Junior High Students wounded by BB Gun Shooting

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By Steven Universe Steven Universe

Published: February 27, 2023 February 27, 2023

 A 911 Emergency Call Center received a call from the principal of the John H. Woodson Junior High School , Henry Mark, who stated that the incident occurred a little after 12:00 p.m. Thursday. He said a vehicle drove by the school and discharged the shots before quickly leaving the scene.

 

Some students were injured and got treated by a school nurse. VIPD said that the wounds were not life-threatening.

 

The V.I. Dept. of Education said seven students sustained "minor bruising" from the projectiles. The department also said that parents were contacted and provided with information about the incident. 

D.O.E. will host an emergency meeting on Friday at 7:40 a.m. for the school's faculty and staff, followed by a parent meeting at 9:00 a.m. the same day, and has invited all parents to participate.

The incident remains under active investigation.

Source: VI news

Park Service Repairs the Pier in Cruz Bay

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By John Lao and Patrick Star John Lao and Patrick Star

Published: February 17, 2023 February 17, 2023

The park services started to repair facilities all around Cruz Bay, a location they plan on starting is pier replacement the creek dredging near the Cruz Bay Visitor Center. This project is scheduled to begin on April 25 and throughout August to minimize the impact on boaters. “To safely complete this work and protect resources, a turbidity boom will be installed. It is anticipated the boom will be in place on April 25 to August 14” the release stated. “While the turbidity boom is in place,  all bulkheads and pier areas will be closed to the public with no access for boats or dinghies. Boaters should comply with all posted signs and remain clear of ongoing marine work.” The Park services stated that the marine facility repairs are a part of the recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Park Services Deputy Superintendent Scott Simmons said that the park “is excited to move forward with the marine work associated with this project.” The visitor center will remain open during construction. If you’re a visitor you can access the center on foot from Cruz Bay or by car, utilizing the parking neighboring the center and abiding by the parking regulations posted on signs. The park's public restrooms and pavilion also will remain open during renovations.

Principals Converge to Discuss Plans for Student Success

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By Steven Universe Steven Universe

Published: February 17, 2023 February 17, 2023

Department of Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington recently held a “State of the Union,” four-day tour in efforts of meeting with principals of the department’s 24 schools to collaboratively push student success. 

The meetings were held in-person from Jan. 24-27. The conferences allowed principals the space to openly share on topics like enrollment numbers, student test scores, graduation rates, student mental health and wellness, parental involvement, etc. 

At the start of the school leader’s presentations Wells-Hedrington said,” I want you to set aside the titles of everyone in this room and be completely transparent in your presentations.” The meetings were needed for her to hear firsthand the needs of the schools, provide additional support and to hold school leaders accountable for producing the desired outcomes for students. 

Each school received a budget of $250,000 and will be given an annual budget through the Consolidation Grant application. The funding is purposely for the execution of plans to improve student scores and overall learning.  She said,” We are placing the responsibility of teaching and learning back into the hands of the schools.” “Each school has received adequate funding that should be used to implement plans that will benefit students. This is an important part of the department’s transformation into an institution that truly serves students.” 

Another round of meetings will be held in May to analyze the effectiveness of the plans that were put in effect at the schools.

Source: VI Daily News 

The Cannabis Advisory Board Decides to Converge

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By Bobby Brown Bobby Brown

Published: February 24, 2023 February 24, 2023

More than five months following the passage of the recreational cannabis law, the Cannabis Advisory Board has scheduled its first meeting.

 After 4 years and thousands of dollars spent on failed efforts to implement the 2019 medical cannabis law, the board will restart the process making regulations for marijuana.

 The Cannabis Advisory Board last met on September 7, after spending months taking public comment on proposed medical regulations. The board, however, never approved medical regulations and the law was never implemented.

 DLCA Commissioner Richard Evangelista said if Bryan signs the recreational cannabis law, “then the proposed Rules & Regs for Medical Cannabis would be null & void. Either way, the CAB is prepared to act.”

It’s unclear how much money has been spent to date on the government’s efforts to regulate cannabis sales in the territory.

SOURCE: VI DAILY NEWS