VIMSIA Sailors Compete in Stateside Regattas

Our sailing teams continue to hit the waters hard! Last weekend, Aurora Rodriguez came away with a top-10 finishes in her division during the 2022 Howler Regatta, held by the Coconut Grove Sailing Club in Miami. Santiago Brunt finished 18th out of 25. Mariana Brunt finished 36th in the Opti Championship class with 78 points. She also came in sixth place in the second race, and had another top-10 finish.

The previous weekend at a one-day regatta in Jensen Beach, Florida, the Volts A team of Aurora Rodriguez, Amelie Zucker and Miles Broome finished 19th in its division with 92 points, with a best finish in 17th in five starts. The B team of Zia Zucker and Ella Crew finished 15th in its division with 68 points, with a best finish of 11th in five races.

Additionally, on October 15 and 16, four members of the sailing team (Jackson Auchincloss, Santiago Brunt, Sofie Kappel, and Ellis Wisehart) traveled to Lake Norman, North Carolina for the South Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association (SAISA) regatta. The event, VIMSIA’s first team competition, consisted of 15 teams from several surrounding states. Our team came in 9th! They were supported by coach Robert Hunter, a recent sailor at Boston College and national champion.

Fantastic work, teams!

Volts Volleyball Corner!

Hey Volts community! Volleyball season is winding down, but not without celebrating our team's success. This week, the varsity boys beat All-Saints 3-0, and the girls scored a big win against our chief rival, Antilles, 3-1. This Friday and Saturday are big days as both our boys and girls varsity teams are in action at the MCM center. Our middle school girls team will also be playing All-Saints on Saturday for a place in the playoffs. Come on out and support our Volts teams this weekend!

As volleyball season is ending, this means we are getting started with basketball and track and field. Please be posted regarding the practice schedule. I have been hearing from parents about the desire to field teams for our elementary school students. This is entirely possible, but not without your help. If you know of anyone who can help out on a volunteer basis to coach track and field or basketball for our fourth and fifth graders, please contact me - wfranz@vimsia.org. We can do this, but we need coaches!

Wyatt Franz
Physical Health Education, Athletic Director

Upcoming IAA sports schedule

Friday, November 4
VG v Gifft Hill (4pm)
VB v CAHS (5:15pm)
@MCM Center

Saturday, November 5
MSG v All Saints (9 am)
VB v SP&P (11:15 am)
VG v Kean (2 pm)
@MCM Center

Monday, November 7
VB v Kean (4pm)
MSG v tbd (if they win on Saturday)
@MCM Center

Thursday, November 10
VG v CAHS (5:15 pm)
@MCM Center

Teacher Joie Byrd Comes Home as the New “Ms. Veteran America”

Joie Byrd is crowned as the new Ms. Veteran America at the national competition last weekend.

A huge congratulations and Volts love goes out to our music teacher Ms. Joie Byrd, who returned after winning the national Ms. Veteran America competition in Orlando! Our entire community could not be prouder (as you’ll see in the video below).

Ms. Byrd, who leads VIMSIA’s Music Program, is a Staff Sergeant in the VI National Guard. As the winner, she becomes the official spokesperson for Final Salute, Inc., a nonprofit providing safe and suitable housing and resources to women veterans experiencing homelessness. Women veterans make up the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population.

“Lifting up these fellow veterans who have fallen on hard times really appealed to me,” says Ms. Byrd. “Plus, I was initially attracted to the idea of finding a larger network and community of women in the military. I was very positively influenced by a wonderful senior NCO (non-commisioned officer) in my former unit, and wanted to surround myself with more people like her. Once I learned of the greater mission of Ms. Veteran America, I was even more interested in participating.

She sees overlap between the values and characteristics needed to teach, and those being sought after in the competition.

“As ‘Ms. Byrd,’ I am teaching students critical thinking, problem solving, and empathy through the lens of music. As Ms. Veteran America, I utilize these same skills through the lens of advocacy. One of the main similarities is that as a teacher, you must meet students where they are and lead them forward. The advocacy work is similar, because you meet people who have varying understandings of the homelessness crisis.”

Ms. Byrd with VIMSIA staff and students at a benefit concert in August to raise funds for Final Salute, Inc.

Given her military experience, the mission of Final Salute, Inc. resonates deeply with Ms. Byrd.

”It’s important to me because I am a woman veteran myself, yet I was entirely unaware of the shockingly high numbers of other women veterans experiencing homelessness. I was surprised to learn that so few organizations cater to the specific needs of homeless female veterans. For one, many shelters flat out don't accept women. Others don't accept women who have children with them. This is particularly problematic knowing that about 70% of women veterans are also single mothers. Getting the word out about Final Salute Inc. is so important so that we can give women veterans a hand up to help them out of a hard situation.”

For the lengthy application process and road to her victory, Ms. Byrd says that it was strategic at every step.

“At first, I didn't understand why Ms. Veteran America was labeled as a competition and not as a pageant. However, after joining several months ago, it became instantly clear. This whole process from the application at the beginning of the year, to semi-finals in June, to finals last weekend, has been a job interview. Sure, we wore formal wear on a stage to assess our poise under pressure. Yes, we performed a talen to assess our willingness to step out of our comfort zones. Each step was crafted to assess our skills and select the best ambassador for Final Salute Inc.”

“The organizers did an amazing job of making this weekend fun and memorable. The first day was the most high-pressure as we completed our final interview and we're judged on our talent. After that, we had a wonderful "ladies night" where we were able to dance with new friends and relax after the stress of the morning. During our moments of down time, our cohort was able to swap stories and learn more about one another.”

As part of the application process, Ms. Byrd raised $4,070—which will provide 162 nights of transitional housing for homeless women veterans and their children. Now, she plans to spend the next year balancing travel and advocacy as the Final Salute ambassador with her military and school responsibilities.

“"People can support by spreading the word, donating their time, services, and skills, or making a tax-deductible donation directly to Final Salute Inc. Also, I will be hosting events on the island to raise awareness and funds (details to come).”

We love you, Ms. Byrd! Below, see the heartwarming celebration that the student body gave Ms. Bryd upon her return.

Dress Up for Halloween Spirit Week

Halloween doesn’t end this weekend! Next week is the Student Council’s "Halloween Spirit Week”. Starting Monday and ending Thursday, PGIA students are encouraged to dress up and have some fun in line with the daily theme! Here’s what we’ve got planned.

Monday: Costume Day
Wear your Halloween costume to school—spooky, funny, whatever! THERE WILL BE PRIZES. We'll have a costume competition at lunch for scariest, most creative, funniest, and best overall costume.

Tuesday: Someone You Admire
Dress up like a specific person you admire! Teachers, artists, athletes, or anyone you just really like.

Wednesday: Adam Sandler Day
Dress as comfy and as wacky Adam Sandler does when he's walking around! Here’s a little inspiration.

Thursday: White Lies Day
That’s right, here’s your chance to get away with a funny white lie—on a shirt! Like these:

Keep in mind that all costumes must be in dress code, and everything worn must be kind to yourself and others. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Maia Tolud, Student Council President

Music Teacher Ms. Byrd Advances to National "Ms. Veteran America" PAGEANT

This week we’re celebrating music teacher Ms. Joie Byrd, who is traveling to Orlando to compete in the final competition to be named “Ms. Veteran America,” as part of a larger effort to provide housing and resources to women veterans experiencing homelessness.

Ms. Byrd, who leads VIMSIA’s robust Music Program, is a member of the National Guard and formerly a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. You can read a full interview with her in the St. Thomas Source.

Joie Byrd

Montessori Music and MYP Arts-Music

“The funds raised from this event all go toward providing resources for homeless women veterans,” says Ms. Byrd. “Lifting up these fellow veterans who have fallen on hard times really appealed to me and got me interested in competing.”

Ms. Veteran America 2022 will be held this Sunday, October 30.

“I have never competed in an event like this, and it is far from my comfort zone, which makes it very exciting,” she says. “I keep coming back to the fact that every dollar raised makes a difference and every conversation educating people on the issue of homelessness among women veterans truly does matter.”

All proceeds benefit Final Salute, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit providing safe and suitable housing to homeless women veterans and their children. To support Ms. Byrd, you can either donate directly on their website or tickets are still available to attend virtually.

Go, Ms. Byrd!!! We’ll be watching and rooting for you!

Spreading the Word on Clean Energy

This past weekend, the UVI Green Technology Center and Department of Education hosted the first of two Energy Fairs this month on the UVI Campus. VIMSIA was well represented on many fronts, with Mr. Bornn and Lindsay Barr, Senior PGIA Student, staffing a booth that highlighted the sustainability efforts that have been developed on VIMSIA’s campus over the past 15 years.

PGIA Senior Lindsay Barr with Michael and David Bornn at the UVI Energy Fair.

“Helping at the fair and teaching other people actually taught me more about VIMSIA than I had ever known before,” says Lindsay. “There are so many things going on beneath the surface of our school that I haven’t even thought about.”

View our sustainability presentation below:

UVI Energy Fair October 2022 - VIMSIA Presentation

The event was organized by Ms. Ariel Stolz, Research Scientist at UVI Caribbean Green Technology Center. Ariel is a VIMSIA alumna from the Class of 2013, and in just the second class of IB graduates from VIMSIA—she’s truly one of our pioneer students for the IB program!

Ariel went on to Brown University for her Engineering degree, and then Carnegie Mellon University for her Masters in Energy Science Technology and Policy. We couldn’t be more proud of her. Shout-out to women in science! Go Ariel!

The next Energy Fair will be held on October 30th.

Students Show Off Cyber Skills in National Competition

Last week, two PGIA high school CyberPatriot teams competed in Round 1 of the annual defensive cybersecurity competition. CyberPatriot allows students hands-on practice in marketable, real-world cyber defense skills. They perform tasks that professionals use to secure computer and network systems. Over 5,000 teams are registered for this competition, including teams in every state and overseas. PGIA was the ONLY school in the Virgin Islands to compete in Round 1 and our Team A landed in the top 50% of teams!

"I choose to participate in CyberPatriot to further my understanding of the lack of security that the Internet has brought us,” says Alexis Harris, Co-Captain. “I appreciated trying to do my best and participate on the team even though I might lack in certain areas. My partner and I scored 55 points on our virtual computer and we really contributed to our group's success. That feels good!”

The competition window lasts 6 hours and there is no way to know or prepare in advance for everything. (Special kudos to Zia, who unlocked some important skills on the Ubuntu Linux operating system in the middle of the competition!)

High School CyberPatriot Team Members:
Grade 11: Amelie(Team Captain), Ella Popple, Divina
Grade 10: Ella Crew, Dallas
Grade 9: Maceo, Alexis, Micah, Zia, Lyle, Mariana (Zia and Alexis Team Co-Captains)

Thank you to Technical Mentor Dr. Marc Boumedine of UVI, who was present during the entire round to help solve any technical hurdles and make sure all the competition software functioned properly.

We are still recruiting Middle School students to compete in Round 2! Interested students can reach out to Mrs. Hoffart at rhoffart@students.vimsia.org or come to our practices after school on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30.

CyberPatriots

on display

Over 5,000 teams are registered for this competition, including teams in every state and overseas.

Know your official VOLTS cheers?

Sports season is in full swing and the only question now is, are YOU ready to support our teams? We’ve made it easy for families to learn and practice cheers, and show the Volts some love when you attend games. Here are the 9th graders to get you started:

Below are the words and rhythm for cheers that students created (and we’re always looking for more ideas) Click the title to see a video of each—and then give it a shot!

Official Volts Cheers

1. “Ace Ace Baby” - Ace Ace Baby, duh-duh-na-na duh-na-na-na (repeat)

   1. In volleyball, when our team serves the ball and the other team fails to return it, it is called an “ace”.

2. “Our Team is the Best” - V-O-LTS our team is the (stomp-stomp) best! (repeat)

3. “We’re Gonna Win this Game” - V-O-L-TS, we’re gonna win this game! (repeat)

   1. The V-O-L-TS should be spelled out with hand motions

4. “1-2-3-4” - 1-2-3-4 get ready we will score! 5-6-7-8 take your shot ‘cause we are great! (repeat)

5. That’s Volts! - V-O-LTS that’s Volts, Volts! (repeat)

This weekend’s volleyball tournament at Antilles school is the perfect chance to put these into action. Come out on Friday and and Saturday to support our Varsity boys and girls at annual Antilles Varsity Volleyball Tournament. Here is the schedule. Wear blue and white, bring signs, and get ready to make some noise!

That Volts love

Ms. Bump, Ms. Ebe Cook, and Ms. Schlesinger brought the school spirit to a recent volleyball match!

PGIA Students Return from Transformational Trip to Denmark

“An experience that I'll never forget or take for granted” - Sy Sebastian, Grade 12

Welcome back! Five VIMSIA students have just returned from Denmark, where they had a special opportunity to connect with fellow Danish students and learn about the country’s role in shaping Virgin Islands history.

The exchange centered on understanding, remembering, and learning about Virgin Islands culture and history and the shared, and troubled legacy of Denmark's colonial role in shaping nearly 300 years of Virgin Islands history.

Students who attended the trip are Christine Rowe (grade 11), Dallas Broomes (grade 10), Andy Bornn (grade 10), Miles Broomes (grade 10), and Sy Sebastian (grade 12). 

The students not only developed new understandings of both VI and Danish culture and history, but also of themselves and their own connection to the world and the sense of the other. For a taste of the experience, check out the video collage above!

"My family has roots in the Virgin Islands prior to Transfer Day, so I was already interested in our history with Denmark,” says Andy Bornn. "After this experience, it's more clear than ever how important the past is. But, we also have to focus on the future and pave a path for future generations."

Our partners at Gefion, Kristian and Bertha, and all the participating Danish students greet VIMSIA students at the airport upon arrival in Copenhagen.

After leaving Dyrparkhaven, students took a short tour of the nearby town exploring Danish functional design ideas at work in architecture. Students learned about the famous Danish architect, Arne Jacobsen, and his principles of design. Students then took a walk to the seashore, looking out from the light (also designed by Jacobsen) into the North Sea.

Students spent time with fellow Danish students, as well as scholars, curators, archivists, documentarians, and visual artists, learning about the shared history between the VI and Denmark. The exchange is VIMSIA’s first major study abroad program since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

"This experience provided me with a valuable international view on education, and really gave me something to compare my past and present experiences with,” says Dallas Broomes.

"This trip was really fun and incredibly beneficial. We learned a lot about the history between Denmark and the USVI while also experiencing a different country. Plus, I was able to make some wonderful new friends. I truly enjoyed my time there,” added Christine Rowe.

"The experience that I had in Denmark is one that I'll never forget or take for granted,” says Sy Sebastian. “It provided me with insight into a culture and lifestyle so similar but different from my own. I can't wait for the Danish students to have a similar experience in the VI."

VIMSIA students attended their first day of class at Gefion. Their first class was a visual arts class, and the second, pictured here, is a social science course. Students debated how societies should remember and deal with their colonial legacies through a series of prompts organized by their teacher and our partner at Gefion, Kristian Iversen.

After a morning of intense discussion with documentarian and visual artist Helle Stenum, Gefion and VIMSIA students visited an open air museum north of Copenhagen. There, students explored aspects of traditional Danish rural and peasant life in previous centuries, understanding the conditions that people lived in and the basic aspects of what day to day life would have been like.

After a long morning of deep, thoughtful debate and discussion, VIMSIA students spent a bit of time in Klampenborg, the site of an ancient medieval market, now a destination for modern Danes to take a break from Copenhagen and commune with nature. Students ended the visit to the park with a traditional carriage ride through the wooded trails of the park, seeing different sites.

Ghanian artist Bright Bimpong created four "Freedom" statues in 1998, representing one of the most important moments in Virgin Islands history, the emancipation of the enslaved in 1848. Each island was gifted a statute, and one was sent to Copenhagen in 2017 as part of the Transfer Day celebrations. Students visited the statue in Copenhagen, to learn more about this seminal event, and to pay their respect and honor the sacrifices of Virgin Islanders that came before them, a fought and sacrificed for their rights and freedom as human beings.

Sail Away! Sophomore Ella Crew Places Second in VI Regatta

Massive congratulations to VIMSIA sophomore Ella Crew on placing second overall in the VI-Puerto Rico Friendship Day regatta, along with teammate Colton Coffelt of Antilles school, after competing in 15 races over two days. Below, check out photos from the races.

This weekend the sailing team will attend the first off-island regatta in their history, sailing at Lake Norman in the Carolinas. Attending the race is Jackson Auchincloss, Ellis Wisehart, Sofie Kappel, and Santi Brunt. And next weekend Ella Crew, Aurora, Zia, Amelie and Miles Broom are headed to Jensen Beach, Florida for another regatta.

For more, check out this short video by Eric Zucker, featuring gorgeous imagery of the teams at sea:

Ella Crew and sailing partner Colton Coffelt celebrating their victory!

Support our sailing team!

Donate to send them to more regattas at vimsia.org/sailing

Lieutenant Governor Roach presented trophies to ELLA and COLTON at the awards ceremony.

Montessori Parents Uncover the Mystery

Montessori Parent Orientation has not taken place in person in 2 years at VIMSIA, and the night was a magical return. Parents and teachers alike felt overwhelming pride and excitement over our Montessori program. Teachers shared anecdotes and explained how we teach independence, self control, and conflict resolution through our daily routines.

Parents also had a chance to see and understand materials around the room and the work of the students. The mystery of what your children do all day was uncovered! If you were unable to attend, we invite you to reach out to our teacher. They are more than willing to catch you up and encourage you to ask. Keep an eye out for upcoming Montessori Parent Education and Classroom Observations sign-ups. This year is one about being together and learning together.

Stay tuned for more!

Ms. Boyle sharing the daily routine (Primary)

Ms. Lopez, Ms. Sandy, and Ms. Fisher speaking on supporting Independence in the classroom and at home (Grade 4/5)

Ms. Bolinger previewing language materials in the Montessori classroom and the purpose behind learning cursive (Primary)

Señor Araujo leading Elementary children through red light green light during Parent night childcare

Ms. Burkett orienting parents to the Prepared Environment (Primary)

Mr. Ben classroom previewing the children work (Lower Elementary)

Ms. Lemar discussing their weekly Class Council on Fridays (Lower Elementary)

Dog Days

VIMSIA recently students took on puppy-washing, clothes organizing, and much more at the Humane Society Paws to Care Thrift Store. Each week, fifteen students volunteer in the afternoon, rotating between different departments. Jobs include: Vet Tech Assistant/Receptionist Assistant, Cat house, puppy-washing, thrift store, and dog walking and playing.

“Many of our dogs don’t know how to be dogs,” says Amie Mayes, lead volunteer. “They are born on the streets or in bushes or the beach and come to us so afraid. The girls helped give Harvey and Hazel a bath and we played with them on the playground. Our goal is to make them more like puppies so that can become adoptable.”

What happens on Volts Wednesdays?

Each Wednesday, students and staff both get a chance to focus on learning new skills during Student Life Blocks and the Volts assemblies. Left to right: Students developing new school spirit chant, learning about the college admissions process, practicing jazz at the student music ensemble, and below, VIMSIA staff discusses Universal Development Learning (UDL) principles.

Volts Volleyball Recap

Hey Volts family, our 2022-23 athletics season has begun! We kicked things off with our Varsity boys and girls volleyball teams playing their first matches last Friday at the Antilles School MCM center.

The boys played first and they ended up winning against Gifft Hill 3-0. It was a great effort by everyone and a solid boost of confidence to begin the season. The highlight of the day was the Varsity girls’ match against our neighbor school IEKHS. It was a back-and-forth affair, with Kean winning the first and third sets, and the Lady Volts winning the second and fourth sets, sending the game to the decisive fifth set. Neither team wanted to lose, yet our girls didn’t give up—winning the set, 15-13! We had amazing support from families, students, and staff as they cheered with signs, foam volts, and chants including “We will, we will, shock you!!!”

Without much rest, all teams played again at the MCM center the next day, Saturday. This time our girls' Middle School team had their inaugural match against Antilles. They lost the first set, and then fought hard in the second set only to come up short. The boys’ team played simultaneously against All-Saints and while they lost the first set, they rolled in the next three to win, 3-1. So the Varsity boys are off to a 2-0 start to the season! Varsity girls played later in the day against a strong Antilles team, and while they kept things close in all three sets, they came up short, losing 3-0.

The Varsity Lady Volts then had another game, with only one day off, versus a solid CAHS squad. They started off slowly and lost the first set, but came back and took the second set to even it out. They lost the third set and took the lead in the fourth, looking to push it to a fifth set. Unfortunately they ran out of steam and lost the fourth to finish the match losing 3-1. While our Varsity girls have started off 1-2, they have a solid foundation to build from and with some more practice they will be a tough team to beat.

We also hosted our first match of the season on the solar awning with middle school girls in a rematch with the Antilles middle school girls team. Once again, things started off slowly with our team losing the first set. However, they came back in a big way, with a set point at 26-25 in the second set! Yet the Antilles girls came back to win it 28-26, a tough loss for our young team.

Thanks to everyone who has come out to support our squads so far! We have truly represented and have shown the VIMSIA Volts spirit!

- Wyatt Franz, Athletic Director

Behind the Scenes of Picture Day!

Elementary students practice their very best chants and claps while waiting for their glamour shots!

From primary to seniors to staff, all of VIMSIA got dolled up for Picture Day this week. Graduating seniors donned their caps and gowns, and one group swam out to the dock in their formal gear for some epic water shots! Families, make sure to order your photos soon!

High School Students Travel to Denmark to Study Danish and VI Connections

Sikre Rejser! (Safe travels)

This Saturday VIMSIA students will embark on the second annual VIMSIA-Gefion Danish exchange program, accompanied by Mr. Ott and Mr. Broomes. This will be VIMSIA’s first major travel abroad program since the start of the pandemic.

Gefion Gymnasium, our partner school, is a world-class public high school located in the center of Copenhagen. Our partners at the school, Kristian Iversen and Bertha Rex Coley, are leading scholars on Danish and Virgin Islands history, with major projects in both Denmark and the Virgin Islands dedicated to scholarship and archival work in this field. Gefion and these partners work at the forefront of Danish society as it tries to understand this history and its legacy, and reconcile its troubled colonial past and relationship to the Virgin Islands. They are part of much larger processes underway in Denmark restoring the dignity of all people to its national curriculums, consciousness, and public spaces.

Student travelers, pictured left to right: Christine Rowe (grade 11), Dallas Broomes (grade 10), Andy Bornn (grade 10), Miles Broomes (grade 10), Sy Sebastian (grade 12).

Our students will spend time with fellow Danish students, scholars, curators, archivists, documentarians, and visual artists. They’ll explore the different ways that Danish society is dealing with this troubled past, and its legacy in the present. Additionally, students will explore what contemporary Danish society and life is like—visiting important sites in and around Copenhagen, seeing Hamlet`s castle, and taking a short trip to Malmo, Sweden. Participants will also attend a half day of classes at Gefion with their student hosts to get the authentic experience of Danish high school students.

Later in January, VIMSIA will host our two colleagues and eleven Danish students for ten days here in St. Thomas, exploring similar themes, histories, and stories. This is truly an amazing learning and growth opportunity for all students and participants in this exchange, and we are grateful and excited to resume the program after being shut down for two years due to the pandemic.

Remember, when you come to VIMSIA you get to see the world! Stay tuned for more updates.