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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesBack to School Day Shines on St. John

Back to School Day Shines on St. John

Rahkiim Penn, 9, and Todd George, 8, play on jungle gym at Guy Benjamin School.Julius E. Sprauve School has a new blue paint job, the staffs at both Sprauve and Guy Benjamin schools were dressed to the nines, and most of the students at both schools were ready to learn as St. John public schools opened Wednesday.

“I’m get to meet new kids and teachers,” Shannakaye Scott, 11, said as she waited with her mother, Suzanne Penn, for school to start.

This is Shannakaye’s first year at Sprauve School. She spent the previous year in Jamaica, but she said she didn’t think she’d have trouble adjusting to a different school system.

Sprauve School had its orientation Tuesday, but plenty of parents showed up with their children to show their support for them on Wednesday’s first day of school.

“It’s the father’s responsibility,” Elvis Sprauve said when asked why he was there.

He said that children are looking for support from both parents, and that too many children are missing that factor in their lives.

His daughter, Shevon, 13, was glad her father was on hand since this was her first year at Sprauve. She attended 7th Day Adventist School on St. Thomas last year.

“I’m kind of scared of school,” she said.

At Guy Benjamin, nearly as many fathers as mothers showed up to shepherd their children through the first day of school.

“The children are our future,” Kenny Rawlins said.

He was on hand with his wife, Ke-Ya Daniels, and their daughter, Jade Rawlins, 7.

The schools’ top brass at Sprauve were just as psyched as the students on Wednesday. Sprauve Assistant Principal Brenda Dalmida said, “You get to see the fruits of your labor, and you know the community’s going to be appreciative.”

Principal Dionne Wells, who was transferred from Guy Benjamin to Sprauve, was equally enthusiastic about what her students will accomplish during the year with positive encouragement from teachers.

Wells said she plans to urge those teachers who are not certified to do so, but didn’t know how many were on that list. She said she’s short an English teacher, but that was her only vacancy.

Sprauve School needs some repairs, Wells said, including work on the roof.

Gov. John deJongh Jr. stopped at Sprauve as he made his back-to-school rounds. He said overall he was pleased with the maintenance work done over the summer at all schools despite fewer resources available to accomplish the job.

Principals indicated Sprauve School has about 215 students and Guy Benjamin School, 87.

Wells was replaced at Guy Benjamin School by Whitman Browne. The St. Thomas resident was unwillingly transferred from the now-closed Evelyn Marcelli School on St. Thomas. He’s still unhappy and said the long commute to Coral Bay will definitely impact the quality of education at the school.

“I like to mingle with the children after school, but I’ll have to leave here to make the ferry,” he said.

In the school’s opening assembly, held in the open courtyard between school buildings, Browne mentioned that he wasn’t happy with the circumstances, but said he’s going to make the best of it.

“I’m here and I will be here,” he said.

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