Be the change you want to see in this world

"Winning starts in the mind. Whatever the mind can conceive, it will achieve."
-Joaquin Nangauta Naputi

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Toon Fest A Success!

The Toon Fest held April 26, 2015 at SM, Agana Shopping Center was a success!  Salamat for an awesome experience!  Kinny even won a lego watch!  Enjoy the following pictures of Kinny with his favorite toon characters!


Thursday, April 23, 2015

IMAGINE! Southern Class Shines


IMAGINE! Southern Class: The Math/Reading/Social Studies students of Geraldine Pablo, Connie Mallada, and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera take a pose. Pictured front row L-R sitting:  Pablo, 5:30 Math Instructor; Dr. Rivera, 7:30 Reading/Social Studies instructor; and Mallada, 5:30 Math Co-instructor.  Second row L-R:  Adrian Manibusan, Pauline Santos, Ana Mesa, Katie Lujan, Catherine San Nicolas, Maria Emanuel, and Leo Llegado, IT.  Not pictured are Robert Quintanilla and Peter Taijeron.

Guam Literary Arts Announces Its Informational Website

More information on the Guam Literary Arts Committee for the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts can be found on its informational website at https://sites.google.com/site/guamliteraryarts.

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Islandwide Parent Conference a Success!

Kudos to all the organizer's of this past Saturday's Early Childhood Parent Conference hosted at the Pacific Star Resort & Spa.  The theme of the conference was "Building Blocks to a Stronger Family:  It Takes One Block at a Time."  Parents walked away with additional knowledge and strategies they can use to empower their families.  We look forward to next year's conference, and we hope to see you there!


Literacy Volunteerism - April 14


It is always a pleasure to be able to make a difference in the positive literacy experience of our island’s children.  Both the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) and UOG-Gearing Education for Maximum Service (GEMS) organizations look forward to future opportunities to foster literacy development.

Thank you Guam Public Library System, and in particular, Frank Aflague and Terry LG Kennimer, for the wonderful literacy programs and activities you plan every year.  I applaud all of those who continue to make an impact in the lives of our future generation and beyond.  Kudos to all!  Saina Ma’ase’!

Friday, April 10, 2015

Exceptional Child System Provides Enhanced Training

Exceptional Child makes special education training easier and more accessible for school districts, individual educators and parents by delivering the very best resources, from expert thought leaders, available through any Web-enabled computer or device. When the right training and resources are available to the dedicated adults who support students with special needs, the lives of these children can be greatly improved.

For more information about the Exceptional Child System, contact Scenario Learning at 1.800.434.0154 or visit http://www.exceptionalchild.com/.
Source: eSchool News

Island Sustainability Conference - April 15-16


Thursday, April 09, 2015

21st Century Education

What is 21st century education? - YouTube
Our world is changing at an unprecedented pace. To prepare our students, lessons must go beyond the "3 R's" and foster 21st century skills. Skills like criti...


GNN Starts April 10

Guam News Network launches on GTA Channel 17
Posted: Apr 09, 2015 5:17 PMUpdated: Apr 10, 2015 6:06 AM
 Beginning, Friday, April 10 GTA cable subscribers will be able to watch the best in local news and entertainment 24 hours a day on Guam's News Network (GNN), Channel 17 on GTA cable.  This 24-hour channel will offer an around the clock array of local programs from the stations of KUAM including rebroadcasts of the award winning top rated KUAM News Primetime, KUAM News Extra, special musical performances, KUAM's In The Mix, News Specials, community organization forums, classic KUAM episodes including the Malafunkshun Show, Island Focus and much more.

GNN sign on is set for 6am on Friday, April 10.

Source:  KUAM

Wednesday, April 08, 2015

2015 UOGFF - April 18



The following is the schedule of events for the 2015 UOGFF, Saturday, April 18:


11:00am DOORS OPEN

11:15am "GUAM: THE OCEAN OASIS" (Opening Film - documentary)

12:00pm "NOT FAR AWAY", "STRAY" (drama), "CHRONICLES OF TRE" (action)

1:20pm WORKSHOP - ACTING FOR THE CAMERA (by Jefferson Cronin)

2:35pm "PAKTO: I HINEKKA", "A PROXIMITY" (comedy)

3:40pm "COSPLAY ON GUAM", "BEING A FILMMAKER", "HANDS OF STEEL", "BEAT THE BEETLE" (documentary)

5:25pm PANEL DISCUSSION - THE FUTURE OF INDEPENDENT FILM ON GUAM AND THE MARIANAS

6:40pm "INDIGO", "DAYS OF REVELATION", "UNVEIL" (music videos)

7:40pm "GRENDEL", "BITTERSWEET", "MOB", "LUTHER" (action/suspense)

9:20pm "MADAM" (Closing Film - drama)

Week of the Young Child - April 13 - 18

Guam ICC Website Updates

Sunday, April 05, 2015

G Factor IV - May 2

The G Factor IV, UOG Senior/Alumni Reception and Talent Showcase:
University seniors and successful alumni connect to engage in meaningful conversations about preparing for the workforce.
Saturday, 5/2, 6p.m. to 10p.m. Venue:  Tapanade in Hagatna
Review photos from previous events:

Friday, April 03, 2015

Easter Greetings!


Have a blessed Easter with family and friends!

Welcome to National Poetry Month!

Thank you for celebrating poetry and the important place it occupies in our culture in April and all year long. As Chancellor Jane Hirshfield writes, “A poem makes clear without making simple. Poetry’s language carries what lives outside language.” We need the clarity poets provide. Here’s to a new year of poetry! 


In celebration of National Poetry Month, the following is a poem I wrote.  Enjoy!

MY POETRY

My imagination runs wild,
As I grab a pen and write away.
The emotions linger about,
Pushing me to set it free.
It shall be set free in the words that I write.
It shall be set free in the feelings that I express.
It shall be set free, just by knowing it is mine.
My own thoughts,
My own words,
My own feelings --
That in itself is poetry,
Whether it is liked by others or not;
I know this to be true,
That as long as it is dear to my heart,
It's as special as can be,
And no one can deny that it is poetry!
©mnrivera
Source:  Poets.org

6 Classroom Technology Grants

6 Classroom Technology Grants
Toshiba Grants For Grades 6 – 12
Wanted: Classroom Innovators! Toshiba America Foundation accepts applications from teachers who are passionate about making science and mathematics more engaging for their students. Many successful grantees have designed projects that tap into the natural curiosity of their students, enable students to frame their own scientific questions, and incorporate the expertise of community partners.
Funding amount: $5,000
Deadline: August 1
EcoTech Grants
The Captain Planet Foundation is awarding 16 grants for the purpose of engaging children in inquiry-based projects in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) that use innovation, biomimicry / nature-based design, or new uses for technology to address environmental problems in their communities.
Funding amount: $2,500
Deadline: April 30
Fab School Labs
This contest, from the Northrop Grumman Foundation, is open to public middle schools and will make five grants of up to $100,000 available to five winning schools to fund a school lab makeover. Teachers will have the opportunity to submit an entry explaining why they deserve to win a science lab of their dreams giving students access to the latest technology and learning tools.
Funding amount: Up to $100k
Deadline: May 4-July 12
Lockheed Martin STEM Grants
These are general grants supporting specific programs in schools, especially relating to STEM education and community improvement. There is a geographic restriction, which may exclude those handful of states where the company has no physical presence or substantial business interest.
Funding amount: Flexible
Deadline: Rolling
EdTech Conference Grants
K-12 administrators, teachers and technology coordinators are eligible for these grants that make it possible for individuals to attend education technology conferences from eInstruction. Loaner technology to use at the conference and a few other perks are also included.
Funding amount: $3,500Deadline: 5 months in advance of conference
Computers for Learning
CFL is a federal program allows schools and educational nonprofit organizations to view and select the computer equipment that federal agencies have reported as excess, and then bring them back to their institutions. Schools can apply through filling out a registration form.
Deadline: Rolling
Source:  eSchoolNews

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Introducing the IMAGINE! Team


As part of a GED outreach project, a group of Guam educators teamed up to make a difference in what is known as the IMAGINE! Soaring Towards a Diploma.  Kudos for all that you do!

IMAGINE! Team:  Pictured L-R front row:  Jimmy Terria, Reading/Social Studies instructor-Central region; Shane, IT-All regions; Lois T. Gumataotao, Reading/Social Studies instructor-Central region; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Reading/Social Studies Instructor-Southern region; Dawn Maka, Reading/Social Studies/Math instructor-Northern & Central regions; Bobbie Benavente, Reading/Social Studies instructor-Northern region; Marie DeLoach, Project Staff; Geri Pablo, Math instructor-Southern region; and Professor Rosa Salas Palomo, Project Director.  Second row L-R:  Leo Llegado, IT-All regions; Mye Ganan-Flores, MLI; John Castro, Math Instructor-Northern region; Liz Langas, Reading/Social Studies Instructor-Northern region; and Connie Mallada, Math Instructor-Central region.

FestPac Newsletter #2


Operation Maysak Relief Ongoing

As you may know by now, our sister islands of Chuuk and Yap have experienced extensive damage due to Typhoon Maysak. UOG President Dr. Robert A. Underwood has initiated a University-wide campaign to assist our friends and neighbors who are in dire need of our help. Please be generous in your support.

Below are areas of support where you can make a difference:

*Food/Water and Clothing/Supply Drive.

*Donations need to received by April 6 and April 10 in order to make it in time for the first two shipments going out to Chuuk and Yap.

*Fund Drive. The monetary goal is $3,000. If donating by check, make it payable to “University of Guam."

Communications Services. TADEO is available for students and community members who need to make contact with family members in the impacted areas. Point of contact is Manny Hechanova at 735-2620/1 or mannyh@uguam.uog.edu. All donations will be consolidated and provided to the Ayuda Foundation. For more information, contact David Okada at 735-2902 or email dsokada@triton.uog.edu

UOG relief efforts for Chuuk and Yap

UOG has begun its relief efforts for Chuuk and Yap to help in their recovery after extensive damages caused by the recent typhoon. It is gathering donations to distribute via the Ayuda Foundation. The supplies that have been most urgently requested are canned foods (high calorie, high protein is best) and tarps (for water reclamation, because the water tables have been compromised with salt water).

If you have questions or ideas for fundraising or donations, please direct them to Dr. Sarah Smith at sarahsmithuog@gmail.com. She is a member of the WGS program and one of the faculty advisors to the Chuukese Student Organization. You may also contact Dave Okada at 735-2902 or e-mail him at dsokada@triton.uog.edu. Please share this information with as many people as you can. Thank you for your support. Together, we can make a difference! Saina Ma'ase'!

Trending Articles - 4/1

Speaking a second language may change how you see the world (Science Magazine) -

The gift of tongues:  Having more languages gives kids better brains (The Northern Star) -

What are the most challenging Common Core standards? (eSchool News) -

Source:  nabe.org