April 3, 2006 – The St. Thomas-St. John School District will observe the "Week of the Young Child" from April 2 through April 8, in conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the V.I. Department of Human Services. The annual observance focuses attention on the specific needs of the territory's young children and their families and supports the early childhood programs and services that meet their needs, according to a press release from the Department of Education.
Parents or guardians of young children in their homes are asked to make an extra effort to participate in activities with youngsters. "One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is time," said Education Commissioner Noreen Michael.
Parents and families can become involved by joining their child during the weeklong celebration at their early childcare center or school. Thousands of children and adults throughout the territory will celebrate daily with a variety of activities such as open houses assemblies, programs in-school parades, family reading days, cultural games and song, flag and banner displays, art exhibits, field trips class exchanges and much more while wearing their "Week of the Young Child" t-shirt. Congratulations to Kavita Williams, a second grade student at the Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, for her submission of the winning design for this year's t-shirt.
There will be a District Primary Spelling Bee at 9 a.m., on Friday, April 7, at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School Auditorium. Second and third graders from public, private and parochial schools will compete for the district championship.
There will also be a "Read on the Green," from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, April 8, at the UVI Golf Course to celebrate the "Week of the Young Child" and National Library Week.
For more information, interested persons are asked to contact individual schools regarding planned activities for the week or Mrs. Phillips at 775-2250, ext. 225.