RICKY JAMES JR. to Take Part in Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum

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RICKY JAMES JR. to Take Part in Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine on June 15-24, 2018

Written By: Thomas Rodgers

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This summer, Ricky James Jr. from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands will join outstanding high school students from across the nation to take part in a unique academic and career oriented development experience, the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Medicine, taking place this summer on the campus of Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia.

NYLF Medicine is one of the Envision family of programs (www.envisionexperience.com) that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom.

Ricky was nominated to attend this forum by one of his teachers at the VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy. Ricky survived two catastrophic hurricanes in the Virgin Islands and was able to make a difference in his community during the recovery and rebuilding stages as he volunteered with the All Hands and Hearts Volunteer Group. This group is a non-profit organization that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters by engaging and leveraging volunteers, partner organizations, and local communities. Ricky is an avid golf player of the Mahogany Run Jr. Golf Team in the Virgin Islands, and he attends the University Bound Program. As a rising high school senior, Ricky looks forward to gaining the hands-on medical experience that this forum will provide.

“NYLF Medicine is a great opportunity for high-achieving scholars to get outside the classroom and see, through hands-on interactive learning, how to innovate and think creatively,” said Andrew Potter, the Chief Academic Officer for Envision. “These students, who have already proven themselves academically, will be challenged to work on real-world, student-created projects to bring their studies and career interests to life.” 

Since 1985, Envision programs have served more than 800,000 students in more than 145 countries, with programs designed to help students develop the leadership, scholarship and career skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive college and career landscape.

Egg Drops in Design Class

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Under the direction of Middle Years Program Teacher, Jamie Truax, Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy 8th grade students had a fun afternoon conducting egg drop experiments. 

The egg drop challenge was a fun project for the last week of design class that was completed in a week. "We went through the steps of the design cycle- investigate, plan, create, and evaluate. First, the students investigated what the challenge was and looked at various websites for ideas" commented Truax. Basically the idea of the project is to create something you can put an egg inside so that when it's dropped from a tall height, the egg won't break.

Students came up with at least two ideas for a plan and began to bring in supplies. After that we created! Various teachers donated balloons, straws, bubble wrap, plastic bags, tape, etc. and some students brought supplies from home as well. The students had 45 minutes to build their protective barrier around their egg. The class went down to the stage and dropped their eggs from the top and EVERY SINGLE EGG SURVIVED! Afterwards, the students reflected on the process. 

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Marissa Bornn International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

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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

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Art Workshop On-board Harmony of the Seas

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Sevenminusseven owner, Clay Jones, has been heavily involved with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line after Irma and Maria devastated St. Thomas. Jones and Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy’s MYP Interdisciplinary Art, DP Visual Art & Art Coordinator, Jana Ferguson, organized a photography/art workshop on-board the Harmony of the Seas. Jones has taught photography in VIMSIA’s enrichment program which is offered to high school students.  Ten students were given the opportunity to experiment with seven different types of cameras; exploring aspects such as exposure, aperture, shutter speed, etc. Students were led through the Photo and Art Gallery, exploring new opportunities in the Arts. 

The connection with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines was made to strengthen student skills in the Arts and allow students to view new opportunities. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has been instrumental for some of the clean-up and restoration in St. Thomas. The purpose was to give students opportunities to further skills in photography, view the artwork and art gallery aboard the ship and make connections between students on island and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

“The students really enjoyed viewing the artwork aboard the ship. They also enjoyed seeing the performance stages, interior design and the Art gallery” commented Ferguson. She added “even though we live on an island that is frequented by cruise ships, many of our students don't think about the artistic job opportunities aboard the ship.” The experience was unique because due to the fact that most people don't view a ship from an educational, artistic or opportunistic stance. The opportunity allowed VIMSIA students to open their minds and provided students with new ideas for projects. 

“Royal Caribbean was staff and crew were fantastic” commented Ferguson, adding that “the crew was incredibly professional, pleasant and informative.” VIMSIA thanks Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for the warm welcome and collaboration with the school.

Preparations Underway for Art Show

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Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy's highly anticipated annual art show is right around the corner! Art is a Verb is a showcase of Middle Years Program and Diploma Program visual artwork.  Elementary Art Club is a special feature, being added to the show for the first time this year. Art is a Verb also highlights performances showcasing musical, vocal, artistic and dance talent.

The entire production is student led, beginning with the tenth graders who worked in groups or independently to make a marketing plan for the entire show. They pitched the plan and a panel of students/teachers voted on the best marketing plan.  Tenth grade students organize the layout for the art pieces, posters, displays, student groups and management.  "This is a huge challenge and they're doing a great job!" commented Janna Ferguson, MYP Interdisciplinary Art, DP Visual Art & Art Coordinator.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event next Friday, June 1 at 6:00PM. Drinks and light snacks will be available.

The Past Still Present: A Grand Art Exhibition

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Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy eleventh grade art students visited "The Past Still Present: A Grand Art Exhibition" which showcased VI Art from private collections created in the 1900's. Students were given a private tour from the St. Thomas Historical Trust. As part of this educational experience, each student selected their favorite piece, sketched it out and formally analyzed the work. 

Knowledge Has a Beginning But No End

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Congratulations to Peter Gruber International Academy instructor Alex Silva and Montessori instructor Kate Ludick for proactively working on furthering their education. Both talented instructors applied for and received full scholarships to an amazing teacher training program at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research! 

The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation has built a nationally recognized and fully accredited program with a stellar reputation for giving teachers access to unparalleled information and experiences. To date, they have trained more than 1000 middle and high school science teachers and informal science educators from all 50 states and nine other countries. Participants spend their days in intensive study in the Conservation Education Lab and their evenings at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, engaging with staff members and acquiring invaluable new skills to take back to their home campuses. During the workshop, teachers work together to frame content standards in the context of wildlife conservation and explore ways to challenge students to apply textbook knowledge of life science to current biodiversity challenges. Participants engage in activities that focus on critical issues facing endangered species using a variety of advanced technical tools and techniques; all activities support the Next Generation Science Standards and can be implemented back in the classroom.

Congratulations Alex and Kate!

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.  

2018 Graduation Keynote Speaker Announced, Caroline Adams Miller

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Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy is proud to announce this year's keynote speaker, Caroline Adams Miller. 

For three decades, Caroline has been a pioneer with her groundbreaking work in the areas of goal setting, grit, happiness and success. She is recognized as one of the world’s leading positive psychology experts on this research and how it can be applied to one’s life for maximum transformation and growth. Caroline helps people identify, come up with a plan for, and persist in pursuing their toughest goals — leading to their success, happiness and flourishing, while inspiring those around them. Achieving hard, meaningful goals is one of the most rewarding things we can do in both our personal and professional lives. Although she didn’t have a word for it at the time, Caroline used "grit" to help overcome her personal battle with bulimia. Today, she helps others develop the traits they need to get to the finish line.

In her keynote presentations and workshops, Caroline blends personal experience, real life examples and cutting-edge research in positive psychology, to come up with practical applications that create fresh awareness of how to cultivate change. Caroline leaves her audiences with tangible takeaways and actions they can use to create their own happiness and success. Angela Duckworth, winner of the 2013 MacArthur Genius grant for her research on grit, said of Caroline: “I don't know anybody who has thought more than [Caroline] about how to apply the scientific research on grit and achievement to our own lives!" Caroline’s TEDx Talk “The Moments That Make Champions” explores the three things that we can choose to do differently to improve our chances of developing grit.

 

How Fun is VIMSIA's Environmental Systems and Societies Class?

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Extremely fun! Under the direction of Peter Gruber International Academy instructor Alex Silva, the 11th grade Environmental Systems and Societies class performed a field investigation at Secret Harbor. These photos feature the students swimming thirty meters transects, stopping every four meters to assess the composition of the seabed. Our results found that sea grass and corals only begin to appear twenty meters from shore, possibly due to the influence of human activity in shallower waters. 

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8th Grade Hurricane Blogs

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Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy 8th grade students created websites in groups using a free website generator called wix.com to make informative blogs about hurricanes in the Virgin Islands, under the direction of MYP Teacher Jamie Truax. 

"On these sites, the 8th graders shared personal stories, as well as information about past hurricanes. I am so proud of the hard work they put into these in just 4 short weeks. Check them out when you have a few minutes!" says Truax.

Truax explained that at times, the kids struggled emotionally because it brought up feelings that they may have bottled away for a while. They also struggled with some technology aspects, such as everyone in the group seeing the same screen, web layout, things not saving, etc. 

"Some students didn't feel comfortable at all sharing their personal hurricane stories which is why I let them choose between writing their experience with the hurricanes or writing a history of hurricanes in St Thomas. Most students who ended up sharing their experience said it was difficult to reflect back on, but they were eager to share their experience of what happened with others because many people who don't live in the Virgin Islands don't know what we went through." added Truax.

Saskia, Thomas, N'Jheri, and Bianca's site  https://saskiac8.wixsite.com/website

Layla, Rohan, Leah, and Anna's site https://laylar7.wixsite.com/hurricanes/about

Ava Jayne, Tyler, and Maia's site https://avajaynep.wixsite.com/mysite

Helen, Eliza, Aidan, and  Ka'eo's site https://helenr36.wixsite.com/website-1

Amir, Tianna, and Sakari's site https://sakaric.wixsite.com/hurricane-history

Audrianna, Vidhika, and Diego's site https://vidhikak.wixsite.com/hurricaneedu

VIMSIA Participates in the Congressional Art Awards Reception

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Congratulations to Karen Gauriloff and Syna Sharma who entered pieces into this show!

You are invited to the upcoming Congressional Art and Awards Reception, this Friday, May 4th at VI Council on the Arts @ 5:30pm. This reception will showcase the great art work created by several of our talented High School Students. We will also be announcing this year’s overall winner whose art will hang in the Cannon Tunnel that leads to the US Capitol Building for the next year to be viewed by the thousands of people that pass through that hallway on a daily basis. This event is open to the public so feel free to bring a friend. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. See you there!

Making College Connections At BEANS Tour

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Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) Admissions Director and College Counselor, Kara Ebe, spent this past week at the Boston/Extended Area Network of Schools (BEANS) tour featuring Brandeis University, College of the Holy Cross, Emerson College, Simmons College, and WPI!

The BEANS Tour provides counselors with the opportunity to explore five outstanding colleges with your colleagues from around the world. Counselors will meet with admissions representatives, current students, faculty, and explore the cities of Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts!

 “This is a tour of five schools which provides you with a unique opportunity to see different schools and engage directly with their admissions directors and faculty then take it back to your students to share” said Ebe. Everyday attendees visited one of the five schools for an admissions overview –detailing requirements, a tour of the campus, an opportunity to engage with or hear a student led panel and a professional development session.

The host institutions determine the final participants based upon a numbers of factors—among them are geographic diversity. Because BEANS is a fly-in program, the committee typically looks for counselors from areas outside of New England, New York, and New Jersey. Additionally, they look to provide opportunities to colleagues from secondary schools that have not recently been represented at BEANS. 

Ebe was flattered by the encouraging and supportive reception from the BEANS Tour participants in response to the recent hurricanes. “Everyone of course asked about the hurricanes, but people are just so intrigued about us -especially those that didn't know we're IB. Immediately once they heard we're IB they started to inquire about VIMSIA and were impressed by what we have to offer” explained Ebe. “We haven't missed a beat with the rigor of what we offer our students, not only academically but now we have these student who are super resilient because of what they've been through” Ebe added.

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March is Virgin Islands History Month

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Our library has been showcasing the Virgin Islands this month.  Elementary students are enjoying browsing the displays, and primary children have been listening to Virgin Islands stories. Would you like to browse our materials?  Check out our collections of Virgin Islands History, Virgin Islands Children's Books, and Virgin Islands Natural History.

Axel Bartsch International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

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Axel Bartsch

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 award is presented to Axel Bartsch, a junior PGIA student. Congratulations!

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“Axel is thoughtful and introspective young man who challenges me daily in the classroom and on the soccer field.  He constantly seeks knowledge and craves intellectual dialogue.  Perhaps his greatest trait though is his ability to be a humble leader - working hard without craving attention, accepting responsibility for others actions, and even taking a little good-natured teasing to keep the mood light.  He’s the consummate “glue guy,” keeping diverse groups of people striving towards a common goal.” –Mr. Elger

“Witty, selfless, and humble are words I would use to describe Axel. He is a legendary story-teller, always willing to put others first, and never seeks the spotlight for his many, many academic and athletic accomplishments. He's just an incredible young man and well-deserving of this award.” –Mrs. Elger

“Axel is a seeker.  He searches for answers beyond the questions asked.  He isn't afraid to address difficult problems with imaginative and thoughtful solutions and in doing so, he serves as a model student.  I admire his discipline and his humility.” –Mrs. Prosterman

“I always see him around campus and even though we are not close friends, he always shares a smile. I know he is a good athlete as well as a great student and tries to achieve a more than standard level of knowledge.” –PGIA Classmate 

“Axel is a true representation of the strong, peaceful, powerful student that VIMSIA works so hard to create.  We are so proud to have him as one of our community.” –Ms. Zakers

The Story of A Dream

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Students Marched on Washington while singing "We Shall Overcome." 

Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) invited parents and community members to enjoy the Lower Elementary play "Martin Luther King, Jr.: Story of A Dream." Under the direction of Lower Elementary Teacher, Jess DiFrancesco, students not only studied the history and biography of Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, but understood the significance of their actions and the ripple effect that it had throughout time. 

DiFrancesco explained how challenging it was for her students to understand the concept of segregation "especially the idea of separating everyone by skin color" she said. "Everyone in our class looks different, and if you divide them up by different colors, it's very hard. It was difficult for them to understand how to divide them up because of all the different shades. They understood what happened was wrong, and couldn't understand why people were treated that way, when they see that they are all great friends in class." Arielle Shackell, a seven year old student who played Rosa Parks, mentioned it was "fun and cool and amazing being her because of how she stuck up for herself."

Over fifty guests were present one of them being Dee Wilson, grandparent. Wilson mentioned "you sense that the children understood the importance of what they were reenacting and definitely got the significance across." With the help of Peter Gruber International Academy senior students behind the scenes, the play went off without a hitch! Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his speech, Rosa Parks was removed from the bus and a powerful reenaction of the March on Washington took place with xylophone accompaniment to the popular song "We Shall Overcome." 

Amoi Ottley International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

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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. 

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“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

 

 

 

"A Night at The Museum"

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Upper Elementary Wax Museum presentations were a hit Thursday night.  Students prepared first person narratives from past to the present for family and friends. Each student dressed up in character and delivered their speeches flawlessly all while pretending to be a wax statue. Some went as far as creating a small button to press which began their animation and speech. 

As a culmination of 6 weeks work these notable personalities came to life to share their stories representing a diversity of backgrounds of social activism, education, literature, medicine, sports, NASA and the entertainment world.