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Aug. 31, 2009
No Better Time
There is no better time to homeschool on Guam than now. All you have to do is pick up a copy of Guam's daily newspaper the Pacific Daily News and you will read another story on what is happening with public schools on Guam.
Last week 33 schools were shut down for two days because of an issue with food services for the cafeterias. With no food being served, the children could not attend. After all (according to the news) the meals these children get at a school may be the only meals they get! I find that very incomprehensible to understand. Back when I went to school, we didn't even have cafeterias. We had lunchrooms....places where children could eat the lunches brought from home. No food was served. It never occurred to me until arriving on Guam that schools would or could provide lunch for the children. But apparently this has been a practice in place for years.
After researching I found that the US does have a National Lunch program for schools. A federally funded program. So why is it that Guam can't manage to feed the kids? It is all about procurement procedures. The AG's office decided last week that the procurement for the caterers for the lunch program was not done "correctly". As a result schools were shut down until the Governor could declare a "state of emergency" and award the contract to the existing company for 30 days until new bids could be submitted. I predict that the current company will win the bid in the end. So why all the fuss?
Bottom line for me is - I'm so glad I homeschool. My kids do not have to wonder where their meals come from. I will provide them. As a parent on Guam, if my kids were in public school I would pull them out. You see, once the food issue is solved, that does not solve the other issues. Next week it could be the power or the water. Then there are shortfalls of teachers. The list goes on and on.
If you care about your child's education, take charge of it. Homeschool them. If you need help, come check out our new Homeschool Resource Center for tips, ideas, and encouragement. Your children are worth it. |
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Aug. 24, 2009
The Guam Homeschool Resource Center
My husband, Les, and I have decided to start a new venture on Guam. The Guam Homeschool Resource Center. We plan to operate as an independent resource center for homeschoolers on Guam.
Over the years I have found myself to be on the frontlines when it comes to newcomers arriving on Guam and wanting to know about homeschooling on our beautiful island. Part of it is due to this blog and others that I have. I've also been active in the Guam Homeschool Association as leader (two different occasions), newsletter editor, resource box person, and webmistress. As a result I have in depth knowledge on the ins and outs of homeschooling on Guam.
Our Resource center will be a place where new families can come and ask questions about homeschooling on Guam. I will have magazines, catalogs and sample curricula to share so that families can have an idea what is out there. We also have Wi Fi access and computer stations for families to use to look up resources.
I'm excited about this new venture and hope that we can provide homeschoolers on Guam a safe haven for exploring this new educational alternative.
Check out our website: http://www.guamhomeschool.com |
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Aug. 4, 2009
A New Homeschool Year Begins Again
Well, it's been a while and I apologize for not keeping the Homeschool Nation up to date on what is happening on Guam in the homeschooling world. First I want to assure you that homeschooling on Guam is alive and well, thriving in fact. This year has seen a surge of new homeschoolers taking the plunge in an attempt to take control of their children's education. Our public school system continues to have issues with over crowding, poorly constructed classrooms (several schools last year were temporarily shut down to correct some of these errors) and lack of buildings. Two high schools had to share a campus when one school's facilities were condemned and deemed unfit to house students. When these things are happening in the public schools, then homeschooling begins to look better and better. I know that I thanked God daily that I didn't have to worry about where my children would be attending school this past year!
The Guam Homeschool Association will be going through some changes this year as our leader of the past 3 years has decided to step down. We are in the process of finding just the right person (or persons) to take over that leadership role. Several years ago I held this position and it can be a daunting task to try to lead such a diversified group. But I believe with a lot of cooperation amongst parents that GHSA will be able to grow and prosper and continue to fulfill its mandate of offering support to all homeschooling families on Guam.
Some events that will be coming up include:
1. Our Annual Labor Day Picnic - this is a great time to meet new families and touch bases with old. Our tentative location for the picnic will be Asan Beach Park, on Saturday, Sept. 5th. Set up is usually sometime around 9am, with the official start time being an hour later. This can be an all day event if the weather is good.
2. Academic Challenge Bowl - already we are recruiting middle and high school students to represent homeschoolers in this fast-paced half-hour quiz where teams of students from both public and private middle and high schools compete against each other. Students answer a variety of questions pertaining to science, history, current events, math, spelling and history. If you have a student in middle or high school that would be interested please let me know!
3. Field Trips - Every year we try to do at least one field trip a month. You can access our group website to see what the is the monthly field trip at http://www.tumon.com/ghsa (hopefully I'll be able to keep this better updated this year!
4. Art Classes - We are hoping to have monthly art classes available this year. Again, check the website for this.
5. Mom's Night Out - Our first mom's night out will be this Thursday (August 6th) at 6pm at the Top o' the Mar in Nimitz Hill. This is a time for new and old homeschooling moms to get together and share their concerns or offer advice to help your homeschooling journey be a sucsess. I for one am looking forward to the good food and fellowship offered at these events.
6. P.E. activities - ongoing are tennis lessons at Agana Tennis Courts, weekly Jump Rope classes at Asan Community Center, and Swimming lessons at Agana Swimming Pool. Other options for P.E. include gymnastic classes, local village soccer teams, the Mustard Seed Basketball classes and numerous martial arts or dancing classes.
These are just a few of the many activities the GHSA hopes to offer in the coming school year.
Here's to another great year! |
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Nov. 4, 2008
Current Events: An Opportunity for Homeschool Learning
In my family, current events are discussed daily. There is a lot going on, and today is election day in the USA. This is truly a historic time, and many years from now, history books will have a chapter about October of 2008.
The economic turmoil, the global nature of both the problem and of the eventual solutions, make these interesting times indeed. My children have learned a lot about macro- and microeconomics, government and political science in the last month. It helps that I am taking courses as I work toward a degree in Business Administration through Columbia Southern University. I am taking these courses online, and it is not easy. To get a grade, I have to read, understand and reiterate what I learned in dozens of essays. This ensures that I know the stuff and know how to apply it. So I have the opportunity to view the events of this month and last month through the eyes of a student. I just finished Introduction to Political Science. What could be better?
Today is the day that we get to see who the good people of the USA elect for president. You see, we do not get to vote for our president. This really rankles some of us here on Guam. "Are we not American enough?" they ask. Guam does not get a single electoral vote. So we watch instead of participate.
This is the time to teach your kids about the electoral college and why it is such a genius part of the Constitution. Teach them to be thankful that you can vote if you live in the States.
The electoral college allows smaller states to have a say in who is the president. If the president was elected by popular vote, a few large cities would decide the issue for the rest of us.
Guam:
1 Member of Congress, and that representative gets no vote
0 Electoral votes, citizens cannot vote for President.
The Democratic Party allowed Guam to take part in deciding who would be the Democratic Nominee. I think the 2008 election was the first time this happened, but I'm not sure.
Guam has the highest per capita involvement in the US Armed Forces and consequently, the highest per capita combat casualties. In addition, Guam's natives suffered under foreign occuaption, the only US citizens to do so. It is arguably the most patriotic of all places in the US.
The taxes we pay do not go to the Federal Government. It all stays here. But there are other factors unique to Guam that make this a sensible arrangement, so we need not feel like the "black sheep" territory of the US. What are some of the reasons the people of Guam should not feel like they are, as one Congressman put it, enjoying "representation without taxation"? (This comment is in Congress' minutes. Ms. Bordallo, our Rep., asked for an electoral vote for Guam. I found it with Google.)
These facts should be used for a family discussion of the whats and whys of Guam's relationship with the US Government. I am not going to provide all the answers; there are many differing opinions. But people who live here should at least try to understand the historical and cultural context of Guam and its place in the United States. |
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Oct. 23, 2008
It's time again for Chamorro Day
Tomorrow begins GHSA's fourth Annual Chamorro Cultural Awareness Day. Four years ago, the Guam homeschooler's leadership decided to host a special day to share Guam's unique heritage with the homeschooling families on Guam, many of which are here only for a few years while serving a tour of duty in the miltiary. Our first "Chamorro Day" was such a success that the tradition has become an annual event.
Here is an outline of this year's events:
4th ANNUAL CHAMORRO CULTURAL AWARENESS DAY
Friday, October 24th 9am to 3pm
Yigo Baptist Church
9:00 – 9:10 Introduction by Emcee Fredalynn Mortera Hecita
9:10 – 9:30 Mr. Frank Cruz, TASI – Traditional Navigation and Seafaring
9:30 – 9:45 Dancel Narcis – Fishing Net (Talaya)
9:45 – 10:05 Johnnycake “Mattingan” Siguenza – Ancient Chamorro History and Artifacts
10:05 – 10:55 Francisca Q. Franquez and Lourdes Leon Guerrero, Educators – Growing Up On Guam
10:55-11:15 Cheryl Calaustro, Wildlife Biologist, Dept. of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife
(Live Animals: Fruit Bat-Fanihi, Guam Rail-Ko’ku, Monitor Lizard-Hilitai, Snake-Kolepbla)
11:15 – 11:30 Mr. Theodore M. Iyechad, Extension Agent IV & 4H HFN Program Leader
Mr. Clifford I. Kyota, Extension Associate
11:30-12:30 Lunch
12:45 – 3:00 Demonstrations and Displays
Activities
- Coconut Crab Catching
- Coconut Husking and Grating Demonstrations
- Coconut Leaf Weaving Demonstrations
- Food Demonstrations – Coconut Candy, Fina’denne’ , Kelaguen, Red Rice
- Talaya Throwing Demonstrations
- Arts & Crafts Tables –(Shell Craft), (Salt Dough-Guam Map)
Display Tables
- Achiote Display
- Chamorro Jewelry
- Clothing Display
- Coconut Display (uses of)
- Fruits, Vegetables, Leaves
- Guam History books, DVDs and videos
- Ifit Display
- Posters
It looks like it will be a jammed pack day! |
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Sep. 2, 2008
Guam's Law
It's time for another school year, so with that in mind it's time to refresh our minds on what the law is on Guam for homeschoolers. Guam has one of the easiest home school laws. It is known as an "equivalency" law, because you, as the teacher, are supposed to teach your children the "equivalent" of what is learned in the public schools. Theoretically.
Here is what the law says:
The Guam Law
17 GCA Chapter 6, Section 6109
"Children not attending a private full-time school and who are being instructed in study and recitation for at least (3) hours a day for one hundred seventy (170) days each calendar year by a private tutor or other person, in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of this Territory and in the English language, shall be exempted from attending the public school."
So what does this mean in simple English? Basically it is saying that you should do at least 3 hours of school each "school" day and that you should be teaching your children for 170 days per year. With 365 days in a school year that gives you over half the year off!
And what should you be teaching? The several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools of Guam. Broken down, that would include Math, Language Arts (this covers reading, writing, spelling, grammar), Social Studies (History and Geography), and Science (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics). In high school you are also required to teach Guam History and Chamorro Language.
However, there is no reporting to any local agency, nor is there any testing required. The Guam Home School Association - a support group for local homeschoolers - encourages parents to take part in yearly testing at local private schools that offer this service, but it is not mandatory.
Some notes of concern for high school. If you decide to homeschool your high school student you will not be allowed to return him/her to the public system if you decide that homeschooling isn't working for you. At least not without a hassle. It is current Guam School System's policy that no credit for any high school courses completed at home will be granted any credit by GSS This would mean, for example, that if your child completes ninth grade at home, they can not enroll in a GSS public high school as a 10th grader but will still be considered 9th grade. It is also GSS policy that homeschoolers are not entitled to any benefits or services, including sports teams, provided by GSS. So to homeschool through high school on Guam takes prayer and commitment!
The Guam Home School Association has so many wonderful activities to keep your children occupied during the school year. Field trips. special events, annual picnic, clubs, classes, etc. that there is no issue with socialization! If you homeschool on Guam it is highly recommended that you plug into this great resource. Contact Liz Perez at jalperez@guam.net for more information. |
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Jul. 30, 2008
Liberation Day
Greetings from Guam!
We just celebrated Liberation Day. Liberation is a unique holiday. As far as I know, Guam is the only place in the US that was ever occupied by foreign armies. On July 21, 1945, the American Armed Forces arrived and liberated the island by force. A heavy bombardment preceded the amphibious landing.
The Chamorro people were liberated from Japanese occupation. The occupation was brutal for the people of Guam. Many survivors have told their stories so I won't recount them here. It was a war zone and their captors were notoriously brutal. The Chamorro people deserve a celebration of remembrance for their bravery, their suffering and their support for the US troops. The American Armed Forces are the heroes, as well. Many good boys died to get Guam out of slavery.
We have a parade along Marine Corps Drive, our main drag. At this time, I and my family rent a little house on the beach. It is also fronted by the main road, the parade route. Our parade is quaint and not so great as American parades go, but it is the biggest American parade for thousands of miles. Anyway, the parade is not the point. The point is hard to nail down, but it's strong.
To me, it is a big deal. The events of the war in many ways define our reality. The Liberation Day celebration on Guam is to many people the biggest day of the year. It is uniquely Guamanian and uniquely American. It's amazing to be part of it.
My friend Jason stood on the side of the road and said Thank You to all the soldiers and sailors. One lady mentioned to me how surprised she was to see such a strong military presence in a parade. It's been years since I saw a Stateside parade, so I don't remember how commercial she said they were.
My children watched Jason thank the soldiers. I lectured to anyone who would listen about occupation and liberation. It was a good day of school.
On the same day, the people of the United States heard about the crash of the bomber just off the coast of Guam. The bomber was on its way to fly over the Liberation Day parade, but crashed at sea.
We offer our condolences and prayers to all the families. Today we heard that there were no survivors.
A sobering Liberation Day. We enjoy our freedoms because of those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for America. |
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Jun. 29, 2008
Are you Socialized?
We all hear it at some point in our home schooling career--What about socialization?
And I think we all have a response to it. My usual comeback is, "Are you talking about character development?"
This is funny because it makes them think about what they are asking. Most who are blatant enough to confront you on the issue of "how your kids will be able to cope in real-life situations if you home school them" are the same who are blatant about knowing nothing about what they are asking. So when I ask if they mean character development, they stop to think. Maybe for the first time.
Then they have to think about:
-what is character development?
-where should it take place?
-who should be responsible for guiding young people?
-what do I mean by socialization?
-what kind of answer did I think I was going to get with such a question?
Then they realize they just asked an expert about something, which is fine, except they just also assumed the expert knew nothing, which is absurd.
So here is something to add to my favorite retort. A psychology textbook's definition of socialization:
the process by which children learn the behaviors and attitudes appropriate to their family and their culture. (Morris and Maisto, 2008, p.326)
The context of the quote is the conflict that occurs when children strive for autonomy and parents exert control. Finding the balance is difficult for both children and parents.
It is interesting to note that both the context and the definition have nothing to do with the contrived and artificial culture of a school setting.
The context and content of the paragraph cited and, indeed, the entire chapter on Social Development both refer to a family situation and both recognize the family as the source of character development and growth.
A couple of thoughts-
Coping skills: I remember someone asked me about what my kids would do for coping skills. I thought about my coping strategies in high school: drug use and conformity to peer norms. Not desirable.
Bullies: I found there are not many bullies that survive into real life, as in the workplace. One time I saw one. I was finishing a small contract for the BC Forest Service. We had done a good job if mopping up a slash burn. The guy who awarded the contract was the same guy who checked the work. Satisfied, he told us to pick up a check the next day at the Forestry Office.
I was surprised, so I said, with enthusiasm, "Oh, great! That's fast."
A rough-looking guy was standing close by with his friends, part of a larger crew. He mocked me with an effeminate voice. I looked at him and said, "Ooh, a high school bully." The Forestry manager laughed and drove away. Then we all laughed. He just didn't know what to make of it.
Outside of junior high school, they lose their power and it turns out that the school culture is a dream world. I felt sorry for the out-dated bully. He invested his entire childhood in an identity that had no future. He's sure not scary anymore.
Saving your kids from bullies or from being bullies is saving them from wasting precious years learning how to cope in an unreal and irrelevant culture.
Keep them home and have a great summer.
LES
Reference: Charles G. Morris, Albert A. Maisto (2008). Eighth Edition Understanding Psychology. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc. |
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Jun. 26, 2008
Summertime is Here!
Now it is summer. Of course in our house the learning just keeps on going. Steph stays up past midnight working on her writing. Do you do "summer"?
I just wanted to share a couple of things since there is not much happening in the area of formal homeschool activities on Guam.
My son Kevin called yesterday. He wanted to let me know he was doing training exercises (He is with the USAF) at the place where the Hindenburg crashed. He keeps his eye out for historical stuff to enjoy and to report to me. When he first graduated basic training, he went to the Alamo, where several people shook his hand and thanked him for his service. I got a bit misty at hearing that.
So there he is at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, as it was called then in 1937, soaking in the history, and he thought of his dad. I have to say at this time that I feel I shot my first arrow straight and true.
Kev is my oldest, and of course we admit he was a bit of an experimental project. We were in our young '20s when he was born. There are times when Colleen and I wonder if we were bad parents. How do you know? When do you know; at what time do you look at your kids and declare success?
Psalm 127 likens children to arrows. I really like this. My job as a dad is to take that arrow and shoot it straight and true to the bullseye of God's plan for his life. From the moment I let go, it's up to him, but the momentum I provided with my bow and careful aim will have a great deal of influence on where he goes.
God is good; I see it in my little kids and I see it in a simple phone call from a mature young man who wants to let me know he is at an historical site. He also reminded me that when business is good (I told him we were very busy this month), that we should treat it like a harvest and save for the lean months. This is good advice and we appreciate it because it is not disrespectful. He knows I have many mouths to feed and sometimes forget to look at the big picture.
He also asks for advice and listens well. Honor your father and mother. This instruction does not have a time limit. I am very happy that he is doing so well on his own but still values our input.
*****
Father's Day was good, but I am so blessed--every day is Father's day for me. Cassie snuggles up to me and says, "I love you Dad-dee." She does this all the time.
So you know times are tough, right? I work all the time and come home to the bird nest-- you know, the baby birds are in the nest with mouths wide open. Can you picture it? Arrayed in a circle, the open mouths is all daddy bird can see. Every resource I manage to bring home is gobbled and they ask for more--mouths wide again.
Kids eat and then they want new shoes! And a new video game! And clothes! And then they want to eat again. Didn't I just feed you?
Psalm 127 says blessed is the man whose quiver is full of these arrows. I picture a warrior facing an enemy onslaught. A huge scary enemy soldier is bearing down on me. I reach to my quiver and pull out an arrow. What if I didn't have any? I could drive a nicer car and have more money. A great house. But no arrow when I need it the most.
The picture of the warrior with the arrow is the picture of victory and success. All the things I could have had if I didn't have children to gobble all my hard-earned resources would be hollow and empty if not for my children and my wife. Children are an asset, not a liability.
There's my Father's Day thoughts. |
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May. 30, 2008
Curriculum Swap
The Annual Curriculum Fair was OK. It seems that each year families are more and more busy and have less time for events like this, so Colleen decided to set up a system for us to have a year-round curriculum and materials exchange.
She sent out invitations to several families and many have responded enthusiastically. Already there are several offers and requests on the table.
It is an email group, so you get the offers and requests via email. If you are on Guam and you are interested in joining, please email Colleen.
tropicalmom44@gmail.com
It seems with the fuel prices fiasco that families are looking for ways to be even more frugal. This is a good way to turn your redundant home school materials into usable materials and help another family do the same. So let's get involved.
*****
Memorial Day. Someone told me, "Happy Memorial Day." A pleasant sentiment, but I secretly wondered if "Have a somber Memorial Day" might be more appropriate.
I had to work the entire weekend, but on Thursday and Friday, I took my small children on a field trip to a couple of War in the Pacific National Parks. We strolled the beautiful tropical beaches where 63 years ago the water ran red. They discussed the war and how we are now friendly with the Japanese. Cassie pointed out that much of my business is with Japanese tourists.
What is the lesson? I don't know. I just know that when necessary, the young men and women of America stand up and do what needs to be done. I am very proud of that tradition, no matter how unpalatable it is. Memorial Day is often seen as a day off to relax and party. I personally take it as an opportunity to reflect and honor the fallen. Our current freedoms were bought for a great price.
That is always worth remembering.
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May. 13, 2008
Fieldtrip: Department of Agriculture, May 14
From our Coordinator, Liz Perez:
Hi families:
We are all invited to the Dept. of Agriculture's Annual May Harvest Fest this Wednesday, May 14th, from 10am to 2pm. The schedule for the day is:
10am Proclamation Signing with the Governor and Senators
Walk around tours (AmeriCorps volunteers will be stationed at the various sites of the organic farm)
12noon Lunch
Walk around tours after lunch
2pm End of event
The Guam Community College Culinary School will be preparing lunch for everyone.
At this event, we can learn more about organic farming and enjoy a FREE lunch. Everyone will have an opportunity to take some seedlings home. Please be considerate for others.
Also, at some of our field trips and past GHSA events, we have had trouble with parents not minding their children. If your child is unable to behave or if you are unable to keep after them, please DO NOT bring them. Last year, some kids were picking leaves off the plants and rightly so, some of the workers were none too happy about this. Please keep in mind that we are afforded such great opportunities by DOA and we are viewed as a group, not as individuals. Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.
GHSA has established a very good relationship with DOA administrators and staff and I would like it to remain this way. DOA provides excellent field trips and educational opportunities. I look forward to seeing some of you on Wednesday!
Ms. Perez, thank you for that information.
*****
I attended a field trip to the organic farm at Dept. of Agriculture. I was impressed at how non-boring it was. The tour guide explained about organic farming and how involved the process is to keep chemicals out of the farm. Farm workers cannot even smoke cigarettes.
We took some lemon grass home and it grew into a nice thick clump which, besides being useful for recipes, also made tasty tea.
I remember some people were too hot, so please bring hats, sunscreen and bottles of water. Some little kids whined because it was hard for them to appreciate the importance of organic farming. This is something to keep in mind when planning your field trip.
The DOA organic farm is a good project that does not seem to get much press. Maybe because it is good; most news seems to be about bad stuff. They let Dept of Corrections prisoners work in the farm. This allows them some freedom, something to do besides sit around, and it is an opportunity to learn skills for the prisoners who participate. In addition, the DOC clients get to eat the food. This saves the government money and an additional benefit is they get to eat organic. I wish more things made as much sense as this!
I hope I can get there before it is over. I have never met our Governor.
*****
One thing I like about living on Guam is that you are close to everyone. I have met the following governors:
Governor Manuel Leon Guerrero, who helped Guam recover from Typhoon Karen in the '60's. He was not governor at the time of the typhoon, but the governor was on a world tour and Guerrero was left in charge. Manny Guerrero was appointed governor by President Kennedy in 1963 because of his competence and dedication in helping the island recover from the devastation of the typhoon. I helped him campaign against Ricardo Bordallo in 1974, and talked to him several times during the campaign.
Governor Carlos Camacho--I met him at an outdoor art show at Adelup. I was 13 at the time, and shyly shook his hand. Later, my parents told me I had met the Governor. I remember an earthquake shook some of the paintings off their easels. Otherwise I would have forgotten the whole thing. I am sure he forgot me less than one second later.
Governor Ricky Bordallo, who allowed over 100,000 Vietnamese evacuees come to the safety of Guam's shores when their country collapsed. I met him when he became Governor in 1975. I have also met his wife--who is our Congressperson--many times.
Governor Joe Ada--He was Governor after Bordallo's second term. I met him at when he brought some of his employees to the driving school where I was working. Kind of a non-famous governor, he was popular for giving everyone a $1,000 rebate. I think it worked; he got re-elected.
Governor Carl Guitierrez-- I actually had a meeting with this governor shortly before the end of his second term. Colleen and I joined with several other representatives from private schools to ask him to share the textbook money with private schools. We got our way.
So I never met Paul Calvo, who reigned from 1979-1983, or Felix Camacho, our current governor.
It's kind of cool to live in a place so small that you get to meet the Governor. That was the whole point of that.
I hope you take advantage of the Agriculture field trip. Lunch. Yum.
LES
********************
May 15 UPDATE
The Dept. of Agriculture Harvest was a HIT!
One family said their children loved the opportunity to pick the fruit and vegetables. They had seen it on TV but had never actually done it. She said they went home with a bunch of free organic food and had a delicious, nutritious meal.
The Guam Community College Culinary School provided a delicious meal. Another family said it was just like eating at a 5 Star restaurant. She also mentioned in her email that she talked to John, the man who conducted the tour, and he told her that this was the first year they allowed visitors to harvest. This is because this is the first year no storms or disasters had affected the crops. It was a good year.
The event was a great success. I wish I didn't have to work that day!
I am glad some families were able to attend and that it was such a good event. So many kids sat in hot school rooms and looked out the windows wishing they were doing something truly educational...
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May. 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
I and we hope all you moms and families had a wonderful day.
We took the little kids to the Hyatt water park for a swim. The big kids were no doubt thrilled to have the house alone without the loud dramatic play the little ones bless us with, which also inevitably turns into to just-as-dramatic and just-as-loud fighting.
Eric can swim and stand up in the Hyatt pool, which is 4 feet deep, so he is safe as he plays solitary games which seem to involve underwater adventures of imaginary video-game characters. Cassie, who is 5, loves to play and swim with her brother. She also has both mom and dad to hold her and do little-kid swimming stuff with her. We dance together. It is a fun thing to do with my daughters: dance cheek to cheek and twirl and spin. I used to dance in the pool with Stephanie when she was small. I will remember those dances forever, and I hope my girls will, too.
Colleen was talking to some friends she found who had the same idea of how to enjoy a relaxing Mother's Day. I was meandering around in the river pool with Cassandra. Cassie looked at her mom. She swam a few feet toward her and then turned and swam back to me. I asked her if she wanted to play with me or hang out with her mom. She wrinkled her brow with the difficulty of the decision. She looked at Colleen, then at me. A major decision in her little life. She said, "I can't decide."
I said, "You don't have to decide. That's why you have both a mom and a dad. God's really good about that kind of thing."
She showed me her brightest blue-eyed smile and said, "He sure is!" and paddled off to see her mommy.
Sometimes the most common things can remind us of the beauty and rightness of God's plan for mankind and your family. Next time I read about someone or some group trying to re-define the concept of family, I will not have to formulate a complicated mental rebuttal; I will just remember that Cassie does not have to choose between mommy and daddy. She has both.
Happy Mother's Day!
LES |
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May. 11, 2008
Free Health & Nutrition Class (and SPAM)
From the desk of Liz Perez, our dedicated GHSA coordinator:
Dr. Edwin Supit and staff of the SDA Wellness Center will be giving FREE Health and Nutrition classes for Guam Homeschoolers and the community at large.
The first class was May 8. Oops, I missed it. The good news is that these classes will be available each week until the end of May 2008.
The classes will be held at the Tamuning Christian Fellowship (Oka Payless corner) on May 15, 22, and 29 from 8AM ‘til 9:30 AM.
Childcare is not provided. Children are encouraged to join the session, so long as they are not a distraction to Dr. Supit and his staff.
Thanks for that information, Ms. Perez.
Now for my editorial comments: If I may get a bit personal here, I will testify that I have attended similar sessions sponsored by the SDA and it was worth every second of time I invested.
In fact, about two years ago, I had hypertension, bad blood sugar levels, and other statistics that made the doctor shake his head in dismay. Not very healthy for my age and my height.
After attending two sessions with my father, who dragged me—figuratively speaking—against my will to the SDA clinic for a similar program, I made some easy-to-implement changes. Since then, I have greatly improved my vitals and lost over 30 pounds. Without dieting.
These classes are free and you will never regret taking the time to find out what they have to offer.
*****
Guam has its share of health challenges. We love to eat fatty foods and starch. White rice is eaten at every meal in many (can I say most?) families. Spam is a staple. Fiestas provide spectacular food and fellowship, but also about a week’s worth of calories in a sitting. We cannot just cancel the fiestas, but we need to do something to improve our collective health.
This Health and Nutrition class will be a good start for any families or individuals that want to start or to regain momentum in that direction. I have heard it said that if you want to change some things, you need to change some things. Makes sense to me.
I applaud SDA for their commitment to the spiritual and physical health of Guam’s people.
*****
SPAM. Not the unsolicited emails you have to wade through to get to the cute forward your sister-in-law sent you—you know, the one with the pictures of kittycats and/or birds and/or puppies—no, I am not talking about email spam, I am talking about the pseudo-meat product in the charming blue can. Did you know there is a SPAM museum? It’s in Austin, Minnesota.
I once got a SPAM binder full of history and information about the famous gelatinous pork product. It came in the mail straight from Hormel. I gave it to a local celebrity—my favorite talk-show host, Travis Coffman. I gave it away because my house was, at the time, populated by not only by an infant who had the ability to cover any valued object with various digestive by-products, but also by a 4-year-old who was a random destructive force in the universe at large, and most particularly in my house. Hence the nickname T-Rex. Both of the little ones did their jobs with diligence and enthusiasm. As far as I know, nothing of value in my house survived that era. In fact, Typhoon Cassie is still raging; permanent marker on my formerly-cream-colored stuffed armchair is the latest damage, just yesterday...
Now, where was I?
Oh yeah, SPAM. A few years ago, I was writing a story about the history of SPAM in the islands and asked the Hormel company for specific information on that subject. The note that came with the binder said they did not have the information I requested but would I like to have this collection of SPAMorabelia (I just made that up!).
I was thrilled with the gift. The binder included history, games, recipes, stories, products to buy—an amazing array of stuff. A super-classy presentation on glossy paper. I wish I still had it. I offered it to my friend Keith, who was childless at the time, but he said he could not in good conscience take my treasure. He called my SPAM binder a treasure! We take our SPAM pretty seriously around here.
I was unable to verify this information, but the old-timers consider it general knowledge that after the US reclaimed Guam and liberated the natives, the bombing had pretty much destroyed the food supply. It was just not a situation conducive to growing food. So they survived on SPAM provided by the American GI’s.
I understand Hawaii has a similar history. Maybe a collective memory is stored in the DNA of Pacific Islanders, or maybe we just like SPAM. Either way, SPAM has a place not only in the stomachs of Guam’s people, but in their hearts as well.
Hormel even made a Hot and Spicy SPAM, which is only available in the Pacific Islands. I tried it and it’s WAY too hot. I mean over the top. Even some Chamorros I know admit it’s too hot for them. And that is not something most Guam natives will admit to.
The SPAM binder did mention that Nikita Kruschev personally credited SPAM with saving the Russian Army during WWII. I regret I cannot cite my source except to say I read it straight from my SPAM binder before I parted with it.
The following is an excerpt from an article about the SPAM museum:
“SPAM played an important role in feeding the Allied Forces during World War II. The SPAM Museum features a letter to Hormel from President Dwight D. Eisenhower and includes a replication of SPAMVILLE, a military camp named after the wartime treat.”
My binder did have a copy of that letter. I miss my SPAM binder.
So... SPAM has a rich history and there is no doubt it saved lives in the past. Its nutritional facts are still alarming, though. However much we value its historical significance, we must learn to consume it in moderation.
LES
References: The quote above and the photo were retrieved on 5/11/2008 from http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2126 |
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Apr. 26, 2008
May 2008 events - and history!
Two things are coming up in May for the Guam Home Schoolers. There will be a field trip to Foremost Dairy. This should be interesting, and I hear there will be a treat afterward. The date for this field trip is May 8 at 10:30 AM. Pre-registration is necessary as there is limited space on the tour and there are some specific requirements. Please contact Liz Perez (contact info below) for more.
UPDATE: This time slot is full so a tentative date of May 6th at 10:30 has been arranged for those who still want to join.
Our annual Curriculum Fair is coming soon, and group coordinator Liz Perez tells us that she found a venue and a date. Updates will be posted as I get more information.
The Guam Homeschoolers Curriculum Fair will be on May 24, from 9AM to 3PM. It will be at the Agana Heights Community Center. Thanks to Mayor Paul McDonald and his helpful staff.
Ms. Perez informs us that participants will need to bring tables and chairs. Volunteers are also needed for set up and clean up. Young adults can man the *for sale* table. There are other volunteer positions available and jobs to do! Please call Ms. Perez for information.
Liz Perez
671-472-3053
jalperez@guam.net
The Curriculum Fair is a big event. It is not only for home schoolers. It is an opportunity for the Guam Homeschoolers to share their resources and knowledge with the community. If you know anyone who is interested in home schooling on Guam, this is a perfect event to introduce them to the possibilities and to the people.
There will be new and used curriculum materials for sale as well as samples of other complete curricula that are available. There will be used books and other educational materials for sale.
The curriculum fair is a great way for families to work and serve together. It is an opportunity to encourage others and to look over your own options.
**********
What else? Yesterday evening, I was walking along the beach in Anigua with my small children and I realized that my house is on a WWII battlefield. Literally. Now, that's historical.
Guam is the only American soil to be occupied by an invading army since 1812. The Japanese took Guam in the 40’s. The subsequent American invasion in 1944 landed on the beaches very close to my house. Adelup is a five-minute walk from my house and it is adjacent to one of the main invasion beaches at Asan.
In the other direction along the beach lies Paseo, a kind of park that juts out into the ocean. Paseo is not natural land. It was made from the bulldozed wreckage of the city of Hagatna (Agana). The pre-invasion bombing of Hagatna wrecked the entire city. After the fighting, the rubble was pushed into the sea. Now Japanese professional baseball teams conduct spring training at the Paseo baseball field which rests on this site.
My own house, which I rent, lies directly between these two historical sites. It would be hard for me to believe that there were no firefights, skirmishes or bombing on my little stretch of beach and even in my yard. It was, after all, World War II. I really do live on a battlefield.
Every one of us is close to very real history. I just happen to be situated where the available local history was a turning point in world events; you know, the kind you read about in history books. How many Americans can say they live on a WWII battlefield in America?
Not all of history is wars and major turning points. The lives of the people who lived—that’s history. If you can get children to stop and think about this, it can be fascinating for them. Right here, on this spot, hundreds of years ago, even thousands of years ago, people were living and working.
How did they dress, what were they thinking about? What worried them at night? What did they pray for? What did the children look forward to? What did the teenagers talk about? What did they eat, and how did they prepare it? These were people just like you and me, but they had very different lives because they lived in different times.
If you can make history real, it is easy to be interested. Unfortunately, my kids seem to take this proximity to history for granted. I am fascinated with every aspect of it; they are more interested in video games. They are aware of their historical surroundings, even knowledgeable, but they are just not as intrigued as I am. Maybe when they are adults, they will remember my enthusiasm for reveling in history and then they will look at it with their own eyes.
Life-long learning; that’s what I am all about. Maybe you are too. Did you learn something you did not know?
 Marines on Guam move up behind M4 Sherman tank, July 1944.
 Two officers plant the American flag with a boat hook mast on Guam, eight minutes after Marines and Army units landed. 20 July 1944.
The above images were retrieved on April 26, 2008, from http://www.olive-drab.com/od_history_ww2_ops_battles_1944marianas_guam.php |
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Apr. 24, 2008
Guam Blog Has a New Helper.
Hi everyone. My name is Les and I am Colleen’s husband. Colleen has been busy this year and I offered to help keep this blog up to date. We are now a tag-team.
I have a little story to share with you. I want to explain what my wife has been up to this year. Some folks know what we do, but I think many do not understand why we do it.
Several years ago, our family was suffering from financial distress. During this time, we took our kids to a VBS at a place called Guam International Christian Academy. We met the headmaster, Mr. Calkins. He invited us to bring our kids to school, even though we could not afford private school tuition. At the time we had three kids of school age. He also offered Colleen a job, which was a great help and a blessing at that difficult time.
That year, our eldest son, Kevin, jumped a grade and graduated from GICA. We also found that Adam belongs in home school. He is still famous for hiding under the stairs to avoid the aggressive P.E. teacher.
The next year, I began to teach at the school. That was the year the Calkin’s helped us start our driving school business. We used one of the school's classrooms for our evening classes, we made our class materials on the school’s copier, and they even helped us with money for a down payment on a driving school car. Two years later, our business was doing pretty good and I took a year off from teaching at the Christian school.
I found I missed the kids and the ministry opportunity. So I did what I am sure most Christian workers would do if they were able; I continued to work, but did not collect a paycheck.
For four years now, Colleen and I work and teach and preach at the school on a volunteer basis. It is a ministry and it is a blessing. This year Colleen is teaching the kindergarten and the lower elementary classes in a one-room setting. Very cute, but exhausting for her.
We hope we have shown our children that people are more important than money--a priceless lesson for Christian kids to learn. I also sincerely hope this explanation will assuage the critics who tell me it is wrong to work for no pay.
This is likely our last year of volunteer work. For the next couple of years we need to focus on expanding our business so it can feed our growing family. I looked at my kids last night and realized they are a hungrier bunch than I have ever had in my house. A 19, a 13, an 8 and a 5. And they eat more every day!
Kevin(23) is now in the US Air Force and we are proud of him. He is serious about his career. He even called us at tax time to be sure we are compliant. My son is now officially more mature that I am. And I don’t even have to feed him.
Adam is 19 and is staying in the fold for a while. We appreciate his help with the family business and with the little kids. Colleen and I are not in our 20’s any more and the 5-year-old’s shenanigans that used to be cute when we were younger are now just irritating. So we rely on Adam's help and we're happy he has chosen to stay with us. Adam plays guitar and writes music.
Stephanie is 13. She loves to sleep. I think she is joyfully oblivious to how blessed she is to be homeschooled. I like it that way. She enjoys drawing and writing. She is also a good helper around the house and yard. I love to spend time with Stephanie. She wants to be a little girl for a while longer, and I am happy to oblige her.
Eric draws video games. He is eight. His main character is a jaunty cat named Whiskers. Eric will draw amazing video game levels on pieces of paper. He then cuts a tiny “Whiskers” out of paper. Armed with his patented confident grin, which only Eric can draw, and is--as far as I can tell--Whiskers’ only super power, the action hero bounces and fights his way through each hand-drawn level. When the game is finished, Eric just creates another level. Eric does not agree with school. Teachers do not appreciate his style of stretching out on the floor with his art supplies arrayed around him. But that’s how he works, so he stays home where his talents can blossom.
Cassie is 5, and she is in school until this year is finished. She agrees with school and school agrees with her, but the hassle of getting up early, getting her to school, all the peripheral things parents have to attend to to have a kid in school—I am tired just thinking about it. I think next year she will be home schooled, but with a more structured approach than we are accustomed to.
We are not extremely active in the Guam home school community. Oh, new-comers do contact us and we are happy to get people started, but we do not attend every function. Our style of homeschooling is best described as unschooling, though I don’t really like the label. We just use teachable moments and keep the learning happening from morning to night.
Because of our home school style, we do not participate much in conversations about testing, curriculum, transcripts and other such details. To be honest, these things don’t concern us.
In the past, we have been very active in the local home school group. Colleen has been the coordinator and contact person. We have been home schooling for about 20 years and also started a Christian School in Canada. Colleen is still moderating the homeschool Yahoo group, and I think she still keeps the web site. We do know what is going on on Guam, and we will keep you posted.
I also plan to write some blogs about Guam so others can know more about our historic and often-misunderstood island.
OK, a bit about me: I have been married to my wife for 25 years. I spent over a decade cutting timber in BC, Canada before I hung up those boots to come to Guam. Now I teach driver education. Driving lessons are only slightly less stressful than logging, so I am still looking for a long-term career solution. Yes, you read that correctly. I am still trying to decide what to be when I grow up.
Please come back for another visit.
LES |
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Jan. 22, 2008
50% off Sale at TOS Store!
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Save 50% on Your Favorite
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Products!
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Looking for Fresh Inspiration for the New Year?
At The Old Schoolhouse we know that there is more than one right way to homeschool. We believe that each family has to figure out what method and educational philosophy "fits" their family best. Some parents may be juggling work responsibilities and homeschooling. Others are homeschooling as single parents. Some have special needs children, while others are still learning the basics of home education. In all of our products, we strive to present a variety of authors and resources which will inspire and encourage you as you tailor your homeschool to your family's needs.
And now for seven days only, we're putting all of our TOS e-Books and audio books on sale for 50% off. Plus our back issues normally priced at $9.90 are 50% off too.
If you've never bought an e-Book before, now is a great time to try one!
Each one is under $7 and you'll be able to download them immediately after checkout.
Secrets of Successful Homeschooling covers everything from the questions you should ask to help you determine your philosophy of education to how to make your homeschool more fun and a natural part of your day-to-day life.
Have you crossed the line into high school? Homeschooling the High Schooler: from Transcripts to Graduation has suggestions for reaching your child's heart, teaching the higher level subjects, converting extracurricular activities into credit courses, and much more.
Want to read some of the all time favorite TOS interviews with pioneers and leaders in the home education movement? You'll find these interviews and many more in Homeschool Dialogues.
Would you rather listen to these as audio books? It's a wonderful way to be encouraged as you're driving in the car, working or relaxing around the house. Each is under $9 and at these prices you can buy one for a friend who needs some encouragement too!
Do you struggle with trying to find the balance between academics and home life? Does relaxed homeschooling sound good to you, but you wonder if it's really as thorough as public school? Gena Suarez's Well Integrated Homeschool audio presentation reveals the problems with public education and the blessings of a natural integration of learning at home.
We're sure you'll enjoy each of these resources and all of the great information in our back issues of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Don't forget them!
Our regularly priced $9.90 back issues are all less than $5 for this sale - and the shipping is free. We'll send them right out to you. You'll find words of encouragement from your favorite writers, unit studies, information on the various teaching styles, plenty of homeschool research, and so much more.
Just take a look at the FANTASTIC prices on e-Books, audio books, and back issues and bring some fresh inspiration into your homeschool this year!
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Sale Ends midnight Sunday, January 27. International customers please note, due to high international shipping costs, audio books are only available for US customers and back issues require a shipping upgrade. |
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| Homeschooling the High Schooler
e-Book
List Price: $12.45
Sale Price: $6.23
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| Homeschooling the High Schooler
audio CD
Our very popular, Homeschooling the High Schooler e-Book is now available in CD format. Simply pop it into your
CD player and listen as you work,
relax or drive.
List Price: $17.95
Sale Price: $8.98
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| Homeschool Dialogues
e-Book
You won't want to miss what these well-known and experienced speakers & writers have to share! A must have for both the new and experienced homeschooler.
List Price: $12.95
Sale Price: $6.48
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Homeschool Dialogues
audio CD
Homeschool Dialogues is now available in CD format. A wonderful way for those of us who are "time challenged" to still fit in some good "reading".
Homeschool Dialogues audio CD
Running time: 259 minutes
List Price: $17.95
Sale Price: $8.98
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| The Well-Integrated Homeschool
audio CD only
The Well Integrated Homeschool is an audio CD of a speech presented by Gena Suarez, co-publisher of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. This informative and eye-opening CD is great for listening in the car. Better yet, share it at your next homeschool meeting or co-op and have your own mini-conference!
List Price: $12.00
Sale Price: $6.00
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| Select Back Issues of
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Each back issue of TOS is crammed full of articles and resources! Browse our back issues pages and discover which issues would make a fine addition to your TOS library with articles which will give you the ideas and help you are needing.
List Price: $9.90
Sale Price: $4.95
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| Secrets of Successful Homeschooling
e-Book
List Price: $12.95
Sale Price: $6.48
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| Secrets of Successful Homescooling
audio CD
This audio CD is sure to be a hit with busy homeschooling parents. We even include an insert listing all the mentioned web resources so you can check them out when you're back at your computer.
List Price: $17.95
Sale Price: $8.98
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Jan. 22, 2008
Local drawing and writing contest
The Guam Council-International Reading Association is having its second annual Poster/Poem/Essay contest. Homeschoolers K-12 are welcomed to join in the contest. The theme for this year is "Reading takes you many places"
All entries must be submitted to Vickie Loughran at Price School no later than 3:00pm on Friday, Feb 8, 2008. For more more info about this contest, please contact Vickie Loughran at Price School or be email at PriceGATE1@yahoo.com
Poster Guidelines:
1. Only one entry per student
2 .Artwork must be original and must follow the theme
3. Artwork can be vertical or horizontal
4. Computer-generated artwork or glued on artwork will no be accepted.
5. Artwork must be on 8 1/2" X 11" (standard) or up to 22" X 28" (Poster)
Poetry Guidelines:
1. Only one entry per student
2 .Poem must be original work of the writer and must follow the theme
3. Poem may not exceed 21 lines
4. Poem must be type written, single space, 14 point font, and submitted on 8 1/2" X 11"paper
5. No drawing, sketch or computer clip art is allowed as part of the poem.
Essay Guidelines:
1. Only one entry per student
2 Essay must be original work of the writer and must follow the theme
3. Essay must not exceed 500 words
4. Essay must be type written, double space, 14 point font, and submitted on 8 1/2" X 11"paper
5. No drawing, sketch or computer clip art is allowed as part of the essay. |
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Jan. 15, 2008
TOS ART CONTEST
There are about three weeks left for you to submit entries to the art
Contest, so get those paints and pencils flying! The deadline by which
Entries must be postmarked for the preliminary round is February 1.
Students must submit a piece of artwork with a theme inspired by one
Of the following quotes from American authors:
Category 1 (students 7 to 11 years old): "What we have once enjoyed
We can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
--Helen Keller
Category 2 (students 12 to 15 years old): "Humility, like darkness,
Reveals the heavenly lights." --Henry David Thoreau
Category 3 (students 16 to 19 years old): "A moment's insight is
Sometimes worth a life's experience." -Oliver Wendell Holmes
Be sure to check our website for the entry form, rules/guidelines for
The contest, as well as instructions on how to send in your entry:
http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=4631 . |
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Nov. 7, 2007
STANFORD UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL LINK
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Airplanes, motorcycles, motorcycle engines, etc.
Jelly Beans, chocolate, etc.
There are other video clips that show the manufacturing of glass bottles, plastic bottles, plastic caps, food containers, candy packaging, bottling drinks.
Each section has a "Think About It" and "Apply It" section. It makes for a great individual lesson, group lesson or unit studies. You can take ALL sorts of field trips without setting a foot out your door.
What a wonderful way to answer some of those all pervasive questions your little ones (and big ones) ask. |
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Oct. 1, 2007
Free Teacher Books!
It's always nice to come across something for nothing! Today's freebie comes from the History Channel.
Want to teach your children about the Declaration of Independence? How about Lewis and Clarke's journey on the Missouri River? Want to teach about World War II? And what do you know about the history of the White House? All of this can be found by clicking on the following link:
http://www.history.com/classroom/flag_form.html
Simply go to the above link, fill in the required fields in red and your free teacher manuals will be mailed to you.
Though Guam has it's own unique history, its equally important for parents to teach their children the history of the United States. These free teacher manuals will help. And anything free is worth asking for! |
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