Literacy in Guam and Micronesia - October 2010

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

23rd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference

SCAFFOLDING READING AND WRITING INSTRUCTION FOR PACIFIC

ISLAND STUDENTS

Friday-Saturday, November 5 - 6, 2010
Guam Marriott Resort and Spa

Sponsored by:
University of Guam College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
School of Education
International Reading Association, Guam Council

Guam Department of Education

Guam Marriott Resort and Spa


Download Presentation Form

Download Registration Form

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Hotel Accommodations

GRADUATE CREDITS/CEUs:
You can also earn 2 graduate credits/CEUs for the conference. For more information, contact the Professional International Programs (PIP) at 735-2601. You may also e-mail the instructor, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera at mnrivera1@yahoo.com.

Be sure to mark your calendar for the Language Arts Conference!
For more information, e-mail: uguam.languageartsconference@yahoo.com

Visit the LAC website at www.uog.edu/languageartsconference

Literacy in Guam and Micronesia - September 2010

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

First PREL Newsletter Released

The first edition of the PREL NEWSLETTER is now available via PDF by clicking here or visiting http://www.prel.org/free-publications/newsletter.aspx. The PREL NEWSLETTER is a quarterly publication of PREL in collaboration with the Regional Educational Laboratory Pacific and the Pacific Comprehensive Center. The newsletter focuses on activities of the different programs of PREL in the Pacific region, provides information about upcoming conferences, events, professional development opportunities, and more. In particular, this issue includes topics of the Summer Reading Camp in Palau, the Project MACIMISE inaugural institute in Saipan, Pacific CHILD summer annual institute in Hawai’i, and PCC highlights and updates! Enjoy!

29th Annual International PIBBA Conference Memorable

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!

View IslanderView.com for Pacific Insight!

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'!

Global Kids Event: PBS Guam Breakfast

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