Presentation: Undergraduate students enrolled in the EN100 Fundamentals of College English course completed the semester on May 20, 2008 with a presentation of their creative writing projects. The course is an integrated reading and writing course that prepares students for further English courses and further study at the University. Pictured L-R front row: Malory Cruz; Marsha Sharpe; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; and Maria Pennington. Second row L-R: Jeremy Young, Jessica Rosario, Dean Rivera, April Rabon, and Vincent Lujan. Not pictured are Johnedel Ducusin, Shirley Fejeran, Joyceline Hernandez, Virginia Mendiola, and Judy Rosario.

Read Across America: The UOG Early Childhood Program in partnership with the Association Childhood Education International (ACEI) and the Guam Public Library System, hosted a Read Across America event in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ 104th birthday on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Hagatna Public Library.Pictured kneeling L-R: Asherdee Rosete, ACEI Advisor and Early Childhood Professor; Beauty Letewaiyal; Suemalee Torres; Viviann Joy Rivera; Bobbie Arevalo; Jona Abaya; and Kimberlie Castro. Standing L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, ACEI Advisor and Language & Literacy Professor; Jeannie Chapman; Brianne Naputi; Jovonne Aguon, ACEI President; Myleen Ramos, ACEI Secretary; Mariana Santos; Danielle Bansil; Jennifer Blas, ACEI Vice President; Ewalani Escrupulo; Mayrene Huffer; Vaughn Baisa; Alicia Quintanilla; Antoinette Arriola; Julia Tyquiengco; Dr. Marilyn Jackson, ACEI Advisor and Early Childhood Professor; Erika Flores; Marita Pareja; and Kenneth Castro. Not pictured is Lehualani Kahele, ACEI PRO.

Presentation: Undergraduate students enrolled in the EN100 Fundamentals of College English course completed the semester on December 6, 2007 with a presentation of their creative writing projects. The course is an integrated reading and writing course that prepares students for further English courses and further study at the University. Pictured L-R front row: Jessica Ogo; Grace Dimaquibo; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Aileen Bautista; and Ana-Alicia Cruz. Middle row from left: James Santos; Mistee Saralu; Maysha Chargualaf; Raena Purugganan; Henry Holguin; Mark Yu; and Luke Portin. Back row from left: James Camacho; Albert Caldeo; Ace Tanayan; Jose Perez; Frankie Cruz; Antonio Borja; Sean Lowe; Bedrick Briones; and Benedict Notarte.

SURPRISE GUEST VISITOR: Kathryn W. Takara, Ph.D. an associate professor from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, made a surprise visit to the University of Guam. She was the keynote speaker in Saipan for the Martin Luther King Jr., national holiday celebration. Takara visited UOG’s School of Education (SOE), where she was honored with an evening fiesta sponsored by two SOE student organizations, Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and Future Educators of Guam Association (FEGA). She visited with students, faculty and friends, and spoke of her family and her personal experiences during the civil-rights movement.

Pictured seated L-R: School of Education professors Dr. Mary Jane Miller and Dr. Jacqui Cyrus; Takara; SOE professors Dr. Marilyn Jackson, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and Dr. Lou Ferrer. Standing L-R: Audrey Certeza, FEGA PRO; Vanessa Perez, FEGA President; Dr. Patrick Leddy, School of Education Executive Director; Anna Wignaraja, Harmon School of Montessori; Jovonne Aguon, ACEI President; Jennifer Blas, ACEI Vice-President; Myleen Ramos, ACEI Secretary; Melissa Hernandez, ACEI & FEGA member; and Veronica Ramirez, ACEI Treasurer. Back Row Standing: Fred Jackson and Jessica Candaso, FEGA Secretary.

Secondary Education Presentation: Students enrolled in the ED465-24 Strategies for Secondary Teachers course pursuing their teaching credentials from UOG’s Fast-Track Teacher Program, completed the summer semester on August 11 with a presentation on issues relating to secondary education, including classroom strategies for motivating middle/high school students, strategies for improving parental involvement & teacher communication with parents, student rights, and legal issues affecting teachers. Pictured kneeling L-R: Jon Aguon, Dominador Diaz, Todd Theisen, and Walter Stanley. Standing L-R: Darlene Quichocho; Arceli Quilla; Amelita Lansing; Monique Baza; Senator Judith Guthertz; Dr. Patrick Leddy, School of Education Executive Director; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Christina Gumataotao; Vincent Leon Guerrero; Parvaneh Sabeti; and Lisa Hoyer. Back Row L-R: Steven Levin, Steven Taylor, Andrew Martin, and Neil Pendon. Not pictured are Raymond Alicto, Pamela Cruz, and Joshua Blas.

Presentation: Language and Literacy Master of Education students enrolled in the ED646 The Organization and Supervision of Reading Programs course completed the semester on May 16, 2007 with a presentation of their online LiveText Portfolio and Final Reflection at the University of Guam ’s Computer Center . The course introduces students to organization, administration, and supervision of school reading programs (K-12). Students examine roles of reading personnel, evaluate major reading programs, and develop, implement, and evaluate a reading program at the classroom and school level.

Pictured L-R: Crystal Franquez; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; and Barbara Jacala.

Presentation: Master of Education students enrolled in the ED641 Middle/Secondary Reading and Writing in the Content Areas course completed the semester on May 14, 2007 with a presentation of their online LiveText Portfolio and Final Reflection at the University of Guam’s Computer Center . The course focuses on how to support the needs of adolescent and young adults, helping them develop into confident and independent readers and writers. Further emphasis is on the improvement of literacy skills through meaningful, constructive engagements in reading and writing.

Pictured L-R: Richard Rafan; Charlene Sakisat; Mary Ferris; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Crystal Franquez; and Albert Caasi.

Presentation: Master of Education students enrolled in the ED484G The Art and Craft of Teaching Writing course completed the semester on May 15, 2007 with a presentation of their online LiveText Portfolio, Final Reflection, and Language & Literacy Newsletter at the University of Guam ’s Computer Center . The course draws on current perspectives in language and literacy acquisition to help teachers set up a process-centered reading and writing classroom. Pictured L-R: Charlene Sakisat; Geraldine Quitano; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Lalainne Reyes; Mary Ferris; and Barbara Jacala

WebQuest: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a weeklong course on December 22: “Creating an Inquiry-Based WebQuest to Enhance Instruction” at the University of Guam ’s School of Education Computer Lab.

Front row, from left: Liwayway Anicas Nueva, Gaylene Cruz, Rivera, Therese Crisostomo, and Rosine Guerrero. Second row, from left: Luis Frank Cabral, Raymond Mantanona, Cina Hume-Forbes, Zhanienne Davis, Jolinie Somera, Brigette Flores-Lobo, and Sandra Leon. Back row, from left: Jovita Mateo, Francine Clement, Esther Yanger, and Darlene Taimanglo.

Digital Storybooks: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a three-day course on December 20 on “Using PowerPoint to Create Meaningful Digital Storybooks” at the University of Guam ’s School of Education Computer Lab.

Pictured front row, from left: Liwayway Anicas Nueva, Rivera, Therese Crisostomo, and Rosine Guerrero. Second row, from left: Raymond Mantanona, Luis Frank Cabral, William Calori (in back), Jolinie Somera, Cina Hume-Forbes, Darlene Taimanglo, Sandra Leon, Brigette Flores-Lobo, and Diana Tenorio.

Course Completion: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED640 students completed the fall semester with the presentation of their Literature Reviews and LiveText online portfolios on December 5, 2006 at University of Guam Computer Center. The students gained knowledge about the theory and practice of literacy development and instruction across the K-12 school years.

Pictured L-R: Crystal Franquez, Dawn Perez, Debra Shimizu, Eddie Cameron, Rivera, Geraldine Quitano, Grace Nasis, and Barbara Jacala.

Technology Presentation: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and the St. John’s cohort in Instructional Technology completed the fall semester with the presentation of their WebQuest and LiveText online portfolios on December 6, 2006 at school’s Linux Computer Lab. The students gained knowledge on the role of advanced technologies in education, such as telecommunications and interactive media in the instructional process.

Pictured L-R: Marcelle Diambra Odi, Rachel Kerr, Araceli Nelson, Rivera, Benjamin Barton, Arlene Chua, Thomas Petra, and Norman Babia.

WebQuest Training: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a week-long course on April 14 titled, “Creating an Inquiry-Based WebQuest to Enhance Instruction,” at the GPSS Educational Technology Center in Tiyan.

Pictured Front Row L-R: Gary Guerrero, Evangeline Mendiola-Ulloa, Laura Kho, Dolores Gumataotao, Rivera, Computer Lab Coordinator Carl Blas, and Rick Santiago.

Digital Storybook Training: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a 3-day course on April 12 titled, “Using PowerPoint to Create Meaningful Digital Storybooks,” at the GPSS Ed Tech Center in Tiyan.

Pictured Front Row L-R: Evangeline Mendiola, Laura Kho, Rivera, and Patricia Perry. Second row L-R: Anne Sengebau, Dolores Maxwell, Dolores Gumataotao, Rosalind Taitingfong, Jonathan Delfin, and Hermie Villa. Back Row L-R: Ricky Santiago and Gisela Guile. Not pictured is Gary Guerrero.

Fast-Track: Students enrolled in the ED465 Strategies for Secondary Teachers summer course at the University of Guam pursuing their teaching credentials from UOG’s Fast-Track Teacher Education program for those who hold bachelor’s degrees and desire to pursue careers as classroom teachers are pictured, front row, from left: Kimberly Dobrowolski; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Pamela Mabazza; and Joanie Tomasiak. Back row, from left: Catherine Castro; Manny Villavicencio; and Estrella DeVera.

WebQuest: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and her ED894 students completed a week-long course on December 30 titled, “Creating an Inquiry-Based WebQuest to Enhance Instruction,” at the Ed Tech Center in Tiyan. Front row, from left: Lois Gumataotao and Rivera. Second row, from left: Arlene Libao and Roderick Hidalgo .

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #10 titled Chamorro. Enjoy!

Chamorro

Hafa Adai!*
I am a Chamorro — a native of Guam
Who lives on a beautiful island
You’ll find in the deep, blue Pacific Ocean.
You’re welcome to visit us anytime
To share a part of our rich culture.
We’re hospitable and peaceful people
And we gladly welcome you to our family.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Hafa Adai: “Hello” or “How are you?”

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #9 titled Tata Dear. Enjoy!

Tata Dear

Oh, Tata*, if you were here
I would let you know how much I love you.
And now that you’re gone things won’t be the same
Because you’re missing from my life.

I know life must go on day by day
And though it’s hard I’ll try my best
To live life to the fullest with my chin held up high
Remembering the special times
That we shared at the ranch –
Treasuring those moments
That I hold dear to my korasón*
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Tata: father
* korasón: heart

Note: Although Tata literally translates to father in this poem, it is affectionately referred to such for grandfather, based on personal experience.

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #8 titled I Love You Nana. Enjoy!

I Love You Nana

Look at my Nana*
She seems old and fragile.
And look at her now
She’s sweet and wise.
As she speaks it’s not clear English
But you can tell that she’s been through it all.
She’s been through rough times of raising 14 children
And caring also for her husband – my Tata*
She’s now the grandmother of 23
And I’m proud to say I’m one of them.
It didn’t matter to my Nana that I was the 15th grandchild
Because she always made the time
To talk to me sincerely.
I remember the times
When she cheered me up when I felt sad
And for being there when I needed her advice.
Si Yu’os Ma’ase para todos*
I want you to know na hu guiaya hao*
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Nana: mother
*Tata: father
* Si Yu’os Ma’ase para todos: Thank you for everything
* na hu guiaya hao: that I love you

Note: Although Nana and Tata literally translates to mother and father respectively, in this poem they are affectionately referred to such for grandparents, based on personal experience.

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao

Happy Liberation Day Guam!

Hafa Adai and Happy Liberation Day! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #7 titled Liberation Parade. Enjoy! Biba Guahan!

Liberation Parade

Packed with crowds to celebrate Guam’s freedom
From Japan’s cruel occupation
We continue to celebrate
And to thank our Dear Uncle Sam – the United States
During our annual Liberation Parade on July 21.
We are grateful U.S. citizens
Yan Saluda* all who continue to fight for our freedom
In the spirit of the U.S.A.!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*Yan saluda: And salute

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao