SMAS Student Olena Babych's Letter to Asm Mullin about Adult Education

With the COVID pandemic, we have many challenges - including economic problems. The Legislature and the Governor must agree on a new budget for our new situation. This is the time when we need to tell them what we need and want in the new budget.

San Mateo Adult School Student Shelley Olena Babych shares her letter on this topic to Assembly Member Mullin:

To Honorable Kevin Mullin

RE: Funding for Adult Education

Dear Assemblymember Kevin Mullin,

 I am Olena Babych, from Ukraine, I am a student and Vice President at San Mateo Adult School who lives in your district. 

Olena Babych

When I came to the USA I could barely understand people and did not know anything about local culture. After less than one year of studying, I can communicate with people. The Adult School has given me not just speaking and writing skills, but also, the amazing teachers have given me knowledge about life in the US and helped me to adapt to a new life here. In Ukraine, I worked as a psychologist, and communication skills are necessary for my job. Now, I continue studying to have the possibility to find a job here and serve people.

With all due respect, I am writing this letter to you to thank you for your job. I understand this a difficult time for the state, and I am concerned about cutting the budget for Adult Education. As a volunteer who helped the teacher with very beginning students, I can see how important Adult School is for people who came to the country and do not know English to adapt and find a job.  

Our school has tried to do the best for the community - our students participate in such important events as a beach cleaning, fundraising for fire victims, and more.

Adult Education needs stable money in the new budget. With this money, we can learn more and help our community. 

Thank you for your support of our school and Adult Education.  

Sincerely,

Olena Babych

SMAS Student Edy Vasquez' Letter To Governor Newsom

Edy Vasquez

Edy Vasquez is a student at San Mateo Adult School. He is a pre-GED student now. He was in the ESL program. You can read more of his story here.

With the COVID pandemic, we have some economy problems. If we want to keep strong Adult Education, we must tell Governor Newsom and our legislators why Adult School is important.

Here is some information to help you write your own letter.

Read Edy's letter to Governor Newsom:

Governor Gavin Newsom

1303 10th St., #1173

Sacramento, CA. 95814

April 23, 2020

Dear Governor Gavin Newsom,

I am Edy Vasquez,  from Guatemala. I’m  a student at  San Mateo Adult School in
California, United States of America.  

With all due respect, I am writing this letter to you. thanking you for the
effort made in the state of California, keeping everyone safe from COVID 19,
looking after our health and coming to town.  This was an excellent job done
as a governor.  From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for everything.  '

The reason for this letter is because I understand there may be possible budget
cutting for some public institutions and agencies. To continue to function properly,
we need balanced budgets. 

For this reason I took the liberty of writing this letter and to concentrate on adult
education in our county. I attend San Mateo Adult School. Education is very
important for both children and adults. By educating ourselves, we can better
serve the State of California and provide a better economy by producing work.  

On the other hand, if our school continues to be funded, teachers will not be
unemployed, they will be able to contribute to the state that which is valuable,
which is education. I hereby ask you to reconsider aid for all adult schools. As a student,
I see education as the key to success for the future of my family and to improve the
education of my children. On the other hand, I help my community from school
by participating in the programs that exist in the school, which are census,
green team, hot food service, student ambassador, and more.

Please don’t cut our budget. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Edy Vasquez

Advocacy Matters

April 8 to 12 is Adult Education Week 2019.

The focus this year is Advocacy.

Here is a presentation to explain the power of advocacy and why we advocate for Adult Education.

Adult Ed Week 2019

Adult Ed - A Time to Celebrate and Advocate

It's time to celebrate Adult Education!

Every year in the Spring, California celebrates Adult Education.

This year, Adult Ed Week is April 8 to 12.  The focus is advocacy.  The theme is "Our Voices Matter."

Adult Education gives us many reasons to celebrate. It provides classes to help immigrants learn English.  It provides job training classes.  It provides high school diploma and GED classes.

These are the reasons we advocate for Adult Education.  Adult Ed is so important.  It helps many people.  It helps California.

Hashtags for Social Media:  #AdultEducationMatters #AdultEdWeek2019  #AdvocacyMatters

The Plan for Adult Ed Week 2019

Through the week, classes will discuss advocacy.  Teachers will share a special presentation about Advocacy.  Marina and Cynthia prepared it and Student Ambassadors translated it into many languages.  You can see the presentation in English here.



Monday Morning:  Hang the Banner 

Early Monday, Patty, Tommy, and Student Volunteers will hang the big Adult Education Matters banner.  This tells everyone who passes by an important message:  Adult Education Matters!

 Adult Education Matters banner hanging outside school. 

Two students painting part of the banner. 

We made this banner as part of Adult Ed Week 2016.

Students assembling the banner. 

 

Monday Morning:  Virginia Reel - Square Dancing

On Monday morning, April 8th, at 10 am, we will do our traditional Virginia Reel.  This is an old American dance, a kind of square dancing.  Toshio will lead us. He will be the caller.  He will call out the steps and we will follow.   You can see a sample of the dance here.

Vocabulary to learn:  

partner:  the person you dance with
head couple:  the first couple in the line
swing your partner:  elbow around elbow, swing around in a circle
sashay:  grab hands and skip sideways down the line
do-si-do:  arms folded across your chest - walk up and then backwards, facing your partner

Students sashaying in the Virginia Reel

Toshio teaching students how to do the dance

Students swing their partners

Tuesday:  CCAE Leg Day

Student Council officers Shelley, Shereen, Claudia and Simone and Staff Members Patty and Cynthia will go to Sacramento for CCAE Leg Day.  CCAE is the California Council for Adult Education.  Leg Day is pronounced "Ledge" Day.  It is a special day for advocacy.   On this day, the SMAS team will talk to Legislators about Adult Education, our school, and the need for more funding for our school.

Wear Red on Tuesday

And remember, on Tuesday we wear #Red4AdultEd.  We do this to carry the message that Adult Education matters and show pride in our school.

Wednesday Evening Dancing

On Wednesday evening, Toshio will lead evening students in the Reel.

Toshio directing Virginia Reel

Students swinging their partners

Advocacy Matters

Our school survived a very difficult time - when many Adult Schools closed and all Adult Schools were made smaller.   We survived this difficult time by advocating for our survival.

But our school - like all Adult Schools - needs more money.  Adult Education has less money than before 2008 - when the economy crashed.  This is why the focus for Adult Ed week this year is advocacy.

We must speak up for our needs.  Adult Education needs more money.

With more money, Adult Education can help more people.

This is important.  Our advocacy is important.

Democracy in Action

Later this Spring, we will write letters to legislators. We will use our voices to speak up and ask for what we need.

Telling our elected representatives what we need is democracy in action.  Our representatives depend on us to tell them what is going on and what we need in order to serve the people of California with the best Adult Education possible.

So that is what we will do!

Students in red mailing letters to legislators

Two students in red with a letter to a legislator

Daniel in red with a letter to a legislator

Gustavo Rosas' Keys to Success

For Adult Education Week 2018, students from Ms.Thompson's PreGED Morning and Evening classes were asked to write about the, "Keys to Success."   Our heartiest congratulations to all participants.

Keys to Success

by Gustavo Rosas

Third Place Winner - Evening Class

Probably the first step to success is a dream.  Dreams come true all the time, but you have to land into the reality.  Then you have to convert on a short or long goal with a deadline to start the journey.

Time is the most important part of this subject, because before you start the road, you need a plan and strategy.  You need effort every day like the same way you do with life. Dedication is important too, because if you combine dedication and effort you have a clue to success.

Emphasis on what you really want to do is important also.  Patience is a virtue that not many people have. If you put a little bit of time, effort, dedication, emphasis, and patience you will be closer to success.

Sometimes you will suffer, because nothing is easy.  You will have to show that you are strong and courageous.  Like the quote says, “No pain, no gain.” Once you have achieved what you proposed, you will feel proud and successful for your achievements.

One of the most important key to success is, “Perseverance.”  You can be persistent in what you really love or are interested.  Like education, that’s a priority in our lives and is a complement to success.  In conclusion, we need to focus on priorities and move step by step to achieve the success.  

Adriana Leite's Keys to Success

For Adult Education Week, students from Ms.Thompson's PreGED Morning and Evening classes were asked to write about the, "Keys to Success."   Our heartiest congratulations to all participants.

   Education is a Hope

by Adriana Leite

Education is a hope because I believe that Education can change our life.  It can do this by reducing violence, providing more jobs for everybody, giving people a good quality of service, and a better future.

When I was a child, I could not go to school regularly, so I was sad and unconfident.Two years ago, my husband and I moved to the United States. He was transferred from his company in Brazil to here. I didn't speak English, so it was so difficult for me to do simple stuff, like go to the doctor, or to the grocery store.  

My husband encouraged me to take English classes, and, at the first it was difficult, but now I can  go anywhere and do all my stuff. I can have a nice conversation with my neighbors, go shopping, make plans for the future here. I have a plan to go to College and be a cosmetologist.  I'm really proud of myself!

Education for me  is the key for a better life and a better world. The life without education is like a tea without sugar .

This is really good!  Great job; welcome back!!

Adult Ed Week 2018: Being A Part of the Rally at the State Capitol

Riding the bus to Sacramento

On April 9th, fifty students and two teachers from San Mateo Adult School took a bus to the state capitol of Sacramento to join a rally for Adult Education.  The rally was held by CCAE - the California Council for Adult Education.  Students and staff from all over California attended the rally.  They rallied to bring attention to the need for strong funding for Adult Education.  They rallied to remind legislators that Adult Education matters.  Rie Shinohara was one of the students who attended the rally.  Here, with her permission, is her story about that day.

Being a Part of the Rally at the State Capital

When I first arrived at San Mateo Adult School, there were many new students in the lobby waiting to be registered. I could easily get in a class after I paid $30 fee for the semester. Later, the cost of going to this school became free, and one day, I heard that modern office technology classes became free, too. I thought that some people must have played an important role to waive fees from students; however, I did not think through how they did it. I assume that once students are in the school system, they take it for granted that their seats are secured and no further action is needed.

As I have worked as a volunteer to assist new student registration process for the last two years, I noticed how many people need more education to live in the United States. Last few semesters, classes got full quite quickly, and several of the scheduled registration dates were cancelled. There were waiting lists, and I knew some students who were dying to get into particular classes. I felt a growing need for adult education, and there was a chance to express my thoughts.

SMAS Students in the capitol building

On April 9, I was at the capitol of the state, Sacramento. More than 50 students and some faculty members from San Mateo Adult School headed for a rally for adult education that was organized by the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE). Before the rally began, we were trying to witness the moment when assembly members declared that the week was Adult Education Week. Third floor was literally full of people who wanted to appeal their own needs, and I could not even see how the room legislators were in looked like. I later heard that the declaration was not made on that day because the legislators had too many items on their agenda.

Adult School students in scrubs

Right outside the capitol building, with abundant sunshine coming down to us, the rally started. Groups of people from all parts of the state gathered to support adult education, and I was surprised by the number of people at the event. Many people held signs that said we need adult education. Some people were in scrubs, indicating that they pursue medical profession through adult schools. The group of us from San Mateo wore red clothes, like we do every Tuesday at the school to show adult education matters. Our presence at the rally clearly showed that there is a need for adult education.

Assembly Member
Kevin McCarty
speaking at the rally

It was so sunny that Kevin McCarty, an Assembly Member, asked if it was okay for him to come into a shade with those gathered. He actually benefited from the adult education system because he was short on credits to graduate from his high school. It was somewhat encouraging to me that someone who now works as a legislator took some courses at an adult school.

Margarita Lewis shares her story

From the beginning of the event, I was standing by a woman who anxiously held a palm-sized handwritten script in a small red folder. I instantly sensed that she was going to present her speech. In fact, the woman, Margarita Lewis, from Castro Valley Adult and Career Education, was the last person to share her story after two men who also spoke about their appreciation for adult education. When her name was called, she left my side, hastily asking her friend to take a video of her speech with her phone. Having witnessed her nervousness, I felt closer to her than any other speakers who came to the podium. She spoke about her situation, her family, and citizenship class at the school, where she prepared for the citizenship test and also made friends. After her speech, participants enthusiastically clapped, and her friends at the school came to her and gave compliments and hugs.

The rally reassured those gathered that the state of California needs places for people to study for their next stage. Many people need English to live in their communities, while some others need high school equivalent degrees or practical career trainings. Adult schools can serve people with so many different goals. For example, the first speaker Joshua Lang studies at Inland Career Center after serving way over 10 years in a correctional facility. The second speaker Erick Salas wants to work at a court after finishing his court reporting course at Sacramento City Adult School. If it were not for those schools, people would be having difficulties going from one to another phase of their lives.

Carolyn Zachry
speaking at the rally

Having been a part of the rally, I feel that I deeply understand the need for adult education. That was my first time to see students from other adult schools and hear their stories. Also, I had never seen people who are in charge of adult education, such as Carolyn Zachry, the head of adult education for the California Department of Education, and Kevin McCarty. It is crucial to talk with those who have power to make difference in adult education so that schools have more budget to serve a wide range of students’ needs. I would like to encourage other people to come to the rally next year to experience the feeling of being the part of the effort firsthand.

Will you join us next year?

Adult Ed Week 2018

Celebrating Adult Education in California

Every Spring, Adult Schools across the state celebrate Adult Schools and Adult Education during Adult Ed Week. 

CCAE - the California Council for Adult Education - helps to organize and promote Adult Ed Week across California.

Adult Ed Week at San Mateo


Every year, San Mateo Adult Week, has a week of special activities.  We have had essay and poster contests, spelling bees, an open house, story quilts, and many other special events.  We created an amazing banner which we now hang every year at the start of the week.

We also pick a theme every year.  Last year, the theme was 101 Years of Success - and Counting!  Because our school turned one hundred and one years old!  This year the theme is Keys to Success - in College, Career, and Community.

Here is our plan for Adult Ed Week 2018

Monday morning, April 9th Patty, Tommy and Student Volunteers will hang our beautiful Adult Education Matters banner.  The banner was made during Adult Ed Week 2016.

Monday, April 9th will be the first ever CCAE Rally for Adult Education in Sacramento, the capitol of California. Students and staff from across our great state will be coming to attend. Fifty SMASrs will going - ready to carry the message that #AdultEducationMatters! If you are going to the rally, remember to wear #Red4AdultEd!

CCAE Leg Day 2016

Adult Ed Week 2016

Adult Education Matters!  

2015

Tuesday April 10th is CCAE Leg Day and #Red4AdultEd. Student Leaders, English Learner Specialist Marina, and SMAS Assistant Director Eric will be going to Sacramento to tell legislators why #AdultEducationMatters. They will be sharing their stories and testimonies. What's YOUR testimony? Why does Adult Education matter to YOU?

Wednesday morning, April 11th, Toshio will lead us in the traditional SMAS reel.  

Toshio explaining how to dance the Reel

Wednesday evening, April 11th, former SMAS students will share their stories and their keys to success in a Student Success Panel held in the SMART Center.  

Thursday morning, April 12th, former SMAS students will share the keys to their success in a Morning Student Success Panel. Learn how they met their goals to achieve success in college, career, and community.

Adult Ed Week 2016

Thursday evening, April 12th, students will gather for a big Key to Success photo taken by Tom Jung.  To be in the photo, you must be there by 6:45 pm and sign the photo permission form.  Please wear red.

Friday morning, April 13th, students will gather for a big Key to Success photo taken by Tom Jung.  To be in the photo, you must be there by 10 am and sign the photo permission form.  Please wear red.

Big Red Photo - Adult Ed Week 2017

Through the Week - Key to Success Photo Opp

Get your photo taken with a key to success and with your permission, have it posted online with your own story of how SMAS has helped you achieve your goals in college, career, and community.

SMAS Student Rita created these wonderful Keys to Success

for our Adult Ed Week 2018.

Thank you, Rita!