The Magnificent Five Celebration!

Celebration: St. Anthony Catholic School teachers and administrators celebrated the completion of their 5-day workshop titled, “Middle School Reading and Writing in the Content Areas” on October 4, 2008 at the Fiesta Resort and Spa’s World Café Restaurant.

Pictured front row L-R: Sr. Doris San Agustin,Principal; Sr. Concepta Meno, first grade teacher; Sr. Mary Rose Elliott, Curriculum Coordinator; and Dominic Gumataotao. Back row L-R: Maricon Reyes; Agnes Pocaigue; Josephine Catahay, St. Anthony Catholic School NCLB Representative; Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, instructor; Martha Castro; and Eileen Gofigan. Not pictured is Elizabeth San Nicolas, Vice- Principal.

The Magnificent Five!

Staff Development: St. Anthony Catholic School teachers completed a 5-day workshop titled, "Middle School Reading and Writing in the Content Areas" on September 24, 2008. Pictured front row L-R: Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, University of Guam instructor; and Josephine Catahay, St. Anthony Catholic School NCLB Representative. Back row L-R: Agnes Pocaigue, Martha Castro, Dominic Gumataotao, Maricon Reyes, and Eileen Gofigan.

Dear SACS Teachers,

You did it! You should be proud of your accomplishment! As the leaders of the group, be sure to share the knowledge that you've gained, so that your colleagues can continue to effectively use literacy strategies to integrate across the curriculum. Keep me posted, and continue to make a difference in the lives of your students!

All the best,

Dr. Rivera

OUR VERY LAST

Well as for today I'm very proud of myself for I'm one of the five who's to complete the five-session class that we have.I just couldn't believe this is already the last that we'll have.And I can still clearly recall the very first session that we have had.I can even remember where I was seated in this computer laboratory.To be honest,I was really overwhelmed for I was thinking of all those tasks that I have to do and the paper works that I have to turn in to comply to the course.But everything has passed by unnoticeable.How time flies!And it's already the last session.Eversince this class started,my Wednesday schedule hasn't been the same without attending the session every Wednesday afternoon.
But I guess everything has it's beginning and ending.As for this class it could have ended,but the learning continues.All the preparations for every lesson that I have had and all the activities that I have actively engaged in will all be put into good use.
All the learnings that I have will all be of big help in improving my instructional skills.Eventhough some of the topics touched and discussed have been part of my learnings way back in the Philippines,this class has even gave me a wider perspective of these topics and lessons
Thank you very much Dr. Rivera for being God's medium of enhancing our minds and hearts to be better teachers for our students and to be better person that we can become.
Ms. Catahay,I greatly appreciate your effort in putting up a class like this.
I'll gonna miss the session and I'll gonna miss each one of you,the laughters that we have shared as we learn these things.

So Long, Farewell, Adiue, Adios, Si Yu'os Maase, God bless!

Well, here we are, the last day of the course. How fast that time flies. This has been a very interesting course. Yes, from the start there was alot of stress and resentment (I know that this is a strong word), but I am so glad with myself in sticking it out, class became very enjoyable, with the modification to the class it made it easier for us who stayed to continue on and not worry about what needed to be submitted. The activities that were added are very interesting and some thought provoking. I see now that I can challenge myself more and my students without the worry of a burn out. In the small group activity, the webbing, it was fun and showed me how much I can work with other people, I am a person who does things on his own, but this one activity showed that I can expand my horizons to be open to new ideas. Its funny that I feel this is the end of a school year, even though that it is a one day a week class, there is a closeness made with the other classmates. This Class I will say is the first that I made it a point to be at, perfect attendance which is rare for me, but I did it. I have to admit that there was less preparation that I did but I felt that I did get more out of the class than what I expected.

My last quote is: "Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."
- John Quincy Adams

This quote has new meaning for me, at the very start I wanted to give up because of the demand of the class and then work. But, as I started telling myself that there is a benefit to be gained I decided that the best way to get it is keep coming to class and just be patient. Well, here it is, I made and I am HAPPY that I did. Thank you Dr. Rivera for your time and for sharing your knowledge. God bless you and take care.

Final Class-Adios

This class has been one of a rollercoaster ride, but managed to stay because I felt that I wanted to continue to improve professionally in my teachings for my students. I believe that I have participated fully and attended ALL sessions. This class has helped me in thinking further on how to improve in my teaching skills. It has been an active session in which we all participated and engaged in activities to help each other in understanding the skills.

I tried to use the webbing in my math class, not done yet. I will further use it in the second quarter. I think this technique will help my students understand the rules, skills, and operations in math. THank you Dr. Rivera.

I really enjoy the poem readings. Will use it in my math class as a break when I feel that the students are frustrated or overwhelmed with a particular math skill. It will help them relax and not be too tense with Math.

My quote: "The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion...it is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider-and progressively better able to grasp any theme or situation-who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree." Alexander Graham Bell

My interpretation on this quote is that one who has great Determination and Zest for success...accepts what end result will reflect on the result and try again and again until he/she feels that the end result is for the good of all and not just the few! For example in the classroom, one would feel that teaching all chapters in the book is teaching, but did it improve the good of all and not just the few!

Thank you Dr. Rivera. Come back again ok. Take care of yourself and BE HAPPY!

OUR VERY LAST

At the very beginning I was kind of worried and hessitated about attending this workshop because just reading the work required I said I don't know if I am able to handle the work but you know I thought about this and said to myself I really have to attend this workshop , because I owe this opportunity to myself and my students. What I learned here will be a gain in my teaching towards my student.Some of the information that you (Mrs.rivera) provided was very informative and I appreciated you taking time out to come to us and give a workshop on your specialty. You really inspired me to participate because of your commitment to us. This is very helpful to me because some of the activities that we have done are applicable to my planning. Please continue to go on and make a difference to us teachers. Thank you so very much.

Reflection-Last Session

Thanks for giving us the opportunity in sharing your knowledge and skills. I know I have a lot more to learn and this staff development is unique and definitely an added tool in teaching.

I was able to do an autobiography and reflecting on my language background it felt like part of my world of learning is envisioned in how I spoke the Chamorro language as a little girl and then given an American education. Now I know that it is a plus and not a blockage in learning.

Daily reflections provide an important assessment in what type of learning and comprehension gained from this and our activity on Abiyoyo was a excellent collaborative learning activity. I was really enthusiatic about that session. During the cloze activity, I was challenged and the brain that I don't think I had, expounded. The excitement in sharing my contribution, I was able to offer made some positive reinforcement as a content tool. That is so important for students to feel and this is very important to have as my students collaboratively contribute in their objectives and goals in the classroom.

My Quote: The great dividing line between success and failure can be expressed in five words: " I did not have time." -Franklin Field

What a coincidence that this is my last quote. In the beginning I felt that I do not have the time for this class and honestly I am really glad I stayed to the end because I might not have contributed a lot but I definitely learned more than I had before this staff development. Kudos to you Dr. Rivera. My appreciation to Mrs. Catahay as well!!

Making a Difference!

Image source: www.macrovisionassociates.com/volunteer.htm

Dear SACS Teachers,

KUDOS to all of you for hanging in there until the end! It has been a pleasure training all of you. I'm happy that you've gained much knowledge on literacy strategies that you can use to integrate across the curriculum. I encourage you to apply what you've learned, and keep up the noble profession of making a difference! I wish you all the best, and keep in touch!

Warm regards,
Dr. Rivera

"You are the only who can use your ability. It is an awesome responsibility." By Zig Ziglar
a gift given and its our own responsibiliy to use it to the fullest. Don't just wait, use it and do the best you can. I would like to use this information given today to see where and what areas that I can make some adjustments or applied to my lesson in the ESL classroom.
Thank you Mrs.Rivera for the explanation that you have provided today.

SUCCESS

" Failure is success if we learn from it."I definitely agree with this quote.As for my personal and professional life,I have encountered hardships which in a way gives me the feeling of failure.But with enough time to think about everything that happened,I find comfort in the wisdom I get from this failures.And I think what's the most important of all is after the storm of failures in one's life is a bright-colored rainbow of wisdom that will equipped you with strength and confidence to face life cheerfully.
As for the session,I find the topic interesting for it refreshes the learning I have had in the Philippines,which I think is to be of great help again in my teaching strategies.
Just one more session on our way,but I will definitely say that for me it had been a SUCCESS!

Where are you??????? part 2

Thanks for showing up everyone, I thought I would be the only one here. Well, we got tested and I found that I need to focus a little more to information given in readings. It was a fun class and and time is coming to its end, but before it does I am going to make the most of it.

"Health, happiness and success depend upon the fighting spirit of each person. The big this is not what happens to us in life - but what we do about what happens to us." - George Allen

Be safe all and see you next week......

cant believe I will be 41......

LET'S CLOZE NOW!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Dr. Rivera,

Learned some new concept today, however, I think I am doing this in my teaching but different terms! Efferent and aesthetic should work hand in hand depending on the goal that is stated.

The Cloze test is interesting. This could be frustrating for an individual who is frustrated and just seeing 'words". They may freak out and quit. The trick is to understand what is going on in the paragraphs looking at clue words to help determine the "Blanks"!

My quote for the day: "Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." Conrad Hilton
Success and achievement ....ACTION....one needs to "DO..put into action" and not just words. If one fails or make mistakes, one should not QUIT... KEEP going and something will be better from learning from our MISTAKES!!!!!!

Thank you for this session. Have a great evening.

Learning and loving it!

My quote interpretation: Don't tackle things in leaps or shoulder more than you can handle in order to succeed. Just take your time and plan well.

The class today was wonderful. I really did learn transactional theory and the difference between efference and aesthetic. There is a great interation with the cloze practice and it is good that we do this practice and the cloze score is so interesting. The session is just as much important to me as a teacher but also to know that I need more resources and preparation as a student.

Thanks again and we'll see you next Wednesday. Love and God Bless.

Where are you???????

Well, for the first time in my life I was the first one to class, I am usually the last to walk in for trainings. Miracles do happen. Well, I am ready for the start of this session and looking forward to what our teacher has prepared for us. One class time to go, how fast time goes by when having fun. Here we go............................................

Thank you for allowing me to enjoy and learn in this class.Honestly it was and "if"whether to continue or not.But my gut feeling is to on go this journey. You made it happen for me . Please continue educating future teachers of our island.

The book "Abiyoyo" is a wonderful book to read. I would like to share it with my students, right now just sharing the title gives them the drve to hear.

Thank you Mrs M. Rivera. A job well d

I LOVE IT !!!

Well for today I find everything very light.I love the activity where I can freely express myself,the personal side of me ( I really love artworks ) and the professional side of me where I can freely share what I know as an English teacher.With the kind of activity provided and the handouts given,I have absorbed it much better today comparedwith the other sessions.And I am pretty much sure this new ideas for teaching strategies will be great.A big help to me in teaching my subjects.
I feel much relax now.I have enjoyed the learning atmosphere we have today.It was great!

Third session- WoW!

My quote for today: Successful people use their talents and resources and the opportunity to reach your goal is just to utlilze what you have.

The session today is great and I think that it is so neat to work together and come out with bundles of enhanced learning strategies. I thank Dr. Rivera and Mrs. Catahay for allowing me in this wonderful workshop. Abiyoyo! Abiyoyo! Abiyoyo!

In preparing my autobiography, I realized just how much we need to retain our language and enhance learning for social development. I love this class! Thanks for the opportunity.

Fun, Fun, Fun

I really enjoyed todays class. The hands on training and activity was great and helped free my mind from alot of cobwebs. The activities helped me travel outside the box and to clear out my tunnel vission. I want to say to my classmates in this, GREAT JOB!
There is some sadness though, I wish that the rest would have stuck it out. I am very thankful that Dr. Rivera and Mrs. Catahay have been so flexible, and this training that we have just completed does not feel like a class where things are required and burdensome, I feel so relieved and more willing to be a participant. I cant wait to see what is planned for the next meeting.
Thank you again Dr. Rivera and Mrs. Catahay..... wheres the party?

WEBBING DAY!!

Today's session was an interesting and educational one! It gave me many ideas on how I can make my math classes more interesting and beneficial for my students! Math can be a difficult class for most students and the webbing can alleviate their stress and anxiety. My students can be more involved in learning the skill and reinforce vocabularies, mathematical properties, rules, etc. Thanks Dr. Rivera for your help! I am looking forward to implement this style in my math class. Thanks for modifying the class sessions....it has become more of a time to assist me in my classroom.

My quotation for today is one that relates to me in every way. "Success is not a destination, it's a journey." How one gets to Success matters alot. Success to many people differs and one has to decide what steps to take to gain their success. The journey or the road we travel on tells what kind of a person you are...values, morals, and what matters to a person is important. I always ask myself when making a decision: "Will I be happy with my decision?" "Will it make me a better person and others that I encounter?" So, the road we take is important towards our success because there is no turning back the clock!

Have a great evening and once again THANK YOU!

Unique

My quote means to be unique. Thanks.

uncovering

yygarsota


today was awesome because i learned so much... unexpectedly.... a lot...





As we go through life with things that we don't want , we discover the hidden beauty... we uncover the beauty of things amidst their ugliness... why??? that's why we continue living... and loving life... and continue to live on...





thanks for this chance of growth...

my welcome to the club

well, i'd have to say it was fun but i'd have to admit i am a bit exhausted. my quote of "impossible is word found only in the dictionary of fools" anything is possible if you will it. a fool will always find himself at a stop and then find himself giving up.

"Clueless"

"Wondering-what-I-am-doing-here-and-still-trying-to-figure-out-what-my-heart-is-telling-me-about-this-whole-training-thing" is exactly how I am feeling right now. In all honesty, I came in this afternoon not ready to participate. Probably because my head and my heart is not as open as it supposed to be. Even before the training afternoon started I have already filled my being with negativity and it actually shows. I am a pretty transparent person and it doesn't take much for someone to notice even if I don't say or do anything.

Realizing now that this is what made my afternoon not as productive as it should be, I have to create a desire to be more participative and open than being a "bull headed" individual.

still searching

My Dear friend
I am still a little confused here, but every time i show up at the meeting i learned something new. But the only thing i really like about his is we get talk to each other.

Katherine Hepburn

"If you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move." Katherine Hepburn

How can we do anything or accomplish much if we don't motivate ourselves or to do it? As humans we constantly blame others or put responibility on others for our lack of doing it ourselves or blaming ourselves for our mistakes or our forbearings. This quote puts everything in perspective, because if we don't "paddle" our canoe which is ourselves, then we will never get anywhere! Motivation is the key to our success, we have to want it bad enough to be able to reach our goal or to be able to get it. And along the way we will always stumble and fall, but the greatest things that we want in our life are always the hardest to attain.

In ending, I could go on and on about our success and our failures, but in the end it is us or ourselves who need to paddle along to move!!!

Have a nice day.

I'm trying to remember this course from one time back. I'm just kind of slow now but eventually I will get back on track. I guess that if we just listen and cooperate things will fall in place.

quote for today: "Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf."
be quiet and listen. -Native -American Proverb

thank you and I hope that I can do my best because.I need it for my growth.

overwhelmed

Reflection on today's session: Three assignments: an activity on Abiyoyo, an autobiography, and a multicultural book reflection. Wish me luck and I am sure I will come up with something. Lots of learning and doing but in the end I am sure that this is quite a profitable venture.

My quote for today is that the imagination can create or build an awesome picture just by steady thoughts, hands and ideas put together.

WOWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Dr. Rivera!

Please forgive us for seeming unenthused about this class. WE ARE JUST TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure that if we had more time, i think this would really benefit us here at SACS.

I am curious about the multicultural literatures and how to analyze them. MORE TIME maybe! Thank you for adjusting assignments.

EILEEN

hARDWORK IS THE KEY

My reflection for this afternoon is based on the quote that i got.According to Thomas Alva Edison, " There is no substitute for hard work." Upon reading it, mixed thoughts of all the lesson plans need to be done,the grades need to be computed and the other preparations for the day to day teaching come to me and its really overwhelming.In addition to these workload are the things that we have to turn in by next week for the session.Oh! It's really a lot,but come to think of it just as the quote says,no substitute for hardwork.In everything we do,it's just hard work that will help us through and brings us the sweetest fruits of success.
And I guess how we look at things is what matter, if we view something as a burden,the same feeling goes with it.But if we take things lightly,the exact feelings of lightness is with us.
Now,hardwork is what I need combined with the positive outlook at things that come my way.With this,everything would be fine!!!

Mixed Feelings

Well, what can one say. Feelings were exposed and frustration aired out. Yes, there is alot required but it will be up to you to let it make you or break you. I am willing to try and make the most of it as long as I have the support of my colleagues and instructor. There is only three class meetings to go and we have come this far, lets not jump ship.

I am a bit excited to work with my group and make our project a reality. I am no expert in comps, but I will do my best to get my group to shine.

And yes, I am still hungry, where is the food? Fiesta anyone?

"Abook is like a garden carried in the pocket." -Chinese Proverb

reflection

Right now... I am very tired, at the same time overwhelmed. I'm enrolled in some graduate courses at UOG and I am trying to finish two 2-page paperwork, both due on Saturday. I know I'll be fine (positive thinking!)

REFLECTION

Dear Friend,

I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING HERE....!!!!????
PLEASE HELP ME GET THROUGH THIS!!!

Reflection

The session that we have had this afternoon has given me feelings of excitement for I am looking forward to the new things that I'll learn with the other upcoming sessions.I am quite excited to learning new strategies that I know for sure will help me in my teaching.

welcome to the club

Gee,I can't believe this! This is going to be interesting a former teacher now a student. It's my turn to goof off! Just kidding. Just bear with me cause I'm not as young as before. My mental thinking is rusty . Help and modify my work.I'm an ESl student.

Patient is a virtue

Hafa adai para i maestra!
If anything I want to thank you for being patient with me. I sure hope you will be able to teach this old foggy the ultimate learning of technology as well as tools to become resourceful instuctor this year. We might not get it right away but if we do have you as our leader, we will be on our way to the 21st century. I am 62 and been teaching at SACS for 16 years doing yearbook and basic keyboarding class. There is so much to learn and so little time. Amen. Esta later

Here we go....

Here we go again, more training and for another 5 weeks. This seems that it will be fun (though long). Welcome aboard to Dr. Rivera, though the syllabus seems that alot of work will be asked of us as a class, I know that it will benefit us in the long run. My dear classmates on this, make sure that your Wednesdays are free for the time of classes, and dont forget the food... After a long day, we will all get hungry. Fiesta anyone?

Reflection August 27

We discussed about the literacy skills through meaningful, constructive engangements in reading and writing. We talked about the requirements that we need to accomplish for the training. A lot of work to do ! but i know we can do it, we do it slowly but surely.

Reflection -Rivera's Class August 27,2008

Well, we have the preliminary session for the training -Reading and Writing in the Content Areas. I feel overwhelmed after a full day class. However, I am opening myself to something informational and hopefully benificial for myself and my students.

first day high

This is one of the afternoons I look forward to because I am looking at learning about teaching strategies for reading and writing. As we went through the syllabus, there was an awkward feeling that engulfed me.... will I make it through this workshop??, will I have enough time to do all the suggested activities?? will everything be worth my while??? just asking anyway...

I promise to put my heart into this and try my hardest to cope with the work and hit the target.
GOOD LUCK TO ME...

Middle School Reading & Writing in the Content Area

Right now I have a boil in which case my attention is focused there. I am probably overwhelmed by all the things that we need to do, aside from that my baby boy is running a fever of 102 degrees. I really need to get my boil asperated by Dr. Carlos soon. Also, since this course in running for almost 5 Wednesdays, my beautiful wife is nearing her term and will probably delivery a healthy baby. So if I missed any training day, I hope that won't be counted against me, as well as all other SACS activities that we are currently preparing for including Mercy Day, Christmas Play.

First session

First of all, I would like to welcome Dr. Rivera to SACS! Thank you for coming to SACS to assist these wonderful teachers in developing ourselves in our Profession. WOW! Everything sounds so overwhelming, but I am sure that we will be ok! I am trying to figure out how I can use these sessions in my Math class. I am sure that I will figure it out. HELP US GET THROUGH THESE SESSIONS!

Mddle School Reading and Writing in the Content Areas

August 27, 2008

Woah!!! My first impression of the training course being offered for 6 Wednesdays. It is not always like this for me. What probably makes this somewhat a big piece of meat to chew and swallow right now is the fact that I am thinking of my son who is still recovering from pneumonia. I take on challenges quite openly as they come and this is going to be one of those great ones. I can see that this could be quite overwhelming, but with the clear assurance of our administration and our training instructor, not to mention my great co-workers, I believe that everything will be an exciting experience.