NCCE Student In-Service

On Thursday, December 13, 2018, PGIA students in grades 7-10 had the unique opportunity to take part in Digital Citizenship workshops from the National Center on Computer Education (NCCE). These workshops took place at school on Thursday and Friday.

These pictures show some grade 7 students working with the professional presenters (from the Pacific Northwest). They built circuit boards using bananas! And also learned many other topics of digital citizenship, including some neat tools for school and being safe online.

Dancing Classrooms

On Wednesday, November 7, 2018 Peter Gruber International Academy (PGIA) 8th grade students stepped into the limelight during Dancing Classrooms VI culminating event!

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.  

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.

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!  

An Act of Kindness

Over the summer Ms. Ludick went shopping at a consignment store in the next town over from where she lives - Chesterland, Ohio. Gayle Tuttle is the consignment store owner and her husband Peter is President of the Rotary Club in Chesterland. Peter happened to be working with the St. Thomas Rotary Club to help to rebuild the Eudora Kean Library. 

There had been a rumor around town that one of the Alumni from West Geauga High School (Ms. Ludick) was a teacher in the USVI and help was needed.

Gayle ended up contacting Ms. Ludick and donated the entire summer stock of consignment clothes for VIMSIA staff members. They are ladies clothes--some professional, some for going out. Dresses, skirts, pants, shirts. The Micro-Economy Manager of the Class, Devin DeGannes, Assistant Manager, Zia Zucker, and the rest of the crew set up a pop up shop for VIMSIA teachers to "shop". Each teacher was given a $50 allowance and a personal shopper.

Our sincerest appreciation to Gayle and Peter Tuttle for their generous contribution and such a touching act of kindness.

Happy Birthday Dr. Maria Montessori

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

PTA Hits the Floor Running at Back To School Social

PTA President April Jackson-Baynes and team, recruiting parents for this year's line-up of events!

There was a huge line and bottle neck at last night's Back to School Social, and it wasn't for food or drinks! Dedicated and invested VIMSIA parents crowded the PTA sign-up table last night showing support, excitement and positive energy for the year to come. 

Message from PTA: Thank you everyone who stopped by the PTA table at the Welcome Back Night event! For those that missed it, there are several committees we are seeking volunteers for:

- Welcoming Committee: A group of people who will help new families and new staff members get to know the school and the island. 

- PTA Holiday Party: A group of people who will help plan and organize the annual holiday party we throw for our hard working teachers and staff. 

- Fall Fest Planning Committee: A group who will plan and organize the PTA’s biggest fundraising event of the year. Fall Fest will be Oct. 27. 

- Classroom Parents: Classroom Parents are volunteers who can help to organize the other parents in their child’s class on behalf of the PTA and who are also available to help out the teacher when needed. 

- General Help: If you want to simply let the PTA know that you can be called on to pitch in on projects and events throughout the year.

If you want to sign up for any of these committees, email ptavimsia@gmail.com!

April Jackson-Baynes, President

ptavimsia.pres@gmail.com (340) 227-1433

Sarah Smith Williams, Vice President

ptavimsia.vp@gmail.com (214) 707-8085

Aldeth Lewin, Public Relations Officer
ptavimsia.pr@gmail.com (240)642-3984

Mone Taylor, Secretary

ptavimsia.sec@gmail.com (340) 344-3209

Darian Hairston Treasurer

ptavimsia.tr@gmail.com (540) 840-9858

Enrique Rodriguez, Liaison to Board of Trustees

ptavimsia.lo@gmail.com (787) 403-5375

General Members ptavimsia@gmail.com

Kichael Miller (830) 333-9675

Jeanne Walters (312) 282-3807 

Andrew Brown (973) 943-9432

Jennifer Lazuka (440) 487-8118

Marcela Ferreyra (340) 344-3753

FREE Ticket to VIMSIA's Las Vegas Night!

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.

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!

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

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.  

Mud, Dirt and Worms it's a Primary Party!

Primary students celebrated the end of a wonderful school year with a super fun party featuring delicious treats and mud cups - chocolate pudding, gummy worms and crushed Oreos! Thanks to all the parents who sent in treats!

End of Year ParTAY!

Lower Elementary students celebrated the end of another fun-filled and successful school year with a class potluck! Thanks to all the parents who contributed!

White Tie Wednesday

Today was white tie Wednesday in Ms. Jess Di Francesco's class! Take a look at how elegant and dressed-up the Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy Lower Elementary students look!

Egg Drops in Design Class

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. 

Stop, Drop and Roll

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.

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.

End of Year Field Trip!

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.

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

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

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

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