VIMSIA opens school progress event tonight; free carnival celebration Sunday

The V.I. Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy will convene its second annual State of the School gathering this evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the school's St. Thomas campus. The event will draw families, supporters and community members to hear updates on school progress and milestones while sharing light refreshments. Childcare will be available throughout the evening.

The school will then move its celebrations to Coral World Ocean Park on Sunday for Carni-Fall Community Builder, a free public gathering that welcomes all residents of St. Thomas and St. John without requiring any school connection.

Food will be prepared by the St. Thomas Restaurant Group, with beverages supplied by the school's Parents and Teachers Association. The Sunday festivities will include children's activities, carnival entertainment, and full access to Coral World's animal exhibits, sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, sharks, Marine Gardens, the Underwater Tower, Caribbean Reef Encounter, and Touch Pool.

Head of School Gloria Arpasi explained the reasoning behind the expanded celebration. "There's a lot to celebrate at VIMSIA right now, and we wanted to bring that celebration beyond our campus," she said. "Carni-Fall is really about getting local families together, having some fun, and welcoming everyone to learn more about our school and the educational programs we offer to St. Thomas and St. John youth."

For St. John residents, ferry service will depart at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with return sailings at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.