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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.

 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education Responds to AFT Job Action, Prioritizing Students and Collaboration - Plans to Conduct School on September 21st in the St. Croix District

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is actively addressing the recent teacher job action in the District of St. Croix, aiming to minimize disruptions to students' education while fostering open and constructive dialogue with the leadership of the American Federation of Teachers Local 1826 (AFT). Following a meeting held today with the AFT, VIDE officials left with a plan to move forward in conducting school in the St. Croix District on Thursday, September 21, 2023, with the assistance of the AFT.

 

Earlier today, VIDE officials were alerted to a situation where numerous schools in the district lacked teachers, either due to teachers calling in sick or indicating that they would be late. An assessment was carried out, revealing an insufficient number of staff available for instruction. Consequently, all PreK-6 and PreK-8 Schools, in addition to the John H. Woodson Junior High School had to be closed due to the shortage of teachers, adversely affecting the schools' ability to deliver instruction.

 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education acknowledges the concerns raised by our valued teachers and remains committed to addressing them in a spirit of collaboration and understanding. We recognize that educators play a vital role in shaping the future of our children and our community, and their voices are of utmost importance.

 

VIDE Senior Officials for the District of St. Croix met with AFT President, Rosa Soto-Thomas today to engage in constructive dialogue on key concerns. The VIDE was transparent in providing updates regarding measures that have already been implemented to address the legitimate concerns of the AFT membership. Specific concerns discussed with the AFT President included, but were not limited to:

 

Air Conditioning Units and Electrical Upgrades

Commissioner Wells-Hedrington emphasized the importance of upgrading electrical systems in the schools. Lessons learned from the Juanita Gardine School site highlighted the need for proper infrastructure to support air conditioning units. The Juanita Gardine School site's electrical upgrade work, initiated in August, will conclude by the end of September, ensuring optimal air conditioning operation. The VIDE has identified funding in ARPA that can be reprogrammed to allow for some of the infrastructure needs to be addressed pending approval from the U.S. Department of Education.

 

Replacement AC Units and Parts

The Department has procured replacement units and parts through CARES II funding, which will be installed upon arrival by the Operations Division to improve the functionality of our schools.

 

Impact of Heatwave on School Schedules

During the meeting, the VIDE addressed the impact of the recent heatwave on school operations. Due to extensive damage and loss of devices, which has resulted in over $3 million worth of assets, schools territory-wide are unable to revert to virtual learning as a means of addressing the heat in classrooms.  The VIDE seeks the full cooperation of parents and students in promptly returning laptops and MiFi devices to the respective school of the student or the main office headquarters. As previously announced, the most affected schools will begin adjusted schedules on Monday, September 25, 2023. 

 

Teacher Training and Certification

Approximately 80% of teachers are either uncertified or due for recertification. VIDE remains committed to providing professional development hours and seeks union collaboration to support teachers in the recertification process, with a focus on specialized subgroups such as Special Education.

 

The VIDE is steadfast in ensuring a safe, conducive, and enriching learning environment for all students and appreciates the collaboration with the union in addressing these critical issues. A focal matter of importance for the VIDE is to ensure that there is minimal instructional disruption and learning loss. Educational continuity is the primary goal to reduce the need for extensive make up days. We appreciate the support of our community, parents, and students during this time and are committed to maintaining transparency and communication about the ongoing situation.

 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education recognizes that our teachers are the heart of our education system, and their dedication to our students is unwavering. We are confident that, through collaboration and a shared commitment to the well-being of our students, we can find common ground and resolve the issues at hand.

 

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Download press release here:  pdf Press Release 0913 23 VIDE Responds to AFT Job Action Plans to Conduct School on 9 21 23 (100 KB)

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The Virgin Islands Department of Education Announces Closure of All PreK-6 and PreK-8 Schools, and John H. Woodson Jr. High School in the St. Croix District

The Virgin Islands Department of Education announces the closure of all PreK-6 and PreK-8 Schools in the District of St. Croix at 9:00am today due to a job action by the American Federation of Teachers. The John H. Woodson Junior High School will also be closed today. Bus Transportation will be provided. Parents are asked to pick up students as soon as possible. High Schools in the District of St. Croix will remain in session on an abbreviated schedule and will be dismissed at 1:05 pm today.

 

The safety and instruction of students is a priority. Due to the lack of sufficient personnel, elementary and junior high schools in the district are impacted. The VIDE will keep the public informed regarding the reopening of these schools. The St. Croix District will be required to make up this school day in December. 

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Download press release here:  pdf Press Release 0912 23 VIDE Announces Closure of Schools in St Croix District Due to AFT Job Action (1 KB)

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The Virgin Islands Department of Education Announces Device and Instructional Packet Distribution for the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School

The Virgin Islands Department of Education informs parents and guardians of students enrolled at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School (BCB) that due to the declared State of Emergency, in response to an ongoing fire at the Bovoni Landfill, the school will remain closed. We prioritize the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff and as a result, the following arrangements have been made:

 

Device and Instructional Packet Distribution:

 

  • Date and Time: Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

 

  • Due to the poor air quality caused by existing smoke and odors from the landfill fire, the VIDE strongly encourages parents to collect devices and instructional packets during the specified time period, as the well-being of employees is a priority.

 

Alternative Pickup Date:

 

  • Friday, September 22, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm will serve as a secondary pickup date for those parents unable to collect devices and packets on Thursday.

 

  • Please note that these two days are the only designated pickup dates. If you cannot pick up on either day, please contact the school at parents.boschulte@vide.vi, and the BCB staff will assist in finding the best possible solution.

 

Device Pickup Requirements:

 

  • Only parents, guardians, or individuals listed in PowerSchool will be allowed to collect devices on behalf of students.

 

  • Completion of the District Technology Form is mandatory before receiving a device.

 

  • Devices should not be retrieved if they are not needed.

 

  • Students still in possession of devices should log on to Microsoft Teams.

 

Instructional Packet Collection:

 

  • Instructional packets are to be collected from the student's Homeroom Teacher.

 

  • These packets will include pre-prepared assignments and previously covered class content.

 

  • Assignments will be dated back to Monday, September 18, 2023, encompassing the entire week until Friday, September 22, 2023, with due dates scheduled for the following week. This will allow the students an opportunity to complete assignments for this entire week.

 

Communication and Virtual Learning:

 

  • Teachers will communicate with students through Microsoft Teams and email once devices have been distributed.

 

  • Students will work on missing assignments and review concepts taught in each class during this time.

 

As a result of the Bovoni Landfill fire not being sustainably contained at this time, a modified asynchronous schedule will be provided for students to commence Monday, September 25, 2023.

While working virtually, faculty and staff will be responsible for fulfilling their normal responsibilities, which include:

  • Updating grades in the grade books after providing feedback to students.

 

  • Contacting students and parents via communication platforms to provide a praise report or to report intervention and corrective measures as needed.

 

  • Meeting with Team Supervisor.

 

  • Team and Content Area Planning.

 

  • Logging entries into PowerSchool.

 

The VIDE is grateful for the continued efforts of the Virgin Islands Fire Emergency Management Services and all other agencies and partners providing external assistance to extinguish the fire. This is a large-scale effort that initially began on Thursday, September 14, 2023, coinciding with the initial closure of BCB. As we navigate these challenging circumstances, we kindly request the support of parents as students continue their education virtually. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly valued.

 

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Download press release here:  pdf Press Release 0911 23 VIDE Announces Device and Instructional Packet Distribution for BCB (1 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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