May you be richly blessed with a memorable Christmas to cherish with family and friends. Felis Pasgua! Feliz Navidad! Have a blessed Christmas filled much love, joy, peace, and happiness!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas!
May you be richly blessed with a memorable Christmas to cherish with family and friends. Felis Pasgua! Feliz Navidad! Have a blessed Christmas filled much love, joy, peace, and happiness!Saturday, December 12, 2009
Funschool.com – A Special ED638 Literacy Contribution by Devin Paciente
As part of our contribution to assist the IRA Guam Council and its members in promoting literacy, the UOG School of Education’s ED638* class will continue to share effective literacy websites that they think you’ll enjoy and learn from at the same time!
Website: Funschool
Contributor: Devin Paciente
Click here to find out more information about Funschool!
*ED638: Teaching with the Internet
Monday, November 23, 2009
Condolences for IRA Board Member Frank Pangelinan
The IRA family extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of our beloved IRA board member, Frank Pangelinan. Frank was called to his eternal rest today, Tuesday, November 24, 2009. He will always be remembered. God bless him and his family. May he rest in peace.
PLEASE SIGN FRANK'S SPECIAL GUESTBOOK
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Guam IRA Newsletter Archive Now Available!
If you would like to see past issues of the IRA Guam Council Newsletters, click on the following URL: http://guamiranewsletterarchive.blogspot.com Enjoy!
FunBrain.com – A Special ED638 Contribution by Tara Balajadia
As part of our contribution to assist the IRA Guam Council and its members in promoting literacy, the School of Education’s ED638* class will be sharing effective literacy websites that they think you’ll enjoy and learn from at the same time!
Website: FunBrain
Contributor: Tara Balajadia
FunBrain is an interactive website that offers educational activities for grade levels K – 8. Language Arts and Mathematical skills are reinforced through child friendly games. The website also offers a teacher resource and a homework help link.
The teacher resource link has a curriculum guide that groups games by title, subject, and grade level. The grouping is designed to help teachers easily choose appropriate games for their lessons. Math flashcard print outs are available on the teacher resource link. Teachers can create on- line quizzes for students to answer on the Quiz Lab link.
Funbrain offers the student games to practice math and language arts. Students log on to a game by their grade level and rate of difficulty. The language arts games target skills such as spelling, grammar, and word meaning skills. Math skills vary from number identification, measurement, addition, subtraction, and fractions. Students can join the blog sessions or send e-cards to other students. The homework help link offers reference materials with just a click away.
*ED638: Teaching with the Internet
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
IRA Donation to the 2009 Language Arts Conference
The IRA Guam Council donated $1,500 to the 22nd Annual Regional Language Arts Conference. Pictured above L-R: Grace Griffin, IRA Guam Council President; Dr. James Sellmann, Acting Dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS); Dr. Clarisa Quan, LAC Co-Chair; and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, LAC Co-Chair. Not pictured are LAC Co-Chairs Dr. Catherine Stoicovy; Dr. Beth Somera; Troy McVey, CLASS Associate Dean; Dr. Elizabeth Hawthorne, SOE Dean; and Debbie Respicio, LAC Administrative Coordinator.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
IRA Read-A-Thon 2010 E-mail Address
Please take note that the new IRA Read-A-Thon 2010 e-mail address is gogreen.rat10@gmail.com
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Jumpstart's Read for the Record
Images from: Jumpstart for Young Children
Visit the following link to get more information regarding the Jumpstart's Read for the Record:
https://secure2.convio.net/rftr/site/SPageServer?pagename=2009_register&JServSessionIdr002=9u6fl8wno3.app8b
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
First IRA Meeting for SY 2009-2010
The first IRA meeting for SY 2009-2010 will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Guam Reef Hotel where all monthly meetings will be held. The theme is Beyond the Horizon: Convention Highlights.
Grace Griffin, Margaret Asuncion, Rose Ferguson, and Frank Pangelinan will be presenting a variety of ideas from the 54th Annual North Central Convention held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
All meetings include a free breakfast and door prizes. You will also have the opportunity to apply for an IRA grant, engage in professional development, earn credits, learn more about IRA's movement to GOING DIGITAL, and so much more!
*See Sandy Liberty, Melissa Lujan, or Ronelen Dionaldo regarding the annual membership fee.
Snapshots from the IRA National Convention in Minneapolis
Note: Click on the pictures above to get a clearer view of the images.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Newly Installed Officers for Council Year 2009-2010
Congratulations to our newly installed officers for council year 2009-2010!
Pictured above left to right: Grace Griffin, President; Margaret Asuncion, President-Elect; Martha Sudo, Recording Secretary; and Helena Juralbal, Corresponding Secretary. Not pictured is Neldie Pendon Limtiaco, Treasurer.
Pictured above left to right: Grace Griffin, President; Margaret Asuncion, President-Elect; Martha Sudo, Recording Secretary; and Helena Juralbal, Corresponding Secretary. Not pictured is Neldie Pendon Limtiaco, Treasurer.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saint Paul Christian School IRA Participants Receive Awards
Congratulations to the Saint Paul Christian School North Participants!
Pictured above from left to right: Lelean Sigrah, Buffi Burk, Gloriosa Feleciano, Alice Abueg, Janet Armour-Robinson, Julie Wilter, Lalanea Taitano and Connie Tilden. Not pictured is Pat Flores.
Pictured above from left to right: Lelean Sigrah, Buffi Burk, Gloriosa Feleciano, Alice Abueg, Janet Armour-Robinson, Julie Wilter, Lalanea Taitano and Connie Tilden. Not pictured is Pat Flores.
Monday, April 6, 2009
IRA Read-A-Thon 2009 A Success!
By: Grace Griffin
First of all, I’d like to thank all of you who made this year’s Read-A-Thon successful. We indeed fed the need to read! Here below is a breakdown of how much money we were able to raise this year. Given the uncertain economic times and all other competing fundraisers, we have done well.
As for the winners, I am proud to officially announce who they are. Our Top Teacher Island-wide (Elementary Division) is Frank Pangelinan from Saint Francis Catholic School with a per capita of $15.26; (Secondary Division) goes to Nekola Fitzgerald from Notre Dame with a per capita of $11.02; our Overall goes to Rosemarie Quitugua of Agana Heights who brought in $5,563.52 in on-time money, and our Top Day Care Island-wide goes to Chona Domingo from Montessori with a per capita of $61.25.
Honorable mention goes to Anita Quitugua from B.P. Carbullido with the highest per capita of $11.25 (including late money) and the highest reading hours recorded this year (1,245). Carmen Bermudes from Oceanview has the highest per capita for the public middle schools with $ 4.88. Christine Borja, a first-year representative from JFK, has the highest per capita for public high school with $3.99. Finally, Annie Perez from San Vicente, garnered the highest per capita (on-time and overall) reaching an astounding $30.57!
The following members will head to
Don’t forget these important dates: April 18th, Saturday, from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. TEACHERS & Representatives come and SPEND IT ALL! SPEND IT NOW! at the GWHS Cafeteria and April 25th, Saturday, our representatives’ luncheon at the World Café from 11:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Confirmation by April 20th is required. I can be reached at 686-8666.
Best,
Grace
Saturday, April 4, 2009
IRA Brings Children's Authors/Illustrators to Guam!
Shoo Rayner Comes to Guam!
Guam IRA also brought children's author and illustrator, Shoo Rayner, to Guam. He presented at various Guam schools, and made a special literacy presentation on March 28, 2009 at the Agana Public Library's Story Hour.
For more information on Shoo Rayner, visit his website at http://www.shoorayner.com/
Todd Strasser Comes to Guam!
Guam IRA was fortunate to bring Todd Strasser to Guam for the January 2009 meeting. Strasser is the author of Help! I'm Trapped in My Teacher's Body. He also visited 14 middle and high schools.
Pictured above: Strasser conducts the YA Cafe Writers' Workshop Show, Don't Tell held at Price Elementary School's Cafeteria.
Dianne de las Casas Comes to Guam!
Pictured above: Dianne de las Casas, storyteller extraordinaire and artist of the Jump, Jiggle & Jam CD, is greeted at the WonPat International Airport on arrival by Tina Buendicho, Cyndy Pruski, and Evelyn Topasna in March 2008. For more information, visit her website at www.storyconnection.net
Robert Pottle Comes to Guam!
Pictured above: Robert Pottle, poet of I'm Allergic to School gives his reminders to writers -- Beware of Gulls, in January 2008. In other words, don't let others poop on your ideas. For more information, you can visit his website at www.robertpottle.com
Ralph Masiello Comes to Guam!
Pictured above: Ralph Masiello, the illustrator of Jerry Pallotta Alphabet & Stephanie Faucher books, and creator of his own "How to Draw" series, shared his drawing skills with Guam IRA members and school students in January 2007. He brought Stephanie with him to Guam. They had a little honeymoon after he finished with the school visits. Amy R. Lizama was the IRA President.
Guam IRA also brought children's author and illustrator, Shoo Rayner, to Guam. He presented at various Guam schools, and made a special literacy presentation on March 28, 2009 at the Agana Public Library's Story Hour.
For more information on Shoo Rayner, visit his website at http://www.shoorayner.com/
Todd Strasser Comes to Guam!
Guam IRA was fortunate to bring Todd Strasser to Guam for the January 2009 meeting. Strasser is the author of Help! I'm Trapped in My Teacher's Body. He also visited 14 middle and high schools.
Pictured above: Strasser conducts the YA Cafe Writers' Workshop Show, Don't Tell held at Price Elementary School's Cafeteria.
Dianne de las Casas Comes to Guam!
Pictured above: Dianne de las Casas, storyteller extraordinaire and artist of the Jump, Jiggle & Jam CD, is greeted at the WonPat International Airport on arrival by Tina Buendicho, Cyndy Pruski, and Evelyn Topasna in March 2008. For more information, visit her website at www.storyconnection.net
Robert Pottle Comes to Guam!
Pictured above: Robert Pottle, poet of I'm Allergic to School gives his reminders to writers -- Beware of Gulls, in January 2008. In other words, don't let others poop on your ideas. For more information, you can visit his website at www.robertpottle.com
Ralph Masiello Comes to Guam!
Pictured above: Ralph Masiello, the illustrator of Jerry Pallotta Alphabet & Stephanie Faucher books, and creator of his own "How to Draw" series, shared his drawing skills with Guam IRA members and school students in January 2007. He brought Stephanie with him to Guam. They had a little honeymoon after he finished with the school visits. Amy R. Lizama was the IRA President.
IRA Presents Certificates of Appreciation during Kick-off for Read-A-Thon
Pictured above: The International Reading Association, Guam Council awarded its sponsors with certificates of appreciation during the February Kick-off for Read-A-Thon 2009. From left, Elizabeth Hamilton, president of the Guam IRA, and Grace Griffin, president-elect, who presented certificates to Tom Maxedon, MCV; Jackie Marati, Bank of Guam; and Grace Garces, Continental Airlines.
IRA Co-Sponsors Annual Regional Language Arts Conference
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Pictured L-R: International Reading Association officers Elizabeth Hamilton, Sandy Liberty and Tina Buendicho; Dr. Catherine Stoicovy and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Language Arts Conference (LAC) Chairs. Not pictured is Dr. Clarisa Quan, LAC Chair.
The 20th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference was held last November 16 and 17, 2007 at the University of Guam and the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa. Its theme was “Enhancing Teacher Quality and Literacy in Multiple Ways.” The keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Underwood. The plenary speakers were Dr. John Sanchez and Dr. Chris Schreiner. The LAC was co-sponsored by the International Reading Association, Guam Council.
IRA Project: Advocacy of Literacy Issues
The Guam Council sponsors authors, illustrators, and renowned speakers to the island. These individuals are keynote speakers at our monthly meetings, schools, and public library. They also make a public service announcement at our local television station, KGTF – Channel 12. the entire island was privileged to have David Biedrzycki and Neal Shusterman make important educational announcements. Their announcements focused on the importance of reading as well as illustrating and are broadcasted perpetually on the local television station. The authors were also guests on the radio show K-57 “Chalk Talk,” which had a segment on education. Mr. Biedrzycki and Mr. Shusterman shared their passion of writing and the importance of imagination. Additionally, Mr. Shusterman was a special guest on the local news- KUAM. This is another avenue the Guam Council uses to advocate the importance of reading (videotape and cassette tape enclosed).
The broadcasting of the public service announcement perpetually, the community (especially students) is reminded of the authors, illustrators, or guest speakers’ message of the importance of reading. These individuals are envisioned by our students as celebrities, thus reading role models are created and literacy is promoted.
Author- Neal Shusterman live on K-57
in January 2006
Author/Illustrator- David Biedrzycki
Live on K-57 in October 2005
Filming a Public Service Announcement with Author Neal Shusterman on KGTF- Guam’s Local Public Television.
Filming a Public Service Announcement with David Biedrzycki
on KGTF- Guam’s Local Public Television.
The broadcasting of the public service announcement perpetually, the community (especially students) is reminded of the authors, illustrators, or guest speakers’ message of the importance of reading. These individuals are envisioned by our students as celebrities, thus reading role models are created and literacy is promoted.
Author- Neal Shusterman live on K-57
in January 2006
Author/Illustrator- David Biedrzycki
Live on K-57 in October 2005
Filming a Public Service Announcement with Author Neal Shusterman on KGTF- Guam’s Local Public Television.
Filming a Public Service Announcement with David Biedrzycki
on KGTF- Guam’s Local Public Television.
Y.A. Café Literacy Project Promotes Young Adult Literature
In the Y.A. Café, parents and teens are highly motivated in blending food, discussions, and literature. The dedication of IRA's Board Members allow the Y.A. Café to continue to be unique and ideal way to share young adult literature.
The Y.A. Café is similar to a three-course meal and the Guam Council board members are the wait staff ready to serve the meals and facilitate the book discussion. The courses are closely related to the book and theme. The first course is usually an appetizer, fresh fruit, bread, or soup. These are served along with the quote of the day, riddle, or rhyme. The main course, tuna sandwich, chicken, or beef, is served with a discussion on the selected young adult literature. Once the entrée is consumed, it’s onto the best course, the dessert which was a coconut pie, cake, or tart. It is during this course that the group decides on the next book to read and suggestions are written down by participants.
The increase in participants and book sales is evident that the Y.A. Café continues to be a very successful reading project in the community. Sam Choy’s Restaurant has decided to continue to assist by providing the facility and the three-course meals. Students have discussed pictures of Hollis Woods, So Far from the Bamboo Grove, Downsiders, Loser, and Everest. It is very exciting to be a part of this event, as it encourages young adults to be comfortable and enthusiastic in discussing the book’s theme, issues, and relevance to life. It is in the best interest of the Guam Council to continue to promote young adults to enjoy reading.
The Y.A. Café is similar to a three-course meal and the Guam Council board members are the wait staff ready to serve the meals and facilitate the book discussion. The courses are closely related to the book and theme. The first course is usually an appetizer, fresh fruit, bread, or soup. These are served along with the quote of the day, riddle, or rhyme. The main course, tuna sandwich, chicken, or beef, is served with a discussion on the selected young adult literature. Once the entrée is consumed, it’s onto the best course, the dessert which was a coconut pie, cake, or tart. It is during this course that the group decides on the next book to read and suggestions are written down by participants.
The increase in participants and book sales is evident that the Y.A. Café continues to be a very successful reading project in the community. Sam Choy’s Restaurant has decided to continue to assist by providing the facility and the three-course meals. Students have discussed pictures of Hollis Woods, So Far from the Bamboo Grove, Downsiders, Loser, and Everest. It is very exciting to be a part of this event, as it encourages young adults to be comfortable and enthusiastic in discussing the book’s theme, issues, and relevance to life. It is in the best interest of the Guam Council to continue to promote young adults to enjoy reading.
IRA Project: Newspaper in Education
The Guam Council purchased newspapers, which was delivered for sixteen weeks, went to two public schools. Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School and Simon Sanchez High School were awarded the newspapers because of their reading efforts in the council’s Read-A-Thon 2005: “Paws for Reading” literacy project. Both schools had the highest read-hours in their division.
Along with the newspapers, the curricula booklets assist and guide teachers in using the newspapers as an educational tool. The newspaper becomes a current resource and enhances learning.
Presenting Juan M. Elementary School teachers
with newspapers for their school.
Presenting Juan M. Elementary School teachers
with newspapers for their school.
Along with the newspapers, the curricula booklets assist and guide teachers in using the newspapers as an educational tool. The newspaper becomes a current resource and enhances learning.
Presenting Juan M. Elementary School teachers
with newspapers for their school.
Presenting Juan M. Elementary School teachers
with newspapers for their school.
The Guam Council – IRA Sponsors an Island-wide Read-A-Thon
Thousands of children from pre-school through high school are invited to participate in this week long event. Students who participate pledge to read and/or be read to for three hours (2nd grade and younger) and six hours (3rd to 12th grade) during this week. Parents, teachers, and other adults initial the number of hours read by each child on the pledge card provided by the local council.
