I have such great news to share with all of you. Thanks to all of you, the teachers at St. John’s only public school, now have the school supplies they need to properly educate our children this year!
There are three schools here on St. John. Julius E. Sprauve School, commonly called JESS, is our only public school. It educates children through 8th grade. Students attending public high school take the ferry to St. Thomas every day. We have a second, smaller school in Cruz Bay, the St. John Christian Academy, and that, too, is elementary only. Gifft Hill School, located about two miles outside of town, is the only school that educates students from two years old through 12th grade. Both Gifft Hill and St. John Christian Academy are private, so they can be costly for many families.
Last month, the teachers at JESS joined the Clear the List movement, which asks the public for help with purchasing school supplies. I am so excited to let you know that together, we successfully helped the teachers at JESS Clear the List!
As of this week, more than 160 packages have been received, containing more than 500 items. The value of these items is more than $16,000! How amazing is that??!!
“My office has looked like an Amazon shipping warehouse for the last month,” joked Julie King, a St. John resident, who helped spearhead this year’s Clear the List initiative.
According to Julie, more packages on are the way which is just incredible.
A couple of new teachers have added items to the list for those of you who are able to help out. There are several items currently needed for our pre-k students, as well as gym class. Please click here to view the most up-to-date Amazon Wish List.
Honestly, I cannot thank you all enough for your continued support of this island and our residents. When we ask for school supplies, you show up. When we ask you to purchase raffle tickets to support our nonprofits, you show up. When we needed an extraordinary amount of support after the 2017 hurricanes, you showed up. I am so thankful!
Have a great day everyone!
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