Montessori Students Take Home Free Books!

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The St. Thomas and St. John Rotary Clubs recently brought in thousands of gently used books to put into the hands of Virgin Islands children.  These were distributed through the schools. Here at VIMSIA, toddlers through Upper Elementary students selected their own books to take home and keep forever. Ms. Schlesinger’s PGIA Library Mania Enrichment students assisted the younger students. Coming soon: Distribution of free books to the Middle Schoolers!

Spotlight: Ali Bartsch and Alum Isis Collier and Ariel Stolz

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The USVI U20 girls national soccer team played an international friendly match consisting of two games vs. the Turks & Caicos Women's National team last Friday and Saturday on St. Croix.  USVI won both games, with scores of 1-0 and 2-0.

VIMSIA girls competing were junior Alison Bartsch and alumnae Isis Collier and Ariel Stolz.

Volts: Varsity Girls Volleyball Tiebreaker with CAHS

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Nalani Figueroa

The Volts defied the odds on  Tuesday by pushing the competition with CAHS to the extreme.  A Volts win in the first match, followed by back and forth tight victories for each team left the game to a tie-breaker in the 5th set.  CAHS took the tie-breaker, but no-one watching that game could question the powerhouse that is Volts Varsity Girls Volleyball.

I've done the math.  VIMSIA female population for varsity age sports is 25.  Yep - we have a pool of about 25 girls with which to build a team.  CAHS - well, I can't be sure, but a quick calculation and I am pretty confident that 600 is about right - or close enough to prove my point.  Our girls from this little bitty school rocked!  They were professional, supportive of each other and a force to be reckoned with.  I could not have been prouder.  As I watched the game, I realized that the 11th grade girls are the first students to have had the advantage of starting to play volleyball as 4th graders when our program first began.  Goes to show how important it is to build your teams starting at a young age.

Kudos to the team and Coach Figueroa.  A special shout-out to former Volt Volleyball powerhouse, Ms. Kendall Hebert for helping out this season.    Go Volts!  (I guess we're not just the smart school anymore.)

IB Learner Profile - Maya Ethridge

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Congratulations to 9th grader Maya Ethridge, this month's IB Learner Profile winner.  The IB Learner Profile Award is given to a student who embodies IB Learner traits on a daily basis.  

Maya Ethridge and Ms. Elger

Maya Ethridge and Ms. Elger

“Maya is bright, engaging, perceptive, inquisitive, judicious, thoughtful, spirited, and caring. She is a conscientious student, balancing academic and social commitments beautifully. Maya is reflective; she is mindful of her own actions, and she is mindful of how the actions of others impact her classmates. She sees the best in everyone, and she wants to do just in the world. In fact, one day, I am convinced Maya will make the world a much better place - she already has at the PGIA!”
— Mrs. Elger, MYP Math Coordinator & College Counselor

VOLTS Volleyball Weekend!

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Lots of Volts volleyball happening this weekend.  Today at 4:00 our JV girls play against Julia Sprauve at BCB followed by our Varsity girls' match against Kean at BCB with a scheduled start time of 4:45.  Then over to Antilles MCM for our Varsity boys' game against Antilles at 5:30.  Tomorrow afternoon our JV boys play Kean at Antilles at 1:00.

JV Girls after their win against Kean on Tuesday.

JV Girls after their win against Kean on Tuesday.

Congratulations to our teams thus far.  The JV boys had a tournament last Saturday with CAHS and tied.  Our JV girls are 1 and 0 with a win in their first outing against Kean on Tuesday. Our Varsity boys had a win yesterday against 7th Day.  Varsity girls are also in  a winning season thus far.  Stay tuned!  

Go Volts.

Thoughts from the Head of School: Education Reform

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The United States once had a highly ranked education system. Today depending on the measure, the US ranks at best in the top 12 at worst 32nd in global education. Finland is universally acknowledged as the leader in education. Since the early 1980s the US has been undertaking various efforts to improve its education system. Three principles that are now widely being adopted are:

Cognitive Learning, Self-Discipline and Collaboration.

1.     Cognitive Learning:

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Jean Piaget (1896-1980), a French scientist, is credited with first identifying the concept of cognitive learning. He wrote about stages of development: assimilation, equilibrium, new situation, disequilibrium, and accommodation. He identified that children learn at different rates as they progress through the above stages.  Jean Piaget taught about discovery learning; the idea that children learn best through doing and actively exploring. He emphasized “individual learning, flexibility in curriculum [and] the centrality of play in children’s learning, [as well as] the use of the environment, learning from discovery and the importance of the evaluation of children’s progress.  Teachers should not assume that only what is measurable is valuable.”(McLeod)

Read full article

 

 

 

Go Volts: Varsity Boys Volleyball, Great Season Start Against Kean

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I was so pleased to watch VIMSIA's first varsity boys volleyball game in at least 4 years!  For some reason, we have had many years without enough interest to field a team, but this year we are coming on strong with both JV and Varsity Boys teams.

Coach Figueroa has done a fine job of getting these great athletes prepared.  While they did not pull out a full win, they were very competitive against a seasoned - very big -  public high school team, that took the division last year.  They lost the first two sets by narrow margins (28-26; 25-17), won the third (23-25) but gave up the fourth (25-6).

This young team is athletic - they are coordinated and quick, they work well together on the court.  They will quickly improve throughout the season and be a contender.  My prediction.  Guess we'll see!

Astronomy Night - Lunar Eclipse

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8th grader Diego Zakers took this amazing photo on his iphone through the lens of one of the telescopes that was set up on the soccer field Sunday.  Dr. David Morris of the Etelman Observatory and our own "bow-tie physicist" Mr. Andy Palmer were on hand all evening to share their knowledge and help us get a great view of the Super Blood Moon Eclipse .  With Mr. Palmer giving mini-lectures in the planetarium and Dr. Morris on the field with the telescopes, our first Astronomy Night was a huge success.  Many thanks, Dr. Morris for sharing your vast knowledge with us - it is always a pleasure.  Kudos and thanks to Mr. Palmer for making it all happen.  Looking forward to the next one!

2016 End Session - An Adventure in Learning

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The PGIA has a well-established tradition of "End Session".  End Session, as you might guess, happens the end of each school year - the last two to three weeks.  It provides an opportunity for students to study an area of interest for the full period, without the distraction of other classes, homework, etc.  The PGIA staff put together 7 to 10-ish great programs for these periods and each teacher or two mentor their own program and group. 

This year's choices were announced last night to a full house of PGIA students and parents.   Without further ado, here they are!

ESS Students & Ms. Zakers Visit St. Thomas Cemetery

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These pictures are of the grade 12 Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) students taking data in the downtown St. Thomas cemetery today. We are studying birth dates versus death dates and life expectancy in the Virgin Islands during various time periods.

What do you think would affect changes in the VI demographics?

Very interesting!

DP Dancers Exceed World Average Assessment Scores

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The "DP Dancers" are PGIA Diploma Program students that have chosen to take High Level Dance as one of their three high level options for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. 

Every year, DP students around the world are assessed both internally and by external international examiners. Student results are determined by performance against set standards, such that student results truly reflect their abilities relative to their peers globally, not just at their school.

For DP Dance, the students are assessed on performances, dance investigations and choreographies.  For the second year in a row, under the direction of Ms. Helen Sidiropoulos, these students have exceeded the world average!  

So, here on our tiny little island in the Caribbean Sea, our students' achievements are exceeding those of their peers in places like the U.K., Switzerland and Japan.

Kudos to Ms. Helen and the DP Dancers!

After School Program Registration Open to VIMSIA Parents/Students

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After School Program online registration is now open for VIMSIA students.  Check it out!  We have the great programs we have so happily offered for many years, plus some great newbies!

New offerings include PGIA Drama Club with Ms. Pamela New; PGIA Robotics with Mr. Andy Palmer, Spanish Culture and Cooking with Senora Santiago y Senora Santana, Elementary Basketball with Mr. Stocking, Upper El and PGIA Martial Arts with Grand Master Edward Scott, MMUN Prep with Ms. Morrison and Ms. Batten.  Lots of great new offerings.

Some changes:  Gymnastics will be split into three levels instead of two, if there are enough signups.  Ms. Ferguson is picking up the Full Day Primary and Lower El Art Club, in addition to her Upper El and PGIA Art Club - look for great works!  Ms. Mary is taking the Jazz and Modern dance and it will be back to back with Adv/Intermediate Tap on Wednesdays.  Ms. Helen is back with our little ones for Wed afternoon Pre-Ballet for 3 and 4 year olds.  These students can come out of BEC, or for those of you that pickup at 11:30, feel free to bring them back for the class.

PGIA has added a plethora of new academic support options through their academic ATTACK program.  See the schedule for Spanish, Science, Math and Writing Attack offerings.  Ms. Butler continues her oh so successful Academic Circles for Math and Reading at the Elementary levels.

Ms. Ferguson's art clubs

Ms. Ferguson's art clubs

We also have some excellent new talent for individual music lessons.  In addition to James Anderson on guitar and Mike Barr for trumpet and brass, Ms. Luba Dolgopolsky is offering piano and voice lessons, Mr. Sheldon "attiba" Bernard is offering flute and bass lessons.  You can contact them directly to schedule:

Home school students over the age of 5 may be able to participate in our after school programs depending on space availability and instructor discretion.  Please contact Ms. Hunt or Ms. Huttel at VIMSIA - 775-6360 - if you would like more information.

Imani Sidiropoulos - Off to Johnson and Wales!

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Our 2015 graduates are off to college and we wish them all success this year.  

One PGIA student is off to Johnson and Wales University to finish her high school career!  Ms. Imani Sidiropoulos continues to set herself apart and demonstrate her independence.  A lifelong VIMSIA student, she completed 11th grade in June, 2015 and was accepted into an early admissions program at Johnson and Wales that will allow her to finish 12th grade and her freshman year of college in one year.    

We've asked her to tell us a little about it, and in pure Imani fashion, she has done an excellent job.  Please enjoy the letter she has shared with our VIMSIA community.

Hi my name is Imani and I’ve been at the VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy since 2001.  I was three years old then and enrolled in the Montessori Primary Level Program. I am now 17 years old and am happy to announce that I have been honored with the opportunity to start college a year early, beginning this Fall. Due to my exemplar transcript and academic performance, I have been accepted to the Early Enrollment Program at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

In my first year at Johnson and Wales University, I will be completing both my senior year of high school plus my first year in college. This is a very rigorous program.  While being interviewed, the recruiter asked me how I thought I would be able to manage the intensity of the first year of a combined curriculum. I told him that “at the Peter Gruber International Academy Diploma Program, we are training at a higher level of education and this experience has given me the tools I need to succeed”. It is also because of these tools that I have been awarded $25,000 in scholarship funds for my first year at the university. I received the Presidential Academic Scholarship along with 2 other locally granted awards.

I will be attending the Culinary Arts Program, hoping to master the art and achieve a Bachelors Degree. With the skills that I acquire, I can then return to our lovely island home, with ample professionalism eager to help bring something new to the community.

It is my belief that the true physicians of the world are culinary alchemists. Those who prepare foods that keep the nutritional value at its optimal level, those who combine herbs and spices to help alleviate ailments, and those who simply prepare healthy meals are those who I think are some of the greatest champions in our society. Food is the most intimate experience. We consume it, it becomes a part of us; a part of our molecular composition. As the old adage says… “We are what we eat!”. In today’s society it is very important that we are mindful of what we put inside our bodies. I want to be part of the movement for healthy lifestyles and I strongly believe that food preparation is a major component.

I am so excited to be able to jump start my life and I think that VIMS & PGIA provided both a solid foundation and a wonderful springboard for me to leap and soar into my next journey.

Thank you to all the educators and supporting staff that helped shape my life and inspired and influenced me along the way.

Sincerely,

Imani Sidiropoulos

VIMSIA: A Look Ahead for 2015- 2016

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We at VIMSIA are so excited about this coming school year.  The Montessori and International Baccalaureate programs, which provide the foundation of our school, are internationally acclaimed.  Each year we re-dedicate ourselves to improving on the year before and are doggedly persistent in our efforts to raise the bar of education in the VI.   We are pleased to share with you some of our plans for the coming year.

 

Exciting New Initiatives!

College Counseling Workshop

We welcome Chris Teare to our staff as College Placement Director.  He and Ms. Elizabeth Elger, our College Counselor, are collaborating to ensure that our students gain the attention of the top schools in the country and internationally.  They are dedicated to providing exceptional guidance and support to our students as they move on to their next educational adventure.  In October, VIMSIA is conducting an evening college seminar for parents and students to help support families with the college selection, application and enrollment processes. Our hands-on approach walks families every step of the way through this experience and makes sure that our students are able to apply to their best fit, top tier schools. Chris Teare and Elizabeth Elger will be running this interactive and informational evening event. Other college placement events will be held throughout the school year to help support families during this most exciting but nerve-racking time.

 

Planetarium

View the sky, stars and planets. We are very excited to begin an astronomy partnership with UVI and the Etelman Observatory.  We will host our first "Astronomy Night" right here on VIMSIA’s campus, using our new inflatable Starlab Planetarium (you won’t want to miss this!)  Dr. David Morris, Director of the Etelman Observatory, and PGIA science teacher Mr. Andy Palmer will be presenting short 15-20 minute talks about constellations and mythology inside the planetarium while others view celestial objects from telescopes placed on the soccer field. Date yet to be confirmed, but we will post it on our school calendar and facebook. 

Exchange Program Abroad 

To further enhance our international education and Spanish programs, we are finalizing the details on a 6-8 week exchange program with an IB school in Madrid, Spain. Students from VIMSIA will travel to Spain for a Spanish immersion education and students from Madrid will travel to St. Thomas for an English immersion education. This is merely another element of our commitment to internationalism and language proficiency. In years past we have travelled to numerous other Spanish destinations for immersion trips, such as Peru, Colombia and Argentina, and have been fortunate to host students from Argentina here at VIMSIA. 

Weizmann Institute, UVI, Gruber Foundation and PGIA Collaboration

We continue to strengthen the collaboration between the Weizmann Institute of Israel, University of the Virgin Islands, The Gruber Foundation, and our own Peter Gruber International Academy.  Our students are provided the exceptional opportunity of working with the Weizmann Institute and UVI Faculty during PGIA STEM End Sessions each year.  We are also working to add an Israel travel component to this initiative.  The collaboration will also provide our students strong standing for graduate studies through The Weizmann Institute. Each year we continue to send our senior students to the annual Gruber Scientific Awards Ceremony at UVI.

MSA Presentation

VIMSIA is hosting a Middle States Association workshop on “How to Conduct the Mid-Term Review” on Tuesday, October 20th. Educators from all over the territory will be invited and in attendance. MSA is the accrediting agency for most of the schools in the VI.  Over the years, VIMSIA has developed a very pro-active and mutually respectful relationship with this highly influential educational organization.  

Metric Infusion

Only three countries in the world are not on the metric system, isn't it time Americans learn the metric system?  VIMSIA believes the answer is yes. We have begun a metric infusion program to develop metric thinking in our students. Interactive metric activities and signs are all over campus.

PGIA Radio Station

In October, we unveil our new PGIA student-run radio program.  It will be accessible through our school website or as an app on your personal devices.   WUVI AM1090 will also air the show on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.  Students will develop their own programming including music, weather, public announcements, interviews and more.  This initiative is driven by PGIA’s Radio and Film 4H Club.  Our main sponsor is UVI’s Cooperative Extension Service 4H.  Ms. Erika Gomez and Mr. Scott Williams are the advisors.  Senior student CJ Fahie is the club president and we are looking for members within the PGIA student body.  Contact CJ if you are interested!

International Soccer Games

VIMSIA soccer teams will be competing against international teams this year. Look out for schedule of games.

Indoor Tennis

Too hot to play Tennis? Come join us under our awning for a match in the shade. Come by and see the court and get information on availability.

Head of School Social Thursday 9/3

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The Head of School Social has been postponed until Thursday, 9/3 at 5:30. Concession will open at 5:00 for complimentary light fare and beverages.  Mr. Bornn hosts Thursday evening's Parent Orientation to help get our 2015/2016 school year off to a great start and ensure lines of communication are open and flowing!  We want to provide this opportunity to meet new families, as well as ensure everyone has a clear understanding of what to expect during this school year and years to come.  This meeting is open to the whole school and will feature vocal and piano performances by Ms. Luba Dolgopolsky, who will be teaching individual vocal and piano lessons on campus throughout the school year.

Luba was born in St.Petersburg, Russia and raised in the United States. First trained as a Classical pianist, and later as a Jazz pianist as well, she comes from a family of several prominent Classical musicians.  She earned her Master's Degree in Music Education from Teacher's College at Columbia University and currently makes her home in St. John, where she performs regularly with her own band, as a solo act,  and as a guest artist with other groups.  LUBA is on faculty at the University of Virgin Islands as a Vocal Instructor, as well as Vocal/Piano Instructor at the St. John School of the Arts and we are so excited to welcome her to VIMSIA as a vocal and piano instructor.   For more information and to hear Luba perform, visit her website.