UOG Launches Chamorro Studies Program - Oct. 24

The University of Guam launched its Chamorro Studies program I Tinituhun: Inestudian Chamorro gi UOG on October 24, 2013. Previously, Governor Eddie Calvo signed a proclamation commemorating the creation of the Chamorro Studies program on October 14, 2013.

The Chamorro Studies major is a track within the Pacific-Asia Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS). The Pacific-Asia Studies Program also includes majors in Japanese Studies and East-Asia Studies. Students that major in Chamorro Studies will become fluent in both reading and writing the Chamorro language. They will also become well-versed in the Chamorro history and culture.

The Chamorro Studies program will make an impact in the preservation, perpetuation and promotion of Chamorro language and culture. Enjoy the following pictures taken during the Chamorro Studies launch! BIBA CHAMORU!

26th Annual Language Arts Conference - Nov. 15 & 16

University of Guam

INTERWEAVING TRADITION, INNOVATION, AND CORE CURRICULUM STANDARDS IN LITERACY

Annual Regional Language Arts Conference

November 15 & 16, 2013 - UOG Campus: English and Communications Building

Sponsored by:

University of Guam

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

School of Education

International Reading Association, Guam Council

Guam Marriott Resort and Spa

E-mail: uoglanguageartsconference@gmail.com

Download Presentation Form

Download Registration Form

Welcome to the 26th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference (LAC) website! The LAC is an annual event in which Western Pacific educators are provided with opportunities for professional growth and enrichment in literacy.

Past Featured Keynote Speaker

Efren Penaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year

Penaflorida is a Filipino teacher who won the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year award for his outreach teaching project known as, "Kariton Klarum" (pushcart classroom). He received his award from American actress Eva Mendes at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

According to Penaflorida, "Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes, and sizes. We are one great tapestry...Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need."

If you are interested in presenting or attending, it is important that you return the forms with your check/payment immediately. We have a limit of 300 participants. Last year, many were turned away because we reached capacity before the registration deadline. Don't let this weekend go without signing up. We look forward to seeing you there!

CALL FOR PROPOSAL DEADLINE: November 4, 2013

You can also earn two (2) ED894 graduate credits/CEUs. You must register for the conference before you register for the graduate credits at the Professional International Programs, 2nd floor, MARC/Computer Center/PIP Building, Room #217. For more information, call 735-2601 or fax 734-1233. You can also e-mail the Instructor, Lois Taitano Gumataotao, at ltgumataotao@gmail.com or call 735-2440.

Contact LAC Committee Chairpersons:

Dr. Clarisa Quan: risaquan@yahoo.com

Dr. Catherine Stoicovy: stoicovy@guam.net

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera: mnrivera1@yahoo.com

Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba: santosbamba@yahoo.com

Lucy Lauron: ellelauron@rocketmail.com

Dr. Michelle Santos: msantos@uguam.uog.edu

Administrative Coordinators:

Debbie Respicio

Kathleen Duenas

Jacqueline Guzman

E-mail: uoglanguageartsconference@gmail.com

UOG Distinguished Alumni Awards - Nov. 14

Hungry for Learning - The Online Path

Although we may not be able to travel abroad for higher education opportunities, we can seek other creative paths, such as online learning. UOG's Reading Program, under the leadership of my colleague, Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, has paved the way for such opportunity in our region. Check out the following article by Dr. Vince Akimoto which sheds light on this subject: http://www.mvguam.com/opinion/doctors-notes/31660-hungry-for-learning.html Enjoy, and keep learning!

Guam Council IRA October 2013 Newsletter

Click on the newsletter above to view this month's issue.

Second Language Acquisition Sites

Check out the following websites for information on SLA,ESL, assessment, language diversity, bilingual education, technology and language learning, two-way immersion, and more. Enjoy!

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/vivian.c/SLA/

http://www.cal.org/siteMap.html

Sherry Dixon‘s Natural Destiny on Guam

      Sherry Dixon started keeping a diary when she was in the fourth grade.  She wrote in a journal in high school.  Now Sherry writes a blog and participates in at least two writing groups.  She advises, “If you are a writer and you are not a part of a writing group, I strongly recommend you find one.”   

            Natural Destiny is Ms. Dixon’s first book.  It is the story of a young girl caught in the traumatic events of WWII on Guam as the Japanese invaded the island.  The story is narrated by an older woman thinking back on her youth and the events that shaped her.  The culture of Guam is seen through the eyes of an eight year old girl who keeps a positive outlook on life, despite the loss of her parents at an early age and also the extended family who cared for her. 

            Ms. Dixon’s education prepared her for her “day job” as an Environment, Safety, and Health Professional.  She graduated from Southern Illinois University with a BS in Occupational Education and earned an MA in Human Resources Development from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. She is now a Certified Safety Professional with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.  She also belongs to several professional organizations including Toastmasters International where she has earned the title, “Distinguished Toastmaster”. 

            She is the featured Speaker at the General Membership Meeting of the GIRA this Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the OUTRIGGER RESORT GUAM from 8:00 to 11:00 am.

She will also visit middle and high schools during the week of October 14-18.

            Other events are:

·         Teacher Writing Workshop at Agueda Johnston Middle School Library, Tuesday, October 15, 4:15-5:15pm

·         Story Hour at the Hagatna Branch of the Guam Public Library, Saturday, October 19, 10:00-11:00 am

·         Teen Writing Workshop at Ordot Chalan Pago Elementary Cafeteria on Saturday, October 19, 2:00-4:00 pm

                       

To read her blog and find out more about Sherry Dixon, visit her website at www.sherrydixon.com.

Sherry Dixon’s School Visits

October 14-18, 2013

Agueda Johnston Middle                  

VSA Benavente Middle

FB Leon Guerrero Middle

Oceanview Middle

George Washington High

John F Kennedy High

Okkodo High

Simon Sanchez High

Southern High

Notre Dame High

St. Francis Catholic

San Vicente Catholic

St. Paul Christian

SOE Alumni Association to sponsor special author’s visit with Filipina Author Dr. Gilles

The SOE Alumni Association will sponsor a special author’s visit with Dr. Almira Astudillo-Gilles on October 26, 2013 during the Saturday Story Hour, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  at the Hagatna Public Library.  Dr. Gilles’ will conduct a Read Aloud with activities.  She is based in Chicago and is one of the Pamana Awardees for 2012 (Literature) - awards for overseas Pinoys in different categories.  See link below.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/59677/aquino-awards-29-overseas-filipinos-and-friends

Her children's book, Willie Wins, has won several awards, and has been one of the most popular books for Filipino-American kids in recent years.

http://www.leeandlow.com/p/williewins_tg.mhtml

Here's the link to her website http://almiragilles.com/, as well as one about a launch of her novel.

http://www.gov.ph/2013/04/16/the-fire-beneath-tales-of-gold-by-filipina-author-almira-astudillo-gilles-launched-in-san-francisco/

She is also scheduled to deliver a lecture on October 25, Friday, 2:00 p.m. at the IT&E Lecture Hall in the University of Guam’s SBPA building.   Copies of her novel will be available for sale.