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

Elementary students hear beloved “wimpy kid” author speak

To celebrate Read Across America Day, elementary students were invited to participate in a webinar with Jeff Kinney, author of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.  Viewings were held in Ms. Batten's and Ms. Huber's classrooms. Kinney spoke about his beginnings as a cartoonist, how he became an author, and showed his virtual visitors around his studio. Participants were able to submit questions, and although none of our students’ questions were chosen, students had a great time thinking up good ones to ask!  All twenty copies of Kinney's books are currently checked out of our library.

Read Across America Day annually takes place on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March 2.  Many classes also read his books aloud to remember and honor his important contribution to children’s literature.

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.”  

2015 Miss America Visits PGIA

The PGIA had an assembly on Friday, January 22nd where Kira Kazantsev, Miss America 2015, visited and spoke to students in grades 7-12. Kira spoke about healthy relationships and preventing domestic violence.  This was her platform when she was running for Miss America and during her reign.  It continues to be her passion now that she has passed the crown on to her 2016 successor. 

In the Miss America assembly, Kira shared her personal experience with domestic violence in college. She discussed the mission, "Love Shouldn't Hurt: Protecting Women Against Domestic Violence." Kira educated students about signs of domestic violence and how to get help if someone is in an unsafe relationship.

Kira taught students about the 4 points of the crown: Style, Success, Service, and Scholarship. She discussed how these 4 points can apply to many areas of life, and how they can be used as a guide toward accomplishing tasks and reaching goals.

Many people may be familiar with Kira's movement, "Put a nail in it!" In this movement, celebrities, sports stars, and people all over the world, men and women alike, paint their relationship commitment finger (usually the left hand ring finger) the color PURPLE to signify their commitment to ending domestic violence and pursuing healthy relationships. Purple is a color that signifies domestic violence awareness. 

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

Let Your Voice Be Heard: Students Learn About the Importance of Voting

In the PGIA, students learn about responsible citizenship and what it means to be a contributing member of a community. One of the most important and foundational elements of that is exercising one's right to vote and participate in the democratic process. This past Wednesday, representatives from the Virgin Islands Election Board were on campus to speak to grade 11 and 12 students about the history of voting, the voting and election process in the VI and the importance of voting and making your voice heard. In addition, students who are 18+ or will be 18 years of age by August had the opportunity to register to take part in this important civic duty.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

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

Spanish Exchange Students Guests of Historical Trust

While PGIA students took the Iowa Standards on Wednesday, our foreign exchange students from Eurocolegio Casvi Villaviciosa in Madrid were guests of the St. Thomas Historical Trust.   Muchas gracias to Vince "Doc" Palancia of the Historic Trust who met with these students on campus last week and then guided their tour around downtown Wednesday.  

Thursday Art Club a Big Hit!

Ms. Ferguson's Thursday Art Club started off with a bang last week.  Her students did beautiful leaf rubbings and paintings - they look so proud, don't they!

The Thursday Art Club is for Full Day Primary and Lower Elementary students.  Wednesday Art Club is for Upper El and PGIA.  Anyone that may still be interested in joining either of Ms. Ferguson's Art Clubs, please let Ms. Hunt know.

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!  

Spotlight: Darby Performs Shakespeare

As part of her MYP Personal Project, a culminating event in year 10, Darby entertained an enthralled audience Wednesday evening with a Shakespeare performance including pieces from As You Like It, Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew and Othello.

Kudos, Darby.  Very well done!

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”

— William Shakespeare

Spotlight: Amir and Kinze Chess Champs

Congratulations to our VIMSIA chess players and Coach Allen.  We had several students participate in the interscholastic chess tournament held January 16.  Kudos to Amir, who took first place in the 12 and under category,  Kinze who took second place in the 9 and under category and Keo who took third place in the 12 and under category.  Go chess!

PGIA Welcomes Spanish Exchange Students!

Bienvenido to the eleven 7th and 8th grade Spanish exchange students that joined us from Madrid last week.  We are so excited that we have embarked on an exchange program with the Eurocolegio Casvi School just outside of Madrid, Spain.  These 7th and 8th graders will be here at the PGIA for six weeks.  In February, 13 of our PGIA 7th and 8th graders will travel to their school in Madrid for six weeks.   The Madrid students are being hosted by the VIMSIA families whose children will travel in February.   

What an amazing opportunity for these students to improve their foreign language development, immerse themselves in cultural interaction, and make international friends for a lifetime!  As our Head of School often states...

“We don’t live on simply an island, we don’t live in simply the United States - we live in the world, and our students must become conscientious global citizens. ”

— Michael Bornn, VIMSIA Head of School

The weekends for these students and their hosts are filled with great island and Caribbean excursions, we are so proud to show off our island to these friends from Spain.  Thanks to Mr. Williams for putting together this video of their trip to Coral World.  Spanish friends, share this with your friends at home so they can see what you're up to!!

Art Club Rocks!

Students in Ms. Ferguson's Thursday Art Club experimented with mixing the primary colors, creating patterns and painting between the lines on canvas!  Looks like they had fun creating these beautiful works.

Second Semester Enrichment is Underway!

VI Culture with Ms. Francis, Coding Plus Plus with Ms. Schlesinger and Mr. Fong, Organic Gardening with Mr. Berry, Shakespeare with Ms. New, Photography with Clay Jones, Yearbook with Ms. Tess, Martial Arts with Master Scott - Huge thanks to all of our enrichment instructors and to Ms. Helen for putting together such a great enrichment schedule!