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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.

News & Press Releases

MORE PRESS RELEASES BELOW...

Public Relations Submission Guidelines

All promotional material pertaining to the Department of Education’s schools, programs, services, employees and events should be released through the Office of Public Relations.

Request for media coverage of events including video, news articles, and photos, must be submitted to the Public Relations Office at least a week prior to the event date. 

A PR Request form must be filled out and sent to cynthia.graham@vide.vi in order to confirm coverage.

The Public Relations Office communicates with media representatives on a regular basis and will determine the best way to pitch your story idea. Some options include, but are not limited to:

  • News Releases
  • Media Advisory
  • Website
  • Social Media
  • Internal Email Blast

 

When submitting your news or story idea, include following:

  • Provide facts and details: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How
  • Share your opinion: Why is this newsworthy? What makes this awesome? How is this different? – These can be used as quotes for articles. 
  • Gather supporting material, resources, or documents if any. For photos, share names of students, grade level, and information regarding their recognition or awards – based on the photo.
    • All photos for print and web publication must be high-resolution. Images from phone cameras are not sufficient unless your phone has a high-quality camera and the images are saved at the highest resolution possible (300 DPI and up to 15 MB file size in jpeg or .png file formats.
  • Make sure students have permission to be published. See Media Release Form
  • Contact the Public Relations Office with questions or ideas.

 

Contact Us

Cynthia Graham

Director, Office of Public Relations & Communications

(340) 774-0100 x 8136 (St. Thomas)

(340) 773-1095 x 7064 (St. Croix)

Email: cynthia.graham@vide.vi

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Sarah-Ann Mitchell

Public Information Officer

(340) 774-0100 x 8135

Email: sarahann.mitchell@vide.vi

 

Upcoming Events

View VIDE Calendar

 

VIDE Directory

Governor's Summer Reading Challenge

Welcome to the 13th Annual Governor's Summer Reading Challenge! To complete the Challenge, all you have to do is read five or more books during the summer months! Keep track of the books you read by downloading the Tracking Sheets below.  When the Challenge ends on September 3, 2021, turn your Tracking Sheets into your teacher at school.

Everyone who completes the Challenge will be invited to Governor Bryan's BIG CELEBRATION!

Should you have any questions or concerns about the 2021 Summer Reading Challenge, email jason.hilaire@vide.vi.

Good Luck, Readers, and remember to...READ FIVE!

 

 

Tracking Sheet - K & 1st Grades

2021 BingoSheet Kinder 1

 

Tracking Sheet - 2nd Grade

2021 BingoSheetGrade2

 

Tracking Sheet - 3rd Grade

2021 BingoSheetGrades3

 

Tracking Sheet - 4th Grade

2021 BingoSheetGrades 4

 

Tracking Sheet - 5th Grade

2021 BingoSheetGrades5

 

Tracking Sheet - 6th Grade

2021 BingoSheetGrades6

 

Kallaloo!

A Caribbean Tale

Written by David and Phillis Gershator

Illustrated by Diane Greenseid

Can a shell really make soup? It might, if it’s a brown and white West Indian shell, fresh from the sea. All it needs is a master soup-maker like Granny to stir the pot, along with a little help from the folks in Market Square. Who wouldn’t be willing to led a hand when it comes to cooking up such a super soup as kallaloo, a soup famous from Jamacia to Trinidad? But there’s one thing missing—and even the magic shell forgot to mention it…

 

Hope Is Here!

Written by Christina Kessler

Illustrated by Marcos Castillo

“I’m bored!” I’m tired!” “I’m thirsty!”

This is all Miss B. hears from her students during a field trip to Great Pond to look for a bird called Hope. Little do the kids know that the amazing story of this whimbrel, a species of shorebird, will not only take their breath away, but by the end of the day, nothing will be more important to see Hope for themselves.

Based on the true story of a bird’s annual journey that even scientists knew little about, Hope Is Here! will teach, entertain, and leave the reader with a deeper appreciation of just how incredible nature really is.

 

Footprints Into the Sunrise

Alexander Hamilton’s Life Through the Eyes of a Boy

By Alscess Lewis-Brown

For Azkiah, nothing is easy after losing his mother. Attending a new school and having no friends are just two of his problems. He also has to figure out why his grandfather put him on a plane all alone from Nevis to live with a stranger on the island of St. Croix. Who is this man that he lives with? Why does he treat Azkiah with such indifference? The answers are not arriving fast, but Azkiah finds two sources of comfort: writing letters to his grandfather and reading about another orphan born in Nevis who, just like him, was forced to move to St. Croix in his youth. A man named Alexander Hamilton.

 

Brown Pelicans

Close to Nature – Caribbean Natural History Series

A fun and educational book filled with information about a very unique bird. Meet the amazing Brown Pelican!

  • One of only two species of pelicans that dive for fish
  • The pelican’s bill is the longest of any living bird
  • Pelicans have been around for 30 million years
  • Brown pelicans can drink sea water
  • Brown pelicans were on the U. S. endangered species list until 2009

 

Broo ‘Nansi and the Tar Baby

A U.S. Virgin Islands Story

Collected and written by Dr. Lois Hassell-Habtes – Story as told by Ector Roebuck

Broo Tukuma knows better, but as the good brother that he is, he can’t watch his nephews starve. So, much against his better judgement, he takes Broo ‘Nansi (that good for nothing fellow) to get food from his secret garden. The trip turns into a disaster when Broo ‘Nansi disobeys his brother’s strict orders.

Another great Broo ‘Nansi story filled with the humor and wisdom that only this ancient little spider can impart. A must-read for all Virgin Islanders, and for everyone who loves a good tale.

 

A Caribbean Journey from A to Y

(Read and Discover What Happened to the Z)

Written by Mario Picayo

Illustrated by Earleen Griswold

Join us in this fun and educational journey through the Caribbean islands, one letter at a time. A Caribbean astronaut? From which island? Seals in these tropical waters? And island with over 300 rivers? And what is a coki?

Beautifully illustrated, this is a book that readers of all ages will enjoy opening again and again. Ad wait until you see what happened to the Z…!

Brown Pelicans

Close to Nature – Caribbean Natural History Series

A fun and educational book filled with information about a very unique bird. Meet the amazing Brown Pelican!

  • One of only two species of pelicans that dive for fish
  • The pelican’s bill is the longest of any living bird
  • Pelicans have been around for 30 million years
  • Brown pelicans can drink sea water
  • Brown pelicans were on the U. S. endangered species list until 2009
     

Caribella

By Phillis Gershator

Is this a Cinderella story?

Caribel’s stepmother treats her cruelly. But in Caribel’s story, there are also people who care for her: an uncle, who is now her pen pal; a spritely old lady who lives hidden away in the bush; and a devoted school teacher. Caribel hopes that someday she’ll become a real, “inside” member of her family, if only she can be good enough. She tries her best. She does her chores. She wins the school spelling bee. But what does good enough mean? Can she be good and keep secrets, too? Or speak her mind? Or break a promise? Or, when the time comes, save her own life?

Where Did the Baby Go?

Written by David and Phillis Gershator

Pictures by Phillis Gershator

Oh, no! Is the baby missing? Or hiding in plain sight? The noisy rooster knows where the baby is. Do you?

David and Phillis Gershator live on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, the setting for this lyrical mystery. Bright, cut paper illustrations feature close-ups of sea and shore life—birds, coral, reef fish, critters of the deep, and of course, the rooster, who never stops trying to share his news.

Malcolm & the Money Tree

Written by Eudora Esdaille-Richardson

Illustrated by Christopher Williams

If Malcolm had it his way, he would sleep all day and all night. But Granny simply won’t have it—there is work to do! One day, Malcolm meets a very special tree that he is sure will help him get what he wants. But even if money really did grow on trees – does even such luck require responsibility?
 

Efa and the Mosquito

Written by Alscess Lewis-Brown

Illustrated by Cynthia Hatfield

One morning, Efa rescues Ms. Aedes, a very smart, fast-talking mosquito trapped in a net. Her act of kindness is rewarded with the granting of a wish. Not even Worren, Efa’s science-loving older brother, could prepare her for the amazing events that lay ahead.

With the Virgin Islands as the background, Efa and the Mosquito is a fun and educational tale, set to the beat of an old Caribbean folk song. Read the story of a curious girl, her music-loving family, a very special mosquito, and their magical adventure together.

Updates and Information

 

Virgin Islands Department of Education Conducts Investigation Regarding Vandalism of School Bus Resulting in Suspension of Service

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE), Office of the Insular Superintendent, St. Croix District, is actively reaching out to parents, guardians, and students for assistance in relation to a recent act of vandalism on a school bus that occurred on Monday, January 22, 2024. Bus #17, which was transporting students from the Educational Complex High School to the Paradise/Williams Delight area, suffered significant damage. The incident was promptly reported to the school’s administrative team by the bus manager and is currently under investigation by VIDE officials.

 

Due to the substantial damage resulting from this regrettable incident, Bus #17 and the services along its route will be temporarily suspended until further notice. Letters have been issued to notify parents and guardians of the service suspension. It is crucial to emphasize that the safety and security of students remain the top priority for the VIDE and all its affiliates. Such behavior is deemed unacceptable as it reflects a disregard for the resources, equipment, and services provided for students.

 

The school’s administration seeks the cooperation of students who ride Bus #17 as they work to efficiently address and resolve this situation. Parents and guardians will be notified once the investigation is concluded, and bus services are set to resume for the Paradise/Williams Delight area. The VIDE seeks the collaboration of all stakeholders involved in this matter.

 

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0105 24 VIDE Investigation Regarding Vandalism of School Bus (142 KB)

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Virgin Islands Department of Education Announces 2023-2024 District Teachers of the Year

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is pleased to announce the District Teachers of the Year for the 2023-2024 academic year. Ms. Chevelle Simeon, an Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition teacher at Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS), has been honored as the recipient for the St. Thomas-St. John District. Additionally, Ms. Chaselle McConnell, a Foreign Language teacher, and Department Chair in the Foreign Language Department at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School (SCECHS), has been named for the St. Croix District.

 

Ms. Simeon and Ms. McConnell emerged as the distinguished choices from a pool of six finalists, three from the St. Thomas-St. John District and three from the St. Croix District. Recognized for their unwavering dedication as exemplary educators within the VIDE, each finalist underwent a comprehensive evaluation process, which included a portfolio submission, classroom observation, and a face-to-face interview.

 

The remaining finalists in the St. Thomas-St. John District comprised of Dara Battiste and Candeya Turnbull-Browne, while the St. Croix District included Annie Errilienne and Chantelle Greene Quinones.

 

“On behalf of the VIDE Family, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding educators who have been recognized as the District Teachers of the Year. I am proud of these dedicated teachers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, passion, and innovation in their classrooms, inspiring students, and colleagues alike. Their contributions to the field of education not only impact the lives of the students they teach but also serve as a shining example for the entire educational community,” said Commissioner Wells-Hedrington.

 

Both Simeon and McConnell will advance to the next stage in the selection process for the State Teacher of the Year. The announcement of the Territorial representative is scheduled to occur at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year.

 

“We are grateful for the unwavering dedication of these educators, and we applaud their leadership in recognizing and celebrating excellence in teaching. Their commitment to fostering a culture of knowledge as we transform today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders is truly commendable,” said Commissioner Wells-Hedrington.

Chevelle Simeon- St. Thomas-St. John District Teacher of the Year

Ms. Simeon’s educational journey encompassed both private and public institutions. Her formative years at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School laid a strong foundation for her enduring love of learning. Later, at Charlotte Amalie High School, she furthered her academic prowess and cultivated leadership, creativity, and a deep sense of community engagement. Her 15-year career in education has mirrored her own learning experiences, spanning both private and public schools, from elementary to secondary levels.

 

With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Creative Writing from Florida State University and a Masters of Arts Degree in Education with a concentration in Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands, Ms. Simeon’s academic achievements shine brightly. As a professional educator, Ms. Simeon firmly believes in the uniqueness of every student, deserving of a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment that ensures intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development.

 

In her classroom, Ms. Simeon encourages her students to explore, question, and construct knowledge through hands-on experiences. Providing students with a sense of ownership over their learning empowers them to work harder and master the skills required to reach their individual goals. Beyond her classroom, Ms. Simeon’s commitment extends to the broader school community. She has served as the Word of the Day coordinator, Poetry Out Loud in-school coordinator, and a member of the Elocution contest committee.

 

Chaselle McConnell- St. Croix District Teacher of the Year

Being an educator is an honor and privilege for Ms. McConnell, who considers this career one of her most outstanding achievements. She attributes her inspiration to her mother, Ms. Zulma Torres, who has dedicated 37 years to serving as an educator in the Virgin Islands.

 

In 2006, Chaselle McConnell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a concentration in Spanish from the University of the Virgin Islands. She then pursued a Master’s Degree in English as a Second Language from the University of Ana G. Mendez, completing the program alongside her mother.

 

Currently, Ms. McConnell is in the final phase of her doctoral studies at the Inter-American University of Ponce, where she is working towards a doctorate in Philosophy in Second Language Research. This endeavor allows her to continue contributing to her student success and academic community, a field she is passionate about and a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy.

 

As an educator, Ms. McConnell is passionate about inspiring and motivating her foreign language scholars to develop a love for learning other languages and understanding diverse cultures. Her commitment to fostering her school culture is evident through her active participation in committees such as the Accreditation Committee, School Improvement Team, Sunshine Committee, Senior and Junior class Advisor, and her role as the SCECHS Junior Achievement Program site advisor.

 

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Virgin Islands Department of Education State Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education Announces 2024 CTE Fair on St. Croix

The State Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Fair, scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024. This year's event will take place at Buddhoe Park on St. Croix from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students from both the St. Thomas-St. John District and the St. Croix District will actively participate in this event, showcasing their diverse skill sets within career and technical education.

 

The CTE Fair, held annually in February, aligns with Career and Technical Education Month, aiming to raise awareness of the value and achievements of CTE programs nationwide. At the Virgin Islands Department of Education, the mission of the State Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education is to create a unified education system that embraces cultural diversities, addresses disabilities, and encompasses trades and skill sets. The goal is to support an equitable and inclusive academic, career, and technical education teaching and learning environment, resulting in a skilled workforce, and heightened economic development in the United States Virgin Islands.

 

St. Thomas-St. John District CTE Program Offerings (High School Level)

National Academy of Finance (NAF), Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, Childcare Management, Automotive Repair, Auto Body and Fender, Cosmetology, Clothing Construction, Electricity, Electronics, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Architectural Drafting, Plumbing, and Office Administrative Systems. Upcoming course offerings include Aviation Drone and Aviation Flying.

 

St. Croix District CTE Program Offerings (Secondary Level)

Accounting, Business Management, Finance, Marketing, Tourism, Business, Computer Engineering, Agriculture Technology, Aviation Mechanical Technology, Auto Body, Childcare Management, Clothing Construction, Cosmetology, Electricity, Millwright, and Welding. Upcoming course offerings include Aviation Drone and Aviation Flying.

 

For additional information on the 2nd Annual Career and Technical Education Fair or CTE program offerings, please contact Monique M. Faulkner, Ed. D, State Director of the State Office of Career, Technical & Adult Education at 340-774-0100 Ext 8901 or via email at monique.faulkner@vide.vi.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0104 24 VIDE Announces 2024 CTE Fair on February 22nd (85 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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