SMACE: Stats and Stories of Success

Working Together for a Better Future

2010-10-12T12:18:00.001-07:00

On Friday, October 8th, San Mateo Adult ESL students worked together for a better future for all of us, by preparing the ground for fruit trees.

These trees will add to the already thriving school garden as well as lower the overall carbon dioxide content of our planet's atmosphere.

International Day 2010

2010-06-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

On June 18th, San Mateo Adult School students and staff celebrated the many cultures that make our school, community and world such a rich and wonderful experience.

Good Work at a Good School

2010-06-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to his own hard work - and the San Mateo Adult School, Sergio Mora is about to graduate with a high school diploma. Read more his story here.

2010-05-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Monday and Tuesday May 17 and 18

A very resourceful Level 3 student named Amparo Medina Pina has started
a club. The club has already taken a trip to the Asian Art Museum on 5/2, and Amparo has many
great ideas for other free field trips.

Meetings in May in room 107 and 108: MW and TR 12:30-2:00
Meetings in June and July in nearby location: MW, TR, Friday and
Saturday 10:00-12:00 and 12:00-2:00
Students and teachers can contact Amparo at this email:
clubenglishconversation@yahoo.com

Thanks for a Dream Fulfilled

2010-05-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

Francisco Ramos, originally from El Salvador, says his hardest task here in the U.S. has been finding a job. He writes this about his experience:

I was a regular student in San Bruno Adult School. I remember when I talked with Teacher Jay about my task, about how I was looking for a job and a few days later he gave me the information about another class at San Mateo Adult School - "Job Search/Resume Writing." He put me in touch with teacher Martin Doener, who is in charge of that class and Martin helped me to write a Personal Resume, a Cover Letter, like it is used in the USA. He taught me how to use the different web pages for looking for a job and how to practice some personal interviews with the most useful questions in the real market. After all these things, I am right now an employee, and I am very thankful for the Adult School, because when I was desperate, without any options, in the Adult School of San Mateo I found hope. Thanks to everyone who´s helped me to make my American dream come true.

Thanks At Every Stage

2010-05-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

Gabriela Castro is also writing to show her appreciation and concern for the Adult School.

To whom it may concern:

I wrote this letter because other students and I are worried because we are going to have less support from you. This is really sad because through the Adult School we learn English.

For me, the Adult School is helpful. It has been around me in different stages of my life. For example: teaching me basic English wwith which I found a job. When I had the job in the morning, I was still going to school at night time. Now I have two children and I found a perfect program for me - Distance Learning. This is a program to do your lessons and homework in your own time. And the Adult School is helping me with my children. I cannot pay for pre-school becasue it is really expensive but I was looking for some activities for my kids to help them to learn and then the Adult Schol has this program - Play As Learning. This program helps with differnt skills like socializiation, communication, follow the instructions, colors, vocabulary, and more.

Withouit this help, I am sure that I could not have the life I am having now, becasue to go to college or pay for pre-school are so expensive that I can't pay it.

So I want to say thank you for helping us but we still need your support becasue education is importatnt to have a better job, family, communities and my world for sure is going to be better. Just please continue with the support becasue we need it. Thanks.

Gabriela Castro

A Letter of Thanks

2010-05-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Red Letter Day is coming - our chance to speak up and tell the State Legislature how the Adult School helps the community.

ESL student Barbara Brehovska writes:

Hi,

My name is Barbora Brehovska. I am from the Czech Republic and now I am a student of the Adult School in San Mateo.

The Adult School is very important for me. The school helps me to understand and speak in English better. Also, the school helps me to be a good parent too.
I can help my daughter with her homework, I can be a volunteer at daughter's school, I can read to her. We can go to the Public Library. It is very good for me and for my family.

I really appreciate this possibility - to study English at the Adult School.

Barbora Brehovska

Motivation and Support

2010-05-03T17:32:00.001-07:00

A San Mateo Adult School ESL class is where Marita Marquez-Muzzi found the motivation and support she needed to succeed.

Seventeen years ago, she came here from Cordoba, Argentina. Initially, she felt ignorant and frustrated, unable to make friends and express her love of life and people the same way she could in Spanish. Communication and connection are important to Marita. Not being able to reach out to others as a friend in English troubled her.

Lack of English created other challenges: shopping, healthcare, banking, and so many other things are much harder to deal with when you can't do deal with them in English. Her sisters helped her and she was grateful but she wanted to do these these things for herself.

The solution to her problems was an ESL class at the San Mateo Adult School Foster City campus. There she gained not just English but the courage to continue her studies all the way to college.

According to Marita, she still has a "looong" way to go, but according to her friends and teachers, she has come a "looong" way, as well. She speaks English beautifully, makes friends everywhere she goes, and brings cheer and comfort to the residents of the Millbrae Magnolia, where she works managing Emma's Sweet Shop.

All these things were made possible by her own strong spirit - and classes at the San Mateo Adult School.

School Brings Friends and Job

2010-04-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Keiko Hanawa moved here from Japan eighteen months ago. She jumped into classes at the Adult School, taking an afternoon Conversation class for ESL students as well as Finding a Job in the Bay Area (for ESL Students)."

Keiko says the Adult School gave her opportunities to learn English and understand American culture. She practiced with classmates from around the world - classmates who have become her closest friends now. "You never have such a wonderful experience if you didn’t go to the adult school."

About the job search class, she says, "This class was so helpful to find a job. Martin taught us how to write a resume, cover letter and answer the questions in the interview. I actually sent my resume and cover letter that I wrote in this class to my current employer. Martin encouraged and helped us to find a job and I made it. If I hadn’t taken this class, I couldn’t have gotten a job."

From The Heart

2010-03-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

San Mateo Adult School student Li knows it is very important to speak up now. More cuts to education - to our school and all schools - are possible. She has written a letter to Senator Leland Yee about how SMAS has helped her.

Here, with her permission, is her letter:

The Honorable Senator Leland Yee,

My name is Li, and I come from China. I write this letter just to let you know how much I deeply appreciate the San Mateo adult school from my heart. It has changed my life.
A few years ago, when I came to the USA, I couldn’t speak any English. I couldn’t help my kids with their school work or get involved at their school at all. I couldn’t see the doctor by myself. I didn’t have any entertainment. When my children and I needed to see a doctor, my husband had to take the day off to take us to see a doctor. When my husband or someone asked me to go to a movie, I couldn’t go, because I didn’t speak English and didn’t understand English. But the San Mateo Adult School helped me. I learned to talk, read, and write English at the Adult School. Now I can go to movies; I can see my doctor by myself; I can volunteer at my kid’s school; I can help our community; and I can do a better job when I teach Chinese to children in the US.
So, I like the adult school. I think it is very important for us, and very important for our community.

Yours Sincerely,

Li

A Family of Schools

2010-03-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

The San Mateo Adult School is not the only place helping people gain new job skills, complete their GED, stay healthy, learn English, become better parents, or develop new connections in their community. There are 340 adults schools across California,
serving more than 1.2 million people.

Learn more about them here.

Share Your Story

2010-03-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

Do you have a personal success story to share?

Do you know of students - ESL, Parent Ed, Fifty Plus, Vocational Ed - who have benefited from our programs and would like to share their stories with the public?

Now, in this time of crisis, when our school - like all public schools - is threatened by more cuts, we need those stories.

Contact Teacher Cynthia at cyn.eagleton@gmail.com if you have a story to share or know of someone who does.

We're Standing For Us - We're Standing For You

2010-03-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

Students and teachers took a stand today at the San Mateo Adult School.

They lined up early this morning to call attention to the cuts that have been made and the cuts that loom before us if we don't change our priorities.

They will stand again this afternoon on El Camino Ave from Millbrae Avenue to San Bruno.

Districtwide, students, parents, teachers, administrators, and members of the community are standing up for public education.

Come join us: Today, Thursday, March 4, 3:30 pm, El Camino Ave from Millbrae Ave to San Bruno.

Students Speak Up

2010-03-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

All across the state of California, students, teachers, parents, and members of the community are gathering on Thursday, March 4 to speak up for education, including right here at the San Mateo Adult School.

Read more about the actions planned for this day here.

District Success is Adult School Success

2010-02-08T19:46:00.001-08:00

Many people may not realize that the San Mateo Adult School is part of the San Mateo Union High School District. We are under their auspices. Our success is their success and visa-versa.

As everyone knows, times are challenging nowadays. Unemployment has increased and funds for education have done just the opposite.

But that has not stopped the San Mateo Union High School District. The administration, led by Superintendent Scott Laurence, is working hard to deal with these challenges wisely, creatively, and prudently.

Visit the District website at www.smuhsd.org
and click on Budget Information and Update - Superintendent's Letter to learn more about how the District is meeting these challenges.

On The Road To Citizenship

2009-10-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Cindy Rong Zhen Sun wrote this letter to the San Mateo Adult School and with her permission, we share it here:

Dear Administrators and Teachers:

I am a new American Citizen, Cindy Sun, and I have been studying English as a Second Language in the San Mateo Adult School for about three years now. I feel very good about our school. In Spril 2006, I attended the San Bruno English Class with Teacher Charlene Spediacci, a very fine teacher. When I could not speak or understand English, Charlene told me, "Don't worry. it takes a long time to show progress." I always remember Charlene's words. When I recited some lesson, she was very happy and encouraged me. This encouragement gave me greater confidence in overcoming my difficulties. She was my first teacher. I am grateful for her kind words.

Druing the past three years, I have joined many different classes and studied with many teachers and assistants who have helped me. They are Lisa Dolehide, Mark Tharp, Fredy Gold, Glenn Cunliffe, Betty Chen, Aleth Reilly, Hannelore, Tia Marlowe, and Carolyn Pannu. They teach different courses abd taught me many ways to learn English.

Right now I can read, write, and speak better, but understanding English is still difficult. I have studied a long time in Distance learning in Room 28. Teacher Carolyn is helping me write correctly. I feel Distance Learning is a good way for me to learn. Citizenship Class is teaching the history of America in Room 29 and also at the Senior Center. The teachers, Aleth Reilly and Bety Chen, helped me prepare to successfully pass my Citizenship test.

I am thankful to our school for giving me more knowledge. Many students and I need our school to stay open so that we an continue to study and more students can become valuable citizens in this country.

Sincerely,

Cindy Rong Zhen Sun

Antonia's Advice

2009-07-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

Antonia Li is a success on many levels. Originally from Shanghai, China, Antonia moved here twenty five years ago. She learned English, worked in restaurants, and then ran her own restaurant. She is now retired - and still learning English! Antonia has a lot to teach others about both business and language learning success.

In her own words, here is a method that has helped her excel in many areas:

I study at home. I set a time to study every day, about two hours a day. I listen for one hour with a book on tape while I'm walking around the golf course nearby my home. It's like throwing a stone that catches three birds. Firt, by listening to a book on tape, it enhances my English listening capability. Second, I try to repeat every sentence from the tape at some point. It helps me to catch the words quickly and memorize them. It helps me to exercise my brain. Third, I get my workout done.

I use the second hour to learn English bya differnt approach - either by workong on my Distance Learning homework or working on the "Words, Words, Words" book I bought. It's easy to use and the Words games and activites for vocabulary building are fun.

It seems it is a perfect plan for studying English but the hardest part is how you stick to your plan.

I try to work on it.

San Mateo Times Story

2009-04-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

The San Mateo Times described the current challenge the Adult School faces:
more students than ever with less money to serve them.

In spite of that challenge, the Adult School remains committed to serving every student well, using a combination of smarts, experience, and frugality to wring learning from every allotted dollar. That's our job and a job we're proud to do.

You can read the story here.

An Artist In Our Midst

2009-03-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

Jose came to ESL class pretty regularly, but always seemed very preoccupied. His teacher took time to talk tohim and discovered that he had extraordinary artisitc abilities, bu tneeded to channel them in an creative way.

His ESL teacher got in touch with Jeri McGovern, Coordinator of the Fifty Plus Program, to find out if someone in her art program could mentor Jose in some way. Now Jose accompanies Jeri to the senior cetners once or twice a week, has bought paints and other art supplies, and has found a "home" among the seniors who welcome him and his talent. "I'm so happy!" Jose told his teacher.

His talent has brought happiness not only to Jose but to the community as well.

The Power of a Positive Attitude

2009-03-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

Francisco says, "I feel easier. When people talk to me, I can understand them."

He is a student in Distance Learning. In the past, he attended regular classes. Right now, he doesn't have time to come to those classes because he works a lot, so he uses Distance Learning in order to keep learning English.

His advice for other immigrants, "Study. Work hard. Don't feel bad because these economic problems are in the whole world, not only this country. But you need a positive attitude. Keep fighting for a good future because we, immigrants, need to make a good image for everyone. We need to change the bad image."

He smiles and adds, "Don't try. Do it! The energy is contagious."

Not For Sissies

2009-03-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

Wanda Nelson writes:

I, hereby, wish to inform you that old age is not for sissies. It akes a great deal of effort, good genes and healthy living to become old, and when we arrive there, we sometimes, suddenly, find that we are unnecessary. With ouir tender, loving care, our children have grown into responsible adults with careers and families of their own, and they no longer want us on a daily basis. Many of my friends have moved away or passed away. Life changes radically. This crossroad can be a confusing, lonely journey as we ponder what we can do to make life worth living and interesting again. I believe this stage of life needs passion and purpose with challenge, contribution and community or we are in danger of emotional and psychological deterioration. It is important to make a contrbution to the world, even if it is only a small one. I am also convinced that the moment we give up our dreams or the fight, we begin to die whether we are eighty or twenty. I needed to find something with purpose that I could feel passionate about.

After redoing the house, installing new windows, adding safety features, and clearing out clutter, I found that I was left with piles of memorabilia, home movies, old photos, and a box marked "Thomspon/Stanley Family." There was a similar box marked "Herb's Family Stuff," which my husband had left for me to deal with, and yet another that said "Mom's Papers." I, instantly, became the family historian-genealogist with the help of a Fifty-Plus class called: "Beginning Genealogy." There I met other people with imilar interests and I found friends with whom I could compare notes and travel to Salt Lake City each year to do even more family research. This new passion involved travel, research, writing, meeting new people and new familiy members as well as learning more and more about my computer. As my community contribution, I became the secretary of the local genealogy society and expanded my social circle even more. My resarch proved that I came from intelligent, hard working people I could be proud of, and that I had many new "cousins" out there who were anxious to know me and hear my fmaily stories. I found a purpose and a passion. I had something to offer.

Writing my family story made me realize that I needed to begin by writing my own personal story. I enrolled in the Fifty-Plus "Writing Your Memoirs" class to get started. I am still there as this class has become a personal support group for me. It stimulates and structures my thought process and awakens some of my own buried memories as I listen to the life stories of others in the group. Most of my personal memoires are interlaced with family stoies, and they are my life expeiences to leave as a legacy for future generations of family as to what life was about as I lived it. This experience is revealing. It proved to me that I had led a much more interesing life than I first believed. That improved my self esteem. I have shared some of these stories wtih nieces and nephews who thanked me for my contribution to their knowledge of fmaily history and the world of my time. I feel fulfilled. I foudn more purpose and passion.

In addition, I have taken computer classes and for seniors that expanded my knowledge of technology and gave me confidence in this new twenty-first century world. That transition has not been easy for me. The exercise classes proved to be a fascinating experience. The QiGong class for healing body, mind and spirit came came at a time when I needed all of these things to keep me healthy and nimble.

Life is good. As Dylan Thomas said:

Do not go gentle into that good night
Old age should burn and rave at close of day.

New Freedom

2009-03-18T14:22:00.002-07:00

Lou came to the U.S. 17 years ago from China. Due to a disability, he was only able to study at home by himself. About three years ago, he started attending the Adult School after he got a motorized chair. Now he can speak a lot, and he has met many friends. He helps other students in the computer lab and he is currently a student council representative. He can talk to anybody now in English. The Adult School has improved his life so much.

Mystery Solved

2009-03-18T14:22:00.001-07:00

Jose is from Mexico and feels that Adult School has helped him a lot in his personal life. He feels much more confident when he talks with people. He has also learned a lot about the culture here and the traditions, which help him to understand many things which were a mystery before.

Growing in Confidence

2009-03-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Bill came to the U.S. from China three months ago. At that time, he was too nervous to communicate with other people. He remembers the first day he came to school. He understood what the teacher said, but he was too nervous to speak. Now, he seems like a different person. He is active and has learned not only more English, but about American culture. He thinks the most important thing for him is that his confidence has grown.

Communicating in English

2009-03-18T13:36:00.002-07:00

Niramol is from Thailand. She came to the adult school about six months ago, and she couldn’t speak English at that time. Now, she has learned a lot and her English is getting better every day. She has learned more writing, reading, conversation, pronunciation, about American culture. Now she goes out with friends and can communicate in English. When her English is better, she wants to get a job in an office. She thinks the adult school is important to help her get a better job

From Fear to Confidence

2009-03-18T13:36:00.001-07:00

Norma is from Mexico and the adult school has helped her with comprehension when she is talking to people. Before, she couldn’t communicate, but now she can because she has been studying English. Before she started classes, she was afraid to go out. Now she is looking for another job because her English is better and she has gained confidence. She is very appreciative of the adult school.

Learning about "Real Life"

2009-03-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Yoon is from Korea and has learned so much about “real life” from coming to the adult school. She created a power point presentation for her classmates about her country which was very exciting for her. She has also learned more about standard grammar and pronunciation. She especially likes the Distance Learning program where she has learned about intonation as well as about good Internet sites to help her with her English.

A Center For Action, Connection, & Joy!

2009-03-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

For Her Child; For Her Future

2009-03-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

Daysi is from El Salvador. The adult school ESL program has helped her to understand much better what people are saying, so she can speak better also. She is now able to understand what the doctor is saying when her child is sick. She doesn’t need an interpreter to understand. She now can help her child in school and now they do activities together, and they are learning together. Her goal is to keep coming to school until her English is better and she can go to college to prepare for a technical career.

From Fear to Confidence

2009-03-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

Rana is from Jordan. She came to the adult school in December of 2008. She started at the low-intermediate level and now is studying in high-intermediate ESL. The adult school has helped Rana learn to read in English and to learn many things about American culture. Now when she goes out, she can understand and speak much better than before. When she first arrived here, she was afraid to go anywhere without her husband because she was afraid that if someone spoke to her, she wouldn’t understand. Now, she goes shopping alone and buys everything she needs. She has also met a lot of people since she came to the adult school.

The Highlight of Her Week

2009-03-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

Kari Horwitz, a student in the Fifty Plus Program's Memoirs class, writes:

Six years ago, recently widowed, I met Cynthia Eagleton. She was teaching a "Memoirs Class." I have always been intimidated by writing, let alone a personal memoir. She was so welcoming, I decided to try it. It has been one of the best experiences that I have attempted. It is very difficult to explore and record one's life and then read it aloud to a group of strangers. Through Cynthia's warmth and encouragement, I was able to try to write and subsequently read. Thanks to the experience, the group has become intimate, cohesive and supportive. We worried when she left the group a few years ago but Katherine Lieban took charge of the group at that time. It continues to be exceptionally wonderful. The assignments have been very provocative. They inspire lots of soul searching. My writing style has hopefully improved which is difficult when one is eighty two and set in one's ways. Two years ago, I was inspired to buy a computer. I had always written my pieces by hand and now feel I have joined the twenty first century. Our class is the highlight of my week. The would be an immeasurable loss to have it discontinued.

You Can Do It, Too

2009-03-17T15:13:00.001-07:00

Effort Brings Result

2009-03-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

A Plea for English Classes

2009-03-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

ESL student and mother Alejandra writes:

For me, it's important to come to school to learn English. So I can help my son in school.
And it's important so when people go shopping they don't need to find someone that speaks Spanish.
And so we don't have difficult time reading our mail in English and to get the bus.
Please don't take our chance to learn English.
Thank you.

Focused Job Search Pays Off

2009-03-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

ESL students, Miguel Aceves and his brother-in-law, Oscar Landeros, began coming to the OPEN COMPUTER LAB to get assistance with their job search in February. Miguel and Oscar both attended the computer lab class regularly for about three weeks. During this time, Teacher Martin helped Miguel create a new resume that highlights his work experience in the construction industry. Meanwhile, Oscar learned how to search for work online using craigslist.org, Monster, Hotjobs, and other online resources. Soon these two students became quite proficient at using email and the Internet to look for career opportunities in the Bay Area.

Then one day, these two students stopped coming to the computer lab...The teacher assumed that Miguel and Oscar, like some other students, had given up on finding a job in this difficult economic situation in which we now find ourselves.

Yesterday, Miguel stopped by the OPEN COMPUTER LAB as it was closing. He came to express his gratitude for the help he had recieved in his job search. Both Miguel and Oscar found new jobs!! Congratulations to Miguel Aceves and Oscar Landeros! Your hard work and perseverance has paid off for you both.

The OPEN COMPUTER LAB is open to all ESL students at San Mateo Adult School Mondays through Fridays from 4:20 to 6:20 pm. Teacher Martin can provide individualized assistance in your job search. The key is not to give up. It takes time to find a job and Miguel and Oscar are proof that it can be done.

Imagining A Better Future

2009-03-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Mario Ayala arrived in the U.S. in 2001 with his wife, Elizabeth, who was born in the U.S. but grew up in Mexico, and their two daughters. Mario had training in video in Guadalajara where he had a job writing scripts for small projects. It was not without some fear that he made the decision to come north to start a new life. How would he get a job? Would he ever again be able pursue work in video production? How would he learn a new language?

In San Mateo Mario learned of the Adult School and enrolled. Shortly thereafter came the events of September 11. When the school held a memorial for those who died at the World Trade Center Mario grabbed a camera he borrowed from the school and shot his first video in the U.S. He was moved by the fact that teachers, students and staff sang John Lennon’s “Imagine” in their candlelight ceremony.

Mario continued his studies in English and steadily improved. He was part of the Adult School video production class and worked on a number of student projects. He regained confidence in himself and discovered possibilities he had not foreseen. He and Elizabeth began a small video production business doing wedding and quinceneara videos. With his improved English he was able to help his young daughter with her homework.

Six months ago, based on the success of their video and photography work, Mario and Elizabeth opened a photo studio on B Street in San Mateo. The name of their shop, Imagine.

Helping Family and Community

2009-03-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

Augustin’s story is an inspirational one. He is from Mexico and has attended our school for the past two years. He has been working at Viognier, the restaurant above Draeger’s in San Mateo for the past 9 years as a cook, specializing in signature sauces, gourmet pizza, and designing plate presentations for photo shoots. Recently, he interviewed with Google for a position as a sous chef in San Francisco. In the last few years, his English has improved greatly, he says, due to his English as a Second Language classes with Shirley McMahon, Elizabeth Yale, and Distance Learning (DVDs and learning packets) with Carolyn Pannu.

As a result of his English competency, not only his career has advanced, but also his influence is felt in helping his family members and his community. His sister is a struggling single mom and he helps her by attending the Parent Conferences for his nephew, 15, a San Mateo High School student and his niece, 5, who attends College Park Elementary School. Sometimes he attends these conferences alone; other times, he accompanies his sister and translates for her.

Augustin is well-known at our school for his outgoing ways and friendliness. Too, his Auntie, Maria Luisa, has always been happy to prepare tamales, a most popular item, for International Days as well as the Annual School Flea Market.

Augustin says, “Thanks to my progress in English, I feel comfortable in my career and to assist my family members in the San Mateo community as well as offer my volunteer services at Friends of the Urban Forests in San Francisco whose group plants trees throughout the city to make the neighborhoods more beautiful.”

A Student with a Goal!

2009-03-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Luis Aguilar has been a student of mine at both the Workers' Resource Center and The Adult School. In the short time that I have been a teacher here, I have watched this young man change from a person with little direction, into a person who knows exactly what he wants in life. Because of the ESL program, Luis has realized that getting an education is the only way he will obtain the kind of success he desires. Once Luis completes the ESL program, he has decided that he will continue his education by entering the GED program at this school. This is a student who is going somewhere, and I believe that within a few years Luis will be a true success story of The Adult School!!

- Written by Alesha Dentoni

English for the Future

2009-03-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

Abner Ramirez came to the San Mateo Adult School to learn the English he needs for his restaurant management training program. He is working his way up to assistant manager from his current job as cook. Ramirez says his English classes have improved his restaurant vocabulary and help him assist his manager in doing inventory. He also uses the English he has learned to help restaurant workers serve customers better. His communication skills help keep the kitchen running smoothly and reduce the time it takes to serve up orders. Ramirez also uses his English to communicate with customers. The restaurant where he works has an open kitchen, and customers ask him questions about the food.

Ramirez says he needs to continue improving his English so he can interview prospective employees when he becomes assistant manager. "Studying English opens many doors, " Ramirez says. "It's important to study English for a better future."

OPEN COMPUTER LAB: Another Success Story!

2009-03-12T11:09:00.001-07:00

ESL and GED student Miriam Vasquez recently came to the OPEN COMPUTER LAB for help finding work. Working with Teacher Martin, Miriam posted her own advertisement (free) on the Internet to start her own business as a personal companion. Miriam also worked with Teacher Martin to create an impressive resume. A few days later, Miriam got a phone call. Now she is working as a personal companion for an elderly lady. Congratulations, Miriam!

OPEN COMPUTER LAB: Monday - Thursday, 4:20 - 6:20
Individual instruction in basic computer skills

E-mail, Internet, MS Office applications.

Job search assistance

Resume preparation and editing

Finding a Job in a Difficult Economy

2009-03-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

ESL student Alberto Roman was frustrated with his job search. Previously, he had worked as a chimney repairman. He looked for a job in his area of expertise, but he couldn't find anything. Alberto was even thinking about leaving the Bay Area because he could not find work. Then, he decided to go to the OPEN COMPUTER LAB for help. Working with Teacher Martin, Alberto set up his own email account. Next, with the teacher's help, Alberto made a resume. He also searched on the Internet for Bay Area companies that do chimeny work. On Wednesday (March 11), Alberto got a phone call from one of the companies he had contacted. He started his new job on Thursday, March 11!

Congratulations, Alberto!

The OPEN COMPUTER LAB is available for ESL students Monday through Thursday from 4:20 to 6:20 pm. Teacher Martin is available to assist students with their job search and other help on the computer.

The Whole Story

2009-03-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Pat Bradley, a student in the Memoirs Class (part of the Fifty Plus Program), writes the following about her experience in the class:

My first story in the Memoirs class is dated 1999. I joined the class because I had spent several years in the Genealogy class researching my family history. I decided I should write my history for my family.

This class has been an amazing experience for me as well as for those who also attend. I have been achieving my goal of writing my life story for my children and grandchildren. However, over the time I have been in the class, I have also greatly improved my writing skills to the point where I have successfully written a couple of short fictional stories. I have also improved my earlier attempts at writing.

That is not the whole story.

This is a group of people who have had amazing life experiences, from tales of World War II, to internment in concentration camps, to living in camps for the Japanese in this country. We have heard stories of eccentric families, vacations and adventures in other countries, philosophy on the art of living, love, loss, and personal achievement. Our childhoods have varied a great deal and we have learned much about growing up in different parts of this country and different parts of the world. We have written about awareness of racial discrimination and gender discrimination and political awareness.

We have received great guidance from our teachers, leading us to think of various aspects of our lives, suggesting subjects, and bringing examples of other writing to inspire us. We have laughed, we have cried, and we have learned a great deal about one another. Because of this, we are family. No one misses this class if at all possible. We support one another when illness befalls us, we cheer on those who go off to the Amazon or want to climb the mountains in Nepal. And the stories return to us. All of our lives have been greatly enriched by this class and the relationships we have found here.

People in other places where I travel are envious of the opportunity I have to attend a class like this and to produce these stories for my family. They are hesitant to try it on their own. There would be an empty space in my life if this were to end.

I realize these are difficult times but I urge you to appreciate the value of this class for the Seniors who attend and the value of these histories for the families who will benefit from receiving them.

Sincerely,

Pat Bradley

History Made Real

2009-03-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

"Grammy, did that really happen?" her awed grandson asked her. He was watching the movie, "Pearl Harbor" and found the events hard to believe.

"Yes, dear, it really did happen," Billie replied, recalling the events of years ago.

The interchange prompted Billie to write her memory of those events for the book her Memoirs class was composing.

In 2005 members of the class wrote their stories and memories of World War II, which they then assembled into a book.

Many of the students gave copies of the book to their children and grandchildren and many of those grandchildren shared their books with classmates or used the stories for schoolwork.

"I had stuff no one else had!" another of Billie's grandson's happily informed her. He used some of the information from the World War II book for his US history class assignments.

History - not just the recitation of facts but the recollections of living, breathing people - made real for future generations, through the work of Fifty Plus students like Billie.

Goals and Priorities

2009-03-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Distance Learning Student Veronica has clear priorities: to be a good mother and a good student. Her studies in the Distance Learning program help her do both.

Thanks to the San Mateo Adult School, she is better able to help her elementary age children. “I learned lots of information for real life through this program. I can communicate with my children frequently in English. I can teach my children with accuracy. I can have lots of information not only from my studies but also from my teacher.”

She adds, “My education level is high. I have a Masters degree in Korea. But my English is not fluent so I couldn’t use my talent in the U.S.A. To learn English here has promoted me for action here so I can share my talents in my community.”

Both she and her husband are citizens and made sure to teach their children about U.S. civics, government, and culture through the recent election and the events that led up to it.

That's important because her older child has a special goal: to one day be president of the United States. With a mother like Veronica as support and role model, we know he stands a good chance of achieving it.

Ready To Take On The World

2009-03-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

Students in the Fifty Plus Badminton classes maintain health and fitness while forging new friendships and brushing up skills learned in schooldays long ago.

Good health and good mood are always important but particularly as we age and during stressful times, they become the springboards to success.

How do you define success? Well, that's up to you. But one thing is guaranteed: fitness and a positive attitude will get you there faster.

In Her Own Words

2009-03-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Grace Swan, a student in the Memoirs class offered by San Mateo Adult School's Fifty Plus Program, writes:

The Activity Guide for the city of San Mateo showed a writing class for those interested in writing their memoirs. I had thought about it for a number of years, but that's as far as I had gotten -- just thinking. I needed some guidance and something to spur me into action. So I attended the class and soon had ideas and suggestions about getting the stories out of my head and down on paper. I had encouragement from the instructor and from fellow writers.

I had thought that within a year I would have all the stories I wanted to tell to be written, but that's not the way it has happened. The instructor can think of more experiences to write about and I find the years slipping by. the stories of the other writers are so incredible and all true, that I could go and just listen be inspired.

We share our laughter and lives in such a way that that it boosts our immunity and recuperative ability when health problems loom over us. Going to class is like good therapy and helps to keep us functioning at our highest potential.

Searching and Finding Paths to A New Life

2009-03-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

Alvaro Pirir

"On a stormy day, years ago, a very wet little boy holding the hand of a frightened little girl, entered my office and asked, in Spanish, "Is this a school?" That is how I met Alvaro Pirir," remembers Meredith Hystad, Student Services Aide at San Mateo Adult School.

"Political refugees, his family had recently arrived in San Mateo from Guatemala. Traumatized by Guatemalan civil war experiences, afraid of this new land, and unable to communicate, his mother hid in their apartment with the four children," continues Meredith. "Finally, Alvaro, at 14, decided that his younger sister and brother should be in school. On the day I met him, he had wandered the streets with his little sister in tow, seeking directions to a school, until he found the San Mateo Adult School. Now armed with the information be needed, he thanked me and went back out into the rain on his mission to the elementary school district." Alvaro and Meredith quickly became friends, and she continued, "to help him negotiate the rules and regulations of the school districts."

"Months later he appeared again, this time, beaming," says Meredith.

"My younger brother and sister are in school," Alvaro told her, "My older brother and I have jobs. Now, I can go to school, too!"

He enrolled in high school, but soon learned that he would not be allowed to work full time while a high school student. He worked two jobs until he was 18, and then entered the adult school ESL program to improve the English he had learned on his own. When he entered our Adult Learning Center to study the high school English and mathematics he had missed, he was reading at the third grade level. Teacher Jan Becker recognized the potential of this bright and determined young man. She gave him special guidance in his Basic Reading and Basic Math classes, helping him to learn how to approach the challenges of effective studying and test taking. Under her tutelage, Alvaro raised his reading level from third grade to ninth grade in only four years. His math skills, which were minimal when be began studying with her, increased dramatically. By the time he finished his work with her, he had attained a GED and had the confidence to enter the College of San Mateo."

Alvaro wanted to enter the nursing program at the college, but discovered that it required a GED, so he returned to the adult school to complete the GED program while still taking college classes and working. He was driven, and sometimes needed a gentle reminder to be patient and to treat himself more gently. These reminders came from the encouragement of dedicated staff like ESL Coordinator Tim Doyle, teacher Mary Peros, and his friend Meredith.

In 2003, Alvaro won the Luis Blum Memorial Scholarship, which salutes "the pioneering spirit" of "those who strive to make life better for themselves and future generations in the United States of America". This scholarship paid for his books for two semesters at College of San Mateo.

"Recently, Alvaro and his two brothers pooled their money and bought a small house in Hayward, CA. He continues to work and study with the goals of becoming a registered nurse, earning a Bachelor's degree from San Francisco State College, and then, if he can save enough money, go on to medical school to become a physician.

Alvaro has helped support his mother as she adjusted to a new country, he encouraged his siblings to pursue education and work together for a common goal, and he set ambitious goals for himself and accomplished them. Six years ago, he didn't know one word of English. Today, he is well on his way to being a registered nurse and earning an Associate of Arts degree. His easy grin and eternally positive attitude infect everyone he meets.

"What a happy accident that Alvaro first wandered into the San Mateo Adult School!" says Meredith. "This positive and flexible environment has made it possible for him to study despite his demanding work schedules. He has benefited from the kindness and patience of his ESL teachers, who taught him how to communicate in his new language. And under the guidance of his Adult Learning Center teachers, he learned how to study and prepare for examinations."

"Now, busy with college classes and working, Alvaro still finds time periodically to visit us, update us on his progress, and thank us."

From Student to Teacher

2009-03-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

A visitor to Leticia Navarro’s fourth/fifth grade class in the Fiesta Gardens Spanish/English bilingual immersion school in San Mateo, is struck by how quickly the children volunteer answers. A flow of Spanish with an occasional English word woven in if the Spanish doesn’t come quickly to mind, serves to get the point across. All the students are using the language they have to engage in the task at hand, whether the lesson of the moment is in Spanish or English.

“That’s one of the things I learned from my experience as a student in ESL classes at the Adult School”, Leticia notes. “Make a comfortable atmosphere where the students can be free to use the language they have to communicate. When I first came to the United States I was so afraid to say anything or go anywhere. Then I came to the San Mateo Adult School and my life in the United States changed.”

Leticia came to the United States from Mexico in 1989 after she had finished high school. Her father had come to the United States many years before and had been part of the Amnesty program of 1986. In 1989 with his immigration status stabilized, he was able to reunite with his family. Leticia’s father had benefited from the Adult School by taking the English classes he needed in order to qualify for Amnesty.

Encouraged by her family, one of Leticia’s first stops was the San Mateo Adult School where she enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. From the beginning Leticia was struck by the manner that the classes were taught. Students were constantly encouraged to use the English that they had acquired. “The thing I remember most about my first class with Tim Doyle is that we went on field trips into the community. We learned how to take public transportation by riding on the bus and the train. I had never gone anywhere in the United States by myself without my father or brother. After we took a school trip to San Francisco, some friends that I had met in the class and I went by ourselves on the weekend to San Francisco. I felt so independent.”

She was so inspired by another teacher, Maria Roddy, who gave short critical thinking passages from famous writers in her Low Advanced ESL class that Leticia struggled mightily and read her first book in English, Les Miserables. Leticia studied morning through evenings and eventually honed her skills in ABE classes to the point where she felt ready to go on to community college. There Leticia balanced school, a job and romance, getting married to a man who like herself chose to go on to a four year college to become a teacher.

Leticia is now a pillar at the Fiesta Gardens school where parents, administrators and kids refer to her as “the wonderful Ms. Navarro” In her nine years at the school she has spent much time with the native Spanish and English speaking children with their struggles to acquire a second language. Her recent challenge along with all public education teachers is how to respond to the increased pressures of standardized testing, made worse by the fact that her students have to take standardized tests in two languages. An added pressure from the testing is that students in bilingual programs often do not manifest high test scores until their sixth or seventh year in bilingual schools. Panicked parents need constant reassurance that their children are learning at an appropriate pace and will eventually come out with higher cognitive abilities than their single language peers.

For Leticia the classroom is a place of transformation, where students can learn and grow. For her, part of the path was formed at Adult School where she says she gained a foundation in a new language and new culture and at the same time learned about how education could happen in a new way.

Remembering the Past While Working For the Future

2009-03-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

Ram Chandra Subedi came to the San Mateo Adult School in May 2000. He spoke little English and was very excited by the idea that, here in California, education is available to all. He was a dedicated student, devoting many hours to English as a Second Language, and then, the Adult Learning Center where he prepared for, and attained, his GED. During the years that he was a student with us, he was a valuable and enthusiastic participant in many extra-curricular activities. He represented Nepal at International Day celebrations, educating our students and staff about life there. He also spoke at student assemblies, inspiring students to persevere in their pursuit of education.

He has never forgotten the poverty from which he came or the plight of those still in Nepal. Education is inaccessible to most children in Nepal and the lack of a high school education is the biggest obstacle to success.

Now employed as a dealer in art and antiques, he has established the Nepal Children's Fund. His mission is to provide teachers of mathematics and English for Nepalese schools to combat the 80% failure rate in these subjects. He solicits donations, organizes fundraisers, and has established an import business to support this fund. He imports handicrafts, antiques and embroidered goods.

In addition, Ram and his employer provide scholarships which pay for tuition and school supplies for Nepalese children, and one to help a deserving graduate of the San Mateo Adult School continue his/her education at the college level.

The dedicated and caring teachers at the San Mateo Adult School offer encouragement and understanding along with the curriculum. ESL teachers Vasyl Barlak, Mary Peros and Janelle Becerra were particularly helpful to Ram as he worked on his grammar and pronunciation. Bruce Neuburger, teacher of ESL and Video Production, helped Ram with his spoken English and taught him how to create and edit videos. These skills are very helpful as he makes fundraising presentations for the foundation.

Diane Hageman is an excellent teacher, patient and careful in her explanations. She was Ram's teacher of Modem Office Technologies where he has mastered computer applications for the business world.

Jan Becker tutored and encouraged Ram to study for, and pass, each of the four GED subject examinations.

The San Mateo Adult School offers training in English, job skills, and adult basic education, the trio of which form a strong foundation for success in our competitive society.

Ram Chandra Subedi is an outstanding example of an individual who understood the importance of these opportunities and has used them to not only support himself, but also, to contribute to the improvement of the lives of others.

Parents and Children Grow Together

2009-03-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

A mother of two, Debbie Abrams Kaplan brought her children to the San Mateo Adult School’s Learn Through Play class for several years, beginning when her son was just a babe in arms and her daughter was a year old.

Debbie says that in the class, her kids gained socializing skills playing with and around other kids of different ages. They learned about different cultures and did art projects and played with toys they wouldn't have had at home. It was a regular presence in their lives, and they liked going.

As for herself, Debbie says, “It was great to meet other parents, especially those from other cultures. It was a great way to share our backgrounds and learn about parenting styles and parenting issues. I looked forward to going and having new friends, as well as a safe place for my kids to learn and grow. I loved the variety of having different activities, songs to learn, art projects and that it was a drop-in program.”

Debbie now writes the blog Frisco Kids, a guide to kid-friendly events and trips in the San Francisco Bay Area… and beyond.

http://www.friscokids.net

Parade Magazine Details Importance of Teaching Parents English

2009-02-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

In the February 22nd edition of Parade Magazine, writer Sheila Weller details the positive impact that teaching immigrant parents English can have on their schoolage children.

"Now I Can Stand Up For Myself" - Parade Magazine.

When moms and dads speak English, everyone benefits.

The San Mateo Adult School educates many parents, particulary in their CBET classes.

These classes are held onsite at Elementary Schools, in the evenings, with childcare.
Classes are currently offered at George Hall and Sunnybrae Elementary Schools in San Mateo and Washington Elementary School in San Bruno.

Parents improve their English skills and learn how to help their children achieve in school. Parents and children learning and achieving: a win-win combination!

A Mother Keeps Learning

2009-02-25T12:09:00.000-08:00

Before she became a mother, Margarita went to ESL classes at the San Mateo Adult School.

Now she must fit improving her English in between working, caring for her daughter, and caring for other children.

Margarita says, “I don’t have enough time. I would like to go to regular classes but I don’t have enough time. You help because every day I come to Distance Learning, I learn something different. I have time to do my homework at home. My English classes help me help my daughter with her homework."

She adds, "I have friends who don’t understand their children’s homeowork. They call me and tell me they don’t understand. A lot of papers are not translated to Spanish. I can help them."

"My daughter is in kindergarten now. It’s easy for me. Maybe later it’s going to be harder. I’m going to keep learning so I can help her.”

Resume Assistance at OPEN COMPUTER LAB

2009-02-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

One of our ESL students, Saied Mehrabian, recently worked on his resume with ESL teacher Martin in the OPEN COMPUTER LAB. Saied had been a welder in his native Iran and he needed some help developing a good resume that would help him find employment here in the United States.

After a couple of weeks, Saied brought his resume to a local iron foundry where he got a job as a welder. Congratulations, Saied!

This service (resume preparation/editing) is just one of the many FREE services available to ESL students Mondays through Thursdays, 4:20 to 6:20 p.m. in Room 24.

Bianca Gonzalez Tells Her Story

2009-02-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

Because of difficult circumstances, Bianca Gonzalez struggled to complete her high school education. Through San Mateo Adult School's High School Diploma Program, she was able to complete her education, receive a real diploma, and go on to become a full-time student at City College in San Francisco.

In the February 24th edition of the San Mateo Daily Journal's Opinion section, she tells her story and discusses the challenges adult schools face today.

You can read her story here:

"Adult Schools A Key Part Of Educational System"

Hard-working Parent Juggles English with Family Responsibilities

2009-02-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

Ji Yeong is a parent who attends the San Mateo Adult School. An immigrant from Korea, she studies in the Distance Learning program. This program allows her to study at home with DVDs and homework. She watches the DVDs at home and completes her homework, then meets with a teacher for corrections, practice, and a new assignment. In the past, she also took in-person ESL classes at the Adult School. Family commitments make that harder now so the Distance Learning program meets her needs very well.

Ji Yeong says that from her classes at the Adult School, “I learn about American culture and how to take care of children, information about American school, and English grammar and conversation.”

She has a son with special needs who attends Laurel Elementary. She teaches her son many skills. Her English classes help her in her communication with his teachers. Her niece and nephew live with her and go to St. Timothy’s. She helps them with their homework. Her English classes help her to support their work in school and to communicate with their teachers, as well.

Like many students at San Mateo Adult School, Ji Yeong must juggle many responsibilities. She is committed to learning English while caring for her family and meeting their needs. The variety and flexibility of the ESL classes at the Adult School allow her to do this very well.

Serving the Many

2009-02-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

The San Mateo Adult Schools serves a broad array of people.

Immigrants needing English, job, and citizenship skills; young adults in search of a high school diploma; older adults in search of mental and physical stimulation; under-employed or unemployed adults looking to expand their job horizons; parents committed to better parenting - all looked to the Adult School to meet their needs.

In the 2007-2008, 12,500 students attended the school.

The numbers break down as follows:

English as a Second Language (including citizenship): 6,600
Fifty Plus (classes for Adults over Fifty years young): 3,300
Adults with Disabilities: 965
Vocational Education: 870
Parent Education: 400
Adult Basic Education: 190
High School Subjects (including GED): 900

Students in the Building Futures, a program which helps young adults gain the skills needed to enter a union trade, fell in either the ABE or the HS Subjects program, depending on how they tested.