Today Newspaper St. Maarten

Learning Unlimited starts school year today Upgraded school adds college level courses

Learning Unlimited Principal Robert Gibson and Executive Director Dr. Ponuah Alcott.

St. Maarten – The Learning Unlimited Preparatory School went through a number of necessary upgrades during the vacation period, Principal Robert Gibson said. There is a new play ground for smaller children and Executive Director Dr. Ponuah Alcott has ordered some “smart boards” for the science lab and the computer room.

“This allows the teachers to access the internet right into the board which will enhance the teaching. We have been able to upgrade the internet speed with more bandwidth and also the equipment which will prevent the normal interruption that is experienced normally with computers,” Gibson said. One of the reasons for the upgrade is to prepare the school for a testing center which is done via the internet. As a testing center we can have no interruptions. This is vital for the school.”

Gibson describes the new science lab as “state of the art” with top of the line equipment – much to the excitement of the teachers. It will enhance the teaching of the younger students who will use the lab at least once a week. There is also a new office for the executive director and the school also added a conference room. “We have tried to maximize the available space,” Gibson said.

“This year we add college level courses so that students are able to obtain college level credits; that will increase their possibilities,” Dr. Alcott said. The school is able to split the classes into standard college preparatory and the normal classes. This will give students who are self motivated an opportunity to get a more in depth grasp of their subjects.

The college students will get other assignments and more independent work because of their in depth understanding. “We are trying to up the level of our instruction to a much higher form then what is usual on the island.”

“The school has four new teachers and a few administrators,” said Dr. Alcott. The former Principal Susan Dennis has been retained as a member of the school board and has agreed to assist the school in another capacity. The school intends to continue with its activities like the beach cleanup, assisting the elderly and other charity activities.

However, because of space restrictions the school was unable to increase the number of students. Instead, it has added more amenities to enhance the school. Learning Unlimited has seen a reduction in preschoolers. “With the number of day care facilities that have opened on the island, this may be one of the factors along with the down turn in the economy,” Gibson said.