Buenas! After the Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference in Majuro, I stayed one week in Pohnpei to visit my Rosario and Neth families and view the beauty this amazing island possesses! Enjoy the following snapshots, which include just a fraction of the wonderful experience I will always remember.

AMAZING POHNPEI SNAPSHOTS

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!

Happy 4th of July to one and all! God Bless all veterans & those who serve in the Armed Forces, because thanks to them, we are experiencing the freedom that we have. God Bless you all, and God Bless the USA!

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'!

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

Pictured L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Guam IRA Webmaster; Nancy Bo Flood, Author of Warriors in the Crossfire; and Julia Naputi Rivera, Guam IRA Member, pose during an IRA autograph session held May 15, 2010 at the Guam Reef Hotel.

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/.

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!

Happy Mother's Day to all of our Special MOMS out there! God Bless you for all
that you are and all that you do to care for your loved ones, being a
special part of our family, and so much more!

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.

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!

Congratulations to the newly-elected UOG Alumni Association Officers! We thank all the candidates who ran for office, and we look forward to the leadership of the new officers. The induction ceremony for the new officers will be held by the end of May.

NEWLY ELECTED UOG ALUMNI ASSOCATION OFFICERS:

PRESIDENT - Robert Paulino

VICE PRESIDENT - Angelica Diaz

TREASURER - Yolanda Calvo

SECRETARY - Nathan Taimanglo


We thank the following officers who will be ending their term soon:

Pictured above L-R: Toni Aflague, Secretary; Jennifer Sanchez, President; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Vice President; and James Underwood, Treasurer.

PDK Mini-Conference Online Education Presentation: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, and Michelle Bednarzyk, received a certificate for their panel presentation at the Phi Delta Kappa Online Education Mini-Conference on April 24, 2010 at the Guam Reef Hotel.

Pictured L-R: George Pereda, PDK; Dr. Stoicovy; Bednarzyk; Dr. Rivera; and Doreen Pereda, PDK.

2010 Professional Leadership Conference Presentation: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao received a certificate for their workshop presentation titled Using Literature to Promote Healthy Habits during the Child Care Givers 2010 Professional Leadership Conference themed “Beyond Quality Care: Promoting Healthy Behaviors in Young Children.” Rivera also presented a technology workshop titled Using Digital Storytelling to Promote Healthy Habits. The conference was sponsored by the Guam Child Care and Development Association, Association for Childhood Education International, and UOG’s School of Education Early Childhood Program, on April 9 and 10 at the University of Guam’s School of Education and Lecture Hall.


Pictured L-R: Gumataotao and Dr. Rivera.

UNIVERSITY OF GUAM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

ELECTION OF OFFICERS
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010 • 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM 129
JESUS & EUGENIA LEON GUERRERO SBPA BUILDING , UOG

ALL UOG GRADUATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO VOTE


CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE


FOR PRESIDENT: JEZZICA DE LA PENA

Jezzica de la Peña is a doctoral candidate in Organization and Management specializing in Leadership at Capella University . She is employed full time as an Associate, Front Line Leader, and Task Order Manager with Booz Allen Hamilton, a Fortune 500 company – supporting Andersen Air Force Base natural resources in Guam. She is currently an executive board secretary of the University of Guam (UOG) Environmental Science Master's Program Advisory Council, and she is assisting to convert the advisory council to include Engineering programs. She graduated valedictorian from UOG’s first cohort of the Professional Master of Business Administration program in 2005. Her twin daughters, Victoria and Vanessa Camacho, attend the UOG as freshmen students. Her son, John Camacho, is a senior at Father Duenas Memorial School . If elected President of the UOG Alumni Association, Ms. de la Peña intends to concentrate her efforts on increasing the value of the UOG diploma by helping the university become better known worldwide. Ms. de la Peña is committed to increasing the attractiveness and marketability of all UOG alumni so that they may enjoy enhanced career and growth opportunities.

FOR PRESIDENT: ROBERT PAULINO

Personal: My name is Robert Paulino. I am 36 years old, born, raised and educated in Guam . My family is originally from Inarajan village. I currently reside in Dededo with my wife, Eiscelle and our four children, Roben, Erin, Evan and Rozelle.
Education: In 1996, I attained a BA with emphasis in Finance & Economics from the University of Guam . I attended George Washington High School , Untalan Middle School and Inarajan Elementary.

Career: Currently, I serve as the Director of Marketing & Business Development with Personal Finance Center since December 2009. Previously, I have spent over 13 years in banking and finance working for Citizens Security Bank/ANZ Group of Companies, Bank of Hawaii, Wells Fargo Financial and First Hawaiian Bank. In my career I have held various positions to include; AVP & Mortgage Manager, Loan Center Manager, Service Manager, Senior Credit Manager and Operations Supervisor. I started my banking career shortly after graduation as a management trainee.

Community Involvement: Currently, I serve as a Board Member in the Habitat for Humanity of Guam since 2008. In January of 2010, I became a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Northern Guam. I am also involved in various church activities with St. Paul Christian Church. My wife and I have established a children’s bible study group that has about 40 neighborhood kids attending weekly.

Why I choose to run? I would like to serve as President of the University of Guam Alumni Association to help promote our greatest resource-our people. I am proud to be a graduate of UOG and serving my community for the next generation. Through the years, I have watched my generation elevate in our community to be leaders, decision makers, medical, educational, and business professionals all attaining degrees from the University. It will be a privilege to work with the UOG Alumni Association.

FOR VICE PRESIDENT:

· ANGELICA “ANGIE” M. DIAZ, MPA, 5/2006

· JOHN J. RIVERA, PMBA, 12/2005


FOR TREASURER:

· YOLANDA CALVO, BBA, Secretarial Administration, 12/1976
Human Resources Manager, Personal Finance Center

· ARTEMIO “RICKY” HERNANDEZ, BBA, Accounting, 12/2007

Ricky Hernandez is a 2007 alumnus of the University of Guam (UOG) BBA in Accounting program, a 2009 alumnus of the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) Master of Accounting program, and an incoming PhD in Business student at Capella University . During his tenure at UOG he was a Merit Scholar, Student Government Association Senator, and Junior Accountant's Society Vice President of Finance. While at UHM he was an American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students recipient, and was recently chosen as one of only 100 individuals invited, nation-wide, to the AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop in Chapel Hill , North Carolina . He has been employed as a not-for-profit and employee benefit plan auditor at Wikoff Combs & Co., LLC, a CPA firm in Downtown Honolulu, Hawaii, over the past two years.
Ricky believes that a strong alumni association that connects UOG graduates with each other is important in instilling a sense of pride in our alma mater. He believes it is with that great sense of pride and networking with each other that will enable us to strengthen the interest in and benefit of a UOG degree. With Ricky's accounting experience, the treasurer duties and responsibilities will be second-nature. His emphasis will be placed, not only on accountability, accurate records, and fund-raising, but on the advancement of the UOG Alumni Association toward a more active membership and a strengthening importance of a UOG degree to prospective, current, and former students.


FOR SECRETARY: NATHAN TAIMANGLO

Nathan Taimanglo, a recent alumnus, graduated in the Fall of 2009 from the University of Guam with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with concentrations in Marketing and Human Resource Management. He now serves as the Marketing Manager for ASC Trust Corporation, a locally owned and operated firm specializing in retirement plan management and trust services. In addition, he is also involved with various organizations on Guam to include the Guam Chapter of the American Marketing Association, the Guam Young Professionals committee of the Guam Chamber of Commerce, and the Guam Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. As a fresh graduate, Nathan is familiar with the challenges that the university faces, in light of its many successes. Nathan says: “I’d like to give back to the university because of the many opportunities that have arisen from my time spent there. My hope is that the association may continue to work with fellow alumni to promote growth within the university community for the benefit of all students, past and present.” He humbly asks for your vote for the position of Secretary.

Above image sent by IRA Board Member Sandy Liberty

I'm pleased to announce that I completed my second doctorate degree from California Coast University (CCU) over the Spring break! YEAH! My dissertation is titled, Toward the Development of a Model Program Using Digital Storytelling to Build Schema of English Language Learners in Guam.

CCU, which is nationally accredited, is one of the finest distance education learning institutions one can attend. To find out more information about CCU, visit http://www.calcoast.edu/

I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all my family, friends, and CCU committee members who have supported me in my endeavors, and to my ESL students, for enriching my life each day as a teacher. Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu'os Ma'ase'!

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

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

Reaching Out to Our Children - Celebrate Child Care Givers Appreciation Week & 2010 Professional Leadership Conference

Reaching Out to Our Children - Celebrate Child Care Givers Appreciation Week & 2010 Professional Leadership Conference

To have a brighter future in this world, we must start from the foundation. We must start from the early childhood years to foster our young children to succeed in life. As such, the Guam Child Care Givers Association will be holding its annual Professional Leadership Conference in celebration of Caregiver's Week. Please see the details below.

Child Care Givers Appreciation Week
and
Guam Child Care and Development Association (GCCDA)
2010 PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
“Beyond Quality Care: Promoting Healthy Behaviors in Young Children”

All local and military child care and family providers, parents, owners/directors, educators, Head Start teachers, and Home School parents are invited to attend.

Friday, April 9, 2010
6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
University of Guam
Lecture Hall

Saturday, April 10, 2010
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
University of Guam
School of Education Building

Download Pre-Registration Individual Form

Downlaod Pre-Registration Group Form

Download Presentation Form

For early registration contact Anita Palomo at 735-2400/2440 or email atpalomo@uguam.uog.edu
UOG School of Education Building (2nd Floor) or
Rose White at Kiddyland in Dededo (cell: 483-7073 wk: 632-7677).

Early registration deadline is March 26th.

CREDITS AND CEUs will be offered for the conference contact Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera email mnrivera1@yahoo.com