A "Going out" with Ms. Keating, Ms. Hess and Ms. Santiago

On Friday, April 15, our lower elementary students from Ms. Keating and Ms. Hess’ class had a “Going Out” trip to Vessup Beach. After hiking down to their final location, they enjoyed lunch under the shade of the National Park trees, spying objects in the water from the dock, and participating in individual and team-building activities. From the joy on the student’s faces when they returned and from the photos below, it was a fun afternoon for all!

NASA Visits VIMSIA May 9

VIMSIA is proud to host a group of six NASA scientists and engineers for a Student Science Day during our regular school hours.  Students will see and experience great science and tech throughout the day courtesy of our NASA guests.  Topics to be covered include: Environmental Engineering, Applied Physics, Medical Science, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Development and Computer Science.

Register for events and/or read more about NASA's visit and how they will be reaching out to USVI students and educators during the first week of May.

VIMSIA's Chess Team takes 9th Place at National Tournament

VIMSIA students Amir, Aidan, Kinze and Chris competed at the U.S. Chess Federation National Championships over the weekend.  As a team, these two 4th years and two 6th years were competing against Middle and High School teams from around the country.  There were 1,460 players at the event. The VIMSIA team competed against about 30 teams that were in their section.  They came in with a solid 9th place - with trophies awarded up to the top ten finishers.  Looks like we are going to need that big  trophy case!  Way to go Volts.  Interesting factoid - these four students are also USVI Territorial Soccer Champs.  IB Learning trait = "Well Balanced", and so many more!  

 Kudos to our Chess-letes and thanks to Mr. Allen, Mr. Wilkinson and Mr. Gever for being there for them.

Shout out to 5th year Annabelle , who was also to attend but was unable to make the event due to travel difficulties - you'll get 'em next time Annabelle!

Chess Tournament Update

The St. Thomas/St. John Chess Club members are in the midst of their first day of competition at the U.S. Chess Federation Scholastic Nationals in Atlanta.  

Mr. Gever is sending us updates as they come in.  Looks like a good first round for Chris.

There are 38 states with close to 1500 students participating!  

One more round today, 3 rounds tomorrow and 2 on Sunday.  We will try to keep you posted!  

Bon Voyage - Chess Athletes Off to Atlanta

Bon voyage and bon chance to our St. Thomas - St. John Youth Scholastic Chess Club members that are off to Atlanta Georgia this morning for the U.S. Chess Federation National Championships.  

17 V.I. students, five of whom are VIMSIA students, will be participating in the event.  VIMSIA will also be representing the V.I. in the team competition.  Kinze, Amir, Aiden, Chris and Annabelle - Upper Elementary students, will be testing their skills against other chess players from around the country.  Huge kudos to Sinclair Wilkinson and VIMSIA Coach Darryl Allen for mentoring these students and providing this great opportunity.  We will keep you posted on results! 

Daily News Post

"It Takes a Village" - Thank You Enrichment Volunteers

PGIA Enrichment happens every Wednesday afternoon.  Ms. Helen is able to coordinate talented volunteers from our community to work with our students' doing something they can all feel passionate about.  

"It takes a village to raise a child"    and we are so blessed here at VIMSIA with our amazing village!  Thank you so much to our volunteers.

Mr. Richard Berry who runs the PGIA Organic Garden

Ms. Pamela New from UVI - Reader's Theater / Shakespeare

Mr. Clay Jones of sevenminusseven -Photography

Master Edward Scott - Martial Arts

Mr. Fong and Ms. Schlesinger - Coding Plus Plus

Ms. Tess - Yearbook

Ms. Francis - VI Culture

Thank you and we love you all!

Montessori Students Speak in United Nations General Assembly

Two of our VIMSIA students were called upon to speak at Montessori Model United Nations last week.

Some Spanish Exchange Students See Snow for the First Time!

Lots of great new experiences for our PGIA students abroad at the Casvi School in Madrid.  One of which, at least for Kira and Aviella, was seeing snow for the first time!

PGIA Exchange Students Visit Spain's Ministry of Education

At the Ministry of education

The center of Villaviciosa de Odon

The Royal Palace

From our chaperone, Ms. Brigitte Bornn ~

Good afternoon, parents.  We had a great excursion today! We were invited to visit for awhile at Spain's Ministry of Education department.  We had a meeting in the legislature with the Ministress herself that was very delightful.  She spoke with our students in Spanish only and our students did very well, asking and answering articulately in Español.  I was so very proud of them! 

MMUN Opening Day!

“Emotionally supercharged by a an ocean of kids, teachers, and chaperones working together for world peace at the opening and tenth anniversary of the Montessori Model United Nations, New York. Kids were told that their voice can make a difference, that their light can change the darkness of war, fear, discrimination, hunger, and the negative changes affecting our global climate . They were each given a light to shine in the darkness of the room as they were told with emblazoned passion they can make a difference ! Wow wow wow !!!”

— Lawrence Aqui, parent and chaperone

Bon Voyage to Our MMUN Delegates!

Bon voyage to our sixth graders from Ms. Batten and Ms. Morrison's classes that are attending the Montessori Model United Nations Conference in New York City this week.  This will be VIMSIA 7th (at least??) year attending the conference.

“On my way to the Montessori Model United Nations, New York, where my daughter Maia will be addressing the topic of Cyber Security in Viet Nam !!!”

— Lawrence Aqui, Parent and Chaperone

From the MMUN Website:

Model United Nations is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and other multilateral bodies. In Model UN, students step into the shoes of ambassadors from UN member states to debate current issues on the organization’s agenda. While playing their roles as ambassadors, student “delegates” make speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the Model UN conference rules of procedure – all in the interest of mobilizing “international cooperation” to resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.

Before playing out their ambassadorial roles in a Model UN simulation, students research the issue that their committee will address. Model UN participants learn how the international community acts on its concerns about topics including peace and security, human rights, the environment, food and hunger, economic development and globalization. Model UN delegates also look closely at the needs, goals and foreign policies of the countries they will represent at the event. The insights they gain from their exploration of history, geography, culture, economics and science contribute to the authenticity of the simulation when the role playing gets under way. The delegates’ in-depth knowledge of their countries guarantees a lively and memorable experience.

- Read more

Elementary students hear beloved “wimpy kid” author speak

To celebrate Read Across America Day, elementary students were invited to participate in a webinar with Jeff Kinney, author of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.  Viewings were held in Ms. Batten's and Ms. Huber's classrooms. Kinney spoke about his beginnings as a cartoonist, how he became an author, and showed his virtual visitors around his studio. Participants were able to submit questions, and although none of our students’ questions were chosen, students had a great time thinking up good ones to ask!  All twenty copies of Kinney's books are currently checked out of our library.

Read Across America Day annually takes place on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March 2.  Many classes also read his books aloud to remember and honor his important contribution to children’s literature.

Bon Voyage PGIA Students to Madrid!

Last week we bid farewell to the Spanish exchange students that were here at VIMSIA for six weeks, and this week we send off our own PGIA contingent to visit their school in Madrid for six weeks.  

Qué increíble oportunidad !  We are so proud of you all for being IB risk-takers and for paving the way for future PGIA language exchange students!  Felicitaciones - que son increíbles !

Service News from PGIA

Nurturing service-oriented, creative members of our society is an important goal of the PGIA.  In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (DP) students are required to complete personally meaningful projects as part of the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) program.  In the Middles Years Program (MYP), students participate in the Service and Action (SA) program.  Big congratulations to Xiara, (Grade 12) and Taber, (Grade 7) for being the first students to successfully complete the CAS (DP) and SA (MYP) programs this year!

Dean Vazquez shared, “I am so impressed by both students’ learning experiences and the fact that both exceeded the requirements of our school. I loved seeing them embrace the programs and achieve balance between their academic works and giving of themselves to the community they are a part of. During my meetings with these young people, I was inspired by both, and enjoyed getting to know the great human beings they are.”  

2015 Miss America Visits PGIA

The PGIA had an assembly on Friday, January 22nd where Kira Kazantsev, Miss America 2015, visited and spoke to students in grades 7-12. Kira spoke about healthy relationships and preventing domestic violence.  This was her platform when she was running for Miss America and during her reign.  It continues to be her passion now that she has passed the crown on to her 2016 successor. 

In the Miss America assembly, Kira shared her personal experience with domestic violence in college. She discussed the mission, "Love Shouldn't Hurt: Protecting Women Against Domestic Violence." Kira educated students about signs of domestic violence and how to get help if someone is in an unsafe relationship.

Kira taught students about the 4 points of the crown: Style, Success, Service, and Scholarship. She discussed how these 4 points can apply to many areas of life, and how they can be used as a guide toward accomplishing tasks and reaching goals.

Many people may be familiar with Kira's movement, "Put a nail in it!" In this movement, celebrities, sports stars, and people all over the world, men and women alike, paint their relationship commitment finger (usually the left hand ring finger) the color PURPLE to signify their commitment to ending domestic violence and pursuing healthy relationships. Purple is a color that signifies domestic violence awareness. 

Congratulations to our Mathletes from Ms. Elger

First of all, I want to say what an honor it is to work with a community of such incredible individuals.  I am humbled by all the gifts and talents our school's mathletes possess.  Of the six that competed today, not only are they strong in and passionate about math, they are swimmers, runners, soccer and basketball players, artists, programmers, coders, volunteers...the list goes on and on.  In my four years on this island, I've grown to understand, we just have good kids at our school.  So, thank you, mathletes, for being downright good kids.  Thank you parents for raising these young ones and for supporting the efforts of the PGIA.

Secondly, I want to congratulate all of our mathletes who competed and attended today's competition.  Our team, consisting of Anna Lola Williams, Carter Maltby, Kira Mitchell, and Captain Skyler Anspacher, placed second.  Skyler Anspacher placed third individually and fourth in the Countdown Round.  BRAVO, Skyler!  This means he qualifies to compete at the state level and could have the potential to compete at the national level; however, he will be in Madrid putting the "I" in International Academy.  So, they had to call up the person in 11th place...who just happens to be our own Carter Maltby.  Carter will be competing at the State MathCounts Competition on St. Croix on March 30 (right after representing the USVI National Swimming Team!).  Again, nice work, y'all.

Thirdly, I want to challenge each of us to have a growth mindset.  This is my fourth year coaching the PGIA MathCounts team, and each year, I look for ways to improve.  I would appreciate feedback from mathletes and parents on how we can strengthen our program.  We can and will do better!  I so relish in our successes, but I always see opportunities for improvement.  Please share your thoughts with me when you have a chance.

Thanks again, everyone, and GO MATH!

Take care,

Mrs. Elger

Let Your Voice Be Heard: Students Learn About the Importance of Voting

In the PGIA, students learn about responsible citizenship and what it means to be a contributing member of a community. One of the most important and foundational elements of that is exercising one's right to vote and participate in the democratic process. This past Wednesday, representatives from the Virgin Islands Election Board were on campus to speak to grade 11 and 12 students about the history of voting, the voting and election process in the VI and the importance of voting and making your voice heard. In addition, students who are 18+ or will be 18 years of age by August had the opportunity to register to take part in this important civic duty.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

Spotlight: Anushka Spelling Bee

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANUSHKA CHANDIRAMANI! 

Anushka competed against 17 other school champions in the St. Thomas/St. John District Spelling Bee on Friday, February 12. She was poised and very well prepared. Anushka won second place, and qualified to compete in the Territory Spelling Bee in March! Her coach, Melissa Bump shared, “Anushka is a very studious young lady, and her hard work really paid off today. I’m so proud of her!”

Interdisciplinary Science: The Grade 11 IBDP Group 4 Projects

Last week was a busy time for all of the hard working students in the PGIA. While grade 7-10 were engaged in the Iowa Tests of Educational Development and the grade 12 students were finishing their IBDP Mock Exams, the grade 11 students were completing their "Group 4 Projects", an integral part of the IB Diploma Program.

“The group 4 project is a collaborative activity where students from different group 4 subjects work together on a scientific or technological topic, allowing for concepts and perceptions from across the disciplines to be shared. Its aim is to develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines, their influence on other areas of knowledge and to appreciate the environmental, social and ethical implications of science and technology.”

— - International Baccalaureate Organization

“This year’s Group 4 project took the form of an interdisciplinary, collaborative investigation into epidemics. Through research and presentations, students demonstrated how biology, physics, chemistry, and environmental systems and societies are required for a full understanding of infectious diseases, including those afflicting both human and animal populations. The final presentations covered viral hemorrhagic fevers (i.e. ebola and dengue fever), HIV/AIDS, polio, and colony collapse disorder. ”

— Ms. Silva IBDP Biology Instructor

“I knew before that Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies were connected but it amazed me nonetheless. It just further showed me that science is related to many, if not all, aspects of life and it is so crucially important that we understand it because it so important to the way in which we live our lives. The value of the project was much larger than I expected. Collaborating with others and then learning more about the topics presented definitely solidified my decision to minor in a field related to the sciences while in college.”

— Leah, Grade 11

“Through completing the G4 project I began to better understand that each of the G4 subjects are like puzzle pieces, interconnected to look at through what are similar yet different perspectives to better understand and formulate a whole picture. Physics, Chemistry and Biology are subjects all used to investigate science-related topics in great detail through experiments and calculated data and ES&S interconnects these findings to look at their implications on the environmental systems within a society. Though execution of this project results in an array of learning opportunities, most importantly it further reinforced lessons of the importance of accountability, developing communication skills, remaining open-minded and having the ability to self motivate and independently execute a project.”

— Kayla, Grade 11

Spanish Exchange Students Guests of Historical Trust

While PGIA students took the Iowa Standards on Wednesday, our foreign exchange students from Eurocolegio Casvi Villaviciosa in Madrid were guests of the St. Thomas Historical Trust.   Muchas gracias to Vince "Doc" Palancia of the Historic Trust who met with these students on campus last week and then guided their tour around downtown Wednesday.