Class of 2024

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Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2024.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Class of 2022

 

Class of 2022.

Thank you, for coming back to school.

Your Freshmen Year, back in 18-19.

May seem like decades, or centuries ago.

Yet here you are today, in 20-22.

Having accomplished what you set out to do.

You did so during tough times:

A pandemic, staying at home, distance learning.

Being asked to wear masks.

To sanitize your hands.

To see your classmates through a grid of profiles on a school laptop.

To mute and unmute, to turn off your camera.

To screen share and pin to screen.

To lowering the sound so you don't receive bad feedback.

To being back in person in real time and be able to hug, shake hands, fist bump.

To being here in this moment with your classmates.

To being bonded by all that brought us together.

To be a student who is a member of the class of two thousand twenty two.

Congratulation students!

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2022.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

May 2022

 

As May comes to a close,

and Memorial Day is honored.

Let us also do an in memoriam to the 21 innocent people,

who were tragically taken,

in a heinous act of violence,

as they peacefully engaged in education at their school.

May they look down upon the class of 2022,

and protect and guide them throughout their lives.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2022.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

March 2022

 

As March marches on it is time to spring forward and look towards the end of the school year with the class of 22 gearing up towards graduation.  It has been a tough and challenging past two years for them, and they will continue to need our support for years to come, but they have done their best to face and endure the challenge before them.

It is also a time to take pause and rest during Spring Break in order to prepare for the final stretch of the school year, while remaining cautious of COVID variants.

Educators should also develop plans for the Summer break that help students who are at risk of falling behind so they can be better prepared when returning for next school year. 

As always, to all educators, students, and parents, continue doing a great job while supporting each other become better educated.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2022.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

June 2021

CLASS OF 2021

To the Class of 2021:

Congratulations to you for reaching this point in your educational journey.

A journey that ends with a renewed sense of hope.

That recent challenges are being met and surpassed.

With open schools and classrooms.

Reuniting Classmates.

Connecting with Teachers.

Liberating Parents.

Eliminating the need for barriers; both physical and virtual alike.

A steep step in the path towards the future that many were unable to make.

Make the most of it for you have made it through to today.

You have flattened curves and raised social issues.

Technology prepared you for distance learning,

and is now allowing you a greater access to further learning.

Keep moving forward in your educational journey.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!!!

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2021.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Class of 2020

Congratulations Class of 2020!!!

You have reached the end of your educational journey.

A journey that has been filled with difficult challenges.

A journey that began in the shadows of a post 9/11 world.

A journey with an unprecedented financial collapse.

A journey with tragedy and loss of innocent lives.

A journey whose path became steeper and more dangerous with every passing moment.

A journey that would make even the most well trained people abandon it...

But not you.

You stay through it to the end.

You stay through it day after day, year after year.

You stay through it by persevering.

By making course corrections while maintaining your heading.

By adapting to new technology and means of communication.

By helping each other out and ensuring no one would be left behind.

Even as you were presented with more unprecedented challenges,

An unknown virus, personal sanitation, stay at home orders, mandated masks,

A death at the hand of those responsible for the protection of the people.

You wore your caps and gowns,

You logged on through your devices,

And you became the newest graduates,

The Class Of 2020.

Congratulations!!!

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2020.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Class of 2019

Congratulations

Class

of

2019

Thank you for a great school year.

Have a great Summer.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2019.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

May 2018

May marks the final whole month of education.

It is time to assess what students across California have learned during the 2017-18 school year and wait for the results the CAASPP will reveal in the fall.

Local Education Agencies (LEA's) are also submitting the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) to their local County Office of Education for approval.

Students get ready for End-of-the-Year activities.
Seniors finalize their checklists as they prepare for graduation and start to get sized for caps and gowns; while Eighth and Fifth graders, in addition to Kindergartners, prepare for their promotion ceremonies.

Proud parents, friends, and relatives reflect on the passage of time as they see these kids, our students, take part in these rites of passage that mark their educational milestones.

So get ready to get a little nostalgic.  Let the melancholy flow through each one of us as we prepare to close the 2017-18 Academic School Year and make plans to give a big sendoff to the Class of 2018!  



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2018.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

April 2018

April. 

It is National Poetry Month.

It is when Jackie Robinson is honored for breaking through the greatest human barrier of diversity and integrating the national pastime of baseball on Jackie Robinson Day.

It is when one of the most inhumane acts committed in the 20th century is recognized as Holocaust Remembrance Day is honored.

It is the marker in time where education takes its final points of pivot before setting off toward the accomplishment of Graduation.

The final break of Spring is over.  It is time to sprint toward the end of school.  Less than 3 months remain in the school year.  Less than 12 weeks of school left.  Less and less time remains left in which progress can be made and assessed; but time, nonetheless, remains.  Educators can still advocate for struggling students.  Students can still request help from teachers.  Teachers can still guide students and collaborate with educators.

April should serve as the month in which students, teachers, parents, educators, and advocates come together for that one last pitch in support of education for future generations.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2018.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

May 2017

May, first and foremost, is about Mom.

May is about wishing and celebrating a Happy Mother's Day.

May's main hashtag is, and should be, #HappyMothersDay.

But there are also many more events that are set throughout the month of May:
May 1st (May Day) - #MayDay
May 4th (May the 4th) - #MayTheForceBeWithYou
May 5th (5 de Mayo) - #CincoDeMayo
May 14th (Mother's Day) - #MothersDay
May 20th (Armed Forced Day) - #ArmedForcesDay
May 29th (Memorial Day) - #MemorialDay

May is the last full month of Spring, and as it nears its end, the unofficial Summer Kickoff takes place.

Graduation ceremonies are in the planning and final phase as the Class of 2017 gets ready to take part in the highest honor that can be awarded in education: To Become a Graduate.

The long and arduous journey upon which students, teachers, parents, administrators, and all education supporters, and stakeholders, embarked on way back in late August of 2016 is about to reach is culmination.

MRCR Education would like to say to all involved "Thank You".
"Thank You" for all you have done to make education a success.
"Thank You" for all you continue to do each day.
"Thank You" for all you will continue to do to further education.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2017.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

April 2017

Alas, we have reached the end of April.
We stand, no longer months, but weeks away from the conclusion of the 2016-17 school year.

The final lap of education takes place in the month of May,
and students, parents, teachers, and administrators prepare to take their final pit stop, to ensure that the engines of learning are running smooth, that everyone enters this final lap on four good tires, that there is nothing that can obstruct the view through the windshield, that there is nothing that can clog the air flow to the engine.

Assessments are taking place to measure the growth done throughout this past year.
Awards and recognition are being taken into consideration for those who met or exceeded set criteria.
Summer plans are in the works for the near future while awaiting for the final rush of adrenaline that the last weeks of school bring forth.
There was much change that we have gone through during this year.
Some has brought us closer,
some may have driven us apart,
but we have all been through it together,
regardless of good or bad weather.

To the class of 2017,
may your sails catch that forward wind,
that will continue to drive you towards your goals.
And may you wear you caps and gowns with pride,
as you have much to celebrate in the upcoming graduations.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2017.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Spring Break 2017

It is almost Spring Break at school, but before we all check out for a well deserved few days of rest and recreation, let's take a look back at what has been accomplished thus far this year, and look at what is yet to be accomplished in the weeks ahead, until we reach that end-of-the-year ceremony (no, not prom) graduation.

Two thirds of the school year is over.  The plans that teachers developed last summer, long ago, have by now been repealed, replaced, recycled, adapted and re-adopted to meet the learning needs of the students in the classrooms.  Students have endured a long winter where friendships have formed over many rainy day indoor recesses, classroom field-trips and activities, lab partners and  group work.

The final third of the year begins with Spring break and ends in celebration for those who achieve that final goal of education, graduation, when we honor students hard work and perseverance as they set forth to meet new challenges that will guide them to higher education and a career in their profession.

To all educators, students, parents, teachers, administrators...

Have a Safe and Wonderful

#SpringBreak


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator


Copyright 2017.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Why It's Important To Participate in Graduation Ceremonies

You have completed all the requirements.  Even gone above and beyond.  It has been checked and double checked by you, your friends, your school counselor, it is a fact: You are going to graduate.

But why bother going to graduation?  The school is not going to present you with the real diploma, degree, or certificate until the end of the ceremony or even later on (by the way, this is done to prevent anyone from trying to act a fool one last time).  Instead, skip graduation and get a jump start on the after party, or summer vacation, or just call it a day.

Well, perhaps it is worth reconsidering that last option, tempting as it may be, and don the cap and gown along with your classmates.  It is important, though not nescesary, to participate in this last educational rite of passage, to participate in your graduation ceremony.  To be with your classmates one last time and share what could become that last good-bye. To walk onto that stage, have your name be called out-loud, and be presented with that sheepskin.  To have a chance to share this moment with your loved ones and thank them for all they have done to help you achieve this moment.

This is way it is important to participate in graduation ceremonies.  To have an event that will bring both closure and conclution to what has been a long journey along our educational path.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

To the Class of 2016

Let me begin by saying to you Congratulations!

Each one of you has completed the requirements needed to be known as graduates of the class of 2016.

Each one of you has taken a unique path to reach this point in time where you stand with your classmates.

Each one of you has reached a great academic achievement.

Once again, Congratulations.


We should also thank those who have helped us along our way through the path we have taken.

Parents, Guardians, Teachers, Coaches, Counselors, Administrators, Support Staff, and all other Educators who have had a significant impact in helping the Class of 2016 reach this incredible honor.


To you, Class of 2016, I have but four things to say:

Be Good.

Be Nice.

Be Smart.

Be Humble.


Congratulations Class of 2016!!!



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Class of 2015

To the Class of 2015:

Congratulations on reaching such honorable academic achievement.  It has been a long journey which has taken much time and effort.  There have been many people who have been a part of this journey, and it is worth taking the time to thank them for what they have done.

They are teachers, administrators, faculty, and staff members.  Also parents, mentors, coaches, and other leaders who have guided you.  This is not the ending point of your journey in life, but rather a marking point.  From now on, you will be known as a graduate, a member of the class of 2015.

Once again, congratulations.  You have earned this academic achievement.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2015.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

APRIL 2015

Manuel R. CortezRodas
(Chief Educator/Founder)

April has arrived, and with it, the season of spring which brings the signs of rebirth.  

There is much that is associated with this month and have included a few examples to consider:

• Spring showers, which are urgently needed in California.
• It is, as it is written in hashtag, #NationalPoetryMonth or #npm15
• The beginning of the last three months of school (Apr, May, Jun).
• Graduates blooming from our high schools as the Class of 2015. 
• The continuing duty and debate of year end education assessment.
• Spring Break 2015!!!

MRCR Education is doing its best to continue presenting and sharing information that can be of assistance to educators prepare in that final stretch of the 2014-15 school year.  

The MRCR Education Logo
(Inspired by the Mayan representation
for "TUN" meaning: Stone, Year)

Please continue to follow us on Twitter @mrcreducation for the latest updates from MRCR Education and its resources on the areas of English Language Developement (ELD) Education, STEAM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), and HAST (Humanities, Arts, Science, Technology) Education, in addition to other educational themes and topics. 

We look forward to your feed back! 

Thank You. 




Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2015.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Evaluating Education

Two concepts to keep in mind when thinking about evaluating education should be the following: Who will evaluate our education.  How will our education be evaluated.  To the first, the principal participant should be ourselves.  We should be the first to evaluate our education.  To the second, careful consideration and open discussion should be combined in order to arrive at a clear and fair process by which our education ought to be evaluated.  Keeping in mind these two concepts should allow us to have a better appreciation for our education, while gaining a greater understanding of the value we gain as an educated people.

It is of great importance that learners evaluate education so they, as students, may judge the value and worth of what has been learned and studied through the process of becoming educated, and thus having acquired knowledge.  There are four steps which can be taken to achieve this, beginning with the creation of a scale to be used for rating the value of education.

This education scale value needs to take into consideration the length of time in education, the locations where education has taken place, and the knowledge which has been learned by being taught, or having experienced through our senses, feelings, and emotions.  Third in the steps is to assess education by filtering it through the five A's (Availability, Amplitude, Accuracy, Accomplishments, Acknowledgements).  Last, it is up to us to implement the process by executing the evaluation of education.

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2014.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

June 2014

On this month of June, MRCR Education takes a look at evaluating education. As students learn they reach many educational accomplishments on their way to becoming life long learners, the most significant being graduation.

Follow the posts on our blog this month as the theme of Evaluating Education is looked at from a variety of view points.  This month, MRCR Education also sends a most sincere congratulations to the class of 2014.

To all those who have successfully completed all the requirements needed to become graduates of their respective educational institutions, and with that members of the class of 2014, this is your moment.

You have accomplished a great achievement, one to be proud of, one to share with friends and family, one which serves as a reminder that self-sacrifice and hard work are recognized in due time, you have achieved something which no one will ever be able to take away, that is your education.

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2014.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.