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U.S. Virgin Islands- The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) is pleased to announce that their annual academic scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students are now available. The Foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of life for children, youth and families in the Territory by creating opportunities that otherwise would not be available. Funds for these offerings are provided through the generosity of CFVI donors.
Renee Charleswell, Ph.D., director of the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s State Office of Special Education (SOSE), wishes to inform the public that copies of the Division’s FFY 2017 IDEA Part B Federal Grant Application are available for public review in both Virgin Islands school districts over the next 60 days. Comments will be accepted up to 30 days after the close of the public review period, and may be submitted to the SOSE Director via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or dropped off at the office between April 10 and May 10, 2017.
Copies of the grant application, containing a tentative state budget, may be obtained from the State and District Offices of Special Education, the superintendent of schools offices, the office of the Commissioner of Education in both districts, and the University of the Virgin Islands campuses. A copy may also be found at VIDE website, www.vide.vi under the Special Education Division.
For more information, contact Dr. Charleswell at the SOSE office at (340) 776-5802.
Open for Review:
2017Grant Application Interactive Spreadsheet.pdf
PartB-app2017-final.doc-FILLED.pdf
The Julius Sprauve School delighted guests and tourists at their annual Christmas program held at the Frank Powell Park in Cruz Bay on December 21. Students performed a myriad of selections ranging from classical holiday jingles to cultural dance pieces.
Principal Marion Lynch Esannason welcomed students and guests to the program and wished everyone a happy holiday season. Assistant Principal Lisa Penn also brought greetings and acknowledged all the hard work students had put into the production. 2015-2016 Julius E. Sprauve School queen served as Mistress of Ceremony.
Sprauve School Ethnic Drummers, directed by Mr. Eddie Bruce, opened the program with an upbeat African drum beat selection. Sprauve music teacher Nancy Liburd then directed five Christmas carols performed by the kindergarten through fifth grade classes, to include the VI Holiday Medley, Sing Noel and Jingle Bells. The middle school band, directed by band instructor Joyann Foster also performed holiday favorites on their instruments having recently learned to read music. The program closed out with Sprauve School Quadrille Dancers performing two types of promenades in cultural madras attire.
In the spring of 2016, the Department of Education successfully completed its second year of testing using the new Smarter Balanced assessments. The tests are aligned to higher academic standards being taught in Virgin Islands’ public schools and provide teachers and parents with more accurate information of how well students are performing as they prepare for college or the career of their choice. This year’s Smarter Balanced scores show students, territory-wide, have made gains when compared to scores from first-year testing that occurred in the spring of 2015.
The Addelita Cancryn Fine Arts Department welcomed family, friends and supporters to its A Christmas on the Rise Concert held December 8 in the school’s auditorium. The festive gathering featured new and familiar holiday selections from the jazz band, concert band, steel pan ensemble and concert choir.
The Mistress of Ceremony, Nisieni Griffith, gave the invocation and Assistant Principal Judy King-Edmeade welcomed guests in the true spirit of the season. A highlight of the evening came with the announcement of the evening’s release of the school’s Christmas on the Rise CD, featuring beautifully arranged pieces from the concert band, concert choir, jazz band and steel pan ensemble.
 The Arthur A. Richards Jr. High Schools presents its annual Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
Learn more about our fun poster competition inside!
Cosmetology students at the Raphael O. Wheatley Skill Center pampered cancer survivors receiving treatment at the nearby Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Center on November 15. The special event allowed students to hone their cosmetology skills while giving back to the community. Patients received a range of services, including manicures, fingernail painting, facials and waxing.
Ghouls and goblins recently made an appearance for a good cause at the Literacy Through Mystery fundraiser held at the St. Thomas-St. John Curriculum Center on December 31.
The unforgettable event brought out children and families dressed in their scariest costumes for an evening of ghoulish fun. The event helped raise funds to support the district's literacy activities.
Needless to say, it was a boo-tiful experience!
In a show of unity and collaboration, Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., hosted a delegation of BVI officials from the Ministry of Education and Culture on November 8 to discuss ways in which the USVI and the BVI education departments could work together in the future.
Topics of discussion centered around agriculture, cultural programing, sports and music. Agreements were made to have greater participation of schools in each territory's cultural events and activites.
All ten St. Croix senatorial candidates running for a seat in the 32nd Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands accepted the St. Croix Educational Complex High School Senatorial Forum challenge on Friday, October 14 and carefully outlined their individual platforms before an audience of students in the Social Studies and English classes.
The candidates, both sitting senators and aspirants, were invited to participate in the school’s senatorial forum according to Social Studies Department Chairperson Augustina Gonzague, the organizer of the event.
Click here to apply today!
Virgin Islands Department of Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., addressed The Rotary Club of St. Thomas II at its general meeting held September 7 at the Frenchman’s Reef Marriott & Morning Star Beach Resort. Commissioner McCollum assured club members that the Department is making progress with renovating the infrastructure of the territory’s public schools, while focusing on student achievement and the importance of public-private partnerships.
“This department is the one agency that can lead change in this community. It can change the crime rate. It can change the workforce,” McCollum insisted. She further expressed the need for public-private partnerships and acknowledged the University of the Virgin Islands’ sponsorship of new wooden basketball floors recently installed at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School. She stated that capital projects for enhancement and repairs are forthcoming to the St. Croix Educational Complex, Charlotte Amalie High School and Ivanna Eudora Kean High Schools’ running tracks.
The renovation and maintenance of school buildings are a priority for the Department. Commissioner McCollum pointed out that she has requested bond funds to rebuild and refurbish the territory’s public schools. “The average age of our school buildings is 40 – 45 years old…we need to build schools,” she urged.
However, the lack of up-to-date facilities does not affect the quality of instruction within the classroom. Commissioner McCollum said student achievement is the focus of the Department. She has identified music and sports as two major components to enhance student achievement and has positioned two individuals to head territory-wide music and sports programs. In addition, both the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts now have directors of agriculture. Commissioner McCollum stressed the importance of food grown locally—specifically by students in Virgin Islands’ schools. This concept is two-fold, as it allows students to have a green thumb as well as supply produce to the school lunch program. Commissioner McCollum also acknowledged the success of the tilapia farm at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and promises to introduce hydroponics and table gardens to the remaining schools territory-wide.
Commissioner McCollum closed by ensuring Rotary Club of St. Thomas II members that there are lots of success stories coming out of the public school system and with time, support from the local community and an extra effort, the Department can make a positive difference and implement change in the territory.
Administrators in the St. Croix and St. Thomas-St. John school districts recently prepared for the 2016-17 School Year by attending a full day of informative and inspirational workshops.
On August 29 on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth E. Mapp and Commissioner of Education Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., addressed the gathering of principals, assistant principals and district coordinators at the Buccaneer Hotel.
During her remarks, Commissioner McCollum passionately expressed the importance of the Department's employees working together. “We all need to be on the same page – monitors, the administrators and upper administration," she began. “When I took this job, I said and I will continue to say, 'Superman is not flying in.' There is no knight in shining armor that’s going to come charging in here. And with the pending change in the Federal government, until we see where that’s going to be, we are pretty much on our own. We have to be the strong unit. We have to save ourselves. We should be on the same page."
This school year, Commissioner McCollum said greater focus must be given to student achievement. "Our children must achieve. When our students achieve, we all achieve," she stressed to the group.
Commissioner McCollum identified significant changes that have taken place in the Department of Education, such as territorial directors for music and athletics, who will solely focus on supporting curriculum in the schools. Also, two individuals have been hired in both districts to spearhead agricultural education in the schools.
Governor Mapp praised the work of Commissioner McCollum. “Dr. McCollum has no lost words in asking for monetary resources,” Governor Mapp began. “I try to sit with Dr. McCollum at least once every three weeks, one and one to talk about the issues on education.” He said during their last meeting, he encouraged Commissioner McCollum to spend all the money the Department of Education has on hand.
“We had a great meeting with her (McCollum) team on the federal education USDOE dollars, and I am troubled not by anything the VIDE is doing, but we have this condition imposed by USDOE to have a third party fiduciary to spend VIDE dollars," Governor Mapp said. "We have to pay the fiduciary agents out of the general funds. We are not allowed to use grant monies to pay fiduciary agents and of this fiscal year we have aide the third party fiduciary agents 32 million dollars, that’s a school we could have built and if we do not change our concept of how we work with the fiduciary, with the process of utilizing the federal dollars, spending it timely and appropriately, and get the fiduciary agent away from the table, we will continue to have this course.”
Colleen Mae Williams, St. Croix district insular superintendent, presented a video that followed the journey of two school principals on the mainland who turned their failing schools around through teamwork, commitment and love. The captivating video showed the principals greeting students with hugs and high-fives. The message conveyed was that administrators who care about the students and their families, and who have close and regular communication with teachers and staff will see change.
On St. Thomas, a similar scene played out with the district's principals, assistant principals and coordinators at the Curriculum Center on August 30. There, Commissioner McCollum laid out a plan for the new school year. She shared information about the Department's new Office of Special Funding, which supports the Department's fundraising efforts by securing funds from private donors and grants. She highlighted the many public-private partnerships the Department of Education is enjoying, one such that resulted in BCB Middle School receiving a hardwood basketball floor from the University of the Virgin Islands and a $25,000 donation to refurbish and install it. The new floors were installed in August 2016.
"I picked up a check last week for $30,000 to continue the iPad Project," Commissioner McCollum continued, explaining that the project, which began in St. Thomas schools will expand to schools in St. Croix this year. The iPad Projects supplies students with the tablets for the use in the classroom.
But, Dr. McCollum said more checks and support are on the way.
"On September 12, we will be getting a check for $200,000 from Innovative to move forward with IT training for our students," she said. "We're in conversations with JetBlue. One of the things I'd like to see is the name of our schools on the side of their jets. We are also knocking on the doors of corporate America. We are huge consumers, but I'm not seeing the benefits. It's time they (corporate America) recognize that we are here and we are spending a lot of money, and it's time [for them] to give back."
In brief remarks, Governor Mapp reaffirmed his support for the Department of Education. "It's important for me to ensure that you (the Department of Education) have as much of the resources that I can provide to you to get the job done," he said. "I am happy to be the biggest resource for Dr. McCollum and her efforts to transform public education." He pointed out that in recent discussions with the Legislature, the governing body is expected to act "on $25 million to invest into the physical plants of the schools throughout the territory."
In closing, Dr. McCollum implored employees to work together to benefit Virgin Islands' students. "We have to get this done. We must do it for the children. We must change this Department. Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to have a remarkable year and know that I'm only a phone call away," she said..
St. Thomas-St. John Insular Superintendent Dionne Wells-Hedrington also offered a passionate appeal for administrators and coordinators to never lose sight of their mission. "We have to take back our schools," she said. "Whatever happens in the community finds their way into our buildings. We cannot turn a blind eye; we have to find ways to support our children."
ST. THOMAS, USVI – Dahlia C. Adams, principal of the Adult Education Program in the St. Thomas-St. John district, announces that registration for GED prep and Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses will be held through October 7 at the Adult Education Center on Garden Street.
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The administration at the Ulla F. Muller Elementary School has announced School Year 2016-17 opening activities according to the following schedule:
ST. CROIX, USVI -- The administration of the Claude O. Markoe Elementary School has scheduled School Year 2016-17 orientation for kindergarteners and new or transfer students on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.
ST. CROIX, USVI – The John H. Woodson Jr. High School will collect school fees, take photo IDs and distribute class schedules for School Year 2016-17 according to the following schedule.
ST. THOMAS, USVI – Daphne Gonzales-Thomas, acting principal of the Yvonne Milliner-Bowsky Elementary School, has announced registration and orientation dates for School Year 2016-17 according to the following schedule.
ST. CROIX, USVI – St. Croix Insular Superintendent Colleen Mae Williams announces that Alexander Henderson Elementary School students will now be dismissed at 2:45 p.m. instead of 3:00 p.m. for the 2016-17 School Year.
ST. CROIX, USVI – The administration of the Arthur A. Richards Jr. High School has scheduled School Year 2016-17 orientation for Friday, September 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for seventh (7th) graders, and from 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for eighth (8th) graders.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) has submitted a request to the United States Department of Education for a Rural and Low-Income School Program (RLIS) Waiver, as required under section 9401 (b) (3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The purpose of the waiver is to allow VIDE to use federal fiscal year (FFY) 2016 funds under the Consolidated Grant to Insular Areas (Consolidated Grant) and any remaining FFY 2015 Consolidated Grant funds to provide private school students and teachers under the RLIS program with equitable services.
RLIS Waiver FFY 2016.pdf
ST. THOMAS, USVI – Lisa Hassell-Forde, Ph.D., principal of the Addelita Cancryn Jr. High School, announces the following School Year 2016-2017 schedules for photo IDs for incoming 7th and 8th grade students, and orientation for all students.
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education, in conjunction with DPNR’s Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums invites students in grades K-6 and their parents to the first Back to School Night at the Library, slated for Saturday, August 20 on St. Thomas and Saturday, August 27 on St. Croix.
ST. CROIX, USVI -- The St. Croix Superintendent of Schools office announces that I.D. and insurance cards will be issued to all St. Croix Central High School students enrolling in the 2016-17 School Year, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. according to the following schedule.
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The administration of the Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School has announced that orientation sessions for School Year 2016-17 will be held according to the following schedule.
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The administration of the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School announces that orientation sessions for School Year 2016-2017 will be held for students according to the following schedule.
ST. THOMAS, USVI – Felix Durand, Ph. D., principal of the Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, announces the following activities at the main campus for Kindergarten (Kg) students and their parents prior to the opening of the 2016-17 School Year.
ST. CROIX, USVI – Principal Rodney E. Moorehead of the John H. Woodson Jr. High School announced today that school hours for SY 2016-17 will be 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s State Office of Curriculum and Instruction invites the community to participate in an online survey that requests feedback on pressing educational issues and how the United States Department of Education’s Comprehensive Centers (Centers) can provide assistance to address those issues. The deadline to respond is August 18, 2016.
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Division of Cultural Education invites persons in the community to attend the first annual “A New Vision: Traditionalist and Preservationist Culture Bearers Impacting Students’ Learning” conference on August 29 at the Curriculum Center on St. Croix and September 2 in the ACC 1st Floor Conference Room at UVI St. Thomas. Both conferences will run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ST. CROIX USVI – St. Croix Educational Complex High School students, both new and returning who have not participated in orientation will be given the final opportunity to do so on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the school’s auditorium.
ST. THOMAS, USVI—The Charlotte Amalie High School has announced schedules for photo IDs, orientation and class schedule distribution for school year 2016-17.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2016
Contact: Cynthia T. Graham
Director of Public Relations
(340) 774-0100, Ext. 8136
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.vide.vi
EDUCATORS IN 13 TEACHER SHORTAGE AREAS ELIGIBLE FOR STUDENT LOAN BENEFITS
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) on June 21 approved an application from the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) to designate 13 of the VIDE’s academic disciplines or subject matter as teacher-shortage areas during the 2016-17 school year. As a result of the USDE’s approval, student grant and loan recipients who are qualified to teach in the following areas may benefit by receiving loan cancellations or other incentives:
Statewide Academic Disciplines or Subject Matter
Art
Bilingual/English as a Second Language
Elementary Education
English
Foreign Languages
Mathematics (Grades 7-12)
Music
Physical Education
Reading
School Nurse
Science
Social Studies
Special Education
According to the USDE, the benefits to student financial aid recipients are indicated in the
following regulatory provisions:
• 34 CFR 682.21 O(b)(5)(ii), (b)(7), (q), and (s) enable a borrower who had no
outstanding Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loan on July 1 , 1987,
but who had an outstanding FFEL Program loan on July 1, 1993, to qualify for
deferment of loan repayment under the Stafford Loan Program anytime within the
life of the borrower's loan(s) for up to three years of service as a full-time teacher
in a private elementary or secondary school in a teacher shortage area designated
by the Department, and as certified by the chief administrative officer of the
particular school in which the borrower is teaching;
• 34 CFR 674.53(c) enables Federal Perkins Loan borrowers who are full-time teachers
of mathematics, science, foreign languages, bilingual education, or any other field of
expertise where the State educational agency determined there is a shortage of
qualified teachers to qualify for cancellation of up to 100% of the outstanding
balance on the borrower's Federal Perkins loans; and
• 34 CFR 686. 12(d) enables grant recipients to fulfill their teaching obligation under
the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH)
Grant Program (regarding the requirement to serve at least four academic years,
with in eight years of graduation) by teaching in a "high-need field," which includes
academic disciplines/subject areas identified as teacher shortage areas at the time
the grant recipient begins teaching in that field.
Stafford Loan and Supplemental Loans for Students (SLS) borrowers with questions concerning
their loans, may contact the Federal Student Aid Hotline at 1-800-4FED-AID. Federal Perkins
Loan borrowers should contact the school where they received the loan.
For other questions or concerns, contact the VIDE’s Human Resources Office at (340) 774-0100.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2016
Contact: Cynthia T. Graham
Director of Public Relations
(340) 774-0100, Ext. 8136
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.vide.vi
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Office of the Governor in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Education will launch the 8th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge on Wednesday, June 8 and it will run through September 23, 2016. The annual activity challenges students in grades K-6 attending the territory’s public, private, and parochial schools to read five or more books during the summer months in an effort to encourage and promote literacy.
In a special letter to students, Governor Mapp writes, “The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is a reflection of my certainty that reading is a fundamental skill that will serve you throughout your life. Let your imagination run wild as you contemplate novels, histories, adventures, biographies of interesting people, or even comic books. Just about any book that you read will advance your most basic skill, and stimulate your mind to grow more curious as all your learning skills develop.”
Launch events are scheduled at schools on St. Croix and St. Thomas on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Education and Government House officials will be in attendance to distribute books to students and to get them excited about participating in this year’s Challenge.
St. Croix School District
Eulalie Rivera Elementary School
Grove Place
June 8 at 12:30 p.m. – Outdoor Amphitheater
St. Thomas-St. John School District
Joseph Sibilly Elementary School
June 8 at 10:00 a.m. – Outdoor Amphitheater
To kick-start their summer reading, students are provided with up to two of five books based on their grade level. While the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is a national initiative of governors from across the country, the Virgin Islands’ Challenge is unique in that students receive books written and illustrated by Virgin Islands’ or Caribbean authors and illustrators. The 2016 Reading Challenge books include: Where Did the Baby Go? by David and Phillis Gershator, We Are Pirates/Somos Piratas by Adrian Guerra, Brown Pelicans, Broo ‘Nansi and the Tar Baby collected and written by Dr. Lois Hassell-Habtes and Caribella by Phillis Gershator. Students are encouraged to visit their local libraries for additional books. Students must keep track of the books they read on the tracking sheets provided in their book packages or by downloading tracking sheets online. At the end of the Challenge, participating students are invited to attend celebrations in their respective island district.
For more information, visit www.readfive.org.
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ST. CROIX, USVI -- Parents and students in the St. Croix school district are advised of the following schedule put in place to conduct grade-level orientations for the 2016-2017 school year at the St. Croix Central High School. All sessions will be conducted in the school's gymnasium.
ST. CROIX, USVI -- Parents and students in the St. Croix school district are advised of the following schedule put in place to conduct grade-level orientations for the 2016-2017 school year at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School. All sessions will be conducted in the auditorium.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2016
Contact: Cynthia Graham
Director of Public Relations
(340) 773-1095, Ext. 7096
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.vide.vi
ST. CROIX, USVI – The Career and Technical Education program and the Fine Arts and Foreign Languages Departments of St. Croix Central High School (CHS) link up to showcase the creative works of students in a grand Art Exposition scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.
Community residents are invited to attend and view the lively creations of students in the Fine Arts program and Fashion Designing. Delicatessen delights, expertly prepared by CHS Culinary Arts students, will be served. Entertainment will be provided by the CHS Band, the school’s Heritage Dancers, and the ROTC Drill Team will demonstrate their skills.
For more information, contact Assistant Principal Marine Joseph, Ph.D., at (340) 778-0123 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2016
Contact: Cynthia T. Graham
Director of Public Relations
(340) 774-0100, Ext. 8136
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.vide.vi
ST. CROIX, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education Division of Cultural Education has joined forces with community partners to present “May Day Bring Back Our Maypole Tradition” on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Agriculture Fairgrounds on St. Croix.
The event will feature traditional maypole dancing from various schools and a host of other cultural activities, music and food.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
The Division of Cultural Education will also present “The Revival of Quadrille in Our Schools” on Saturday, May 28, 2016 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at St. Croix Central High School. Both events are designed to increase cultural awareness among students and the community at large.
For more information, contact the Division of Cultural Education at (340) 774-0100 x2808.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Cynthia Graham Anthony Mills
Director of Public Relations Specialist/Writer
(340) 773-1095, Ext. 7096 (340) 773-1095, Ext. 7064
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ST. CROIX, USVI – Steel ensembles on St. Croix are invited to register for participation in the 2016 edition of Pan on the Green competition scheduled on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 6 p.m. at the St. Croix Educational Complex football field. Steel ensembles or orchestras from schools, churches, businesses and community organizations are eligible to perform.
An entry fee of $100 is required to participate in Pan on the Green. Each ensemble will play a musical piece of their choice, and Pianist and Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s classic, “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” for a total of 20 minutes. Translated “a little serenade” in German, the Mozart composition is written for an ensemble of two violins, viola and cello with optional double bass. The musical arrangement is often performed by string orchestras.
The winning steel ensemble receives a monetary prize of a $1,000.
Admission is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Participating ensembles receive 30 tickets to contribute to their fundraising efforts.
For more information and/or to sign up, contact Valrica Bryson, Cultural Education Director for the Department of Education, at (340) 773-1095, extension 7032.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2016
Contact: Cynthia T. Graham
Director of Public Relations
(340) 774-0100, Ext. 8136
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.vide.vi
ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Virgin Islands Department of Education encourages all schools, teachers, parents of students in schools, participants in adult and vocational education programs, Department employees, and the general public with knowledge of the misuse of Federal education program dollars to report the fraud by calling the following hotlines:
· U. S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General: 1-800-MISUSED
· U. S. Department of Interior Office of Inspector General: 1-800-424-5801
The Virgin Islands Department of Education is committed to empowering all students for success.
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The Virgin Islands Department of Education's 'Caught You Reading' campaign seeks to inspire and motivate Virgin Islands young people to read, thereby enhancing their literacy skills. The poster campaign will showcase a variety of Virgin Islanders from all walks of life reading their favorite books. Posters will be placed in schools and throughout the communities of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. From Governor Kenneth Mapp to a local horse jockey and radio/TV personalities, 'Caught You Reading' will show...and tell...the 'reading' stories of some of the most recognizable faces in our community. The campaign is ongoing and will rotate images and posters of readers throughout its duration. Share your reading photos with us on facebook! #caughtyoureading
ST. THOMAS, USVI— The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s St. Thomas-St. John Office of the Insular Superintendent, Division of School and Community Affairs, has partnered with the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation to improve the involvement of fathers in the district’s public schools through the Fathers Are Role Models (F.A.R.M.) initiative.
ST. THOMAS, USVI–Virgin Islands Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum has announced a new starting point for how Virgin Islands public school students are performing academically. The territory-wide results for the 2014-15 Smarter Balanced Assessments and National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) Alternate Assessments are the first results aligned with the Virgin Islands’ new, higher standards and provide teachers and parents with more accurate information of how students are performing on the path to success after high school.
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Juniors and seniors at Eudora Kean and Charlotte Amalie High Schools will enjoy an afternoon of insightful conversation with St. Thomas native Peter Bailey when he brings his popular online show NiteCap to Charlotte Amalie High School on Friday, December 18 at 12:30 p.m.
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Peter will be speaking with actor/comedian Tone Bell on achieving and maintaining success.
Mr. Bailey is a graduate of Eudora Kean High School and looks forward to being back home to share this moment with students.
Read more about this exciting event featured in Rolling Out magazine here: http://rollingout.com/2015/12/04/peter-bailey-brings-critically-acclaimed-nitecap-st-thomas-get-scoop/
Learn more about the award-winning journalist and his popular NiteCap series by visiting www.iampeterbailey.com.
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Welcome to the Virgin Islands Department of Education, where we are committed to preparing our students for success in college or the career of their choice upon graduation from high school. To do this, the Virgin Islands have adopted new, higher academic standards that require students to focus on critical thinking, problem solving and analytical writing. This approach is proven to be the right way forward as we seek to ensure our young people will be successful in the 21st Century. As a Department, we have identified three main priorities through which we filter everything we do: student achievement, organizational culture, and teacher/leader effectiveness. These objectives serve as guideposts to help us remain focused and ensure we are delivering the quality education students deserve.
I invite you to partner with us as we endeavor to transform the Virgin Islands public education system. This can only be done through teamwork. The proper education of our students requires all hands on deck because when our students succeed, we all succeed. I am committed to serving the Territory's children, and supporting our educators and administrators on this wonderful journey. Please join us.
After thriving in the St. Thomas-St. John district for several years, Dancing Classrooms have been launched at the Juanita Gardine, Ricardo Richards and Claude O. Markoe Elementary Schools in the St. Croix district.
Students, faculty and staff at the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center(CTEC) will host the 18th Annual Career Fair and Open House on Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Community residents are invited to come out to witness the skills CTEC students have acquired in the vocational-technical, business and technological areas.
In the spirit of the season, sixth grade students at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School recently donated more than 1,100 cans of food and non-perishable items to Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands’ Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless on St. Thomas.
The Ulla F. Muller Elementary School invites parents to attend its annual Parent Involvement Day on Wednesday, November 25.
According to Principal Symra Dee-Brown, the day will feature a host of mini educational workshops for parents, including “Staying Connected with Online Resources,” “Assistance for Hispanic Families,” “Homework Help” and more. The class with the most parents attending will be awarded a special prize.
United Jazz Foundation (UJF), a not-for-profit organization, is partnering with the Virgin Islands Department of Education to bring world-renowned master trumpeter Jon Faddis to the US Virgin Islands, along with Triumph of Trumpets all-stars Terell Stafford, Sean Jones, and native Virgin Islander Rashawn Ross.
The Ulla F. Muller Elementary School has announced its annual Career Development Activities for the months of November and December in an effort to begin introducing students to various careers at an early age.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education welcomes the community’s support of our students at these upcoming activities.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education (DOE) has established a memorandum of understanding between nonprofit Partnerships in Hope-St. John, USVI, Inc. that would revitalize the closed Guy H. Benjamin Elementary School in Coral Bay and use the 10,032 sq. ft. facility as a multipurpose community center to house various educational, recreational and vocational training programs for residents.
Parents and guardians are invited to the Lew Muckle Elementary School (LMES) Parent-Teacher’s Association (PTA) meeting on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.
The Alexander Henderson School ‘Sharks Rule Career Day Extravaganza’ -- a tribute to late news man Alvin G. Southwell, also known as, Alvin Gee—will feature St. Croix Reggae Artist Mada Nile and a host of professionals in the public and private sector on Friday, November 20, 2015.
In preparation for the upcoming administering of the Smarter Balanced interim assessments in English Language Acquisition (ELA) and Mathematics at Claude O. Markoe Elementary School, parents of 3rd to 6th graders are invited to a Smarter Balanced Overview session on Thursday, November 12, 2015.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education St. Croix District Office of the Insular Superintendent and the leadership of the Elena Christian Jr. High School are appealing to residents living in the Aureo Diaz Heights Housing Community and surrounding neighborhoods to keep a watchful eye out for suspicious activity in and around the school campus during after-school hours and on weekends. Residents are asked to call 911 if suspicious activity is observed at this or any school.
The 7th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge ends on Friday, September 11. The Challenge given to students at all public, private and parochial schools in grades K-6 was to read five or more books from June 8 through September 11. These students are the Territory's current first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh graders.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education wishes to inform the parents and guardians of students who have not already received book packages supplied by the schools as part of the 7th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge that books may be picked up at the schools during regular business hours throughout the summer months.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education in conjunction with WTJX Channel 12 will launch its all-new “Look Who’s Reading” campaign on Saturday, July 4 during the PBS station’s live coverage of the St. John parade beginning at 11 a.m.
Virgin Islands Department of Education Commissioner Sharon McCollum, Ph.D., has issued the following statement on the passing of longtime St. Thomas-St. John District educator, Oswin ‘Zeke’ Sewer, Sr.:
ST. CROIX, USVI – In an effort to get a head start on assessing the maintenance needs of St. Croix District public schools and seeking the requisite funding to correct them, Education Commissioner Sharon McCollum, Ph.D., along with the St. Croix Office of the Superintendent hosted ‘Tour for Better Schools 2015’ on Monday, June 22.
Government House on St. Thomas was packed with supporters and well-wishers as Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum was sworn in as Education Commissioner for the Virgin Islands. With her 85-year-old mother, Helen Ruth McCollum, holding the Bible, Dr. McCollum was sworn in by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Rhys Hodge.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) will host the territory’s first farm-to-school conference titled “Linking the V.I. Chain” on Thursday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall on St. Croix.
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 21, 2015</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">Contact: Karen Gutloff<span style="mso-tab-count: 6"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">Director of Public Relations<span style="mso-tab-count: 6"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">(340) 774-0100 x 8136<span style="mso-tab-count: 6"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="mailto: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'"><font color="#330099"> This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.</font></span></a><span style="mso-tab-count: 7"><font face="High Tower Text"> </font></span></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">Anthony Mills</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">Public Relations Specialist/Writer</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">Over 700 Students to Participate in 2-Day EcoFair on St. Croix</span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day</i> will be celebrated throughout the nation on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, and Commissioner designee of Education Sharon McCollum is encouraging schools in the territory to take the lead and schedule activities that teach students to respect their natural environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day</i> is important because it reminds us to modify our consumption practices to conserve natural resources, and it teaches us how to preserve our environment – the Earth,” Commissioner McCollum said. “This is one approach to ensuring a greener, cleaner and healthier environment for our children to live and work in.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The theme for the observance of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day </i>2015 is, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“It’s Our Turn to Lead.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #333333; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333">Meanwhile public, private and parochial schools on St. Croix will be sending classes of students to participate in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">22<sup>nd</sup> Annual Earth Day EcoFair </i>and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Seventh Annual Litter Stomp</i> conducted by the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA). </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #333333; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333">In sanctioning the participation of students in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day </i>activities at schools and at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">EcoFair</i>, St. Croix Superintendent of School Colleen Williams said, “</span>Our Earth is precious, and we must do everything in our power to sustain our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Earth Day 2015 is our opportunity to continue to teach and highlight for our children the importance of reducing our everyday practices that harm our planet.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>About 700 students in the school district in grades three (3) to six (6) are expected to participate in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Earth Day </i>activities.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Eco-Fair</i> activities<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> </i>sponsored by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA)<u> </u>begin at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">8:30 a.m</b>. at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">St. George Village Botanical Garden</i> on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Wednesday, April 22 for third (3<sup>rd</sup>)</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">fourth (4<sup>th</sup>) grade </b>students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“The purpose of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">EcoFair</i> is to teach basic environmental science concepts through activities and provide information about protecting our local ecosystem,” according to SEA Environmental Education Coordinator Rebekka Stone. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #333333; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333">Third and 4<sup>th</sup> graders have also registered to participate in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Litter Stomp</i>, presented by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Wednesday</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Stomp</i> is an opportunity for schools to show their support of community efforts to stop roadside litter,” says Charmin Springer of VIWMA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Students will “stomp” from the Sunshine Mall parking lot to the Botanical Garden, about one mile, to demonstrate to the St. Croix community that students have zero tolerance for litter and litter offenders.”</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="color: #333333"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Eco-Fair </i>activities will continue at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Botanical</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Garden</i> on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Thursday, April 23</b> for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">fifth (5<sup>th</sup>)</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">sixth (6<sup>th</sup></b>) graders. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #333333; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Over 40 teachers will bring students to the EcoFair from Alfredo Andrews, Claude O. Markoe, Eulalie Rivera, Evelyn M. Williams, Lew Muckle, and Pearl B. Larsen elementary schools, and the AZ Academy, Church of God Holiness Academy, Good Hope Country Day and Seventh Day Adventist School. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tunga; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Students will choose from over 20 activities presented by the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education Foundation</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Department of Planning and Natural Resources-DEP</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Jazzy Blue Band</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">National Park Service</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Seven Seas Water</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">St. Croix Environmental Association</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">St. George Village Botanical Garden</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">University of the Virgin Islands-CES</i> and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">University of the Virgin Islands-CMES-VIMAS</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Students will also hear from Ras Lamamba, Veronica Gordon, V.I. Public Television-WTJX <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Channel 12, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, V.I. Energy Office, V.I. Waste</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Management Authority, Water and Power Authority </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">the Youth Engagement Enhancement Education Programs.</i></span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto"><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">For more information on SEA’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">EcoFair, </i>call Ms. Stone at (340) 771-1989, and for information on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Litter Stomp</i>, call Ms. Springer at VIWMA at (340) 712-4961.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Tunga"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">EDUCATION COMMISSIONER DESIGNEE RE-AFFIRMS COMMITMENT</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">TO NEW TEACHER/LEADER EFFECTIVENESS SYSTEM<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Date: Monday, March 16, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">In June 2013, the Virgin Islands Department of Education commissioned a task force to revise the existing educator evaluation processes. The result of the task force work is the new Teacher and Leader Effectiveness System. Following a meeting on March 5<sup>th</sup>, 2015 between the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Local 1825 and 1826, and the Educator’s Administrators Association (EAA) leaders, and the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) to discuss the implementation status of the revised evaluation processes, Commissioner Designee Dr. Sharon Ann McCollum re-affirmed the Department’s commitment to the new <i>Teacher and Leader Effectiveness System</i>, the VIDE revised process for evaluating teachers and administrators, launched in the 2014-2015 school year. Dr. McCollum outlined increased support as teachers and principals work with the system this year in preparation for full implementation next school year. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“This year will be viewed as an opportunity to learn the new system to ensure a successful experience for all teachers and principals in the 2015-2016 school year,” Dr. McCollum said. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">During the meeting the school districts’ superintendents and AFT and EAA leaders were updated on the status of the implementation. Commenting on the meeting, Commissioner Designee remarked, “Challenges in implementing the revised evaluation processes this year were discussed and supports were recommended.” Commissioner Designee McCollum added. “Participants worked collaboratively to recommend solutions and request additional support for teachers and administrators.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The new teacher and leader effectiveness system was designed by a broad task force of education stakeholders. While it is an evaluation system, the strength of the system is its focus on professional growth and support for teachers and principals. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">This school year provides a valuable opportunity for teachers and principals to complete their evaluation process in a supportive penalty-free environment. At the end of the current school year, teachers and principals will receive a numerical score, however the score will only be used to provide feedback, guide development of professional growth plans for next year, inform next year’s evaluation process, and develop cut scores to establish performance ratings; hence, ratings of performance </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:
minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:
Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">will not be assigned this year</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">. According to Dr. McCollum, “this year allows us to learn about glitches and to address them now before full implementation in the 2015-2016 school years.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, teachers and principals will receive a rating of performance through the new Teacher and Leader Evaluation Process.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">For more information on the VIDE’s <i>Teacher and Leadership Effectiveness System</i>, contact Yvette McMahon-Arnold, State Director of Instructional Development at 773-1095, ext. 7086 or </span><a href="mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."><span style="font-size:12.0pt">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
2014 GED® Program is Here!
Here in the U.S. Virgin Islands we’re excited to offer you the 2014 GED® program and a fighting chance at a good job with good wages. Learn more below or sign up today at http://www.GED.com
Commencement exercises will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Croix Educational Complex auditorium for about 100 adult learners graduating from the Adult Secondary Education and the General Educational Development (GED) programs.
Local public and private school teachers are eligible for federal student loan deferment and cancellations retroactive to the 2004-2005 school year, as the V.I. Department of Education has once again received approval for its designated teacher shortage area proposal, according to Human Resources Director Zenzile Hodge.
Teaching professionals with outstanding FFEL (Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Program loans as of July 1, 1993 will qualify for deferment of loan repayment under the Federal Stafford Program anytime within the life of the their loan(s). The proposal enables Federal Perkins Loan borrowers who are full time teachers of mathematics, science, foreign languages, bilingual education -- or any other field of expertise where the Department determines there is a shortage of qualified teachers -- to qualify for cancellation of up to 100% of their loan. The proposal further enables scholars to qualify for the reduction of their teaching obligation under the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program.
It's time again for the V.I. Waste Management Authority's annual Aluminum Can Collection Contest and the V.I. Department of Education is urging all students and schools to participate. Click the links below for the official poster, application and survey!
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