be passionate about a different area of science.  This is amazing to watch and will be life-altering for these students.  We are seeing science right now that will change the world," from Head of School Michael Bornn, who is chaperoning the trip.

The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary basic research institutions in the natural and exact sciences. It is located in Rehovot, Israel, just south of Tel Aviv.  The Institute has a long history of investigation and discovery rooted in a mission of advancing science for the benefit of humanity. 

Bon Voyage! PGIA Students Visit Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science!

Six PGIA students are traveling to Israel to visit the world renowned Weizmann Institute of Science.  The PGIA has been collaborating with the Weizmann Institute online for the past several years as a part of our End Session STEM programs.  This year we were invited to send students to a specially created Science Camp just for us!  Mr. Bornn, Andy Palmer - Physics and Science Teacher, and Mr. Kevin Williams are chaperoning the group.  PGIA 12th grader Marcus, 11th grader Aneesh, 10th graders Darby, Hannah and Vanshika and 9th grader Karen head out today and will return next Sunday. 

The trip will begin with a three day science camp at the institute with some of the most accomplished scientific minds in the world!  The group will also visit the Masada Desert, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem.  What an amazing opportunity for these young minds!

This year alone, VIMSIA students will have traveled to Santa Domingo, Madrid, Israel, China, New York, Amsterdam and the Yucatan.  Incroyable!

Eagle scouts: chaperones Andy and Kevin with student marcus

So here's a tip.  If you are sending your child to the middle of the desert, send them with three Eagle Scouts!

“Life isn’t meant to be lived caged within walls and mindsets. The only way to break free from the shackles of monotony is to travel. Bon voyage.”

“I throw my glass, that others might throw their jade.”

— Peter Gruber

A huge thank you to all of the donors that made this trip possible!  

6th Grade MYP Transition Begins!

The current 6th graders are working with Mrs. Elger, Mrs. Bump, Mrs. Morrison and Mrs. Batten to discuss their MYP expectations and homework packets for the spring.

Way to go UE-PGIA transition team!!

PGIA Students Heading to Madrid for 6 Weeks

The final tally is in and 10 PGIA students will be spending six weeks in Madrid for our first international exchange program.  PGIA students Marissa Bornn and Caleb Potter are highlighted on the front page of the St. Thomas source this morning after being interviewed about this exciting opportunity.  Please see the article.  Thanks to the St. Thomas source for your recognition of this international and academic accomplishment!

Behind the Curtain of College Admissions

On Thursday, October 22, the PGIA College Counseling Department of Chris Teare and Elizabeth Elger held an informative and engaging evening giving parents and students a view behind the curtain of college admissions.  Attendees were split into five different sub-admission committees for a fictional university.  Everyone read four students' applications and were tasked with admitting two, wait-listing one, and denying one.  A lively and spirited discussion ensued about the true tenants of a solid college application and how one determines the "best fit" for an institution.  Interestingly enough, the student with the highest standardized test scores and highest grade point average wasn't among the ones accepted!  Chris and Elizabeth would like to thank all of the attendees, and they look forward to another mock admission session in the spring!  Any and all questions about college counseling, please direct to Elizabeth Elger at eelger@vimsia.org.