Happy Birthday Dr. Maria Montessori

20180906_144101.jpg
20180906_144127.jpg

Students celebrated Dr. Maria Montessori's 148th birthday yesterday, by presenting human-sized timelines and acting out skits depicting Dr. Montessori’s life achievements. The celebration concluded by singing “Happy Birthday” in both English and Spanish and lighting Dr. Montessori’s birthday candle. Dr. Maria Montessori was born on August 31, 1870.

Who would have guessed that in 1964 Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) would open its doors and start the school year off with only one Primary classroom and twelve students. Today, VIMSIA Montessori students held a birthday celebration to honor Dr. Montessori’s workings and celebrate how far her teaching and our school have progressed, all thanks to her vision. To date, VIMSIA has 158 Montessori students and nine classrooms – two Toddler, three Primary, tow Lower Elementary and two Upper Elementary. www.vimsia.org

20180906_144053.jpg
20180906_145613.jpg

FREE Ticket to VIMSIA's Las Vegas Night!

599158146 header.jpg

Black Jack, Bingo, Poker and Roulette are just some of the many attractions at Las Vegas Night, Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy's (VIMSIA) signature fundraising event and the island's most glamorous event luring crowds from all three Virgin Islands. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 7PM-2AM. Community members interested in free admission can sign-up to volunteer online. As a small token of appreciation, a FREE ticket will be given to volunteers who work either four hours before the event or two hours during the event. For more information, please email pengle@vimsia.org.

15337429_10154053707586680_3758278678581898674_n.jpg

Student Council Organizes Color War

IMG_3297.JPG

After the last exam, the PGIA students enjoyed and afternoon of fun activities organized by the Student Council. Some went to the beach at Secret Harbor, some played Console-type games, some chilled and watched their choice of entertainment while others participated in a Color War. All activities ended up with a sweet ice cream treat. The Student Council hopes that everyone enjoyed their afternoon and wishes everyone a wonderful summer!

41st Annual Montessori Graduation

“Montessori is an education for independence, preparing not just for school but for life” - Maria Montessori  

Riddhi N. Atmaramani, Kinze Simuel Brown, Cassidy Alexis Caines, Gavin P. Johnson, Brianna Joan Jordan, Joniah J. Julien, Divina M. Kamra, Matthew Harold, Dietrich Meyer, Leah Mitzi Parker, Selena Grace Webster, Amelie Kiera Zucker

Riddhi N. Atmaramani, Kinze Simuel Brown, Cassidy Alexis Caines, Gavin P. Johnson, Brianna Joan Jordan, Joniah J. Julien, Divina M. Kamra, Matthew Harold, Dietrich Meyer, Leah Mitzi Parker, Selena Grace Webster, Amelie Kiera Zucker

Twelve sixth year Montessori students walked the stage and graduated from Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy’s (VIMSIA) accredited Montessori Program. Graduating from one of only two available Montessori schools in the US Virgin Islands is a game-changer for these students and a life decision supported by their friends and family. VIMSIA’s graduation included remarks from keynote speaker, Brad Wilson, CEO of Brad’s Deals LLC, current parent and member of the VIMSIA board of trustees.

Montessori Director, Norma Bollinger opened the 41st annual graduation ceremony by welcoming twelve eager graduates ready to take on life and move up to VIMSIA’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program next fall. There have been over six-hundred Montessori graduates in St. Thomas since the school was established in 1964. Bollinger explained that a noted difference between a Montessori graduate and one that graduates from traditional school is their “love for learning, our children from the minute they begin in a Montessori program are motivated through intrinsic motivation.”

The ceremony included speeches from both Upper Elementary Montessori Directresses Caroline Morrison and Kate Ludick. Morrison highlighted how important the role of the teacher is stating “Dr. Maria Montessori believed that it is the role of the teacher to walk alongside you, challenging your imagination whenever possible to help you see through the obstacles in the way.” Ludick was thrilled to see such a beautiful ceremony to mark the end of another successful school year. “The children now are going into the third plane of development and becoming adolescents. It was a very positive way to end the year for them and do something special, because they gave us –the teachers- hope” said Ludick.

Successful entrepreneur Brad Wilson –also a Montessori graduate- took the opportunity to share with the graduates three things he wished he knew as a teenager, during his keynote address. “First, be aware of your life and if it’s one of inertia or activity” commented Wilson, commending the Montessori graduates for already living a life of activity by choosing a Montessori education. “Second have a practical framework for success and lastly be open to your instincts and the wisdom of your unconscious mind” stated Wilson. He stressed how “the importance of independence, curiosity and discovery will only grow in the future.”

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics there are 132,656 schools in the US (2008 numbers), 4,000 of them are Montessori Accredited schools with only two located in the US Virgin Islands.  

Egg Drops in Design Class

FullSizeRender (4).jpg

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. 

FullSizeRender (3).jpg

Stop, Drop and Roll

20180608_103825.jpg

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.

20180608_100007.jpg

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.

20180608_104424 face blur.jpg
20180608_100422.jpg
20180608_104204.jpg
20180608_104551.jpg

End of Year Field Trip!

IMG_0958.jpg
IMG_0994.jpg
IMG_0980.jpg

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.

IMG_0968.jpg
IMG_0954.jpg

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

IMG_15641.jpg
unnamed-1.jpg

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

20180530_081242.jpg

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

Francisco Mejia and Elisha Turnbull

IMG_5225.jpg

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

IMG_1576.JPG
IMG_0805.JPG

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

Montessori -100.jpg
20180521_131219.jpg

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

20180523_141200.jpg
20180523_141217.jpg

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.