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.

Patricia Ludick to Visit VIMSIA

Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) is honored to welcome Patricia Ludick as guest speaker for the upcoming Elementary Parent Education night.

Patricia Ludick began the adolescent program at Hudson Montessori School in Hudson (OH) where she served as the program director and humanities guide for ten years. Pat has also accomplished a decade of extensive adolescent work at Ruffing Montessori East in Cleveland Heights (OH) and served as the founding directress of the adolescent program at the Montessori School of Raleigh in North Carolina. She is active in doing consultation work with new and existing Montessori programs, both private and public. Pat holds an AMI diploma, a certification in Special Education, as well as a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She was one of the planners and contributors in the early Montessori adolescent movement in the 1980’s and continues to serve the needs of new teachers, children, adolescents, and parents as the work progresses. She is an active presenter at NAMTA conferences, a contributor to the NAMTA Journal and guides teachers every summer at the AMI-NAMTA Orientation to Adolescent Studies. Pat is presently in her 32nd year of active Montessori education. She and her husband, Tom, are the parents of five grown children and have ten grandchildren.

Ludick will present a special presentation to VIMSIA parents on Thursday, August 30, 2018.

VIMSIA Teachers Attend San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research

Alex Silva and Kate Ludick

Alex Silva and Kate Ludick, talented educators at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA), recently returned from the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science. Silva, a science teacher at VIMSIA, learned about the program from a graduate school classmate who attended the program last year. Between Silva’s science background and Ludick’s English skills, together they wrote an incredible application essay and both were accepted into the program.

The objectives for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science are threefold:

1. Provide replicable, relevant, standards-based conservation science activities for formal and informal education settings

2. Connect science educators to wildlife conservation through relevant laboratory and field-based experiences that share recent advances in conservation research.

3. Provide a forum for science educators to network and share ideas for weaving conservation themes into their school community and engaging students in conservation.

During the program, the group tracked desert tortoises, analyzed their habitat use, and discussed factors threatening their survival. While we may not have the same species on island, an idea can be modified to focus on local sea turtle species, which may inspire students to reduce their plastic bag usage, say no to straws, or even pursue conservation work in the future. Imagine the impact we can have if an even greater number of teachers are able to bring engaging conservation lessons into their classrooms. 

Ludick’s highlight from the trip was the respect the zoo specialists had for teachers and how willing and accommodating they were in sharing their lessons and knowledge. She added how much she enjoyed feeding the giraffes and rhinoe and hearing the lions roar at night. Ludick noted the dry heat and temperature of 105 degrees fahrenheit were a bit tough to deal with. “On this trip I learned that there still are really good, intelligent people and institutions helping to save our earth and the flora and fauna in it. I learned that technology plays such a big part in conservation. There are so many unexplored areas in the field, still, that need these people’s creativity and talent” added Ludick.

The program was filled with 34 educators, each of which had extensive experience in science education. At times, Silva found it intimidating to strike up conversations with others, especially those with more experience. “In those moments, I had to remind myself that my students have learned a thing or two in my classes, so I must have something to offer to the conversation!” commented Silva. Silva thoroughly enjoyed hand-feeding eucalyptus leaves to a Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi), despite the saliva left behind! Her lowest point during the program was realizing that despite how successful the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) breeding program has been, they remain critically endangered in the wild and threatened with lead poisoning and habitat loss, among other issues. 

Both teachers highly recommend this program, and encourage parents to visit the San Diego Safari Park. Conservation is a global issue, but it plays out in local environments. Understanding how science can be used to investigate and address the issues can help empower students, and adults, to take action, even on the smallest scale.

Connecting Handwork to the Bigger Picture

Jessica Di Francesco, a Lower Elementary Teacher at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) recently attended a four day Elementary Alumni Association (EAA) training whose focus this year was handwork, specifically wool, cotton, silk and calligraphy. Di Franceso explained the importance of connecting everything you do in a Montessori setting to the bigger picture: “bringing handwork back to the children's discovery and letting them take that journey and the idea of practice, provides an opportunity to relax and work with your hands instead of technology.”

The EAA training was held in Boulder, Colorado with ninety elementary certified Montessori instructors from all over the world, including places like Russia and Europe. Just like at VIMSIA, a special emphasis was placed on the importance of connecting elaborate handmade projects to the bigger picture. Attendees studied a sample Montessori album, created by the instructor, which was filled with various lessons.

“My biggest takeaway was the importance of connecting the handwork to our human story” commented Di Francesco. "One of the theories of how felt was discovered involved a shepherd, going around the hills a long time ago, in Mesopotamia era, with his sheep walking all day long with very uncomfortable shoes. At some point, it’s presumed the shepherd took some fleece from a sheep and placed it in the shoes to line them and make it softer. Without knowing, as he walked around the fleece was wet and pressed, creating felt" added Di Francesco.

Ms. Di Francesco looks forward to a fun-filled year of education handwork with her students.

Design Inspiration Sparked Abroad

Truax and her parents in front of the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Upper Canada College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Summertime is known for beaches, family trips and relaxation, but for many teachers like Jamie Truax, it’s the perfect time to take professional development courses. Truax, a Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) Mathematics and Design teacher, recently attended the Middle Years Programme Level 2 Training in Toronto, Canada. The training hosted over 200 attendees and was held at Upper Canada College, an all-boys boarding school.

The training led by John Sweetman, was broken up into three separate sessions over the course of two and a half days and touched upon various websites, resources, and ideas for teaching design in the Middle Years Programme. “Design can be broken into two different subject areas Tactile Design and Web Design which are both project based” Truax explained. “Sweetman provided great examples which has greatly inspired me and brought on some great ideas for design this year” she added. Truax noted how much emphasis Sweetman placed on the importance of being an IB learner and incorporating those traits into the design units. 

For many teachers like Truax, international professional development opportunities open the doors for collaboration, networking and an opportunity to take a more in-depth look at their program. Truax thanks VIMSIA for their dedication and support of their teachers. 

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.

FREE Ticket to VIMSIA's Las Vegas Night!

Black Jack, Bingo, Poker and Roulette are just some of the many attractions at Las Vegas Night, Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy's (VIMSIA) signature fundraising event and the island's most glamorous event luring crowds from all three Virgin Islands. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 7PM-2AM. Community members interested in free admission can sign-up to volunteer online. As a small token of appreciation, a FREE ticket will be given to volunteers who work either four hours before the event or two hours during the event. For more information, please email pengle@vimsia.org.

Art Extravaganza

Ms. Morrison's class had an Art Extravaganza this last Tuesday. Students spent the day working to their hearts content with soft pastels, watercolors, acrylics, calligraphy work, creating mandalas, macrame and making clay! 

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!

41st Annual Montessori Graduation

“Montessori is an education for independence, preparing not just for school but for life” - Maria Montessori  

Riddhi N. Atmaramani, Kinze Simuel Brown, Cassidy Alexis Caines, Gavin P. Johnson, Brianna Joan Jordan, Joniah J. Julien, Divina M. Kamra, Matthew Harold, Dietrich Meyer, Leah Mitzi Parker, Selena Grace Webster, Amelie Kiera Zucker

Twelve sixth year Montessori students walked the stage and graduated from Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy’s (VIMSIA) accredited Montessori Program. Graduating from one of only two available Montessori schools in the US Virgin Islands is a game-changer for these students and a life decision supported by their friends and family. VIMSIA’s graduation included remarks from keynote speaker, Brad Wilson, CEO of Brad’s Deals LLC, current parent and member of the VIMSIA board of trustees.

Montessori Director, Norma Bollinger opened the 41st annual graduation ceremony by welcoming twelve eager graduates ready to take on life and move up to VIMSIA’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program next fall. There have been over six-hundred Montessori graduates in St. Thomas since the school was established in 1964. Bollinger explained that a noted difference between a Montessori graduate and one that graduates from traditional school is their “love for learning, our children from the minute they begin in a Montessori program are motivated through intrinsic motivation.”

The ceremony included speeches from both Upper Elementary Montessori Directresses Caroline Morrison and Kate Ludick. Morrison highlighted how important the role of the teacher is stating “Dr. Maria Montessori believed that it is the role of the teacher to walk alongside you, challenging your imagination whenever possible to help you see through the obstacles in the way.” Ludick was thrilled to see such a beautiful ceremony to mark the end of another successful school year. “The children now are going into the third plane of development and becoming adolescents. It was a very positive way to end the year for them and do something special, because they gave us –the teachers- hope” said Ludick.

Successful entrepreneur Brad Wilson –also a Montessori graduate- took the opportunity to share with the graduates three things he wished he knew as a teenager, during his keynote address. “First, be aware of your life and if it’s one of inertia or activity” commented Wilson, commending the Montessori graduates for already living a life of activity by choosing a Montessori education. “Second have a practical framework for success and lastly be open to your instincts and the wisdom of your unconscious mind” stated Wilson. He stressed how “the importance of independence, curiosity and discovery will only grow in the future.”

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics there are 132,656 schools in the US (2008 numbers), 4,000 of them are Montessori Accredited schools with only two located in the US Virgin Islands.  

Mud, Dirt and Worms it's a Primary Party!

Primary students celebrated the end of a wonderful school year with a super fun party featuring delicious treats and mud cups - chocolate pudding, gummy worms and crushed Oreos! Thanks to all the parents who sent in treats!

End of Year ParTAY!

Lower Elementary students celebrated the end of another fun-filled and successful school year with a class potluck! Thanks to all the parents who contributed!

Greek Mythology

The Upper Elementary class put on a dynamic presentation on Greek Mythology featuring gods and goddesses today for the Lower Elementary Students! Under the direction of Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy Upper Elementary Teacher, Kate Ludick, students prepared facts to present, dressed up in costume displaying key signature pieces and performed a group dance with audience participation! The event concluded with questions and answers from both parents and students!

RICKY JAMES JR. to Take Part in Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum

RICKY JAMES JR. to Take Part in Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine on June 15-24, 2018

Written By: Thomas Rodgers

This summer, Ricky James Jr. from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands will join outstanding high school students from across the nation to take part in a unique academic and career oriented development experience, the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Medicine, taking place this summer on the campus of Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia.

NYLF Medicine is one of the Envision family of programs (www.envisionexperience.com) that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom.

Ricky was nominated to attend this forum by one of his teachers at the VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy. Ricky survived two catastrophic hurricanes in the Virgin Islands and was able to make a difference in his community during the recovery and rebuilding stages as he volunteered with the All Hands and Hearts Volunteer Group. This group is a non-profit organization that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters by engaging and leveraging volunteers, partner organizations, and local communities. Ricky is an avid golf player of the Mahogany Run Jr. Golf Team in the Virgin Islands, and he attends the University Bound Program. As a rising high school senior, Ricky looks forward to gaining the hands-on medical experience that this forum will provide.

“NYLF Medicine is a great opportunity for high-achieving scholars to get outside the classroom and see, through hands-on interactive learning, how to innovate and think creatively,” said Andrew Potter, the Chief Academic Officer for Envision. “These students, who have already proven themselves academically, will be challenged to work on real-world, student-created projects to bring their studies and career interests to life.” 

Since 1985, Envision programs have served more than 800,000 students in more than 145 countries, with programs designed to help students develop the leadership, scholarship and career skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive college and career landscape.

White Tie Wednesday

Today was white tie Wednesday in Ms. Jess Di Francesco's class! Take a look at how elegant and dressed-up the Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy Lower Elementary students look!

Egg Drops in Design Class

Under the direction of Middle Years Program Teacher, Jamie Truax, Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy 8th grade students had a fun afternoon conducting egg drop experiments. 

The egg drop challenge was a fun project for the last week of design class that was completed in a week. "We went through the steps of the design cycle- investigate, plan, create, and evaluate. First, the students investigated what the challenge was and looked at various websites for ideas" commented Truax. Basically the idea of the project is to create something you can put an egg inside so that when it's dropped from a tall height, the egg won't break.

Students came up with at least two ideas for a plan and began to bring in supplies. After that we created! Various teachers donated balloons, straws, bubble wrap, plastic bags, tape, etc. and some students brought supplies from home as well. The students had 45 minutes to build their protective barrier around their egg. The class went down to the stage and dropped their eggs from the top and EVERY SINGLE EGG SURVIVED! Afterwards, the students reflected on the process. 

Stop, Drop and Roll

Toddler and Primary students from Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) participated in a very dynamic fire safety demonstration carried out by Lieutenant Anthony and firefighters from Squad C of the Lima Fire Company. 

Deputy Fire Inspector, Serena E. Williams led an education session for both classes placing special emphasis on knowing your home address, how to call 9-1-1 and what to do in case your clothes catch fire.

Rookie firefighter Fredericks was kind enough to dress up in all her gear to show the students of VIMSIA what a firefighter would look like in case of an emergency. Naturally, a small percentage of the students were tentative and a bit weary of what Firefighter Fredericks looked like even thought they had seen her in regular uniform and witness her slowly put on her boots, then her pants, followed by a jacket, mask and helmet. Firefighter Fredericks was fully transformed into a scary looking beast when an air tank was added creating a frightening and rare sound. While firefighter Fredericks was dressed and giving out high-fives, Deputy Fire Inspector Williams told the kids “when you see someone dressed like this, don’t run away they are there to help you.”

"I really try to interact with them, they are really small so I expect them to be scared" commented Firefighter Fredericks, adding "I want them to realize that I'm human… it’s nice to have these interactions prior to any emergency."

A special thanks to La Casa teacher Ms. Diana Woods for setting up this special visit.

End of Year Field Trip!

For the end of the year community/science-based trip, Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) Upper Elementary teacher, Ms. Ludick, organized a fun-filled day trip to St. John. The Upper Elementary students investigated ocean life in the classroom and then were graciously able to climb aboard Stormy Pirate Boat Charters and head to St. John. "We saw two dolphins on the way at Peter Bay, swam and snorkeled with the turtles and stingrays in Maho Bay, learned some back flips, front flips, dives, and cannonballs off the boats, and ate at Pizza Pi" exclaimed Ludick. The group arrived back at school tired and happy with lots of inspiration to incorporate into individual research later on and lots of friendships celebrated. Students challenged themselves to learn new things out on the water and truly supported each other. VIMSIA would like to thank Stormy Pirates Boat Charters, Pizza Pi (both VIMSIA parent owned! We highly recommend them both!) and chaperones, Ms. Zucker, Ms. Gibbs, Ms. Butler, Coach-Nurse, Joe Slimming, and Ms. Landry.

2018 Spring Magic Showcase

The 15th annual Spring Magic showcase was held on Sunday, June 3rd featuring a wide variety of performers and talents! Under the direction of Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) Diploma Program Dance Instructor, Helen Sidiropoulos, and after such an arduous year, VIMSIA Students showcased their strength and resilience, and shined brighter than ever!

VIMSIA 2018 Athletic Banquet

More than sixty student athletes, coaching staff and administrators gathered in the Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy’s (VIMSIA) music room on Wednesday night for VIMSIA’s annual athletic awards banquet. Shane DeGannes, R.N. 
School Nurse and Athletic Director, was the master of ceremonies.

The program began with a delicious reception for the many family and friends in attendance followed by the distribution of Participation Awards. Coaches Ronald Blyden, Nalani Figueroa, Matt Stocking, John Hairston and Joe Elger presented the athletic awards each distributing a most valuable player, most improved player and hardest worker award for every team.

Next, the highly anticipated athlete of the year was announced awarding female athlete Adia Thomas and male athlete Karl Dinang. "Our athletic program has grown to a point and now we must formally recognize the great things our student athletes have accomplished” commented DeGannes. 

 VIMSIA’s athletic program continues to grow in size and importance as noted by Head of School, Michael Bornn, saying “education of the whole child is not just academic but athletics are a critical part as well and the formation of our students in the athletic arena this year was truly outstanding.” 

Girls Varsity Volleyball 

Most Valuable Player: Kobe Potter, Most Improved Player: Adia Thomas, Hardest Worker: Caroline Gaskin

Girls JV Volleyball

Most Valuable Player: Eliza Walker, Most Improved Player: Leah Smith, Hardest Worker: Vidhika Khemani

Boys Varsity Basketball

Most Valuable Player: Gregory Christian, Most Improved Player: Caleb Potter, Hardest Worker: Teon Persaud

Girls JV Basketball

Most Valuable Player: Adia Thomas, Most Improved Player: Chantel Carty, Hardest Worker: N'Jheri Matthew

Co-ed Track & Field

Most Valuable Player: Maia Tolud, Most Improved Player: Ava Jayne Parfitt, Hardest Worker: Caroline Ethen

Co-ed Varsity Soccer

Most Valuable Player: Richie Livacz, Most Improved Player: David Dawson, Hardest Worker: Ammiel Maynard

Co-ed JV Soccer 

Most Valuable Player: Aidan Griffith, Most Improved Player: Tianna Davis, Hardest Worker: Andreas Bump

Athlete of the Year

Female: Adia Thomas

Male: Karl Dinang