First of all, the school will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2009. Please take that day to prepare for the celebration on the following day.
On Thursday, July 2, 2009, there will be a sing-along event in the evening. If you are in a class at night, ask your teacher to take your class to the singing event. If you are a day time student, feel free to join us at the Venus/Mercury room. There will be 2 sessions: 7-8pm and 8:30-9:30pm. You can listen to samples of the songs online, but more importantly read the lyrics to the songs. We will also give you time to sing your national anthem on Thursday.
Here is a karaoke video of the Star Spangled Banner (America's National Anthem) for you to practice both in the class and at home!
Now, let us study a little about the history to this special day. How old is America this year? What do you know about Fourth of July? Take a few minutes and read about its history.
For Intermediate and Advanced students, you may want to challenge yourself to this Webquest with your classmates in groups.
For teachers: you may want to use some ideas from this webpage for class / group projects to do with your students to help them learn more about the Fourth of July.
Once again, Happy Birthday America! Until next year, stay happy and healthy.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Birthday America!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
International Day
It's the time of the year for us to celebrate who we are! Mark the dates down on your calendar so you will not miss out all the great fun.
International Day - July 17, 2009
International Night - July 16, 2009
There will be singing, there will be dancing, and there will be food for eating! Watch this video to learn more about this exciting event.
Please use the school calendar on the top left of this page to find out when the preparation meeting dates are.
The event can't happen without YOU!!! Join students from your country and take part in this great event.
Use this chart to find out which room your country is meeting and who the teachers are helping your group.
Don't forget to bring your family to join the fun too! More questions? Just ask any teacher you see at school.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
June Student Council Meeting Minutes
Evening – Monday, June 15, 2009
Morning – Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Account Update -- Balance more than $10,000 in our account.
New and Continuing Business:
1. Get ready for International Day:
The annual International Day parties are coming soon --
2. Viva la soccer – in San Mateo!
The annual soccer tournament for the evening classes (morning students are invited to play, too!) will be the last two weeks in July – July 20th-30th -- with games at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Cost is $40 per team (16 registered players each). All players must have SM Adult School ID cards.
Information/registration: Contact Guy Oling, who is here during evening classes; morning students contact Luis Santiago.
3. ID card sales and photos: Sales of ID cards and photos are planned for Tuesday, June 30 – 10:30 a.m. for morning classes, 8 p.m. for evening.
4. Vote on EL Civics study topics for next school year: Among the topics: Being a great student, helping our children, eating healthy, safety, helping the environment, assisting others.
5. The new outdoor tables and benches are here! They look great and are a nice addition to our school. Thanks to our student government for initiating the project.
Next Meetings: This fall -- after our summer break from Aug. 8 to Sept. 8.
Thanks again !!! -- To all our Student Government officers and all our Classroom Representatives for helping make our school great. Your time and your work have been very much appreciated !!!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Budget Crisis - Bigger Than Ever
Many of you probably know: The state of California does not have enough money to pay for everything right now. The State Legislature must decide what to do.
We - the people of the state of California - are at a real crossroads.
What is a crossroads? A crossroads is the place where two roads come together and you must decide: Where do I go? What do I do?
The State of California must decide: Should we cut programs? Should we raise taxes? If we cut programs, what programs do we cut? Governor Schwartzennger is talking about cuts for education, health care, state parks, and other programs.
If we raise taxes, what kind? Taxes for people for lots of money? Or taxes for everyone - like a sales tax?
At San Mateo Adult School, we have already made some cuts. The Adult School has closed some classes. Distance Learning is now much smaller. Seniors must pay for classes now.
Other Adult Schools have made cuts also, some of them very big. Many schools, all across California, are making cuts.
We have already raised the state sales tax.
But we must do more. California does not have money to pay its bills right now. What are the bills the state must pay? The state pays for schools and teachers. The state pays for courts and law enforcement. The state pays for roads and hospitals, job safety and unemployment, environmental protection and emergency response systems. The state pays for many, many things so we can live safely and prepare for the future.
Now Caliornia does not have enough money to pay for these things.
You can help decide what we do. You can tell the State Legislature your opinion about cuts and taxes. You can tell them what is important to you. How do you think this problem can be solved?
This is a serious time. Think about what is important to you. Think about how we can solve this serious problem. And then tell your represenstatives your experiences and ideas.
You can find out your local representatives here:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
Enter your zip code, click on your legislator and it will link to the members home page with email contact information.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Video Orientation - CASAS TEST
Many thanks to the Video Class for making this excellent video to help the school promote the importance of the CASAS test. It is only in Spanish now but they are working on the English subtitle and will release that very soon.
