End Session : Boundary Waters Out from the Wilderness

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Wow, what an adventure! I must say that Ms. Butler and I are so proud of this group and they should be very proud of themselves. We had an amazing four days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness where they paddled and portaged canoes, set up camp, slept and lived outdoors, swam, fished, saw the Northern Lights and experienced all the beauty of the northern boreal forest. There were ups and downs, frustrations and celebrations, and through it all this group of eight students showed true grit!

Today we are heading back to Minneapolis and along the way we will visit the International Wolf Center to learn more about the animals we heard during our nights in the woods.

End Session: Mauritius

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All the kids did great, acting very respectfully and easily making it to the top and back down. The teachers on the other hand… well, let's just say, it was a little humbling.

Tomorrow we are off to the "Last Surviving Forest" Ferney Valley, where we will finish up our biodiversity research. And have a very traditional Mauritian lunch prepared right in front of us.

We are having a wonderful time, more updates soon!!

Ms. Z and Mr. E

End Session: Mauritius

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Dear All,

We had a great day in Mauritius, highlighted by a trip to the Albion Tide Pools and Lighthouse.  The students did some biodiversity research and enjoyed the spectacular Indian Ocean scenery.  While jet lag definitely was still in effect, their effort was admirable.  Tomorrow sees us off to the Black River Gorge to see some of Mauritius' most endangered species up close.  Enjoy the photos!

Mr. E and Ms Z.

End Session: NASA Day 4

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What a blast we've been having...pun intended. 

On our way out of the Space Coast, we visited the Space Coast Fab Lab. We saw many huge 3D printers and other amazing equipment that will be used in this maker space. We also learned about hydro phones. Hopefully our school will develop a further relationship with this group to conduct research in the VI. 

We arrived in Orlando and hit the Mall of Americas for food and shopping. We then spent three hours at the Sky Zone for glow night. LOTS of laughter (and good exercise) had by all. 

We rose yesterday bright and early to reach Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We started the day at Hogwarts playing quidditch, defeating dragons, and drinking butter beer. Some of us took risks and rode rides that were way outside of our comfort zones. We met transformers, Thing 1 & 2, and Cat in the Hat. One of the scariest rides was Mummy as you can tell from the picture. We rode the Hogwarts Express to Kings Cross Station Platform 9 3/4 and spent some time in London, San Francisco, and New York. We ended the evening with exploring Gringotts Bank and fighting Voldemort. As we were leaving the park, we were treated to a water show and fireworks. Lots and lots of walking but so worth it to hear the screams and laughter!

We started our today going to Volcano Bay which opens at 9:00. By 9:30, they had reached capacity so no one else was allowed in. This is probably a blessing in disguise as we were all pretty tired from yesterday! Today we are relaxing, playing putt-putt and beach volleyball, maybe swimming in the pool, shopping and perhaps seeing a movie. Tomorrow, we are leaving bright and early to make sure we will get into Volcano bay! 

I am absolutely loving spending time with these kids. I am so blessed to have such an amazing group. Thank you again for sending your children on this adventure with me. 

Major hugs,

Ms. E

End Session: Mauritius Continued!

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Helllloooo MRU Parents!

Your kids are troopers! They have already well adjusted to new sleeping patterns and are doing a wonderful job of being respectful members of this group. The kids seem very happy with their host families and have everything they need. Let me know if you have any concerns whatsoever!

Today we did biodiversity research in the Black River Gorges. It was absolutely beautiful. We saw several endemic species of birds and bats, and had a talk from "Nate", a bird biologist from the Mauritian department of Wildlife.

Tomorrow is a trip to the Colorful South coast of MRU and the sacred Hindu temple. It will be very memorable.

I am beyond humbled with how we have been welcomed here and the hospitality that the Mauritian families have given to us. We would like to set up an exchange to have these kids come stay in the VI. Please let me know if you are interested in hosting a Le Bocage student!
 

:) Ms. Z

End Session: Mauritius

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Dear MRU Parents,

We took Dubai by storm! We stumbled upon an opportunity for complimentary hotel rooms and dinner from Emirates Airlines and then decided to purchase a city tour. So, after hot showers and the lights of Dubai, we are back at the airport and on our plane to MRU! 

Everyone is safe and sound. The people here are warm and welcoming. What a fantastic start to our adventure!

We will check in again soon ;)  Ms. Z

End Session: NASA Day 3

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Our final day at NASA was pretty awesome. We saw the Atlantis and learned all about the history of the shuttle program. Pretty spectacular. We rode the shuttle simulation which definitely tested one's love of turbulence and sense of balance. We attended a college fair, talked with some robotic teams, and saw one team's robot have a very successful run in the competition.

Tomorrow, we'll visit the Space Coast FabLab and then settle into our villa in Orlando, probably followed by shopping and a movie. 

I have laughed so much today at each of your children. They say the wittiest things...especially when they don't think you're listening. I've also learned a lot about music and Snapchat!

Hugs, Ms. E

End Session: Boundary Waters

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The students are enjoying their time in the north! After a fun day at the amusement park, Valleyfair, we picked up some supplies and left Minneapolis. We made our way to Split Rock Lighthouse, north of Duluth, and visited the restored lighthouse and learned about its role in shipping on the Great Lakes. We then returned to Duluth for the night. 

Today we will be heading further north to Grand Marais and stopping at North House Folk school for a workshop on baking homemade pies (Mmmmm). Afterwards, we will make our way to Thunder Bay, Ontario (Canada), with a stop at Grand Portage National Monument.

End Session: Galápagos Trip Day 1

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The Galapagos End Session spent two days exploring Quito and surrounding areas.  Tuesday they visited historic areas in Quito, and sampled famous local dishes such as guinea pig. Some were open-minded enough to try an ice cream flavor called “caca de perro.” Wednesday they went to Cotopaxi, the world’s second highest active volcano. They observed llamas and condors; in fact they spent an hour watching the condors - their guide said he hadn’t seen so many condors together in 20 years!  Thursday it’s off the the Galapagos Islands!

End Session: NASA Day 2

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Today we met an ASTRONAUT! Dr. Sam Durrance spoke with us about his two missions to space and the telescope he helped to build. Very interesting stories. We then took a bus tour behind the gates. We saw all the launching pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building where they are currently building the SLS rocket to go to Mars, and the shuttle transport system. We also saw a retired Apollo shuttle and exhibit highlighting all the Apollo missions. We even got to touch a moon rock! Pretty amazing! We spent the afternoon in the historic Cocoa Beach Village, watching a major downpour from our hotel rooms, and ending the night at the movie theater. 

Tomorrow, we will see the Atlantis and experience a launch simulator. We'll also be going to a college fair. 

I love seeing your students in this environment. I am so proud of their openness to new experiences and their kind hearts. Thanks again for letting me "have" them for the week!

Hugs,

Ms. E

NASA End Session - Quick Note from Ms. Elger

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We got to see rockets today! Our first day at NASA was great. We watched an IMAX movie about Mars, sat in on the opening ceremony of the robotic mining competition where we heard from the NASA Director and former astronaut, walked through the space shuttle garden, and saw Atlantis. Tomorrow we will meet an astronaut, see inside Kennedy, and take part in a flight simulation. 

 

 

Thanks again for letting me take your kid to space-ish!

Congratulations Class of 2017!

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You made it! All your hard work, determination and persistence have finally paid off!  Congratulations!  As a class you have set some records.  

  • The number of scholarships and grants received as a class $8,105,292.
  • The number of institutions students were accepted is 68.
  • The number of institutions to which had never seen or never accepted an applicant from PGIA is 29. 
  • The amount of graduates who represent the first-generation in your family to attend a post-secondary institution is 50%.

Congratulations PGIA Class of 2017

Valedictorian: Alison Bartsch, GPA 4.56

Salutatorian: Claudia Walker, GPA 4.49

Kendall Benjamin

Christina Brett

Aneesh Chandiramani

Megan Godfrey

Eyad Hamed

Ni’Quay-Imanie Leonard

Kayla Rivers

Leah Trotman

Caelin Vannelli

Andrew Webb

Schools that graduates will be attending:

Agnes Scott College (GA), American University (DC), Clark University (MA), Duquesne University (PA), Marymount Manhattan College (NY), Seton Hall University (NJ), Stanford University (CA), Suffolk University (MA), University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Md., University of Tampa (FL), Valencia College (FL).

The list of schools students were accepted:

Adelphi University

Agnes Scott College

American University

Barry University

Brandeis University

Clark University

College of William and Mary

Drew University

Drexel University

Duke University

Duquesne University

Elon University

Emerson College

George Mason University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Goucher College

Harvey Mudd College

Haverford College

Hofstra University

Howard University

Iona College

Johns Hopkins University

Johnson & Wales University (North Miami)

Johnson & Wales University (Providence)

King University

Lafayette College

Lehigh University

Lynn University

Manhattanville College

Marymount Manhattan College

Mercy College

Molloy College

Olin College of Engineering

Oxford College of Emory University

Pace University, New York City

Princeton University

Providence College

Queens University of Charlotte

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Roanoke College

Rowan University

Savannah College of Art and Design

Seton Hall University

Smith College

Southern Methodist University

Spelman College

St. John's University - Queens Campus

St. Joseph's College - Brooklyn Campus

Stanford University

State University of New York at Albany

State University of New York at Albany

Stevens Institute of Technology

Suffolk University

Swarthmore College

The George Washington University

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of Tampa

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

University of Miami

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of St. Andrews (Scotland)

University of the Virgin Islands-St. Thomas

Valencia College

Vassar College

Wake Forest University

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Xavier University of Louisiana

 

Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir performs for VIMSIA!

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Today VIMSIA welcomed the world renowned, Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir - Københavns Drengekor as part of the U.S. Virgin Islands 100 year anniversary celebration of Transfer Day. They performed a private concert in the Music Room for students, staff and parents. The Royal Chapel Choir consists of 50 boys ranging from 12 to 17 year olds. The audience were enchanted by their amazing vocals and presence.

More about the choir: Among some of the oldest European musical traditions are the cathedral choirs and their choir schools. The COPENHAGEN ROYAL CHAPEL CHOIR is the only representative of this tradition in Scandinavia. Founded in 1924 by Mogens Wöldike, the choir quickly developed into a full-time institution with the boys receiving their general education alongside a full musical and vocal training in SANKT ANNÆ GYMNASIUM, the Copenhagen Municipal Choir School.

With a comprehensive repertoire ranging from commissioned works by the leading composers of our time to the earliest polyphony, the choir has gained a reputation for being one of the finest of its type and has received several high distinctions.

The choir tours extensively and has given concerts in all parts of the world. It has taken part in many radio and television productions both in Denmark and abroad. Le Figaro has placed the choir alongside the Vienna Boys Choir and that of Kings College, Cambridge as one of the finest in Europe. They work regularly with the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and have made numerous CD recordings.

Sponsored by the USVI Bicentennial Committee, VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy, Moe’s Fresh Market, and Flamboyant On the Bay Resort and Villas.

Go Volts: School Participation Winners - Rotary Triathlon

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Volts bring home the school participation award...again!  Pretty sure we are undefeated in this.  Way to go  VIMSIA athletes!

Special shout-out to our medalists

12 - 15 year olds:  Taber - 1st place; Kaia - 1st place; Relay Anapia, Aviela, Nicholas - 1st place; Relay Skyler and Axel - 2nd place; Relay (mixed school) Gabriella, Christian and Thomas - 3rd place

9-11 year olds:  Maia T - 1st place; Relay Mariana, Aurora and Sofie - 2nd place

5-8 year olds:  Lyle - 3rd place; Relay (mixed school) Charlie, Willie and Connor - 1st place

Full List of Medalists

 

The Danish West-Indies – Sources of History - #100FOR100USVI

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The Danish National Archives’ digitization project “The Danish West Indies – Sources of History” is a fabulous collection of resources about Virgin Islands History.  The site includes five million pages of digitized records from the colonial era which are now searchable.

#100for100USVI – Thank you for reading post number 2.

Resources to recognize USVI Centennial - #100for100USVI

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Happy Transfer Day!  This lovely book, written by Anecia Sewer and illustrated by Karen Samuel, is a perfect introduction to Transfer Day for all students.  It is a fitting opening entry for “100 for 100 USVI,” a collection of one hundred information resources about USVI history and culture that I am gathering in recognition of the Centennial.

#100for100USVI – Thank you for reading post number 1.