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Joseph A. Gomez School News

Closure of ALL Schools and Government Offices on Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Please note official information from Government House regarding the closure of schools and government offices on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, due to expected weather conditions that will impact the Territory. 

Please note official information from Government House regarding the closure of schools and government offices on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, due to expected weather conditions that will impact the Territory. 

Update on School Operations for Friday, September 19, 2025
School Operations for Friday, September 19, 2025
St. Croix District (STX)
  • All schools in the STX District will remain closed on Friday, September 19, 2025.
  • This decision was made due to weather conditions that continue to impact the island, including heavy rainfall that has left some schools in need of assessment and cleanup.
  • Essential school employees including administrators, custodial staff, school monitors, and kitchen staff are required to report to their respective campuses to assist with assessments and restoration efforts.
  • There will be no school for students in the St. Croix District on Friday, September 19, 2025.
St. Thomas – St. John District (STTJ)
  • On September 18, 2025, schools in the STTJ District were disrupted due to electrical service interruptions.
  • VIDE remains in contact with WAPA and has been informed that electrical feeders are being restored. Full restoration is anticipated, enabling regular school operations to resume on Friday, September 19, 2025.
  • All students, faculty, and staff in the St. Thomas – St. John District are expected to report to school as scheduled on Friday, September 19, 2025.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) acknowledges the challenges that come with receiving updates on school operations during rapidly changing situations. We recognize that parents, guardians, faculty, and staff rely on timely and accurate information, and we thank the community for its patience and understanding as decisions are made in consultation with our official partners.
 
When faced with unpredictable matters such as changing weather conditions, electrical service interruptions, or false threats against schools VIDE works closely with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Government House, among others. This collaborative process requires careful verification to ensure accuracy before public announcements are issued.
 
VIDE remains committed to providing timely information across its official communication platforms. However, conditions can change quickly, and updates may be adjusted as new information becomes available. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, schools were initially reported as remaining open. However, following an update on conditions from Governor Albert Bryan Jr., and his decision to close government offices, VIDE announced the closure of schools for the remainder of the day.
 
School Operations for Friday, September 19, 2025
St. Croix District (STX)
  • All schools in the STX District will remain closed on Friday, September 19, 2025.
  • This decision was made due to weather conditions that continue to impact the island, including heavy rainfall that has left some schools in need of assessment and cleanup.
  • Essential school employees including administrators, custodial staff, school monitors, and kitchen staff are required to report to their respective campuses to assist with assessments and restoration efforts.
  • There will be no school for students in the St. Croix District on Friday, September 19, 2025.
St. Thomas – St. John District (STTJ)
  • On September 18, 2025, schools in the STTJ District were disrupted due to electrical service interruptions.
  • VIDE remains in contact with WAPA and has been informed that electrical feeders are being restored. Full restoration is anticipated, enabling regular school operations to resume on Friday, September 19, 2025.
  • All students, faculty, and staff in the St. Thomas – St. John District are expected to report to school as scheduled on Friday, September 19, 2025.
VIDE reminds the public that weather and electrical service situations are unpredictable and subject to rapid change. Parents and guardians should rely on VIDE’s official communication channels for information: VIDE Facebook Page: Virgin Islands Department of Education, VIDE Website: vide.vi, and School Facebook Pages and Websites. 
Stay Informed via Official VIDE Platforms
VIDE provides information to the media and across its official platforms. However, as conditions change, updates may also change. For the most reliable information, parents and guardians should always check the official VIDE Facebook page and other official communication channels first.
 
Stay Connected ~ Stay Informed to ONLY OFFICIAL VIDE PLATFORMS
 
Stay connected through official VIDE channels. Follow and subscribe to our official communication platforms.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is reminding parents, guardians, and the wider community that only announcements issued directly by VIDE should be considered official. Increasingly, falsified information has been shared through various Facebook groups, WhatsApp messages, and other unofficial sources, often with the intent of creating confusion.
 
When dealing with unpredictable matters such as changing weather conditions, electrical service interruptions, or even false threats against schools, VIDE makes decisions in consultation with its official partners, including the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), and Government House, among other entities. This process requires ensuring that accurate information is received first before it can be distributed. We recognize that immediate information is desired. Timely information is also a priority for VIDE. As decisions are made, the information is shared with the public.
 
Because these situations are fluid, unpredictable, and ever-changing, decisions may be adjusted as new information becomes available. For example, a decision to keep schools open may later be revised if conditions worsen, if electrical service is interrupted for an extended period, if on-campus assessments reveal safety concerns, or if a decision is made by the Executive Branch of Government.
 
VIDE recognizes the inconvenience that school closures may cause, particularly when government offices remain open. The Department does not take these decisions lightly, as every effort is made to protect instructional time while ensuring the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
 
We understand how frustrating last-minute changes can be for parents, guardians, and even students. VIDE appreciates the patience and understanding of its stakeholders. We ask for continued understanding as the dynamic nature of these situations sometimes requires adjustments to be made quickly.

VIDE strongly urges families to:
  • Rely only on official VIDE platforms for accurate updates.
  • Avoid following unofficial social media pages or chats that circulate misinformation.
  • Exercise personal parental discretion when making decisions for your child, based on your own circumstances and comfort level.
VIDE provides information to the media and across its official platforms. However, as conditions change, updates may also change. For the most reliable information, parents and guardians should always check the official VIDE Facebook page and other official communication channels first.
 
Stay Connected ~ Stay Informed to ONLY OFFICIAL VIDE PLATFORMS
 
Stay connected through official VIDE channels. Follow and subscribe to our official communication platforms.
 
Registering is quick and easy: simply visit www.vide.vi/stayconnected and sign up today!
ALL SCHOOLS CLOSED TERRITORY-WIDE

In alignment with government operations and per Governor Albert Bryan Jr. All schools Territory-wide will be closed on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

In alignment with government operations and per Governor Albert Bryan Jr. All schools Territory-wide will be closed on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Technical College Town Hall
The Virgin Islands Technical College in collaboration with Senator Avery Lewis invites the public to attend two upcoming Town Hall Meetings designed to engage the community in shaping the future of technical education in the Territory.
 
These meetings will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to learn more about the Virgin Islands Technical College’s programs, share valuable feedback, and discuss questions and concerns regarding workforce development and community needs.
 
Meeting Details:
  • St. Thomas – Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
    Charlotte Amalie High School
     
  • St. Croix – Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
    St. Croix Educational Complex Auditorium
The Virgin Islands Technical College in collaboration with Senator Avery Lewis invites the public to attend two upcoming Town Hall Meetings designed to engage the community in shaping the future of technical education in the Territory.
 
These meetings will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to learn more about the Virgin Islands Technical College’s programs, share valuable feedback, and discuss questions and concerns regarding workforce development and community needs.
 
Meeting Details:
  • St. Thomas – Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
    Charlotte Amalie High School
     
  • St. Croix – Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
    St. Croix Educational Complex Auditorium
Purpose of the Town Halls:
  • To share information about programs and opportunities at the Virgin Islands Technical College.
  • To engage stakeholders in dialogue and gather feedback.
  • To address community questions, concerns, and ideas about technical education and workforce readiness.
Community involvement is vital as we work to build stronger pathways for students and future leaders. We encourage all residents to come out, participate, and help shape the vision of the Virgin Islands Technical College.
 
For more information, please email: