Cement Art Relections

A feel good story!

9/10th grade finished their cement project this week. Students painted each sculpture and planted flower seeds in them today! It was a great way to reflect and be grateful for the progress we've made in the last year. 

Student quotes: AnaPia Brunt "I feel like the pots we made will make the campus a brighter place. Sometimes a little color can go a long way in lifting ones spirits".

Tyler Weiss "The pots make me feel really happy and I hope they can help others feel the same".

Functional Art

The 9th and 10th grade in Ms. Ferguson's Art Elective class had their first guest artist, Mrs. Anderson, join them on Thursday.  Mrs. Anderson is a local artist, specializing in functional Art. Students learned the difference between concrete and cement, used power tools and got messy creating a cement sculpture!  

Elementary Students Build Working Model Sailboat

Upper Elementary students Ayden Macomsen and Max Tulk engineered a working model sailboat from scratch.  Starting with just a hull from an old remote controlled boat, they created all the other parts from found materials. The mast is a ruler, and they cut plastic bags for the sails.  Everything went well during their trial run in our pond.  Other students have been inspired to build their own boats so we may have a regatta in the near future!

From Sub-Zero to Hero

Bob Maxwell (club advisor) and University of Alaska Anchorage students Robert Maxwell,  Cheryl Higgins, Oakley Carlson, David Chamberlain, Anudari Vaani, Eric Hauer and Bryce Ybanez

From sub-zero temperatures to extreme heat, the members of the Architecture and Engineering Club (AE) from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) are making a serious impact at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) renovating various communal grounds while getting hands-on experience with materials they are studying.

Bob Maxwell, faculty advisor for the club, has been participating in service projects all over the world for the last 18 years with the help of Habitat for Humanity. This trip was different than all others and extra meaningful to the group of eight volunteers, being the first independent trip they’ve taken without the support of Habitat for Humanity. The connection to VIMSIA was first made when a member of the AE club made contact with a friend in St. Thomas who works at VIMSIA. One thing led to another and the AE club group began hosting fundraisers back home to cover expenses for their first independent trip to the US Virgin Islands. Maxwell explained, “The biggest advantage, and what they don’t know the first time, is the value of service word. Service work is a step outside their small world, and for the betterment of the world per say.”

The club is led by Oakley Carlson, club president and David Chamberlain, vice president, with special guidance from construction specialist Eric Hauer.  Chamberlain explained the uniqueness of this trip and the challenges they faced, including coordination and transportation. “It was the first time we had to do something like this with a few unknowns. Coming to the Virgin Islands was a new one on us too, it’s a new culture – which is not a challenge, but different and exciting!” commented Chamberlain.

Hauer added that like him, several of Maxwell’s students are inspired hearing stories of past service opportunities and are drawn to serve. “He’s responsible for getting me involved. When I was taking one of his classes he talked about the projects that they do and it peeked my interest since it’s something I had wanted to do for a long time” commented Hauer. “Most of our team are engineering students some construction management students” added Hauer, a former construction management student prior to transferring to Kansas State University to study architectural engineering.

VIMSIA, a leader in environmentally sustainable initiatives, is 100% solar, has various storage systems, collects road run-off water for irrigation, tends to an organic garden and utilizes solar refrigerator and freezers. With the help of the AE club volunteers, new fencing has been installed on the Montessori campus, various buildings were painted and remodeled, a new climbing wall was installed and improvements were made to the school’s playground. “My favorite part of this trip has been the people and seeing their reactions, especially when they learn we’re from Alaska. Their faces light up!” commented club co-president Carlson.

The VIMSIA family extends their sincere appreciation to the AE club for their time and dedication to help improve the school and community. The school hopes to visit Alaska and their friends at UAA in the future, according to Head of School, Michael Bornn.

PGIA Students Off To a Great Start!

A few pictures of Peter Gruber International Academy bonding activities on the first day of school! Welcome back!

VIMSIA Marks its 55th Opening Day

Hitting snooze is no longer an option for the students of Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) who attended their first day of school on Monday, as the school marked its 55th opening day. Staff, administrators and parents were thrilled to see familiar faces and welcome many new friends, both to the school community and the US Virgin Islands.

There was a buzz of energy surrounding campus on the first day of school! “This will be our best year yet,” said Head of School, Michael Bornn, adding that the theme for the year derives off of the Greek word ‘meraki’. “Meraki is a Greek word meaning to do something with love, soul and creativity, to leave a piece of yourself in your work, and to leave something behind. We as educators are constantly doing this,” added Bornn. The message was well received by all.

With over 65 new students, this year’s Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) seniors are ecstatic to make new friends and anxious to end strong while working towards their International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas. Last year, in addition to earning a high-school diploma, 60% of VIMSIA seniors earned the prestigious and highly coveted IB diploma, which created various new collegiate opportunities. Only a small percentage of seniors in the US earn this world renowned degree.

In the PGIA, students started off the day with thirty minutes of a meet and greet social and were encouraged to welcome new friends. “The PGIA is going to tackle the 2018-2019 school year. We are in excellence mode with high expectations and lofty goals,” commented Gloria Arpasi, Director of PGIA. “It feels great to be back for the 2018-2019 school year. I loved greeting all the parents and students as we met on the turf of our second home we call VIMSIA. I can already feel that it is going to be a strong year full of student learning and growth!” added Michele Weichman, Dean of Students.

Like so many others school in the territory, the summer months were used to rebuild and renovate damaged spaces. “Getting the school back to tip-top shape took a village, and we are so thankful to the parents, staff and volunteers who helped not only improve VIMSIA but propel it forward, becoming one of the leading schools in the US Virgin Islands” commented Bornn.

VIMSIA, was first established in 1964 as an AMI accredited Montessori School.  The tradition is continued as an accredited Association Montessori Internationale school for ages 3 – 12 and the school has become an authorized International Baccalaureate World.  Research from leading institutions shows that IB students are more likely to succeed in higher education than those who attend traditional school. To learn more about VIMSIA please visit www.vimsia.org.

Bougainvillea Enrichment Center Re-Opens!

Just in time for the first day of school, Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy's (VIMSIA) Bougainvillea Enrichment Center (BEC) re-opened looking better than ever before.

With freshly painted walls, new floors, refurbished furniture and an excellence team of caregivers, BEC is ready for the 2018-2019 school year! Special thanks to Megan McGavick, Estefany Ledee and MaryAnn Paul for their time, dedication and perseverance with this massive task.

Working Hard at Staff Week

Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy staff were welcomed back on Monday, August 13, 2018, by the administrative team for Staff Week. The day began with opening remarks by Head of School, Michael Bornn, whose speech revolved around this year's theme "Meraki" - a Greek word meaning to do something with love, soul and creativity, to leave a piece of yourself in your work, and to leave something behind. 

Staff members have been hard at work diligently preparing their materials, rearranging furniture and adding final touches to lesson plans.

Student Council Organizes Color War

After the last exam, the PGIA students enjoyed and afternoon of fun activities organized by the Student Council. Some went to the beach at Secret Harbor, some played Console-type games, some chilled and watched their choice of entertainment while others participated in a Color War. All activities ended up with a sweet ice cream treat. The Student Council hopes that everyone enjoyed their afternoon and wishes everyone a wonderful summer!

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

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. 

VIMSIA Signing Day

On Tuesday, April 24 VIMSIA celebrated our Seniors' commitment to higher education with our fourth annual Signing Day event.  This event is a product of Former First Lady Michele Obama's Reach Higher Initiative that focuses on promoting higher education for all students.  

This year's Senior class had quite the year having endured two Category 5 hurricanes and all of the unforeseen challenges that came afterward.  They showed perseverance, grit and strength of character despite it all.  The VIMSIA school community could not be more proud!   

Please join us in congratulating our students on their acceptances to over 40 colleges and universities across the country!  While some students have committed, others are still in the decision making process.  We wish them nothing but the absolute best as they venture out into the world!   

Ver’Nele Callwood, who plans to attend the University of the Virgin Islands.

Nalani Figueroa, who is deciding between University of the Virgin Islands and Barry University. 

Leah-Maria Gaskin, who has been accepted to attend Baldwin Wallace University.

Karen Gauriloff, graduating from VIMSIA one year early, will attend Allegheny College.

Candice LaPlace, who plans to attend the University of the Virgin Islands.  

Joshua LaPlace, who plans to attend the University of the Virgin Islands.  

Vanshika Lulla, who plans to attend George Washington University

Amoi Ottley, who has been accepted to Bryant University.

Kobe Potter, who is deciding between Elon University and American University.

T’Leah Serieux, who plans to attend the University of the Virgin Islands.

Silas Wisehart, who has been accepted to Binghamton University and the University of Montana.  

Hannah Ballas, who is planning to attend Trinity University.

Grant Farrell, who is deciding between Emmanuel College and Spartanburg Methodist College

Elisabeth Goldberg, who is planning to attend University of Alabama.

Seidon Nemeth, who is deciding between Academy of Art University, Lawrence Technological University, Savannah College of Art and Design, and University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.

Anya Vizzielo, who is deciding between Savannah College of Art and Design and University of Suffolk in the UK.  

Darby Williams, who is deciding between New York University and University of Michigan.

#NotAtMySchool

The upper hallway of the Peter Gruber International Academy house has a new art installation done by 3 creative PGIA ladies and is very inspiring! 

#NOTATMYSCHOOL is a nation-wide movement where students stand up against the things they do not want in their schools. Our kids agreed that things like discrimination, unkindness and drugs have no place at VIMSIA. We conducted an anonymous survey to find out what PGIA students wanted to keep out of our school. These signs represent their answers, and our students signed their names on the things they want to stand up against. 

The faculty and staff at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy is extremely proud of our students. Thanks to Evelynn, Hannah and Layla R, who worked really hard yesterday to complete this wall project. 
 

Science Club Fun

This week in science club, led by Ms. Alexandra Silva, students built coral polyps with food and discussed the role of corals in food webs. They also talked about ways that humans can help and hurt corals. The two seniors helpers are Ver'Nele and T'Leah. 

Library Receives New Books From Green Acres School

Lexi Harris representing both VIMSIA and Green Acres School

Like many of our students, fourth grader Lexi Harris temporarily moved stateside after Irma and Maria hit the Virgin Islands.  She joined one of her cousins at Green Acres School in North Bethesda, MD.  Every year Green Acres School organizes a book drive for a cause, and after hearing from Lexi about damages to our school and island they chose our library as this year’s recipient!  Lexi’s teacher Allison Stearn led the efforts. They packed up four large boxes of specially chosen books, and the Harris’ company Impact Construction took care of the shipping.  Each book contains a unique student-made bookmark, many with the phrase “with love from Green Acres School” on one side, artwork on the other.  We are so grateful to the students, staff, and families of Green Acres School!

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett Applauds VIMSIA

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a Montessori graduate, chose to visit Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) today to not only discuss topics related to women in government but to talk to the students of VIMSIA about the power of peaceful protest.

As the only registered school on island to participate in the National School Walkout, students asked Plaskett what Congress’ reaction had been to the March for our Lives movement and whether or not it had sparked any changes in opinions after all the demonstrations. “What you have to understand is that the March took place right before the members went away for Easter break, so we have not returned back to congress since the march happened” answered Plaskett. “What I can tell you is that I went to the one that was in Washington and I saw a lot of members there, and at that march all the young people -like yourself- had stickers on them with the year that they would be able to vote as well as people registering all the young people who were old enough to vote to be able to vote” said Plaskett. Many members of Congress who want gun laws changed made the conscious decision to not get involved, and to not let the movement be taken over by lawmakers or by old people, and in turn pollute the message. “This is a young people’s movement and for it to be effective it had to be their movement and their voice” said Plaskett. Students were urged to not get discouraged and to continue voicing their concerns with whatever means possible as change will take some time.

Plaskett released an official statement further explaining why she chose to visit VIMSIA. “Of course I have a personal affinity to the Montessori program and the way it educates young people, but also there are several things about this Montessori school that I think are very important” said Plaskett. “The first is that you really -in a private school setting- have been great about creating a diverse community that’s not just diverse ethnically but socioeconomically and I think that’s a very good model that so many of us should look at throughout this community. The second of course is that VIMSIA is one hundred percent solar which is awesome and a very good model for us to use here in the Virgin Islands” Plaskett stated.

Students were applauded by Plaskett for setting the tone and leading the way in the Virgin Islands with the National School Walkout and the issues surrounding gun violence. “What is more important than marches is what happens after a march, it’s not helpful to march and then not do anything afterwards” said Plaskett. Adding that “while you were able to voice your opinions on the issues of violence in your communities, what is going to be more important is to follow up on what you’re going to do in the communities to support those changes.” Students continue to take leadership roles with safety and environmentally friendly initiatives putting VIMSIA on the map as one of the leading schools in the territory.

American Red Cross Pillow Case Project

Volunteers from the American Red Cross visited the Upper Elementary Classes at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) to present the Pillow Case Project, an initiative geared towards disaster readiness.

Originally started in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina, the project was sparked by the actions of college students who were forced to evacuate their dorms with personal belongings and had no suitcases available… only their pillow cases.

Each student received a pillow case purchased and sponsored by Disney and distributed by the American Red Cross’ School Safety Program. Scenarios such as house fires and natural disasters were discussed at length and students were taught the correct emergency readiness steps.

Volunteers placed emphasis on the fact that students are capable of having individual power with emergency situation and feel prepared by taking personal and safety items with them such as a stuffed animal, first aid kit, MRE, medicines, toiletries, snacks, change of clothes, etc. A representative from the American Red Cross informed VIMSIA that after hurricanes Irma and Maria many children on island mentioned that their parents did not take the warnings seriously and as a result the children ended up with no food or shelter leaving them worried and disappointed.

Anthill CollectivE Mural

Anthill Collective generously offered to paint an amazing graffiti mural in the Music Room at the Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA). Scottie Raymond, Brian Clark and Jared Mattes, artists from Anthill Collective, are on St. Thomas for a few days and have chosen to paint three murals, possibly four if time permits. They are working closely with the Youth Development Academy and will be painting at Mandela Circle. VIMSIA was fortunate enough to be picked as one of these places.

The Anthill Collective is based out of Vermont and its artists have been working together for the last five years, travelling all over the world spreading color and art. The Anthill Collective, named after the fact that ants are notoriously much stronger when the work together, is on a mission to "make things beautiful, spread color to places that would have otherwise been neglected and make it something that people can enjoy" said Raymond, adding that they want "to take art outside of the white cube." All three well renowned artists originally got their start creating graffiti under bridges and on trains, but as they met and worked with various artists around the world their skills progressed and they ended up forming their own company.

With the help of VIMSIA parent Dan Lewin, the Anthill Collective artists made the connection with VIMSIA Art Coordinator Jana Ferguson. It was Ferguson's responsibility to facilitate the project and set up a workshop with the students where they gave input for the mural design -such as featuring VIMSIA's beloved (and recently passed) blue and gold macaw "Sweetie Pie." Grades 7-12 students worked with the artists all day Thursday, helping with layout sketches, rolling paint, and blending and practicing different spray techniques. 

"We love these opportunities because every now and again you get that one kid in a class full of kids that says 'this is my thing,' and we can offer them that without them having to have that scary run away from the police." said Raymond. 

Ferguson was thrilled that Peter Gruber International Academy students were able to participate and take part in this amazing masterpiece. "I want students to experience gratitude for having Anthill Collective travel here to add art to our island. The team wanted to beautify St. Thomas after our Irmaria experiences in order to contribute to our community. The three of them came to donate their time and skills and we just got lucky because of our parent connection” said Ferguson. Adding that she hopes students will "look at art from different avenues - not everyone loves what is considered traditional art - so I hope this opens their eyes to all the different opportunities out there."

VIMSIA would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Anthill Collective for not only selecting VIMSIA as one of their projects, but for inspiring students and parents.

Hands-On Parent Night

Everyone knows the frequently asked question "how was school today?" only to be answered by "ok" or how about "what did you do at school today?"... "nothing!" Through a well organized Parent Night, parents of Primary students at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) were able to not only learn what their children do on a daily basis, but experience it too! Hands-On Parent Night was an opportunity for students to give their parents lessons of work they mastered or are still learning. It was an amazing evening filled with smiles, warm hearts and fun! VIMSIA parents are thankful for the dedicated efforts of Primary Directresses Ms. Mandy Boyle and Ms. Simone Summer. 

Baked Goods For Sale

Ms. Ludick's Upper Elementary class organized a bake sale in efforts to fund their end of year class trip. Thank you to all those who supported by donating desserts and eating them!

National School Walk Out

Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIIMSIA) took part in the National Student Walk Out on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.  ABC’s Good Morning America has confirmed that out of the 2,500 school participating, VIMSIA would be one of five schools streaming a live feed in Mountain and Central time zones. 

The #NationalSchoolWalkout, spearheaded by EMPOWER, the youth branch of the Women’s March group that organized women’s marches against President Donald Trump across the country, calls for students, teachers, school administrators, parents and allies to take part in a for 17 minutes at 10 a.m. across every time zone on March 14, 2018 “to protest Congress’ inaction to do more than tweet thoughts and prayers in response to the gun violence plaguing our schools and neighborhoods,” according to EMPOWER.

Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) students had the choice to participate in this movement or sit out - as it was a student drive initiative. "As a school that values peace, we felt the need to support our students and provide them a platform to voice their concerns - if they so choose" commented VIMSIA's Dean of Students, Michele Weichman. With the support of faculty, teachers and administrators, PGIA students coordinated a peaceful ceremony to pay their respects for the Marjory Stoneman Douglass victims. Almost each student took time to create posters with demands and messages of hope. Seventeen students volunteered to create posters for the 14 students and 3 staff members that were killed during the brutal mass shooting. Throughout the 17 minutes of silence, students called out the name of each victim on the top of every minute and displayed their posters to their peers - many of them mentioned what each student did such as: soccer player, loved the arts, etc. It was a touching way to commemorate the lives of all who passed, and it was evident by the tears and somber faces in the audience. 

“We commend our students’ desire to exercise their First Amendment right to protest as they stand in solidarity with the survivors of the Valentine’s Day massacre. The Department views this as an opportunity to teach valuable life lessons about government, citizenship, gun control and school safety,” Education Commissioner Sharon McCollum said in a statement Tuesday.  Mapp said he supported students who elect to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights on this issue.

“Sadly, gun violence has become a reality our young people, in particular, must face as victims and witnesses to tragic school shootings, whether in their neighborhoods or on their campuses,” Mapp said. “It’s important that we cultivate civic responsibility amongst our youth and an obligation to the common good is an important part of civic engagement" he continued. 

VIMSIA students would like to thanks Michele Weichman, Gloria Zakers, Michael Bornn, Pamela Engle, Dianne Love and all the faculty and staff for their support. 

National School Walk Out