The St. Thomas/St. John Seventh-day Adventist School celebrated its second annual Library Week on two campuses, as a result of the school’s extensive damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September, 2017. April 8-12, 2019, was Library Week with the theme: Reading is Fundamental.
The City Campus: Grades 6-12 students were encouraged, by Brother Lorne Penn, Sr., to be responsible digital citizens since their minds belong to Jesus. He gave several personal experiences to prove the point that what we view shapes our lives for success or failure.
After the worship sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9th and 10th, students and homeroom teachers engaged in a period of reading. The class read the same title. After the class reading some students decided to check out the books.
The Shiloh Campus: Grades K-5 students buzzed with excitement on Monday, April 8th, as they had the privilege of interacting with several Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) pastors. They shared what inspired their love for reading and explained its benefits. Reading character-building books, daily, with an emphasis on the Bible was suggested.
On Tuesday, April 9th, the students joyously displayed the theme, Reading is Fundamental, as they participated in a Book Parade from the Shiloh SDA Church to the school’s gate. Some marchers displayed posters which they created with the assistance of their teachers. Others held up books while chanting, “Reading is Fundamental,” as passing motorists waved and tooted their horns in support.
On Thursday, April 11, 2019, the Shiloh campus was honored by the visit of the Lieutenant Governor of the United States Virgin Islands. Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach, who attended the SDA School during his early childhood, spoke with the students about what inspired him, as a child, to become an avid reader and now an author. Life on St. Kitts was enjoyable, but he made St. Thomas his home from age 8. He said that writers need to be observant of their surroundings and to appreciate their rich environment. He encouraged the children to read regularly.
At the end of the week, students, teachers and support staff on both campuses were given pens and educational bookmarks as mementos of Library Week. Since the month of April is also recognized as Read-a-Book Month, students, parents, faculty, staff, and the community are encouraged to relax and enjoy a great book. It is our hope that all of us will continue to enjoy the blessings of interesting and educational reading in our daily lives. Remember, Reading is Fundamental!