Joseph A. Gomez School News

Today, in honor of National School Nurse Day, the Virgin Islands Department of Education proudly recognizes and celebrates the invaluable contributions of school nurses.

School nurses are far more than healthcare providers, they are compassionate caregivers, tireless advocates, and essential members of our educational community. They support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of our students, helping them stay healthy, safe, and ready to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Their presence in schools makes a profound and lasting difference. In recent years, their role has become even more critical, and while we acknowledge the growing need for additional school nurses in our schools, we are especially grateful for those who continue to serve our students with care and compassion.
We extend our deepest gratitude for their unwavering dedication and commend them for the vital services they provide. Thank you for creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where our students can thrive.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., Commissioner

The Virgin Islands Department of Education is proud to share that a group of exceptional students from the Jobs for America’s Graduates Virgin Islands (JAG-VI) program recently represented the Territory at the prestigious National Career Development Conference (NCDC) held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their participation was a shining example of excellence, leadership, and commitment to personal and academic growth.

Each year, JAG students from across the country gather for the NCDC Competitive Events Program, where they showcase their talents in more than a dozen categories. This year’s competition featured events such as Outstanding Chapter presentations, Business Plan Development, Financial Literacy, Prepared Speaking, and the highly competitive Knowledge Bowl. JAG-VI students rose to the challenge and stood out among the best and brightest from across the nation.

A highlight of the trip was having two students serve as National Voting Delegates, representing the Virgin Islands in shaping the future of the JAG national organization. These students played a vital role in reviewing and voting on key decisions, including the election of national officers and policy proposals. Their leadership, professionalism, and thoughtful contributions reflected the caliber of young leaders emerging from our local program.

In addition to our delegates, six other students engaged in a range of competitive events, including Employability Skills and Career Preparation. While they did not advance to the final rounds, the experience was transformative. Competing among their peers from across the country challenged them to step outside their comfort zones, develop greater confidence, and gain valuable insights to carry forward in their academic and professional journeys.

Beyond the competitions, students took part in dynamic professional development workshops and built connections with peers from various states, expanding their horizons and deepening their understanding of career readiness. A special highlight of the trip was a visit to the legendary Indiana Motor Speedway Museum, located within the track of the iconic Indy 500, which left a lasting impression on many.

“We are incredibly proud of our JAG-VI students for representing the Virgin Islands with determination and excellence. Their efforts reflect the transformative power of the JAG program and the boundless potential of our young people,” said Commissioner Wells-Hedrington.

The VIDE thanks the JAG-VI program leaders, advisors, families, and supporters who helped make this opportunity possible. Most importantly, we thank our students for being outstanding ambassadors of the Virgin Islands. Their professionalism, courage, and growth during this experience truly embodied the spirit of JAG. We look forward to witnessing all they will accomplish in the future.

Press Release

On behalf of the Virgin Islands Department of Education, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and deepest appreciation to each and every one of you as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week 2025.

Each day, you show up, not just as teachers, but as mentors, motivators, advocates, and champions of hope. Your commitment to excellence, your resilience in the face of challenges, and your tireless devotion to the success of our students are nothing short of extraordinary. In classrooms across the Territory, you continue to inspire, uplift, and empower young minds, leaving a lasting impact that stretches far beyond academics.

We recognize that your work extends well beyond the school day. Whether it’s staying late to help a struggling student, finding creative ways to engage learners, or providing emotional support when it’s needed most, you go above and beyond. And for that, we see you. We honor you. We thank you!

The role you play in shaping the future of our community is unmatched. You plant seeds of curiosity, confidence, and courage in every student you teach. Because of your dedication, our children are not only learning to read and write, but to dream, to lead, and to believe in their own potential.

This week and every week, we celebrate YOU. Your impact is immeasurable, and your value cannot be overstated. Please know that your work matters. You matter. And we are endlessly grateful for all that you do.

With admiration and appreciation,
Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D.
Commissioner
Virgin Islands Department of Education

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) announces the opening of its competitive grant application process for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). The VIDE is now accepting subgrant proposals from Virgin Islands Government agencies, non-governmental agencies to include non-profit community groups, and faith-based organizations interested in providing high-quality educational and enrichment programs in both the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix Districts.

The 21st CCLC grant competition seeks to award applications aimed at supporting the creation or expansion of before-school, after-school, and summer community learning centers. These centers must provide academic, artistic, and cultural enrichment opportunities for school-age children to meet local and state standards in core academic subjects.
VIDE encourages applications from organizations that are committed to offering comprehensive programs that:

• Reinforce and enhance academic achievement
• Provide youth development activities and mentoring
• Offer arts, music, and cultural education
• Deliver recreational programs, technology education, and character education

All completed applications must be submitted no later than 10:00 a.m. AST on May 13, 2025.

You can find the grant application linked here.

For more information, visit our Procurement Division's web page.

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that pursuant to Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 21, Section 904-9 meetings of the St. John Committee of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission have been scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. This meeting will be held via the video conferencing platform Zoom.

Public Hearing for Federal Consistency Determination, No. CZM0006-25- Julius E. Sprauve School Reconstruction.

The Julius E. Sprauve School has been assessed and approved for replacement by FEMA. The Julius E. Sprauve School will be moved from the current location at #18-14 Estate Enighed, St. John to 01-137A Catherineberg (Hammer’s Farm) Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John.

The purpose of the project is to design and construct a complete school, including classrooms, administrative offices, library, cafeteria, kitchen, bathrooms, stairways, balconies, hallways and all fixtures, equipment and contents to replace the campus with a new campus.

The following information should be used to participate in the meeting:
ZOOM

Meeting ID: 858 6352 9229
Passcode: 055277

PublicNotice-JuliusSprauve.pdf