Milpitas Adult Learners honored at Mid-Year ESL Promotion Ceremony

Milpitas Adult Education learner Xueyan “Amy” Guo’s educational goal is to earn a Master’s degree in Computer Science in five years. Guo was one of a trio of adult learners who were honored at the MAE Mid-Year Promotion Ceremony on January 13 before an audience of district and school leaders, adult educators and fellow adult learners.

“It takes tenacity and persistence to study English,” said Guo, who was promoted to Advanced English As a Second Language after showing her grasp of ESL4. “I want to say thanks to Milpitas Adult School. It has offered us a chance to transition into American society successfully.”

Guo’s instructor Hongyan Zheng gushed over Guo’s work ethic, perfect attendance, attentiveness and dedication to reaching her goals while still finding time to help her classmates along the way.

“Amy has shown full dedication, diligence and commitment to learning English,” said Zheng. “She has very active participation in classroom activities–collaborative work and independent work–and helping others. …She has performed excellently on our assessments.”

The on-site celebration, hosted by MAE Principal Giuliuna Brahim, highlighted the academic achievements of students who have made significant measurable skill gains in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and are eligible to promote to the next level of ESL and or exit our ESL program.

“It's very important that we recognize these three students because their efforts are very important in reading, writing, speaking and listening,” Brahim said.

Along with Guo’s promotion, ESL2 learners Liji Zeng and Tuyet-Minh Long were recognized for their advancement to the next level. Instructor Vinita Jain praised Zeng and Long for their achievement.

“They have acquired the necessary skills to move to the next level,” Zeng said. “I congratulate them on their achievement and wish them the very best as they move forward.”

Zeng returned praises to her teacher for guiding her and her fellow adult learners in their educational journey. “I like ESL2. I like my teacher. She is a very good teacher,” Zeng shared. “She teaches me a lot of vocabulary, grammar, sentences and articles. I will miss everyone and look forward to going to ESL3.”

Board of Education President Chris Norwood, Board Clerk Kelly Yip-Chuan and Board Trustee Anu Nakka, as well as Assistant Superintendent of Human Relations Jonathon Brunson and Director of Secondary Education Maurissa Koide, were in attendance for Friday’s special recognition ceremony.

“We are always excited to hear the news and celebrate the successes of our adult learners,” said Norwood, who complimented the adult learners for making the leap into ESL and urged them to share their experiences with future generations. “We look forward to helping you find ways to get into the workforce in this area…because you are Milpitas, you are part of our family and, as we always say, ‘We are MUSD and we continue to move forward together.’”

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