Art Extravaganza

Ms. Morrison's class had an Art Extravaganza this last Tuesday. Students spent the day working to their hearts content with soft pastels, watercolors, acrylics, calligraphy work, creating mandalas, macrame and making clay! 

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!

Greek Mythology

The Upper Elementary class put on a dynamic presentation on Greek Mythology featuring gods and goddesses today for the Lower Elementary Students! Under the direction of Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy Upper Elementary Teacher, Kate Ludick, students prepared facts to present, dressed up in costume displaying key signature pieces and performed a group dance with audience participation! The event concluded with questions and answers from both parents and students!

RICKY JAMES JR. to Take Part in Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum

RICKY JAMES JR. to Take Part in Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine on June 15-24, 2018

Written By: Thomas Rodgers

This summer, Ricky James Jr. from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands will join outstanding high school students from across the nation to take part in a unique academic and career oriented development experience, the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Medicine, taking place this summer on the campus of Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia.

NYLF Medicine is one of the Envision family of programs (www.envisionexperience.com) that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom.

Ricky was nominated to attend this forum by one of his teachers at the VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy. Ricky survived two catastrophic hurricanes in the Virgin Islands and was able to make a difference in his community during the recovery and rebuilding stages as he volunteered with the All Hands and Hearts Volunteer Group. This group is a non-profit organization that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters by engaging and leveraging volunteers, partner organizations, and local communities. Ricky is an avid golf player of the Mahogany Run Jr. Golf Team in the Virgin Islands, and he attends the University Bound Program. As a rising high school senior, Ricky looks forward to gaining the hands-on medical experience that this forum will provide.

“NYLF Medicine is a great opportunity for high-achieving scholars to get outside the classroom and see, through hands-on interactive learning, how to innovate and think creatively,” said Andrew Potter, the Chief Academic Officer for Envision. “These students, who have already proven themselves academically, will be challenged to work on real-world, student-created projects to bring their studies and career interests to life.” 

Since 1985, Envision programs have served more than 800,000 students in more than 145 countries, with programs designed to help students develop the leadership, scholarship and career skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive college and career landscape.

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 is a Verb

Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) held it’s highly anticipated art event, Art is a Verb on Friday, June 1, 2018. The space was surrounded by art hanging off of eclectic looking stands, tables filled with various types of art demonstrating the wide range of media used by student artists of different abilities and age levels. Every corner was filled with drawings, sculptures, mosaics, paintings and more. What was not on display however, was the many other ways Art is a Verb, such as dance, poetry, singing and playing musical instruments.

Under the direction of  Middle Years Program (MYP) Interdisciplinary Art, Diploma Program (DP) Visual Art & Art Coordinator, Jana ferguson, Art is a Verb was created with hopes of “showcasing student talents/artwork throughout the MYP, DP and elementary Art club” commented Feguson. The entire production was student led with different grades in charge of different aspects and pieces of the production. “This is a student led show, grade 10 students develop a marketing plan- in conjunction with their Individuals & Societies class. Other grades serve as the panel for the presentations the 10th graders put it together.  From there, a group is chosen as the leader.  Their plan is the layout for the show and all students have their own role to make it a success” commented Feguson, adding that “we have so much talent within our student body- who wouldn't want to see that?!”

Organizing and hanging the artwork is always the most challenging aspect for the students at VIMISA due to the fact that the show is set up and torn down in one day.  The students did a fantastic job, were efficient and exceeded any expectations.  “Our student have so much talent and deserve the spotlight to shine!” added Ferguson.

 Ms. Helen Sidiropoulos, Peter Gruber International Academy dance teacher was in charge of the majority of dance performances featured that night. One of the biggest acts was by senior Kobe Potter. Every year, one senior decides to take on the challenge of choreographing for the entire class 14 dancers this year, this year it was Potter. “Once she choreographs, she has a few weeks to teach the class and then must record and send her recording to an examiner for External Assessment” commented Sidiropoulos, adding that she does not get to give DP Dancers a grade on their creative work. Grades will be made available in July. 

Showcasing the dancers is meant to help our students build confidence & stage presence and above all, to share their gifts & inspire others. “Challenges include getting the male dancers to be confident, execute the steps correctly, perform with umph and smile...for the ladies, challenges include trusting your partner will hold and catch you” said Sidiropoulos.

The crowd especially loved Sidiropoulos’ Diploma Program dancers performing Bachata to “Promise” featuring five alumni – having just graduated two weeks ago!

Art truly is a verb!

Marissa Bornn International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Marissa Bornn

International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Every other month, Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) gives out the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award to a high school  student who best embodies the traits of the IB Learner Profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. Nominations are led by students and staff, and finalized with an Peter Gruber International Academy teacher vote. This month's winner is Marissa Bornn!

“Marissa confidently solves problems but also isn't afraid to ask for help. She asks thoughtful questions and collaborates well with others. Marissa also has the ability to interpret music with such grace and beauty through her dance. She is well-deserving of the IB Learner Profile Award.” –Mrs. Liz Elger

“Marissa consistently embodies all of the qualities of an IB learner on a daily basis. She is always willing to help out and has a positive attitude toward anything thrown her way. She handles any adversity with careful consideration and displays a calmness in all of her actions. She always asks for feedback in an effort to make her work as best as possible. It is a pleasure to teach her at VIMSIA!” –Mr. Matt Stocking

“Marissa is a kind, reflective student eager to learn and help others.  She took a risk playing soccer this year, and has shown great growth as a result.  Her passionate devotion to whatever activity she undertakes is an example for all to follow.” –Mr. Joe Elger

“Marissa always has a smile on her face and takes on challenges without a second thought. She is caring, open minded, principled and is able to do what many struggle with; balance all aspects of her life. I have seen this young lady embrace her weaknesses and use them as a jumping off point for reflection and growth.  She demonstrates, through action, what being an IB student is all about.”  –Ms. Jana Ferguson

""Fail and fail often".  In this regard I know you have probably failed to satisfy your father's expectations.  But failure does not come easy to deep thinkers.  And no matter how deep we (teachers) may go, you are always there to see us eye to eye, in that silent way of yours.  Your demeanor and your mind will inspire all those around you that can pause long enough to distinguish a rose from a thorn.  Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.” –Senor Andy Gever

Third Year Students Receive Their Dictionaries!

The Dictionary Project is a nationwide organization that is dedicated to giving all third grade students their very own dictionaries to keep.  Costs are funded through local sponsors. Our students were very excited to receive their dictionaries, thanks to Ms. Gretta Moorhead.

Student Authors Donate Book to VIMSIA Library

After three long weeks of hard work, student authors and Lower Elementary students, Careem Peets Parfitt and Mary Hurson donated "Wendy & George: The Attack of the Bug Monster", a self-published comic book to Montessori librarian Ms. Kathy Schlesinger. With Ms. Schlesinger’s help, Careem and Mary managed to look up their comic book in the library database and were thrilled with excitement when they noticed their names noted as authors. Careem and Mary’s peers were all anxiously awaiting to be the first to check out the highly-demanded new book!

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