The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is announcing that all public schools will be closed today, Tuesday, August 13, 2024, as a precautionary measure due to the developments of Tropical Storm Ernesto. Students are to remain at home for their safety. We ask all parents and guardians for their support and cooperation in keeping students home during this time.

All VIDE employees, including faculty and staff at both the district and state levels, are required to report to their respective work locations today. Employees must focus on securing their work stations, schools, and resources to protect against potential weather-related impacts such as rain. It is crucial that all areas are carefully protected.

After securing their premises, employees will receive further instructions regarding work operations. Please be advised that all employees must report to their offices and schools before any dismissal directives are given.

Employees residing on the island of St. John are to report to the Julius E. Sprauve School to assist with securing the school.

As the territory prepares for Tropical Storm Ernesto, the Virgin Islands Department of Education urges all stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, parents, and guardians, to closely monitor the storm's developments and stay tuned to official informational channels for updates.

The VIDE prioritizes the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. Please take all necessary precautions to stay safe and protected during this time.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0804 24 Virgin Islands Department of Education Closes Schools Due to Tropical Storm (1) (84 KB)

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) announces the resumption of in-person instruction for all 6th-grade students and Ms. Plaskett’s Kindergarten class at Eulalie Rivera K-8 School on Monday, August 12, 2024. We extend our sincere gratitude to parents, guardians, students, and faculty for their patience and understanding during the temporary disruption caused by essential repairs to the modulars.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our priority. Maintenance personnel have worked diligently to complete the necessary repairs, ensuring that our learning environments are safe and conducive to education. We recognize the ongoing challenges associated with maintaining modular classrooms and school campuses, and we are committed to addressing these challenges promptly and efficiently.

During the period of asynchronous home instruction for the impacted students, the VIDE contracted a vendor to deep clean and sanitize all modular classrooms, including desks, chairs, and walls. In addition, testing and mold remediation were conducted, and the initial HVAC and duct system were isolated and removed. Ceiling tiles in all nine classrooms were replaced with new ones, and each classroom was equipped with a split air conditioning unit. The maintenance team also conducted roof repairs and applied sealant to the modular units. These repairs and maintenance efforts at Eulalie Rivera K-8 School will continue to be monitored, and any arising issues will be promptly addressed.

The VIDE eagerly anticipates welcoming our 6th-grade students and Ms. Plaskett’s kindergarteners back to their classrooms at Eulalie Rivera School. At the same time, the Department is closely monitoring weather conditions that may affect the territory this week. Alongside other Caribbean islands, the VIDE remains vigilant in tracking deteriorating weather conditions and their potential impact on our region.

We urge all parents, guardians, faculty, staff, and students to stay connected to official VIDE platforms for the latest updates and announcements. The Department will provide timely information as we receive updates from our weather partners regarding the approaching system.

At this time, all schools are scheduled to open as planned. The VIDE will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our stakeholders as decisions are made. We appreciate the continued cooperation and understanding of our parents, guardians, faculty, staff, and students, particularly given the unpredictable nature of weather-related events.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0803 24 In Person Instruction to Resume for Impacted Students at Eulalie Rivera K 8 School (143 KB)