The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is pleased to announce that students in the St. Thomas-St. John District will soon have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Quelbe music. Beginning today and running through November 15, 2024, the district will host a series of engaging and educational Quelbe music sessions for students, highlighting both the traditional and modern expressions of this beloved genre.

The sessions will be conducted by the dynamic Quelbe Resurrection Band, led by Ulysses Pilgrim and Carl Powell Sr., whose passion for preserving and sharing Quelbe music is widely recognized. These sessions will introduce students to the history and cultural significance of Quelbe, with a focus on the origins of the genre, the role of traditional instruments, and how Quelbe has evolved over time.

Throughout the presentations, the band will take students on a musical journey using both traditional non-amplified instruments and modern amplified ones, showcasing the depth and versatility of Quelbe music.

Renowned musician, historian, and storyteller, Mr. Glenn “Kwabena” Davis, will add a unique layer to the experience by guiding discussions on the historical context of the genre. His storytelling expertise will weave together the sounds and rhythms of Quelbe with meaningful insights into the culture that birthed this unique Virgin Islands music.

In addition to listening to the Quelbe Resurrection Band, students will be invited to participate in the sessions, giving them an opportunity to engage with the music directly. This will include performances by student musicians and bands, encouraging an interactive and hands-on learning experience that fosters both appreciation and active involvement in keeping the genre alive.

These sessions aim to inspire a new generation of Quelbe enthusiasts, encourage the formation of student-led Quelbe bands, and preserve this culturally important genre for future generations.

The VIDE extends special thanks to Michelle Rogers-Bully and Corliss Smithen, STTJ District Liaisons, for their invaluable contributions to making this series of presentations possible.

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Downloas press release here:  pdf Press Release 1006 24 VIDE Announces Quelbe Music Sessions in the St Thomas St John District (154 KB)

ST. THOMAS

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) informs parents, guardians, and students at Lockhart K-8 School that there will be no school today due to continued work being conducted by the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) to address a major water leak which impacts the area of the school. WAPA's Water System Maintenance Crews have been working diligently to assess the damage, but at this time, they are unable to confirm when repairs will be completed. As a result, the school will remain closed for today and VIDE will provide updates as more information becomes available. 

Charlotte Amalie High School will engage in synchronous learning today via Teams as the school is also impacted by the water leak repairs. Students will follow the schedule below on Friday, October 4, 2024.

Period 1: 8:30 am -9:15 am; Period 2: 9:20 am- 9:50 am; Period 3: 10:00am – 10:45 am; Period 4: 10:50 am – 11:35 am; Period 5: 11:40 am- 12:25 pm.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff at Lockhart K-8 School and CAHS.

ST. CROIX

Additionally, on the island of St. Croix, bus services remain suspended due to the ongoing strike by Abramson Enterprises following Wednesday’s incident. Parents are asked to arrange transportation for their children to and from school today. Bus services are expected to resume on Monday, October 7, 2024. 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education will continue to monitor both situations and will provide timely updates through official channels. We thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and efficient return to normal operations.

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Download press release here:  pdf REVISED Press Release 1005 24 VIDE URGENT ALERTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 (154 KB)