Extra-Curricular Activities since Irma; Why They Are Needed

Extra-Curricular Activities since Irma; Why They Are Needed

As a community our territory has been through a tremendous ordeal. Two category five hurricanes have made life as we knew it impossible to return to as almost everything has changed. With change comes the good and the bad as we all know; the good part is that we get to rebuild. It is a chance for change, to learn from our countless mistakes, to push forward, and a time for atonement. The bad part is the restoration phase and the inconveniences that we all have to suffer in order to make our futures brighter. One such inconvenience is the lack of extra curricula activities and adequate after school enrichment programs to sustain the new half day of school that we have adopted to ensure the needs of all are met.

 These half days of school are very strenuous on families and make it hard for parents, as well as students to actively participate in various ways. Yes, parents are allotted two hours a month to check in with their child’s teachers and schools, but many parents have more than one child and two hours may not be enough. Transportation and number of children should be taken into account as well as the needs of the child or children in question. Parents of students with delays or disabilities need to actively participate to learn routines and techniques to attribute to their child’s development. This too is true of students who exhibit challenging behavior due to emotional trauma/stress, parents need to be involved to ensure resilience is built upon with a support system; in this case the home and school community.

Every child on this island or in the territory at the times of hurricanes Irma and Maria have suffered a traumatic experience that WILL stay with them throughout their lives. When you really think of the ordeal we have faced as a community it must have been extra hard on the children. They did not have prior knowledge and experience that came with past hurricanes to mentally prepare for the storm (I got my experience with Marilyn and those after and still was in shock and dismay).

Every outlet for recreation that still exists has been ‘modified’ somehow leaving nothing much to help the youths cope. This is the time when we need those “Big Brother” enrichment programs to detour youths and adolescents from participating and engaging in self destructive behavior which can become the beginning of the path to becoming the next degenerate on the street corner.

The views expressed within this blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the youths of the U. S Virgin Islands visit https://www.usviearlychildhoodlearning.blogspot.com . For more on the U.S Virgin Islands youths read Curriculum Choices, Learning Environment & Strategies, My Beliefs on Language Acquisition,  Respect Goes Both Ways: Teacher and Student, V. I Character, and Curricula Standards & Benchmarks

Life Long Lessons: St. Croix

Life Long Lessons: St. Croix

    In a season that usually celebrates promotional exercises and vacations I have grown fond of watching the endless pictures of graduations from preschool to college. I can't speak for everyone else but it makes me reminisce on adolescent memories, lost opportunities and life-long lessons! As I scroll through my news feeds and read the paper during this season I sometimes feel a sense of pride recognizing my career choice does matter ( even though I get horrible hours, make minimum wage, and am constantly ridiculed). Today I was stripped of such after reading Facebook posts about adolescent twin boys ( from St. Croix) that will not be able to participate in their graduation. While this was completely their own faults and choice according to reports by the associated press I'm shocked at the stance many have taken with regards to the consequences set forth by the U.S Virgin Islands Department of Education.

     Parents and teachers alike spent time coaching, training, and teaching adolescents to become responsible citizens that can contribute to our society beginning from the early years. We have become a society that makes excuses for our children rather than letting them learn.

    While it is sincerely terrible that these young men, the epitome of many of our young men, will be deprived of this epic opportunity they were given a choice and they had to choose what was best for their futures. It was all their choices from beginning to end.

    Just like the world we live in today everyone has to face the consequences of their actions. While the circumstances are unfortunate these young men have just received a life lesson they will never forget.

The views expressed within the blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the U.S Virgin Islands youths read Curriculum Choices, Learning Environment & Strategies, My Beliefs on Language Acquisition,  Respect Goes Both Ways: Teacher and Student, V. I Character, and Curricula Standards & Benchmarks

Virgin Islands Character; What Once Was

Virgin Islands Character; What Once Was

As a child growing up  in the Virgin Islands I was afforded opportunities to observe the inner workings  social or extra curricula activities within the territory and their benefits. I recognized that all pageants, leagues and institutional organizations all had one thing in common;  they facilitated opportunities for adolescents to obtain and build character building skills which can help them with personal growth. Basketball and baseball leagues valued character. All students had to be in good standing within their various school communities This also provided opportunities f or children without privilege to learn and develop character building traits necessary to become productive members of society. To build habits like punctuality, dressing formal, taking pride in their appearance and work ( school or work whatever that maybe).

Young men once had ample opportunities to build character and integrity, learning the many other ways to earn respect but most importantly they learned respect for themselves. Young girls were too given ample opportunities to learn how to become ladies, and shine equally amongst their adolescent peers through various sports and organizations regardless of gender. Their opportunities facilitated hope for other young girls within the territory as well as illustrated to member of our society the importance of such organizations. But the lack of consideration for many of these character building traits leaves adolescents and parents with a lack of appreciation for these traits and our schools with the ethical dilemmas of how to proceed. Do they bother to solve it at all? How can teachers and administrators within the institution of education help foster skills that should have been introduced and reinforced at home first?

Sincerely, I don’t think they can without meaningful parental involvement and collaboration between families and the school. Calling and texting a teacher is a form of informal communication that can be very beneficial in many areas but it is not enough. Waiting until report cards are issued to buckle down on studies does not work, more importantly my fellow parents making excuses for you child does not work (even if you’re the excuse!). It is time to reteach to our children through role modeling everyday how to be responsible and take responsibility for their actions. Admit that it is your fault and work to find ways to rectify it through collaborating with teachers or the administration; extra credit, or community service does attribute to their academic standing as well as character traits.

Rather than illustrating the ignorance that has become synonymous with our citizens in recent generations. Solidarity and integrity have always been vital components of our culture;  Virgin Islanders lets make it a priority to embrace our own traditions rather than reforming to those of our national neighbors.

The views expressed within the blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the U.S Virgin Islands youths read Curriculum Choices, Learning Environment & Strategies, My Beliefs on Language Acquisition,  Respect Goes Both Ways: Teacher and Student

Curriculum Choices

Curriculum Choices

Curriculum choice largely rely on the pedagogy of administrators and leaders within the community, since these leaders and officials are supposed to represent their communities and respective districts, but they often don’t. Most cases where curriculum choices actually mirror that of the immediate community or citizen of who utilize the schools in which they are implemented are the more affluent communities within our country. Curriculum choices should reflect the needs and views of the citizen which participate in the institution. Special needs, disabilities, culture, developmentally appropriate practices, and collaboration with families/community are all pertinent aspects to consider when making and implementing curriculum choices. While developmentally appropriate practice is necessary and pertinent to all grade levels and learners it is especially pertinent to early learners to provide concrete, foundational skills, and open a regular line of communication to build mutual understanding and consistency for children and parents to progress on. NAEYC states that the curriculum consists of knowledge and skills to be acquired in the educational program as well as the plans for experiences through which children learning can take place, for early learners this comes in the form of routines and experiences that will promote learning and development. Curriculum choices should consider and obtain goals, objectives, and resources that are best known practices. Familiarity with knowledge of skills and milestones across domains attribute to the enhancement of the experiences/ opportunities facilitated within the educational setting. 

The views expressed within the blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the U.S Virgin Islands youths read Learning Environment & Strategies, My Beliefs on Language Acquisition,  Respect Goes Both Ways: Teacher and Student

Do You Know the Curriculum, Standards or Benchmarks for Your Child?

Do You Know the Curriculum, Standards or Benchmarks for Your Child?

As a parent I believe we should be aware of our child’s educational settings and climate. This includes school policies, norms and values, of course its curriculum and the standards therein. Having an understanding of such builds an underlying foundation of knowledge that is necessary for the development of the whole individual child in any and every setting. Many parents and educators alike think knowledge of the curriculum and its standards are necessary, but if you took a closer look we can find exactly how they complement each other to the benefits of the development of the whole child rather than the parent or teacher.

As a teacher, have you ever had to;

ü  Explain developmental milestones and benchmarks

ü  Scoring rubrics for standardized tests

ü  The need for remedial classes, tutoring and counseling

If you have, it’s time for a change and you should offer resources to parents that can attribute to their understanding. Likewise, I’m sure parents too have heard concepts that they don’t fully understand.

As a parent have you ever heard;

ü  Not developmentally on level

ü  Developmentally delayed

ü  Below benchmarks and milestones associated with age

ü  Needs remedial classes, tutoring or counseling

If you have then you should familiarize yourself with the curriculum used, standards and benchmarks associated with your child, and as your child’s teacher of resources that you can utilize to further your understanding, knowing which curriculum your child’s school uses and sharing the standards/benchmarks associated can greatly benefit the teacher, parents, and the student; it can also initiate a great line of communication.

The views expressed within the blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the U.S Virgin Islands youths read PTA, Parent Committee, & Volunteering: Get Involved , Simple Classroom Management Tips, Ethical Leaders Anyone? and Respect Goes Both Ways: Teacher and Student

Learning Environments & Strategies

Learning Environments & Strategies

Jane E. Tuitt Elementary (My alma mater)

Learning environments should differ as we all have different norms, values, religions, and cultures. A developmentally appropriate learning environment should also illustrate aspects of all those included within the learning environment, which would primarily be its students. How many of us can truly say that the learning environment we have created for our students or even our children are sincerely tailored to suit their developmental levels, needs, and interests? I have seen classrooms that mirror all of the children and families connected with it, and unfortunately I have seen those that mirror prison cell walls (bland white with a few pictures scattered around the room). Classrooms that illustrate culture, facilitate developmentally appropriate practice through engaging activities and learning areas, and showcases content learned throughout different content areas are ideal learning environment and are necessary in this day and age.

The learning environment where I felt the most successful was in elementary school, specifically my intermediate classes. Unlike most I was lucky enough to have a great teacher twice as she switched from third grade to fifth just in time for my class. I would personally say that my reason for feeling the most successful within this learning environment is because the school collaborated with the community to ensure that many programs and initiatives were in place for students to engage in and interact with other students. Such initiatives included but weren’t limited to inter school/ neighborhood basketball leagues, essay writing competitions on various national and local initiatives (red ribbon/drug fee, laws of life, etc.), art competitions, and others alike. Other reasons I felt successful within this environment was because I it facilitated and encouraged reading in many ways; reading was used for extra credit points as well as a past time, which reinforced my love for reading cultivated at home.

If I had to label my prior learning environment where I had felt the most successful I would say that it would probably mirror the head starts now public standards as it was inclusive as well as diverse and learning objectives were primarily academic with some focus on collaborating with families and the community. Many times we assume that students are successful in academic so they are elsewhere also when they may need guidance, as an advocate for children it is a teachers’ job to ensure all needs are being met and do whatever possible to attribute to such; in many cases referrals to different agencies and organizations are greatly appreciated and helpful. I would create a classroom environment that is both engaging and learning friendly by creating learning stations within the classroom and in the outdoor areas that with facilitate opportunities of each child to grow at their own paces and explore their interests. In this respect my students will too be able to be engaged in their favorite past times while exploring their interests in the name of learning, because when children learn through play they learn to enjoy learning.

Back to School U. S Virgin Islands

Back to School U. S Virgin Islands

It’s that time of year again, back to school for all the students in the territory. Many will be attending new schools while a few may be attending school for the first time. If so, there are some things that should be done to ensure that policies are met and students are fully equip/ prepared to begin the new 2016-2017 school year. School does begin this year on September 8, 2016, but orientation for a number of school like Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School, Charlotte Amalie High School, and St. Croix Central High School are preparing for school through orientation, insurance, and I. D card issuances. For a listing of which schools in the U. S. Virgin Islands are commencing with orientation and other back to school necessities you can visit the U. S Virgin Islands Department of Education or contact the respective school ( a listing of the district’s schools and accompanying websites can be found on VIDE’s Edline page) of concern as most administrative personnel are still at work while others will be returning within the next week. During orientation many things will be discussed that can shape the school year for your child and family, this is why participation is necessary and equally important.

For all new students to the territory’s public school system, there are immunization requirements to be met as there are in most school districts at home and abroad (if not all). Some families or students may need to opt out for medical or religious purposes and that’s fine too, but they to need to submit formal notice of such prior to the beginning of school and prepare for lab work for the kids.

Other than the major requirements here are a few friendly reminders to help ease the transition from summer break back to school;

·         Summer assignments- Many schools have them, most require the completion of these summer assignment the first two to three weeks of school (if not sooner). You don’t want to wait until school begins to start a summer reading assignment with three books and essays to accompany each, when you should be focusing on the upcoming school year and what it has to offer.

o   The Governor’s Reading Challenge- All schools were invited to participate in the Governor’s Reading Challenge and many elected to use the challenge as a summer assignment as well. Books were provided to students at the end of the school year along with a listing of other books included in the challenge, a track sheet to keep track of the books read, and a questions/ writing prompt to aid in the comprehension of the required books.

·         All schools have a dress code, and while many of the territory’s public schools dress codes are similar you should still check with each institution to ensure accuracy

o   Shoes should be black or white (or both)

o   Skirts should be at knee length

o   Earrings should be no bigger than the size of a quarter

·         Bringing Your Own Device (BYOD)- This is a sincerely controversial issue in every state on the mainland, and in many schools public and private right here at home. The only way to ensure that you or your child are abiding by the school’s rules are to become familiar with them. Orientation is great help; it is an overview of what one needs to know of the upcoming school year as a parent. Orientation also attributes to the familiarity that many have with the rules, policies, and procedures that occur within a school; checking with each school and becoming familiar with their policies on BYOD is the only way to ensure that you and your child are adhering to the schools’ policies and prevent and repercussions (like having your device confiscated).  

The views expressed within the blog are solely those of Ms. Child Advocate and does not reflect on any of her affiliations. For more on the U.S Virgin Islands youths read PTA, Parent Committee, & Volunteering: Get Involved , Simple Classroom Management Tips, Ethical Leaders Anyone? and Respect Goes Both Ways: Teacher and Student