This past summer, activity on campus didn’t stop just because school wasn’t in session! Through a number of additions and renovations, we worked hard to bring students an environment that is more convenient, safer, and fun.
Read MoreAfter the Montessori Musicale, families of Grades 4 and 5 were treated to an up-close view of their student’s classroom and examples of the work they’ve been doing all year, a great chance to celebrate growth and the things students are most proud of.
On Thursday night, Primary students ages 3-6 had the great opportunity to demonstrate their class activities to parents and guardians.
Read MoreWe’re delighted to celebrate the newest IB Learner of the Quarter!
“Beyoncé is the best kind of leader. She leads by doing, by example, and with passion and drive.”
Read MoreJoin us for our 2023 Spring musical this weekend!
Read MoreThe VIMSIA Clown Troupe dazzled Grades 4 and 5 this week with a visit.
Read MoreOver the past few Volts Wednesdays, students of all ages helped create and paint a new mural by the basketball courts. Take a look!
Read MoreThe M2M road race is back after a three-year hiatus! This will be the seventh edition of this event, and it aims to be bigger and better than before. As part of our MYP physical and health education program, we are using M2M as a culmination of our running unit.
Learn more and register here: https://www.m2mroadrace.com/
For students, the purpose is to set a goal of completing the 5k (3.1 mile) run and to create a plan that will lead to success. In addition to M2M being the big event in our running unit, it is also an important one for VIMSIA because the funds raised go towards the after-school sports program. These proceeds help enhance our facilities, buy equipment and uniforms, and competition travel expenses. The cost for students to participate in M2M is $15 ($30 for adults).
A major thank you to all of the M2M sponsors below! Please go out and support these businesses, as we could not organize this without them.
Additionally, we are looking for event volunteers. Click here to download the volunteer form and email Sarah Auchincloss (sarahauchincloss6@gmail.com) with any questions.
M2M Road Race 2023 Sponsors:
V.I. Department of Tourism
Alpine Securities
Amalie Global
Brian Mosely & Associates
Caribbean Chiropractic Center
International Private Bank
Sea Chest / ACE
Spyglass Capital
The Sheehan Family
MSI
Caribbean Surf
Children's Dental Care
Merchant's Commercial Bank
Mike Sheesley
Moe's Market
Rodriguez Auto Parts
Seaglass Properties
STRG
The Strategy Group
Billy D’s Tees
Caribbean Food Service
Dept of Sports, Parks & Recreation
Island Roads Corp
Magens Bay
St. Thomas Association of Runners (STAR)
Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists
West Indies Corporation
Hank & Penny Feuerzeig
Over the course of February and March, the Montessori school has been brimming with outside speakers and interactive cultural activities to celebrate Black History Month, Women’s History Month, AND VI History Month.
Read MoreFrom a student concert featuring 133 performers to an exciting visit from Mr. Claus, VIMSIA is starting off the holiday with spirit.
Read MoreTake a trip through a digital library full of creative writing, courtesy of Grades 4-5.
Read MoreOur students are putting up fantastic numbers in this national competition!
Read MoreUpper Elementary students have been working on personal narratives and realistic fiction stories.
Read MoreHalloween doesn’t end this weekend! Next week is the Student Council’s "Halloween Spirit Week”. Starting Monday and ending Thursday, PGIA students are encouraged to dress up and have some fun in line with the daily theme! Here’s what we’ve got planned.
Monday: Costume Day
Wear your Halloween costume to school—spooky, funny, whatever! THERE WILL BE PRIZES. We'll have a costume competition at lunch for scariest, most creative, funniest, and best overall costume.
Tuesday: Someone You Admire
Dress up like a specific person you admire! Teachers, artists, athletes, or anyone you just really like.
Wednesday: Adam Sandler Day
Dress as comfy and as wacky Adam Sandler does when he's walking around! Here’s a little inspiration.
Thursday: White Lies Day
That’s right, here’s your chance to get away with a funny white lie—on a shirt! Like these:
Keep in mind that all costumes must be in dress code, and everything worn must be kind to yourself and others. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Maia Tolud, Student Council President
Last week, two PGIA high school CyberPatriot teams competed in Round 1 of the annual defensive cybersecurity competition. CyberPatriot allows students hands-on practice in marketable, real-world cyber defense skills. They perform tasks that professionals use to secure computer and network systems. Over 5,000 teams are registered for this competition, including teams in every state and overseas. PGIA was the ONLY school in the Virgin Islands to compete in Round 1 and our Team A landed in the top 50% of teams!
"I choose to participate in CyberPatriot to further my understanding of the lack of security that the Internet has brought us,” says Alexis Harris, Co-Captain. “I appreciated trying to do my best and participate on the team even though I might lack in certain areas. My partner and I scored 55 points on our virtual computer and we really contributed to our group's success. That feels good!”
The competition window lasts 6 hours and there is no way to know or prepare in advance for everything. (Special kudos to Zia, who unlocked some important skills on the Ubuntu Linux operating system in the middle of the competition!)
High School CyberPatriot Team Members:
Grade 11: Amelie(Team Captain), Ella Popple, Divina
Grade 10: Ella Crew, Dallas
Grade 9: Maceo, Alexis, Micah, Zia, Lyle, Mariana (Zia and Alexis Team Co-Captains)
Thank you to Technical Mentor Dr. Marc Boumedine of UVI, who was present during the entire round to help solve any technical hurdles and make sure all the competition software functioned properly.
We are still recruiting Middle School students to compete in Round 2! Interested students can reach out to Mrs. Hoffart at rhoffart@students.vimsia.org or come to our practices after school on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30.
CyberPatriots
on display
Over 5,000 teams are registered for this competition, including teams in every state and overseas.
Denisse Huezo-Rosales of Simmons University talks with VIMSIA students
VIMSIA hosted two college focused events this week! We were happy to welcome Denisse Huezo-Rosales, Associate Director of Admissions at Simmons University, back to our campus. She took some time to discuss Simmons and its programs with a group of PGIA students at a drop-in session during lunch!
Virtual College Planning Night
Our Virtual College Planning Night was well received with over 30 families in attendance. Ana Saul-Sykes, Director of Admissions for Special Programs at Brown University shared great information and advice on college planning and college search for high school students across our community. Here is the event recording (passcode: FU.Q4G18)
Our Online Collection of College Resources is always available and includes various resources to support all stages of the college process. This semester, we look forward to visits from: Vanderbilt University, Franklin and Marshall College, Bates College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Universidad de Navarra, Lynn University, School of Visual Arts NYC….and more!
On August 31, PGIA staff and students hit the ground running (often literally) with “Volts Wednesdays” - a new and expanded version of PGIA’s enrichment Wednesday program. The PGIA team has grown the program to cover a full day of Professional Development, student clubs, community mentorships, and more. It was an amazing day of community building, academic support and extension for students, and learners exploring and pursuing their passions and interests with teachers and community members.
We kicked the day off with advisory, where small groups of students met with a teacher who serves as their academic advisor and mentor.
Our Student Life Blocks included incredible learning outside the typical classroom setting with courses like:
Our 11th and 12th grade students were able to spend part of their day receiving extra support for their higher level classes.
“I really liked the assembly and my advisory. Honestly, the whole day was really cool and just felt like a break but while still learning something. (11th grade student)”
“CPR & First aid class was amazing for me (10th grade student).”
“I loved study hall because it gave me more time to review my work (10th grade student).”
“I loved diversity club because I made a new friend and she shared a lot of my passions (7th grade student).”
“I really loved when we were discussing our ideas for the student café as well as the crochet and knitting club. (9th grade student)”
“I loved doing the fitness club and I loved meeting new students (11th grade student).”
“I loved Mr. Fisher rapping, all of my student life blocks, the amount of school spirit and friendliness that we haven't seen in a while, and being able to come to school later. (9th grade student)”
“I loved doing the fitness club and I loved meeting new students (11th grade student).”
“I loved hanging out with friends and having a break from the every day school life. I also loved learning about things that I’m interested in like mechanics. (10th grade student)”
“My advisory was my favorite class since it was simple and relaxed. I enjoyed the break from the stresses of school. (11th grade student)”
“My favorite part was being a Montessori Mentor and working with kids from Primary (9th grade student).”
“I loved volleyball and Japanese club. I also loved study hall before classes started (6th grade student).”
“I loved seeing all of PGIA together and connecting different students with each other.”
“It was nice to shake things up, see the students do different things in more heterogeneous groups. It was also nice to spend time with my advisory students.”
“I loved being able to share my passion with students.”
“Assembly was great for community building.”
Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy - a Montessori and International Baccalaureate Toddler through grade twelve private school in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands. Ask for Admissions 340-775-6360.
VIMSIA 6936 Vessup Lane, St. Thomas USVI 00802 info@vimsia.org Phone: 340.775.6360 Maps and Directions Staff Portal
