Art is a Verb

Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) held it’s highly anticipated art event, Art is a Verb on Friday, June 1, 2018. The space was surrounded by art hanging off of eclectic looking stands, tables filled with various types of art demonstrating the wide range of media used by student artists of different abilities and age levels. Every corner was filled with drawings, sculptures, mosaics, paintings and more. What was not on display however, was the many other ways Art is a Verb, such as dance, poetry, singing and playing musical instruments.

Under the direction of  Middle Years Program (MYP) Interdisciplinary Art, Diploma Program (DP) Visual Art & Art Coordinator, Jana ferguson, Art is a Verb was created with hopes of “showcasing student talents/artwork throughout the MYP, DP and elementary Art club” commented Feguson. The entire production was student led with different grades in charge of different aspects and pieces of the production. “This is a student led show, grade 10 students develop a marketing plan- in conjunction with their Individuals & Societies class. Other grades serve as the panel for the presentations the 10th graders put it together.  From there, a group is chosen as the leader.  Their plan is the layout for the show and all students have their own role to make it a success” commented Feguson, adding that “we have so much talent within our student body- who wouldn't want to see that?!”

Organizing and hanging the artwork is always the most challenging aspect for the students at VIMISA due to the fact that the show is set up and torn down in one day.  The students did a fantastic job, were efficient and exceeded any expectations.  “Our student have so much talent and deserve the spotlight to shine!” added Ferguson.

 Ms. Helen Sidiropoulos, Peter Gruber International Academy dance teacher was in charge of the majority of dance performances featured that night. One of the biggest acts was by senior Kobe Potter. Every year, one senior decides to take on the challenge of choreographing for the entire class 14 dancers this year, this year it was Potter. “Once she choreographs, she has a few weeks to teach the class and then must record and send her recording to an examiner for External Assessment” commented Sidiropoulos, adding that she does not get to give DP Dancers a grade on their creative work. Grades will be made available in July. 

Showcasing the dancers is meant to help our students build confidence & stage presence and above all, to share their gifts & inspire others. “Challenges include getting the male dancers to be confident, execute the steps correctly, perform with umph and smile...for the ladies, challenges include trusting your partner will hold and catch you” said Sidiropoulos.

The crowd especially loved Sidiropoulos’ Diploma Program dancers performing Bachata to “Promise” featuring five alumni – having just graduated two weeks ago!

Art truly is a verb!

Marissa Bornn International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

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

Third Year Students Receive Their Dictionaries!

The Dictionary Project is a nationwide organization that is dedicated to giving all third grade students their very own dictionaries to keep.  Costs are funded through local sponsors. Our students were very excited to receive their dictionaries, thanks to Ms. Gretta Moorhead.

Student Authors Donate Book to VIMSIA Library

After three long weeks of hard work, student authors and Lower Elementary students, Careem Peets Parfitt and Mary Hurson donated "Wendy & George: The Attack of the Bug Monster", a self-published comic book to Montessori librarian Ms. Kathy Schlesinger. With Ms. Schlesinger’s help, Careem and Mary managed to look up their comic book in the library database and were thrilled with excitement when they noticed their names noted as authors. Careem and Mary’s peers were all anxiously awaiting to be the first to check out the highly-demanded new book!

Art Workshop On-board Harmony of the Seas

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.

SmartStocks Win 3rd Place at Middle School Competition

Congratulations to Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy students Thomas Brunt, Rohan Nagi and Diego Villegas.  Their Stock Market Game team, known as "SmartStocks," finished in 3rd place in a field of 54 middle school (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) teams.  They also placed 15th overall in the much larger field of 354 teams which included high schools.  Their portfolio even managed to beat the portfolio of their teacher, Mr. Ethen.

Using a simulated $100,000, they purchased a portfolio of stocks that included Crispr Therapeutics and Netflix which each had a 16% gain, Dollar Tree which increased by 12% and Amazon which was up 10% over the course of the competition.

The trophy will be kept here at the school.  You'll notice the trophy has 4 sides on it.  Hopefully next year another team will earn the honor of having their names added to the trophy?

Community Appreciation Event Hosted by Head of School

Francisco Mejia and Elisha Turnbull

On Thursday, May 24th, Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy hosted a Community Appreciation event to thank its stakeholders for all their help throughout the hurricane recovery efforts. With over 150 guests, a wonderful time enjoying delicious appetizers and drinks while catching up with friends, was had by all! A special thanks goes out to: The Galley Ched Sharpless, St. Thomas Restaurant Group Jessica Hume, Southern Glaziers Tegan Lucas, Suga Mama’s Alexis Vanassche, Arc Vodka Griffin McFarlane, Bartenders Darian Torrice-Hairston, John Hairston, Diana Woods, Kara Ebe, Chet Cook and Andy Geever, Musicians Francisco Mejia and Elisha Turnbull.

Message From Head of School, Michael Bornn

This evening was about appreciation, community and growth.  You all, in the face of disaster, recognized how critically important our schools are not just to our students, but to the survival and revival of the Virgin Islands as a whole.

We thank each and every one of you for your involvement, no matter how large or small, in helping us open our doors to students just three weeks after Hurricane Irma devastated our school.  Getting students back to school put us all on the path back to normalcy and healing. 

Irma and Maria inflicted approximately $3.5 million in damages to VIMSIA.  Your generous contributions – which have come in so many various ways – have facilitated our ongoing recovery while proclaiming loud and clear that “VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy MUST continue to serve our VI youth”.  The outpouring of dedication to the school has been humbling.

Our graduation speaker, Ms. Caroline Miller, coached us to broadcast our goals – data shows that it makes one more accountable to those goals and greatly improves the chances for success.  So I proclaim my goal to you – to build VIMSIA back into a school that is significantly better than it was pre-hurricanes and for VIMSIA to be recognized among the top schools in the nation.

Sincerely,

Michael Bornn

Preparations Underway for Art Show

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

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. 

VOLTS Alumni at World Cup Qualifiers

3 Alumnae Volts representing USVI at World Cup Qualifiers

Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy alumni Ariel Stolz ‘13, Isis Collier ’15, and Alison Bartsch ’17 are currently in Trinidad representing their country at the CONCACAF Caribbean Qualifiers for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.  All three started soccer with Senor Araujo and played for our Varsity Volts with Coach Elger.  After a tough but expected loss to world-class Trinidad in the first game, the USVI team bounced back to beat Grenada 3-0 in the second, then lost their third match 0-3 to Dominica.   Our young and developing team is proud to be demonstrating success at the international level. Their final match is Sunday vs St. Kitts & Nevis.  #GoVolts  #GoUSVI

Congratulations Class of 2018

The PGIA Class of 2018 has been through a life-changing senior year. The devastating hurricanes in September of 2017 took their senior class of 17, all the way down to just 10 seniors on campus. Their close-knit group was severed, as many families were displaced from St. Thomas due to lost homes and lost jobs. The remaining students faced having to endure the rigorous IB Diploma Program without power, internet or most other school resources that they needed. These hearty students came back to school just 3 short weeks after Hurricanes Irma & Maria destroyed our island's infrastructure. These students survived daily classes with no electricity, no water, no internet, etc. They endured 107 days of this. Still, they hung strong. They stayed their course and managed to keep themselves on track, academically and personally. They received many generous donations from the community of food, school supplies, deadline extensions, prom dresses and even prom itself! Four of our original Class of 2018 students have rejoined us on this stage today, after their lives took on very different, unexpected changes during their senior year. We are honored to have all of these 14 students walking in our graduation ceremony. The PGIA Class of 2018 is truly a group of young adults filled with grit and perseverance. At this early point in their lives, they have overcome one of the most horrific natural disasters known to the Caribbean. And succeeded. There is no limit on what they can do now - they are literally unstoppable. 

Senior Roast Love

What better way to express your love and affection to someone than to roast them? On Saturday, May 19th Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSA) faculty, staff, parents and students joined together for the annual Senior Roast. Hosted at St. Thomas Restaurant Group's, Caribbean Fish Market, attendees took turns for their time at the mic to reminisce of the good old days bringing up memories from toddler aged to prom. Fun was had by all and a few tears of joy shed too! Congratulation to the class of 2018!

Michael Bornn Guest Speaker at International Montessori Council Teleconference

Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy Head of School, Michael Bornn, was invited as a guest speaker at the International Montessori Council (IMC) Teleconference this week. 

IMC is an international association of Montessori schools. They provide great resources from PD to peer interaction to accreditation to consulting for Montessori schools around the world. Participating with IMC gives us a global perspective to maximize the Montessori experience, being part of the leadership of IMC enhances VI Montessori's global standing. 

"IMC is an international association of Montessori schools. They provide great resources from professional development to peer interaction to accreditation to consulting for Montessori schools around the world. Participating with IMC gives us a global perspective to maximize the Montessori experience, being part of the leadership of IMC enhances VI Montessori's global standing" commented Bornn.

The teleconference also included important guests such as Michael Doer and Jonathon Wolff, International Montessori consultants and Time Seldin, chairman of International Montessori Foundation.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) students celebrated a great show weekend in the VIMSIA Musical Theater room, after the completion of two very successful shows of "Beauty and the Beast". Both evening shows were packed by community members with standing room only! Thank you to all the parents and students who contributed to the success of this production. Congratulations to VIMSIA's Theater and Arts department. 

WTJX Special Viewing of International Jazz Day From Cuba

WTJX-TV presents a special screening of PBS's "International Jazz Day From Cuba." More than 50 world-renowned artists come together for an extraordinary International Jazz Day All-Star Global Concert from the Gran Teatro de La Habana in Havana, Cuba. International Jazz Day is the one day each year that jazz is celebrated worldwide, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities in all 196 UN and UNESCO member nations. The concert’s many historic moments include a first-time collaboration between bassist Esperanza Spalding and Cuban music legend Bobby Carcassés, and stellar emceeing from host Will Smith and music legend Quincy Jones. Other highlights include a swinging rendition of Gershwin’s “There’s a Boat Dat’s Leavin’ Soon for New York” by vocalist Kurt Elling and Chilean sax phenom Melissa Aldana, a haunting take on “Bésame Mucho” from Korean vocalist Youn Sun Nah and violinist Regina Carter, and an explosive original performance by more than a dozen of Cuba’s top veteran jazz musicians. Come out, feel the rhythm with WTJX-TV and see it on the big screen Monday, May 21st at the VI Montessori School, St. Thomas at 6 pm.

Checkmate! Scholastic Chess Tournament

The last scholastic chess tournament of the year was held at CAHS on Saturday, May 12. The tournament rules followed the Swiss system, G30 which means each player played four rounds with 30 minutes on the clock per game. According to the Swiss system, the more you win the harder each progressive round gets. Prizes and trophies for this tournament were sponsored by the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II. 

The STT/STJ Chess Association has received enough funding to go on a trip this year.  The top 16 players from the islands will be invited to participate in a tournament in Florida in December, all expenses paid. All the winners listed here will be invited to participate in this event, except for Emmanuel Estrella, who is a graduating senior.  

Tournament Winners:

 9 and under: First place, Eli Blondeau from Antilles School; Second place, Ger’ Lanni from Sibily School and Third place, Drake Walters from Montessori School.

12 and under: First place, Ajay Mirpuri from Antilles School; Second place, Miles Tolud from Montessori School; and Third place Jermaine Jones Gomez School

13 and over: First place, Marco Emile from Ivanna Eudora Kean School; Second place, Emmanuel Estrella (CAHS) and Third place Jean Virey (Eudora Kean)

Rohan Nagi was also selected to represent the VI in Florida this coming December. Congratulations to all participants.

Knowledge Has a Beginning But No End

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!

Keep Calm and Think Prom

It’s that time of year when millions of teens prepare for the much awaited prom night. That’s right, it is prom time and high school students across the nation are eagerly making plans for undoubtedly the most important dance of their high school years.

Last Saturday marked a memorable event and a dream come true for our seniors and juniors. With the support of gracious sponsors and donors and the collaboration with All Saints Cathedral and Gifft Hill schools, a special prom took place. Students enjoyed dancing, karaoke, rap improvisation and the company of good friends. PGIA students voted Daicya and Jalen as Princess and Prince, Kobe and Amoi as Queen and King. They also voted Candice and Caleb as Best Dancers, Silas for Best Hairstyle, Vanshika and Karl as Best Couple, Jalen and T'Leah as Best Dressed. We'd like to thank our supporters: Yacht Haven Grande, DJ Tony T, Mr. Kevin Wattley from Winx Flix, Chef Nibbs, Plaza Extra Supermarket, Nicole Tulk and friend Ellen, Blooming Things Flower Shop, and Mrs. Liza Margolis who is a parent and the Senior Coordinator of Donor Relations and Events at UVI.

PGIA students would like to especially thank Eman Passarella for her leadership, time and support!

New Tradition: Alumni Induction Ceremony

With new times, come new traditions. On Wednesday, May 16 Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) seniors were welcomed into the Alumni Association through an induction ceremony. Each senior was welcomed into the association by a current alumni of VIMSIA. This ceremony was created to formally represent the transition from the status of undergraduate member to alumni status within VIMSIA. It was a surprise to all when our guest alumni were also inducted into our newly established Alumni Association. All members received an alumni pin, certificate of recognition and a VOLT bracelet. A special thanks goes out to our guest alumni: Tess Monsanto, Vernon Araujo, Alayna Belshe, Melissa Bump, Shane Brunt, Ched Sharpless and Tommy Brunt. Congratulations to all!

Karen Gauriloff takes 3rd place in the congressional arts competition

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 with reception hosts

Syna Sharma