Virgin Islands Department of Education

CONGRATULATIONS!
St. Croix District Employee of the Year
Jeselle Cruse-Peter
Elementary Programs Coordinator

St. Croix Career & Technical Education Post Secondary Courses - Fall 2026

The Virgin Islands Department of Education invites adult learners to enroll in the St. Croix Career & Technical Education Center's (CTEC) Fall 2026 Post-Secondary Evening Courses. Classes will be held August 24 through December 17, 2026, Monday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Courses include CDA, Electricity, HVAC, Microsoft Office 365, Phlebotomy, Welding, Nail Technician, Natural Hair Care/Braiding, Clothing Construction, Cake Decorating/Pie-Making, NCCER Core, and more.

Registration will take place from August 10–24, 2026. VIDE employees receive 50% off, and early registration discounts are available. The registration fee is $250.00, payable by money order.

For course pricing and additional information, call 340-778-2216 Ext. 5903. Invest in your future and register today!

The Virgin Islands Department of Education, St. Croix District proudly celebrates Mrs. Natasha O’Halloran-Smith, Principal of Ricardo Richards Elementary School, as our 2026 School Principal of the Year!

Mrs. O’Halloran-Smith exemplifies transformational leadership, data-driven instructional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Through her leadership, she has cultivated a school culture rooted in achievement, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This recognition is especially meaningful as the St. Croix District officially launched its updated and enhanced Principal of the Year application process this year. The refined process was designed to recognize exemplary leadership aligned to the Department’s core priorities and accountability expectations: Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Attendance for Staff and Students, Accountability Report Card Outcomes, and Leadership Coaching and Development.

Mrs. O’Halloran-Smith distinguished herself through her intentional and measurable ex*****on of these four district pillars. Her leadership reflects the power of strategic planning, strong instructional systems, meaningful staff development, and a steadfast focus on student outcomes.

Superintendent Dr. Carla A. Bastian-Knight shared, “Principal O’Halloran-Smith represents the very best in educational leadership. She is a visionary leader who uses data to drive instructional decisions, builds strong systems of support for students and staff, and leads with purpose, accountability, and heart. Her successful ex*****on of our four district pillars demonstrates what is possible when leadership is intentional, focused, and student-centered.”

Commissioner of Education Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington added, “Principal O’Halloran-Smith has created a culture of excellence at Ricardo Richards Elementary School that produces results and positively impacts the lives of students, educators, and families every day. We proudly celebrate her accomplishments and thank her for her outstanding service to the children of St. Croix.”

Please join the St. Croix District in congratulating Mrs. Natasha O’Halloran-Smith on this well-deserved honor and her continued dedication to Excellence in Education!

REMINDER: Open Enrollment/Public Schools
2026 -2027 School Year

The Virgin Islands Department of Education St. Thomas-St. John District reminds the public of open enrollment for public schools during the 2026–2027 school year for students.

Registration will be conducted according to students’ last names on designated days.

Important Reminders:
All original required documents must be submitted at the time of registration.

Registration schedules are based on last name.

Please ensure you attend on your designated day.

For additional information, please contact us at:
📞 340-775-2250 ext. 8514, 8516, or 8519

The Virgin Islands Department of Education extends sincere appreciation to the Virgin Islands Daily News for its continued support and sponsorship of student spellers across the Territory year after year. We are truly grateful for this longstanding partnership and the invaluable assistance provided in helping our students compete on the local and national Scripps stage!

St. Thomas-St. John District Summer 2026
Extended Learning Programs

NEW DEADLINE DATE
Summer 2026 Basketball Training Camp & Social-Emotional Development Program!

The Virgin Islands Department of Education, St. Croix District Superintendent’s Office, and the Office of the Governor are excited to announce the Summer 2026 Basketball Training Camp & Social-Emotional Development Program for VIDE students ages 11–17.

This free 6-week program, running from June 8 through July 21, 2026, is designed to help students strengthen their basketball skills while also developing confidence, leadership, emotional resilience, teamwork, and positive decision-making skills on and off the court.

Program Details:
• Dates: June 8 – July 21, 2026
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Central High School Gymnasium
• Eligibility: VIDE male and female students ages 11–17
• Cost: Free of charge
• Meals: Lunch and snacks provided by the VIDE School Food Authority
• Capacity: Limited to 80 students

Please note that participants must commit to the full 6-week program. Transportation will not be provided.

The deadline to apply is May 29, 2026.
Completed applications should be submitted to:
[email protected]