The V.I. Department of Education’s Second Annual eSIP (Education System Improvement Process) Expos has planned a day of live entertainment from school and community groups, cutting-edge technology, and valuable information and services.
The first expo is planned for the St. Thomas-St. John district on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Tutu Park Mall. The St. Croix expo will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Sunny Isle Shopping Center Amphitheater. Both expos will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to a press release issued Monday by the V.I. Department of Education.
“It’s a celebration of the successes of the school improvement efforts,” said Yvette McMahon-Arnold, eSIP’s coordinator and state director of instructional development. “Educational offices, teachers and students from several schools have submitted proposals and are eagerly awaiting the moment to show-off their skills and accomplishments.”
Education’s Division of Human Resources will publicize the services provided to teachers and staff, and perhaps do a mini-drive to recruit more teachers to fill positions in the territory’s classrooms. Education’s I.T. Division will highlight up to date technology being used in the classroom to keep students in line with 21st Century learning, such as Edline. The Testing, Planning, Research and Evaluation Division will feature the Power School software – a new trend for the 2011-2012 school year. Additionally, the State Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education will help motivate potential adult learners and career-directed persons to enroll in educational and vocational programs.
Government departments and community agencies expected to participate in the eSIP Expos include the Department of Labor, DPNR’s Division of Libraries, Department of Human Services, V.I. Board of Education, the University of the Virgin Islands, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands and the St. Croix Foundation.
“We are just very excited to be able to host the Second Annual Education eSIP Expos,” said Sarah Mahurt, deputy commissioner for curriculum and instruction. “The goals of the Expos are to inform the community and parents about what’s happening in Education and to explore with parents what can be done at home to provide educational support for their children.”
A slate of entertainment will add zeal to the day. Performing groups will include marching bands, musical combos, mocko-jumbies, junior calypsonians and pantomime groups.
Persons are encouraged to attend and to participate in the various activities at display tables to earn stamps that will qualify them for prizes such as iPads and other educational and school-related gifts.
For more information on eSIP’s Expos, contact McMahon-Arnold at 773-1095, ext. 7086.
