Spotlight: Teachers

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

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

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

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

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

— Camila Serrano

Ms. Serrano with her classmates

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

Ms. Burkett with her AMI training Classmates

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

— Maria Burkett

Charlie Pozen Awarded Outstanding Biology Teacher for 2022

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

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

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

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

Spotlight Staff - Learning Support

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

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

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

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

Ms. Caroline Forbes - Montessori Learning Support Specialist

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

Deja-Marie Making Headlines

Deja-Marie is now making headlines for her art and hit online store - https://www.artbydejaboo.com

Homepage of artbydejaboo.com

Design that drove the demand for Deja-Marie’s successful T-Shirt line.

Deja-Marie not only designed all the products in the store - she also is responsible for her website.

Get S.C.E.T. Training Concludes - PGIA Wins Again!

On Friday, July 17th four VIMSIA students: Krishiv Amarnani, Mireille Boumedine, Zack Edwards, and Amelie Zucker completed the Get S.C.E.T. (Sandia Cyber Education Training) held by Sandia National Laboratories, which provides cybersecurity for the U.S. nuclear energy program.

During the week, the students gained points for answering challenge questions requiring them to apply newly-learned skills in networking, scripting and programming, cryptography, and cybersecurity. The week ended in an intense, four-hour challenge competition on Friday.

Krishiv participated in this high school level program even though he is still in middle school. He did well, managing to overcome some technical difficulties with his computer. Despite this being the first time in any kind of similar training or competition, Zack finished at number 12. Amelie, a veteran of the VIMSIA CyberPatriot team, was also participating in her first competition of this type and placed at number 5 on the leaderboard. Mimi finished in the first place! Mimi and Amelie were the only two Virgin Islanders in the top 5.

Advisor Rebecca Hoffart said, “I am ridiculously proud of them. They did a great job representing our school and our territory, and I am sure Sandia now has these kids on their radar.”

Left to Right: Krishiv Amarnani, Mireille Boumedine, Zack Edwards, and Amelie Zucker

Mimi Boumedine named a National Winner of NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

Congratulations to Mimi Boumedine who has been selected as a national recipient of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. This year, she is among the just 40 high school students to be honored as a National Winner. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education.

Mimi’s achievement has been featured here in the VI Consortium

Aurora Rodriguez Wins First Place in Skiing Race

Congratulations to Aurora Rodriguez, 6th grade student, who just competed and then won first place in The Copa Ski Club Bariloche Race in San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina!

She also placed first place in the Giant Slalom Event and second place in the Slalom Event.

Aurora had the fastest time of all the 155 girls & boys who participated in the U12 Giant Slalom Race!

VIMSIA Parent, Liza Margolis, Authors Children's Book - "Jacob and Jet"

Jacob and Jet

Parent Liza Margolis has written a children’s book based on her son Jacob’s experiences with their hurricane rescue dog Jet. The book, titled Jacob and Jet , has been selected for this year’s Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge.

We are all so proud of Liza! The book will be sent home for the summer reading challenge and available in our library approximately the last week of school. After release this summer it will also be available from Amazon.

Liza says, “Jacob’s adorable relationship with this precious rescue dog inspired me to write this story. It has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my adult life.”

Alumni Silas Wisehart has been Appointed to US Coast Guard Academy Class of 2023!

St. Thomas resident Silas A. Wisehart has received an appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.   Wisehart will be sworn in as a member of the Class of 2023 on July 1, 2019. 

 The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, is a top military college granting Bachelor of Science degrees in one of nine engineering or professional majors.  The smallest of the nation’s five military service academies, the Coast Guard Academy’s Corps of Cadets represents the nation’s best and brightest students, ready to serve and lead their country.  Each year, approximately 200 graduates are commissioned as Coast Guard officers to help ensure the safety, security and stewardship of our nation’s waters. 

 Wisehart, who was born and raised on St. Thomas, is a 2018 graduate of the V.I. Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy.  During his senior year of high school, he received admission to the Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program, which provides a year of preparation for the rigorous academic, athletic and military program at the Coast Guard Academy.  Having successfully completed the Service Academy Program at Marion Military Institute in Alabama, Wisehart received a full appointment to the Coast Guard Academy. 

 Wisehart is the son of Ryan and Lisa Wisehart of St. Thomas.

Spotlight: Syna Sharma Receives Excellence Awards

Syna and her family moved to the states after the hurricanes, relunctantly leaving VIMSIA, the only school Syna had ever known. She now attends High School in the states and was recently awarded with 5 Excellence Awards. Her mother Juhi says, “The teachers just love her! They are asking if she has any siblings. For her to do so well her first year makes us so proud. Please be sure to say thank you to all of the wonderful VIMSIA teachers that have been so instrumental in her success. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

You’ll see it in this short video - our students stand out!

Andy Yu Accepted US Naval Academy Summer STEM Program

Andy Yu, PGIA 8th grade student, has been accepted into the US Naval Academy Summer STEM Program in Annapolis, Maryland! This program allows students to explore, create, build and expand critical thinking and collaboration skills. Andy gets to experience the program with students from all over the world who are interested in STEM fields! Congratulations Andy! Please contact Ms. Ebe to learn more or share details of your upcoming summer experience!

Mimi Boumedine Accepted Stanford University's Artificial Intelligence 4 All Program

Mimi Boumedine, PGIA 9th grade student, has been accepted into Stanford University's Artificial Intelligence 4 All Program this summer! This three week program allows students to study artificial intelligence with Stanford faculty and graduate students as well as take field trips to local companies involved in Artificial Intelligence. Students also complete a research project to round out the program. Congratulations Mimi!  Stay tuned for more updates on where our students are heading this summer!  Please contact Ms. Ebe with any questions or to share details on your upcoming summer experience. 

Kira Mitchell Accepted to Oxford Scholastica Academy, England

Kira Mitchell, PGIA 10th grade student, will participate in the Oxford Scholastica Academy in England this summer! She will participate in the Medicine Preparation Academy and experience many types of university teaching and learning styles. Students will learn more about how the body works, interact with patients, conduct clinical examinations and develop medical knowledge and research skills. Student also have the opportunity to publish an article in a scholastic medical journal. Congratulations Kira! Stay tuned for more updates on where our students are heading this summer! Please contact Ms. Ebe with any questions or to share details on your upcoming summer experience.

Marissa Bornn Accepted John Hopkins University Summer Program

Marissa Bornn, PGIA 10th grade student, has been accepted to a summer program at Johns Hopkins University! The Discover Hopkins Medical School Intensive program allows students to focus on techniques related to surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and biomedical science. Students participate in lectures, labs and hands on medical training at John Hopkins Medical Simulation Center, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Congratulations Marissa! Stay tuned for more updates on where our students are heading this summer! Please contact Ms. Ebe with any questions or to share details on your upcoming summer experience.

Ricky James Winner of 2019 Youth Role Model University Bound Program at UVI

Well don't we just need some good news today? As you all knew from earlier in the year, Mr. Axel Bartsch, was the winner from our school as the 2019 Youth Role Model for the University Bound Program at UVI.  We are so proud of him!

The University Bound Program selected their own winner for the 2019 Youth Role Model Award and that young man is also a PGIA student.  Mr. Ricky James will also receive this award this spring!

VIMSIA creates great young people, and these students are fully deserving of this accolade.  Sharp, strong, reflective young men who have led by example in staying committed to academics and strong character.

Today is a proud day for VIMSIA.  Congrats Axel and Ricky!

Diego Zakers Accepted to Frontiers Program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

PGIA 11th grade student, Diego Zakers, has been accepted to the Frontiers Program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute this summer!  Diego will explore Interactive Media and Game Development as well as Entrepreneurship.  Congratulations Diego!  Stay tuned for more updates on where our students are heading this summer!  Please contact Ms. Ebe with any questions or to share details on your upcoming summer experience.   

Caroline Gaskin Accepted to Harvard University's Secondary School Program

PGIA 11th grade student, Caroline Gaskin, has been accepted to Harvard University's Secondary School Program this summer!  Students get the opportunity to experience course work and life as a college student while developing independence and learning about the world around them.  Caroline's course options include Creative Writing, Biochemistry, Japanese and many more.  Congratulations Caroline!  Stay tuned for more updates on where our students are heading this summer!  Please contact Ms. Ebe with any questions or to share details on your upcoming summer experience.    

Mimi Presents at ASLO in San Juan

This week PGIA 9th grader Mimi Boumedine, along with six other St. Thomas high school students, presented at the international ASLO (Association for the Sciences of Liminology and Oceanography) 2019 aquatic sciences meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Mimi shared her student team's research on fish preferences for natural vs. artificial coral reefs. She and her team built artificial reefs, then observed which fish preferred their reefs vs. the natural ones, categorizing by species and age. Their research was conducted this past summer with the Youth Ocean Explorers program at UVI. The presentation was given at a special high school poster session initiated and organized by none other than Dr. Michele Guannel, Assistant Professor of Biology with the Virgin Islands Institute for STEM Education Research and Practice at UVI.

Mireille Boumedine Receives Honorable Mention

Time to share some good news!  This fall Mireille “Mimi” Boumedine, 9th grader at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA), applied for the Aspirations in Computing award sponsored by the National Center for Women & Information and Technology.  As a 9th grader, this was her first year of eligibility. There are two levels of the award, regional and national.  We still do not know about the regional results (for us that is the PR/USVI region), but the national award winners are now official.

There are usually approximately only 15 girls who achieve the national award recognition.  Mimi is not one of those this year. There are more 350 nationally who receive the honorable mention at the national level.  Most of them are not in 9th grade.  Mimi recently was notified that she received the national honorable mention award!

She is the first Virgin Islands student ever to receive any kind of national level award from the Aspirations in Computing program.  Congratulations Mimi!

Raffle Ticket High Sale Winners

Congratulations to this years top raffle ticket sellers, Michael Holt 64 books and Sarah Sables 42 books. Ms. Holt will receive $1,500 off of tuition next year and Ms. Sables will receive our second place prize, $650 off tuition! Congratulations to our top sellers and to all of our families. Your diligent efforts produced our best sales ever with 55,450.00 - 1109 books sold Our top raffle winners, 1st Place ticket #01734 and 2nd Place ticket # 08305 are both members of our VIMSIA family. Thank you very much for this record breaking support.

Sincerely,

Mary Capellas, Raffle Chairwoman