#NotAtMySchool

The upper hallway of the Peter Gruber International Academy house has a new art installation done by 3 creative PGIA ladies and is very inspiring! 

#NOTATMYSCHOOL is a nation-wide movement where students stand up against the things they do not want in their schools. Our kids agreed that things like discrimination, unkindness and drugs have no place at VIMSIA. We conducted an anonymous survey to find out what PGIA students wanted to keep out of our school. These signs represent their answers, and our students signed their names on the things they want to stand up against. 

The faculty and staff at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy is extremely proud of our students. Thanks to Evelynn, Hannah and Layla R, who worked really hard yesterday to complete this wall project. 
 

Science Club Fun

This week in science club, led by Ms. Alexandra Silva, students built coral polyps with food and discussed the role of corals in food webs. They also talked about ways that humans can help and hurt corals. The two seniors helpers are Ver'Nele and T'Leah. 

Library Receives New Books From Green Acres School

Lexi Harris representing both VIMSIA and Green Acres School

Like many of our students, fourth grader Lexi Harris temporarily moved stateside after Irma and Maria hit the Virgin Islands.  She joined one of her cousins at Green Acres School in North Bethesda, MD.  Every year Green Acres School organizes a book drive for a cause, and after hearing from Lexi about damages to our school and island they chose our library as this year’s recipient!  Lexi’s teacher Allison Stearn led the efforts. They packed up four large boxes of specially chosen books, and the Harris’ company Impact Construction took care of the shipping.  Each book contains a unique student-made bookmark, many with the phrase “with love from Green Acres School” on one side, artwork on the other.  We are so grateful to the students, staff, and families of Green Acres School!

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett Applauds VIMSIA

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a Montessori graduate, chose to visit Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) today to not only discuss topics related to women in government but to talk to the students of VIMSIA about the power of peaceful protest.

As the only registered school on island to participate in the National School Walkout, students asked Plaskett what Congress’ reaction had been to the March for our Lives movement and whether or not it had sparked any changes in opinions after all the demonstrations. “What you have to understand is that the March took place right before the members went away for Easter break, so we have not returned back to congress since the march happened” answered Plaskett. “What I can tell you is that I went to the one that was in Washington and I saw a lot of members there, and at that march all the young people -like yourself- had stickers on them with the year that they would be able to vote as well as people registering all the young people who were old enough to vote to be able to vote” said Plaskett. Many members of Congress who want gun laws changed made the conscious decision to not get involved, and to not let the movement be taken over by lawmakers or by old people, and in turn pollute the message. “This is a young people’s movement and for it to be effective it had to be their movement and their voice” said Plaskett. Students were urged to not get discouraged and to continue voicing their concerns with whatever means possible as change will take some time.

Plaskett released an official statement further explaining why she chose to visit VIMSIA. “Of course I have a personal affinity to the Montessori program and the way it educates young people, but also there are several things about this Montessori school that I think are very important” said Plaskett. “The first is that you really -in a private school setting- have been great about creating a diverse community that’s not just diverse ethnically but socioeconomically and I think that’s a very good model that so many of us should look at throughout this community. The second of course is that VIMSIA is one hundred percent solar which is awesome and a very good model for us to use here in the Virgin Islands” Plaskett stated.

Students were applauded by Plaskett for setting the tone and leading the way in the Virgin Islands with the National School Walkout and the issues surrounding gun violence. “What is more important than marches is what happens after a march, it’s not helpful to march and then not do anything afterwards” said Plaskett. Adding that “while you were able to voice your opinions on the issues of violence in your communities, what is going to be more important is to follow up on what you’re going to do in the communities to support those changes.” Students continue to take leadership roles with safety and environmentally friendly initiatives putting VIMSIA on the map as one of the leading schools in the territory.

American Red Cross Pillow Case Project

Volunteers from the American Red Cross visited the Upper Elementary Classes at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) to present the Pillow Case Project, an initiative geared towards disaster readiness.

Originally started in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina, the project was sparked by the actions of college students who were forced to evacuate their dorms with personal belongings and had no suitcases available… only their pillow cases.

Each student received a pillow case purchased and sponsored by Disney and distributed by the American Red Cross’ School Safety Program. Scenarios such as house fires and natural disasters were discussed at length and students were taught the correct emergency readiness steps.

Volunteers placed emphasis on the fact that students are capable of having individual power with emergency situation and feel prepared by taking personal and safety items with them such as a stuffed animal, first aid kit, MRE, medicines, toiletries, snacks, change of clothes, etc. A representative from the American Red Cross informed VIMSIA that after hurricanes Irma and Maria many children on island mentioned that their parents did not take the warnings seriously and as a result the children ended up with no food or shelter leaving them worried and disappointed.

Anthill CollectivE Mural

Anthill Collective generously offered to paint an amazing graffiti mural in the Music Room at the Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA). Scottie Raymond, Brian Clark and Jared Mattes, artists from Anthill Collective, are on St. Thomas for a few days and have chosen to paint three murals, possibly four if time permits. They are working closely with the Youth Development Academy and will be painting at Mandela Circle. VIMSIA was fortunate enough to be picked as one of these places.

The Anthill Collective is based out of Vermont and its artists have been working together for the last five years, travelling all over the world spreading color and art. The Anthill Collective, named after the fact that ants are notoriously much stronger when the work together, is on a mission to "make things beautiful, spread color to places that would have otherwise been neglected and make it something that people can enjoy" said Raymond, adding that they want "to take art outside of the white cube." All three well renowned artists originally got their start creating graffiti under bridges and on trains, but as they met and worked with various artists around the world their skills progressed and they ended up forming their own company.

With the help of VIMSIA parent Dan Lewin, the Anthill Collective artists made the connection with VIMSIA Art Coordinator Jana Ferguson. It was Ferguson's responsibility to facilitate the project and set up a workshop with the students where they gave input for the mural design -such as featuring VIMSIA's beloved (and recently passed) blue and gold macaw "Sweetie Pie." Grades 7-12 students worked with the artists all day Thursday, helping with layout sketches, rolling paint, and blending and practicing different spray techniques. 

"We love these opportunities because every now and again you get that one kid in a class full of kids that says 'this is my thing,' and we can offer them that without them having to have that scary run away from the police." said Raymond. 

Ferguson was thrilled that Peter Gruber International Academy students were able to participate and take part in this amazing masterpiece. "I want students to experience gratitude for having Anthill Collective travel here to add art to our island. The team wanted to beautify St. Thomas after our Irmaria experiences in order to contribute to our community. The three of them came to donate their time and skills and we just got lucky because of our parent connection” said Ferguson. Adding that she hopes students will "look at art from different avenues - not everyone loves what is considered traditional art - so I hope this opens their eyes to all the different opportunities out there."

VIMSIA would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Anthill Collective for not only selecting VIMSIA as one of their projects, but for inspiring students and parents.

Hands-On Parent Night

Everyone knows the frequently asked question "how was school today?" only to be answered by "ok" or how about "what did you do at school today?"... "nothing!" Through a well organized Parent Night, parents of Primary students at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) were able to not only learn what their children do on a daily basis, but experience it too! Hands-On Parent Night was an opportunity for students to give their parents lessons of work they mastered or are still learning. It was an amazing evening filled with smiles, warm hearts and fun! VIMSIA parents are thankful for the dedicated efforts of Primary Directresses Ms. Mandy Boyle and Ms. Simone Summer. 

Baked Goods For Sale

Ms. Ludick's Upper Elementary class organized a bake sale in efforts to fund their end of year class trip. Thank you to all those who supported by donating desserts and eating them!

National School Walk Out

Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIIMSIA) took part in the National Student Walk Out on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.  ABC’s Good Morning America has confirmed that out of the 2,500 school participating, VIMSIA would be one of five schools streaming a live feed in Mountain and Central time zones. 

The #NationalSchoolWalkout, spearheaded by EMPOWER, the youth branch of the Women’s March group that organized women’s marches against President Donald Trump across the country, calls for students, teachers, school administrators, parents and allies to take part in a for 17 minutes at 10 a.m. across every time zone on March 14, 2018 “to protest Congress’ inaction to do more than tweet thoughts and prayers in response to the gun violence plaguing our schools and neighborhoods,” according to EMPOWER.

Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) students had the choice to participate in this movement or sit out - as it was a student drive initiative. "As a school that values peace, we felt the need to support our students and provide them a platform to voice their concerns - if they so choose" commented VIMSIA's Dean of Students, Michele Weichman. With the support of faculty, teachers and administrators, PGIA students coordinated a peaceful ceremony to pay their respects for the Marjory Stoneman Douglass victims. Almost each student took time to create posters with demands and messages of hope. Seventeen students volunteered to create posters for the 14 students and 3 staff members that were killed during the brutal mass shooting. Throughout the 17 minutes of silence, students called out the name of each victim on the top of every minute and displayed their posters to their peers - many of them mentioned what each student did such as: soccer player, loved the arts, etc. It was a touching way to commemorate the lives of all who passed, and it was evident by the tears and somber faces in the audience. 

“We commend our students’ desire to exercise their First Amendment right to protest as they stand in solidarity with the survivors of the Valentine’s Day massacre. The Department views this as an opportunity to teach valuable life lessons about government, citizenship, gun control and school safety,” Education Commissioner Sharon McCollum said in a statement Tuesday.  Mapp said he supported students who elect to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights on this issue.

“Sadly, gun violence has become a reality our young people, in particular, must face as victims and witnesses to tragic school shootings, whether in their neighborhoods or on their campuses,” Mapp said. “It’s important that we cultivate civic responsibility amongst our youth and an obligation to the common good is an important part of civic engagement" he continued. 

VIMSIA students would like to thanks Michele Weichman, Gloria Zakers, Michael Bornn, Pamela Engle, Dianne Love and all the faculty and staff for their support. 

National School Walk Out

The Story of A Dream

Students Marched on Washington while singing "We Shall Overcome." 

Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) invited parents and community members to enjoy the Lower Elementary play "Martin Luther King, Jr.: Story of A Dream." Under the direction of Lower Elementary Teacher, Jess DiFrancesco, students not only studied the history and biography of Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, but understood the significance of their actions and the ripple effect that it had throughout time. 

DiFrancesco explained how challenging it was for her students to understand the concept of segregation "especially the idea of separating everyone by skin color" she said. "Everyone in our class looks different, and if you divide them up by different colors, it's very hard. It was difficult for them to understand how to divide them up because of all the different shades. They understood what happened was wrong, and couldn't understand why people were treated that way, when they see that they are all great friends in class." Arielle Shackell, a seven year old student who played Rosa Parks, mentioned it was "fun and cool and amazing being her because of how she stuck up for herself."

Over fifty guests were present one of them being Dee Wilson, grandparent. Wilson mentioned "you sense that the children understood the importance of what they were reenacting and definitely got the significance across." With the help of Peter Gruber International Academy senior students behind the scenes, the play went off without a hitch! Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his speech, Rosa Parks was removed from the bus and a powerful reenaction of the March on Washington took place with xylophone accompaniment to the popular song "We Shall Overcome." 

Stepping Into The Limelight with Dancing Classrooms VI

On Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) 8th grade students stepped into the limelight during Dancing Classrooms VI culminating event! PGIA Director, Gloria Zakers opened the event by thanking "Dancing Classrooms for supporting our school and keeping the program here even after the hurricanes when we weren't able to fund the program."

Dancing Classrooms started in only two schools in 1994 with Piere Dulaine a professional ball room dancer who as a young person, had moved from Palestine over to Birmingham, England and really struggled with self confidence and self esteem. It was through dancing that allowed him to stand a little taller and gain confidence. When he was older and a young professional, Dulaine wanted to give that back to the young people. Today, Dancing Classrooms is in over 30 locations nationally and internationally. Dancing Classrooms VI has been in the Virgin Islands since 2009 and last year served 1,000 student - 5,000 students have participated in program overall.

Dancing Classrooms VI's culminating event was a demonstration of a lectured lesson. It was the students' 19th lectured lesson - keep in mind four of those were before the hurricanes- and conducted under the direction of Mary Capella,  teaching artist.

MYP Interdisciplinary Art and PGIA Visual Art & Art Coordinator, Jana Ferguson has participated with Dancing Classrooms for four years. Eighth grade students use their art period to participate in the Dancing Classrooms VI program. "Dance is a form of Art and as a Interdisciplinary Art educator, I try to engage students in as many Art forms as possible! Dance and Visual Art are fused together by incorporating Dance inspired Artwork.  This enhances student learning by encouraging research, creation and a deeper understanding of the dance, where it originates and what it represents" says Ferguson. 

"Capella has been a wonderful leader for the 8th graders this year" says Ferguson, adding "she has been flexible, understanding and determined through hurricanes, schedule changes, student trips, you name it!  Mr. Passerella started Dancing Classrooms VI at the beginning of the year, but after the hurricanes the program was put on hold.  The three of us together, along with our unstoppable students, were a strong team!"

Aside from teaching our students ballroom dancing, the program challenges them to get out of their comfort zone, respect one another and respect themselves.  The younger students are excited to enter the program and the older students love to watch and dance along, reminiscing on their own experiences.  It has become a tradition at the PGIA.

SOULR CEO and Founder Tyler Norris Visits VIMSIA

Tyler Norris, CEO and Founder of SOULR visited with Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) students yesterday to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and deliver four donated SOULR solar powered carts in partnership with Changing Tides Foundation.

It’s common to see students and sports team sell water on street intersections but it doesn’t necessary out pay the cost of time, labor and ice – a problem Norris is quite familiar with. While studying Business Administration at the University of San Diego, Norris had a deep desire to quit his job at the Apple Store and start his own off-the-gird food cart business. After purchasing his first cart he wanted to start selling the very popular Acai bowls but had to find a way to keep them cold. Purchasing ice would deplete his profits so he thought of a solution and came up with the solar powered cooler design. Three years later, he has pushed the concept and is now working with various schools nationwide encouraging entrepreneurship and fundraising opportunities while also supporting hurricane affected areas such as health clinics in Dominica.  Norris explained how part of his inspiration came from his family: “growing up in a close knit island community in Washington State had a huge influence on my life. I realized the importance of community values when I attended college, and sought out to create products/ideas that generate impact for those around me.”

Norris led a small group of seven students through a demonstration on the build, engineering and maintenance of the solar powered carts while emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurships and how “we need to retool the tools we have to create better communities.” Norris added “don't let anything/anyone hold you back from chasing your passion. Fear often hinders our internal desire to explore just beyond the edge of our comfort zone. Don't settle for surviving, aim to thrive!” Students spent an entire class period taking pieces apart, learning about the wiring and different solar components of the cart.

VIMSIA is a proud partner of SOULR carts and wishes Norris all the best as he continues to build out concepts and systems that will change the world.  SOULR is currently working on with the Global Resilience Alliance, and a number of global non-profit/health organizations to build out Resilience Hubs everywhere. These hubs will exist to educate, equip, and inspire communities globally.
 

International Women's Day Gender Role Exercise

In eighth grade design class at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy, students celebrated International Women's Day by completing an exercise that explored gender roles. Prior to starting the exercise, Ms. Jamie Truax, Middle Years Program Math and Design teacher, made sure not to explain the purpose of the activity beforehand. “I told each student to get out a sheet of paper and divide it into 8 sections” Truax said, adding that students were told they would have 1 minute to draw a picture in each section. Truax then instructed her class to draw a nurse, doctor, firefighter, scientist, astronaut, politician, gardener, and artist.

Afterwards, Truax explained that the purpose of the exercise was to explore gender roles in recognition of International Women's Day - a day intended to celebrate female achievements throughout history and across nations. At the conclusion of the exercise, data was tallied on the board. “We counted how many women, men, and gender neutral pictures were drawn for each occupation. We were surprised by some of our results!” said Truax.

Truax explained the results noting that she wasn’t surprised that most students drew a woman nurse and artist. They were however surprised and excited that most students drew women scientists, and were not so surprised to see that most students drew male politicians. The eighth grade class concluded that most people drew gender neutral firefighters and astronauts because they wear so much gear it's hard to tell if they're a woman or a man.

Truax added that “it's important to explore gender equality in schools and make it known that anyone has the potential to grow up and have any occupation. Doing this exercise was a fun way to explore how we stereotype without even knowing it.” One student said, "This was a fun activity to do on International Women's Day. I learned a lot about how we perceive different jobs".  

Happy International Women's Day!

Upper Elementary Egyptian Museum

On Friday, March 2 Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) students, faculty and parents were invited to tour the Upper Elementary Egyptian Museum! Brought to life by students of Ms. Kate Ludick, Upper Elementary Directress, the museum featured the Nile, pyramids, a market, an art and architecture display and of course various signature people such as pharaoh, Cleopatra and King Tutankhuman. 

The Egyptian Museum was the culminating event in a Montessori three period lesson. “After various small group lessons children determine what their interests are and begin doing research” says Ludick. The third and final part is the assessment or a test –in this case the Egyptian Museum- to prove the child’s full understanding on the topic and ensure they have a firm grasp. Students were required to put together the museum and build up one section based on their likes and interest including various skills such as mathematics, writing and reading. Once students have integrated their skills with their interest, they prepare a presentation for their peer groups, parents and other adults.

11th Annual Poetry Out Loud

Under the direction of Virgin Islands Montessori and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) Middle Years Program English Language and Literature teacher Melissa Bump, five high school students participated in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition with hopes of winning and moving on to the territory wide competition scheduled for March 10, 2018. Contestants included: Karen Gaurlioff (1st place), Caroline Gaskin (2nd place), Adia Thomas (3rd place), Tiffany Connor and Trevelle Connor.

Judged by attorney Carl Williams, also parent of a CASA student, Monife Stout, Public Relations Director for East End Medical Clinic and Barbara Young, a retired English teacher and professional photographer, students had to recite two poems for not only the judges, but their teachers, parents and peers. 

"This is the eleventh year for Poetry Out Loud in the territory" says Bump. "The competition began in 2006. I fell in love with the competition when teaching at Kean, and was very happy to take over the coordination at VIMSIA after starting to teach here."

Poetry Out Loud provides a great opportunity for students to truly connect with poetry through memorization and internalization of the poet’s message. It is also a fabulous opportunity for students to gain public speaking experience. 

The winner of the territory competition will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC in April to compete in the national competition. There are numerous award levels in DC, the most impressive being the $20,000 awarded to the national champion. In addition to the financial benefit, Poetry Out Loud opens fantastic doors for that person. Some national champions have even performed at the White House. 

Build A Tower, Build A Team!

Under the direction of Virgin Islands Montessori and Peter Gruber International Academy middle school math teacher, Jamie Truax, the eighth grade class participated in a mini design project this week called the Marshmallow Challenge- a challenge that has been done all over the world in schools, conferences, and business meetings. "This challenge teaches the students teamwork, as well as STEM" Truax says. 

Students are given an envelope with 20 sticks of spaghetti, 1 marshmallow, 1 roll of tape, and 1 ball of string. Students were put in random groups and whoever creates the tallest structure wins. 

"I was so impressed by how the 8th graders collaborated to build a spaghetti structure." Truax says adding that students shared materials, and how wonderful it was to see each student work collaboratively towards achieving a common goal. 

The winners of the challenge were Audrianna, N'Jheri, and Sakari! Their structure stood 16.5 inches tall. 

Learn more about the marshmallow challenge by watching this TED Talk!

Visualization and motivation Talk by James Mapes

“We may not be able to control what happens to us, BUT we can control how we respond to it.” -James Mapes

On Wednesday, Feb 21, James Mapes a popular international public speaker who specializes in teaching skills to individuals and organizations that stimulate innovation, visited the PGIA to do a 45 min presentation on "Visualization and Motivation" for the 7th - 12th graders.  James passed out props to each student to demonstrate the power of thought.  He spoke to the kids about using positive thinking to create motivation in your life and how to avoid self-limiting beliefs that will hold you back from you want.  He did several demonstrations for the kids that left them gasping and staring in disbelief.  The room was a flutter with excitement and laughter.

Take a ways: set goals, write goals down, do not let negative beliefs hold you back, do let positivie beliefs motivate you, visualize what you want. 

James performs this Saturday night, 2/24, at the Forum at Antilles School.  This intriguing performance is $25/adults, $10/teachers and FREE for students.

EPA Helps VIMSIA Monitor Air Quality

On Wednesday, the 12th grade Environmental Systems & Societies class welcomed two members of the EPA's Environmental Response Team to their classroom. Michael Hoppe and Joe Bundens spoke on a variety of topics ranging from air quality and environmental disasters, to fracking and water pollution. Having recently covered atmospheric systems, the students were well prepared to discuss sources of particulate matter, the reduction of ozone-depleting substances, and the impact of air pollutants on human health. Mr. Hoppe and Mr. Bundens spent time explaining how air quality monitors can be used to assess real-time pollution levels, particularly concentrations of particulate matter. Using a network of instruments on the East End, the EPA can monitor and address any increases in pollution that might be a result of the ongoing destruction of boats and other hurricane debris in the area. After examining a sensor placed on school grounds, the students returned to class in preparation for the next unit: Energy Usage & Climate Change.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Household hazardous waste is still being collected at the Bovoni Landfill facility through Saturday, February 24th. According to the EPA:  "Household hazardous waste includes aerosol cans, household cleaners and chemicals, paint, and electronic items such as computers and televisions. Household hazardous materials also include car and marine batteries, which have become a major concern due to the large volume of batteries being used by residents who are without power. Household hazardous waste should not be thrown out with regular trash as it can contaminate the land, waterways, and groundwater. "

Leading The Way With Environmental Sustainability

This week Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) welcomed Changing Tides Foundation volunteer Sarah Brady, who was led on a campus tour by seniors Candice LaPlace, T'Leah Serieux, VerNele Callwood and Nalani Figueroa to better understand VIMSIA’s environmentally sustainable initiatives. Brady was shown why our school is considered a leader in renewable energy and shown the usage of solar panels, pit drains to catch water, retention ponds, gardening efforts, recycling systems and much more!

Originally from California, Sarah –a junior at UC Santa Cruz majoring in Cognitive Science- decided to take a quarter off to assist with relief efforts by volunteering with Changing Tides Foundation. Being that a mutual interest in renewable energy and building sustainable infrastructure existed, a partnership between Changing Tides Foundation and VIMSIA was a no-brainer.

Having learned that PGIA students often sell water bottles from coolers as a way to fundraise, the foundation generously donated four SoulR Cart solar powered coolers. In celebration of this donation, head of school Michael Bornn organized an ice-cream party for the entire school to educate students on solar energy. Students enjoyed a tasty treat chilled by the sun!

#spreadthelove

Virgin Islands Montessori and Peter Gruber International Academy students were seen throughout campus today spreading love! In celebration of Valentine's Day, students and staff members were encouraged to wear red, pink or white and #spreadthelove. Students from toddler to grade twelve were seen participating in this celebration of love and friendship by preparing crafts, singing songs, reading stories, making decorations and exchanging sweet valentine treats. Happy Valentine’s Day!