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Office of Public Relations and Communications

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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 Territorial Spelling Bee Competition & State MATHCOUNTS Competition

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is pleased to announce two exciting student-centered academic competitions scheduled to be held on St. Croix. First, the 51st Annual Territorial Spelling Bee Competition is set for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 9:00 am. Additionally, the State MATHCOUNTS Competition is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 11:00 am.

The Territorial Spelling Bee Competition will be held at the Free Will Baptist Christian School, while the State MATHCOUNTS Competition will take place at the Research and Technology Park on the Albert Sheen Campus of the University of the Virgin Islands.

On Thursday, February 15, 2024, students from both districts competed in District Spelling Bee competitions held on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Evan Fahie of Lockhart K-8 School emerged as the winner for the St. Thomas-St. John District, with Rayan Felix of Free Will Baptist Christian School securing victory in the St. Croix District.

Both winners will advance to the Territorial Competition, where they will be joined by other district finalists, forming a cohort of 12 students vying for the prestigious title of USVI Territorial Champion. Among the finalists are Chasidy Pickering, Joseph Greaux, Jasem Rahhal, J’adora Burke, Layla Jacobs, Kaiden Lettsome-Dowe, Eli Blash, Amera Paul, Kashyma Paul, and Kwalane Flemming.

The St. Thomas-St. John (STTJ) Chapter MATHCOUNTS took place on February 22nd, while the St. Croix (STX) Chapter MATHCOUNTS occurred on February 23rd. Students from public, private, and parochial schools demonstrated their extensive mathematical skills. The top 10 students from each district competition will compete at the March 21st State MATHCOUNTS Competition.

St. Croix District, top ten students include: Teague Gleason, Eric Sommer, William Simon, KNala Hendrickson, Naazir Joseph, AJ Mauro, Diella Maynard, Armani Carr, Cole Cullinan, and Mykal Heyliger. St. Thomas/St. John District, top ten students are: Daniel Xu, Sanjiv Bachan, Evan Fahie, Kai Santiago, DJ Parson, Alben Vasquez-Mota, Joyce Monamane, Luka Norris, Patricia Cannon, and Elize Acuna.

The VIDE thanks its Division of Curriculum and Instruction for its remarkable efforts in organizing the Spelling Bee and MATHCOUNTS Competitions. VIDE also extends sincere appreciation to the Virgin Islands Daily News for its continued sponsorship of the District and Territorial Spelling Bees. Gratitude is also extended to The Rotary Club of St. Thomas II and the Mid-Isle Rotary Club for their ongoing sponsorship of the MATHCOUNTS Competitions on St. Thomas and St. Croix respectively. A heartfelt thank you is extended to all coordinators, coaches, parents/guardians, and the community for their unwavering support of all students competing in District, State, and Territorial Competitions.

 

Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0308 24 Territorial Spelling Bee Competition and State MATHCOUNTS Competition (146 KB)

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Virgin Islands Department of Education Updates Community on Status of Tablet Distribution to USVI Students through Affordable Connectivity Program

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is issuing an update to USVI families regarding the distribution of tablets by Heritage Wireless under the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This federal initiative is a benefit program, established by the Federal Communications Commission, to help ensure that households can afford the internet they need for work, school, healthcare and more. If eligible, the benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service; households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. A household’s income level would determine what, if any, discount they would be eligible for. The ACP stopped accepting new applications on February 7, 2024.

A number of Virgin Islanders applied and were found eligible to receive the internet service benefit and a computer tablet. According to data received from Heritage Wireless, a total of 1584 households in the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive tablets and internet service, with 889 in the St. Thomas-St. John District and 695 in the St. Croix District. Heritage Wireless is slated to notify all applicants on whether they were eligible or not.

Heritage Wireless has shipped the computer tablets to the Territory and the VIDE is currently sorting the devices for distribution. Distribution will be managed by the Virgin Islands Department of Education.  A distribution schedule will be shared with the public. Parents will need to sign a confirmation of receipt form upon collection, which will include previously disclosed terms and provisions.

Each tablet from Heritage Wireless will come equipped with a SIM card powered by the T-Mobile cellular network, activated for internet use. These tablets will be the personal property of the students and will not need to be returned to Heritage Wireless or the Virgin Islands Department of Education.

Procurement of tablets and internet services by Heritage Wireless comes at no cost to families, as the Federal Government funds the ACP. This funding, totaling $15 billion, provides up to a $30 per month subsidy benefit to eligible families. Note that the VIDE does not own the devices, the households do. Additionally, VIDE does not pay for the devices or internet service; and, accordingly, is not responsible for the care or maintenance of either.

Families can continue to receive free internet service under this benefit if federal funding for the program remains intact and the $30 subsidy benefit remains available. Heritage Wireless offers monthly internet and cellular service plans priced as low as $30.

Heritage Wireless has attested that they are subject to FCC oversight and the use of information submitted during the application process will solely be used for its intended purpose and will not be utilized for any other reason.

The VIDE's support of the ACP aims to ensure that families have access to necessary technology to enhance educational experiences and foster equitable opportunities for students. The department remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. For more information regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program, please visit the FCC's ACP website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp.

 

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0307 24 VIDE Provides Update on Tablet Distribution (149 KB)

 

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URGENT DISMISSAL NOTICE: LOCKHART SCHOOL 4th – 8th GRADE ON MARCH 13, 2024

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) advises the public that students at the Lockhart School on St. Thomas in 4th to 8th grade will be dismissed immediately today, March 13, 2024. The early dismissal is due to instructional interruptions caused by a teacher job action, non-sanctioned by the American Federation of Teachers Local 1825.

We kindly request that parents pick up their children as soon as possible. Transportation will be available for students in 4th to 8th grade who rely on school bus services.

Students in grades K- 3rd will remain on campus for regular school operations until 2:45pm. Only 4th to 8th grade students are being dismissed.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

 

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0305 24 URGENT EARLY DISMISSAL NOTICE Lockhart 4th to 8th Grade on March 13th (121 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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