Felis Anu Nuebu!

Dear SOE Alumni Family and Friends,

Happy New Year! May the year 2009 be a prosperous one filled with much love, joy, peace, happiness, and success!

All the best,

SOE Alumni Association

SOE Alumni Update: UOG-ACEI Sponsors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Island-wide Poster Contest

Pictured L-R: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivers his "I Have a Dream" speech, in Washington D.C., Aug. 28, 1963; and President-Elect Barack Obama takes the stage at Denver's Invesco Field.

Image source: AP Photos, abcnews.com

TO THE POINT: UOG’s Association for Childhood Education International is sponsoring an island-wide poster contest in recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration. The contest theme is Fulfilling the Dream. It is open to all school children in K-12 grades.

No person in the entire history of African America has made as great an impact on the nation as did Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a preacher, civil rights advocate, moral leader, idealist and realist. Since many young people had not yet been born during Dr. King’s lifetime, and may be too young to remember, it is our duty as a community of parents and educators to teach our children of the life and work of Dr. King.

In addition, Barack Obama, will be the nation’s first African American to be elected president of the United States. As America’s 44th president, the 47 year-old junior senator from Illinois now must bear the hopes of an entire race, live up to the expectations of an entire nation and lead the free world in a time of great uncertainty.

In recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration on January 19, 2009, the University of Guam School of Education student organization, Association for Childhood Education International (UOG-ACEI), is sponsoring an island-wide poster contest. The contest theme is Fulfilling the Dream. It is open to all public, private, and DODEA school children in K-12 grades. Posters must be submitted no later than Thursday, January 15, 2009 at UOG’s School of Education, second floor, between 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See secretary Anita Palomo or contact her at 735-2440, atpalomo@uguam.uog.edu. Late entries will not be accepted.

The goal of the poster contest is to raise, enhance, and broaden awareness and knowledge levels of students about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and about the significance and application of the major tenets of non-violence; and to look toward the future of the nation’s newest president, Barack Obama. The basic requirements for the poster include 9x12 inches (minimum size) to 12x18 inches (maximum size), any art medium, and no tracing. Students must include on the back of the poster their full name, age, grade, teacher, school, and contact number. Criteria include technical skill, creativity, originality, theme adherence, aesthetics, and use of space. The grade levels to be judged include Kindergarten to 2nd grade, 3rd to 5th grade, 6th to 8th grade, and 9th to 12th grade.

An exhibit of all posters will be displayed at the Agana Shopping Center beginning Saturday, January 17-19, 2009 and at UOG’s School of Education and RFK Library. Announcement of all winners will be January 19, 2009 at 12:00 p.m., Center Court, at the Agana Shopping Center.

Happy Holidays!

Dear SOE Alumni Family and Friends,

We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May the year 2009 bring you many blessings filled with much love, joy, peace, and happiness!

Warmest regards,

SOE Alumni Association

SOE Alumni Update: ACEI and PDK-FEGA Coordinate Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive and Clothing Donation

Thanksgiving Donation: The University of Guam Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and PDK-Future Educators of Guam Association (FEGA) coordinated a Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive and clothing donation to benefit Kamalen Karidat.

Pictured during the donation held on November 26 , 2008 are L-R: Dot Chargualaf; Rev. Frank Tenorio; Tita Tenorio; Ewalani Escrupulo, ACEI Vice-President; Alicia Quintanilla, ACEI President and PDK-FEGA member; Kimberlie Castro, ACEI Secretary; and Vaughn Baisa, ACEI Public Relations Officer.

SOE Alumni Update: ACEI Provides Literacy Activities at Bishop Baumgartner Lunch Program

ACEI Literacy Volunteerism: The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) members and officers volunteered their time to coordinate the Bishop Baumgartner Lunch Program in Sinajana from October 3 to November 14 in an effort to promote literacy through learning opportunities outside of the curriculum. Kindergarten and first grade students had the opportunity to engage in digital storybook Read Alouds of legends, such as Pohnpei’s “Tab to Bat.” Other activities included the use of local books, felt- board storytelling, crossword puzzles, and arts & crafts activities relating to the stories.

Pictured front row L-R: Kimberlie Castro, Treasurer; Mariana Santos, Co-Chair; Ewalani Escrupulo, Vice-President; and Joy Rivera, Member. Back row L-R: Vaughn Baisa, Public Relations Officer; Donna Purcell, Chairperson; Alicia Quintanilla, President; Beauty Letewasiyal, Secretary; and Ria Torres, Bishop Counselor.

SOE Alumni Update: GPSS ELL/ESL Standards Cadre 2008 Presents at UOG's 21st Annual Regional Language Arts Conference

Members of the GPSS ELL/ESL Standards Cadre 2008 presented the Guam English Language Proficiency Standards at the University of Guam’s 21st Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held November 14 and 15 at the University of Guam and Holiday Resort & Spa. The theme of the conference was Reading and Writing Across the Content Areas: Empowering English Language Learners. The cadre’s presentation titled Guam English Language Proficiency Standards (GELPS) introduced the English Language Standards that were developed for social, intercultural, and instructional purposes; language arts; mathematics; science; and social studies. The standards were developed to address the needs of GPSS English Language Learners, close the achievement gap for ELLs, and help ELLs attain English proficiency, or do the same for CHamoru Language Standards. An introduction of the Enhanced Assessment Grant (EAG) Project was also introduced to demonstrate the close relationship between the Standards and the EAG.

Cadre members who presented were Rosa Salas Palomo, Project Director/Coordinator of the Guam ESL Certification Plus Project; Zander David Refilong, Program Coordinator; Gene Dydasco, Education Specialist with the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL); Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, ESL Teacher/Coordinator with the Guam Public School System (GPSS) & adjunct professor for the Language and Literacy, TESOL, and Instructional Technology Programs & Department of English and Applied Linguistics at the University of Guam; Keith Juarez, Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) teacher with GPSS; and Guadalupe (Faye) Camacho Kaible, school program consultant with GPSS. Among the audience members who attended the presentation were Maydelene C. Ganan-Flores and Risa Jade S. Miguel, administrative staff of the Micronesian Language Institute; Menang Diaz, GPSS State Program Officer; GPSS teachers Bobbie Manibusan, Dawn Maka, Cynthia Manibusan & Vina Johnson. Cadre members not pictured are Dr. Margo Gottlieb, LN494/G Instructor & Illinois Resource Center; Lucia C. Leon Guerrero, GPSS School Administrator; Chamoru teachers Teresita C. Flores, Cecilia C. Bermudes, Marilyn R. Perez, Roy M. Leon Guerrero, Jocelyn T.Santos, Rufina F. Mendiola; June E. Taitano from GPSS Special Education; Kirk S. Drygas from Project Hatsa; Dr. Jose Q. Cruz from the Guam Education Policy Board; GPSS ESL teachers, Lois Taitano Gumataotao, Lorena M. Montague, Priscilla C.T. Perez, Melissa R. Pablo, and Marife G. Fernandez.

SOE Alumni Update: Using Internet Tools to Enhance ESL Instruction

Graduate students enrolled in ED638: Teaching with the Internet presented at the University of Guam’s 21st Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held November 14 and 15 at the University of Guam and Holiday Resort & Spa. The theme of the conference was Reading and Writing Across the Content Areas: Empowering English Language Learners. The students’ presentation titled Using Internet Tools to Enhance ESL Instruction explored web sites aimed at enhancing ESL and content area instruction, writing, collaboration, professional development, instructional technology, website designing, blogging, and assessment.

Pictured L-R: Paul Sekine; Ceferino Duarosan Jr.; Dr. Kate Mastruserio Reynolds, conference keynote speaker and associate professor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in the departments of foreign languages and curriculum and instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Kate Pappano; and Gregory Mamay.

SOE Alumni Update: Jumpstarting Reading Comprehension for English Language Learners

University of Guam School of Education professors presented at the university’s 21st Annual Regional Language Arts Conference held November 14 and 15 at the University of Guam and Holiday Resort & Spa. The theme of the conference was Reading and Writing Across the Content Areas: Empowering English Language Learners. The professors’ presentation titled Jumpstarting Reading Comprehension for English Language Learners introduced the reader’s schema and its importance in comprehending, learning, and remembering ideas in stories and text.

Pictured L-R: Dr. Kate Mastruserio Reynolds, conference keynote speaker and associate professor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in the departments of foreign languages and curriculum and instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Dr. Catherine Stoicovy, Dr. Kelle Murphy, and Professor Julie Fee (sitting) from the University of Guam.

SOE Alumni Update: Language and Literacy Presentation

Language and Literacy Master of Education students enrolled in the ED643 Literacy Assessment course completed the semester on December 1, 2008 with a presentation of their online LiveText Portfolio and Diagnostic Case Report at the University of Guam’s School of Education Literacy Center. The course focuses on using a range of formal and informal assessment tools and methods to diagnose and assess individual learners’ reading and writing development, to guide instruction, and to involve the learner in self-assessment.

Pictured L-R: Lorna Gonzalez; Kate Pappano; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Lucille Linder; and Ceferino Duarosan Jr.

SOE Alumni Update: UOG Alumni Officers Sworn In

UOG Alumni Induction Ceremony: Superior Court Steven Unpingco swore in the new officers of the University of Guam Alumni Association during the association’s Awards/Inauguration ceremony held October 3, 2008 at the Guam Hilton Resort and Spa. Pictured L-R: James Underwood, Treasurer; Toni Aflague, Secretary; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Vice President; and Jennifer Sanchez, President.

SOE Alumni Update: SOE Students Pass Praxis I Examination

Praxis Examination: School of Education students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education have recently passed the Praxis 1 exam required for teacher certification. The Praxis 1 exam consists of Academic Skills Assessments which measure proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics. Pictured L-R: Jodi Borja, Erika Flores Arceo, Lisa Taitano, Joshua C. Damian, Mara Andrada, Brianne Naputi, and Joleen Gay.

SOE Alumni Update: ACEI Officers Meet with GPSS Superintendent

ACEI Visit: The University of Guam’s Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) recently made a courtesy visit with the Guam Public School System Superintendent, Dr. Nerissa Bretania-Shafer. Pictured L-R: Vaughn Baisa, Public Relations Officer; Beauty Letewasiyal, Secretary; Dr. Marilyn M. Jackson, ACEI Advisor; Kimberlie Castro, Treasurer; Dr. Nerissa Bretania-Shafer, Guam Public School System Superintendent; Alicia Quintanilla, President; Ewalani Escrupulo, Vice President; and Nakita Braganza, Public Relations Officer. Not pictured are ACEI Advisors Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Asherdee Rosete.

SOE Alumni Update: Congratulations to UOG Alumni Association’s 2007 Distinguished Alumni Recipients and Newly Elected Alumni Association Officers!

SOE Adjunct Professor is honored with the 2007 Alumni Distinguished Service Award and Sworn in as UOG Alumni Association’s Vice President

The UOG Alumni Association hosted its 2007 Distinguished Alumni Awards and Inauguration Ceremony at the Guam Hilton Resort and Spa on October 3, 2008.

Three of UOG’s School of Education faculty were nominated for the Alumni Distinguished Service Award. They are Dr. Marilyn Malloy Jackson, Associate Professor; Dr. Catherine Stoicovy , Associate Professor; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, GPSS ESL Teacher/Coordinator and UOG Adjunct Professor.

Dr. Rivera was honored with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award for 2007. She was selected by a panel of four judges, including Speaker Judith Won Pat; Col. James Montague, Commander Air Guard; Al Almira, Comptroller, TakeCare Asia; and Cathleen Moore-Linn, Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications. Dr. Rivera was also sworn in as the assocation's incoming Vice President.

The other four award categories featured during the event include the Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award, Young Alumni Achievement Award, Honorary Alumni Award, and 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Nominees for the Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award were Marie Lizama , Sales Manager, Northwest Airlines; Lolita Reyes, Assistant Director, Development and Alumni Relations, GCC; and Jude Anita Sukola, Superior Court Guam. Lizama was honored with the 2007 Alumni Distinguished Leadership Award.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award nominees were Marcos Fong, Managing Director, Nakicos Corporation & Glimpses Advertising; Michael San Nicolas, Financial Services Officer/Investment Executive for Bank of Guam & PrimeVest Financial Services, Inc.; and Jason Tedtaotao, Special Assistant for Policy Clarification and Training Facilitator for the Guam State Clearing House. Fong was honored with the 2007 Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Nominees for the Honorary Alumni Award were Bank of Guam; Continental Airlines; Foremost; Northwest Airlines; South Pacific Petroleum Company; and Take Care Asia Pacific. Bank of Guam was honored with the 2007 Honorary Alumni Award.

The 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award nominees were Senator Frank Ishizaki, 29th Guam Legislature; Carlos Camacho, Businessman; and Mary Okada, President, Guam Community College. Camacho was honored with the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award.

The newly elected UOG Alumni Association Officers were also sworn in by Judge Steven Unpingco during a special alumni inauguration ceremony. The incoming officers are Jennifer Sanchez, President; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Vice President; Toni Aflague, Secretary; and James Underwood, Treasurer.

SOE Alumni Update: Congratulations ACEI Officers and Advisors!

UOG-ACEI Induction Ceremony: Senator Judi Won-Pat conducted the 2008-2009 induction ceremony for the University of Guam Association for Childhood Education International (UOG-ACEI) for their new officers and advisors on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at the School of Education . Many ACEI members, students, friends, and faculty members attended. Several community and civic organizations and agencies who partnership with UOG-ACEI were invited to attend and participate in the ceremony.
Pictured front row L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, ACEI Advisor; Dr. Marilyn Malloy Jackson, ACEI Advisor; Senator Judi Won-Pat, and Dr. Anita Borja-Enriquez, Executive Director for the School of Business and Public Administration. Back row L-R: Alicia Quintanilla, President; Ewalani Escrupulo, Vice President; Beauty Letewasiyal, Secretary; Kimberlie Castro, Treasurer; Vaughn Baisa, Public Relations Officer; and Nakita Braganza, Public Relations Officer.

SOE Alumni Update: Newly Elected Officers Meet with UOG President Underwood

The newly elected UOG Alumni Association Officers met with the University's President, Dr. Robert Underwood, to discuss alumni activities and various goals to strengthen alumni ties.

Pictured front row L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Vice President; Jennifer Sanchez, President; Toni Aflague, Secretary. Back row L-R: James Underwood, Treasurer; Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President; and Peter Roy Martinez, UOG Director of Alumni Affairs.

SOE Alumni Association Presidents Thanks All

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera

UOG Alumni Association Vice President

SOE Alumni Association President

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni Association’s President, was also elected as Vice President of the UOG Alumni Association, the University’s main alumni organization. Here’s a special note from her:

Dear SOE Alumni Members, Friends, and Collegues,

Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu'os Ma'ase'! I am humbled by your wonderful support and votes! It was a very close race for every candidate! I will remain committed in working with the newly elected UOG Alumni Association Officers, so that we will uphold the University's mission and connect with our fellow alumni members. I wish you all the best, and please keep in touch.

Warm regards,
Dr. Rivera

SOE Alumni Update: Officers Elected for UOG Alumni Association

Congratulations to the following newly-elected UOG Alumni Association Officers:

Jennifer Sanchez- President

Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera- Vice President

Toni Aflague- Secretary

James Underwood- Treasurer

The officers will remain committed to reviving the UOG Alumni Association by sustaining relationships and contributions to support the mission of the University, and to encourage and foster alumni involvement with their alma mater.

UOG Alumni Association Election on September 4, 2008

The University of Guam’s Alumni Association Election will be held September 4, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Jesus and Eugenia Leon Guerrero School of Business and Public Administration Building Multi-Purpose Room. All those who have graduated from the University of Guam are eligible to vote.

In particular, Dr. Rivera has been nominated for the Vice President position. Please take the time to vote for her and her fellow nominees. As you exercise your right to vote, please remember the following candidates:

Frank B. Salas for President

Matilda N. Rivera (Dr. Rivera) for Vice President

Marife G. Fernandez (Mar) for Secretary

James Underwood for Treasurer

The aforementioned nominees uphold the goal of reviving the UOG Alumni Association by sustaining relationships and contributions to support the mission of the University, and to encourage and foster alumni involvement with their alma mater.

For more information, please contact Sahara Defensor, Election Committee Chair at saharajd@gmail.com or 777-7289 or Peter Roy Martinez, Alumni Director at peterroy@uguam.uog.edu, 735-2586.

SOE Alumni Update: Alumni Presentation by UOG President, Dr. Robert Underwood

University of Guam President Robert Underwood, right, presented a UOG Alumni T-shirt to Federated States of Micronesia President and UOG alumni member Emanuel Mori on July 9. Mori is the seventh president of the FSM, who was born on Fefan island in Chuuk State. He graduated from the Xavier High School in Chuuk and earned a bachelor of arts degree in business management from the University of Guam.

PDN publication: http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080830/LIFESTYLE02/80830001

Happy Birthday Anag!

SOE Alumni Association Secretary, Liwanag “Anag” Dominguez, celebrated her birthday with fellow alumni officers on July 29, 2008 at the Alize Restaurant located at the Guam Reef Hotel! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANAG!

Pictured above L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Alumni President; Liwanag Dominguez, Alumni Secretary; Mae Mendiola, Alumni Treasurer; and Lois Taitano Gumataotao, Alumni Vice President.

SOE Alumni Update: UOG Alumni Association Nominees

Congratulations nominees!

UOG Alumni Association members recently nominated members for its new officers. Pictured sitting L-R: Frank Salas, nominee for President and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, nominee for Vice President. Standing L-R: Peter Roy Martinez, UOG Director of Alumni Affairs; Amoretta Carlson, alumni member; James Underwood, nominee for Treasurer; Mae Mendiola, nominee for Secretary; Lois Taitano Gumataotao, alumni member; and Liwanag Dominguez, alumni member.

Happy Birthday Mae!

SOE Alumni Association Treasurer, Mae Mendiola, celebrated her birthday with fellow alumni officers, members, and friends on June 13, 2008 at the Islander Terrace Restaurant located at the Hilton Hotel! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAE!

Pictured above L-R: Liwanag Dominguez, SOE Alumni Secretary; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Alumni President; Lois Taitano Gumataotao, Alumni Vice President; Mendiola; Clarita Moreno; and Ofelia Villagomez.

SOE Alumni Update: Preserving Guam’s Culture through Literature

SOE Alumni Association President, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, and SOE Alumni Association Vice President, Lois Taitano Gumataotao, have written their cultural anthology titled Our Native Daughters' Reflection of Guam and Its People based on their personal experiences and research on Guam’s rich history. Pictured L-R: Gumataotao and Rivera.

Here's the article Dr. Rivera wrote regarding the preservation of the Chamorro culture:

Preserving Guam’s Culture through Literature

In an effort to preserve ideas, thoughts, and personal reflections of the island’s Chamorro culture, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao formed the Korasón Organization to carry out cultural projects that they hold dear to their korasón, (Chamorro word for “heart”). With the support of the Guam Humanities Council, they were awarded a grant to complete their cultural anthology titled, Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People.

They hope that you will enjoy their cultural anthology composed of poems they have written based on their personal experiences and research relative to the island’s history and its connection with the Guam community. A common identity we share with our Pacific Islanders is our rich oral society filled with plentiful stories, legends, and other important values shared throughout generations. This anthology will continue to preserve such stories. It is a resource one can read to learn more about Guam and its people, including its rich culture and the traditions that give us a better understanding, in creatively woven lines of poetry, ultimately resulting to meaningful connections fellow islanders share.

There are fifty seven cultural topics explored in the anthology, such as familia, fiesta, fishing, flores, funerals, Guahan, kelaguen, lancho, Latte stones, manamko, nana, tata, typhoons, weaving, and so much more.

Rivera, an ESL teacher/coordinator in the Guam Public School System and adjunct for the University of Guam, is the project director and co-author of the anthology. Gumataotao, who is also a GPSS ESL teacher/coordinator, serves as the traditional teacher and co-author for the project. The anthology project’s scholars include local authors Joaquin Nangauta Naputi and Marilyn Camacho Salas. Naputi, who is also an agriculturalist, has written books dating back to the 1970’s, including the Island of Guam Coloring Book and Island of Guam Cookbook. Salas has written books such as, Lepblo Para Tane’ Famagu’on I Isla: A Chamorro Interactive Book for Island Children and Chamorro Word Book.

The Korason Organization, in conjunction with the Guam Humanities Council, held a cultural exhibit on December 11, 2004 to showcase the anthology at the Hagåtña Public Library. Copies of the anthology were also provided to the Guam Humanities Council, Guam Public Library System, Micronesian Area Research Center, and the University of Guam’s RFK Library. The poems can also be viewed on Rivera’s PDN blog.

Rivera and Gumataotao hope that by reading their poems, you can grasp cultural identity from within yourself and be enlightened. They have reflected on their personal experiences, researched, and interviewed family and friends, to enable the people of Guam to better understand the island’s history, its cultural significance, and its social environments, through their eyes. Hence, the project’s title, Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People. This anthology project is certainly a labor of love that they have committed themselves to, but it is well worth the time invested, especially knowing that it will serve as a cultural resource for generations to come.

Happy Birthday Lois!

SOE Alumni Association Vice President, Lois T. Gumataotao, celebrated her birthday with fellow alumni officers, members, and friends on May 3, 2008 at the Onward Beach Hotel! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOIS!

Pictured above L-R: Alvy Puno; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, SOE Alumni President; Liwanag Dominguez, Alumni Secretary; Gumataotao; Merl San Agustin; Susan Mendiola; and Mae Mendiola, Alumni Treasurer.

SOE Alumni Update: Family Literacy Presentation

Dr. Rivera, SOE Alumni President and Lois Taitano Gumataotao, SOE Alumni Vice President, presented a Family Literacy Workshop during the Professional Leadership Conference 2008 titled, “Silebrasion I Familian Guahan – Celebrating the Families of Guam.” The conference was hosted by the Guam Child Care and Development Association, UOG’s School of Education Early Childhood Program, and the Association for Childhood Education International on April 19 & 20 at the School of Education. Dr. Rivera (left) and Lois (right) received a certificate of appreciation for presenting at the conference.

SOE Alumni Update: Guam English Language Proficiency Standards Participation

Dr. Rivera, SOE Alumni President and Lois Gumataotao, SOE Alumni Vice President, participated in Guam's ESL Standards Project, as part of the course LN494/G – Special Studies: Second Language Acquisition through Standard Development. They, along with other Guam educators are spearheading the development of Guam’s PreK-12 English Language Proficiency Standards. The course was sponsored by the Guam English as a Second Language Certification Plus Project, a federally funded Title III National Professional Development grant by the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), U.S. Dept. of Education. Guam ESL Cert+ Project is administered by the Micronesian Language Institute, University of Guam in consortia with the Guam Public School System. The course was co-taught by Dr. Margo Gottlieb from the Illinois Resource Center and Professor Rosa Salas Palomo, Project Director.
Pictured front row from L-R: Faye Camacho Kaible, Melissa Pablo, Margo Gottlieb, Rufina Mendiola, and Teresita Flores. Second Row, L-R: Jocelyn Santos, Marilyn Perez, Marife Fernandez, Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Lucy Leon Guerrero, June Taitano, and Cecilia Bermudes. Back Row, L-R: Lorena Montague, Roy Leon Guerrero, Dr. Jose Cruz, Lois Taitano Gumataotao, Zander Refilong, Keith Juarez, Professor Rosa Salas Palomo, and Priscilla C.T. Perez. Not pictured are Gene Dydasco, Kirk Drygas, and Dr. Dan Robertson.

SOE Alumni Update: Family Night with the Stars

Dr. Rivera, SOE Alumni President and LBJ Elem. ESL Teacher/Coordinator & UOG Adjunct, assisted with LBJ’s Family Night with the Stars event held on February 21, 2008. LBJ families were treated to Read Alouds conducted by local celebrities. The event was coordinated by members of the school’s Focus Group D in an effort to increase family literacy. Pictured with Dr. Rivera are Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) members and officers who volunteered their time to assist in the event. Pictured front row L-R: Viviann Joy Rivera, Bobbie Arevalo, Lizel Patubo, Jona Abaya, Nakita Bragonza, and Kristy Galindo. Second row L-R: Edelynn Blas; Kimberlie Castro; Sherry Santos; Edna Portin; Jovonne Aguon, ACEI President,and Lehualani Kahele, ACEI PRO. Third row L-R: Eliza Anderson; Myra Jean Aguon; Antoinette Arriola; Melanie Cruz; Jennifer Blas, ACEI Vice President; Myleen Ramos, ACEI Secretary; Anthony Perez; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera. Fourth row L-R: Marita Pareja, Jennifer Peralta, Beauty Letewasiyal, and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

SOE Alumni Update: Read Across America

Dr. Rivera, SOE Alumni President, participated in the Read Across America event held at the Hagatna Public Library. The UOG Early Childhood Program in partnership with the Association Childhood Education International (ACEI) and the Guam Public Library System, hosted the event in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ 104th birthday on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Hagatna Public Library. Pictured kneeling L-R: Asherdee Rosete, ACEI Advisor and Early Childhood Professor; Beauty Letewaiyal; Suemalee Torres; Viviann Joy Rivera; Bobbie Arevalo; Jona Abaya; and Kimberlie Castro. Standing L-R: Matilda Naputi Rivera, ACEI Advisor and Language & Literacy Professor; Jeannie Chapman; Brianne Naputi; Jovonne Aguon, ACEI President; Myleen Ramos, ACEI Secretary; Mariana Santos; Danielle Bansil; Jennifer Blas, ACEI Vice President; Ewalani Escrupulo; Mayrene Huffer; Vaughn Baisa; Alicia Quintanilla; Antoinette Arriola; Julia Tyquiengco; Marilyn Jackson, ACEI Advisor and Early Childhood Professor; Erika Flores; Marita Pareja; and Kenneth Castro. Not pictured is Lehualani Kahele, ACEI PRO.

Alumni Participation

Dr. Rivera, SOE Alumni President and ACEI Advisor, participated in the UOG hosting of Dr. Kathryn Takara, associate professor from the University of Hawaii-Manoa. Dr. Takara was the keynote speaker in Saipan for the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday celebration. She visited the UOG School of Education, where she was honored with an evening fiesta sponsored by two SOE student organizations, the Association for Childhood Education International and Future Educators of Guam Association. Other guests for the event include Dr. Marilyn Malloy Jackson, ACEI Advisor; Dr. Mary Jane Miller; Dr. Jacqui Cyrus; Dr. Lou Ferrer; Audrey Certeza, FEGA public relations officer; Vanessa Perez, FEGA president; Dr. Patrick Leddy, SOE executive director; Anna Wignarajah, Montessori House of Children in Harmon; Jovonne Aguon, ACEI president; Jennifer Blas, ACEI vice president; Myleen Ramos, ACEI secretary; Melissa Hernandez, ACEI and FEGA member; Veronica Ramirez, ACEI treasurer; Fred Jackson; and Jessica Candaso, FEGA secretary. PDN publication: http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080316/LIFESTYLE02/80315019

Alumni Officers Conduct ESL Presentation

Dr. Rivera, left, and Lois Taitano Gumataotao, right, presented an ESL writing workshop during the Int'l Reading Assoc. Read-A-Thon 2008 “Get Carried Away with Reading” professional development workshop held on Feb. 8 at the Guam Hotel Nikko. They received certificates of appreciation from the organization in recognition of service and valuable contribution. PDN publication: http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/LIFESTYLE02/80311030

SOE Alumni Association Officers Elected

Members elected Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera as the new President for the SOE Alumni Association, Lois Taitano Gumataotao as the Vice President, Liwanag Dominguez as the Secretary, and Mae Mendiola as the Treasurer. Dr. Lourdes Klitzkie, Professor Emeritus, is the Advisor.

Pictured L-R: Dominguez, Gumataotao, Dr. Klitzkie, Dr. Rivera, and Mendiola.

SOE Alumni Association Donation

The SOE Alumni Association donated funds to support the SOE Computer Lab's internet connection.

Pictured L-R: George Pereda, Dr. Lourdes Klitzkie, Dr. Paul Wallace and Dr. Catherine Stoicovy.