When I was on St. John during the winter of 2001, the article above appeared in the Mar. 15 issue of the Virgin Islands Daily News. I had often wondered, while strolling by either of St. John's schoolyards brimming full with vibrant children, whether their educational needs were being met. Sadly, the worst case scenario is true.

Upon returning to the states , I read the article to my daughter, Caitlin and asked her feelings on the matter, knowing that she knew children who attended Guy Benjamin Elementary. She couldn't believe that a school in a U.S. territory would be lacking in basic supplies! She wanted to help.

She informed her second grade teacher, Ms. Hubert, about the "forgotten little school" in the Virgin Islands. She suggested that I give a talk to the class mixing a little history with geography and culture. My daughter spoke of her friends there and passed around pictures of the school and the children.

Caitlin's class was so moved, that by the end of our talk they were rushing to the front of the classroom with unused extra pencils, notebooks, crayons, markers, rulers, skoolglue . . . . . One child even reached into his pocket and gave me his lunch money to help with postage (which I gave him a big hug for, but gently told him one need not go without sustenence in service to others and returned it)!

I informed Ms. Blanche Bellow, the principal at Guy Benjamin Elementary, that packages would be arriving from the second grade class of Nederland Elementary to her second grade class in friendship, kindness and love of learning. The St. John children were so thrilled that they each sent a thank you letter to each child in Ms. Hubert's class.

Caitlin & VI School children

Well , another school year has begun here in Colorado and will soon begin in the Virgin Islands (barring any nasty hurricanes). I'm sure the problems in the school system there haven't changed much in the past year and areas where the children are surely lacking. Don't get me wrong. Virgin Islanders are a resourceful people and their PTA's are very creative when it comes to fund raising and they WILL get by !

But a little seed was planted in Caitlin and her classmates and her third grade class is ready and able, when needed, to lend a helping hand. Even Ms. Hubert wants to keep her second grade class involved. Caitlin and I hope that by the end of the year, the whole school will be involved !

If you would like more infomation on our sister school project or would like to become involved yourself (I would love to expand it to Julius Sprauve Elementary in Cruz Bay!) , e-mail me at : pato@arawakroots.com or call (303) 258-0673. If you would like to help directly send to :

Guy Benjamin Elementary School
#1 Emmaus
Coral Bay , St. John , USVI , 00831
Attn. Blanche Bellow , Principal

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF GUY BENJAMIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FEBRUARY 19 - 20 , 2002
CORAL BAY, ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Before we left on our recent journey to St. John, my daughter Caitlin and I were already excited by the prospect of spending a couple of school days with the third grade class at Guy Benjamin School- Caitlin as a student while I was a volunteer helper in the classroom.

I had called Ms. Bellow, the principal, in advance to ask permission. She informed the class that a guest student would be joining them after the Presidents Day break.

In preparation for the big day , I had purchased Caitlin a yellow Polo shirt and green shorts - the school colors of Guy Benjamin (all Virgin Islands public school children are required to wear ensembles of only their particular school's colors).

We had arrived in the islands mid - week before President's Day, so we had plenty of time to see friends and "family", as well as get in some beach time. You can imagine the shock to the system the following Tuesday morning , when Caitlin and I were getting up bright and early to go to school ! I know that I had as big a knot in my stomach as she did.

As we walked through the gate of the schoolyard, we were immediately surrounded by children introducing themselves and wondering who Caitlin was and what grade she was in and would she be staying and.......wow , so many questions and so much exuberance ! We were directed to Ms. Bellow's office where we exchanged greetings and donated a children's book about Coral Bay to the library. It being P.E. day , Caitlin was given an official Guy Benjamin P.E. uniform ! We then joined Mrs. Brown's class for attendance and the Pledge of Allegiance. In the Virgin Islands, the children also sing the territory's anthem which almost brought tears to my eyes.

The first class of the day was Art , which I thought is the perfect way to start a school day. The topic for their drawing was "One of the most memorable times of my life was when...." Caitlin began drawing a picture of a day at the beach, complete with palm trees, brightly colored birds, a smiling sun decked out in shades. The children were craning their necks, turning around in their seats , "Wha', this child can draw!"Well, before long pictures were being passed around, things got a bit loud, and well, a general ruckus broke out. But I saw many aspiring artists in the class - the boys with their well-drawn boats and cars - the girls with colorful scenery and princesses. My apologies to the Art teacher for allowing a bit of leeway on that particular day. By the end of the class , a few of the girls had taken Caitlin "under their wing".

Then came time to put our thinking caps on as Reading Comprehension and Math came next. As a parent volunteering in a classroom , all of my "armchair teacher" skills needed to come into play - how to help a child come to a conclusion of a problem using their own skills , when all they really want you to do is tell them the answer (This one is harder than you think)! Also , with your own child in the classroom , you must be sure to dole out enough attention to that child , no matter how confidant you are in your child's knowledge. Caitlin let me know , in no uncertain terms when she was not getting enough from Daddy ! It was quite an experience.

But , I saw so many inquiring eyes , with minds like sponges , so eager to learn. And I could feel my heart going out to some of them - that with a bit more tutoring , they would catch up so quickly. It helped me to understand the most important donation we all can give to a school is of ourselves - our time and our wisdom.

Lunch and Recess followed. Because of a small lunchroom and playground , the classes must be staggered to get everyone in. Although there isn't much playground equipment , the children are boisterous and keep themselves occupied. Caitlin enjoyed joining in the games and "showing off" with the best of them.

P.E. was next and when the teacher had to opt out for a meeting , I decided to take over and organize a kick ball game. While most of the girls decided they'd rather work on their jump-rope skills instead , I was left with a crew of mostly unruly boys. They spent about half the class fussin' and squakin' just picking teams ! By the time we took the field , I knew everyone would not get a chance , so I made up a new rule - only one out a side. Even though a loud moan went up , I knew it would sharpen their skills. After only an inning , the girls had dropped their ropes and joined in. Although more time was being spent running on and off the field every time an out was made , the kids were getting exercise - one way or another.

The afternoon continued with Social Studies and learning about the food groups , which included drawing the pyramid and placing each group in its proper place. I enjoyed the class participation when the children were thinking of their favorite foods in each group.

The final period was quiet time spent either reading or drawing.

As the day was ending , Mrs. Brown and the class presented us with a "Thank You" book the children had written to all who have lended support to Caitlin and I in our endeavor to provide school supplies for them. As I told the children , we do this with only the "love of learning in our hearts".

The day ended with us being peppered with questions whether Caitlin would be coming the next day. We assured all that we would.

Day 2 didn't begin with quite the same gusto as the first had ; it was rather hard to drag our selves out of bed the next morning. There is definitely something about that constant combin- ation of heat and humidity that can make school days tough. It was a sign of the up and down day to come.

Since our arrival on island , the mosquitoes had been having a field day with Caitlin's thick , Rocky Mountain blood. It was on that particular morning that she got a look in a mirror and saw how splotchy her face was ! Even upon our arrival at the school gate , Caitlin turned away too embarrassed to show her face. But , a few of the girls had been waiting patiently for her to show. When they saw how distressed she was , they soothed her by poking fun at each other's little faults and idiosyncrasies to let her know that these things do not stand in the way of their friendships. It wasn't long before Caitlin was giggling along with them and went inside. As we were walking to the classroom , young Christin Marsh handed Cait a letter she had personally written with a Valentine and candy taped to it ! For the moment , the day was much brighter.

About halfway through Math , the power went out island-wide. Unfortunately , this means no air conditioning in the classrooms and it showed in no time. By lunch-time, it was good just to be outside.

After Cait had a playground injury at recess that left her unconsolable , I wondered if we would make it through to day's end. But , with a period in the library next , she brightened and I felt everything was O.K.

The librarian displayed a new set of encyclopedias , as well as C.D. ROM learning tools that had been donated by a family in Minnesota who also knew of the school's problems receiving supplies in a timely manner. It did my heart good to know that there are many self-less people willing to help. As I looked around the library , I saw so many gaps to be filled.

As the period was ending , an assistant came and informed us that the schoolday was ending early , as there was no hope that the power would be coming back on. Not only was there no A.C. , but also no drinking fountains , and that was unacceptable to the staff. I said a personal prayer of thanks , as it had become very hot that afternoon.

We spent time playing with the children , telling them about life high in the Rockies (which left widened eyes and dropped jaws) , until the busses arrived to take them home. We promised them that we would come by to say good-bye before heading back to the states. There was certainly a bit of sadness and hugs all around.

Even though Caitlin was HOT , HOT , HOT , I could tell she had mixed emotions about not being in school the next day. Until I said , "Let's go for a swim at Francis Bay. You've earned it !" That brought a cheery "Yippie !" and off we went to cool out till dinner.

On the afternoon of the 27th , we went by the school to say "goodbye for now (for we both know we will return) ". We were all so happy to be together one more time. Mrs. Brown was gracious enough to allow Cait and I to have the children's attention one last time to take pictures and ask them what they would most like us to bring them when we return. After hearing answers ranging from a bear to a mountain lion (young Denesha asked for a cheetah !) , they said they'd settle for a squirrel. I suggested that perhaps I could pack some glacial snow in dry ice and bring that as most have never seen or felt it. This brought cheers of delight ( 'tho they still want that squirrel ) !

We traded addresses and phone numbers with everyone , promising to keep in touch till next time !