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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.

 

Virgin Islands Department of Education Announces Quelbe Music Sessions in the St. Thomas-St. John District

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)

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REVISED VIDE Announces School Closure on St. Thomas due to Water Leak Repair and Continued Suspension of School Bus Services on St. Croix

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)

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VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ISSUES STATEMENT ON UNACCEPTABLE VIOLENCE ON ST. CROIX SCHOOL BUS 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) expresses grave concern regarding an unfortunate and unacceptable incident of violence that occurred today, involving four male students from the St. Croix Central High School. This afternoon, while traveling on Bus #27 from the high school to the Strawberry and East End areas, the students violently assaulted the bus driver, endangering not only the driver’s life but also the safety of other students on the bus.

The driver was viciously beaten in the back of his head and face, and the students shattered the glass on the bus door during the assault. The VIDE condemns this behavior in the strongest possible terms and wants to make it absolutely clear that it has a zero-tolerance policy for violence of any kind. Such actions that endanger lives, whether of school staff or students, are entirely unacceptable.

As a result of today’s incident, Bus #27 will be suspended from operation pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation. The bus sustained significant damage, and the VIDE is working closely with Abramson Enterprises Inc., the contracted bus vendor, to assess the situation.

The VIDE urges parents to speak with their children about proper behavior and respect when using school transportation. Unfortunately, verbal obscenities and aggressive conduct have become more frequent, and today’s violent assault on the bus driver was completely intolerable.

Under the Board of Education and VIDE’s policies, the students responsible for this act will be held accountable. These actions represent serious Level IV Infractions, including assault and battery, which will result in both police charges and disciplinary measures such as suspension or expulsion.

The VIDE is actively collaborating with the Virgin Islands Police Department as the investigation continues. The assaulted bus driver, who was escorted to the police station by a VIDE School Safety Manager, required medical attention and has since been transported to the hospital for further care. The VIDE will maintain contact with Abramson Enterprises regarding his status and well-being.

School bus transportation is a privilege, and it is the expectation of the VIDE that students abide by the rules and exhibit proper behavior when using these services. Recent incidents involving inappropriate student behavior on buses, including today's incident, highlight a growing concern for safety that the Department is addressing.

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Donwload press release here:  pdf Press Release 1004 24 VIDE ISSUES STATEMENT ON UNACCEPTABLE VIOLENCE ON ST CROIX SCHOOL BUS (2) (152 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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