Conflict of Conferences

There were two important conferences, namely the Marianas History and EHDI, that occurred at the same time this week.  What a dilemma, as I couldn't be at both at the same time.  I opted for the EHDI, because as a Parent Member/ICC Chairperson, it was important to be involved.  Parental involvement is priceless, and sometimes the hardest decisions mean sacrificing one's interests.  We must always remember to strive for the best interest of our children.  God Bless you all for making a difference!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

IRA's First General Membership Meeting for CY 2013-2014 is September 14, 2013, 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

"CELEBRATING TEACHERS - MAKING A DIFFERENCE"

Location: Outrigger Guam Resort, Tumon Bay

My Transfer to the English Department

Sadly, due to SOE budget cuts, my contract as TESOL Program Coordinator ended.  However, on a positive note, I transferred to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences' Department of English and Applied Linguistics, where I have always served as an adjunct.  It's interesting of how my part-time job is now my full-time job, while my previous full-time job is now my part-time job.  Nevertheless, we must move on in the interest of our students.  Our mission is to serve them in the best way possible, so that quality learning is taking place! 

Cancer Worries and San Francisco Stopover

 

After the IDEA Leadership Conference, we received word that my Mom's cancer condition improved, so that was a relief.  I later had a brief stopover in San Francisco, where I visited the Bank of Guam San Fran branch, Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, as well as passed by the Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, Chinatown, Ghirardelli Square, and more!  It was breezy, short, and sweet!  Perhaps next time I'll be able to spend more time with mis hermanos Dave and Fred and their good friend Becky.  God Bless you all.

IDEA Leadership Conference

Guam Delegation

 

As an Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) Chairperson/parent member, I have gained much knowledge from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)/IDEA Leadership Conference that was held in Washington D.C. from July 28–31, 2013. The conference theme, Building Bridges: Fostering Innovative Leadership & Learning, is an instrumental one with the ongoing needs that children of disabilities and their families face and the apparent need for us to work collaboratively together. My journey to and experience at the 2013 IDEA Leadership Conference was indeed significant and educational. I was able to attend different workshops with my fellow ICC members, parents, and SPED personnel who were all part of the Guam Delegation. Our participation was meaningful and well worth the time and effort, as there is much we can share with our fellow ICC members/parents/teachers.

San Diego Journey

My travel to San Diego was necessary, so that I can visit my parents, daughter Julia, brother Jose, grandma, nina, and other family members, especially with my Mom's cancer condition.  When a family member has cancer, every visit, prayer, support, and encouragement, makes a world of difference!  Thank you to all of you for your love and prayers across the miles!