San Mateo Adult School: Student Council 2016-17

Student Voice Matters!

San Mateo Adult School Student Council

ESL and GED and High School Diploma Students at our school can express opinions, give suggestions, make decisions, raise and spend money, and take actions to improve our school, Adult Education, and our local community through Student Council.

Not every Adult School has a Student Council - but they should! Student Councils are a great way for Adult Learners to have power in decision making and to learn leadership and civics skills.

We have two Student Councils - Day and Evening. They meet separately. But just like the California State Legislature and the United States Congress, both groups must be in agreement about decisions and spending money.

Student Councils have Student Leaders and Class Representatives. They are elected by the students.

The leaders are President, Vice-President, and Secretary. The candidates who are not elected serve on the Board.

There are two Class Representatives from each classroom. These Class Reps brings ideas and suggestions to the council from their classrooms, vote on decisions, and bring information back to their classroom.

Student Council Advisors - Old and New

Student Leadership thanking Teacher Lisa

for all her help and support

at Valentine's Day event in 2015

In previous years, Teacher Lisa Dolehide was the Advisor to Student Council in the Day and for many years in the Evening. Teacher Lisa helped make SMAS Student Council the powerful force it is today. This year, Teacher Lisa is stepping down from this role.

New Student Council Advisor

English Learner Specialist

Marina Kravtsova

Marina Kravtsova, English Learner Specialist and Former Student Leader, is stepping into Lisa's shoes. It is exciting for us to have an Advisor who understand Student Council from the inside out. We know Marina will bring special skills and insights to her role as Advisor to the Council.

Morning Student Council Election Process

Thursday, September 22nd, candidates for Morning Student Council leader positions will present their ideas at a Forum. Students will listen. They will think about who they want for their leaders. This is the same process US citizens are doing now before they vote in November for new leaders, including president.

Candidates post campaign signs around campus
Here is Cristina's in 2015-16

Candidates give speeches at the forums
Here is Daniel giving his in 2014-15

Friday, September 23rd, day students will vote in elections for Morning Student Council leaders. The elections are done on computers.

Evening Student Council Process

This year the Evening Student Council will proceed in Townhall style with two volunteer leaders. There were not enough candidates for an election.

Wednesday, September 21, the two volunteers will talk about their ideas and goals. Students will vote by a show of hands to elect them to serve as leaders.

Meeting Day and Times

This year the Evening Student Council will meet on Monday evenings at 8 pm.

The Day Student Council will meet on Tuesdays at 12 noon.

Meeting dates for 2016-2017 are:

                         MON (PM)    TUES (AM)
                            Oct 17        Oct 11
                            Nov 7          Nov 8
                            Dec 5          Dec 6
                            Jan 23         Jan 24
                            Feb 13         Feb 14
                            Mar 13        Mar 14
                            Apr 17        Apr 18
                            May 15        May 16
                            Jun 12        Jun 13

In the past, our leaders have done great things. They have carried the message that Adult Education Matters to elected government officials locally and in Sacramento. They have attended conferences and made presentations about the value of Student Voice and Leadership. They have spoken to the press. They have brought us better food choices and coffee in the Student Lounge. They have organized and led events for unity, learning, and community engagement. They have

We know that the 2016-17 SMAS Student Leaders will do great things, also.

Our school brings strength and spirit to all we do!

2014-15 Evening Student Council President

Maricruz with Advisor Teacher Lisa Dolehide

At San Mateo Spring Clean-Up

SMAS Students Celebrating Victory January 2015
Adult Schools regained funding thanks to student, teacher, union, CCAE, and other organizational and community action