Saturday, September 3, 2011
Dear JTAM Members,
I am sure many of you are excited to start this 2011-2012 school year. I hope many of you were able to get some rest this summer. You will find the 2011-2012 JTAM registration form and a list of important dates.
As always, our focus for JTAM should be on Japanese language advocacy. For many of you, this is a difficult task as budget cuts have continued to eliminate the resources that are available to Japanese teachers. By being an active, participating JTAM member, we can continue to support each other and collaborate so that we have the time and energy to focus on our students. Please remember that you can approach the Japanese Consulate, the Japan Foundation along with various Michigan university programs for materials and assistance for your Japanese program.
We should expect some changes this year. The biggest change will be for the annual Michigan Japanese Quiz Bowl competition. Kathee McDonald from the MSU Gifted and Talented Program, Kate Simon from the Japanese Center for Michigan Universities and Leslie Jablonski from the Asian Studies Center have graciously offered to host and coordinate the 2012 MJQB. The event will be at Michigan State University on March 3, 2012 in the newly renovated Wells Hall. I have complete and total confidence that Kathee, Kate and Leslie will be excellent MJQB coordinators for the 2012 year.
The 2012 Nengajo contest will also undergo some small changes. 2011 was the first year that non-Japanese language students could enter the contest. Although we had a very positive response, we did not have enough entries to award prizes in all three levels in all three categories (nine total). Therefore, we will just award an overall non-Japanese winner in three levels (elementary school, middle school, high school) until the number of entries have grown.
Also, if you are not a member of the JTAM Facebook page, please join! You will see postings about accomplishments of your JTAM colleages, Japanese videos that might be useful for the classroom, discussions on Japanese language learning, and much more. The Facebook page is private so no one will have access to your profile and non-group members cannot access any information from the group page. If you type "JTAM" in the search, you should be able to find us.
I look forward to having a productive school year. As always, please feel free to discuss what JTAM can do for you. Our first official meeting will be on Sunday, September 18th at JTAM Treasurer Katie Suttle’s new home. Please celebrate the new year with some of your fellow JTAM members (you can save a stamp and bring your forms and checks there)!
Sincerely,
Debbie Kim
JTAM President
Sunday, March 13, 2011
As many of you know, the worst recorded earthquake to ever hit Japan happened several days ago. This weekend has been difficult for me; holding my breath for every friend in Japan to check in and watching clips on TV of a country dealing with such a disaster. I hope that all your friends and family members are safe.
Over the weekend, I’ve compiled a few websites that I thought would be helpful. As a former JET, it was comforting to get information on what we can do from far away.
The Japanese Consulate in Detroit has included links on their website where people can check for messages left by loved ones in Japan whose phone service may not currently be working.
http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/bilateral/NEmsgboards.htm
Google has set up a person-finder on their website. You can either look for information on a missing person or give updates for those seeking information. This site can be accessed in both Japanese and English.
http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/
For all you former JETs, CLAIR in New York has an updated list of current JETs from the U.S., Canada, and worldwide, who have checked in with their respective Consulates. You may also give information for a current JET participant that you are trying to locate.
http://www.jlgc.org/TopicList.aspx?topicCategoryID=20&topicID=156&languageTypeID=1&controlType=Display
The American Red Cross has a relief fund set up for earthquake and tsunami victims. Additionally, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10.00 donation.
https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?s_subsrc=RCO_ResponseStateSection&pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG000000000
JETAA in NY has set up a website to donate money for schools and children affected by the earthquake. 100% of the proceeds will go towards relief organizations.
http://jetaany.org/2011/03/12/japan-earthquake-relief/
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Dear sensei-gata,
I hope everyone was able to enjoy their winter vacation. Thanks to everyone that showed up for the bounenkai at Nagomi. Joe mentioned that we were so engrossed in Dawn’s discussion on comprehensive testing that we forgot to actually drink.
Katie wanted me to forward this email about a new textbook from Tuttle that she learned about at the ACTFL conference she attended.
I recently got online and found Tuttle Publishing’s website and info about their new textbook: Beginning Japanese.
I met some reps when I went to ACTFL in November and heard about the new series, which I mentioned at the Bon’enkai. A few teachers seemed interested, so I thought I would ask you to forward this info to the JTAM group.
The new series (which will include “Intermediate Japanese” in June ’11 and “Advanced Japanese” in May of ’12) has a textbook and a workbook. Each pair of books (that you pay for separately) comes with a FREE audio CD, electronic teacher’s guide and access to a companion website.
(From the Tuttle catalog I received at ACTFL) “Authentic (reflecting Japan’s real-life culture) written, visual and oral materials are embedded very naturally throughout the book.” “Kanji is taught from Lesson 1—and together with current vocabulary rather than separately. (The learning of kanji is key, and most other beginners’ books don’t do it in an effective way.) By the end of vol. 1, learners will know 148 kanji. This compares to the 15 kanji taught in Adventures in Japanese vol 1, for example.” “Content is aligned with the Japanese AP exam.”
If I can provide any more info to anyone, they are welcome to write to me! (Though I don’t have much more myself, personally.) I think, to request a copy (which I will be doing tomorrow over the phone), you simply need to write or call to Tuttle and tell them you’ve heard about the new book and would like to preview it or buy it. There are discounts available to buy them, or perhaps they would lend you a copy to examine for purchase.
Exciting news, I think! This looks like it could be a great step up from the current options we have!
Thank you Katie.
Additionally, Faye will be sending out a survey about the textbooks that Japanese teachers are currently using in Michigan.
Please don’t forget that your registration for Japan Bowl is on January 24th. Please make sure you make the checks out to “JTAM” and not to Jane. Additionally, the required meeting for all coaches will be on February 12th from 10:00am-1:00pm.
Monday, December 6, 2010
All JTAM members, Board Members and their family are invited to the 2010 Bounenkai. It will be at Nagomi Restaurant (formally Basic Restaurant) in Novi. I highly recommend the Tan Tan Ramen; my favorite! Please see the attachment for more information as well as the menu.
On the agenda will be a discussion lead by Dawn Stark on a comprehensive placement exam (e.g. STAMP). We can do a quick lesson exchange (please bring 20 copies). Do you have any Japanese-related materials that you don't have use for but would hate to throw away? Bring it to the restaurant to swap with other members. As a new (and poor) teacher several years ago, this was a great way for me to build up my resources.
Thank you to Joe Nagashima-Trombley for setting it up. Please remember to RSVP by Monday, December 13th to Joe's email: nagashima-trombley [at] westbloomfield.k12.mi.us.
I can't wait to see you there!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
On behalf of Jane Ozanich at CJS:
Good Afternoon JTAM Members:
I hope this email finds you all well and staying warm.
The 18th Annual Michigan Japanese Quiz Bowl will be held on Saturday, March 19th here on the University of Michigan’s Central Campus. There are a few changes to the event this year: new questions, a new division, and a change in the cultural contests. All of these updates are outlined in the attached letter and registration form. So, please read the attachments sooner rather than later and carefully.
Also, in an effort to save some money, time, and trees, I am not planning to mail registration materials out this year. However, if for some reason you need these materials mailed to you, please contact me and I’ll see that you get them.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Konbanwa!
I just wanted to give everyone the form for the Nengajo contest. Most of the rules are the same as last year. Here are some new changes:
1. All JTAM members can now enter cards for students not taking Japanese but are currently enrolled in the school that they teach. These students can be in art or anime clubs. There is a separate form for these students not taking Japanese in the “Non-Japanese” division.
2. Students are no longer required to write their name in katakana on the front of the card since many beginner students will not know how to write it by the time they are to submit their nengajo.
Please make sure that your student has followed the rules on the form. Unfortunately, the Consulate had to disqualify many cards last year because of rules that students did not follow (e.g. wrong size card, late entry, no year on the card…etc.)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Hi Everyone. I've got a message from Joe about the different presentations at MIWLA. There will be presentations by Joe-sensei, Erin-sensei, Faye-sensei, Bridget-sensei, Endo-sensei, and Kubota-sensei. Also, don't forget about the JTAM meeting on Friday, 8:00 am in the University 1 room. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the conference but I am encouraged by the presentation topics by our fellow JTAM members.
Anne-sensei has also given me information on the session for those who are interested in the Avant Assessments (including the STAMP test that we're hearing so much about). Thanks for the email Anne!
Debbie Kim
JTAM President
From Joe-sensei:
Japanese sessions all day long on Friday Oct 22.
...The JTAM General Session is 8-8:50am in University 1
Teaching Japanese Culture in the 21st century 9-9:50am in University 3
From Iron Chef to Momotaro is 1-1:50pm in Ballroom I
and if you still care to be there that late...
Save My Program! is from 2:30-3:20pm in Ballroom F
...Did I miss anyone/ anything?
Here is the link to the program:
MiWLA Program
The Friday sessions start on p. 40.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
I hope some of you were able to enjoy the Japan Festival in Novi this past Sunday. It seemed very well organized and the new venue made it easier to walk around!
I just wanted to pass along this information that I received from Heather Littlefield about a great professional development opportunity. Thank you Heather for the email.
Don't forget that this weekend is the MSU Japanese Teacher Workshop. You should be getting out of the conference just in time for the big MSU vs. U of MI game! Please click on the link below for details.
MSU Japanese Teacher Workshop
Thank you Katie for sending out the membership reminder. Remember that membership forms are due October 15. Members who register after that date will not be eligible for MJQB and may not be eligible for the NCJLT Nengajo contest so please make sure you get that check in right away!
Finally, I am getting a little desperate. I am scheduled to go on maternity leave in approximately six weeks. I am still searching for a possible long-term sub to fill in so that I don't have students doing nothing for five weeks. If you know of anyone who may be interested in subbing for me, please give them my contact information. I can help them with lesson plans, but I need someone who knows Japanese.
Debbie Kim
JTAM President
Saturday, September 18, 2010
This announcement comes courtesy of Jane Ozanich at the Center for Japanese Studies at U-M.
Event: The University of Michigan’s Center for Japanese Studies’ 7th Annual Mochitsuki
Date: Saturday, January 8, 2011
Time: 1-4pm
Location: East Hall Math Atrium (530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1043
Overview: The event includes: mochi-making and taste-testing, live music, kakizome (New Year’s calligraphy), origami, kamishibai (Japanese storytelling), manga-drawing, games, and more.
Free & Open to the Public.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The website is updated! Please feel free to give me your feedback, however, understand that I am still learning how to make changes to the site so it might take some time. This will also reduce the number of emails I will be sending out to you, so please check the website periodically for new updates.
Additionally, we are requesting some ideas of what to put in the newest JTAM newsletter. This newsletter will be created quarterly with more of the fun stuff that you might not see on the website. This will only be possible if we get contributions by you, the members. Here are some things we are looking for:
1. Major announcements (e.g. Japanese related functions at your school, births, Teacher awards...etc.)
2. Reviews of Japanese books, movies, restaurants, youtube video...etc.
3. Fun lesson/activity ideas
4. Japanese recipes
5. Pictures from Japan
Please submit any of the above to secretary, Joe Nagashima-Trombley at nagashimakantoku@gmail.com . If you can think of anything else that might be of interest to JTAM members, please include it in your email.
Additionally, we will be featuring a short interview of one of our members for each JTAM newsletter. Please click on the following link to answer some not-so-serious questions about yourself to be featured in the next issue!
JTAM Newsletter Interview Questionaire
Finally, the due date for JTAM registration is October 15, 2010. Don’t forget to register to be a member of JTAM (and participate in MJQB). The registration form is now posted on the right side of the website.
Sincerely,
Debbie Kim
JTAM President
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Hi everyone. Hope you are enjoying the last of your vacation. I'm going back tomorrow and I'm trying to get my sleep back on schedule! I received this email from Ms. Hyunju Ha about the new date for the MSU Japanese Teachers' Workshop. The new date will be October 9th and is free to all teachers. Please see the attached document for information and registration. Presenters will be Endo-sensei, Bridget Cooper and Joe Nagashima-Trombley.
Additionally, I received a request from Dr. Sylvia Hollifield, the MSU Detroit Area Coordinator for student teachers at MSU. Currently, she is looking for a mentor teacher for one of her future Japanese teachers for this school year. I have spoken to this girl on the phone and she seems very excited and motivated to work with any teachers in the Metro-Detroit area. She has previously worked with Dawn Stark during her undergrad. For those who are not familiar, the MSU intern program is a year-long internship. Former MSU interns include JTAM members like Joe Nagashima-Trombley, Erin Sullivan, and me (I apologize if I've forgotten a few of you). Please help support the Japanese program by being a mentor. I believe the only requirement is that you need to be a full-time Japanese teacher who is tenured (4 full years teaching experience). Please contact Dr. Hollifield at hollifi2@msu.edu if you are interested.
Finally, I just wanted to express to everyone how happy I was with the meeting at the Consulate. Many members told me they left the meeting feeling like they got something out of it. Mr. Arakawa was also pleased with how passionate we are about teaching Japanese (we stayed an extra hour)! Faye was kind enough to take the meeting minutes. It will be posted on the JTAM website soon after a few edits. Please remember that the Consulate is willing to speak to administrators or write letter or do school visits for us, however, we need to take the initiative to make that request. I'd also like to thank Heather Littlefield from CJS for presenting her Japanese Kits. I have attached the CJS library excel spreadsheet with a list of items that can be borrowed for free from CJS. Please contact Heather at hclittle@umich.edu if you have any questions. Please remember that the Consulate also has items that can be borrowed for free. Please contact Anita Savio at pr@cgjdetroit.org.
Debbie Kim
JTAM President
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A few last minute details that have come up:
1. Several people have asked if there is cheaper parking near the Renaissance Center. I will let you know what I do when I go downtown, BUT I cannot be blamed if it doesn't work out! Greektown Casino has free parking (they used to require you to validate in the casino, but now you can come and go as you want without paying). The people mover (which costs 50 cents each way) has a station right inside the Greektown Casino building and will drop you off right inside the Renaissance Center in about 10 minutes. It's very safe and you don't even have to step outside to get to the peoplemover stations. Sometimes the casino will require you to have a casino card (to prevent people from parking there for full days of work or during busy baseball/hockey game nights) but it might be okay after 9:00am. The website says, "Parking from 6am to 9am is restricted to our Gold and Silver cardholders only." If you get there after 9:00am, I THINK you should be okay. $1.00 to park for the full day might be worth it. The only time this has not worked for me was on a day when a Tigers Game and a Red Wings game were going on the same night.
Greektown Casino Parking
2. The Consulate has been gracious enough to let us use the Conference room after the meeting for people who would like to stay for lunch. We can all preorder and pay for Potbellys Sandwiches ahead of time. This lunch is optional. I don't know the exact costs but you can look at a menu at the link below.
Potbelly Menu
3. With a few late RSVPs, the total is now 14 members attending and 2 maybes. We're also welcoming back a former JTAM member; Dawn Stark who will be joining us. Aside from the MJQB required meeting, this may be one of the biggest groups we've had in a while. The Consulate is very interested to hear what we have to say. Anita said that she'll have to scrounge up a few more chairs since the conference room only seats about 12! I will have an agenda printed out along with extra membership forms if you are interested in paying your JTAM dues tomorrow so please bring your cash/checkbook. Also, some of you might remember the dizzy maze that the Renaissance Center can be. Please give yourself enough time for parking, checking in, security checks...etc. Remember that the office is in the 400 tower.
I look forward to seeing you before the school year starts!
Debbie Kim
JTAM President
Monday, August 2, 2010
Our first general meeting for this school year will be on August 11th from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Japanese Consulate in Detroit, Michigan. The meeting will focus on advocacy of Japanese language programs. Mr. Arakawa, the Special Assistant at the Consulate will be having a discussion with JTAM members on how the Consulate can assist in promoting Japanese language programs to JTAM members. Additionally, Heather Littlefield, the Community Outreach Coordinator at CJS will be showing some items that JTAM members can borrow for classroom use.
The Consulate is located in the Renaissance Center:
400 Renaissance Center
Suite 1600
Detroit, Michigan 48243
General driving directions can be found at the following website:
Directions to Renaissance Center
There is a parking structure right across the street from the Renaissance Center, however, it is not free so carpooling is recommended.
The Japanese Consulate office is on the 16th floor of the 400 tower. On the second floor of the 400 level tower, you will show your ID to security and they will provide you with a guest pass. Then you can process to the elevator to the 16th floor.
Please RSVP by this Friday so that I can provide the Consulate with the appropriate numbers. You can either reply to this email (please do not hit “reply all”) or you can RSVP on the Facebook page.
Don’t forget that registration for JTAM is due on October 15 and you must be a JTAM member to enter teams in MJQB. Attached is the new registration form. Please make checks payable to “JTAM.” Please do not make it out to the treasurer or to Jane Ozanich.
If you want to save on postage, you can fill out the registration form and have payment available at the August 11th meeting.
Don’t forget that JTAM is now on Facebook! You can find videos, links and articles of interest. We currently have 17 facebook members. You can click on the following link to join:
JTAM Facebook Page
The Facebook page will look fairly empty (it is only viewable to members who have been approved).
Sincerely,
Debbie Kim
JTAM President
Thursday, June 17, 2010
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far…I think Detroit is the only school district not on summer break yet!
Thank you to everyone who has filled out the survey that I posted. I think what I find consistent in the responses is the desire to collaborate and support each other in our teaching. Some of the JTAM meetings will be a great opportunity to share ideas with each other.
Finally, for those who don’t know, my husband Eric and I will be expecting our first child at the end of November. This was the reason for my reluctance to volunteer as JTAM President, as I know that I will have to depend on other officers and members this year. While I will try and coordinate as much as possible as president, please let me know if you are interested in possibly being on a committee to work on the following future projects that were discussed in previous meetings:
1. Bylaws- There was a discussion about possibly updating the bylaws. Faye and I talked about possibly getting together with other members who may be familiar with amending them. As of right now, I believe they are compliant with 501c status. Susi Shaw also volunteered to help.
2. Kensington Park- Last year at one of the first JTAM meetings at EMU, several teachers discussed having a picnic at Kensington for their Japanese students during the summer. Jane said in her MJQB surveys that many teachers said that Quiz Bowl is a great opportunity for students to meet other students who are learning Japanese. This type of picnic would be a great opportunity for the students to get together in an informal, non-competitive setting.
3. Tech Committee- If there is anyone who is good with computers who would like to work as a moderator on the JTAM message board or updating the Facebook page, please let me know. At a previous meeting, several members discussed possibly switching over to a google groups page which can be set so that members can get updates through email. This is fairly foreign to me so if anyone is interested in doing the research, I would be more than willing to help make the appropriate changes if necessary.
Please let me know if you are interested on working for any of the above committees. I know we are all busy but hopefully everyone has a skill that can fit in somewhere….if not, I hope to see many contributions to the lesson swaps!
Sincerely,
Debbie Kim
JTAM President
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Dear JTAM Members,
I hope I am not being too ambitious but I am eager to start the new term as JTAM President.
I first joined JTAM as a student at MSU in 2000 when my teacher education professor and then JTAM president, Anne Hooghart told me about the organization. It was through JTAM that I volunteered for MJQB, learned about the JET Programme, found future mentors/colleagues and even teaching positions. I want to give back to the organization that has helped me so much with my career.
I would like to thank Ted Delphia for his hard work and dedication for the past two years. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for the organization.
There are several goals that I have set for myself as the new president of JTAM. First, I would like to expand JTAM to include much more than MJQB. As many of you know, MJQB was handed over to CJS because many members of JTAM felt that competition took away from many of the other things that JTAM could accomplish. Jane Ozanich has done a wonderful job of planning the event year after year which has given JTAM the freedom to explore other objectives. I understand that that many teachers are busy, which makes it difficult to come to meetings. To that end, I hope to make information accessible to members; I also want members to feel like they can be a better teacher after leaving a meeting.
Second, we are all worried about the future of Japanese language programs in Michigan at the elementary and secondary level. I think with such a tightly knit group, we can all work together for networking and support. I want all teachers, whether they are laid off, soon to retire, or just entering the teaching field to feel that they have a group on which they can rely.
Of course, I cannot do this on my own. I am excited to be working with Faye, Joe and Katie, three colleagues with whom I have worked in several capacities. I know that I can trust them to work hard for the next two years.
I also feel that the membership can be of great help. What some of you may not know is, like Ted two years ago, I did not originally nominate myself to be president. I was fairly content with staying in the position of treasurer and I’m not sure if I am fully ready to handle this position. I hope that the great talents and skills I have seen from various members of JTAM can be a great contribution to the organization.
My first request (your first shukudai!) is to fill out a brief survey about your goals and plans for JTAM. I hope that my goals can align with some of the ideas that you might have for the organization. Feel free to be candid as it is anonymous (if you choose not to submit your information).
Please click on the link below to take the survey:
JTAM Survey
I look forward to working with you for the next two years.
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Debbie Kim
JTAM President