Amsterdam Update

Good night everyone,

Today was a day that began for me when I was in second grade and discovered the artist/crazy mathematician MC Escher. We took a day trip to The Hague to visit the Escher Museum and saw many of his original works. There were also many interactive exhibits that were simply fascinating. So so so so cool!  We saw the church where Farenheit is buried, the grave of Spinoza, the congress buildings for the Netherlands, a beautiful park, cool sculptures around the city, and an antiques market. We ate a leisurely lunch in a huge square and enjoyed people watching. We travelled back to Amsterdam and had dinner at De Food Hallen, the same place we ate on our first night because it was that good. We all tried different things tonight and everything was oh so yummy. We are all going to miss the food! Tomorrow, Vanshika will be with her aunt, Donovan will take the girls shopping, and I will visit with a Dutch family we were close with during our time in the Republic of Georgia. We will all meet at the Pancake Boat for a canal cruise and all you can eat pancakes! Until then...hugs and misses from Amsterdam.

Lots of love,
The Amsterdam Girls

PGIA Graduates Largest Class Ever!

Peter Gruber International Academy Class of 2016

Sunday, May 22, was a glorious day at VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy.  Seventeen bright and beautiful graduates of the PGIA took their final walk as high school students.   These 17 promising young people are ready, nervous, anxious, excited, scared - you name it - to start the next chapter of their lives.

All 17 students will be attending university in the fall.  They were accepted to over 50 universities and received scholarships of over $4 million.

Marcus Norkaitis leads the class as Valedictorian.  Naren Advani is Salutatorian.  Nicholas Figueroa was chosen by his class as the class speaker.  Jessie Wyatt was awarded the Masjid Nur Organization's International-Mindedness Scholarship.  Mrs. Elger had the honor of addressing the students as their choice for teacher speaker - not a dry eye in the house!  Mr. David Edward Garcia, a "pent-lingual" teen motivational speaker and comedian was the keynote speaker...and he was a hit!

Imani Sidiropolous-Kearney returned to the PGIA from her first year at Johnson and Wales to graduate with her classmates. Imani attended Johnson and Wales during 2015/2016 to complete her senior year of high school and begin her undergraduate studies.  

Our graduates will be attending:

• Naren Advani, Elon University (Elon, NC)
• Kiyalyn Bump, Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada)
• Shakima Esprit, The University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, USVI)
• Ca-Jani Fahie, Indiana Institute of Technology (Fort Wayne, IN)
• Nicholas Figueroa, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, FL)
• Abraham Hamed, Valencia College (Orlando, FL)
• Christian Kean, American University (Washington DC)
• Naomi Laing, University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL)
• Germaine LaRonde, King University (Bristol, TN)
• Xiara Lima, Lynn University (Boca Raton, FL)
• Christopher Murphy, The University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, USVI)
• Marcus Norkaitis, Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
• Dakarai Potter, Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Khalese Potter, American University (Washington DC)
• Isabel Setorie, Drew University (Madison, NJ)
• Imani Sidiropolous-Kearney, Johnson and Wales (continuing)
• Jesse Wyatt, St. John's University (Queens, NY), or Lincoln Christian University (Lincoln, IL), or Ball State University (Muncie, IN)

SCUBA End Session

We managed to complete the skin diving and two first confined water training dives on Tuesday. All students successfully demonstrated their water skills. Here are some pictures from our first day in the water. Our first encounters included a squadron of 4 squid and this spider crab. Looking forward to another set of dives today and tomorrow.  - Marc Corbeil, Math Teacher and Scuba Instructor. 

Montessori Elementary Soccer - STT/STJ Champs - 5 Years Running!

Montessori's Elementary Soccer Team took first place for St. Thomas St. John, yet again!  This will be the Volts' 5th consecutive reign as champs. The final match went 3-0 against Antilles School on Tuesday, May 24.  Chris Griffith was chosen by his teammates as MVP for Tuesday's match.

Señor Araujo - no surprise and well-deserved - was honored as Coach of the Year!

Update from our Amsterdam Crew!

Good night everyone,

We began the day with emotions of children...bliss, glee, and terror! We spent three hours biking in the park, one of the largest in the city. Two of us were fairly novice riders, hence terror. Three of us were gleeful. And one of us was experiencing pure bliss! This was the reason she came to Amsterdam. It was also great people and dog watching. We returned the bikes and grabbed lunch. We walked the long way to the Anne Frank House shopping, seeing tulips, and taking in mathie sights along the way. We waited in line and then experienced sadness, grief, and empathy as we toured the home. "It was definitely a learning experience," said one student. "It made it real," said another. It impacted me greatly...there really are no words. We then went to Donovan and Klaus' house for a typical Dutch home cooked meal. Their neighbor, Ms. Kitty, came over for dinner as well. She began telling her story of being in an internment camp in Indonesia when she was a child and coming to the Netherlands as a refugee. Amazing conversations ensued over delicious food. We left the apartment and went shopping because the stores were open late. Tomorrow we have a busy busy day ahead. We are definitely making the most of our experiences here. Misses to each of you and hugs from the Amsterdam girls.

Take care,
Elizabeth

Having a great time in Amsterdam!

Good night everyone,

What an incredible day we've had!  We started off at the I AMSTERDAM sign...such a cool landmark. We then visited the Van Gogh Museum...breathtaking. We ventured across the street to a modern art museum that provoked varied reactions among the group and prompted some interesting discussions. We headed to a market for lunch but ended up eating at a cafe to avoid a light shower. We then took in the market and walked to one of the biggest squares in Amsterdam. We explored the red light district which is also the medieval center and discussed many math related landmarks. Again, very cool discussions ensued. We shopped and bought various treats on our walk back to the hotel. We rested for a bit and then headed to dinner at an Indian restaurant. Delicious! Tomorrow we visit a local museum, the Anne Frank House, go to Donovan's house for dinner and shop, shop, shop! It was a long day of walking and seeing lots of sights.  It was also a little cold. The girls were all amazing troopers and are really soaking up the experience in very unique ways. I'm really enjoying seeing this experience through their eyes.  I'll send more pictures tomorrow but enjoy these for now!

Hugs from Amsterdam

Amsterdam End Session Arrives

Good night everyone,

We are here safe and sound. We were greeted by Donovan. We took a train in to the city and then a tram to our hotel...which is so cool and artsy. We all love it. We showered, which felt amazing!  Donovan then walked us to the Food Hall which used to be a tram repair shop.  Gorgeous architecture. The hall had every kind of food you can imagine and live music. It was awesome people watching and AMAZING food. We soaked it all up. On our way back to the hotel we stopped at the grocery market to get a few things for breakfast. Cool choices and delicious looking fruit.  I then tucked everyone in with goodnight hugs and off to dreamland we are heading.Tomorrow we are visiting the Van Gogh Museum first. I'm not sure what all Donovan has planned after that but I know it'll be amazing. All six of us are in love with the city...a bit colder than we thought but still really awesome!

I'll write more tomorrow. 

Hugs

Mrs. Elger

Greetings from Our Students in China!

Beijing, China
From Mrs. Stocking!

Our second day was full of flavorful cuisine and lots of history. We went to Tian'an men Square, saw theMausoleum of Mao Zedong had a Yunnan cuisine for lunch and visited the National Museum of China. We packed up our day after making our own dumplings for dinner. Enjoy the photos!

Bon Voyage to our China End Session Travelers

Safe travels and well wishes as our PGIA "Journey to the Red Dragon" End Session trip to China gets underway.  Mr. and Mrs. Stocking, both teachers at VIMSIA, will be leading these 14 PGIA students on an adventure through China to experience the Eastern way of life through culture and history.  Their trip includes a service project along with visits to Beijing and Xi'an...as well as that trivial concept of a LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE!                   安全旅行

Bon Voyage - Amsterdam End Session on their way!

Bon Voyage to our "Math in Amsterdam" End Session group.  They are off for a week in Amsterdam with former PGIA Math Teacher (and self-proclaimed Math Geek) Mr. Donovan Carroll.  Mr. Carroll has developed a program called, you guessed it, Math in Amsterdam!  Five of our PGIA students are traveling with Ms. Elger to meet up with Mr. Carroll in Amsterdam and get their own personal course, direct from the Master!  They return to PGIA campus with Mr. Carroll in tow, to bring his math skills back to St. Thomas for another week of Math in St. Thomas?!  

Mr. Carroll will also be presenting a Mathemagics presentation on campus June 6 or 7 - watch for details.

Safe Voyage, to our PGIA international travelers!

Volts Culinary Team wins VI Ultimate Flavors Culinary Competition

On Saturday May 21st, three of our students competed in the VI Ultimate Flavors Culinary Competition:  Eyad Hamed, Aneesh Chandiramani and Anna Lola Williams.  They were given a list of ingredients and expected to prepare a hot appetizer that would impress the judges.  Just before cooking time a secret ingredient was announced and the students were expected to incorporate this secret ingredient into their already decided appetizer. The secret ingredient was bok choy.  

       Our team prepared fried shrimp with a curry-cilantro sauce accompanied by a bok choy salad topped with toasted peanuts.  Not only did they wow the judges, but the judges commented that their dish was very "grown-up" for their age level and they were impressed at how well they communicated with each other and worked together.  

        As the results rolled in we did not hear our name called for 3rd place, we did not hear our name called for 2nd place but we did hear our name called for 1st place!  Out of six schools that have actual culinary arts programs at their institutions we came out on top! Congrats to these three students! It was an honor to coach and mentor them. Go Volts! 

Submitted by Ms. Weichman - way to go Coach Weichman!

Notes from Head of School - Year End Update

Each year at VIMSIA, we strive to improve…student learning is the litmus test.  We do not always get it right, but I view “problems” as “learning opportunities” to grow by. As another school year is coming to a close, it is a time for thoughtful reflection about how to build on what we have done right, and how to improve in areas that have fallen short.   Read more....

Spring Magic Recital - Brava, Bravo, Bravi!

The Spring Magic Production: a Celebration of Music and Dance was a true success. Ballerinas, tap dancers and jazz dancers dazzled the crowd.  Piano players also performed melodiously and were a wonderful addition to this year's celebration. 

Our programs begin in September and continue through May.  The students meet once a week to learn a specific dance genre and work towards creating a showcase at the end of the year to share their newfound skills.  

We have an amazing group of talented performing artists sharing their gifts with our VIMSIA youth.  A special thank you to our instructors: Jessica Alvarado, Mary Capellas, Katie Zaytoun, Luba Dolgopolsky and Artistic Director Helen Sidiropoulos for putting this magical production together. The instructors would also like to thank all administrative staff for supporting the programs, teachers and students throughout the school year.  It takes a village!

Volts History in the Making - Tomorrow!

The CAHS win over Kean yesterday puts CAHS and Volts in a playoff for the IAA St Thomas/St John Soccer Varsity Championship.  They will play Charlotte Amalie HS tomorrow, Thursday May 19th at 4:30pm on the Eudora Kean HS Soccer Field. 

This will be a great matchup as our Varsity Volts Soccer Team will be fighting for their first ever championship!  Please consider bringing your student athlete to this event as it will motivate them to seek the same championship when they are at the Varsity level here at VIMSIA. 

Thank you for your support of the VIMSIA athletic program. 

GO VOLTS! 

Submitted by: Coach Nurse

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. 

VIMSIA Joins Open eBooks Inititative!

Screenshot of open ebooks app

Open eBooks is a new nationwide program with the goal of putting popular and award winning digital books into the hands of in-need children for free.  Because the USVI is considered a rural territory under federal guidelines, our students qualify for this program.

Every student will receive a note with instructions and access codes.  This program is currently accessible only through android or apple apps used on tablets and phones.

Ms. Schlesinger has gone to elementary and PGIA classrooms to introduce the program to the students.  Younger students will also have access to encourage family reading.

For more information, go to openeBooks.net.

Please email kschlesinger@vimsia.org with any questions.

Happy Reading!

Bon Voyage as Ms. Keating heads back to Ireland

Ms. Keating displays the gift her students made for her as part of their going away party on Tuesday.

It has been so lovely having Ms. Keating, who retired a few years back after 35 years in the Lower Elementary classroom, back on campus for the past several months.  We are so grateful that she was able to help us out by heading up Ms. Serje's classroom during her leave.  We love you Ms. Keating.  You are forever woven into the fabric of VIMSIA.  

It Feels Like Carnival

Ms. Hanna Upps Primary Class gets in the spirit of Carnival.  Wishing all our families a Happy and Safe Carnival!