After School Program Schedule Second Semester - 2012 Jan 17, 2012 - Jun 1, 2012This session begins Tuesday January 17, 2012 and ends on June 1, 2012. Enrollment forms are due back Thursday January 12. Forms not turned in by Thursday will NOT be included in the first week class schedule - no reimbursements for missed classes due to forms in late. Tuition payments MUST be current prior to enrollment in any "pay" after school classes.
A printable version of the Schedule and Enrollment Form is available at the bottom of this page.
After School Program Policies - Please Read Carefully
Scheduling Conflicts - Missing Classes:
After School programs run for a semester, they are not to be considered as individual classes. The fees assessed are for the entire program and are not considered to be individual session fees. There will be no reimbursement for classes that are missed due to illness or scheduling conflicts, including sports conflicts - this includes dropping a course part-way through for any reason. Forms received after the due date will not be included in the first week of classes.
Half Day Students:
Please note that Bougainvillea Enrichment Center (BEC) students will not be included in any half day classes that are scheduled prior to 2:30. Half day students that transition to Full Day (third year Primary) during a semester will need to work out any after school program changes that need to be made to accommodate their new schedule with their instructor and their Primary teacher. Reimbursement will be made for any classes that are missed due to transition from Half Day to Full Day.
Individual Music Lessons:
We have wonderful and talented musicians offering individual instrument lessons, Piano with Ms. Vadha Rajaratnam and Guitar with Mr. James Anderson. Please understand that all scheduling/rescheduling, payments and any other communication regarding a student's individual music instruction should happen directly with the instructor, NOT through the school Admin offices.
Wood Turning:
Wood Turning classes are fabulous, but a little difficult to schedule given that we are trying to schedule exactly 4 students for each of the 4 sessions, so that each student has a lathe. You may include a preference for the day your child wants to take wood turning, but there may be some back and forth with this once all requests are in to try to get the classes leveled out. So please understand and be patient.
Ms. Helen's Dance: Please be advised that Ms. Helen's Dance Classes (all ballet and tap classes) require a FULL YEAR commitment working toward a year end dance recital.
Instructor Bios and Class Descriptions
Dance and Movement/Sports
Ms. Helen SidiropoulosHelen Sidiropoulos began her dance training at age 2. She studied and trained in various schools in Queens, Manhattan and Long Island, including Skarla's School of Classical Ballet and David Howard in NYC. Her studies include classical ballet and pointe, tap, jazz, flamenco and Latin dance. She has performed throughout Manhattan for various events and for celebrities, including Anthony Quinn. At the university level, Ms. Sidiropoulos studied at the State University of New York at Albany and performed with Danceworks, Inc. Dance Troupe. She also worked and studied at EBA Dance Company, under the instruction of Maude Baum & Company-- a non-profit organization in Albany, New York. Upon graduation, she returned to Queens and Manhattan where she taught at one of the schools where she had trained for many years, Skarla's School of Classical Ballet. While in the NYC area, she performed with her dance troupe at many Universities, State and City Colleges, putting on productions of the Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. In 2000, she moved to St. Thomas. Soon afterwards, Ms. Sidiropoulos was hired as a dance instructor/choreographer in the After School Programs at the local private schools. She has been teaching at the Virgin Islands Montessori School and International Academy since 2003 and is delighted to share her talents with the youth of this community.
PreBalletMs. Helen offers PreBallet as an "Introduction to Ballet" to half-day students, ages approximately 3-5. Focus is on movement, coordination and posture. Students will learn the basic ballet positions and learn to dance and move creatively. Please note that any program that is offered to half-day students will only be available to them as half-day students. If your child "moves up" to full day during the course of the session, you will be reimbursed for the classes that are missed, but are NOT guaranteed a spot in the full day class level course.
Elementary BalletThis course is offered to Full Day students, ages approximately 6-8 (Full Day to 8). The focus is on form, posture, coordination and technique for beginner level ballet students. Students will work on basic ballet positions and ballet bar work. There is no prerequisite for this course.
TapThere are two levels of Tap being offered. One class is for students ages 5-7, and another class for ages 8 and up. This course requires concentration and coordination which the dancers will develop throughout. Tap instruction is an excellent exercise and makes great strides in improving a student's sense of rhythm and movement.
Children’s Yoga
Students will practice breathing techniques, poses, activities, relaxation, and visualization. Yoga means "union" and helps to unify the mind with the body and soul. As well as having a relaxing, calming and grounding effect, it also energizes and elates children.
Boys MovementA movement class to promote coordination, encourage fitness and develop style. Techniques will include stretching, strength training, creative movement, and hip hop dance.
Ms. Diandra JonesAn IB graduate, musical theater actor in nationally-acclaimed high school performances, and world-ranked competitive Irish Step dancer, Diandra toured North America and Europe for five years with Trinity Irish Dance Company, appeared on Broadway, television, and in Hollywood film. A Magna Cum Laude Honors graduate with a B.A. in English Education and M.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts, she performed her own interdisciplinary performance works at premier Arts festivals throughout Chicago, including Around the Coyote and Stockyard and worked with some of the finest local and touring performing and visual artists. As an Irish and Percussive Dance Teacher at the world's largest permanent center for the study of folk music from all cultures, the Old Town School of Folk Music, Diandra taught and trained for seven years with other folk/ethnic dance masters from around the world, honing her skills as a scholar of world dance and culture. At the Chicago International Charter School she founded the first Dance Program and taught Dance, Physical Education, Drama, and English for five years before heading to Ghana to work for three years with the non-profit, arts-for-change organizations Sankofa Center for African Dance and Culture and The Giving Planet, as well as teach Dance and Physical Education at the leading American International Baccalaureate school in West Africa. Most recently, she was invited to teach and also study dance at the Escuela de Danza Clasica while co-chaperoning VIMSIA's student foreign exchange program in Bahia Blanca, Argentina.
Musical Theater (grades 4 and up)
In this class, students will practice and perform dance, voice, and drama and explore the rich history of these inter-related arts across time and culture. Daily class exercises will develop the skills of musicality, singing, dancing, and acting -- in conjunction with one another. Students will work on individual and group performances, combining these skills in culminating mini-productions that will be open to families. Come delve into the wide world of Theatrical Song and Dance in a fun, disciplined, learning environment!
Hip Hop and World Dance (grades 4 and up)
In this class, students will explore a wide range of dance and movement from around the world. Crossing continents, students will learn Ballroom Dance, Salsa, Samba, Hawaiian Hula, Indian Bharatanatyam and Bhangra, Body Percussion, West African, Tap, Irish Step, Hip Hop, Capoeira, and more. Classes will incorporate technique training, stretching, strengthening, Yoga/Pilates warm-ups, and dance composition.
Yoga (grades 6 and up plus adults)
A wonderful supplemental class for athletes and dancers or any young person interested in enhancing their overall fitness, health, and wellness! This class will strengthen, tone, and stretch the body as well as relax the mind and make you sweat and smile. Wear comfortable work-out clothing. Mats will be provided.
Step/Body Percussion (grades 4 and up) Explore the body's own ability to create rhythms in this high-energy, percussive dance class. Borrowing beats and movements from various dance styles, including Tap, Irish Step, Flamenco, Clogging, Stomp, Stepping, and more; this class orchestrates a range of new rhythms, using the instrument you were born with, your body! Bring some noise-making shoes and prepare for a workout!
Tap/Percussive Dance (grades 4 and up)
Challenge the mind and body to dance to the rhythm of your feet! This class will cover a broad range of percussive dance including American Tap, Irish Step, Clogging, Flamenco, Zapateado, and more. Tap shoes required, although there are some available for loan, depending on your shoe size.
Improv (grades 6 and up)
Think on your feet! Boost your confidence, concentration, teamwork and public speaking skills, performance abilities, creativity, and stage presence while making yourself and others laugh! Improvisational theater class will include acting warm-ups and exercises, performances, and improv games. Stretch the boundaries of your imagination and put your courage to the test.
Pilates (grades 6 and up plus adults)Come stretch, tone, and strengthen your body while building endurance and enhancing coordination with the core-conditioning routine designed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. Mats provided or bring your own.
Professor Van Clief (The Black Dragon) has been a student of the martial arts for over 52 years. During this period he has been a 5 time world karate champion in point karate and kickboxing and 15 time All American Champion. Professor Van Clief has authored four books on martial arts education, The Manual of the Martial Arts, The Ron Van Clief Whitebelt Guidebook, The Ron Van Clief Green and Purple Belt Guidebook, and Black Heroes of the Martial Arts. He received his Ph.D in Martial Arts Education in 1977 and has taught over 150,000 students in 35 countries. Senior defensive tactics instructor to the US SECRET SERVICE 9(1983-1993)at the World Trade Center in New York City. He was former commissioner of the ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP (1994-1995). Prof Van Clief also fought in UFC IV at the age of 51 years old. He retired from competition at the age of 60 after winning the All American Championship. He has worked on over 200 films as a screen actor guild (actor, stuntman, stunt coordinator and action director). He moved to St. Thomas in 2006. He is presently host for THE BLACK KUNG FU EXPERIENCE on the Discovery Channel. The one hour weekly show airs in 2010. Please visit his website for more information on Professor Van Clief. We are most certainly thrilled to have Professor Van Clief as part of our VIMSIA family.
Self-Defense 101/Martial Arts
Course Description: The objective of the course is to develop basic self-defense skills and principles. Human development is what the course is all about... Learning about yourself and your potential and limitations. Self-defense is not just learning kicking, blocking and punching - but the ability to face adversity and learn from it. Self-defense is a life development course. Confidence, mental strength, appreciation, acceptance, personal satisfaction. Self-defense is learning how to live in a chaotic world with peace and tranquility. Professor Van Clief will offer student and adult classes. Click more info for a further description of the class and what you are expected to bring/wear/etc.
Ms. Laura Nagi
YogaThe classes are for beginners as well as advanced students. Focus is on body awareness and breathing which in turn brings relaxation and flexibility.
Tumbling/GymnasticsMs. Moskowitz works with students on gross motor skills. Exercises include forward rolls, pencil rolls, crab walk, cartwheels, plus. The exercises and movements in this program focus on development of balance, coordination, self-confidence and inner discipline of the child. Safety is always paramount, so that each exercise is taught with proper and safe body alignment as the first consideration. This is always a fun class which the students are thrilled to participate in.
Senor Adalio AraujoSenor has been coaching soccer for 20 years. He is AYSO and FIFA (Football International Federation) certified. He is also a certified soccer ref. He loves to coach and also continues to play adult soccer. Soccer and Montessori kids are Senor's passion. Senor is from San Tome, Africa - but has been teaching (Spanish and PE) and coaching at VIMSIA for 20 years. We are so fortunate to have him - but you all know that already.
Soccer - Montessori StudentsSenor's soccer - enough said. Saturday SoccerAny students (full day primary through 6th grade) interested in Saturday Soccer, should see Senor to sign up.
Mr. David Jenkins
Football, Glorious Football! There is no other game that brings the world together. All you need is ball and four sweaters, and it’s game on! While growing up in Europe I ate, slept and breathed the sport of Gods. And now I bring that thirst to the Caribbean! In addition to supporting the Mighty Leeds United, I have played the game for over thirty years. As well as coaching and playing at youth club level and University in the UK, I also enjoyed a couple of semi-professional stints in Sweden, Denmark and Spain, while teaching. With some of the major clubs in the world banging down my door, I had to make a hard decision and I chose the life of an educator instead. With age, comes craps and what I call “lack of exceptional speed”. Since arriving here three months ago, therefore, I have joined forces with Senor and play with him and his cronies on the weekend.
Soccer - Academy Students
Although I initially did not plan to run this programme, I spoke with the students in the IA and got the impression that there was a demand for football (music to my ears!). In addition to learning and perfecting individual skills, we will also focus on fitness, position and tactics. This is intended to be a session for all IA kids to come and play, have fun and improve. Depending on numbers, I would like to organize some friendly matches throughout the year. Football does not need to be a season sport, indeed it should not be! So come on; let’s play!
Ms. Courtney Jenkins, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Weight Training and Conditioning
Courtney Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Health Promotion and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Before becoming a certified teacher, Mrs. Jenkins worked as a certified aquatic therapist as well as in hospital in-patient rehabilitation. She has successfully utilized weight conditioning to train for competitive rowing with the Dallas Rowing Club, multi-day hiking expeditions across Big Bend, Grand Canyon descent expeditions, as well as a sprint distance triathlon. This class will help the students create personal fitness plans focused on their own goals and interests in particular sports and physical activities as well as general fitness goals.
Mr. Christopher DodsonMr. Dodson starting playing organized baseball at the age of five. He is very enthusiastic about sharing his love of baseball with VIMSIA's younger athletes. Mr. Dodson has teaching experience as a qualified SCUBA Instructor and has certified over 500 divers! He is also certified emergency first response (CPR and first aid, basic life support).
T-Ball / Beginning BaseballPhysical fitness is at the corp of my beliefs. This is a great way for students to exercise while having fun. The students will learn the rules of baseball and develop batting skills either via a batting "T" or coach-pitch. Our space is limited, so beginners only please - heavy hitters might put other students on the playground or steel pan stage at risk.
St. Thomas Swimming Association - Pre-School Group Swim Lessons
The St. Thomas Swimming Association is proud to introduce
SwimAmerica to the Virgin Islands. SwimAmerica is the state of the art learn to
swim program in the world today. It is brought to you by the same people who
have brought you the most successful sport team on the planet…the USA Olympic
Swimming Team. The
Preschool Program is geared towards children 3 to 5 years old. The
child will progress at their own pace from water acclimation and water
safety up to swimming laps.
Music
Mr. Michael BarrMy involvement in music started in school music programs. I played trumpet in every group available in my school years. Love for music led to a decision to major in music at the college level. I studied general music at Sonoma State University in California, then transferred to The University of Tennessee where I concentrated on trumpet performance and Jazz studies. After some time supporting myself in other trades, I returned to school and received my Bachelors' Degree in jazz Studies from the university of New Orleans. Influential teachers along the way have been: Jerry Coker, Catherine Leach, Michael ray, Clyde Kerr Jr. and Terence Blanchard. I am also a certified Level I Orff Schulwerk instructor. My performance history has been extensive and diverse. While jazz is my primary interest I have also played Classical, Latin, R & B, Theater and Pop music in academic and professional settings. Prominent venues have included The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, The House of Blues, Tipitinas, and the Montessori Music Festival on St. Thomas, I am active in the St. Thomas music community performing as leader, sideman or guest in many jazz sessions, lead Trumpet and substitute Director of the UVI Jazz Ensemble, and Trumpet Soloist at The St. Thomas Reformed Church. I have been the General Music teacher at Joseph Gomez elementary school for four years where I also direct the Concert Choir and Primary Choir. In addition, I created the Computer Music Lab and direct its after school program. Music StudioPrerequisite: Music studio is a class intended for students with two or more years instruction on their chosen instrument. The course will have three areas of focus: - Ensemble playing; we will learn about the different roles in a musical group and apply them to performance activities.
- Theory, Composition, Arranging and Improvisation; we will learn about the building blocks of musical creation and apply them to in our ensemble setting.
- Technology Applications; we will learn to use the computer as a tool to further individual musical goals, surveying software programs for Composition, Notation, Practice tools and Tutorials.
In this course students will choose individual projects in musical creation. With the instructorʼs guidance they will develop their ideas and share them with the group where they will be performed and expanded. We will also learn and perform songs with an emphasis on theory, analysis arranging and improvisation. This course is not intended to provide specific instrumental instruction or substitute for it. Instead it is meant to expand the students developing skills and give them new avenues of exploration especially in the area of creating music and playing with others.
Mr. James Anderson
James Anderson is a well-known local musician. He has been offering Guitar Lessons for VIMSIA students on campus for three years.
Guitar - Individual LessonsJames does some individual and some group guitar instruction. He also combines song writing with guitar instruction. Please contact James directly to schedule Guitar lessons for your child, email: james@islands.vi
Ms. Vadha RajaratnamMs. Rajaratnam is our Upper Elementary Montessori Directress. We are thrilled to have her on staff for our classroom, and love the extra bonus that she is a qualified Suzuki and Traditional Piano Instructor. She owned and operated Rhythm Keys Music Academy in Boston for 20 years prior to moving to St. Thomas in 2009. She has been teaching private and group Piano Instruction and Music Theory since 1976. Ms. Rajaratnam has been playing the piano since she was 6 years old. She majored in music and education at Trinity College of Music in Sri Lanka and received her degree from the Royal Academy of Music in London. She is certified to teach Suzuki and did her Suzuki training in Queens University, in Ontario. She also received her certification for Music Pedagogy at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
Piano - Individual LessonsPlease contact Ms. Rajaratnam for more information and scheduling. Email vrajaratnam@vimontessori.com, or phone 617.733.8961
Jamie HitchcockAt nearly two decades experience, Miss Jamie joins the after-school program at Montessori with a passion to teach violin and viola. A Suzuki participant in violin as both student and teacher, Miss Jamie relies on Dr. Suzuki’s methodology of learning as well as incorporating other supplemental materials upon request. Her experience includes orchestra participation throughout school, participation in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra as well as various workshops both Suzuki and non-Suzuki and Solo and Ensemble participation in the state of Wisconsin. She has been teaching violin since 2003 and has two years’ experience teaching string orchestra with grades 4-8. Miss Jamie is a classically trained violinist with exploration in both American and Irish fiddling, jazz and rock. She holds an active membership with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Violin-Individual LessonsPlease contact Jamie for more information and scheduling. Email: musicwithjamie@yahoo.com Phone: 340.227.8170.
Arts
Ms. Jerilee Roberts
Ms. Roberts has her degree from Casper College in Wyoming. She also has a Studio Art Degree from Hunter College in New York. She ran the Pottery Studio at the City Art Center, in Oklahoma City, for 4 years. She taught pottery for two years at Children's Aid Society in New York City, and has been teaching pottery for the past 10 years here at VIMSIA through our after school programs and Ms. Roberts' Summer Pottery/Arts Camp.
PotteryIntroduction to hand building techniques and pottery. The course will focus on creativity and structure for hand building treasures. Students will create their treasures from raw clay, mix their own glazes, glaze their work and have it fired right here on campus. They will be able to bring home their creations for lasting family memories. The pottery sale/display is always one of the highlights of our VIMSIA After School Performance/Show each spring.
Mr. Bill Johnson
Mr. Johnson is a retired K-12 school teacher of 30 years. He has also spent 23 years in the military. Mr. Johnson became passionate about wood turning in 2004 and has been perfecting his workmanship ever since. He regularly attends woodworking symposiums and sells his functional and artistic pieces here on the islands and in the states. He has given several demonstrations to the students and they are all very enthusiastic. I love to see a 6th grade boy with his mouth just dropped in awe and interest!
Wood Turning This class is ideal for students age 10 - 17. It will open up a new world of creativity and may even get them started on a trade! The process involves a lathe (there are four available) to turn a wood block while it is formed using one of several various tools. Items that can be made are endless - including bowls, trivets, utensils, vases. In this class the students will make such things as spinning tops, yo-yo's, garden dibbles and tea light holders. This is a power tool - please be sure that your child takes this course seriously. Any child that does not listen or proceed in a safe manner will be taken out of the class for the remainder of the session. Safety Rules: Goggles and Face Shield must be worn, long hair must be tied back, no loose clothing or jewelry of any kind, Mr. Johnson is the BOSS!
Mr. Sean O'Toole
Mr. O'Toole attended Flagler University in St. Augustine for Fine Arts/Mural Design. He has taught Fine Arts in VIMSIA's middle school and upper school off and on since 2002. Mr. O'Toole has designed and painted over 20 murals in the states and in the VI. He also taught Mural Design at Florida Community College at Jacksonville.
Visual Arts
Mr. O'Toole will be teaching all types of visual arts, focusing on painting and drawing. Two classes will be offered, one geared to the Montessori age groups, the other geared to Academy students. There is a five student minimum for each of the classes.
Mobile and Wire Sculpture
In this course the students will learn the art of mobile making and how to manipulate wire. The course will teach the kids apply many of their beautiful ideas utilizing local products (i.e. coral, plants, sea glass,drift wood etc.). We will also learn representational wire bending. In this part of the course the students will learn how to shape three dimensional animals and people from wire. Offered to all ages.
Camille S. Hernández Graduated from the Central of Visual Arts School in Puerto Rico; Taking three years of visual arts general program, and three years of specialization, two years in drawing, and painting, and one in sculpture. Taught in the art program of Sts. Peter and Paul school, Designed and Created a fashion show with recyclable materials, guided the art students through the process of creating winning Christmas Cards for Casa of the Virgin Islands, and participated and winning first place in sidewalk mural contest in Market Square East in St. Thomas. Proud Montessori Mother, and Teacher. Beginning Drawing Skills The students will be introduce to the basics of drawing in pencil; pencil shading exercises, learn shading different objects, learn how different textures affect shading, and making first drawings using geometrical shapes. Minimum five students per class
Ms. Nina CohenMs. Nina has a degree in visual arts, having studied visual arts at: School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Rhode Island School of Design, and Sorbonne University. Nina has taught art since 1993, in various art schools and programs. She has shown her own work, in museums and galleries throughout the states and internationally. Today, Ms. Nina is a proud Montessori mother, creating and designing classes with her daughters. Hope you will enjoy them. Art Critter Glitter ClassWe will create our own
imaginary friends: paint portraits of them, design and build homes for them,
create books and paintings about their lives, and more. Your young artist, will learn about
painting / sculpture terms and techniques, while bringing to life their own
imaginary worlds.
Academic
Ms. Marion ElliotMs. Elliot graduated from teacher
training college in Glasgow, with a PGCE in mathematics and IT, and also
holds a B.S. in mathematics and computer studies. She co-coaches the VIMSIA Math Counts team with Mr. Chaka Edwards - and together, they make up the IA Math Department at VIMSIA.
Pre-Math Counts
This offering builds on the great success that we had with Mental Math last year AND provides a great practice/prep time for the Math Counts Team. This program will include Math Counts preparation - specifically geared toward this year's Mathletes, and preparing our upcoming Mathletes as well! Math Counts is a Nationwide competition for 6th - 8th graders. VIMSIA's Math Counts Teams have always done very well. We would like to get a jump start on our younger Math Stars and start getting them ready for future competition. This offering is open to 5th and 6th grade level only. The program is geared toward problem solving and preparation for Math Counts. We are asking that students taking advantage of this offering will participate on VIMSIA's 2012/2013 Math Counts Team. This offering is complementary and is indicative of the Board of Trustees and VIMSIA's commitment to excellence in Math for all VIMSIA students.
Mr. Darryl Allen and Mr. Harry Gauriloff
Beginner to experienced players are encouraged to join the team. Last year Eric Capo and Alex Emerich traveled to Florida to compete in the US National Chess Association's National Championships. The St. Thomas Chess Association does an excellent job of providing tournament opportunities here on island to VI Youth. Try some of these sites to improve your chess skills! chesspuzzles.comchess.comwtharvey.comchesscube.com - this is a site that is highly competitive and provides online games that will be timed against someone else over the web. Alex Emerich uses this site and recommends it to more competitive students.
Chess IHarry has assisted the VIMSIA Chess Team on Wednesdays since its inception several years ago. Students will be introduced to the basics of chess as well as the depth that comes with careful observation, planning and practice. Chess IICoach Allen will continue to instruct the 5:00 class for Chess level II. Students at this level will have had extensive tournament experience and will be working to become more competitive at a tournament level. Please ask Mr. Price or Mr. Allen if you are unsure of which Chess class is appropriate for you or your child.
Future Possibilities - If Enough Interest is Shown
Mr. Steve Stevenson
Mr. Stevenson is another of our stellar IA teachers. He played varsity basketball for three years in high school; a part of the 3A state champions in 1986; continued basketball in an intramural role while in college; leading scorer in the league two of these years; coached Modern Knowledge Schools to a second place finish in the Bahrain Private Schools League.
Basketball
The course will focus primarily on the enjoyment of the actual playing of basketball, including the real game and its derivatives (21, Around the World, etc.), but may also include instruction on fundamental theories and basic skills.
Ms. Gloria Zakers
Jewelry MakingMs. Zakers challenges students of all ages to explore their creativity with jewelry making! Beautiful jewelry designs can be very east to create and really affordable. From necklaces and earrings to bracelets, anklets and hairpins, Ms. Z will show you how to use natural materials to create dazzling designs that everyone will love! Ms. Z has had her own handmade jewelry business for many years and will teach the students how to use patience, creativity and concentration to make beautiful pieces of art.
Ms. Cynthia Gomez Martin
Born in the beautiful Canary Islands (Spain), located off the
coast of Morocco, she was always surrounded by art. She developed
a passion for dance from an early age. The sounds of music, both
in school and at home, were a source of constant inspiration. She
studied dance at The University of South Florida though faced a
challenging decision to complete her scientific degrees instead.
During her undergraduate years, she continued to pursue dance
through different dance groups in the Tampa Bay Area. The years of
graduate school brought much passion and historical maturity to
her dance. She discovered the beautiful rhythm of Cuban Salsa and
became hypnotized by its elegance and soul. Ms.
Gómez
Martín has taught Salsa in The US Virgin Islands for the last two
years. During her last years of graduate school, she discovered
and fell in love with the sounds of the African
drums through The Makare African Dance Family. She practiced and
performed with them throughout North Florida in numerous events.
Ms. Ms. Gómez Martín has been practicing Zumba® Fitness since 2007
and has been sharing the Zumba love as an instructor since 2010 at
Yacht Haven Grande, The Jackson Complex, and The UVI Wellness
Center. She is currently certified to teach: Zumba, Zumba Gold,
Zumba In the Circuit, Zumba Toning, Zumbatomic and Zumba
Gold|Toning.
Zumbatomic
Designed exclusively for kids (ages 4-12), Zumbatomic classes are
rockin', high-energy fitness-parties packed with specially
choreographed, kid-
friendly routines and all the music kids love, like hip-hop,
reggaeton, cumbia and more. Parents love the Zumbatomic program
because of the effects it has on kids — increasing
their focus and self-confidence, boosting metabolism and enhancing
coordination. The Zumbatomic program rounds out family fitness
goals by giving parents a great reason to head to the gym – for
themselves, for their kids, for a totally fun family experience.
What is Zumba
Zumba® Fitness is the Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that
blends
red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning
producers,
and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that is downright
addictive. Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has
grown to
become the world's largest – and most successful – dance-fitness
program with more than 10 million people of all shapes, sizes
and ages
taking weekly Zumba classes in over 90,000 locations across more
than
110 countries.
The Zumba Vision
At Zumba Fitness LLC, our vision is to fill the world's empty
rooms
with Zumba® classes. Working hand-in-hand with our most
dedicated Zumba
Instructors, together, our goal is to spread the
philosophy of health and happiness and of loving everything you
do,
especially your worko
Ms. Helen Sidiropolous
Multi-Media MaDness
During this session,
students will discover exciting websites and how to use digital
photography, sound, video, and their imagination to enhance their class
and personal life projects. Students will learn how to create comics,
animations, glogs, websites, music videos, short films and more! They
will also create and incorporate some individual art work,
movement/fitness and sports for videography purposes. Students should
expect to have fun while creating Awesome Mixed-Media Projects that they
can share with their family and friends :D
Supplies: Mac Notebooks, if you own one and digital cameras are encouraged
Ms. Sarah Hancock
Sign LanguageSince 1984, Sarah has worked with over a thousand
children in sixteen of our eighteen schools in St Thomas and St John
conducting hearing, language and speech screens. She has conducted both
private and public speech services for hundreds of students ages two
through 18 and has been teaching the deaf/hard of hearing populations
since 1983. She also teaches night classes in Sign Language. During
her life in the Virgin Islands, Sarah has mentored and advocated for
deaf children and deaf adults. In 2009, Sarah recruited and coached
Heath Corriette in the lead role of the Pistarckle production of “Mother
Hicks.” She interpreted for the Governor’s Inauguration and State of
the Territory Address> I would like to send this out tomorrow. Sarah
has taught numerous after school sign language programs at VIMSIA in
the past and looks forward to sharing these skills with our students
here at school.
Other Community Programs
Pistarckle Theater Education DepartmentPlease visit the Pistarckle website for information on their After School offerings.
St. Thomas Swimming AssociationPlease visit the St. Thomas Swimming Association (STSA) website for information on swimming lessons, swim team and other great pool programs. The pool is located right across the street from VIMSIA. This is the only public pool on St. Thomas or St. John. Either do this on your own for your child, or let STSA help out! We live on an island. We should know how to swim!
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Ċ ď Peggy Hunt, Jan 12, 2012 4:35 AM Ċ ď Peggy Hunt, Jan 9, 2012 1:56 PM
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