Pupils of Simmonds Preschool Ltd listen attentively to their teacher yesterday, October 18, 2017. Photo: VINO

One Mart Superstore presented a cheque for $5000 to Simmonds Preschool Ltd on October 18, 2017. Photo: VINO

Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) greets 'Tr Daisy'. Photo: VINO

Simmonds Preschool Ltd in Lower Estate lost its roof but is now functioning on the lower flat of the building. Photo: VINO

According to Proprietor of One Mart Superstore, Mrs Judith Vanterpool (with microphone), the donation is not just about corporate responsibility but genuine love for children. Photo: VINO

Despite receiving damages to its buildings and resources, Simmonds Preschool Ltd in Lower Estate, Tortola, has already reopened its doors and is fighting to keep it open without laying off any of its staff.

And yesterday, October 18, 2017, the institution received a financial and morale boost with a donation of $5000 from One Mart as part of the business’ commitment to the school to donate $5000 at the beginning of every school year over five years.

The cheque presentation was made by Proprietors of One Mart Superstore, Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) and wife Judith Vanterpool to Director of Simmonds Preschool Ltd Mrs Carleen B. Simmonds-Parsons and founder Mrs Daisy L. F. Simmonds aka Teacher Daisy.

Mrs Vanterpool congratulated Tr Daisy and staff for reopening so quickly following the hurricane and said the donation is more than just corporate responsibility but “it’s my love for education and love for children. I could not live without them.”

No layoffs at Simmonds Preschool Ltd

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, Dr Simmonds-Parsons said the school lost the entire roof on one of its buildings. Another building that houses classes was also damaged.

The roof has been replaced with tarpaulins and the students are being housed in the bottom flat of the building.

Dr Simmonds-Parsons noted that apart from the fact that parents were waiting for the school to reopen and they wanted to assure the 10-member staff that they were going to be back up and running as they did not wish to layoff anyone.

They also wanted the reopening to be done as quickly as possible to ensure her mother, Tr Daisy, didn’t get depressed.

“Even though the enrolment is low we expect it to improve, Dr Simmonds-Parsons stated.

Simmonds-Preschool reopened its doors on October 10, 2017 and has an enrollment of 15 pupils so far.

About Simmonds Preschool Ltd

Simmonds Preschool Ltd is an Early Childhood Development Centre. It was founded in 1966 as Daisy School, in Lower Estate, Tortola, Virgin Islands. The first students included Lisa Scatliffe, Sandra I. Ward, Gilda Richardson, Marcia Blyden, Rose-Maria DeCastro and Meade Malone.

The name changed to Simmonds Preschool during the early years and to Simmonds Preschool Ltd. in 1992 and caters for children from 3 months to 5 years.