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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.

 

St. Croix Public School District Prepares for Smarter Balanced and Next Generation Science Assessments and Announces Grade Level Protocols

The St. Croix Public School District is preparing for the annual Smarter Balanced and Next Generation Science Assessments, scheduled to take place from April 8th to 12th, 2024. These assessments play a crucial role in evaluating student proficiency in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, while providing invaluable insights into student achievement and readiness for college and careers.

Students in grades 3 - 8, 10, and 11 across the district will participate in the assessments, which measure their knowledge and abilities based on grade-level content standards. Administered in a paper-pencil format, the assessments aim to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the real world.

To facilitate the testing process, the St. Croix Public School District has implemented specific protocols for different grade levels. High schools will adopt a hybrid schedule, with 9th and 12th graders working remotely from home, while 10th and 11th graders will have an early dismissal at 12:25 pm to complete testing on-site.

Meanwhile, all PreK-6 Schools, PreK-8 Schools, and the John H. Woodson Jr. High School will operate according to normal hours during the testing period, with comprehensive testing protocols in place to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Superintendent Ericilda Herman emphasizes the significance of these assessments, stating, "Our students consistently demonstrate remarkable proficiency and advanced capabilities on these assessments, showcasing their dedication to academic excellence. We are proud to recognize students who have exhibited exceptional growth, with several achieving between 195 and 200 growth points in English Language Arts and Mathematics on the 2023 Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment."

Here are the names of the top 16 students currently in grades 4th – 8th, and 11th grade who achieved exceptional growth:

  • Le’Shawn Auguste, Eulalie Rivera School (ELA)
  • Golda Thomas, Juanita Gardine (Math)
  • Syann Tyson, Ricardo Richards (ELA)
  • Joel Guitia, Pearl B. Larsen (ELA)
  • Ronald Hunte, Pearl B. Larsen (Math)
  • Arriyah Ward, Ricardo Richards (ELA)
  • Jahneyah Martinez, Alfredo Andrews (Math)
  • Kinberly Jiminez, Alfredo Andrews (ELA)
  • Javieliz Melendez, Alfredo Andrews (ELA)
  • Caileigh Bannis, Ricardo Richards (ELA)
  • Nykeem Eddy, Eulalie Rivera (Math)
  • Sedrick Flavius, Eulalie Rivera (Math)
  • Omiyah Constant, Eulalie Rivera School (ELA)
  • Darnelle Phillip, Juanita Gardine (ELA)
  • Kayden Theodore, John H. Woodson (Math)
  • Sheldon Williams, St. Croix Central High School (ELA)

 

Parents are urged to play a pivotal role in supporting their children during this testing period. Superintendent Herman encourages parents to ensure that students are well-rested, nourished, and fully prepared to approach the assessments with dedication and focus. Their unwavering support is crucial in enabling students to showcase their competencies across all tested areas.

Commissioner Wells-Hedrington echoes Superintendent Herman's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community support in empowering today’s learners to become tomorrow's leaders. With collective effort and dedication, VIDE remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring every student reaches their full potential.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0402 24STX District Smarter Balance Testing (158 KB)

 

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Virgin Islands Department of Education Congratulates Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Music Department on Grand Marshal Honor for 2024 Children's Parade

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is proud to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School (IEKHS) Music Department for being honored as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 St. Thomas Children's Parade during the vibrant Carnival celebrations. This esteemed recognition is a testament to the outstanding musical achievements and dedication exhibited by the students and faculty of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.

Known for its commitment to excellence and innovation in music education, the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Music Department has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity. Through their dedication to musical mastery and performance, they have enriched the cultural fabric of our community and inspired countless individuals.

The Children's Parade, a cherished tradition of Carnival festivities, provides a platform for showcasing the talent and vibrancy of our youth. As Grand Marshal, the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Music Department will lead the parade with their harmonious melodies and rhythms, and infectious energy, captivating audiences and spreading joy throughout the streets.

The Ivanna Eudora Kean High School’s Music Department has participated in Carnival activities for more than 30 years. The IEKHS Dynamite Rays Marching Band performed as their own entity, playing for the IEKHS school’s troop, or in combination with the CAHS Marching Hawks. Kean Music Stylez, also known as KMS, has also participated in past parades and the Kean Dynamite Rays Steel Band has actively performed in numerous Pan-O-Ramas and parades.

"We are thrilled to have our very own, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Music Department recognized by the Division of Festivals as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Children's Parade. Their dedication to musical excellence and their positive impact on our community exemplify the spirit of Carnival. We commend their hard work and congratulate them on this well-deserved honor," said Commissioner Wells-Hedrington.

“Presently, IEKHS Music department is in a rebuilding phase since the storms of 2017 and Covid in 2020, but we continue to serve the community, as we endeavor to represent to the best of our abilities. We are grateful for the resilience of our students as they continue to push forward in all of their endeavors,” said Music Department Chair, Monet I. Davis.

An extra special thank you is extending to the remarkable instructors who have played an integral role in shaping the talents and lives of IEKHS Music students. Past directors of the IEKHS Music Department include Mr. Glenn Elskoe, Mr. Austin A. Venzen, Mr. Levi Farrell, and Ms. Dionne R. Donadelle, who now serves as the Director of Music Education and Programs at the VIDE. Current directors of the IEKHS Music Program include Mr. Anthony Nibbs and Mr. Shamoi Rodgers, under the leadership of Department Chair Monet I. Davis 

The VIDE applauds the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Music Department for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands. We extend our best wishes for a memorable and successful Children's Parade as they lead the festivities with their extraordinary talent and passion for music.

“On behalf of the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Music Department and the Virgin Islands Department of Education, we would like to thank parents of both past and present students for trusting us with their children’s musical futures. We would also like to thank the USVI Division of Festivals for this recognition and hope to continue our participation in the future,” said Department Chair Monet Davis.

 

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0403 24 Ivanna Eudora Kean HS Music Department Children's Parade Grand Marshal (150 KB)

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Virgin Islands Department of Education Provides Update on Territory-Wide Tablet Distribution

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) previously announced the arrival of 1,584 tablets to the Territory by Heritage Wireless, as part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This federal initiative, led by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aims to enhance internet accessibility for households, facilitating crucial services such as work, education, healthcare, and more. The program ceased accepting applications on February 7, 2024.

The VIDE is now providing a public update on the distribution of tablets supplied by Heritage Wireless. Each tablet comes equipped with a pre-loaded T-Mobile internet service SIM card. Distribution has commenced in the St. Croix District, with plans for distribution in the St. Thomas-St. John District scheduled to begin during the week of April 8, 2024. The program limits one tablet per family.

The distribution process includes a designated location and time for collection, where parents are required to present a valid ID and sign a receipt acknowledging the terms and conditions of distribution. Eligible families will receive notification by phone regarding their assigned collection date and time.

The initiative, funded by the Federal Government through the ACP, incurs no cost to the families.  The VIDE is committed to supporting the ACP to ensure that families have the necessary technological resources to foster educational development and create equitable opportunities for all students. We remain steadfast in our dedication to fostering a welcoming and supportive educational environment.

For further information on the ACP, please visit the FCC's ACP webpage at

https://www.fcc.gov/acp

 

Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0401 24 VIDE Provides Update on Tablet Distribution (84 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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