PGIA Across Campus

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The music ensemble readying for a live performance. Shown here are: Seyande, Asar, Dr. LeRoy Trotman, Louis Taylor, Max, Tendaji, and Kaden.

Below, hear the Volts music ensemble hyping up classmates before this weekend’s volleyball games. Just hit play!

The crocheting group was hard at work creating colorful granny squares, which they will combine to create a blanket to be donated to the elderly. These lovely people are Mae, Amorae, VeNiya, Nemiah, and Alexis.

To the campus beautification crew,

THANK YOU for your hard work and cheerful attitude, even in crazy muggy weather. Kiere, Jeremiah, Mariana, A’Mrii, Arielle, and Cadence, we appreciate you! (click for the full image)

CPR & first aid instructor Bill Jordan shows Annalise and Maceo how to check for fractured bones.

So what has SPARK been up to, you ask?

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We’ve been busy! Spark, our extended day program, has students been doing everything from gardening and cooking, to building cardboard mansions. We have planted tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and beautiful flower seeds. We are now eagerly awaiting our seeds to sprout, so be on the lookout for photos of that progress. And, we’ve spent some time in the kitchen recently, baking cookies and frying up johnny-cake—talk about yummy! I see some future chefs in the making. We are just having a blast and we are just getting started! See ya soon!

Latrica Y. Rogers
Spark Program Director

New VIMSIA Families Are "Welcomed Home"

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With the new school year comes a LOT of change for our staff and community! VIMSIA is delighted to welcome 76 new students and 64 new families for the 2022-23 year. Last Sunday, many of these folks had a great opportunity to get to know each other at the PTA’s New Family Reception, held at St. Thomas Yacht Club. Huge thanks to the PTA for organizing such a fantastic event!

Catch of the day

Mr. Maunder shows students how to bait a hook during the PTA’s New Family Reception.

Finding their way

Spanish teacher Ms. Sellars shows a sand crab to a student at the PTA’s New Family Reception.

Learning Through Movement

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“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” - William Arthur Ward

Wyatt Franz, Athletic Director, PE Teacher, Coach

I like to start off my writing with a quote, and since I’m the new kid on the block in regard to VIMSIA’s physical education program, change is a word that often comes to mind. As the instigator of change, of course I am an optimist. It’s important to look backward and forward—not to take away from what just happened—but to ultimately build on the foundation of what has taken place.

One big change is to tweak the culture of what it means to be an active participant in physical education class. Games are great and there is a lot to learn from them,  and the keyword here is ‘learn.” In this blog post by veteran PE teacher Nathan Horne, he says that playing games is essential, however, it has to be purposeful. 

Like other classes at school, physical education has its own standards to be taught (we use SHAPE America standards). It is also a part of the Middle Years Program. I encourage you to take a look at these to familiarize yourself with what is out there, and what will happen at school.

We don’t want to overwhelm our children with all of this change, so the aim is to do it piece-by-piece and embrace the idea that PE is a class where learning is taking place through movement. As parents, one part of this is to ask your child, “What did you learn in PE/Movement class?” rather than “What did you do or play?”

A great thing about the VIMSIA community is our students are naturally active. As a result, we have to make sure we are always prepared. It’s important to wear proper footwear. Crocs, sandals, and dress shoes are not acceptable for PE class. Any type of sport shoe that completely covers the foot and has proper support is fine. The older PGIA students should wear clothes they can be physically active in, and since they have PE class early in the day, it is best they wear them to school (they can change clothes at the end of class). Additionally, it is crucial everyone is properly hydrated throughout the day, not only while at PE class.

I look forward to a great year of working with our wonderful students, and getting them to their physically active best!

In his 21 years working at schools in Arizona, Myanmar, and Saudi Arabia, Wyatt has been fortunate to work with students and teachers from many different nationalities and backgrounds. He has worked as a classroom teacher, Athletics and Activities Director, sports coach, and he has spent the past 13 years teaching health and physical education to grades PreK - 12. In teaching Physical Education, Wyatt’s goal is to create create an environment where all students can thrive in moving their bodies and to inspire them to be physically active for life . He joins our VIMSIA community along with his wife, Tonia Lopez-Franz, and his children Diego (grade 5) and Paloma (grade 1). When not teaching, Wyatt enjoys traveling, cooking, playing pretty much any sport, and spending time with his family.

College Happenings this Week - by Ms. Ebe Cook

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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!

Spotlight: Teachers

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Hats off and huge hoorahs to our newest Montessori Directress graduates. Ms. Camila Serrano and Ms. Maria Burkett both started at VIMSIA as Teacher’s Assistants. Their natural abilities and loving personalities made it evident that they would each be great candidates for Montessori Training sponsorships. Over the summer they both completed their year long AMI training programs and became fully certified AMI Directresses - Ms. Serrano for Casa and Ms. Burkett for Primary.

Ms. Serrano with her work done throughout the year of training

Ms. Burkett is receiving a lesson from a classmate during their training.

Camila Serrano joined VIMSIA as part of La Casa team in 2017 working as an assistant alongside Ms. Stocking, Ms Woods and Señora. Camila began her Montessori training by first taking her course as a Montessori Assistant at the beginning of 2021. In 2021 she undertook her journey to become an Assistants to Infancy (0-3) through Montessori Stoppani AMI Training Center under the supervision of Alejandra Rosas as a trainer. She received her title as a Toddler Directress in Tijuana, Mexico in July 2022.

“It has been an incredible experience to get to know the Montessori world during these years. I hope to create a safe and loving environment for our toddlers to develop their full potential in these early years of their childhood that supports the natural and happy way for them to learn.”
— Camila Serrano

Ms. Serrano with her classmates

Ms. Maria Burkett joined VIMSIA as an Assistant with Ms. Boyle in 2018. She started the 4th Primary Classroom in 2021 as the lead guide.

Ms. Burkett with her AMI training Classmates

“I attended training in Phoenix, AZ at the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies. It was such an amazing experience. It was like a refresher of all Montessori! I’ve learned so many new techniques and also had a chance to practice and refine my own methods as a Montessori Guide. I can’t wait to share this new knowledge with my little friends in the classroom! I’m ready to sprinkle the magic! I am very grateful that I was able to attend so that I can be better at what I do for the children.”
— Maria Burkett

Montessori in Action

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Ms. Rebecca’s class is getting back into the academic swing of things. Here, her students spotlight some of the Montessori materials.

Montessori Fraction Insets: This teaches the vocabulary and concept of fractions up to tenths.

Montessori Bead Chains: Help develop children’s knowledge about numbers from the concrete to the abstract. By working with the material, children form a strong understanding of number sequencing, as they learn how to skip count by twos, threes, all the way through to tens.

There are many different math materials in the Montessori Elementary class. Here, hardworking students learn to skip count with the bead chains!

Indirectly, children are preparing to learn multiplication tables, and the Bead Cabinet provides a firm foundation as it helps to visualise numbers they will eventually consider in written format. The material is also built to engage the senses, as the beads and numbered arrows are purposely coloured to match, making it easier for children to understand the relationship between each part. The bead chains are also tactile, allowing children to use their hands to physically count the numbers, strengthening dexterity and fine motor skills.

Athletics Returning to VIMSIA and the Territory

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Our new Athletic Director, Mr. Wyatt Franz, attended the first STT/STJ IAA (Interscholastic Athletic Association) meeting for 22-23 on Wednesday. The IAA is back in full swing to coordinate Elementary through Varsity interschool sports and Mr. Franz is excited to get our athletes back on the field (court, track, water, trails…). He would like to share with you some of his philosophies on our VOLTS Athletics as we enter into what we hope to be a great return to competitive sports after out Covid shutdowns.

How does the Volts Athletics Program support students? 

After school sports and activities are one of the many ways to access a well-rounded education. We advocate for a high percentage of student participation and it is our goal to achieve this.

We will have an inclusive participation policy that allows for as many students to participate in our programs no matter their overall ability to play.

We support both teachers and students to ensure that students put academics first while also maintaining a strong commitment to their team.

There is an open-door communication policy with regard to students' needs.

We advocate for a growth mindset and allow both students and our athletics program the opportunity to become better than ever as we emerge from a tumultuous past few years.

We listen and we are open to the ideas of the students and the greater community. 

How to schedule a meeting: 

I have an open-door policy with students during school hours if I am not teaching a class (schedule is posted).

An appointment can also be scheduled via email - wfranz@vimsia.org.

I am also available before school starts between 7:30-8:00 am and after school T-F from 3:15-4:00 pm. 

Volts Wednesday was a Smashing Success!

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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.

Student Quotes

“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).”

Teacher Quotes

“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.”

Charlie Pozen Awarded Outstanding Biology Teacher for 2022

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With loads of VIMSIA enthusiasm and pride we congratulate PGIA science teacher and Science Department Head, Charlie Pozen! The National Association of Biology awarded Mr. Pozen the 2022 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. The award is given to only 4 or 5 teachers within our region, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Caribbean islands.

Every year, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) program attempts to recognize an outstanding biology educator (grades 7-12 only) in each of the 50 states; Washington, DC; Canada; Puerto Rico; and overseas territories. Candidates for this award do not have to be NABT members, but they must have at least three years of public, private, or parochial school teaching experience. A major portion of the nominee's career must have been devoted to the teaching of biology/life science, and candidates are judged on their teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, and student-teacher relationships. OBTA recipients are special guests of Carolina Biology Supply Company at the Honors Luncheon held at the NABT Professional Development Conference, receive gift certificates from Carolina Biological Supply Company, resources from other sponsors, award certificates, and complimentary one-year membership from NABT.

If you have met Mr. Pozen, or been fortunate to see him teach, you will know how well-deserved this award is.

Thanks, Charlie, for everything you do for our students and our community!

Ms. Joie Byrd competes for Ms. Veteran America - Supporting Women Veterans

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Benefit Concert for Ms. Veteran America held at VIMSIA last week

Ms. Veteran America is a movement encouraging women veterans to uplift each other and find their tribe. All profits from the Ms. Veteran competition go directly to Final Salute Inc. -- a non profit organization which provides safe and suitable housing for homeless women veterans and their children. Women veterans are currently the fastest growing homeless population in America. Over half of homeless women veterans are also single mothers. 

"I am competing for the title of Ms. Veteran America because I hope to become the national ambassador for Final Salute Inc. As a veteran myself, I was shocked to learn of the tens of thousands of women veterans experiencing homelessness. I will strive to be a voice and an advocate for these individuals" 

Since the start of her campaign in July, Ms. Byrd has raised $3,290 (sponsoring 131 days of transitional housing) through online and in-person fundraisers. If you would like to donate to help reach her $5,000 goal, follow this link or contact Ms. Byrd directly at jbyrd@vimsia.org.

Library Open For Families!

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I was so excited to welcome families back to the library at our Parent Night!   I invite you to park at pick-up time and bring your children to the Montessori Library.  You can read together and choose books to enjoy at home. This is especially a great opportunity for younger children (toddlers and half-day Primary) who do not have a scheduled library time with their classes. All are welcome.  The library is open until 4:00pm. 

Happy Reading,

Ms. Schlesinger (librarian@vimsia.org)

Spotlight Staff - Learning Support

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We are so proud of our VIMSIA staff. We have 19 new hires this year, and it’s a great group! Please take a moment to check out all of our staff’s bios on the school website.

Each week, we will try to highlight at least one staff member for our blog and our Volt weekly newsletter. This week we would like to focus on our Learning and Emotional Support Team, Ms. Amy Bennett, Ms. Caroline Forbes and Ms. Emily Rowe.

Please click on the images below for a narrative of the support available from each of these staff members.

Ms. Amy Bennett, M.S. Ed - PGIA Learning Support Specialist

Ms. Caroline Forbes - Montessori Learning Support Specialist

Ms. Emily Rowe, MA, NCC - VIMSIA Emotional Support Counselor

VIMSIA Students Complete a New Mural on Campus to Celebrate Caribbean Life

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VIMSIA students collaborated with visual artist Gerard Pefung to complete a mural on campus.

Pefung is a Cameroonian-born, Brooklyn-based visual artist who showcases original art and ideas inspired by the history of hip hop and the rich culture of Africa. VIMSIA approached Pefung while he was creating another mural on island. Visual Art teacher Sarah Cornette, with the support of VIMSIA, invited him to work with the 11th-grade students to develop a mural highlighting Virgin Islands culture.  Students Sy Sebastian, Yashamay David, and James Walgenwitt worked extensively with Cornette and Pefung to create symbols of their personal history and Caribbean traditions.

The entire 11th-grade class created drawings for the project, which were then folded into the final image; from cruise ships to fish to the VI flag, the wall bursts with vibrant color and movement.  

 "The design phase was my favorite. It allowed us to share our ideas and collaborate with each other to make one cohesive piece. In this phase, we got to learn more about one another and what parts of our culture were most significant. In the end, we got to incorporate something important that represented us, and I chose a Moko Jumbie," says Sebastian.

Walgenwitt says, "I hope when a person comes across the mural, it's inviting to everyone and helps convey all the great parts of the islands and our culture." 

The students also wanted to include their pressing environmental concerns, represented by a plastic bag and bottle on the seafloor. The mural's location is significant to the project, as it is right in the heart of VIMSIA's campus.  Everyone and anyone who walked by was invited to participate in the painting, including elementary students and staff members.  

"The more people who have a hand in creating the mural, the more joy our whole community will receive from it," remarked Cornette, who has led community-created murals worldwide.

So many details to notice!

VIMSIA Celebrates 8th Annual Signing Day

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On Monday afternoon, VIMSIA celebrated their 25 seniors in the Peter Gruber International Academy and the paths they are taking after high school. Collectively, the members of the Class of 2022 represent acceptances to over 100 colleges and universities and have received almost 5 Million in merit scholarships. 

This was the 8th annual VIMSIA Senior Signing Day event, which is modeled off of the national event - College Signing Day, first held on May 1st, 2015, as a part of the former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative to “inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university.”

The ceremony included three guest presentations for scholarships and awards. Romaine Carter presented an award of $2500 to Vidhika Khemani on behalf of the local St. Thomas Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. On behalf of WAPA, Tracie Wells presented Amir Ottley with the $60,000 VI Water and Power Authority Alva C. McFarlane Scholarship. Sgt Contavious Miles honored Bianca Cambell’s enlistment into the US Army.  She also received recognition and awards from the US Army, US Navy, and US Air Force at the event. 

All Students were welcomed onto the stage individually with their families to sign certificates demonstrating their commitments. The class of 2022 will be heading off to Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Bradley University, Denison University, Duquesne University, Florida Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Hofstra University, Howard University, Kent State University, Morgan State University, Nova Southeastern University, Orange Coast College, Penn State University, Pepperdine University, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, Santa Barbara City College, Spelman College, The United States Army, University of Central Florida, University of San Diego, University of the Virgin Islands, and Western University (Ontario, Canada) 

Link to the Facebook album with photos of the event!

Ms. Judi Shimel of the St. Croix Source covered the event as well!

In Memory of Ghislaine Vigilant

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The VIMSIA Community would like to honor Ms. Vigilant who passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022. Ms. Vigilant was an Assistant Teacher in the Lower Elementary program with Ms. DiFrancesco during the 2021/2022 school year. In a small period of time, Ms. Vigilante worked her way into our hearts with her kindness, selflessness, and caring nature. She will be missed and we wish her family blessings and condolences.