STT-STJ District Ends ‘Week Of The Young Child’ With Fun Field Day

ST. THOMAS — The St. Thomas – St. John District closed out the Week of the Young Child with a fun-filled field day on the grounds of the Lockhart Elementary School on Friday, April 20, 2018, the Department of Education has announced. The District’s youngest learners in both public and non-public schools kicked off the day with a march from the Omar Brown, Sr. Fire Station in the vicinity of Barbel Plaza to the Lockhart Elementary School.

Hundreds of students, their teachers, parents and community supporters of the annual event wore a vibrant purple t-shirt in celebration of the highly anticipated week with artwork depicting this year’s theme, “Work Together, Build Together, Learn Together,” according to D.O.E. Following the march, attendees enjoyed a field day outfitted with bounce houses, face painting, giveaways, field games and fun informational demonstrations by community organizations and agencies.

Just over six months post Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the District chose to honor first responders with a special focus on traffic officers, to include, crossing guards and the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Traffic Division. Over the course of the week traffic officers visited schools and shared information about traffic safety and taught students the names of the roadways on the island, D.O.E. said.

Elementary Programs Coordinator and Week of the Young Child Coordinator Kalamis Maduro said she was pleased by the number of people in attendance. “Every year it gets bigger. The shirts are a hit and the kids come out and have fun, said Maduro. “I think it went well. Special thanks to everyone that made it a success.

Community partners included VI Rescue; VIPD; VI Fire Services; EMS; VITEMA and 911 personnel—this week was also 911 Week; VI National Guard, Water and Power Authority (WAPA); Sports, Parks and Recreation; the Westin St. John Villa and Resort; St. Thomas –St. John American Federation of Teachers; Happy Times Entertainment; United Way of the Virgin Islands, Whimsical Rose; Department of Health; Lew Henley Sewage Disposal; Class A Rentals; WehMo Stagin and Hot on the Spot.

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) which celebrates early learning, young children, their teachers and families.

The event was sponsored by the Office of the Insular Superintendent, MDM, Inc.; First Banks of the Virgin Islands; United Way of the Virgin Islands and West Indian Company Limited, Inc.