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ST. THOMAS — The Virgin Islands Department of Education, in partnership with the Office of the Governor, distributed packages of educational gift items, including Caribbean-themed playing cards, activity books and puzzles, to the territory’s elementary students in the spirit of giving for the holiday season on Wednesday, December 16.

In addition to gift items, each student received a special letter from Governor Kenneth E. Mapp praising them for their hard work this school year and encouraging them to remain engaged in learning while away from school during the holiday break.

“With the help of the Virgin Islands Department of Education, we have handpicked gift items especially for you that we believe will help you remain excited about learning while you’re away from school during the Christmas break. I am so proud of the progress you have made on your educational journey and my Christmas wish for you is that you would continue to flourish,” Governor Mapp wrote to students.

Allandria Brady, center right, plays with cards.

On St. Croix, Acting Superintendent of Schools Vaughn Hewitt and Deputy Superintendent Faith Dane George were assisted by Denise Gomes and Glenda McKenzie from the Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Education in presenting decks of playing cards and activity books to public, private and parochial school students.

On St. Thomas, Elementary Coordinator Kalamis Maduro and a team of Education employees visited Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and Antilles School to distribute the gift items, with Santa joining them for the festivities. Students were overjoyed to receive the gift items and planned to use them during their time away from school.

“I like that I can learn information about St. Thomas and learn how to read,” said Bertha C. Boschulte 6^th grader Calyse Garvey of the deck of playing cards she received titled, Caribbean Play and Learn Playing Cards: U.S. Virgin Islands Edition.

Allandria Brady, a 6^th grader in Loretta Royes’ accelerated classroom at Alfredo Andrews School on St. Croix, was impressed with the educational gift presented to her. “I am excited. I can’t wait to go home to play with my cousins.” But Allandria didn’t wait; she unwrapped her gift and started to play and learn with the deck of cards. The cards teach the traditions and geography of the Virgin Islands.

Le’ Aani Luis, a 4^th grader also in Royes’ class, said of his present, “It’s wonderful and I feel very special since it came from the Governor.

Actg Supt Hewitt with Andrews School kg students.

Royes was amazed, too, as she watched her students unwrap their gift packages and began using them. “Thanks to the Governor who has taken time out of his busy schedule at this time of the year to remember our students and put smiles on their faces,” she said. “It is so nice to know that somebody remembers them away from their parents and teachers.”

Maduro echoed Royes’ sentiments. “It is wonderful that Governor Mapp and Commissioner Sharon McCollum have teamed up to present these gifts to our children. The items help to educate our children about Virgin Islands and Caribbean history and culture,” she said.

Gift distributions began on December 15 and will continue through December 22 at schools on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John.

Feature Image: Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School students pose with Santa during a special holiday gift distribution of educational items provided by the Department of Education and Office of the Governor on Wednesday, December 16.

Image Credit: DOE.