As you are in the mode of changing life styles please consider the attached article.
Stay Healthy! Michael Bornn, Head of School
29 things you can do for a lower carbon footprint that will hardly change your day
Climate change is real, and there are ways to mitigate it. Here's what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint without changing your whole life.
Students in Pre-DP and DP dance classes put on a energizing Dance Showcase to display the dances and in some cases props and costumes they have been working on all semester. The entire VIMSIA community came together on Friday March 13th, to support their fellow classmates and students. After the show one staff member said that, “All the performances were amazing and they became more incredible with each age level. It was truly inspirational and showed us all how life is a celebration regardless of circumstances.” The entire audience was absolutely delighted and wowed by what they saw on stage.
A recording of the performance can be found here!
And we invite you to be wowed as well.
9th and 10th Graders perform the Salsa to - Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony
Diploma Programme dancers perform the Greek Karagauna
image from DC Library/flickr
For help taming the firehose of resources out there, Ms. Schlesinger is continually adding and updating collections of favorite websites and activities through our library. There are selections for kids browsing, and for parents looking for resources to use at home. Warning: you may lose track of time if you start exploring Virtual Museums & Field Trips!
Virgin Islands Student Art exhibition that was supposed to be held at the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts has this week has moved online. VIMSIA students Sofia Kappel, Zia Gibbs, and Deja Marie Simon both have art on display.
Please take a few minutes to browse the online gallery, and show your support for these creative children. Find it in the Facebook group: Youth Art Month VI Student Online Gallery 2020
This week we are sharing information on Biocidin. Biocidin is potent broad-spectrum botanical that has been thoroughly researched and documented in regards to it's antimicrobial benefits, as well as the support it offers in the face of viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic challenges.
Biocidin was developed in 1987 to assist physicians in addressing opportunistic infections. In a laboratory setting, Biocidin was tested against pathogenic organisms and found it was "the most powerful inhibitor of pathogenic organisms" that the lab (Genova Labs) had tested, and it was "equal or more effective than traditional therapies". Physicians and practitioners across the country began reporting in with outstanding clinical results that have continued for over 30 years. (Shared from Biocidin's facebook page)
Biocidin is a combination of a number of a different herbs sourced from the United States and Europe. The quality of the herbs as well as the ratio used in the formula are what makes this product work so well and powerfully.
Bilberry extract (25% anthocyanosides), Noni, Milk Thistle, Echinacea (purpurea & angustifolia), Goldenseal, Shiitake, White Willow (bark), Garlic, Grapeseed extract (min. 90% polyphenols), Black Walnut (hull and leaf), Raspberry, Fumitory, Gentian, Tea Tree oil, Galbanum oil, Lavender oil (plant & flower), Oregano oil (plant & flower).
Other Ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Alcohol Less than 5% (potato and or cane source). Product contains no allergens such as milk, eggs, yeast, corn, soy or wheat. Free of any synthetic ingredients, colors, additives or excipients. No animal testing. 100% vegetarian/vegan formula. Certified Organic or wild-crafted sources used whenever possible.
Read more on the VIMSIA PTA Facebook group to learn more about Biocidin.
Further sources of information:
The “Green Body & Home” blog posts are brought to you by the PTA. They provide general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
Since Monday, the entire VIMSIA staff has been hard at work preparing for March 30th.
We have been discovering and mastering new technologies, such as ZOOM and Google Classrooms. We have also been completing some important projects in our physical classrooms.
ZOOM meeting with PGIA Staff courtesy of Samantha Kaffenbarger
This week VIMSIA students in the 7th through 12th Grades began using the ZOOM video conferencing platform to connect with their peers and teachers.
Ms. Jessica Di Francesco is practicing her ZOOM skills.
We also have been sanitizing and organizing all spaces on campus! Ms. Gribble took this opportunity to tackle the storage space under Ms. Summer Classroom and give it a overhaul with Ms. Duncan.
Most importantly while we are working we have been practicing social distancing.
Last week we introduced the benefits of Vitamin C. Hopefully, you have all added more to your daily regimen for yourself and your children. This week we'd like to highlight another crucial vitamin for you that actually is more of a hormone than originally realized but very crucial for our overall health and well-being. From our immune system to our mental state and skeletal strength. Vitamin D is an often ignored star of the show.
Vitamin D: Since we are all spending more time indoors as we practice social distancing we have to be even more mindful of our Vitamin D levels. If you can find some time to get out and grab some sunshine please do! There is a free app available on most phones called Dminder. You can use it to track the approximate amount of Vitamin D you are getting when you are outside based on your skin tone, location and how much clothing you are wearing. This is very useful to find that delicate balance between beneficial sunlight and sun damage. You can also get Vitamin D from multiple food sources such as fatty fish, mushrooms and eggs to name a few.
Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to cut the risk of infection with respiratory illnesses by 50% in people that were vitamin D deficient and by 10% in people with normal vitamin D levels.
According to the endocrine society, blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D below 20ng/ml are considered deficient, less than 30ng/ml is inadequate. People with levels between 30-60ng/ml are considered adequate. Meta-analyses have shown that people with serum levels between 40-60ng/ml have the lowest all-cause mortality. Studies have also shown that supplementation with 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day can raise serum levels by ~5 ng/ml.
If you are part of our older population or caring for someone please be aware that a 70-year-old may be up to 75% less efficient at producing vitamin D than they did in their 20's
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738984/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4971338/
Read more on the VIMSIA PTA Facebook group to learn more about Vitamin D.
The “Green Body & Home” blog posts are brought to you by the PTA. They provide general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
Nurse DeGannes’ highlights from the Governor's conference on March 19, 2020.
Per D.O.H. Assistant Commissioner Dr. Nicole Simms regarding behavioral and mental health:
Do stay in the moment. Stay in the moment within your workplace and families. Stay in the moment within your general health of mind, body, soul, and spirit. Try not to think 3-6 months out with negative thoughts and endings.
Although children and teens are more resistant to COVID-19 physically, they are more at risk to be affected mentally and emotionally. Allow your Primary-Upper Elementary students share their work with you and have age appropriate discussions about COVID-19 with them. Identify any changes in behavior in your teens such as decrease in appetite, lashing out, secluding themselves or crying.
REMEMBER THE 3 R'S
Reassurance is everyone's safety in the home. Children react to parents' emotions.
If you panic, they panic. If you cry, they will cry. If you’re calm, educated and confident, the children will follow your lead.
Maintain a Routine in the home. See VIMSIA's Distance Learning Handbook for references. Introduction to new things will break the monotony of the news and social media.
Regulation for an individual that's under stress can come out physically or emotionally. If you see red flags, provide support.
Lifeline hotline to assist persons struggling with behavioral or mental issues or concern 1-800-985-5990
In these unusual times we are showcasing the online resources of our library. A 21st century library has much more than books, and here you will find links to vetted materials of all kinds. Check out our new collection of Fun Stuff to Explore and Do at Home, which will be continually updated. Ms. Schlesinger will be sending out new Open eBooks login codes for all students (old codes from previous years still work). Meanwhile, lots of free ebooks are available through other sites. If you lose track of these links you can always find your way to the library through the VIMSIA website.
“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” – Mason Cooley
Adia Thomas, PGIA Class of 2021
VIMSIA’s own Adia Thomas is competing in the 2020 Territorial Poetry Out Loud Competition! This is Adia's second year in a row representing VIMSIA at this event. She is one of twelve students from high schools across St. Thomas and St. Croix who will recite a variety of poetry. Adia will compete when the event is rescheduled.
Please send her your support and well wishes!
This week PGIA students in the Anthroplogical Cuisine enrichment class explored foods from Ukraine and Russia.
This class introduces the discipline of anthropology, basic methods of ethnography and some practical cooking. We will investigate how the process of gathering, preparation and consumption of food related to certain environments and societies. In other words, how from a pure physiological-biological process, food preparation and consumption becomes a social process. Students will discover an important role food use to play and continues to play in key historical events, settings of national boundaries, and influence of power within a society, as well as, between different societies. Students take a look at the food of different nations to understand how humans evolved and cultures emerged.
The Importance of Building Immunity
The Coronavirus has been creating a lot of fear in people across the globe. Obviously health practices such as washing hands and being mindful of being around others who are symptomatic are helpful, however we cannot forget about our biggest ally in keeping ourselves and our children well... our Immune System. Each week this month we will share some supplements that we consider essential nutrition for our immune system to function well.
Vitamin C: This week's spotlight is on Vitamin C, which plays a critical role in our immune system. Although you may have used this many times in the past, studies show that much higher doses of vitamin C than initially thought are where the positive changes happen for our immunity. I personally recommend 500-1,000 mg every 1-3 days for prevention in children and adults (in children you can split the dose into two doses/day, so 500mg am, 500mg pm. For active immune compromises you can does up to 6,000mg per day for adults, or 4,000mg per day for children. The biggest side effect is loose stool, at which point you would want to cut back or split up the doses more.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409678/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10543583
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23700397
Read more on the VIMSIA PTA Facebook group to learn more about Vitamin C.
The “Green Body & Home” blog posts are brought to you by the PTA. They provide general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
The 7th grade had an absolute blast on Friday racing the boats they created in Design class at Secret Harbor.
All of the 7th graders worked very hard on this project, the group worked together and provided encouragement to one another, and lots of smiles.
Students were commended by the wait staff at Sunset Grille as well as other beach goers on how well they behaved!
Anthropological Cuisine is a PGIA Enrichment Class taught by parent, Tetyana Hayes.
Students explored tastes from the most remote and isolated continent with unique flora and fauna. They cooked Aussie Meat Pie, crab cakes, salad, and Lamington cake.
Calling all Performers!!
Last chance to sign up for the Children's Carnival Parade! Our theme is Bright, Bold and Sustainable. Miss Maia Aqui will be choreographing. Rehearsals will be March 11 from 2:30-3:10 then every Wednesday in April. Also Saturday April 25. There may be added rehearsals the week of the event. The Children’s Parade is Friday, May 1. Please fill out the form below, which has information including rehearsal schedule. There is a fee to participate, please contact us if you need assistance.
We'd love to have a great turn out and have fun! Please email VIMSIACarnival@gmail.com with any questions.
On Tuesday our MMUN Delegates were treated to sunny skies with highs of 56 °F and lows of 50°F in the Big Apple. Our students toured the UN from top to bottom and visited the UN General Assembly Hall.
They ended the evening looking snazzy on Broadway and watching The Lion King.
Our solar panels not only provide power to our whole campus, they also power our fleet of solar (electric) cars. VIMSIA currently leases out 5 cars out to staff members. They charge the cars on campus at no additional cost using the energy generated by our 212 KW solar system, making these cars not only electric but solar powered!
The 6th year students of the Upper Elementary headed off to New York City today to participate in the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN). This year our students represent, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, and Italy. Stay tuned for more updates from NYC!
The MSA Self-Study process outlines twelve standards that a school uses to self-evaluate and plan for improvement. All the faculty as well as some board members have divided into Standards Committees, groups that meet to gather data on each standard and discuss ways we can improve. This week, the Information Resources Standards Committee reached out to students in the PGIA and Upper Elementary for their input. Topics included concerns with print resources, how students are currently using digital resources, and what they would like to see for digital resources in future. Students were given the opportunity to describe their dream library, and even asked to draw a picture of what it might look like. Stay tuned for these pictures as well as what the PGIA students had to say. Please contact Gloria Arpasi or Jess Di Francesco if you want to become involved in the process.
Drumming and chants of “Ashe, Ashe” filled the solar awning Wednesday afternoon as the Echo People returned to VIMSIA in a long standing tradition of sharing VI Culture with our students during Black History Month. It was a feast for the senses. Students answered questions about our national flora and fauna, smelled bay leaves and learned to dance Bamboula.
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
