The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is pleased to announce a meaningful community partnership with Home Depot across the territory. Both store locations on St. Thomas and St. Croix have committed to the generous contributions of fans. This endeavor was made possible by their dedicated teams. On St. Thomas we extend heartfelt gratitude to Destin Thompson, General Manager; Cherene Williams, Operations Manager; and Curtis Joseph, Store Manager. On St. Croix we are grateful to Mr. Aidan Malcolm and his dynamic staff.

Home Depot’s commitment to community development and engagement is evident through this substantial contribution, which will significantly benefit students and faculty in both the St. Thomas-St. John District and the St. Croix District for the 2024-2025 school year. This donation of fans makes a bold statement of support for the Virgin Islands Department of Education, highlighting Home Depot’s dedication to the well-being and education of students.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education expresses its tremendous gratitude to Home Depot. We also acknowledge the diligent work of VIDE’s Director of Partner Relations, Mrs. Monique C. Christian-Creque. Commissioner Wells-Hedrington shared, “We are excited and inspired by Home Depot’s unwavering support and dedication to our school’s territory-wide. This partnership exemplifies the positive impact that businesses can have on education and community development. It also aids in enhancing the learning experience for students by fostering a cool environment during this period of increased temperatures.”

As the Virgin Islands, like many places globally, faces the challenges of an ongoing heatwave with abnormally high temperatures, the need for resources such as fans to provide relief has been a top priority for the VIDE. Home Depot’s act of community-centered kindness represents the true meaning of “it takes a village” to support our students.

This generous donation is not the last of what VIDE will receive from Home Depot. The department will continue to benefit from the philanthropic actions of Home Depot, with additional fans and resources already projected for more schools across the districts in the coming months.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0802 24 VIDE Thanks Home Depot for Generous Donation of Fans (1) (145 KB)

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) informs parents and guardians of 6th-grade students attending Eulalie Rivera Pre-K to 8 School and kindergarten students in Ms. K. Plaskett’s class of a necessary schedule adjustment effective Wednesday, August 7 through Friday, August 9, 2024. This temporary adjustment is part of ongoing maintenance efforts to mitigate challenges of the school’s modulars and to ensure that learning environments are conducive to the well-being of all students and faculty in these specific classes.

Maintenance personnel are working diligently under the guidance of the Department of Health to meet all required standards. Additionally, repairs to the school's cafeteria have been successfully completed, and a thorough deep cleaning will be conducted to allow meal services to resume starting tomorrow. However, repairs to the kitchen area are ongoing, the VIDE will keep the public updated on its progress. In the meantime, meals will continue to be prepared at an alternate kitchen location but will now be served in the Eulalie Rivera cafeteria. It is important to note that the cafeteria and kitchen are two separate areas.

During this period, only the 6th-grade classes and only Ms. Plaskett’s kindergarten class will be affected. These students will receive asynchronous home instruction. Detailed information and instructions will be provided to parents and students through the school’s communication platforms. In-person instruction for these classes will resume on Monday, August 12, 2024.

It is important to note that all other classes at Eulalie Rivera Pre-K to 8 School will continue with full in-person sessions and will not experience any interrupted instruction.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students. We remain committed to completing maintenance efforts promptly and efficiently. We extend our sincere gratitude to the parents and guardians of the affected 6th-grade and kindergarten students for their patience and understanding during this time.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0801 24 VIDE Schedule Adjustment Notice for Eulalie Rivera 6th Grade and Kindergarten Class (1) (144 KB)