VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PROVIDES UPDATE REGARDING PUBLIC SCHOOL OPERATIONS TERRITORY-WIDE

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) would like to provide an update on public school operations in light of ongoing weather conditions caused by Tropical Storm Philippe. This storm has caused heavy winds, rainfall, and ongoing power outages across the Territory. Due to these adverse conditions, there will be an impact on public school operations on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

 

The public is advised that schools across the Territory, (within the St. Thomas-St. John District and St. Croix District) will be implementing a 2-hour delayed school start time. This delay will allow for students to be in a safe environment at home while school maintenance teams conduct comprehensive assessments of each school campus to determine the extent of weather-related effects. Custodial staff will also perform walkthroughs of the school premises to ensure proper cleaning procedures are implemented.

 

Following these assessments, the revised school operating hours for each public school will be communicated to the public. It is important to note that with the implemented delayed 2-hour start, if a school for example is scheduled to start at 7:40 am, that school would then start at 9:40 am on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

 

All essential employees to include kitchen workers, custodians, maintenance workers and laborers, and staggered school administrative teams (principals and assistant principals) are required to report to their designated campuses at 6:00 am.

 

Further, the unpredictable nature of the weather and ongoing power outages can result in overnight changes that may further affect school openings. VIDE has initiated all necessary protocols to ensure thorough assessments are conducted, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.

 

Parents, guardians, and students are kindly asked to remain vigilant and stay updated by monitoring VIDE announcements and VIPD alerts in the morning. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and attention to these updates as we work together across both districts.

 

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