Early Childhood Teacher Ms. Charlemange, center, and classroom aide work with students enrolled in Pearl B. Larsen's Granny Preschool Bridge Pilot Program during the 2018-19 school year, the first year the program was implemented in the St. Croix District. The students are now enrolled in Kindergarten.

The data is in and it shows that the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s (VIDE) first steps toward providing preschool services at its public schools has been successful with the implementation of the Granny Preschool Bridge Pilot Program in the St. Croix District during the 2018-2019 school year. The program was responsible for equipping 14 preschoolers now enrolled in Kindergarten with critical skills needed to succeed in their new grade. 

Data was collected from trackers such as i-Ready, LAP-3 and Waterford—the Granny Preschool online instructional tool, which is a research-based, integrated, early-learning curriculum delivered through personalized learning software and teacher resources. Instructional practices required students to complete web-based adaptive prescriptions for 15 minutes each day. The teacher then used the information to support students through a personalized learning approach. 

Jeselle Cruse-Peter, center, oversees Granny Preschool in the St. Croix District. She is seen here with Jose Perez and Assistant Principal Sharon Charles at the Claude O. Markoe Elementary School Granny Preschool site during the 2018-19 school year.

According to Jeselle Cruse-Peter, St. Croix District Elementary Programs Coordinator who oversees Granny Preschool, the students’ progress was also compiled in a data portfolio that included letter and number formation, name writing, and a hand-drawn self-portrait. 

“This portfolio was used as a discussion piece as students shared their data with their parents and parents asked them questions,” she explained. “The teacher served as the facilitator and reiterated information while presenting additional data to justify what students stated about their progress.”

Cruse-Peter further pointed out that the information contained in the students’ portfolio indicated a compilation of proficiency levels at the two Granny Preschool sites—the former Pearl B. Larsen Elementary (now Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8 School) and Claude O. Markoe Elementary School. Students’ handwriting and letter/number formation showed significant visible improvement from as early as the September 2018 start of the program through just before the December 2018 holiday break.

At the close of the program in June 2019, “all students tested early on grade level and above, which meant that all students were ready and mastered the skills to enter Kindergarten this school year and be successful, as evident by i-Ready,” Cruse-Peter said.

“Students’ growth throughout the program supports why preschoolers must be exposed to Kindergarten skills prior to Kindergarten entry,” she said. “Data supports how the instruction provided prepared students with Kindergarten readiness skills needed to be successful in Kindergarten.” Mrs. Ottley – Herman, District Director of the Division of Curriculum and Instruction and one of the program leads, supports the program and will utilize the data that will be collected over a 2 year period for next steps and program expansion.

For the 2019-2020 school year, the Granny Preschool Program has expanded to 15 students at the Claude O. Markoe Elementary School site and 20 students at the Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8 School site.

Mila Carty - CAHS Senior & Baker Extraordinaire

Mila is a young entrepreneur who bakes and sells sweet treats at UVI and to her peers at school.

 

Education News: What do you think are the qualities of an exceptional student?

Mila Carty: Hard working, modest and versatile.

 

EN: What is your favorite subject? Why?

MC: Mathematics. I am so good at it and I love it; it’s amazing. It’s very straight forward, unlike English, which is very subjective. I am very logical and methodical when I break down problems, so naturally, Math is a breeze.

 

EN: Are you involved in any sports, clubs/organizations or afterschool activities?

MC: I play softball on the varsity team at CAHS. I’ve been playing since 3rd grade because I love the sport. I’m also a part of the Quiz Bowl team and Spanish Club. 

 

EN: What are some goals you’d like to accomplish during your schooling?

MC: I would like to help my community and volunteer more. There are a lot of people struggling here that need help. My motto is, ‘If I have, why not give to those who do not have’. I usually just go out and clean up the neighborhood by myself.

 

EN: What are your career interests?

MC: I’m such a Forensic Science junkie, so I definitely know that’s the field I’d like to pursue a career in. I plan to study chemistry to follow my dreams of becoming a forensic scientist. My top choice is Yale and I’ve also applied to the University of Texas at Austin, California Tech, Arizona State University, and others.

 

EN: What is something you are passionate about? Why?

MC: Every day, I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to bake and sell brownies and cupcakes. I go to UVI in the morning and CAHS for 3rd and 4th periods to sell the items I bake. Of the things I bake regularly, my favorite are chocolate chip brownies because they’re so delicious. I’d love to try a pistachio cake at some point because it is my favorite dessert of all time.

 

EN: What is your favorite book or TV show?

MC: Matilda is my favorite book because she’s a math genius and I love her so much. Criminal Minds is my favorite TV show and Reed is my favorite character because he’s the most analytical and very witty.

 

EN: What is one thing people may be surprised to know about you?

MC: People are always surprised to hear that I am Jewish. My family converted, so we are considered Messianic Jews. I can sing Hebrew and speak a few words, as well.