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Office of Public Relations and Communications

About Us

The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Office of Public Relations and Communications exists to heighten the public’s awareness of the Department’s mission to ensure that all students are prepared for college or the career of their choice upon graduation from high school.

In support of the mission, the Public Relations Office provides publicity for events, activities and the many successes of the Department’s schools, students, teachers, employees and leadership through internal and external communication.

The Office of Public Relations and Communication, through an integrated marketing communications approach services the marketing, branding, public, and media relations, advertising and graphic design needs of the Department, districts, and schools.

The Public Relations Office reports directly to the Commissioner of Education.

 

Virgin Islands Department of Education Announces First Concrete Pour at New Arthur A. Richards PreK – 8 School Site

The Virgin Islands Department of Education is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the construction of the new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School site. “We witnessed the groundbreaking of this site on February 23rd of this year. Today represents a significant stage of progress as the first concrete pour is underway. The construction of a new school in the District of St. Croix is a monumental event for the territory, as it has been decades since we have witnessed such a development,” said Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington. 

 

Commissioner Wells-Hedrington further stated, “Our students deserve new schools, it is time, and I am immensely thankful for the efforts of all partners who worked tirelessly to get us to this point.” 

 

Key partners in this project, both on a federal and local level, include the New Schools Construction Advisory Board, MCN Build, the DLR Group, Witt O’Brien’s, the Office of Disaster Recovery, FEMA, VITEMA, VIHFA, the Department of Public Works, and the Department of Education staff, including Architect Chaneel Callwood-Daniels. 

 

The previous Arthur A. Richards Jr. High School was severely damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, leading to its demolition. The new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School is a substantial $163 million project that will provide state-of-the-art learning spaces spanning 145,000 sq. ft. The school will be relocated to the former site of the Evelyn M. Williams Elementary School. 

 

Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington highlighted that this project goes beyond reconstruction and that it sets a higher standard for learning and instructional environments. “The Virgin Islands Department of Education aims to transform the lives of its students, recognizing that appropriate facilities play a crucial role in their development as our future leaders. This new school for the District of St. Croix will pave the way for 21st-century learning spaces in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington. 

 

Providing essential support on this project is the design-build contractor MCN Build. The design build team was awarded the contract to construct the proposed new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School. The proposed design consists of 8 buildings in 3 phases: 

  

  • Phase 1: Utility building, gym (also serving as a shelter), PreK building, and the commons building. 

  • Phase 2: K-5 building A, K-5 building B, and the Administrative building. 

     

  • Phase 3: The final phase encompasses the construction of the 6 - 8 middle school building, hardscape, landscape, and a multi-purpose field. 

 

Additionally, the project will include an underground cistern with a 250,000-gallon capacity on the Northeast of the site, along with retaining walls on the west and northwest sides of the property. The next significant stage of work will involve the installation of the foundation for the utility building. 

 

For more information about the Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 School and the Department of Education's plans to build new schools in the Virgin Islands, please visit www.newschoolsvide.com. 

 

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Download press release here:  pdf Press Release 0904 23 Virgin Islands Department of Education Announces First Concrete Pour at New School Site (164 KB)

          

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Virgin Islands Department of Education Receives Donation of Equipment for St. Thomas-St. John District Physical Education Program

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) extends gratitude to Fred and Mary Kopko of Caribbean Rose, Inc. for their contributions to the St. Thomas-St. John District. The company has provided generous donations to assist various academic and athletic programs in the district.  

 

The Kopkos previously contributed to the development of a tilapia farm at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and provided access to their boat to foster instruction for students in marine biology classes. Mr. Kopko later donated the boat to the University of the Virgin Islands for their marine biology program to aid in various excursions.  

 

Even after the passing of Mrs. Kopko, Caribbean Rose, Inc. continues its dedicated efforts to provide resources to the youth of the Virgin Islands by nurturing their growth through sports. One such initiative is the Annual Small Fry Tournament, held at the Audie E. Henneman gymnasium at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School.  

 

Much of the credit for the continued success of this tournament goes to Mr. Wayne Harvey, an employee of the VIDE, whose unwavering commitment has provided young athletes with a platform to engage in basketball. Mr. Harvey’s invaluable assistance also played a crucial role in Caribbean Rose, Inc.’s endeavor to procure new equipment for the gymnasium. As a result, the gym has undergone renovations, enabling it to host basketball games and other sporting events.  

 

A new scoreboard and a modern-day basketball floor were purchased and installed as a result of donations from Caribbean Rose, Inc. Additionally, a shotgun basketball training tool and two hydraulic basketball rims were also donated for use in the Small Fry Tournament. 

 

In their most recent contribution to the Virgin Islands Department of Education, Caribbean Rose, Inc. donated basketballs, nets, basketball shoes, and first aid kits. Dr. Lorenzo Donastorg, Health and Physical Education Coordinator for the St. Thomas-St. John District, graciously received these items. They will be distributed to schools, enhancing the quality of physical education for students across the district.  

 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education deeply appreciates Caribbean Rose, Inc.’s unwavering support and philanthropy. The VIDE also extends heartfelt thanks to Mr. Harvey for his dedication in making a difference in the lives of student-athletes.  

 

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Download press release here:   pdf Press Release 0903 23 Donation of Equipment for St Thomas St John District Physical Education Program (130 KB)

 

 

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Virgin Islands Department of Education State Office of Special Education Announces Annual Parental Satisfaction Survey Results

The Virgin Islands Department of Education State Office of Special Education (SOSE) announces the public presentation of the 11th Annual Parental Satisfaction Survey results. Acting State Director of Special Education, Ms. Kathleen Merchant informs the public that the survey results will be shared on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. The presentation will be conducted via Zoom, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. simultaneously for both the St. Croix District and the St. Thomas-St. John District.  

   

The Parental Satisfaction Survey was conducted telephonically by the University of the Virgin Islands, Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC). The objective of the survey was to collect and accurately report trend data for the 2021-2022 school year in one of the 17 indicators of the State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR).  

 

Data collected from the survey will be utilized to identify and enhance services that lead to improving academic and functional outcomes for children and youth ages 3 to 21 years old with disabilities throughout the territory. 

 

Parents and guardians of children receiving special education and related services, SOSE team members, the Virgin Islands Advisory Panel on Special Education (VIAPSE) members, District Offices of Special Education personnel, and other interested persons are encouraged to participate by utilizing the Zoom login information. 

 

For additional information, please contact the State Office of Special Education at 340-773-1095, ext. 7087 (St. Croix District) or 340-774-0100, ext. 8804 (St. Thomas-St. John District). 

 

Topic: Parental Satisfaction Survey 2021 Public Presentation of Findings. 

Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023 

Time: 05:30 PM 

 

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://uvi-edu.zoom.us/j/98823285485 

Meeting ID: 988 2328 5485 

 

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Download press release here:   pdf Press Release 0902 23 State Office of Special Education Annual Parental Satisfaction Survey Results (91 KB)

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St. Thomas

1834 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: 340-774-0100

Curriculum Center:
340-775-2250
Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM

          

St. Croix

2133 Hospital Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
Phone: 340-773-1095

Curriculum Center:
340-778-1600
Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM

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