2020 Farewells and Welcomes

2020 brought many changes to our world and school community.   Through it all, we persevered, growing in strength and resilience as we navigated many challenges brought on by this global pandemic. 

This year, we welcomed in new SMAS Director Angela Taylor, and new Staff Members Chau Kin Hang (Eddie), Kimberly Hinkle and Claudio Cozzi.  And we said good-bye to many long-time and much loved staff members who served at our school for many years and helped shape it into what the wonderful community it is today.  

We fondly remember and thank for their service:

In Memoriam: 

Shaina Thompson

Larry "Mr. T" Teshara 

Retirements

Ernesto Cruz 

Laetitia Bordes

Katherine Lieban

Tim Doyle

Nita Allen

Jay Finkelstein

Houry Aroyan

Carolyn Pannu

Stephanie Funk

Farewell 

Gabby Ilan

Mr. T and Ernesto
Image Description:  Mr. T in red jacket 
and Ernesto in black jacket
celebrating 101 years of Adult Ed
during Adult Ed Week

Shaina - Miss Thompson
Image Description: 
Shaina dressed as a Christmas Elf

Carolyn and Jay
Image Description:  Carolyn smiling in pastels
Jay smiling in dress shirt and tie

Tim and Katherine
Image Description:
Tim in red shirt and tie
Katherine in blue jacket
Goofing a bit in the pic

Nita
Image Description: Nita smiling in action 
at front desk of SMART Center

Laetitia and her students
Image Description: Laetitia and students smiling
and holding up forks after Green Team visit

Gabby
Image Description:  Gabby smiling with plate of food
at International Day

Stephanie Funk
Image Description:
Stephanie in action teaching an exercise class

Houry
Image Description:  Houry smiling at 
International Day in Foster City

Ernesto
Image Description: 
Ernesto smiling and relaxed in the
SMART Center in his black jacket

Farewell, Sweet Teacher Carolyn!

Carolyn at her desk in Distance Learning

After many years, Teacher Carolyn Pannu is retiring.  Neil Diamond sings a famous song, "Sweet Caroline."  Many students describe our own Teacher Carolyn as sweet, also. She is very patient and kind. Before she worked as a teacher, she was a flight attendant. She has many skills to help people feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn and do new things. 

I asked Carolyn to share a bit about her time at San Mateo Adult School.  Here are her answers:

How long have you worked at SMAS?

I have worked at the Adult School since 1998, but I joined the District in 1989, teaching English in several High Schools.

What did you do/teach?

I taught in the ESL classes at the Adult School, Low Advanced Level, and then in "Distance Learning" (before virtual Zoom classes), meeting one-on-one with ESL students, some enrolled in other ESL classes, and some coming from home, with

the opportunity to learn English with individual teacher support.

What did you learn from your students?

I learned so much about our students' goals and dreams for themselves, their families, and the community.  Too, I learned about so many rich cultures from countries all over the world, and I learned to be a compassionate and caring listener.

To be a teacher is rewarding in myriad ways and I am grateful for all the years that I was enriched by the best profession in the world!

What are your plans after you leave SMAS- during or after the pandemic?

After the pandemic, I hope to travel to see my family and friends.  In the meantime, I will explore some new avenues and continue to enjoy my daily dance exercise (Zoom Jazzercise classes), daily walks in the park with our dog, Lucky, a Golden Retriever, reading, knitting, and cooking... and taking power naps!! (so necessary for an octogenarian!)

I have loved working with and learning from so many of my colleagues, teachers, mentors, and all of the Staff at our beloved SMAS.  All of you will always hold a special place in my heart.  

With deep affection,

Carolyn

Teacher Carolyn with Lunch Bunch
Image Description: Many students
gathered together with Teacher Carolyn

Teacher Carolyn and Teacher Cynthia
with red Adult Education Matters fram

Teacher Shaina, Teacher Carolyn,
Teacher Jeanne, and Assistant Director Lori

Teacher Gia and Teacher Carolyn
at a staff gathering

Teacher Carolyn and Teacher Elizabeth
at a retirement party for Teacher Shirley.
They are wearing leis.

Teacher Carolyn
Smiling profile in glasses

International Day 
Student, Mr. T, Teacher Carolyn in her red Adult Education Matters t-shirt

Farewell and Happy Retirement, Nita Jackson-Allen

After many years of serving San Mateo Adult School at the front desk of the SMART Center, answering phones, greeting students and staff, and being that first face of the morning, Nita Jackson-Allen is retiring.  We're going to miss her kindness, caring competency, and community spirit.  

I asked Nita to answer a few questions about her time at SMAS and plans for the future.

How long have you worked at SMAS?

August 9th is 20 years

What did you do before you worked at SMAS?

I worked for a private school for 13 years, Eastern Airlines & airfreight prior.

Did you always work at the front desk?

I was at the desk across from Gloria at first , I remember thinking I wanted to be up front to welcome & help in any way.

What do you remember from when you first started?

What a hidden secret this amazing school is.  Students were lined up outside of the building,  we had a whiteboard in the lobby listing all the closed/full/waitlisted classes for vocational.  It was crazy busy.

How has the school changed?

More team work & better communication, as we all work together so well.

What are your favorite memories of working at SMAS?

So many it's hard to begin, it has truly been my second family.  I get emotional trying to put it into words. I love the connection I have had with students year in and out, greeting them by first names, knowing the returning students &  what they are interested in before they even express their thoughts (In other words i've been here so long I can usually read their minds)

I need to say THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES......they make my heart smile.

What are you looking forward to in your retirement?

No alarm clock

No commute

Spending more quality time being a Wife, Mom,YaYa (2 amazing grandbabies, Sakai is 11 & Natalia is 5 months).  Enjoying time with FAMILY.

I already miss everyone!

xoxo

Nita Jackson-Allen

Nita, we're going to miss you, too!  And we wish you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement!  

Take a look at photos of Nita through the years.

Farewell and Thank You to Retiring SMAS Director Tim Doyle

Farewell and Thank You to Retiring SMAS Director Tim Doyle

After over thirty years of service to our school, Director Tim Doyle is retiring.  (Click here to meet our new Director, Ms. Taylor.)

Tim's Story at SMAS

Tim with Staff and Students - holding roses
Eric, David, Mary, Student, Lily behind Tim

Tim started as an ESL teacher.  Then he became ESL Coordinator - the job that Patricia has now.  Then he became Assistant Director.  Three years ago, when Mr. T retired, he was hired as Director.  Each time he moved up the ladder, he had to apply for the job and compete with others.  To become an administrator, he had to go to school and get a special credential.

Through Good Times and Bad Times

Sometimes during those years, times were easy.  The budget was strong and we could try out new programs and classes.  Sometimes during those years, times were hard.  The budget was small, the future was uncertain, we had to cut programs and classes.  Now, as he retires, times are difficult in a new way, with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Student Centered

Tim and students on Halloween

Through good times and hard times, Tim always put students first, understanding that the purpose of our school and Adult Education is to serve and support students.  He supported the many SMAS programs that were student led and driven - Student Council, Student Ambassadors, Census Volunteers, Garden Club, Green Team, and advocacy for Adult Education.

CCAE Bay Section Conference

He joined in the fun for International Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Earth Day, and all the many other celebrations at our school.  

Supported Teachers

Tim supported teachers in trying new things - new classes, new ways of teaching, new programs like the ESL City Government Academy, Green Team, Community Health, ESL with Music, ESL Video Class, and Parent Education programs.  He encouraged teachers to learn new skills and grow as people and educators.

Active in Organizations

He was active in the teachers union, CFT Local 4681, serving as treasurer when he was a teacher.  He was active in CCAE, the California Council for Adult Education, serving as an officer for the Bay Section, and leading the state conference held in Burlingame in 2016. 

Tim enjoying International Day.

Time to Step into Something New

After so many busy, active years, now it is time for Tim to step away from San Mateo Adult School and step into something new. Tim loves books and baseball.  He likes to cook, try new foods, and visit new places.  We hope his retirement is filled with rest, renewal and new adventures.

Tim enjoying a meal at SMAS

Tim and SMAS students and staff
at North Central Clean UP

Tim and students with red Adult Education Matters t-shirts

Farewell and Congratulations to Teacher Lisa

Teacher Lisa Wins Award

Wonderful SMAS ESL Teacher Lisa Dolehide won a special award last week.  She won a CCAE Bay Section 2017 Excellence in Teaching award.  CCAE is the California Council for Adult Education.  The Bay Section is all the Adult Schools in the San Francisco Bay Region. 



2017 CCAE Bay Conference

Lisa was not able to attend the CCAE 2017 Bay Section Conference so when the award was announced, student leaders accepted the award for her. 

Lisa has a special relationship with student leaders because she was the Student Council Coordinator for many years.  She is a mentor for student leaders. 

What is a mentor?  A mentor is a guide or counselor.  A mentor helps someone along the path.




Surprise for Lisa

At school, on Monday, they surprised her with the award.  As you can see from the photos, she was very surprised!  

SMAS Assistant Director Tim Doyle surprises Lisa with the award.
SC Coordinator and English Learner Specialist Marina presents her with flowers.
Student Leaders Edwin, Denise, Lupita, and Sayaka and Teacher Lisa
watch Teacher Patricia's video of the CCAE award ceremony.

Leaving for New Adventures

A few days later, student leaders surprised her with beautiful cards.  This is because not only did Lisa win a special award for her teaching, but also she is leaving SMAS for new adventures for a few years.

Mr. T and Lisa look at her beautiful cards.
Cristina presented Lisa with the gorgeous flowers.

We will miss her many wonderful contributions to our school, our Regional Consortium ACCEL, our community, and to the well-being of Adult Education across the state.

Lisa with SMAS Leaders Old and New

Teacher Cynthia, current SC Secretary Sayaka, SC Coordinator and former Student Leader Marina,
former SC VP Cristina, current SC VP Edwin with thumbs up,
SMAS Director "Mr. T" Larry Teshara, Teacher Lisa
current SC President Lupita, former SC President Denise

You can read more about Lisa here:

Lisa Dolehide, ESL Teacher – San Mateo Adult School

Lisa has a question she always asks when we’re organizing events, planning new programs, or campaigning for more funds for Adult Education: “Who’s going to own that?” Lisa understands that to make things happen, someone or some people have taken ownership for seeing something through from an idea to a reality. She is a master at this - and gifted at teaching this skill to others, especially students, and most especially student leaders. She knows that leadership and bringing events to success is founded on a combination of vision, organization, and taking on many steps along the way - owning the idea, process, and outcome.

Lisa served as Staff Advisor to SMAS Student Council for 14 years nurturing it from a small exercise in democracy to a powerhouse of action and advocacy. Working with students with a wide range of home languages and English skills, she mentored their abilities to lead, plan, organize, advocate, and respond to problems with solutions. Many students in Student Council have shared that voting in Student Council was the first times in their lives they had ever voted. Lisa helped students understand the democratic process, elections, how to facilitate meetings, plan for events, prepare workshops and presentations, connect with administrators, local community leaders, and elected officials. She also supervised the finances of the Student Council – which is no small matter. The Council, thanks to the creation and sales of Student ID cards and other various fundraising efforts, generally has about 10,000 dollars in its account.

Under her guidance, the SMAS Student Council presented at numerous CCAE Conferences at both the local and state level. Last year’s CCAE State Conference in Burlingame was smoothly run in great part thanks to the student leaders and volunteers - who were all coached by Lisa. The student officers themselves gain leadership and peer mentorship skills by presiding over student government meetings and by attending the yearly CCAE legislation action day in Sacramento, where they get to share their experiences as students and express their ideas and concerns about adult education with of the office staff of state assemblymen and senators. Students under Lisa’s guidance have organized letter writing campaigns in support of CCAE’s advocacy positions and have attended legislative hearings on the future of Adult Education at the Capitol. SMAS Student Council system is now a role model for Adult Schools around the state. Underneath, behind, alongside our amazing student leaders was the wind of Lisa, giving lift to their leadership wings.

Lisa has been a leader since the beginning of the consortium process. She has made certain that the teacher and student voices are not lost in the planning process. As the local San Mateo consortium, ACCEL, moved to creating governance structures, Lisa joined the Steering Committee and represented teachers’ interests for the county’s Adult Schools. When ACCEL moved to the implementation phase, Lisa became the co-facilitator along with a community college faculty counterpart, of the Central Collaboration Action Team. This body brought together the faculty, support staff and administrators to design alignment processes, pilot new classes and drive the innovation that the legislators called for when they developed the Adult Education Block Grant, AEBG, and legislation. Lisa is currently involved in a number of change projects which continue to push change in San Mateo County schools. All of these other organizing activities occur while Lisa continues to be an exemplary teacher in the classroom. She has been at San Mateo Adult School for 17 years, primarily teaching at the Low Intermediate ESL level. In her spare time she has managed to contribute to the textbooks series Ventures and to help Burlington English with expert advice to refine their software to be more teacher and user friendly.

Lisa Dolehide is a wonderful colleague and an extraordinary adult educator