Back To School

JESS and GBS Open for 2007-08 School Year

The new Acting Education Commissioner Lynn Spampinato talks with the students on the first day of school.

St. John Tradewinds News Photos by Jaime Elliott and Andrea Milam

St. John public schools opened on Monday, August 27, as faculty welcomed students back to Guy H. Benjamin Elementary School and Julius E. Sprauve School.

Students, parents, and faculty were all smiles on the first day of public school Monday, August 27.

A large group of parents met with GBS Principal Dionne Wells for an orientation session, while students at JESS got quite a big surprise when they were greeted by Governor John deJongh, who traveled to all three islands to greet children as they began their first day of the 2007-2008 school year. DeJongh chose to come to Love City first on his tour.

The first day of school

“I wanted to come here because many times, it seems that St. John is forgotten,” said deJongh. “St. John is very important, and the best way I can express that is by coming here myself.”

Are Students Ready?
DeJongh mingled with students and school faculty in front of the building, and toured the cafeteria where he greeted school lunch workers and more students. The governor asked students if they were ready to begin the school year, while one student proudly showed off his newly purchased school supplies.

Governor John deJongh laughs with several students on Monday, August 27, the first day of school.

“I’m going around to see the kids today, which is something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” said the governor. “I’m making sure the facilities are where they should be, and I want to let the students know we care.”

The governor paused for photos with the students and staff, before departing for schools on St. Thomas and St. Croix to greet students throughout the territory.