Gina and Nancy's Classes Exchange Christmas Gifts

Gina and Nancy's Class meet each year during the Christmas holiday season. They use this event for a time of fellowship and good cheer. However, it also serves a learning purpose. The day following the event both teachers review what occurred and ask their students to talk about what occurred in "English." For example, Gina might ask someone, "What gift did you receive?" If you received a snowglobe, it is a difficult item to describe in English and required multiple word explanations. I hope you enjoy the video and learn a little bit. Merry Christmas!

Nancy and Augustine Enchant ESL Students with their Musical Talents

Takiesha Graduates!

Takiesha Fauntleroy has been a work-study at ENMU-Roswell ABE program for the past three years. Without her love and caring many students would not have improved their English skills or earned their GED. Takiesha administered countless TABE and BEST-Plus tests and never did a student complain about her. In fact, most students complimented her on her professionalism and kindness. Thanks Takiesha for helping better our program and the world. We wish you the best on all your future endeavors. Below is a short video of Takiesha receiving a plaque for her excellent work while at ABE.

Ceremonia de la Tierra

Glenn talks eloquently about his "dirt" and ABE. Other ABE programs wait patiently to add their "dirt" in a ceremony that dates back more than 15 years. Good Job Glenn and everyone else who helped to make this ceremony special and memorable.

Harry Auditions for Jeopardy with Data Techs

Harry hammered the Data Techs with questions concerning NRS requirements and NM State data quality procedures (shown below). He did the same presentation later with the Directors from around NM. Can you guess which group scored better on the Jeopardy Game? Hint: It wasn't the Directors. Thanks Harry for making the training not only informative but also interactive and fun.

Pete Speaks at Super Celebration--10/23/08

Senator Domenici Congratulates Character Counts Winners

Last Thursday Senator Pete Domenici congratulated Art, Essay, and Poetry winners at the Annual Chaves County Character Counts Super Celebration. In his opening remarks, Pete stressed that America needs people more than ever who are Trustworthy, Respectful, Responsible, Fair, Caring and Good Citizens. These pillars, he stressed, are needed for our great nation to remain strong. New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy (NMYCA) Instructor, Fronnie Bealer, stands with four of her students who won Character Counts awards for their essays, poems, and artwork. Year-after-year Ms. Bealer produces winners in this competition. Congratulations Ms. Bealer and all those who won Character Counts awards this year. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication to helping American become a better place.

Constitution Day Celebration

The ENMU-Roswell Campus celebrated Constitution Day with the pledge and the reading of the preamble this morning. Following a posting of the colors ceremony by New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe, Crystal Pollei then sang the national anthem.

Following Crystal's beautiful anthem rendition was the "Munching of the Donuts Ceremony." This culinary event commemorates Thomas Jefferson and John Adam's insatiable love for donuts. Reportedly, the original draft of the Constitution was spotted with chocolate smears and sugar stains. Despite this fact, the US Constitition is arguably one of the most important documents ever written. Please take some time today to read the Constitution! It's a great document and deserves special recognition.

You voted for it----Twiga

Terry and Stephen introduce "Twiga." Twiga means "giraffe" in Swahili. Stephen means "smart student" in Old English. Both Terry and Stephen are sporting the new Student Support Service lab coats. These smart fashion accessories not only keep students warm, but also are incredibly attractive. Should you wish to visit Twiga, or know more about the Trio programs, please take the elevator in front of the bookstore. Once inside the elevator push #2. If you cannot follow these simple instructions, take the stairs!

Chaves County Adult Detention Center Graduation

Al Solis, Director of the Chaves County Adult Detention, spoke to recent Correction Officer graduates at the Roswell Boys and Girls Club last Friday. Al's words were directed at Correction Officers, but in many ways apply to teachers as well. Teachers also live in glass houses. Please take four minutes and listen to what Mr Solis has to say.

Sierra Vista Village at ENMU-Roswell Now Leasing

Sierra Vista Now Leasing
Call 575 624-7113 or email ron.morales@roswell.enmu.edu for information on rates and availability

Leasing two bedroom dorm suites, 4bedroom/2 bath apartments, and 2 bedroom/1 bath apartments
Features….
· All utilities paid
· Free cable and internet service
· Fully Furnished units
· Apartments include washer and dryer
· Patrolled-community
· On-site management
· Clubhouse

How NOT to Best Plus Test!

At part of the ABE HAS TALENT show ENMU-Roswell ABE instructors Sally and Martha demonstrated how NOT to administer the Best Plus test at last Saturday's ABE Professional Development Meeting. I hope you enjoy their playful skit.

Keenan Addresses Regional COABE Conference in Rapid City, SD

ABE students participate in letter writing campaign.

Anyone who tells you that writing letters to your State Senators, Congressmen, Congresswomen, and Representatives is a waste of time is sadly mistaken. How do I know this, because last month students in every program within ABE participated in a State wide letter writing campaign? The purpose of this campaign, to increase the funding for ABE programs throughout the state. Students were asked to choose one individual, Tom Udall, Heather Wilson, Jeff Bingaman, Pete Dominici, or Steve Pearce. After selecting one to write to, each student wrote about why they decided to come back to school, what they planned on doing after they finished school, and how important it is for programs like ABE to continue receiving adequate funding. Now here it is May, just one month later and we are already receiving tons of responses from these busy people in Washington. These responses are the proof the our elected officials do care, and do listen to all of their constituents, so I leave with this, even though it seems as the years go on we have less and less connection with the advocates that are here to help us fight with what can sometimes be described as daunting tasks, everyone here at ABE now believes in the political system. They believe that their voices are being heard. The help is out there, it’s up to us as educators, students, and administrators to go out and get it.

Announcement of the New 2012 Series GED Tests

Announcement of the New 2012 Series GED Tests Release
The General Educational Development Testing Service™ (GED Testing Service) of the American
Council on Education is pleased to announce the development of a new 2012 Series of the GED
Tests, which will be released on January 1, 2012 (other non English-language editions will be
released in 2013).

The specifications for the GED Tests are assessed at regular intervals to certify that content
reflects current curricular and academic standards for high school graduates across the United
States and Canada. As expectations and standards change for high school students, GED Testing
Service aligns the Tests with these same expectations and standards. The new 2012 Series GED
Tests will reflect current curricular and academic standards for high school graduates.

All GED examinees should be advised that scores earned on the current 2002 series or previous
tests will not be able to be combined with those earned on the new 2012 Series GED Tests. By
December 31, 2011, examinees must have taken and earned minimum scores on all five content
area tests [Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Social Studies; Science; and
Mathematics] and earned the minimum total passing standard on the 2002 series, or they will
need to take the entire 2012 Series test battery.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions and additional information related to the release of the
2012 Series GED Tests can be found on the GED Testing Service website
( w ww.GEDtest.org / 2012). Individuals may also contact their local state/jurisdiction
administrator for additional information. A list of those administrators is located at
(www.GEDtest.org/administrators). In addition, Official GED Testing Centers may also be
found online (www.GEDtest.org/locator).

GED Administrators and Examiners are encouraged to distribute this information widely to
relevant agencies and educational entities, as well as through other appropriate communications
channels so that GED test-takers might receive appropriate counseling and planning assistance in
order to meet this deadline.

NM State ABE Audit Team Visit Soy Mariachi

NM State ABE Director Pam Perez and Program Specialist Michele Centrella visited Roswell's ABE citizenship class at Soy Mariachi on April 16, 2008. Michele interviewed instructor Cecilia Reyes while Pam questioned the students about what they were learning. Every five years every ABE program in NM undergoes a formal state compliance audit to ensure that students are receiving quality services.

English Second Language Meeting

As part of the ENMU-Roswell ABE audit, State ABE Director, Dr. Pam Perez, and Program Improvement Specialist, Michele Centrella, met with ESL instructors Maria Elena-Ruiz, Nancy Alvarado and Gina De Los Santos. Together, they brainstormed on ways to create a more formal process for transitioning ESL students through progressive levels. Here's a couple of ideas that we suggested. First, we should create a series of four week classes based on language proficiency levels. Second, it might be a good idea to set up a conversional class and a formal writing class. What are your thoughts on these ideas?

ENMU-Roswell ABE Audit Team Visits Parkview GED/ESL Class

Parkview ABE Instructor Jaynan fielded questions from Michele Centrella: NM Policy & Program Improvement Specialist yesterday. Michele asked Jaynan about the program's strategic plan and student goals, plus wanted her feedback on how things are going. The audit team stressed during their brief-in that they are not here to "beat us up," but to help elevate our program to the next level. While Michele chatted with Jaynan, State ABE Director, Dr. Pam Etre Perez, met with the students and asked them about the services they were receiving. In the next few days, the NM ABE Audit Team will visit several classrooms served by the ENMU-Roswell ABE program. Please make them feel welcome and share your thoughts on how things are going. Without a doubt, we do some things incredibly well. So--let them know! At the same time, there is no doubt that we need to improve in many areas. So--let them know that, too!

ENMU-Roswell ABE Audit Schedule

ENMU-Roswell Site Evaluation
Final Draft Agenda

Tuesday, April 15

8:30 – 9:30 Welcome and Introductions with NM ABE team and ENMU-Roswell Administration and staff.

9:30 – 10:30 Visit ESL/GED class at Parkview [Pam talks with students while Michele talks to instructor, Jaynan McKelvey.]

10:30 – 12:30 Content Area/Category: Administration (with Pam/Michele).

12:30 – 2:00 NM ABE team break; includes meeting/discussion of data findings.

2:00 – 2:45 Visit GED Prep class NM Youth Challenge [Pam talks with students while Michele talks to instructor, Martin Kuykendall)

3:00 – 5:00 Content Areas/Category: Curriculum and Instruction (with Pam/Michele).

*3:00 – 4:00 Pam meets with Business Office to discuss Fiscal Indicators/Issues.*

5:00– 6:00 ABE State team meets on data issues/findings.

6:00 – 6:45 Avon Wilson Characters Count Banquet

*9:30 – 5:00* Content Area/Category: Data Quality & Measurements (CNM Data Tech and NM ABE Operations Research Analyst)

Wednesday, April 16

8:30 – 9:30 Visit GED/ESL class [Pam talks with students while Michele talks to instructor, Maria Elena Ruiz, Portable]

9:30 – 10:30 Visit ESL class; 119 OTC [Pam talks with students while Michele talks to instructor, Nancy Alvarado, Room 119OTC]

10:30 – 12:30 Content Area/Category: Student Indicators (with Pam/Michele).

12:30 – 2:00 NM ABE team break; includes meeting/discussion of data findings.

2:00 – 4:00 Content Area/Category: Community Connections (with Pam/Michele).

4:00 – 5:00 Visit with group of students or teachers assembled by program.

5:00 – 6:00 ABE State team meets on data issues/findings.

6:00 – 6:45 Visit ESL Citizenship class; Soy Mariachi [Pam talks with students while Michele talks to instructor Cecilia Reyes]

*8:30 – 5:00* Content Area/Category: Data Quality & Measurements (CNM Data Tech and NM ABE Operations Research Analyst)

Thursday, April 17

8:30 – 10:00 Pam free for meetings with ENMU-Roswell ABE staff and/or Administrators.

10:00 – 12:00 No meetings: ABE State team works on Evaluation Summary Report.

1:30 – 2:30 Closing and Summary Report with NM ABE team and ENMU-Roswell Administration and staff.

Comments on the Bishop's Lodge Teacher Institute Training

I attended a TESOL (didn't even know that acroynmn until last week) workshop. The theme of the workshop was how to invent lessons without much preparation. The main point was to assign your students activities that will help to lesson your load. I learned so much. There were so many fun, physical activies that they taught us that got the students up and moving around. There were also little tips about how to bring the students back in to order quickly after a physical activity.

I could really see the difference as I prepared my lesson plan this morning. There were a lot of things that I was already doing, but a lot of things that I am going to be doing differently that I think that my students will really enjoy.

Again, thank you so much. All during the conference all that I could think about was how blessed and privileged I was to be there. I want you to know that I really considered it an honor. I love workshops and I hope that we will get to experience many more of them in the future, not only individually but as a department as a whole---ENMU-Roswell ABE Instructor Nancy

New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy Cadets begin Pre-GED Tests

NYMYCA Cadets began pre-GED testing today. We expect great scores and are confident that is what we'll see when the results are tallied. Thanks ABE NMYCA Instructors Russell, Andrea, Emma, Ray and Fronnie for your hard work and dedication.

Math Lesson???

Miguel Recites His Poetry for Trio Cultural Event

Ramona Sandoval Speaks

Maria Elena Ruiz's ESL student Ramona Sandoval agreed to answer a few questions from Todd DeKay in English today. Her English is much better than my Spanish. Good Job Ramona. Keep coming back to class!

ABE workstudy wins Quilt Contest.

On February 27th long time Adult Basic Education work study student Susan Isaacs was awarded first place in the ENMU-R’s anniversary quilt contest. Susan’s design of the ENMU-R cougar was judged by several individuals, including Laurie Rufe, Director of the Roswell Museum and acclaimed local artist Nancy Fleming. She was awarded a $50 check by ENMU-R for her win. All of us at ABE would like to congratulate Susan on her hard work and her tremendous creativity.

Cool Tech Stuff Part II

New Cool Tech Stuff--Unbelievable

WOW---These children are walking on a computer projected image that tracks their movement and makes it interactive. How could you use something like this in your class? I see many, many possibilities.

How do you find an average? Nate explains.

Computer Tip of the Week

How to Delete your Computers Cookies, Temporary Internet Files, and Web Page History:

Depending on what version Internet Explorer you are using these steps may vary slightly.
First, go the Internet and select tools on the menu bar. Next, select Internet Options from the tools menu. This is where some steps may vary, if using Internet Explorer 7 (IE7), in the browsing history section select delete. This will bring up another dialogue box. On the bottom left side press the button that says delete all, it will ask you if you’re sure, select yes. If you don’t want to delete all the areas you can follow the same steps and instead of selecting delete all, you can pick the one or two areas you want to delete and follow the steps for deleting those areas. If you have a previous version on Internet Explorer (IE) follow the same steps up to the Internet Options dialogue box then in the Temporary Internet Files section select delete cookies, then select delete files, in this box you will need to check delete all offline content as well. Finally, go to the history section and select the clear history button. After following all these steps you will have successfully deleted all you computers cookies, temporary internet files, and visited web pages.

Happy Valentine's Day from Gina's ESL Class

New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy Begins Spring Academic Term

ESL "Eat" Lesson

Computer Tip of the Week

How to add an attachment to an email.
Depending on what email provider you are using, adding an attachment to an email should be fairly simple. While signed in to your email account find the button marked attach. Second decide what type of attachment you are sending. (Usually a picture or a file) After selecting the type you are going to be asked to find where the item is saved on your computer. After locating the item an insert button will light up in the dialog box. After pressing the insert button you will be directed back to your email where your item will be visible in your email with a paper clip along side of the item. Finally, make sure the box next to the item is checked and then you are ready to send.

ESL Short Pronoun Exercise

ENMU-R ABE TEACHERS AND STAFF, JANUARY 2008

ENMU-R'S ABE Staff reluctantly agreed to a group photo on Saturday. In the course of human history, it is rare to have so many intelligent, dedicated, and attractive people photographed together. Thanks for indulging me on this effort.

ENMU-R ABE 2008 Spring Professional Development Training

Braving frigid weather this Martin Luther King weekend, ENMU-R ABE instructors and staff showed up for the Spring 2008 Professional Development this Saturday, January 19, 2008. This year we were pleased to have three guest speakers. Dr. Andrea England, Chaves County Literacy Director, discussed learning strategies and the increased importance of literacy in our rapidly changing world. Fatima Mendoza, RISD Coordinator of Even Start and Head Start activities, talked about parental challenges and changes in her programs. Finally, NMSU Family Nutrition Specialist, Patsy Bass, described the importance of nutrition in cognitive development. She also announced that she would gladly provide training for any ABE class. (ABOVE) Following a lunch provided by ENMU-R foodservices, all the teachers took part in National Reporting System (NRS) online certification training. Every teacher completed at least once module and received a certificate for their efforts. A link for NRS online training is now available on your right on the Great Links section under NRS login. Thanks again to all the teachers and staff who attended this training! It is our hope that everyone enjoyed the fellowship and learned a little that you can pass on to your students. Happy 2008 :)

ENMU-R ABE Student Runs for Roswell City Counsel

With what he calls a compulsion to run for office, 19-year old City Council candidate Timothy Dominguez said he thinks he has a shot at victory. Running in Ward III, the home- schooled, pro-union candidate said, if elected, his first priority would be to ensure that city workers get what they deserve. "I would have to look at the budget to see where the money is, but I wouldn't spend $850 on giant snowflakes to put up on main street when we could be giving that money to the workers which would benefit the city more," he said. "Our entire city infrastructure is on the back of city workers: our water, our sewer, our streets. Without them, the city wouldn't run."Dominguez said as a councilor he would be in favor of upgrading the Unity Center in Roswell or building a completely new structure. He said he could offer some qualities to the council that his opponent could not."If I say I'll do something I'll do it. I won't reverse my decisions as Judy Stubbs did when she voted against the unions years ago. She gave the word to our firefighters that she would vote for the Collective Bargaining Act, then when time came, she didn't."Stubbs was unavailable for comment Thursday.Promising to push for honesty in government while not representing his own interests, Dominguez said his education level should not concern voters come the March 4 municipal election."By the time the election comes around I'll have my GED," said the home-schooled candidate.Dominguez, who turns 20 on Jan. 13, plans to attend Eastern New Mexico University in the fall and is looking forward to the campaign.

It's Not Your Father's Dorms

If you have not had the time to visit ENMU-Roswell's new Sierra Vista Village, please take a second to look at these pictures. When I went to college students lived in "dorms." The word "dorm" comes from the Latin "dormi" which means to sleep----I'm really not sure that is precisely true, but I know that dormir means to sleep in Spanish and French. This new student village is much more than a place to sleep. ENMU-Roswell's new student housing includes pool tables, exercise rooms, computer labs, and audio-video rooms. The rooms have cable and high-speed internet access. The students have inside flush toilets and hot and cold running water. The floors are nicely carpeted and rooms tastefully decorated. When I was in college we felt lucky to have asbestos tile floors and insulation. If you are interested in living in the dorms, or know someone who is, please drop by Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell and find out more. It's economical! It's fashionable! It's a great way to meet new friends and study while you're working on your degree.