San Mateo Adult School: Student Council 2017-18

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

Denise and Cristina
Student Council Advisors

This year, former student leaders Denise Carrasco and Cristina Munoz and Teacher Stephanie Kriebel will be the advisors for Student Council.

Teacher Stephanie
with one of her students

We are excited to have the experience of former student leaders as part of the advising team. They will be mentors to the new leaders.

Teacher Stephanie brings a passion for
supporting her students to be and do their best.

Student Council Election Process

Wednesday, September 20th, candidates for 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 when they vote 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

Thursday, September 21, students will vote in elections for Morning Student Council leaders. The elections are done on computers.

Meeting Day and Times

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

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

Student Council Accomplishments

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 - on the regional, state, and national level. 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 listened to, supported, and led the student community.

We know that the 2017-18 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