Office of Public Relations and Communications

About Us

The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Office of Public Relations and Communications exists to heighten the public’s awareness of the Department’s mission to ensure that all students are prepared for college or the career of their choice upon graduation from high school.

In support of the mission, the Public Relations Office provides publicity for events, activities and the many successes of the Department’s schools, students, teachers, employees and leadership through internal and external communication.

The Office of Public Relations and Communication, through an integrated marketing communications approach services the marketing, branding, public, and media relations, advertising and graphic design needs of the Department, districts, and schools.

The Public Relations Office reports directly to the Commissioner of Education.

 

STATE OFFICE OF SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS ANNOUNCES USDA COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION ON OCTOBER 7, 2023, ON ST. JOHN

The Virgin Islands Department of Education State Office of Special Nutrition Programs informs the public of its upcoming drive through distribution of USDA commodities for the island of St. John. Distribution will take place utilizing a one-day format, which means that eligible persons should report on the day and time as follows:

 

ST. JOHN

Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023        Location: Julius E. Sprauve School

Start time – 9:00 a.m. until supplies last.

 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) uses income; not age to determine program eligibility. The St. Thomas-St. John District and St. Croix District distributions are for all eligible persons meeting the criteria listed below. Distribution packages will be limited to one per household. 

 

Individuals or heads of households eligible to receive these commodities must be identified as in need by meeting one of the following criteria:

 

1.      A person or head of household whose gross family income does not exceed 185% of the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines for July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

 

2.      A person or head of household who is a client of any of the following income certified assistance programs:

(a)      Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

(b)      Medical Assistance Program

(c)      Be a Tenant of a Subsidized Public Housing program.

 

3.      Individuals are also permitted to self-declare their income using the self-certification portion of the application if they do not fall into the established categories stated above.

 

To obtain commodities, proper identification must be presented. Persons completing the Self Certification Form should be prepared to provide information relative to their gross income.  Any person not able to provide satisfactory information to the distribution site staff will not be able to receive a commodity package.

 

For additional information, please call Federal Commodities Officer, Correy Lettsome at (340) 774-0100 ext. 2818.

 

                                             INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINE TABLE

 

ANNUAL

Not more than $ 26,973

 

MONTHLY

Not more than $ 2,248

 

WEEKLY

Not more than $519

Household Size 2

$36,482

 

$ 3,041

 

$ 702

Household Size 3

$ 45,991

 

$ 3,833

 

$ 885

Household Size 4

$ 55,500

 

$ 4,625

 

$ 1,068

Household Size 5

$ 65,009

 

$ 5,418

 

$ 1,251

Household Size 6

$ 74,518

 

$ 6,210

 

$ 1,434

Household size 7

$ 84,027

 

$ 7,003

 

$ 1,616

Household size 8

$ 93,536

 

$ 7,795

 

$ 1,799

For each additional family member

add $9,509

 

$ 793

 

 

$ 183

 

 

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 1010 23 USDA COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION ON OCTOBER 7^LJ 2023 ON ST JOHN (160 KB)

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VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SCHOOL OPERATIONS FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2023

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is pleased to announce that the majority of public schools in the Territory will resume their regular schedules on Friday, October 6, 2023. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to parents, students, faculty, and staff for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during the recent disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions and power outages. We value your resilience and support.

 

Here are some key updates and reminders:

 

1. Normal School Schedule: Public schools across the Territory will operate on their regular schedules on Friday, October 6th. The previously implemented 2-hour delay schedule is no longer in effect.

 

2. St. Croix Closed Schools: St. Croix Central High School and Eulalie Rivera K-8 School will remain closed. Students will continue with instructional packets and emailed assignments.

 

3. St. Croix Abbreviated Heatwave Schedule: The John H. Woodson Jr. High School will continue to operate under its adjusted schedule with abbreviated hours from 8:00 am- 1:15 pm.

 

4. Additional St. Croix Schools on Abbreviated Schedule: The St. Croix Educational Complex and the Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) will also maintain their abbreviated schedules from 7:40 am – 1:05 pm.

 

5. Virtual Learning: Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School students on St. Thomas will continue to learn virtually. Teachers are required to conduct virtual instruction from their classrooms on campus.

 

At the VIDE, we understand the importance of timely communication and will continue to strive to keep all stakeholders informed with updates and relevant details. While some circumstances are beyond our control, we remain committed to providing accurate information as promptly as possible. The Virgin Islands Department of Education values the ongoing partnership and collaboration of all stakeholders and looks forward to a successful academic year.

 

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 1009 23 VIDE ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SCHOOL OPERATIONS FOR FRIDAY^J OCTOBER 6^J 2023 (124 KB)

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URGENT ALERT: ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE ST. THOMAS-ST. JOHN SCHOOL DISTRICT CLOSED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE

In the St. Thomas-St. John District, public school operations continue to be affected by a persistent WAPA power outage, leaving all school sites without access to electricity and potable water. Although power had initially been restored at a few schools, unfortunately, these sites experienced subsequent power failures. As a result, the 2-hour delayed start for the district cannot be put into effect.

 

Due to this ongoing situation, the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) has made the decision to close all schools in the St. Thomas-St. John District. Bus services will be provided to pick up students from school campuses. Parents are asked to pick up students that were dropped off at respective schools.

 

The public is kindly asked to stay updated by monitoring VIDE announcements and VIPD alerts regarding school operations on Friday, October 6, 2023.

 

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Dowload press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 1008 23 URGENT ALERT ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLOSED IN ST THOMAS ST JOHN DISTRICT (64 KB)

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St. Thomas

1834 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: 340-774-0100

Curriculum Center:
340-775-2250
Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM

          

St. Croix

2133 Hospital Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
Phone: 340-773-1095

Curriculum Center:
340-778-1600
Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM

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