Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Happy Holidays in Distance Learning

Happy Holidays Everyone,

The last month of 2012, let's go out with high spirits and good wishes!  We hope that everyone has a wonderful and enjoyable Holiday Season! 

We will remain open until December 20th to keep you on track with your DL program throughout the month.  The DL Office will reopen on January 7th

We would like to remind all of our GED students that as of December 2013 the GED Test will change. The present version of the GED will end.  If you
do not complete all five subject areas, you will be required to begin the new GED testing in January 2014.  This means that all GED students will have the common goal of obtaining their GED by December 2013!  We will be here, by your side, to help each one of you to the best of our ability. 

We are fortunate to have an outstanding DL Staff dedicated to your educational needs and goals.  Let's make this a successful and Happy New Year!

Dates to Remember this Holiday Season:

December 4 - New Student Orientation, 9AM - 12PM
December 6 - Distance Learning Office Closed for Registration of Regular Adult Ed classes
December 7 - Distance Learning Office Closed for Registration of Regular Adult Ed classes
December 11 - Writing Workshop, 11AM  - 12PM or 6PM-7PM
December 12 - Conversation Workshop, 11AM - 12PM or 6PM - 7PM
December 13 - New Student Orientation make-up day, 4PM - 7PM
December 20 - Last Day DL is open for 2012! Happy Holidays!

The Distance Learning Staff wishes you the best Holiday Season from our house to yours!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

A Thankful November

It is a thankful November in the Distance Learning Program here at NISD Adult Education.
We have several things for which to be grateful:
First, you are part of a program that is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
Second, the DL program offers mini-sessions in writing and math to help you.
Third, we work at your own pace and level.
Fourth, we concentrate on your learning needs and style.
Fifth, we give you tools to use your GED and/or language skills to advance your career goals.

November dates to remember:

November 6   - New Student Orientation 9 AM - 1 PM
November 7   - Writing Workshop 11 AM - 12 PM
November 8   - New Student Orientation 4 PM-   7 PM
November 13 - Conversation Workshop 11 AM - 12 PM
November 15 - Math Workshop 6 PM - 7 PM
November 16 - 1st Semester for regular class sessions ends
November 16 - Official Practice Testing, Building F, 9 AM - 11 PM
November 17 - Official Practice Tesing, Building F, 9 AM - 11 PM
November 17 through 24 - Distance Learning Fall Break, Office Closed
November 26 - Distance Learning Open
November 27 - Writing Workshop, 11 AM - 12 PM and 6 PM - 7 PM
November 28 - Conversation Workshop, 11 AM - 12 PM and 6 PM - 7 PM

For GED Testing information, please visit website for information: http://nisd.net/ace/ged-testing-center .
Next scheduled test dates:  Monday Nov. 26th and Tuesday Nov. 27th  10:00am - 5:00pm

We hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Keep up the great work!

Margo Hernandez
Distance Learning Supervisor

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

October Festivals

Hello Everyone, Happy Fall! Time to cool off from the summer days. Fall is a great time of year, right after the long hot summer and before long winter days. Oh, I forgot, we are in San Antonio so we usually skip winter in South Texas. What we don't do is skip the opportunity to help our students be successful in their goals! There is much to do over the next few months to get your education in the right gear. ABE/ASE students will be taking their GED test this month. If you feel you need more time, talk to your teacher about taking an Official Practice Test (OPT) first. If you began the semester in August, it is almost time for you to take a Post-Test. The Distance Learning teachers will notify you when you have completed hours to test.

Please keep the following dates on your calendar:
October 2 - DL New Student Orientation
October 4 - DL New Student Orientation
October 8 - DL Closed, Columbus Day
October 16- GED Writing Workshop (11AM - 12PM or 6PM - 7PM)
October 17- ESOL Conversation Workshop (11AM - 12PM or 6PM - 7PM)
October 16, 17 & 18 - GED Testing
 (please visit website for information: http://nisd.net/ace/ged-testing-center)
October 29 & 30 - GED Registration Dates
(please visit website for information: http://nisd.net/ace/ged-testing-center)
October 26 & 27 - Official Practice Test
 (please call 210-397-8109 for more information on times)

A reminder to all students:
 In order to remain in Distance Learning, a mimimum of 6 hours of online work is required per week. If you are unable to keep with this schedule or do face-to-face visits with your teacher, please contact the office. We will work hard to assist our students in meeting their educational and career goals. Take advantage of the free workshops and online learning opportunities available to you for free. I hope everyone has a fun fall season!


http://youtu.be/NWBO9NAYm-U

Margo Hernandez Distance
Learning Supervisor

Sunday, September 2, 2012

September 2012

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to Distance Learning.  It is back to school for EVERYONE.  We hope you had a wonderful summer!  This school year promises to be successful! The Adult Education Distance Learning program will begin "back to school" hours on September 03, 2012. We will continue to have Writing and Conversation Workshops for our students once a month.  Teachers and students will be conducting study sessions using a variety of media, such as Skype, Instant Messaging, Facebook, Twitter, Texting, Phone Conferences, etc.

Normal business hours:
Monday through Thursday  9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday and Saturday  9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

New and Returning Student Orientation:
September 04, 2012  9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
September 06, 2012  4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Writing Workshop:
September 18, 2012 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
September 20, 2012  6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Conversation Workshop:
September 25, 2012 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
September 27, 2012 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM


Please contact the office if you have any questions or registration inquiries.
Let's Have a Great School Year 2012-2013!

Margo Hernandez
Distance Learning Supervisor



Monday, July 23, 2012

Distance Learning Begins a New Year

Hello Everyone,

Northside Adult Education Distance Learning (DL) begins a new year on July 23rd.  We look forward to a rewarding year and assisting DL students in meeting all their goals for 2012-2013. 
New students are encouraged to please take a look at the Distance Learning Survey.  This Survey is designed to help students determine whether DL will meet educational needs and goals desired.

The Distance Learning office will continue Summer Hours until September 10th. The following are important dates for students:

Summer Hours: Monday - Wednesday 9 AM- 1 PM, Thursday 9 AM - 1 PM, Friday - Saturday Closed

August 03, 2012, Registration Deadline for Returning Students
August 06,2012, Registration for New Students Begins
August 09, 2012, Distance Learning Student Orientation, Bldg 9, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
August 21, 2012, Mini-Writing Workshop, Bldg 9
August 22, 2012, Mini-Conversation Club Workshop, Bldg 9

Registration for Regular ESOL Classes at the Northside Learning Center, 6632 Bandera Rd, Bldg B.
Distance Learning Office Closed.
August 8, 2012 at 9 AM or 2 PM
August 9, 2012 at 2 PM or 6 PM
August 16, 2012 at 9 AM or 6 PM
**ESOL registration process takes approximately 3 hours to complete

Registration for Regular GED Classes at the Northside Learning Center, 6632 Bandera Rd, Bldg B.
Distance Learning Office Closed.
August 27, 2012 from 9 AM - 10 AM
August 28, 2012 from 4 PM - 6 PM
August 29, 2012 from 9 AM - 10 AM
**GED registration process takes approximately 4 hours to complete

For Regular ESOL and GED Adult Education Registration information please contact the main office at 210-397-8109

Returning Distance Learning students must register with the program for the new school year.  For an appointment please feel free to contact us at 210-397-7562.

Have a wonderful 2012-2013!

Margo Hernandez
Distance Learning Supervisor
NISD Adult Education
210-397-8982


Saturday, June 2, 2012

Summertime in Distance Learning

Hello Everyone,

School is out and kids are running wild!  What to do, what to do? I have a few suggestions for those of you attempting to figure out summertime activities for your children:

1) ACE Adult and Community Education offers Summer 2012 Games, visit www.nisd.net/ace
2)ArtWorks
Parent rating:
Location: 1840 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, TX
The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best artsy class for little kids in San Antonio, ... 3)San Antonio Botanical Garden
Parent rating:
Location: 555 Funston, San Antonio, TX
The San Antonio Botanical Garden brings a hint of green to 33 acres in the center of the city.
4) San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium
Parent rating:
Location: 3903 North St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
The San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium
5)Witte Museum
Parent rating:
Location: 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX
The winner of our 2008 and 2009 Parents' Picks quest to find the best museum in San Antonio, the Witte 
 
Distance Learning will be hosting Summertime free tutoring classes for DL students.
Please call to make an appointment to attend one of the sessions below.
 
Conversation Club (ESOL Students ONLY): June 5th and 19th, 11:00AM-12:00PM
                                                            June 6th and 20th,  6:00PM-7:00PM
Writing Workshop(GED Students ONLY):   June 12th and 26th, 11:00AM-12:00PM
                                                           June 13th and 27th,  6:00PM-7:00PM
 
Distance Learning Summertime HOURS (June 4th through June 29th):
 
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 9:00AM-6:00PM
Thursday;                                     9:00AM-1:00PM
Friday;                                            CLOSED
Saturday;                                       Teacher Availability (by appointment only)
 
NISD Distance Learnig Office will resume Summertime Hours on July 23rd!
Have a wonderful and safe Summer!
 
Margo Hernandez
Distance Learning Supervisor
 

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Brighten Your May in Distance Learning

Hello Everyone,

I would like to thank all the students and teachers who have put so much effort into distance learning.  For the student, it is a dedication to their education.  The distance learning student must be an independent learner.  Our DL students are determined to start a brighter future by continuing their education, working collaboratively with their teachers, and using the resources DL has to offer.  The distance learning instructor is equally dedicated.  Your teachers work day and night to make sure you are getting the online instruction and guidance you need to fulfill your educational goals.  Success in DL is a joint effort of both educator and student, whether it be obtaining a job skill, a GED or going on to higher education.  We are dedicated to ensuring that our students reach their educational goals.
This month we will be continuing with our DL Writing Workshop and DL Conversation Club.  Please register with your teacher or the DL instructional assistants if you are interested in attending one of the workshops.  There is limited space, so first come first serve.

May dates to remember:

May 1, 2 - Fast Track GED Testing 9AM-3PM
May 1     - DL Conversation Club Workshop, must register, limited seating, 11:00AM-12PM
May 3     - DL Conversation Club Workshop, must register, limited seating, 6PM-7PM
May 5     - Cinco de Mayo
May 7,8,9- GED Testing, 4:30PM-9:30PM
May 10, 11- Official Practice Test, 9AM-11PM
May 11    - DL closes early, Hours of Operation, 9AM-11:30AM
May 13    - Mother's Day
May 15    - DL Writing Workshop, 11AM-12PM
May 16    - DL Writing Workshop, 6PM-7PM
May 17    - Teacher Appreciation Dinner, DL closes at 4:30PM
May 22    -DL Conversation Club Workshop, must register, limited seating, 11:00AM-12PM
May 23    - DL Conversation Club Workshop, must register, limited seating, 6PM-7PM
May 24    - Student Orientation Workshop, required for New Students ONLY, Session I, 10AM-12PM
                   Student Orientation Workshop, required for New Students ONLY, Session II, 5PM-7PM
May 28   -  DL begins Summertime hours, Monday-Wednesday, 9AM-6PM, Thursday 9AM-1PM
                   DL will be closed Friday and Saturday throughout the summer
May 28   - Memorial Day, DL closed

We hope you have a wonderful May!  If you need to contact us, please feel free to email us:
northsidedl@gmail.com

Margo Hernandez
Supervisor Distance Learning

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

April 2012, TAX TIME

Hello Everyone,

We are in full Spring Bloom this month. San Antonio had serious rain showers and thunderstorms usher in  the Spring 2012 season, so now we can anticipate lots of bluebonnets and daisies this month.   April is not usually a holiday month, but there are many happenings in 2012:  Easter weekend holiday, taxes are due and  Battle of Flowers Parade.  It is our hope that you find time to enjoy April, but remain focused on your educational goals!

Distance Learning kicked off the Conversation Club and Writing Workshop for DL students last month.  It has been a great success.  DL students are getting the extra help they need, plus they are able to meet and work with other DL students in the program. The Conversation Club and Workshop are on a first come first serve basis, so make your reservation as soon as possible.

April 03  Fast Track GED Testing @ NISD GED Testing Center
April 04  Fast Track GED Testing @ NISD GED Testing Center
April 06  Good Friday, DL Closed
April 07  Easter Weekend, DL Closed
April 10  GED Evening Testing @ NISD GED Testing Center
April 11  GED Evening Testing @ NISD GED Testing Center
April 12  GED Evening Testing @ NISD GED Testing Center
April 14  Teacher Professional Development, DL Closed
April 17   TAX DAY, don't forget to file your Income Tax before midnight!
April 20  Official Practice Test, Bldg. F, 9 AM - 11:00 AM
April 21  Official Practice Test, Bldg. F, 9 AM - 11:00 AM
April 23  GED Testing Center Registration, 10 AM - 4 PM
April 24  GED Testing Center Registration, 10 AM - 3 PM
April 25  GED Testing Center Registration, 10 AM - 3 PM
April 27  Battle of Flowers Parade, DL Closed

We hope you have a wonderful April! We are here for your educational needs and goals!

Margo Hernandez
DL Supervisor



Thursday, March 1, 2012

SPRING AROUND THE CORNER

Hello Everyone,


February is now behind us and time to think about new beginnings for Spring 2012!  We had more than 15 GED graduates this Winter.  We are hoping to exceed that number in the next couple of months.  There have been changes in the teaching staff this Winter, which means that many of you now have new instructors for your program.  Our Distance Learning program had four instructors who moved on to fulltime positions, we wish them well and thank each one for their dedication to the program.  This month we will continue with our Conversation Club for DL ESOL students.  The Conversation Club gives our ESOL students an opportunity to practice their oral language skills with peers.  We will also begin a GED Writing Workshop.  The workshop is designed to assist the students with their writing skills while applying them to real life situations.  We have a workshop in the morning and one in the evening.  There is limited seating so please contact your teacher or the DL office for reservations. Dates to remember for Spring 2012:


- Spring Break, office will be closed March 12 - 17
- March 11, Daylight Savings Time begins (spring forward an hour!)
- March 17, St Patricks Day
- March 19, regular office hours resume
- March 20, first day of Spring
- March 20, ESOL Conversation Club, 11 AM - 12 PM, DL Office, Portable 9 (limited seats)
- March 22, ESOL Conversation Club, 6 PM - 7 PM, DL Office, Portable 9 (limited seats)
- March 27, Writing Workshop, 11 AM - 12 PM, DL Office, Portable 9 (limited seats)
- March 29, Writing Workshop, 6 PM - 7 PM. DL Office, Portable 9 (limited seats)


Please visit your Instructors Page for hours of availability.  We look forward to a great and exciting Spring.  Our goal is to help you achieve your goals, whether obtaining a GED, acquiring skills for a new job, acquiring skills for promotion in your present job or getting you into college.  We are here to help you achieve your new beginnings.  Have a fun Spring season.


Margo Hernandez
DL Supervisor

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

WELCOME TO 2012!

Hello Everyone:  Welcome back!  We hope you had a relaxing vacation. It was a long break but the DL teachers are ready to get you back on track!  Many of you never stopped, and we appreciate the dedication towards reaching your goals.  There is quite a bit of information to share with all of you this month.  Many of the teachers have changed their program assignments.  More than likely, you will have a new teacher this semester. We have had many students inquiring about the time frame for classes, obtaining a GED, registering for the GED and hours for the Distance Learning Program.  So let's get started...
 1. Time frame for classes; As of right now our DL program had funding to last for a minimum of 12 weeks. We will be open our regular hours from February 6th until May 4th. These dates are subject to change, we will keep all our students notified and the blog updated.
2. The hours for Distance Learning will remain the same, Monday through Thursday 9 AM to 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM.
3. Teachers now have the capability to Skype with students.  Please see your teacher to register for a Skype account. All students should have received a Gaggle account upon registration.
4. Obtaining a GED does not have a particular time frame since this is an Adult Education program; it is on an individual basis.  Some of our students complete the program within a couple of months, others take their time.  We are here to accommodate your learning needs regardless of time. Remember, our program has regular classes in the day or evening in case you feel this alternative style of learning will better serve you in reaching your goals.
5. Registering for the GED has stringent requirements by the state.  Please visit the following website for up-to-date information:  http://nisd.net/ace/agedtestingfa11info.htm
6. New phone number for Distance Learning appointments:  210-397-7562
7. Teachers will meet with students as needed through Skype, chat sessions on Gaggle, email correspondence, IM, a few teachers have face time accessibility, text messaging, and/or face to face appointment sessions.
8. Teachers will also be conducting mini-tutoring sessions throughout the semester with 3-4 students at a time.  If you are interested in participating in these sessions, please contact your teacher.

We hope to have a great Spring semester.  Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Margo Hernandez
Supervisor, Distance Learning Program
Northside Adult Education
210-397-8982