In Memoriam: Ms. Shaina Thompson

Snapshots of Ms Thompson

Shaina Thompson was a beloved teacher at the San Mateo Adult School for over twenty years.  She taught primarily in the GED and HIgh School Diploma programs.  Tragically, she passed away this summer, not long after her husband.  The SMAS community misses her dearly and remembers her here with these tributes:

From SMAS Director Tim Doyle

“Because I have been at the Adult School for 32 years, I have known Shaina for the whole 24 or so years she worked here.  This despite the fact that we worked primarily in different programs, Shaina in High School Equivalency and I in English as a Second Language.  Shaina is one of those people who stand out in one’s life because she is unique; there is only one Shaina.  She was incredibly nurturing for concurrent high school students who had given up on themselves as ever being a student.  She got them to dig into themselves and take their lives seriously and that they had lives of value.  Shaina even managed to drag some writing out of the most resistant and for some it was a revelation to put words to paper.  They went on to write compelling stories about their lives and struggles.” 

From SMAS Teacher Carolyn Pannu

Teacher Carolyn and Ms. Thompson

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye."  What a generous and tender heart Shaina had!!
From SMAS Teacher and CFT Local 4681 President David Doneff:

“Shaina had a brilliant mind and taught with a big heart. She gave a lot of herself for her students. She is missed by her students and colleagues.”

 From SMAS Alum Cristina Munoz Ulrich

Ms. Thompson and SMAS Alum
Cristina Munoz Ulrich

“I want to say that teacher Shaina was an excellent teacher, kind, motivator, good listener, and supportive. Particularly she helped me to get better on my reading, and writing skills. When I had any concerns about the subjects we were learning she always offered her help.

On the other hand, she always encouraged us to participate and spend time in any holding celebration we had at school. She was happy seeing us together and spending quality time in class.

I would like to add to say that Teacher Shaina loved her daughter and grandchildren. Sometimes when I spoke to her, she always said that her grandchildren were her life and she loved taking care of them”. 

From SMAS Teacher Cynthia Eagleton

“I loved Shaina’s combination of fierceness and tenderness.  I knew I could be real with her and that she would be real with me. She was not afraid of the real. She knew that only in the real - our beauty, our brokenness, our frailty, our power - can we find real growth and redemption. I miss her.”

From SMAS Teacher Laetitia Bordes

"Shaina - a woman of courage and dedication"

From SMAS Teacher Mary Weng

Teacher Mary
and Ms. Thompson

Shaina was a very creative and artistic lady.  She created beautiful pink pearl necklaces for my daughters, Diana and Lizzy.  They love Shaina's warmth and charisma.  They treasure their special necklaces.  

I always enjoyed our interesting and funny conversations.  She always gave me something to think about and reflect upon.  I will miss her personal style and humor.

From SMAS Student Edy Vasquez

Ms. Thompson and her husband

Ms Thompson was a good teacher. The time that I studied on her program I learned a lot. Now God has on his hands, but I miss a lot her classes. Thank you, Ms Thompson.

God help Ms. Thompson's family. They need you now; only you can help everyone, especially in hard times like now. Thank you God for everything a man!

Student Success Story: Edy Vasquez

Teacher Jean, Teacher Cynthia,
Director Tim Doyle,
Edy with Certificate,
SMAS Student Francisco,
Evening Student Council Leader
 Elena

SMAS Student Success Story:  Edy Vasquez

San Mateo Adult School Student Edy Vasquez was nominated for the COABE National Adult Learner Award.  COABE is the abbreviation for Coalition for Adult Basic Education.  Edy will be featured in the COABE National Educate and Elevate Campaign.  

Edy is from Guatemala.  He started English Classes at the Low Intermediate Level in May 2019.  He has served the SMAS Community as a Student Ambassador, Census Ambassador, Hot Meal Service Ambassador, and Green Team Member.  In addition to his studies and volunteering, he works full time. 

I asked Edy to share more about his story: 

How long have you lived in the US?  

I arrived in the United States on January 21, 2007.  I lived 8 months in California and I went to the state of Florida. A while later, I returned to California. 

How did you find out about San Mateo Adult School?

I tried to study several times but I did not get a chance and I decided to try one last time, I called Sequoia Adult School but the classes filled up quickly. They did not save space and since the school is small, I did not enter anymore.  With great disappointment, I thought that I would not study any more, but the school secretary mentioned the school of Palo Alto and San Mateo. I opted for the school of San Mateo. When I arrived at the school of San Mateo, I loved it and they gave me the opportunity to study. And I do not want to miss it and thank you for these opportunities.

Tell us about learning English at San Mateo Adult School.

I studied with Miss Lilly and Houry - but I didn't pass the test so I repeated the same level with Miss Jean and Deep.   After Miss Deep and Jean, I passed the test so I went to High Intermediate and when I went to High Intermediate, I felt it was easy for me. I spent one month there and it felt easy to me. After,one month, it still happened so I talked to Miss Tamra if I can go to the next level - to Low Advanced.  I was waiting for my CASAS test to see if I can promote or not - because it’s one thing to think and it’s another thing to see or not. After my test, my score went from 225 to 237 so I talked to Miss Tamra if she can do something to raise me to Low Advanced. She said, “You may be ready for High Advanced.”  She talked to Patricia and she made a little test - and I was ready for High Advanced. But when I got my CASAS score, I talked to Miss Carlota and she made another appointment for another test - for pre-GED. So I went for that test on Feb 26. I wasn’t sure bec I was feeling like it was too high. My score on the PreGED test was 230.  Mr Beall said that for pre-GED, it’s 231, but for one point, “I think you can advance.”

What is your advice for a new student?

Study hard. Anything you are learning, try to use it anywhere. It's not only at school.  We can come to school for two or three hours daily to learn a language but we need practice, too. Most of the students come to school and they're only listening to what the teacher is saying. But the time for students to practice is short. It's maybe five minutes, because there are so many students. So the best way to learn and practice is join programs that the school has for students and you become confident to practice out of the school- at work or try to buy your supplies using your English. The brain kind of holds any new words if you use it. The brain loses it if you don't practice.  

What methods do you use to improve your English outside of school?

Most of the stuff I use is on Youtube.  It's a good tool for learning. You can speed it up or slow it down.  Sometimes I do it slower or faster. And of course, movies, music.

Audiobooks -- When I go to sleep, I put the audiobooks on and I leave it on.  It plays while I sleep. It plays for a while. My brain is kind of listening while I sleep.  I don't know if I recommend it to students but that's how i did it. Maybe for some people it's not the best method. Sometimes while you dream in English, it's part of your learning, don't be afraid. Your brain is holding the new language you've been practicing. It's kind of a drama but in English.   

Also application - Duolingo, Rivet for reading, Newsela. I didn't know about it, but Miss Deep has a program that she calls MEE so I joined the program and I found Newsela and I started reading it. Also I use Burlington, Libri box- an app for audio books. 

When I work - I can listen with my earphones - and repeat. I try to use all the tools I can. 

I don’t use English at work or at home. Only at school and with my phone.  Pretty much I think in English.

For eight months, I have been trying to learn another language  -- using English as my own language. I’m learning Japanese with Duolingo and Youtube.  It’s an amazing tool. I use Youtube for anything.

And of course, the programs we have here, like Green Team, Hot Meal Service, and Student Ambassadors.  It’s a lot of things I'm doing to learn English - not only one. I try to push myself the hardest I can.   The resources are here.  

I appreciate what  the school does for me. It helps a lot with my education that means a lot thank you.   I want to say thank you to all the members of San Mateo Adult School, all classmates and friends. I have been enjoying every single day at school.  SMAS has the best staff members I have ever met. I wish the best and keep doing a wonderful job you're the best THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

When Edy was honored by flagpole on the evening of March 11th, he reminded everyone: 

“Everybody can do it.  Just push yourself! We learn English in school but really it’s for outside our school - our families and work.  So practice. Push yourself!”  

Great advice - especially now while we shelter at home! And thank you to Edy for sharing his story and advice with us.

Here are some of the things SMAS Staff members have said about Edy:

Edy as Census Ambassador

“Yay! Edy! He is such a hardworking and dedicated Student Ambassador, he has also participated in our Job Shadowing program. He has assisted Gloria in the evening at the the front desk during break time when it is really busy and Gloria is by herself.”  - Tia Marlowe

“Even though Edy joined the Student Ambassador Program no so long ago (Spring 2019), he became a very active SA right away and got up to 30 hours of volunteering up to this day.  He is a very responsible and reliable SA.” - Marina Kravtsova

Edy at a Green Team
information table

“Edy is the engine behind the Evening Green Team.  His willingness to pitch in, his energy, his interest in finding projects and approaches that include and draw others in - it’s made all the difference.  He is a powerhouse for people and planet.” - Cynthia Eagleton

“Edy is a wonderful person  - selfless, caring and a giver. As a learner in the MEE program, he has taken initiative to keep up with his work, and is motivated to improve his English. He wants to work in a forensic lab someday. He is just as motivated to contribute to his community, and is very proud of being part of the Green Team. He deserves this nomination.”  - Deep Bhullar

SMAS Graduates Win Scholarships

San Mateo Adult School Class of 2019 graduated on Wednesday, June 19th.  The event was held at the Hillsdale High School Theater - an evening of accomplishment and celebration.

Several students not only graduated but also won scholarships. Some of the scholarship winners were former ESL students.  All of the graduates and scholarship winners worked very hard to overcome obstacles, activate their strengths, learn new skills, and accomplish their goals.  We congratulate them, celebrate their success, and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next!

Here is a list of the scholarship winners:

Ryan Bisso - Steven Paul Friedman Foundation Scholarship

Mayra Avalos - former ESL student - William E. & Janet Price Scholarship

Norma Enciso - Golden Gate Commandery #16 Scholarship

Sara Rodriguez-Sarabia - Rotary International of Foster City Scholarship

Alexander Clemente - former ESL student - Shipman Family Scholarship

Naomi Dolcos - Burlingame Masonic Lodge $400 Scholarship

Julie Ferrando - Burlingame Scottish Rite Bodies Scholarship

Alma Banuelos - former ESL student - John and Lisa Nelson Scholarship

Reina De Los Santos - former ESL student - John and Lisa Nelson Scholarship

Graduate and Scholarship Winner Reina De Los Santos
and her family
Alt Text:  Graduate in black gown and pink lei
surrounded by smiling family

San Mateo Adult School Class of 2019
Alt text:  Two rows of graduates in black gowns, all smiles

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!!

Keys to Success 2018 Essay Contest

For Adult Education Week, students from Ms. Thompson's PreGED a.m. and p.m. classes were asked to write about the, "Keys to Success."  Some questions they were asked to consider were:

* What is your goal or destination?

* Where are you going?

* What are the obstacles in your path?

* How is the San Mateo Adult School helping you get there? 

Each student was assigned a number with only Ms. Thompson knowing who belonged to which essay.  Then, three readers were asked to read the essays and award them First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention. 

This process of writing, editing, refining, and rewriting takes time.  So does the judging.  Also, Ms. T was out recuperating from hand surgery, so students didn't find out the winners until June 7th! 

First, we would like to thank our readers Carlota Zuniga, Ron Beall, and Eric Saavedra. 

The winners are:

Honorable Mention AM class: Lawrence Boyle

Third Place AM class: Isaias Lantan

Second Place AM class: Narciso Hernandez

First Place AM class: Reina De Los Santos. 

Honorable Mention PM class: Saul Sanchez Lopez and Christian Duran

Third Place PM class: Gustavo Rosas

Second Place PM class: Simone Coelho

First Place PM class: Emerson Torres Jr. 

Participation certificates were issued to all who took part. 

To announce the winners, a class party was held.  Mr. Saavedra and Mr. Tim Doyle attended, handed out the prizes, and listened to the students read their essays aloud.  Our heartiest congratulations to all participants.

Simone Coelho'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.

Simone Coelho was the Second Place Winner was the Adult Education Week Essay Contest

Simone Coelho

Keys   to   Success

Have you ever thought about following a dream?  What do you

want to accomplish in your future in the short or medium term?

Well, in my case I just decided to go back to school to get my GED test

done. Once I have my GED certificate, I will go to a community college

to pursue a degree in Business Administration. The reason I want a

degree  is because I can look for a better paid job and besides, I will be

a more educated person. On the other hand, I would be a

well-developed human being which means I could contribute back to my

community and help others to succeed as well.

Studying and learning new skills has been always something I like.

Whenever I feel it’s difficult trying to go back to school, I always say to

myself: keep going. Yes, keep going because you are your cheerleader!   

The keys to success academically are: don’t be afraid to ask for help, tell

yourself  to do your best and don’t pay attention to obstacles, but look

toward your goal, which is that degree.

When I mention difficulties or obstacles, I mean anything that can

take  away your focus, even negative friends or relatives.  Avoid staying

up late just for fun and sleep, study, sleep and study.

Make decisions for weekends based on the time you have so you

won’t be tired on Monday. Read a lot and practice your English as much as you can. Make good use of the Internet, it has a lot of good contents to help you to succeed academically.

To conclude, follow your dreams and go for it.  In the end, you will realize all you did was worthy, precious and invaluable. Go champion!