The V.I. Department of Education’s St. Thomas- St. John District celebrates the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) and National Library Weekfrom April 10-16, with the themes: “Early Years Are Learning Years®” and "Create YourOwn Story @ Your Library®,”respectively, said District Primary Coordinator April Munroe-Phillips.“Early childhood education is vital to our community. Children need a strong early learning foundation to succeed in school and go on to succeed in life.” She further encouraged parents and other stakeholders to make a difference in the community through the support of early literacy programs and policies that provide high quality early learning opportunities for all children.
The nationally celebrated WYOC event is an initiative of the National Association for the Education of YoungChildren (NAEYC),which focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families, and supports the early childhood programs and services that meet their needs. In conjunction with WOYC, the district will host its annual Read on the Green activity. The fun-filled literacy celebration will be held on Friday, April 15, at the UVI green/golf course from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. for preschool to grade three students enrolled in public, private and parochial schools. Featured presentations will include storytelling, exhibits, hands-on activities and displays to help students understand the Dewey subject classifications and much more.
“Parents are encouraged to take advantage of the Parent School Participation Programand come out to support their children as they participate in this event,” Phillips said. The program entitles parents or legal guardians of students enrolled in the public, private or parochial schools in grades kindergarten through 12 to a maximum of two hours off from their jobs per month without loss of pay or any other benefit. The law enables the employee/parent to visit with their children, teachers, counselors and other school officials.
For more information, contact Munroe-Phillips at 775-2250, ext. 8525.
