Thursday Theater with Ms. Christensen

A note from Ms. Christensen:

I had a wonderful time with these students!!! They catch on really fast and are enthusiastic!

I did mention that there is optional homework this week. 

If appropriate for each individual family, I told them to watch one or all of the following:

• •Newsies (on Netflix) for the song “seize the day”

• •Annie for the song “it’s a hard knock life”

• •The greatest showman for the song “This is me”.

We’ll be working on those songs with scene work and choreography and hopefully present them in a final performance.

Pre-DP Dance with Ms. Helen

Here is just a taste of some of the cool things going on in Ms. Helen’s Pre-DP Arts Elective Class. 24 9th & 10th graders meet twice a week to shake, rattle, roll and apparently “flip”. Can’t wait to see them perform!

Exercise Science Class welcomes Synergy VI

From John Hairston, VIMSIA Enrichment

4:28 PM (17 hours ago)

Bethany Miller and Bonnie Barr of Synergy Fitness and Wellness Center are heroes in physical education today. Bethany came as a guest speaker for an Exercise Science class at VIMSIA. A former Athletic Trainer turned Physical Therapy Assistant, she explained and guided our class through a Functional Movement Screen- exploring mobility and stability in our student athletes. It was an illuminating and entertaining day of class, and we are thankful for their involvement.

Sewing Class: Recycle T-Shirts into Chew toys!!

Ms. Stephanie’s After School Sewing Class

A note from Ms. Stephanie: For our class, we partnered with the Human Society of the Virgin Islands to take discarded T-shirts and make them into dog toys.  I am going to donate these back to Donna at the Humane Society.  The kids had so much fun and we’re going to do it again before the semester is out.

Taquitos de Pollo

As the DP 1 Spanish class explores cultural identity and living a healthy lifestyle, students collaborated and made "taquitos de pollo", while communicating in Spanish in the kitchen. "Taquitos de pollos" are Mexican appetizers made from  shredded chicken seasoned with chile, cumin, garlic powder and topped off with Mexican blend cheese wrapped in small flour or corn tortillas. Students enjoyed the "taquitos" while practicing their Spanish language communication skills. ¡Que viva el español!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Pam Enlge, Director of Advancement and parent at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA), visited the Lower Elementary classes to share a bit of her Peruvian culture. Children learned about typical Peruvian dances such as “la marinera” and “musica negra” and learned about the many ways Peru’s rich culture is found in textiles, food and in songs. Children listened to “El Condor Pasa” and learned about the “lost city of the inca”, Machu Picchu.

Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lydon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18 respectively.

College Visitors: NYU, Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt University

Admissions representatives from Vanderbilt University, New York University and Johns Hopkins University presented to PGIA students today!  They shared information on each of their institutions, the college admission process and facilitated a great Q&A.  The opportunity to connect with colleges is very important for students here in the Caribbean.  This group will also provide a session open to the entire Virgin Islands community tonight at 6PM here at VIMSIA.  We are so pleased to be able to provide this type of programming to our students and community!  

Gardening in Enrichment

From Pierre-James, Gardening Enrichment: We first added some shade, to protect the plants from the hot noon sun. When cleaning up the old pots, we found one with a bunch of little papaya trees, we transplanted each one to separate pots, they are doing great. So far none of the seeds we got from Home depot have sprouted - a little disappointing. We sowed basil, cherry tomatoes and Spinach. Luckily Martin gave us some mystery seeds from Dominica, they have sprouted nicely and we transplanted them yesterday. Yesterday everyone also received a baby basil that they took home to watch grow and care for. We have also sowed some passion fruit seeds, lettuce, arugula, bell peppers and dill. Next week will try our luck with corn as well.

Spanish Class Skypes With Valle Verde School, Guatemala

Yesterday students in Upper Elementary Level 3 Spanish received a unique opportunity to hold a Skype session with Colegio Valle Verde in Guatemala. Each school presented about their country for approximately ten minutes in their second language. Students showcased native foods, plants, songs and native costumes! The connection to Valle Verde was made through Ms. Engle, Director of Advancement, whose Goddaughter Fabiana Garay, attends the school in Guatemala. With the help of new Spanish teacher Ms. Stephanie Miles, students prepared presentations and were able to ask children of their own age different questions and answers. The highlight of Valle Verde’s presentation was a performance by first and second year students who played two songs on the Marimba, Guatemala’s national instrument declared in 1978. Our sincerest appreciation to Valle Verde coordinators Sra. Ruth Nuñez and Sra. Torene Genovese. VIMSIA looks forward to continuing this new partnerships in years to come.

Kalyn Fahie Speaks On Domestic Violence

This week at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy, Mr. Stocking’s Grade 11 and 12 Diploma Programme Global Politics classes welcomed Mrs. Kalyn Risker Fahie to speak on the topic of domestic violence. The students are studying the topic in relation to a unit on Peace and Conflict. Mrs. Risker Fahie has many years of experience working in this field, even starting her own domestic violence non-profit organization in Detroit, Michigan called Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (SAFE). She currently works for the VI Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (VIDVSAC) as their Program Liaison. Mrs. Risker Fahie explained the evolution of this conflict within our society as well as the Duluth Model, which covers various power imbalances that can occur in relationships. The students were also able to gain a deeper understanding of how groups work in coordination with government agencies to help address serious problems within communities.

For more information please visit: https://www.vidvsac.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 www.TheHotLine.org

Family Resource Center, Inc. (FRC) St. Thomas (340) 776-3966 http://frcusvi.org

National Teen Domestic Violence Hotline, Text and Online Chat www.loveisrespect.org 1.866.331.9474

VI Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (DVSAC)  www.vidvsac.org 340.719.0144

Cement Art Relections

A feel good story!

9/10th grade finished their cement project this week. Students painted each sculpture and planted flower seeds in them today! It was a great way to reflect and be grateful for the progress we've made in the last year. 

Student quotes: AnaPia Brunt "I feel like the pots we made will make the campus a brighter place. Sometimes a little color can go a long way in lifting ones spirits".

Tyler Weiss "The pots make me feel really happy and I hope they can help others feel the same".

Functional Art

The 9th and 10th grade in Ms. Ferguson's Art Elective class had their first guest artist, Mrs. Anderson, join them on Thursday.  Mrs. Anderson is a local artist, specializing in functional Art. Students learned the difference between concrete and cement, used power tools and got messy creating a cement sculpture!  

Elementary Students Build Working Model Sailboat

Upper Elementary students Ayden Macomsen and Max Tulk engineered a working model sailboat from scratch.  Starting with just a hull from an old remote controlled boat, they created all the other parts from found materials. The mast is a ruler, and they cut plastic bags for the sails.  Everything went well during their trial run in our pond.  Other students have been inspired to build their own boats so we may have a regatta in the near future!

From Sub-Zero to Hero

Bob Maxwell (club advisor) and University of Alaska Anchorage students Robert Maxwell,  Cheryl Higgins, Oakley Carlson, David Chamberlain, Anudari Vaani, Eric Hauer and Bryce Ybanez

From sub-zero temperatures to extreme heat, the members of the Architecture and Engineering Club (AE) from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) are making a serious impact at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) renovating various communal grounds while getting hands-on experience with materials they are studying.

Bob Maxwell, faculty advisor for the club, has been participating in service projects all over the world for the last 18 years with the help of Habitat for Humanity. This trip was different than all others and extra meaningful to the group of eight volunteers, being the first independent trip they’ve taken without the support of Habitat for Humanity. The connection to VIMSIA was first made when a member of the AE club made contact with a friend in St. Thomas who works at VIMSIA. One thing led to another and the AE club group began hosting fundraisers back home to cover expenses for their first independent trip to the US Virgin Islands. Maxwell explained, “The biggest advantage, and what they don’t know the first time, is the value of service word. Service work is a step outside their small world, and for the betterment of the world per say.”

The club is led by Oakley Carlson, club president and David Chamberlain, vice president, with special guidance from construction specialist Eric Hauer.  Chamberlain explained the uniqueness of this trip and the challenges they faced, including coordination and transportation. “It was the first time we had to do something like this with a few unknowns. Coming to the Virgin Islands was a new one on us too, it’s a new culture – which is not a challenge, but different and exciting!” commented Chamberlain.

Hauer added that like him, several of Maxwell’s students are inspired hearing stories of past service opportunities and are drawn to serve. “He’s responsible for getting me involved. When I was taking one of his classes he talked about the projects that they do and it peeked my interest since it’s something I had wanted to do for a long time” commented Hauer. “Most of our team are engineering students some construction management students” added Hauer, a former construction management student prior to transferring to Kansas State University to study architectural engineering.

VIMSIA, a leader in environmentally sustainable initiatives, is 100% solar, has various storage systems, collects road run-off water for irrigation, tends to an organic garden and utilizes solar refrigerator and freezers. With the help of the AE club volunteers, new fencing has been installed on the Montessori campus, various buildings were painted and remodeled, a new climbing wall was installed and improvements were made to the school’s playground. “My favorite part of this trip has been the people and seeing their reactions, especially when they learn we’re from Alaska. Their faces light up!” commented club co-president Carlson.

The VIMSIA family extends their sincere appreciation to the AE club for their time and dedication to help improve the school and community. The school hopes to visit Alaska and their friends at UAA in the future, according to Head of School, Michael Bornn.

PGIA Students Off To a Great Start!

A few pictures of Peter Gruber International Academy bonding activities on the first day of school! Welcome back!

VIMSIA Marks its 55th Opening Day

Hitting snooze is no longer an option for the students of Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) who attended their first day of school on Monday, as the school marked its 55th opening day. Staff, administrators and parents were thrilled to see familiar faces and welcome many new friends, both to the school community and the US Virgin Islands.

There was a buzz of energy surrounding campus on the first day of school! “This will be our best year yet,” said Head of School, Michael Bornn, adding that the theme for the year derives off of the Greek word ‘meraki’. “Meraki is a Greek word meaning to do something with love, soul and creativity, to leave a piece of yourself in your work, and to leave something behind. We as educators are constantly doing this,” added Bornn. The message was well received by all.

With over 65 new students, this year’s Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) seniors are ecstatic to make new friends and anxious to end strong while working towards their International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas. Last year, in addition to earning a high-school diploma, 60% of VIMSIA seniors earned the prestigious and highly coveted IB diploma, which created various new collegiate opportunities. Only a small percentage of seniors in the US earn this world renowned degree.

In the PGIA, students started off the day with thirty minutes of a meet and greet social and were encouraged to welcome new friends. “The PGIA is going to tackle the 2018-2019 school year. We are in excellence mode with high expectations and lofty goals,” commented Gloria Arpasi, Director of PGIA. “It feels great to be back for the 2018-2019 school year. I loved greeting all the parents and students as we met on the turf of our second home we call VIMSIA. I can already feel that it is going to be a strong year full of student learning and growth!” added Michele Weichman, Dean of Students.

Like so many others school in the territory, the summer months were used to rebuild and renovate damaged spaces. “Getting the school back to tip-top shape took a village, and we are so thankful to the parents, staff and volunteers who helped not only improve VIMSIA but propel it forward, becoming one of the leading schools in the US Virgin Islands” commented Bornn.

VIMSIA, was first established in 1964 as an AMI accredited Montessori School.  The tradition is continued as an accredited Association Montessori Internationale school for ages 3 – 12 and the school has become an authorized International Baccalaureate World.  Research from leading institutions shows that IB students are more likely to succeed in higher education than those who attend traditional school. To learn more about VIMSIA please visit www.vimsia.org.

Bougainvillea Enrichment Center Re-Opens!

Just in time for the first day of school, Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy's (VIMSIA) Bougainvillea Enrichment Center (BEC) re-opened looking better than ever before.

With freshly painted walls, new floors, refurbished furniture and an excellence team of caregivers, BEC is ready for the 2018-2019 school year! Special thanks to Megan McGavick, Estefany Ledee and MaryAnn Paul for their time, dedication and perseverance with this massive task.

Working Hard at Staff Week

Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy staff were welcomed back on Monday, August 13, 2018, by the administrative team for Staff Week. The day began with opening remarks by Head of School, Michael Bornn, whose speech revolved around this year's theme "Meraki" - a Greek word meaning to do something with love, soul and creativity, to leave a piece of yourself in your work, and to leave something behind. 

Staff members have been hard at work diligently preparing their materials, rearranging furniture and adding final touches to lesson plans.

Student Council Organizes Color War

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!

How Fun is VIMSIA's Environmental Systems and Societies Class?

Extremely fun! Under the direction of Peter Gruber International Academy instructor Alex Silva, the 11th grade Environmental Systems and Societies class performed a field investigation at Secret Harbor. These photos feature the students swimming thirty meters transects, stopping every four meters to assess the composition of the seabed. Our results found that sea grass and corals only begin to appear twenty meters from shore, possibly due to the influence of human activity in shallower waters.