“From her first days at VIMSIA, Christine has been a bit more of the quiet leader, the principled student, whose integrity of thought and deed seem to be a natural part of her character of being and habits of mind.”
Read MoreShournagh was a dear friend, a beautiful, kind loving person, and most certainly a legend in the history of VI Montessori School.
Read MoreThe IB program is among the most rigorous in the world and these students have demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment as scholars.
Read MoreHere’s the schedule for our Middle School Boy’s, JV Boy’s, and JV Girl's teams. Go Volts!
Read MoreOur sailors started the year with the annual races at the St. Thomas Yacht Club!
Read MoreTo succeed in this program, VIMSIA needs the help of our parents.
Read MoreFrom a student concert featuring 133 performers to an exciting visit from Mr. Claus, VIMSIA is starting off the holiday with spirit.
Read MoreA semester-end update from our Head of School.
Read MoreTake a trip through a digital library full of creative writing, courtesy of Grades 4-5.
Read MoreWe need YOUR help to make next year’s trips a huge success.
Read MoreA tip of the hat to our first Learner Profile Award recipients of the year, Divina Kamra and Yashamay David. Here’s why their peers and teachers choose to honor them.
Read MoreOur students are putting up fantastic numbers in this national competition!
Read MoreUpper Elementary students have been working on personal narratives and realistic fiction stories.
Read MoreOur sailing teams continue to hit the waters hard! Last weekend, Aurora Rodriguez came away with a top-10 finishes in her division during the 2022 Howler Regatta, held by the Coconut Grove Sailing Club in Miami. Santiago Brunt finished 18th out of 25. Mariana Brunt finished 36th in the Opti Championship class with 78 points. She also came in sixth place in the second race, and had another top-10 finish.
The previous weekend at a one-day regatta in Jensen Beach, Florida, the Volts A team of Aurora Rodriguez, Amelie Zucker and Miles Broome finished 19th in its division with 92 points, with a best finish in 17th in five starts. The B team of Zia Zucker and Ella Crew finished 15th in its division with 68 points, with a best finish of 11th in five races.
Additionally, on October 15 and 16, four members of the sailing team (Jackson Auchincloss, Santiago Brunt, Sofie Kappel, and Ellis Wisehart) traveled to Lake Norman, North Carolina for the South Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association (SAISA) regatta. The event, VIMSIA’s first team competition, consisted of 15 teams from several surrounding states. Our team came in 9th! They were supported by coach Robert Hunter, a recent sailor at Boston College and national champion.
Fantastic work, teams!
Hey Volts community! Volleyball season is winding down, but not without celebrating our team's success. This week, the varsity boys beat All-Saints 3-0, and the girls scored a big win against our chief rival, Antilles, 3-1. This Friday and Saturday are big days as both our boys and girls varsity teams are in action at the MCM center. Our middle school girls team will also be playing All-Saints on Saturday for a place in the playoffs. Come on out and support our Volts teams this weekend!
As volleyball season is ending, this means we are getting started with basketball and track and field. Please be posted regarding the practice schedule. I have been hearing from parents about the desire to field teams for our elementary school students. This is entirely possible, but not without your help. If you know of anyone who can help out on a volunteer basis to coach track and field or basketball for our fourth and fifth graders, please contact me - wfranz@vimsia.org. We can do this, but we need coaches!
Wyatt Franz
Physical Health Education, Athletic Director
Upcoming IAA sports schedule
Friday, November 4
VG v Gifft Hill (4pm)
VB v CAHS (5:15pm)
@MCM Center
Saturday, November 5
MSG v All Saints (9 am)
VB v SP&P (11:15 am)
VG v Kean (2 pm)
@MCM Center
Monday, November 7
VB v Kean (4pm)
MSG v tbd (if they win on Saturday)
@MCM Center
Thursday, November 10
VG v CAHS (5:15 pm)
@MCM Center
Joie Byrd is crowned as the new Ms. Veteran America at the national competition last weekend.
Ms. Byrd, who leads VIMSIA’s Music Program, is a Staff Sergeant in the VI National Guard. As the winner, she becomes the official spokesperson for Final Salute, Inc., a nonprofit providing safe and suitable housing and resources to women veterans experiencing homelessness. Women veterans make up the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population.
“Lifting up these fellow veterans who have fallen on hard times really appealed to me,” says Ms. Byrd. “Plus, I was initially attracted to the idea of finding a larger network and community of women in the military. I was very positively influenced by a wonderful senior NCO (non-commisioned officer) in my former unit, and wanted to surround myself with more people like her. Once I learned of the greater mission of Ms. Veteran America, I was even more interested in participating.
She sees overlap between the values and characteristics needed to teach, and those being sought after in the competition.
“As ‘Ms. Byrd,’ I am teaching students critical thinking, problem solving, and empathy through the lens of music. As Ms. Veteran America, I utilize these same skills through the lens of advocacy. One of the main similarities is that as a teacher, you must meet students where they are and lead them forward. The advocacy work is similar, because you meet people who have varying understandings of the homelessness crisis.”
Ms. Byrd with VIMSIA staff and students at a benefit concert in August to raise funds for Final Salute, Inc.
Given her military experience, the mission of Final Salute, Inc. resonates deeply with Ms. Byrd.
”It’s important to me because I am a woman veteran myself, yet I was entirely unaware of the shockingly high numbers of other women veterans experiencing homelessness. I was surprised to learn that so few organizations cater to the specific needs of homeless female veterans. For one, many shelters flat out don't accept women. Others don't accept women who have children with them. This is particularly problematic knowing that about 70% of women veterans are also single mothers. Getting the word out about Final Salute Inc. is so important so that we can give women veterans a hand up to help them out of a hard situation.”
For the lengthy application process and road to her victory, Ms. Byrd says that it was strategic at every step.
“At first, I didn't understand why Ms. Veteran America was labeled as a competition and not as a pageant. However, after joining several months ago, it became instantly clear. This whole process from the application at the beginning of the year, to semi-finals in June, to finals last weekend, has been a job interview. Sure, we wore formal wear on a stage to assess our poise under pressure. Yes, we performed a talen to assess our willingness to step out of our comfort zones. Each step was crafted to assess our skills and select the best ambassador for Final Salute Inc.”
“The organizers did an amazing job of making this weekend fun and memorable. The first day was the most high-pressure as we completed our final interview and we're judged on our talent. After that, we had a wonderful "ladies night" where we were able to dance with new friends and relax after the stress of the morning. During our moments of down time, our cohort was able to swap stories and learn more about one another.”
As part of the application process, Ms. Byrd raised $4,070—which will provide 162 nights of transitional housing for homeless women veterans and their children. Now, she plans to spend the next year balancing travel and advocacy as the Final Salute ambassador with her military and school responsibilities.
“"People can support by spreading the word, donating their time, services, and skills, or making a tax-deductible donation directly to Final Salute Inc. Also, I will be hosting events on the island to raise awareness and funds (details to come).”
We love you, Ms. Byrd! Below, see the heartwarming celebration that the student body gave Ms. Bryd upon her return.
Halloween doesn’t end this weekend! Next week is the Student Council’s "Halloween Spirit Week”. Starting Monday and ending Thursday, PGIA students are encouraged to dress up and have some fun in line with the daily theme! Here’s what we’ve got planned.
Monday: Costume Day
Wear your Halloween costume to school—spooky, funny, whatever! THERE WILL BE PRIZES. We'll have a costume competition at lunch for scariest, most creative, funniest, and best overall costume.
Tuesday: Someone You Admire
Dress up like a specific person you admire! Teachers, artists, athletes, or anyone you just really like.
Wednesday: Adam Sandler Day
Dress as comfy and as wacky Adam Sandler does when he's walking around! Here’s a little inspiration.
Thursday: White Lies Day
That’s right, here’s your chance to get away with a funny white lie—on a shirt! Like these:
Keep in mind that all costumes must be in dress code, and everything worn must be kind to yourself and others. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Maia Tolud, Student Council President
Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy - a Montessori and International Baccalaureate Toddler through grade twelve private school in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands. Ask for Admissions 340-775-6360.
VIMSIA 6936 Vessup Lane, St. Thomas USVI 00802 info@vimsia.org Phone: 340.775.6360 Maps and Directions Staff Portal
