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

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Guam's Literary Arts Delegation: Preview and Showcase


Dear Friends, Family, Relatives, Colleagues:

Please come and support Guam's Literary Arts Delegation comprised of ten of the most talented, enterprising, innovative and motivated members of Ginen I Hila' I Maga'taotao Siha Association as they present and perform at this upcoming Sunday, June 24, 2012 Guam Preview and Showcase at the University of Guam Fieldhouse from 11am to 6pm.  Your admission of $20 will greatly assist in helping offset the airline expense of getting Guam's one hundred and forty member delegations to the 11th Festival of the Pacific Arts that will be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands from July 1 through 14, 2012.

The following members comprise the Literary Arts Delegation:

1.  Acfalle, Beverly Ann Borja
2.  Hawkins, Ju'ne Sablan
3.  Leon Guerrero, Joey
4.  Lizama, Benita Mesngon
5.  Onedera, Peter Robert
6.  Palomo, Simeon Manibusan
7.  Peredo, Juanita Toves
8.  Pineda, Annie Margarita Babauta
9.  Quichocho, Patricia Ann
10.  Sablan, Frances Mary Manibusan


The following times and programs are under the auspices of our group:

1.  11am-11:30am, Opening Ceremony, Blessing, Chant and Song
2.  11:30am-12 noon, Fashion Pageant (Spanish influence)
3.  12:30pm-1:30pm, Lieweila (Film about the Refalawasch of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands)
4.  2pm-2:45pm, One-act play TETEHNAN featuring Annie Margarita Babauta Pineda and Juanita Toves Peredo
5.  3:15pm-3:30pm, Storytelling about Nature and Environment
6.  3:30pm-3:35pm, Lina'la' Lusong (Film)
7.  4pm-4:30pm, Storytelling, World War II (In their Own Words)

It would be nice to see you all there and please pass along this e-mail message to those you know.  Culture, arts, traditions, food, music and friendship are in store for those who come.

Source:  Peter R. Onedera
Chair, Literary Arts Delegation


31st Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference





. 31st Annual International PIBBA Conference

PACIFIC LANGUAGES AND CULTURES: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE MASHEN OH TIAK EN PACIFIC: AIO, RAHN WET, OH LAKAPW!

Monday-Friday, June 25-29, 2012
Nett Elementary School
POHNPEI, FSM

Sponsored by: Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) International and Pohnpei Chapter



The PIBBA Conference is an annual event in which Western Pacific educators are provided with opportunities for professional growth and cultural enrichment. This year's conference offers a wonderful selection of traditional, innovative, and practical workshops, presented by creative and imaginative educators and cultural leaders from the Pacific islands.









PIBBA Conference Chair:

Shelten G. Neth, President, PIBBA International
.
.... For information, e-mail Shelten at chairman@mail.fm or pibba.international@gmail.com
.
. Download Registration Form . .
 
Download Presentation Form
.
Download Exhibit Form
.
Download Indigenous Teacher of the Year Packet
.
Download Pioneer of the Year Packet

.











Click on the image above to view the 2012 PIBBA Conference
invitation letter from President Shelten G. Neth.









Click on the image above to view the acceptance letter from Dr. Rufino Mauricio, Secretary, Department of Education, FSM National Government.

Source: PIBBAInternational.blogspot.com

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

JEAN MARIE PILARIO FROM GREEN MACHINE COMIX TO VISIT THE NIEVES M. FLORES PUBLIC LIBRARY IN HAGÅTÑA

The Department of Chamorro Affairs/Division of the Guam Public Library System is happy to announce the appearance of Jean Marie Pilario, a cartoonist from Green Machine Comix.  She will be appearing at the Hagåtña Public Library on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, during the Toddler Story Telling Time, which is from10:00AM – 11:30AM.
Ms. Pilario is a 2005, Academy of Our Lady graduate and currently resides in California, She is back home visiting family and friends.  Pilario will be reading some of her cartoon stories to the children and showcasing some of her work.  For all those interested in joining the library for this special visit, Please come by and enjoy a time with a local cartoonist.                                                       
  For more information, please contact Mr. Frank Aflague, Program Coordinator at 475-4751 through 475-4754.  You may also visit their Web site at http://gpls.guam.gov.  See you there!
                                                                                                                                                        
 
Your Friends at PBS GUAM

UNIVERSITY OF GUAM ANNOUNCES NEW DEAN OF SCHOOL OF EDUCATION




After a competitive national search, Dr. Frankie Santos Laanan has been named the new Dean of the School of Education at the University of Guam.  Dr. Laanan is a tenured full professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Iowa State University (ISU), where he has worked since 2003.  Prior to ISU, he previously held faculty positions at the University of North Texas and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
 
Dr. Laanan is originally from Tumon, Guam and attended St. Anthony Catholic School and John F. Kennedy High School before finishing high school in the US mainland.  He received his B.A. in Political Science (1993), M.A. in Higher Education (1994), and Ph.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change (1998) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). 

“Dr. Laanan’s exceptional background as an administrator and educator made him an ideal candidate and an excellent choice,” said Dr. Robert A Underwood, UOG President.  “We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Laanan to UOG and back to Guam.”

Dr. Laanan brings a rich set of experiences and skills to the School of Education.  During his career, he has received and managed a grant portfolio of over $7 million, addressing issues such as preparing students and teachers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, teacher recruitment, career and technical education, and student engagement and success.  Dr. Laanan’s prolific body of scholarly work includes over 45 peer-reviewed journal articles, proceedings, and book and monograph chapters.  Additionally, he has edited one book and 3 monographs and has over 150 juried national and international conference presentations.

Dr. Laanan is an active member in several professional and scholarly organizations and has held leadership positions including president of the Association for Career and Technical Education Research and vice president for research and publications for the Council for the Study of Community Colleges.  He is nationally known for his work on studying educational pathways for women and underrepresented students in STEM fields. 
In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Laanan understands and works in extension and outreach activities as a member of the faculty of a Iowa State, a land grant university, and is active in educational policy reviews at all levels.  He also serves as the Interim Director of  the Center for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Education at Iowa State, focusing on research, professional development, leadership, and advocacy for STEM education. 
 
“I am very honored to have been selected as the new Dean of the School of Education (SOE) at the University of Guam,” said Dr. Laanan.  “I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and students to address the critical issues facing Guam’s K-12 schools including pre-service and in-service teacher education, professional development, and student achievement and success. “

Dr. Laanan plans to build a strong relationship with Guam Department of Education (DOE) and to focus on the critical importance of research.  “Working closely and synergistically with DOE will ensure the undergraduate and graduate programs in SOE are meeting the needs of today’s and future educational leaders and professionals.  In addition, cultivating a research culture will strategically position SOE to make a significant impact on how we use data to create learning environments that facilitate student achievement and success as well as teacher recruitment and retention.”
Dr. Laanan will begin his appointment as Dean of the School of Education on August 1, 2012.  Please join the University in welcoming Dr. Laanan back to his home island.

Thursday, June 07, 2012

Baby Stoicovy in Pohnpei

Enjoy the following pics of Baby Stoicovy (named after Dr. Cat Stoicovy) with his father, Ramenster Johnna, UOG Reading Master's Degree candidate.  Dr. Matilda N. Rivera is holding the adorable little Stoicovy.


Sunday, May 27, 2012

Congratulations 282 UOG Graduates!

May 27, 2012 was a joyous celebration for the 282 candidates that graduated from the University of Guam!  Congratulations graduates for earning your degree!  We wish you continued success in your career and more!  May God Bless you all, always.  Enjoy the following snapshots taken during this festive celebration!


Let us remember...



On this Memorial Day, let us remember
all those soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, who sacrificed their lives, so that we may be safe from harm. They will always be remembered!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Person Centered Planning

Please take advantage of this GREAT training.....
Topic:  Person Centered Planning
When:  Thursday, May 31, 2012
                  6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where:  Former PIRC - Parent Information Resource Center
                         Agana across Paradise Fitness

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

eSchool News: Six Resources that Aim to Help Special-Education Stakeholders

It’s sometimes challenging finding useful information on special education, especially when it comes to technology-related activities.  The following are 6 resources compiled by Meris Stansbury, editor of eSchoolNews.  You'll find them to be resourceful in various issues that concern children with disabilities.


1. AbilityHub Assistive Technology Solutions
An index, and description, of assistive technology for people with a disability who find operating a computer difficult, maybe even impossible. This website will direct you to adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers.

2. Apps for Children with Special Needs
Gary James at A4CWSN.com maintains a large list of educational apps for children with special needs. James reviews the apps and posts demonstration videos so that users can see what each one is all about before spending money to purchase them. By producing these videos, James demonstrates how products designed to educate children and build their life skills really work from a user perspective.

3. CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) Learning Tools
CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals, especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning. UDL free multimedia learning tools are designed for students, teachers, and parents.

4. DREAMMS (Developmental Research for the Effective Advancement of Memory and Motor Skills) for Kids
An assistive technology information clearinghouse and search facility, DREAMMS was founded in 1988 by the parents of a child with Down syndrome. DREAMMS is committed to increasing the use of computers, high-quality instructional technology, and assistive technology for children with special needs in schools, homes, and the workplace.

5. SERGE (Special Education Resources for General Educators)
Designed by the Council of Chief State School Officers and sponsored by the MetLife Foundation, SERGE was created to give general classroom educators quick access to information and professional development about addressing the special-ed needs of students who have disabilities.

6. Technology in Special Education
This is a website to collect and share tools, hardware, and applications available for the enhancement of technology in education with an emphasis on special education. The site has been collecting material over the last seven years in an attempt to compile all information in a categorized format so parents, educators, and other professionals who work with kids with special needs can benefit from the knowledge acquired. The reviews are thorough and well-written, and the site organizes events where developers offer special deals to their readers.

Source:  eSchoolNews.com

Thursday, May 03, 2012

UOG SOE Alumni Update - May 4

1) SAVE THE DATE, JUNE 30, FOUNDER’S DAY GALA!
Help us celebrate the University’s rich past and promising future at the Founder’s Day Gala, themed “Guam's Pioneers in Higher Education.” Enjoy an outstanding four-course dinner and exciting entertainment at this special signature event. Plus, get the opportunity to win exciting raffle prizes. Hyatt Regency Guam, Grand Ballroom. 6p.m. to 10p.m. Tickets are $150 per person. Space is limited.
Visit our facebook page to see who is attending and who has been invited. Feel free to send out links to your contacts as well.
Please call 735-2586 (ALUM) or email  nanalista@uguam.uog.edu



2) SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 1, “THE G-FACTOR” UOG ALUMNI MIXER, ALUMNI ARTISTS & PERFORMERS WANTED!
On June 1, the Office of Alumni Affairs will host a mixer for alumni and friends of the University! The highlight of the event will be a talent showcase ranging from artwork and singing to stand-up comedy and a special hip hop dance performance by alumni! New Development: The School of Business and Public Administration will be hosting a karaoke contest from 8:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. at this exciting event! Sign up today. Chance to win great prizes as well!
This event is open to the public!
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Purchase your tickets at: The Triton Book Store, UOG President’s Office - Chris Mabayag, Office of Alumni Affairs. To see a complete list of ticket sales representatives, and send invitations to your friends, visit our facebook page:
Please call 735-2586 (ALUM) or email  nanalista@uguam.uog.edu


3) EAT AT CPK AND RAISE FUNDS FOR THE UNIVERSITY!
This whole month, when you dine at CPK, 20% of your check will benefit the University. You have to download the flier found on this link and present it when you pay your bill. Please spread the word!



4)THE TRITON PRIVILEGES CARD IS AVAILABLE! ENJOY DISCOUNTS AND FREE OFFERS!
Sign up for membership with the UOG Alumni Association and you can get the Triton Privileges card as a benefit to you. You can get 15 cents off a gallon of gas from 76 among other great offers!
Visit this link to check for any updates to the Triton Privileges Card:
 
5) ALUMNI OUTREACH THROUGH FACEBOOK – WE NEED YOUR HELP!
·        Norm Analista has created the official University of Guam Alumni Facebook page. There are many exciting activities in store for you this year as we celebrate the University's 60th Anniversary! The Facebook page is just one of the methods the Office of Alumni Affairs will use to keep you informed. To best address the objectives of this group, only UOG alumni are permitted to be part of it and interact with other members. We need this group to grow, so please feel free to send invitations to your fellow alum to join this group. But, please be aware that their inclusion is subject to verification.
·         To access the alumni group page, click the link below or cut and paste it. You must have a facebook account to log on.
·          

·        

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

April is National Poetry Month


National Poetry Month*
Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month (NPM) is now held every April, when schools, libraries, publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, and poets around the country come together to celebrate poetry and its vital importance in American culture.  Thousands of businesses and organizations participate through festivals, readings, workshops, book displays, and various other events.

What is National Poetry Month?
30 Ways to Celebrate NPM
Celebration Highlights

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: www.poets.org

Friday, April 06, 2012

A Message to All AmeriCorps Alumni


Dear AmeriCorps Alumni:

Each year more than 80,000 Americans, just like you, serve their community and their
country throughAmeriCorps.  Since the program launched in 1994, more than 775,000
Americans have
served as AmeriCorps members. 

Your example of service and leadership is an important catalyst for others to serve and a 
resource for those currently serving in AmeriCorps.  You are a remarkable community of
leaders and we want to help you connect with each other and share your current leadership
experiences. 

Your experience as an AmeriCorps member helping communities tackle some of the toughest 
and most crucial challenges of our time has given you invaluable life and work skills and an understanding that one person can make a difference.  

As an alumni, AmeriCorps can continue to work for you too. We’d like to help you stay 
connected to other individuals who share a common service experience and continue to
highlight
your leadership.  
Please take a moment to:
Thank you for your service – you exemplify what is best about America.  We look forward to connecting you with current members and alumni.

Sincerely,

Rosa Moreno-Mahoney
Acting Director, AmeriCorps

Monday, March 26, 2012

UOG-SOE Alumni Election

PIBBA Story Hour and Cultural Presentations a Success!

The PIBBA Guam Chapter continued its service in celebration of CHamoru Month at the Hagatna Public Library's Saturday Story Hour on March 24, 2012 with coconut weaving conducted by Dr. Greg Tainatongo & grandchildren, stories by Bobbie Benavente & Liz Langas, chants by Toni Salas & Lois Gumataotao, cultural activities by Zan Refilong & Professor Palomo. The PIBBA Guam Chapter also conducted cultural presentations at the Navy Exchange with Professor Palomo's White Lady story, Malia Ramirez's Puntan & Fu'una legend/song/dance, and Dr. Rivera's Guahan/Mangga/Flores poem presentations, with the assistance of Mye Ganan-Flores and Bobbie Manibusan. What a busy, yet rewarding cultural day! BIBA PIBBA! BIBA MES CHAMORU! Enjoy the following snapshots taken during this culture-packed day!