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National Spotlight on UVI Students as Enrollment Rises

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The Board of Trustees at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has unanimously approved a Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of $51.1 million in their recent Saturday meeting. Additionally, a fundraising goal of $4.5 million for 2024 has been set alongside an Alumni Giving Rate target of 20 percent.

Moreover, a $3 million allocation, sourced from the HBCU Capital Financing Program Loan, received approval for capital improvements targeted at Quarters B, the MacLean Marine Center, and necessary provisions for furniture, fixtures, and essential equipment at the Medical Research and Training Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus.

UVI President Dr. David Hall, during the President’s Report, highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of UVI students, faculty, and alumni. Special recognition was given to UVI students Jackeima Flemming and Michael Bell, who earned a spot in the distinguished 2023 HBCU White House Scholars cohort. Their representation at the 2023 Annual National HBCU Week Conference and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland on behalf of the White House Initiative on HBCUs was particularly noted.

Furthermore, Dr. Hall acknowledged the academic progress of three students enrolled in the Early Medical School Selection Program at Boston University, three marine biology students who presented their research on an international stage, and 12 students who participated in STEM-related programs at prestigious institutions.

The session also celebrated UVI alumni achievements. Among the honored were Michael Rosario for his exemplary defense at Boston University’s School of Medicine, Shenee Martin for earning her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Lashonette Schjang for excelling in the Association of Social Work Board licensing exam.

Dr. Hall also commended UVI’s faculty, stating, “Our faculty deserve applause not only for their teaching prowess but also for their active engagement in conferences and publications, showcasing their productivity.”

The quarterly President’s Appreciation Award was presented to Dr. Kimarie Engerman, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, whose efforts led to the full accreditation of UVI’s Master of Social Work program, now accredited through June 2031. Dr. Hall mentioned the program’s seven graduates and commended Dr. Engerman’s ongoing dedication.

In her response, Dr. Engerman thanked the UVI team and highlighted the program’s vision, which has roots in the ideas of former Senator Kurt Vialet and funding from the VI Legislature. She also emphasized the program’s potential to make a significant impact both in the territory and beyond.

The board also unanimously agreed to establish the UVI Teacher Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund Retirement Program Investment Committee, which will oversee plan investment options in alignment with the investment policy statement.

In the executive session, various topics were discussed including the confirmation of honorary degrees for 2024, endorsement of the University’s wellness policy, approval of the 2024 Commencement speaker list, and updates on personnel and legal matters.

The next UVI Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, 2023.

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Education

The Denis Sullivan Schooner: A Beacon of Learning Returns to Christiansted Harbor for Its 18th Season

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The historic schooner Denis Sullivan is set to make its grand return to Christiansted Harbor this Sunday, marking the 18th season of World Ocean School’s enriching educational programs in St. Croix. Eden Leonard, President and Executive Director of World Ocean School, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming season, emphasizing the strong community support in St. Croix and the exciting opportunities awaiting the students.

St. Croix has been a vital part of World Ocean School’s history, a relationship that spans 18 years, initially with the Schooner Roseway. While the Roseway, a revered National Historic Landmark, undergoes extensive preservation in Mystic, CT, the Denis Sullivan has seamlessly stepped in. In 2022, the Denis Sullivan successfully hosted over 230 students in immersive multi-day educational programs and delighted over 1500 passengers with sunset and harbor sails.

This season, the Denis Sullivan aims to replicate its previous success, focusing on engaging St. Croix’s public school students. The onboard programs blend practical maritime skills, such as ship maintenance and sail raising, with teamwork and applied learning. The vessel’s crew, known as Deckhand Educators, are ready to embark on this season’s journey, offering hands-on lessons during the voyages. Ms. Leonard expressed her anticipation for the community’s engagement, recalling the warm reception the schooner received last year.

To celebrate its return, the Denis Sullivan will offer welcome sails to the public on November 30 and December 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in Christiansted Harbor. Additionally, sunset sails will be available through March. Proceeds from ticket sales on the World Ocean School’s website will support the educational initiatives on the island. In a gesture of gratitude, past and present students and their families are invited to enjoy these sails at no cost, as announced by the organization’s officials.

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St. Croix Students Voice Concerns Over Poor Bathroom Facilities in Schools

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In a recent meeting with the Senate Committee on Education and Workforce Development, students from St. Croix raised serious concerns about the state of their school bathrooms, affecting their daily school life. Alina Poyah, an eighth-grader from Central High School, voiced her distress over the unsanitary conditions, citing dysfunctional toilets and a lack of adequate cleaning staff. She admitted to avoiding the use of these facilities due to their dire state.

Makayla Walcott, another student from John H. Woodson, echoed similar sentiments. She pointed out the lack of basic amenities like paper towels and soap, along with the presence of offensive graffiti, making the environment uncomfortable and unhygienic. Both students highlighted the challenge of finding a usable bathroom on campus, a situation that has led to a boycott of these facilities.

Sophomore Ace Boyer from St. Croix Educational Complex expressed concerns about the suitability of the school as a hurricane shelter, given the poor condition of the washrooms. He detailed issues like broken urinals, lack of lighting, and insufficient sanitary supplies, leading him to avoid using the bathrooms altogether.

The committee chair, Senator Marise James, expressed shock and concern about the health implications of these conditions on students. Following inquiries from Senator Carla Joseph, education officials revealed plans for bathroom repairs at Central High School. However, Territorial Facilities Manager Davidson Charlemagne indicated that the project’s completion would not be immediate. The department’s Acting Insular Superintendent for St. Croix, Dr. Ericilda Ottley Herman, aimed for a 90-day completion target, but the timeline extended to May 2024.

Senator James emphasized the importance of maintenance, drawing comparisons to older historical buildings. Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington addressed the issue in a separate discussion, committing to distribute supplies and restore restroom functionality. She also urged students to discourage vandalism to ensure the longevity of the repairs.

This testimony sheds light on a critical issue affecting the learning environment in St. Croix schools, highlighting the need for prompt and effective action to ensure safe and sanitary conditions for students.

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Education

Exploring Solutions to Rising School Violence in the Virgin Islands: Education Officials Weigh Options

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The escalating issue of violence in the Virgin Islands’ schools has reached a critical point, as highlighted by Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington during a Senate Committee on Education and Workforce Development hearing. The committee, led by Senate President Novelle Francis Jr., delved into various challenges plaguing the public school system, with a specific focus on the increasing incidents of aggression and violence.

Education leaders, including Dr. Ericilda Ottley Herman, the acting insular superintendent for the St. Croix district, acknowledged a distinct rise in aggressive behavior among students. To address this, the Department of Education is exploring various behavioral intervention strategies, including alternatives to traditional suspension methods. Ottley Herman emphasized the importance of integrating behavioral intervention or anger management courses for suspended students and actively involving parents in these efforts.

Addressing mental health issues in students is a key priority, according to Superintendent Ottley Herman. The recognition that many aggressive behaviors stem from underlying trauma has led to a concerted effort to provide comprehensive behavioral support services, in collaboration with the Department of Health. School principals are also being encouraged to develop effective conflict resolution strategies.

In a direct response to the problem, the Education Department is considering regulating the use of cellphones in schools, which, though initially intended as educational tools, have become instrumental in amplifying conflicts. Wells-Hedrington indicated that this shift in policy is aimed at reducing distractions and hazards associated with cellphone misuse.

Enhancing school safety is another critical area of focus. Initiatives include recruiting additional school monitors, especially at the St. Croix Educational Complex, and equipping them with appropriate safety gear. This move comes in response to increasing physical interventions by monitors during violent incidents.

Sen. Diane Capehart praised the proactive steps taken by the Department of Education, while Sen. Kenneth Gittens urged a broader community and familial approach to curbing school violence. Gittens, drawing on his experience as a former police officer, highlighted the need for parental responsibility and control at home as a fundamental step towards ensuring a safer school environment.

The issue of student safety extends beyond physical altercations. Alina Poyah, a student at John H Woodson Junior High School, raised concerns about a February 2023 incident involving a pellet gun, stressing the need for accountability and heightened security measures to prevent such occurrences.

Overall, the Virgin Islands’ educational authorities are actively seeking multifaceted solutions to combat the worrying trend of school violence, recognizing the need for a holistic approach that includes mental health support, parental involvement, and stricter school policies.

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