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

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.

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.

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!

2018 Graduation Keynote Speaker Announced, Caroline Adams Miller

Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy is proud to announce this year's keynote speaker, Caroline Adams Miller. 

For three decades, Caroline has been a pioneer with her groundbreaking work in the areas of goal setting, grit, happiness and success. She is recognized as one of the world’s leading positive psychology experts on this research and how it can be applied to one’s life for maximum transformation and growth. Caroline helps people identify, come up with a plan for, and persist in pursuing their toughest goals — leading to their success, happiness and flourishing, while inspiring those around them. Achieving hard, meaningful goals is one of the most rewarding things we can do in both our personal and professional lives. Although she didn’t have a word for it at the time, Caroline used "grit" to help overcome her personal battle with bulimia. Today, she helps others develop the traits they need to get to the finish line.

In her keynote presentations and workshops, Caroline blends personal experience, real life examples and cutting-edge research in positive psychology, to come up with practical applications that create fresh awareness of how to cultivate change. Caroline leaves her audiences with tangible takeaways and actions they can use to create their own happiness and success. Angela Duckworth, winner of the 2013 MacArthur Genius grant for her research on grit, said of Caroline: “I don't know anybody who has thought more than [Caroline] about how to apply the scientific research on grit and achievement to our own lives!" Caroline’s TEDx Talk “The Moments That Make Champions” explores the three things that we can choose to do differently to improve our chances of developing grit.

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

THANK YOU VIMSIA PARENTS AND PTA!

On behalf of the entire Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) faculty and staff, we’d like to thank the VIMSIA parents and PTA for the amazing Teacher Appreciation Luncheon and all their hard work. What a wonderful spread of delicious appetizers, entrees and tasty desserts.

"VIMSIA parents are the best, everything was so great! Thanks so much to you and the PTA for this awesome lunch." – Matthew Enright

“OMG - this food is amazing!  So unbelievably good!  Our parents rock.” – Peggy Hunt

“Amazingly generous and delicious. Thank you” – Chet Passerella

“I'm so full and happy!! Thanks PTA- and I love my purple rose!!” – Jamie Truax

“Muchas gracias! Toda la comida estaba deliciosa and the roses, what a nice gesture!” – Camilla Serrano

“Thank you Parents for the love, time and effort you put into making us such a scrumptious lunch!  What a treat!” – Simone Summer

“So delicious!  Thank you!” – Jana Ferguson

“Extremely yummy, made from scratch and a diverse spread. Much gratitude from me and my belly.” – Kelly Butler

“Mhmm thanks. It was so yummy yum yum !!” – Estefany Ledee

"I was blown away by the great variety of delicious food, the roses, and the thoughtful notes from parents. Thank you to all our parent community!" - Melissa Bump

"Exceptional spread of delights! Thank you VIMSIA parents" - Mandy Boyle

"Very grateful, thank you!" - Gloria Zakers

"As evidenced by all the deliciousness presented today the recipes would be greatly received.  Many thanks to our parents for a wonderful spread!" - Caroline Morrison