Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy Holidays!

Happy New Year from around the Pacific! May the year 2011 bring you many blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! - English
Filis Añu Nuebo! – Chamorro
Feliz Año Nuevo! – Spanish
Engan ke ya sasu! - Kosraean
Gung Hay Fat Choy – Chinese
Ungil Beches Er Rak! – Palauan
Selsalan Ebéach e duw! – Yapese
Peren En Parakapw! – Pohnpeian
Hauoli Makahiki Hou – Hawaiian
Pwapwan Ei Ier Mi Fo – Chuukese
Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo! – Korean
Maligayang Bagong Taon – Tagalog
Cung-Chuc Tan-Xuan! – Vietnamese
Jeramman ilo iio in ekaal! – Marshallese
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu – Japanese
Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layúi Luugh me raagh féé! – Carolinian


Image source: Google.com


Merry Christmas from around the Pacific!

~Felis Pasgua (Chamorro)
~Maligayan Pasko (Tagalog)
~Peren en Krismas (Pohnpeian)
~Monono ilo raaneoan Nejin (Marshallese)
~Falang e Baynag (Yapese)
~Tok Tapeng (Kosraean)
~Ungil Kurismas (Palauan)
~Pwapwan Kirisimas (Chuukese)
~Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian)
~Ameseighil ubwutiiwel Layi Luugh me raagh fee (Carolinian)

Saturday, November 6, 2010

23rd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference Snapshots

The annual Language Arts Conference focused on the theme, "Scaffolding Reading and Writing Instruction for Pacific Island Students" on November 5 and 6, 2010 at the University of Guam and Guam Marriott Resort and Spa. Enjoy the following snapshots taken during the conference.

























Saturday, September 18, 2010

23rd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference

SCAFFOLDING READING AND WRITING INSTRUCTION FOR PACIFIC
ISLAND STUDENTS

Friday-Saturday, November 5 - 6, 2010
Guam Marriott Resort and Spa

Sponsored by:
University of Guam College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
School of Education
International Reading Association, Guam Council
Guam Department of Education
GRADUATE CREDITS/CEUs:
You can also earn 2 graduate credits/CEUs for the conference. For more information, contact the Professional International Programs (PIP) at 735-2601. You may also e-mail the instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera at mnrivera1@yahoo.com.

Be sure to mark your calendar for the Language Arts Conference!
For more information, e-mail: uguam.languageartsconference@yahoo.com


Visit the LAC website at www.uog.edu/languageartsconference

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Guam Council IRA September Newsletter

The Guam Council of the International Reading Association helps educators and parents alike discover the wonder and the worlds to be found in books. Guam IRA is a professional organization for individuals who are genuinely concerned with the development of reading programs for children and adults. We are a group of people who work together to improve literacy and reading instruction in Guam and Micronesia.

Click on the image below to view the Guam Council IRA September 2010 Newsletter. If you are unable to view the newsletter, visit our website at http://iraguam.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

IGP 2010 Poetry Slam




IGP 2010 Poetry Slam Theme

“Why Should I Care about___?”
Topics to include my education, my family, volunteering, and doing the right thing.


Poetry submissions via fax are due on or before August 25th. Email submissions are due before August 27th.

Top Finalists can read their entries at the IGP Back to School Carnival event on August 28th, 2010. Participants must be between 7-20 years of age.

Poems must contain 150 words or less, and only appropriate language.

Fax submissions to 473-3004 or email them to islandgirlpower@yahoo.com Attn to IGP Contest. For more information, call the IGP Center at 637-3011 or 688-4752.

Friday, August 13, 2010

First PREL Newsletter Released



The first edition of the PREL NEWSLETTER is now available via PDF by clicking here or visiting http://www.prel.org/free-publications/newsletter.aspx. The PREL NEWSLETTER is a quarterly publication of PREL in collaboration with the Regional Educational Laboratory Pacific and the Pacific Comprehensive Center. The newsletter focuses on activities of the different programs of PREL in the Pacific region, provides information about upcoming conferences, events, professional development opportunities, and more. In particular, this issue includes topics of the Summer Reading Camp in Palau, the Project MACIMISE inaugural institute in Saipan, Pacific CHILD summer annual institute in Hawai’i, and PCC highlights and updates! Enjoy!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Saturday Story Hour with Bob the Builder



PBS Guam and the Guam Public Library invite you to a special Story Hour with Bob the Builder on Saturday, July 31, 2010, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Nieves M. Flores Memorial Library in Hagatna.


Enjoy story hour, arts & crafts, face painting, and more! The first 100 kids will receive a free special gift. For more information, contact Leigh Pereda, PBS Guam at 734-5483 or lpereda@pbsguam.org or call the library at 475-4752.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Promoting Literacy: 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference

In an effort to promote literacy and increase the skills of language, culture, and other content areas, the 29th Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference was held June 22-25, 2010 in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The following describes more about the conference.

Pictured above: PIBBA participants from Guam and Pohnpei are ready to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference at the RMI International Conference Center on June 22, 2010. Pictured front row L-R: Shelten G. Neth, Frances Sablan, Julia Shore, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Jacqueline Hazen. Back row: Nelsin Iriarte, Koshy Reuney, Dr. Arlene S. Diaz, and Marie Salas.



Pictured above: PIBBA recipients for the Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year were awarded on June 24, 2010.




Pictured above: PIBBA participants show off the coconut-weaving artifacts they made, as part of the presentation titled, Using Coconut Weaving in Guam Classrooms to Improve the Language Arts and Mathematics Skills of Local Students presented by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Kos Reuney, ESL Coordinators from the Guam Department of Education.




Pictured above: PIBBA presenters prepare themselves for their scheduled presentations. Pictured L-R: Dr. Greg Tainatongo, Kos Reuney, Dr. Sharon Nelson-Barber, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Julia Shore.


Pictured above: The Majuro Atoll Local Government Choir perform during the PIBBA Conference Opening Ceremony held June 22, 2010 at the RMI International Convention Center.


Pictured above: Marshall Islands Choir and Special Education Students perform during the PIBBA Conference Opening Ceremony held June 22, 2010 at the RMI International Convention Center.



Pictured above: Pohnpei presenters pose during their Values Behind Proverbs workshop. Pictured L-R: Maria Donre, Nelsin Iriarte, and Rickson Higgins.



Pictured above: Jaqueline Hazen from the Island Research and Education Initiative (IREI) introduced several sets of bilingual books developed in collaboration with local educators and linguists in the four states of FSM. Pictured L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Nelsin Iriarte, Hazen, and Kos Reuney.


The 29th Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference was filled with cultural excitement that has left a lasting impression for all participants from across the Pacific region! The conference theme, “Reviving the Languages and Cultures of the Pacific – Kubwij Buni Eo” was highlighted in each of the conference days from June 22-25, 2010 in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Each day featured the gathering of participants presenting cultural presentations, songs, and entertainment. Of course, the conference also highlighted PIBBA’s song, which includes all the languages of the region, such as the following chorus: “Iokwe, Raan Annim, Kaselehlia, Alii, Aloha, Olomwaay, Hafa Dei, Tuwoh, Mogethin, Talofa.”

Among the entities that attended the conference are Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Chuuk, CNMI, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Yap, and Guam. The mission of PIBBA is to bring these entities together to promote cultural and language activities by disseminating information, involving communities, and encouraging quality education programs through the western Pacific.
The first night of the PIBBA Conference featured a cultural opening ceremony that was held at the RMI International Conference Center and special dinner hosted by President Jurelang Zedkeia and First Lady Hannah Jurelang Zedkaia. The familiar “Yokwe” could be heard throughout the walls of the center. The evening included a special cultural dance and appearance by the Paramount Chief, welcoming remarks by Honorable Titus Langrine, special message from His Excellency Irooj Jurelang Zedkeia delivered by Acting President Amenta Matthew, special address by Dr. Sharon Nelson-Barber, remarks by PIBBA President Rosa Salas Palomo, a closing prayer by Rev. Enja Enos, introductions by Immediate Past-President Shelten Neth and emcee Molly Helkena, chanting by Willie Mwekto, and performances by the Marshall Islands High School Choir/Special Education students and Majuro Atoll Local Government Choir.

The second through fourth days of the PIBBA Conference were held at the Marshall Islands High School, which began with breakfast, entertainment, announcements, guest speakers, and acknowledgements. The second day featured guest speaker and RMI 2010 Pioneer of the Year, Alfred Capelle, followed by various cultural and educational/language workshops.

The third day featured guest speaker Dr. Hilda Heine, followed by various cultural and educational/language workshops, and a special awards ceremony for the Indigenous Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year for each of the entities.

The final day of the conference featured guest speaker US Ambassador Martha Campbell, followed by additional cultural and educational/language workshops. The PIBBA International Business Meeting was later conducted, and the new PIBBA officers were elected. The new position of webmaster was also introduced during the business meeting. The newly elected PIBBA Officers include the following:

President: Cheta Anien
President-Elect: Senator Kathy Kesolei
Secretary: Frances Sablan
Treasurer: Shelten G. Neth
International Historian: Dr. Marilyn Salas
Webmaster: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera
Immediate Past-President: Rosa Salas Palomo

The day ended with a silent auction of cultural arts & crafts and a closing ceremony and dinner hosted at the RMI International Convention Center. It featured meaningful traditional performances and presentation of gifts from all the Pacific entities.

We extend a big “Kommool Tata” to all PIBBA Conference steering committee members, and all the entities that joined us to make the 29th Annual International PIBBA Conference a memorable event that will always be remembered for years to come! Thank you! Kommool! Si Yu’os Ma’ase’! Kalahngan! Kinissow! Mesulang! Kammagar!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Promoting Literacy: Visit IslanderView.com for Pacific Insight!

Hafa Adai! Check out the IslanderView.com ezine to discover various important and interesting information regarding our beautiful island of Guam and the rest of the wondrous Pacific entities that surround us. The ezine's Publisher, Vera Dela Cruz, and her team have done an inspirational job to keep us informed in the Pacific. In addition, this month's feature story includes an article on yours truly, so I hope you'll take the time to read it at http://islanderview.com/ or http://islanderview.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Interview_with_Dr_Matilda_Naputi_Rivera-June.159220152.pdf If you haven't visited IslanderView.com yet, visit it now, and I'm confident that you'll enjoy viewing it too! Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu'os Ma'ase'!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

PBS Guam Breakfast Event

Click on the image above to get a larger view of the above important announcement.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Guam IRA Receives Honorable Awards at 55th Annual Convention




The Guam Council of the International Reading Association (IRA) received honorable awards during IRA's 55th Annual Convention held in Chicago. The rewards that were awarded include Honor Council and Honor Roll. Please see the awards above. IRA is to be commended on making a difference in the literacy development of our island's children of all ages.

IRA helps educators and parents alike discover the wonder and the worlds to be found in books. Guam IRA is a professional organization for individuals who are genuinely concerned with the development of reading programs for children and adults. It is a group of people who work together to improve literacy and reading instruction in Guam and Micronesia. To find out more information about the Guam IRA, visit its website at http://iraguam.blogspot.com/.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Guam IRA May 2010 Newsletter

Click on the image below to view the Guam International Reading Association's May 2010 Newsletter. If you are unable to view the newsletter, visit its website at http://iraguam.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!


Happy Mother's Day to all of our MOMS who take the time to genuinely foster literacy in their children's lives! God Bless you for all that you are and all that you do to care for your loved ones, promote literacy, and so much more!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Nancy Bo Flood to Speak at IRA Meeting

Nancy Bo Flood

Nancy Bo Flood will be the featured speaker at the May 15 meeting of the Guam Council of the International Reading Association at the Guam Reef Hotel. Ms. Flood is the author of Warriors in the Crossfire, a new young adult novel set on Saipan during WWII. The meeting will begin at 8:00 am with registration and breakfast. Dottie Winterle will have copies of her new book, Silent and Forgotten, The Legend of the Navajo Warrior, available and the book's illustrator, Viktoria Sayre, will be there, too.

The program includes the induction of new officers for the Guam Council, a scene from "Little shop of Horrors" presented by the National Forensic League of Okkodo High School, and a special recognition of our gracious sponsors this year, Continental Airlines, MCV Cable Cares, The Pacific Daily News, and The Bank of Guam.
The meeting will conclude at 11:00 am with door prize raffles, including books, teaching materials and a laptop computer for those who sign up for IRA membership for next year 2010-2011.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Family Literacy Celebration Snapshots

The UOG School of Education's ED644 students celebrated the literacy success of the children they assessed and tutored in Fall 2009 and Spring 2010. Their theme was Colors of Reading. Enjoy the snapshots below!

Hemrick, Josh, and Imara



The Colors of Reading Theme!


Hemrick, Josh, and Imara - TAKE 2!



Our Favorite Colors Theme!



Faye and Imara



Yolie and Josh



Alan and Hemrick



Faye and Imara - TAKE 2!



Yolie and Josh - TAKE 2!



Alan and Hemrick - TAKE 2!



Celebration Time!



Celebration Time - TAKE 2!