Meet New Assistant Director Kira Mann!

Kira Mann
(Alt Text: Smiling woman
with dark hair
in front of trees)

Get to know Kira Mann and join us in welcoming her to our school community!

Tell us about your last job

I have worked at Eastside Adult Education for the past 12 years. I started working as an ESL teacher. I worked in ABE, GED, and ASE programs. I integrated school-wide technology and served as a WASC Coordinator. I became the Supervisor of our Career Ed and Integrated Education and Training Programs.

How did you deal with the pandemic at your school?

We were slowly moving in the direction we needed to move when COVID hit and accelerated everything. We had to pivot and change every day.  Teachers had a choice to implement new technology in the past - but now they had to learn to do these things.  

We saw the inequities in education when we were distributing Chromebooks. Understanding what each person - teacher or student - needed was very important - so we could help each individual succeed. 

It was a journey and also an opportunity to learn. We realized our inner strengths to adapt to change and become innovative, doing the things we never knew that we could do. When challenges come, you want to be part of this journey and make this a successful story.  Now the question is:  what are the opportunities that came along?

What do you most enjoy about working in Adult Ed?

Building relationships with students and colleagues. I thrive on it. In the classroom, once a student feels a sense of belonging, learning happens. In small conversations, we can recognize student stories and who students are as a whole person. There is a strong relationship between feeling cared about, attendance and learning.   

I teach with my heart. Seeing my students succeed and get to the next steps in their journey keeps me motivated. I have always pushed myself to ensure that my students have the right resources and the support they need.  I have always had high expectations of my students and I have encouraged them to think about their deeper why. This helped me build a  tight-knit and collaborative culture in my classroom and school.

I have always believed that Adult Ed is a second opportunity. When I immigrated from India I was so amazed to see programs like these. I was so happy to see such a beautiful thing - education being a lifelong process. 

What are you looking forward to about joining SMAS?

First of all, I am grateful for the opportunity! I resonate with the mission. Not only education but lifelong learning that serves the individual as a whole. There are so many programs - including strong ESL, CTE and ASE programs. I can bring my skills of integrating technology into education programs.  Instead of students needing to learn the language, they can learn the language and the tech and work skills simultaneously.  I am looking forward to serving our adult learners. 

Can you tell us a little more about yourself? Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Punjab, a state near New Delhi, the capital of India. I moved to California in 1996 and have been here ever since!

What did you like about school as a student?

 

I was in boarding schools my entire educational career in India. Being away from my family, I had to build my own community.  Even then, relationships and collaboration were what I thrive on.  

My favourite things about school were learning and pushing myself on the basketball court and soccer field. I have always had a competitive spirit, and teachers and coaches brought the best out of me.

What do you like to do for R and R - rest and recreation?

I like to do yoga and hot pilates after a long day of work. I also like hiking and spending time outdoors with my children.  During COVID, I also really enjoyed watching movies to learn about other cultures and communities. 

Where Are They Now? Flo Lopez

Where Are They Now?  

SMAS Graduates Share Their Stories

Flo Lopez at her job at Starbucks
In her green apron with a turquoise mask
"Flo Lopez - SMAS Alum Gives Back"

Meet Flo Lopez

In 2016, Flo Lopez obtained her GED.  She graduated and received a scholarship.  She attended college at the College of San Mateo, is currently on a break from college work, and will return to college next year. She works as a supervisor at Starbucks and is a cheerleader for students like herself.

What's Her Story?

Flo was born in El Salvador and came here with her brother when she was just six years old.  There were many challenges and she learned a lot through them.  When she was sixteen, she hit yet more challenges and made the choice to leave high school and get a job. 

Through everything, Flo knew she wanted a future for herself. And through everything, her mom was her number one cheerleader. So at the age of twenty one, she started her studies at San Mateo Adult School.  Obstacles continued to show up in her path.  It wasn’t easy!  But she was committed to move forward - and her mom cheered her on.

Flo learned about Juanita Wasko, who graduated from SMAS at the age of seventy eight. Wow!  That inspired her.  So at the age of twenty three, Flo made a serious commitment:  Just like Juanita, she would pursue her goals and get her GED!  

Success Through Difficulty

Flo studied under hard conditions - usually hitting the books late at night after working all day.  Teacher Ellen Haworth encouraged her and gave her many tips which helped to sustain her.  She got up the courage to take the test - but missed passing by just five points.  But!  She told herself - get back on the horse and keep going till you finish!  

The following year the score system changed and that was the boost she needed.  She pushed hard and passed!

“I could not believe i had accomplished the biggest challenge that i had - that literally boosted my confidence - it made me really realize - that having an education is really important - not to just have more opportunities but to have more confidence.”  

Life Today - Giving Back

Today she is using her skills at Starbucks as a supervisor.  Math is so important, she notes. She uses it in her job every day.  

In her speech at graduation, she talked about giving back, and Flo does just that. She has visited Ellen’s classes to share advice and encouragement.

“I always encourage others to keep going - because if you set your mind to it - anything can be accomplished.  Everythings a struggle but that’s just life - you just have to put your best foot forward.  If you set your mind to it, that’s all you need - with a little push from other people. You got to have patience with yourself.  Nowadays you have everything in the blink of an eye - but can you really get your education in the blink of an eye?  No. You just have to go through it.  I encourage my family and coworkers to focus on education. At first I thought you don’t need math, reading, and writing but now I love to read and journal.  With God’s grace, I have done a lot."

You sure have, Flo!  And you are doing more by sharing your story now.  Thank you for sharing a bit about where you have been and where you are going.  And don’t forget to stay in touch!  

Are you an alum who would like to share your story? Contact us, please! Your story can inspire others to move forward on their goals and dreams!

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

Gratitude for the Chance to Serve: A Pandemic Thanksgiving Story

Gratitude for The Opportunity to Serve Others in a Time of Crisis

Two SMAS students, Vanessa Santos and Xin Ying Li, and two staff members, Stephanie Kriebel and Marina Kravtsova, were recognized by San Mateo City Council as CERT volunteers active in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic this past summer.

SMAS Staff Member Marina Kravtsova writes:

 

I personally want to thank Stephanie Kriebel who provided an opportunity to receive the CERT training for SMAS students and staff in Summer 2019.  Opportunities like that make the difference in immigrants' lives (speaking from the experience).

 

With pride and gratitude,

Marina

 

SMAS Student Vanessa Santos writes:

 

I appreciate this opportunity to be useful to the community.

I am really happy to be part of the San Mateo Adult School.

I am grateful to Marina for sending me the slide.

Thank you Stephanie for your caring and hard work for the school community.

Vanessa Santos

 

Former SMAS and current CSM Student Xin Ying Li writes:

 

My name is Ying, a former student at SMAS and a current student at the College of San Mateo.

 

Having seen too many heart-broken stories in China, I decided to participate in the SM senior center lunch delivery program when COVID 19 began to attack our community last spring. For me, it was not only an action to protect the most vulnerable among us but also a practice to cope with my own sadness, fear, anxiety, and anger. I heard the call from my heart that I had to do things to fight against the invisible virus. 

 

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I’d like to give thanks here to those who helped me throughout my participation in the program.

 

First thanks to teacher Stephanie, I gained an opportunity to attend basic Community Emergency Response Team training at SMAS in 2019 summer, so I was qualified to volunteer the lunch delivery program after receiving three other short online trainings.

 

Thanks to Sandra and Carolyn who both gave the volunteers detailed instructions, I’ve learned how to respect others and protect myself while carrying out the non-contact senior lunch delivery processes.

 

Thanks to dear Marina, when I saw her beautiful eyes and heard her crisp voice at the SM senior center parking lot, I was so excited and knew that I was not alone in the battle against the virus.

 

Thanks to my Chinese classmate Lucy in Room 41, who immediately donated medical masks to the SM senior center when I told her that there were two staff wearing cloth masks.

 

Thanks to the old gentleman who said that “I’m waiting for the sunshine” when he opened the door in front of me and thanks to the lady who would greet me with smiling eyes outside her house every time. I was so touched at those moments.

 

Last thanks to my husband and my son, who always understood and supported me when I  was volunteering as a CERT member. 

 

My inner fear and anxiety has been reduced since I volunteered for senior lunch delivery. It’s clear that we are not isolated as we practice social distance. As SM community members, we can work together to get through the present hard time.

 

SMAS Student Cristina Guisa Writes About Police Brutality Against Communities of Color

This Fall, ESL students will learn more about issues of equity in their ESL classes. 

SMAS Student Cristina Guisa wrote eloquently about this issue and shares her essay here.

Police Brutality Against Communities of Color

by Cristina Guisa

Student in Lisa Sparks' Summer 2020 Intensive Writing Class

Today people around the country are protesting to stop police brutality against

communities of color after a police officer in Minneapolis killed George Floyd this past May 25th.

These protests are a result of police brutality for years against African Americans. “From 2013

to 2019 police in the U.S killed 7,666 people according to data compiled by mapping police

violence”[1] and “African Americans are two-and-a-half times as likely as white Americans to be

killed by police”[2]. Some people in the country are just saying that these protests are looting

and they don’t see the problem for communities of color. The truth is that protesters are asking

for justice, and If immigrants or non-citizens want to combat this problem they need to know

their rights, to demand for changes to the government and to raise inclusive families.

Immigrants or non-citizens need to know their rights in the U.S to participate in this

massive fight against police brutality. Immigrants are also a minority in this country therefore

they need to know how to react if they or any other person are in this situation but especially to

act now and support all communities of color. No one should be in danger just because of the

color of their skin.

More people in more communities need to demand equality, justice, fair treatment and

accountability from their government leaders by writing letters or protesting peacefully to make

changes. For example, making a change in the way police officers’ offence records are

maintained so that these police officers cannot be dismissed. This way they can be reviewed

and tracked to avoid unjustified abuse, and if necessary to expel officers who are taking

advantage of the system. For example, people should ask police departments to keep a history

of the use of deadly force by each officer. If a police department finds an officer incapable of

doing his/her job because of bias or power abuse, then they should not be employed by any

other police department. These rules should apply to all police agencies in the country. [3]

In addition, families should give inclusive education to their children to raise men and

women without any racial bias. Families who teach their sons and daughters how to be inclusive

and to treat all people in the same way can eradicate racism forever. All humans who have

grown up with values and beliefs which they learned from their families are now just a reflection

of them. If from the beginning more people take action inside their own families, less racist

people are going to be in the world.

In sum, if people from other communities want to eradicate police brutality they must

know their rights, demand changes from the government and raise inclusive families for a better

future. When people in a country are aware of their rights and know how to react against

injustice, they can make positive changes in their communities. For all these reasons, all

communities from any background should prepare themselves and find a way to participate and

help black communities now.

[1] , [2]  Mapping US police killings of Black Americans

https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2020/05/mapping-police-killings-black-americans-200531105741757.html

[3] Police Accountability: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaD84DTGULo 

NBC Nightly News Broadcast (Full) - May 26th, 2020 | NBC Nightly News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzCPz3gClrc

George Floyd Mural

SMAS Census Ambassadors Honored by San Mateo County Board of Supervisors

On August 4th, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors recognized the San Mateo Adult School Census Ambassadors for the fantastic work they have accomplished. (Read more about the award winning Census Ambassador Program here.

Read the speech given by Census Ambassador Shereen Lata:

Hello everyone just want to say thank you to San Mateo county for giving SMAS  a very great opportunity to participate in Census 2020. 

My name is Shereen Lata I’m so glad I join this program 

We learned so much from it. What is Census ?  

How important it is? 

Why must everyone be counted ?

How does it impact everyone leaving here?

So proud that We could  help our  community. 

IN FUTURE IF THE COUNTY HAS OTHER PROGRAMS  LIKE THIS WHERE THEY NEED VOLUNTEERS, Please give us SMAS first chance to participate.

  

We would like to thank our advisor Stephanie Kriebel for driving us safely to all our presentations to help us answer some difficult questions. Aparna Ramakrishan to bring this program to Stephanie Kriebel.

And very big thanks  to our proud team.

Read the information from Census Ambassador Shelley Cheng:

My name is Shelley Cheng and I come from China. I am an ESL student at San Mateo Adult School and also a member  of the Census Ambassador team. In summer 2019, the County of San Mateo and San Mateo Adult School (SMAS) partnered to create a Census Ambassador training program for volunteers who wanted to educate fellow residents about Census 2020 and serve as a resource in their communities. Since I became part of the Census Ambassador Training Program, I learned what the census is, why it is important for everyone, and how people can participate. One of the most important things I learned is how to communicate with different kinds of people who don’t know about the Census or who are afraid to participate. To reach the students at our school, our team set up census information tables during the break times and also made presentations in each class. Through these activities, we have convinced our fellow students to pledge to participate and be counted. Even now, during the quarantine caused by covid-19, the Census Ambassador team is still expanding information by remote methods. Some of our students were afraid of providing their contact information for pledging, so I asked them to think about how and why we can get the opportunity to study English for free at our school, to think about where the money comes from. We explained the money is from the state, county, and city government just based on how many people live here. By helping people to understand information about the Census made it easier to convince students to pledge because we always love and appreciate what our school has done for us. We have also visited classes outside of our school for sharing census information with  as many people as possible. Since last November until this March, we have presented to more than 800 people and talked with them about the census. I am so proud to be part of the Census Ambassador team because I learned how this system works and especially what I can do to contribute and help my friends, family, and community become comfortable with participating in the census.

A big thank you to Shereen Lata, Shelley Cheng, Edy Vasquez, Marina Zambruskova, Shirley Pinheiro, and Adviser Stephanie Kriebel for the phenomenal work they have accomplished for our community!

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!

SMAS Census Ambassador Program wins Making A Difference in the Community Award!

Shelley (Sa) Cheng and
Stephanie Kriebel

The San Mateo Adult School is one of the 2020 EL Civics/IELCE: Making A Difference In the Community Award winners!  “This award recognizes EL Civics programs that teach skills required for citizenship and empower students to make a difference in the community.”

We are so proud of our Census Ambassadors! Proud - and grateful for the important work they do.

Here is the team in a group photo with Aparna Ramakrishnan - the co-developer - along with San Mateo Adult School Teacher Stephanie Kriebel - of the program. Without her, this program wouldn't have happened.  From left to right: Shereen Lata, Aparna, Shelley (Sa) Cheng, Marina Zambruskova, Adviser Stephenie, and Alena Bashko. Not pictured: Shirley Pinheiro and Edy Vasquez.

Margaret Teske, CASAS Program Specialist, says this about the SMAS Census Ambassador Program:

CASAS and CDE appreciate your hard work with your students to utilize the California English Literacy and Civics Education (EL Civics) program to make a difference with your students and your community.  San Mateo Adult serves as a model for other programs which seek to implement successful EL Civics/IELCE projects that reach beyond their own students.

  

SMAS Census Ambassador Program Founder and Adviser Stephanie Kriebel shares:

 Edy Vasquez - on the right
and Daniel

The SMAS Census Ambassador team came from multicultural backgrounds including China, Brazil, Fiji, Guatemala, and Russia. It was important for the success of the program and in making the connection within the community to have the team members be able to reach their fellow residents  by speaking with them in their native languages in order to ensure the message of the importance of participating in the census was received. The mission of the Census

Shirley Pinheiro

Ambassador program was to help San Mateo County residents, in particular the immigrant community, understand the importance of participation, understand how to participate, and feel comfortable doing so. Our team of student volunteers including Sa (Shelley) Cheng from China, Shirley Pinheiro from Brazil, Shereen Lata from Fiji, Edy Vasquez from Guatemala and Marina Zambruskova from Russia played an instrumental role in helping our county census count response to be the highest in the state.

Thank you to everyone on the team and to Teacher Stephanie for the fantastic work they have accomplished together. Their work serves everyone in the community.

Shereen Lata

Learn more about the Census Ambassador program: Census Ambassador Pilot Program. 

Read Shelley (Sa) Cheng's story, "Helping People Understand the Census" in the July edition of Easy English Times.

Listen to an interview with the SMAS Census Ambassador Team by Jennifer Gagliardi on her US Citizen podcast.

See more photos from our Census Ambassador Program here.