Virgin Islands Department of Education

15/06/2026

Virgin Islands Department of Education, Extends Condolences Following the Tragic Death of CAHS Student Tre'Vante Etienne.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education is deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless loss of Tre'Vante Etienne. At only 15 years old, Tre'Vante's life was taken far too soon, depriving his family, friends, classmates, and community of a young man whose future was still unfolding. This act of violence has left an immeasurable void and serves as a painful reminder of the devastating impact gun violence continues to have on our children, families, and community. No parent should have to bury a child, and no school community should have to mourn the loss of one of its students under such heartbreaking circumstances.

Tre'Vante's death is a heartbreaking loss that has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. As a student at Charlotte Amalie High School, he will be remembered by his classmates, teachers, administrators, and staff whose lives he touched during his time at the school.

On behalf of the Virgin Islands Department of Education, I extend my deepest condolences to Tre'Vante's family and loved ones during this unimaginable time of grief. We pray for comfort, strength, and peace for all who mourn his loss.

The loss of any child is devastating. Our children are among our community's most precious gifts, and when a young life is taken so tragically, the pain reverberates throughout our entire Virgin Islands community. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder that violence continues to threaten the safety, well-being, and future of our youth. Such acts are unacceptable and cannot become the norm in our society.

As we grieve, we must also stand united in our commitment to seek justice. We urge anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and contact the Virgin Islands Police Department. Your information may be critical in helping investigators bring those responsible to justice and provide answers to a grieving family and community. If you know something, please say something.

We also recognize that many students, faculty, and staff members will need support as they process this tremendous loss. To provide a safe space for grieving, reflection, and healing, the Charlotte Amalie High School administration will host a Grief Support Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium. Students, staff, and members of the school community are encouraged to attend and access the support services that will be available.

08/06/2026

Celebrating the 2026 ITMS Digital Excellence Scholarship Recipients!

The Virgin Islands Department of Education proudly congratulates the recipients of the 2026 ITMS Digital Excellence Scholarship in the St. Croix District.

The ITMS Digital Excellence Scholarship recognizes outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, a passion for education and digital literacy, and innovative thinking about the future of learning. Applicants were required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a compelling 500–750 word essay on the topic, “Digital Innovation and the Future of Learning.”

Ace Poyah
First Place – $1,500 Scholarship
St. Croix Educational Complex High School

Israel Popo
Second Place – $500 Scholarship
St. Croix Central High School

Through their thoughtful essays and strong academic achievements, both students demonstrated exceptional originality, insight, and vision regarding the role of digital innovation in shaping the future of education.

08/06/2026

Ulla F. Muller Elementary School updated logo and Orientation Information!

As we continue to build on the strong foundation of our school community, we wanted a logo that reflects the strength, excellence, and determination that define who we are.

📸 What’s New?

A More Realistic Panther – The updated panther is sleek, powerful, and focused, symbolizing confidence, resilience, and our commitment to excellence.

Bold School Identity – The school’s name is now more prominent, ensuring our Panther pride stands out wherever our logo is displayed.

Fresh, Modern Design – The cleaner lines and vibrant appearance give the logo a contemporary feel while honoring the traditions of Ulla F. Muller Elementary School.

A Meaningful Motto – “Excellence is Our Instinct” reflects our belief that every Panther has the ability to learn, grow, lead, and succeed. Excellence is not an occasional achievement, it is the standard we strive for every day.

08/06/2026

2026 - 2027 School Year
JANE E. TUITT SCHOOL ORIENTATION!

08/06/2026

IEKHS Announces 2026–2027 Orientation Schedule & Uniform Policy.

Important Reminders:
✅ Students must attend orientation in their full school uniform and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

✅ Bring:
-A copy of the student's immunization card
-A copy of a private insurance card (if not purchasing school insurance)
-Exact cash for applicable fees

08/06/2026

Arthur A. Richards Pre-K-8 School Uniform Policy
& Supply Lists for SY 2026–2027.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and School Community,
Arthur A. Richards Pre-K-8 School is pleased to share the School Year 2026–2027 Uniform Policy and School Supply Lists for all grade levels.

Please review the attached documents carefully to ensure your child is prepared for a successful start to the new school year. The uniform policy outlines approved attire, footwear, accessories, and dress code expectations, while the supply lists provide the materials students will need by grade level.

We encourage families to begin making preparations early and to label all personal items.

Attachments:
SY 2026–2027 Uniform Policy
Pre-K–Grade 5 School Supply List
Grades 6–8 School Supply List

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to prepare our students for success.

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Virgin Islands Department of Education Congratulates 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year Ms. Joanie Phillip of the St. Croix District

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) proudly announces Ms. Joanie Phillip, a sixth-grade teacher at Ricardo Richards Elementary School, as the 2027–2028 State Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a special recognition ceremony held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Government House on St. Croix.

Ms. Phillip, the St. Croix District Teacher of the Year, was honored alongside Ms. Jessica Sibilly, the St. Thomas–St. John District Teacher of the Year, as the Territory’s top finalists for this prestigious honor. Both educators were recognized for their exceptional commitment to student achievement, instructional excellence, and public education in the Virgin Islands.

Commissioner of Education Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington praised both finalists during the ceremony, stating, “This evening, we honored two educators who embody both leadership and heart. They lead with light by setting an example of excellence, innovation, and professionalism. They teach with heart by nurturing not only academic growth, but also character, confidence, and hope. The State Teacher of the Year represents the very best of our profession. We are honored to recognize Ms. Phillip as the 2027–2028 State Teacher of the Year and are incredibly proud of the impact she continues to make each and every day.”

The event brought together distinguished guests from across the Territory, including The Honorable Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., Lieutenant Governor of the Virgin Islands; Senators Carla Joseph and Novelle Francis of the 36th Legislature; members of the Governor’s Cabinet and senior staff; members of the Virgin Islands Board of Education; and members of the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s senior leadership team and staff.

Throughout the evening, both finalists received well-deserved accolades, awards, gifts, and tokens of appreciation in recognition of their dedication to educating and inspiring students in the Virgin Islands. As this year’s State Teacher of the Year, Ms. Phillip will enjoy a sponsored cruise vacation. In a memorable highlight of the ceremony, Ms. Phillip was formally crowned and presented with a sash, symbolizing her selection for the Territory’s highest teaching honor.
As the 2027–2028 State Teacher of the Year, Ms. Phillip will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession, representing the Virgin Islands Department of Education at official events and initiatives while advocating for her educational platform “Show Up and Read.” Ms. Phillips highlighted the connection between chronic absenteeism and lower student literacy by saying, “Students show greater engagement when they can connect attendance to their reading goals, track their progress, and take pride in their growth. I hope we continue to see attendance, not just as compliance, but as an issue of equity. Students deserve the chance to develop strong literacy skills that lay the foundation for future academic success. When students show up, literacy grows. When literacy grows, confidence follows. And when confidence follows, opportunities expand.”

Ms. Phillip's recognition as State Teacher of the Year is a celebration of her outstanding contributions to public education and her unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the Virgin Islands, one student at a time. The VIDE extends its deepest gratitude to the judges, sponsors, supporters, contributors, and all who helped make this memorable celebration possible.

At the Virgin Islands Department of Education, we are public school proud and today, we are especially proud of Ms. Joanie Phillip. Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement!

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06/06/2026