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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Back to School on St. Croix

Public schools opened throughout the territory Tuesday and while there is still a teacher shortage, the first day went smoothly on St. Croix, according to officials.

Although there had been confusion with the bus company’s contract last weekend, the buses ran on schedule most schools reported.

School administrators said students were excited and happy to be back at school, but one class quickly answered “no” when asked if the summer vacation was too long.

At Pearl B. Larsen Elementary, the halls were bright and the floors reflected like mirrors. Along with a new playground built last year, soft padding underneath to prevent injuries will be installed soon.

During the summer, there were repairs to the roof and gutters and other general maintenance, according to Principal Rodney Moorhead.

On Tuesday, kindergartners toured the school early in the day and Moorhead and Assistant Principal Avion James stopped by each classroom to welcome the pupils.

“We’re off to a smooth start,” Moorhead said. “The buses ran on time and there are enough teachers and staff.”

Principal Vaughn Hewitt at John Woodson Junior High said most of his students come with parents the first day and only a few took the bus Tuesday. He said enrollment is around 400, about the same as last year.

The seventh-graders were “curious” about their new school and other students were “anxious to get to class,” Hewitt said. Everyone was present for the first period, he added.

New programs this year include study assistance in various subjects for students who are behind in their classes.

“The teachers came in ready,” he said, adding that the school is short “a few” instructors. Science, physical education and math teachers are in demand and are the hardest to hire, according to Hewitt. Even with the shortage, there was staff in all classrooms on Tuesday, he said.

The St. Croix Educational Complex is also lacking several teachers, but they are “more than 90 percent there,” according to Principal Willard John. He has science and math classes covered but needs Spanish teachers. Currently substitutes are in some classrooms.

“Our faculty and staff are really enjoying the first day of school,” he said. “And the students were eager to come to class.”

St. Croix Central High School Principal Janasee Sinclair said the first day “went well” and the buses ran on schedule.

All of the principals who talked to the Source said enrollment was “slightly down” and, like last year, all reported being short of teachers. However, they all were enthusiastic and confident they would be able to fill the shortages before long.

Zaida Diaz is the crossing guard at Juanita Gardine Elementary. She warned this year will be more difficult for both motorists and students, since the crosswalk across Northside Road is almost invisible and needs to be re-painted.

Diaz, who has been a guard for 12 years, knows the students and parents from year to year. She said students are happy on the first day because they are glad to get out the house. Their parents are just as glad to get them out, she added.

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