The Virgin Islands Department of Education has announced a shift to remote learning for three schools in the St. Croix district due to adverse weather conditions affecting the area.

Starting Monday, April 22, 2024, Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8, John H. Woodson Jr. High School, and St. Croix Central High School will conduct classes online. The decision was made to protect the safety and health of both students and staff as inclement weather poses a risk to the physical school environments.

“In response to the adverse weather conditions on St. Croix, we are taking proactive steps to ensure the ongoing safety and educational engagement of our students,” a representative from the Department of Education explained. The shift to remote learning will apply only to the aforementioned date.

To facilitate this transition, teachers will utilize digital platforms such as Schoology, Microsoft Teams, and email to distribute and discuss assignments. The Department remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as conditions evolve.

Despite the move to online learning, school administrators, support staff, and maintenance crews are required to attend their respective schools as usual to manage any necessary on-site duties.

The Department extends its thanks to the community for its flexibility and cooperation during this challenging period. “Our priority is the seamless continuation of education and the well-being of our community,” the statement concluded, reflecting a collective effort to adapt and maintain educational standards under unusual circumstances.

Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington recently appeared on a podcast hosted by Jeffery Hernandez, CEO of National Academic Education Partners, where she shared her strategic vision aimed at revitalizing education within the U.S. Virgin Islands. Highlighting the dynamic changes in technology and career landscapes, she underscored the importance of adapting educational systems to effectively prepare students for future challenges.

With a robust background spanning over three decades in various educational roles, including teacher, principal, and administrator, Wells-Hedrington brings a comprehensive perspective to her role as commissioner. She passionately advocates for a student-centered approach, emphasizing, “It’s all about the students. I ensure that every decision prioritizes their long-term success.”

During the discussion, the Commissioner pinpointed literacy and mathematical skills as critical areas needing attention, particularly following the setbacks from recent hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Citing a 2023 academic achievement report, she expressed concern over alarmingly low math scores among the territory’s seventh graders. Wells-Hedrington argued for a foundational focus, starting from early childhood education, to address these gaps evident even before the pandemic.

In response to these challenges, the V.I. Department of Education is collaborating with various organizations to bolster teacher training in the science of reading and to enhance intervention efforts. Wells-Hedrington is also a proponent of data-driven strategies, aligning educational budgets with strategic objectives to foster measurable growth.

The Commissioner acknowledged the need for greater engagement from students and parents, noting the territory’s struggle with consistent parental involvement post-pandemic. She shared effective strategies from her time as a principal, such as hosting parent seminars and offering English classes to foster better school-community interactions.

Addressing teacher recruitment and retention, which remains a critical issue, Wells-Hedrington described several adaptive measures her department has implemented, including optimizing human resources and integrating virtual teaching to address staff shortages.

On the prospect of adopting a four-day school week, a concept gaining traction elsewhere, she expressed openness to exploring such innovations. Wells-Hedrington is particularly enthusiastic about the potential applications of artificial intelligence in education, viewing it as a tool to further personalize learning and enhance instructional methods.

As the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to repair and rebuild hurricane-impacted educational facilities, the Commissioner sees these efforts as an opportunity to re-envision school environments that cater to diverse learning preferences and needs, thereby ensuring students are not only academically adept but also well-rounded in their social and emotional development.

The University of the Virgin Islands has proudly announced that Keisha Lance Bottoms, the esteemed former Mayor of Atlanta and previous senior advisor in the White House Office of Public Engagement, will grace its 60th Commencement Ceremonies as the keynote speaker. These milestone events are set to unfold on May 9 at the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, and on May 10 at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, with both commencements beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Bottoms, whose career spans various echelons of government, made significant strides during her mayoral tenure beginning January 2, 2018. She adeptly steered Atlanta through tumultuous times, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the zenith of the racial justice movement, underscoring her pivotal role in tackling pressing urban issues and seizing opportunities within the United States.

The University of the Virgin Islands commends Lance Bottoms for her leadership, which propelled Atlanta towards notable economic resilience and growth amidst the pandemic’s challenges. Notably, her administration achieved balanced budgets across four years without increasing property taxes or reducing city personnel, all while bolstering city reserves to a robust $181 million. Her time in office was characterized by economic advancements for Atlanta, highlighted by the attraction of nine Fortune 500 company headquarters and the execution of initiatives aimed at systemic reforms to improve the lives of city residents.

Lance Bottoms’ administration made headline-worthy strides, including repurposing Atlanta’s jail into a center for diversion, abolishing cash bail for non-violent crimes, and the creation of over 7,000 affordable housing units. Her leadership was pivotal in advancing diversity and inclusion, through the establishment of new police and fire stations and substantial law enforcement reforms.

With Dr. David Hall, who is concluding a remarkable 15-year tenure as UVI President, at the helm, the university looks forward to Lance Bottoms sharing her journey and insights. Her story of impactful leadership and dedication to fostering an equitable and inclusive society is set to inspire the Class of 2024.

Keisha Lance Bottoms’ illustrious career and dedication to public service have garnered her widespread acclaim, including being named a Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year, and securing a spot in Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 List.

As the daughter of R&B legend Major Lance, Keisha Lance Bottoms shares her life with her husband Derek Bottoms and their four children, embodying the roles of a committed public servant, spouse, and parent with grace and dedication.