Gifts from my TA's

Only from my two awesome TA's: a Hello Kitty hair brush and wallet. Naturally, they were wrapped in a box using duct tape, in a Victoria Secrets bag. Thanks, Joe and Moises (aka GHS Football League Champs!)

Box of Chocolate

A box of chocolate from a former Algebra 2 and current AP Statistics students. Thanks Marlene.  Happy Holidays to Everyone!

Tragedy in Newtown, CT

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Today is a very sad day as tragedy struck an elementary school in Connecticut.  My heart goes out to the families in this town.  At this time, the report is that 20 young students and 6 adults have lost their lives.  It is a heart breaking event.  I am humbled by the story of one teacher, Kaitlin Roig, at Sandy Hook Elementary who continued to protect her students under the most stressful circumstance.  She rushed her students into a small bathroom, locked the door, and told them that she loved them.  She said that if they were to die, she wanted the children to know that they were loved.  When the police arrived, she refused to open the door to avoid a potential trickery by a gunman.  She told the police to get the keys themselves, the teacher and her students were eventually rescued to safety.

Dice Collection (#12)

A 20-sided die inside a clear 20-sided die (icosahedron). Pretty cool.
(From CMC 2012.)

New Tee

Two of my private tutees are top ranked junior national level badminton players.  They just returned from a tournament in the East Coast with this gift for me.  Thanks Krista & Jamie!

Dice Collection (#11)

Chinese character dice! Way to represent. I have only two left. I gave one to each of my four private tutees: Krista, Jamie, Curtis, and Tim.
(From CMC 2012.)

CMC 2012

It was another fulfilling learning experience at this year's CMC math conference in Palm Springs.  On Friday morning, I attended two AP Stats sessions by Starnes.  While the first session involved much pure math at a high level, the second session provide me with more inference activities that I may use for my stats class.  I picked up many freebies at the lunch meeting for AP Stats teachers.  After lunch, I attended an engaging TI-Nspire session by Reardon.  The last session was by Cheng, who provided many ideas on re-booting our instructions to meet the new testing challenges.  As usual, my brian was fried by the evening.  To clear my mind, I ran 5 miles up and down the Palm Springs downtown.

On Sunday morning, I attended an Algebra session on using myths and fables to engage students.  Presenters Wolf and Maggiore provided scenarios more student participation.  The second session was an TI-Nspire activity by Godbold for AP Statistics.  Lastly, I attending Lim's math in TV and movies session.  It was a more relaxing way to end my attendance at this year's CMC conference.  As always, I strive to bring back what I can to benefit my students.

PS - 100% of the cost of this trip came out of my own expense.  I took a personal day off to attend Friday's sessions.

Hair Care

AP Stats student Adrian M. gave me this before my trip to the Palm Springs math conference. Thanks for the shampoo...I guess. =)

Bruin Open 2012

In my feeble attempt to balance my teaching and personal life, I've been trying to be more active over the past year.  A few weeks ago, I played in a badminton tournament at UCLA.  I have trained as hard as I could, with whatever time that I have given that I'm a 33 year old full-time teacher and part-time tutor.  I played well.  On Saturday, I won two rounds against two younger less experienced opponents.  On Sunday, I had to face two younger skillful players in the quarter and semi-finals.  They have been trained by coaches who were former Olympians.  I was fortunate to win in both close hard fought contests.  In the final, I lost to another young player.  I'm a little disappointed in losing the finals match, but am grateful that I played a good tournament and making it to the finals in a singles event for the first time.  I showed my silver medal to my students the following week and they were all very happy for me.  I strive to keep pushing myself physically as long as my body holds up.

Using Prezi & Other Web Tools (2012)

Prezi and Other Tech Tools 2012 on Prezi

Still Tutoring

A little less than a year ago, a friend at the badminton club asked if I would tutor his daughter in Geometry.  I had just finished graduate school and have stood firm on not coaching after school, so I agreed.  Just an hour a week with a smart, motivated, and respectful middle schooler.  It is at times the most fulfilling hour of teaching of my week.  Over the summer, her younger sister joined in to our sessions. We met twice a week, often on benches that are right next to the badminton courts where we play. Our sessions have continued as our school years began.  Another badminton friend asked if I would help her son prepare for his SATs.  I also agreed, knowing that he's a great kid and that I would be able to help him review some Geometry.  These three kids are three of the best students that I've had the pleasure to work with.  

In fact, I have respectfully declined other parents' requests for tutoring.  I simply teach enough hours as is during my week.  At the same time, I realize how fortunate I am to have the ability to say no.  I recall that when I started tutoring as a 14 year old kid, I would occasionally hope that my Saturday afternoon sessions would get cancelled so that I can have the day off.  Now, I look forward to the sessions.  I'm more experienced, I know how to better pace the tutorials, and am more comfortable working with teens in an educational setting.  I reflect on my roots as a tutor and find it a privilege that this role has stayed with me for almost 20 years.

Link Crew 2012-13

This year's Link Leader tees.  It's already one of our favorites.  I also participated in this year's Link Leader training during the Tuesday/Wednesday of the week before school started.  Mr. C., Ms. Franco, and I led a smooth training.  Regrettably, I was unable to be at that Friday's Freshmen Orientation.  The word is that it was one of our best!  Way to go Link Crew!

Licensed to Teach

Two of my closest friends got this license plate frame for me from an auto show. I have yet to find anything worthy for this awesome frame. Maybe I'll find a picture of them and frame it with this.

Mr. Yip 8.0

The first month of school in my eighth year as a teacher went by very smoothly.  This year, my assignments are three sections of Algebra 2, one section of Algebra 1, and one section of AP Statistics. There are 36 students in each period.  As in past years, my goals are to be the best teacher that I can be, stay positive, and have a positive influence in my students.

I took a substantial amount of time off.  It was the most eventful summer that I could remember.  During the first month of the summer, I volunteered at the badminton club as an assistant coach for novice players.  The second half of summer, I was blessed with the opportunity to spend time with my aunt and uncle from Hong Kong.  Along with my mom, we took a trip to New York and Boston.  We also visited many local SoCal museums and dining spots.  Later, my cousin who is studying in Vancouver also visited.  With the rest of the family, we visited Santa Barbara, Solvang, the Hearst Castle, and San Francisco.  Other memorial trips included a concept at the Hollywood Bowl and brunch at the Queen Mary.

Time to get back to work.  Bring it.

‎2012 AP Stats Project (10) by Alex & Andrea

‎2012 AP Stats Project (9) by Alex & Andrea from rickykyip
Two senior students investigate a current issue.

‎2012 AP Stats Project (9) by Josh & Miranda

Stats on Prezi

Two members of our school's dance team investigate the popularity of social media outlets.

‎2012 AP Stats Project (8) by Sophia, Nabria, & Alyssa

‎2012 AP Stats Project (8)

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The investigator‎s learned about theme park perferences among high school students.

‎2012 AP Stats Project (7) by Esbeyde & Stephanie

2012 AP Stats Project (7)

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The Saldanas tried to find an association between the color and taste preference of Skittles candies. While there were potential confounding variables, they found interesting results.

‎2012 AP Stats Project (6) by Brian and Marissa

2012 AP Stats Project (6)

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The two band kids really wanted to show that one brand of orange chicken is more preferrable than another. Did the data support their claim?

‎2012 AP Stats Project (5) by Laura, Jessica, & Melissa

2012 AP Stats Project (5) from rickykyip
Hot Cheetos - a favorite snack of many students.

‎2012 AP Stats Project (4) by Karen, Stephanie, & Aaron

2012 AP Stats Project (4)

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This study investigated the association between gender and fries preference. Students also drew inference on which brand of fries is most preferable among the three choices.

2012 AP Stats Project (3) by Juan and Sunny

2012 AP Stats Project (3)

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This study, by Juan and Sunny, investigates the association between gender and shoe brand preference.

2012 AP Stats Project (2) by Justin and Joe

2012 AP Stats Project (2)

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Justin (varsity football captain) and Joe (varsity wresting captain) investigate the preference between two NBA superstars. Who do students prefer? The data suggest that lower classmen prefer Lebron James while upper classmen prefer Michael Jordan.

Link Crew Bowling

I am very proud to be a co-coordinator for Link Crew.  Link Crew is a freshmen transition program, a program that I support.  Our Link Leaders give a lot throughout the year to assist freshmen students.  At year's end, we try to reward the leaders with a special event.  This year, we went bowling at Covina Lanes and had an awesome time.  I would like to thank all of the leaders for a job well done.  They gave up a lot of their time and patient as we strive to improve our new GPS (advisory) schedule.  Of course, the team also consists of incredible coordinators: Mr. Perdomo, Ms. Littrell, Ms. Curtis, Ms. Franco, Mr. Abdo, Ms. De Leon, Ms. Campo-Ball, and Mr. Ciccoianni.  (From left: Ms. De Leon, Mr. Yip, Ms. Curtis, and Mr. Abdo.)

A Gift from a Student

I had a very challenging Algebra I class this year. I tried to stay positive each day in an attempt to move students along one step at a time. On the last day of school, Karen gave this to me. She was one of the few quiet and patient students in that class. I was never sure if I've made a connection with her, until now. Thank you, Karen, for letting me be your teacher. =)

T.H.E. 2012

This was from May 17th, 2012 at the Teachers Honoring Excellence (T.H.E.) Banquet 2012. We honored Mr. Ciccoianni and Major Merz. I nominated Mr. C. for this award.  Him and Major Merz have done wonderful work on our campus.

A Surprise Visit and Gift

Maria and Paula (aka The Twins c/o 2011) are my former students. They are currently attending the University of New Mexico. Maria paid me a surprise visit this week with a gift of a UNM jacket. I initially refused to accept this expensive gift, but Maria insisted. I am so grateful. They've done more for me and have given more to me than I have deserved. Many thanks, Twins!

Words to the Graduates

Words to the Graduates

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I was one of a few teachers who were granted the priviledge to say a few parting words to the graduates. Naturally, I chose to include visuals. The brief speech (about a minute long) was recorded and delievered to the class of 2012 this morning during Seniors Assembly at the gym. The slides summarize my words.

A Surprise Gift from a Student

This was a surprise gift from one of my brightest students.  Karen was a Link Leader and a wonderful student.  She will be attending the University of La Verne next year.  I told her just before graduation that having amazing students like her is already a great gift.  I share this with all teachers.  Many thanks, Karen!

2012 AP Stats Project (1) by Mr. Yip

2012 AP Stats Project (1)

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My AP Statistics students complete a project on statistical inference at the end of the school year. My goal is to also conduct a project myself each year in order to model proper techniques for my students. This year, my project was on the popularity of The Avengers.  


I will soon upload student projects.

A Flower from Kristyn

One of the seniors, Kristyn, from the class of 2012 dropped by my room yesterday and gave me a flower along with a written note. I was very touched. Kristyn was my student two years ago and played badminton for me for two years. I wish her all the best in her upcoming journey.

AP Cal vs. AP Stats Dodgeball

The AP Calculus students challenged the AP Statistics students to a dodgeball match.  Since both courses have taken our respective AP exams, it is a great way for the students to relieve some stress.  It was a warm day, but the students were having fun.  Some of the boys showed their competitive edge.  For the record, I participated, and the AP Stats group won three games to one.  =)

[In the picture above, Brian (white - AP Stats) lands a shot at Andrew (black - AP Calculus).  They are both good students.  I wish them both the best in the future.]

AP Stats Exam (Year 2)

All 21 of my AP Statistics students took the AP exam yesterday.  Some worked harder than others throughout the year.  Nonetheless, I'm happy with how the course has evolved.  I taught the curriculum with a couple of weeks of review.  Most importantly, we completed many free response questions from previous years.  A student told me just before the exam that she was nervous because she didn't want to let me down.  Cute.  Whatever the result, I'm happy with how fast the course has taken shape.

Teacher Appreciation Day

Thanks to the ASB/Leadership students for the poster. I especially appreciate the Asian happy face. =) 5/4/12


"To the work you are entitled, but not the fruits thereof" - Bhagvad Gita

Apple

A student, Diana A., gave me an apple at the last period of the day! Thank you so much!

Abacus 算盤

A Chinese abacus "算盤" hangs in my classroom. It's an old school calculator. It doesn't graph quadratic functions nor compute chi-square statistics, but I've always enjoyed watching older merchants use these with their quick hands. Above the abacus is a promo sticker from the TV show "NUMB3RS", which I've never seen.

A Pi Pencil

A Pi Pencil. Fittingly, this year's sophomores will take the math portion of their high school exit exam on 3/14/12, which is Pi Day.

Faculty vs. Celebrity Basketball Game

On 2/9/12, I participated in a fund raising basketball game between our school's faculty versus the Power 106 celebrity team. The students who came had a wonderful time. This is a picture of our team shirts. BTW, it is very Chinese of me to pick #8.

Model # 3 - An Elephant

The last model in my collection is a beautiful elephant.

Happy Chinese New Year

A Chinese student, whose mom is a chef, brought me this home-made traditional snack tray for Chinese New Year. Thanks Chans. And have a wonderful Year of the Dragon.

My Roots

It is important for me as a teacher to occasionally step away from the classroom. This past winter break, I returned to Hong Kong. It is a very special place for me. Many of my loved ones are there, it is also where I grew up. After each return, I often feel as if Hong Kong is the place "where I should be". I took a stroll with my grandma. We visited the school where I attended three years of kindergarden. This is one of my favorite pictures of all time, taken by my cousin Kelvin. I'm on the left, holding my grandma on the right.

Model # 2 - Car

The models come as a compact stack of press out cards made from recycled products. No glue or tools are required. I think it's the cleverest of designs.

Model # 1 - Airplane

I've always been amazed by puzzles and models. I think the makers of these beautiful products are extremely talented. At a store called Miji in Hong Kong, I found these card press out models made from recycled materials. These models join my classroom as the newest displays from Hong Kong.

新年快樂 = Happy New Year

At a small store in Hong Kong, I found these miniature version Chinese red envelops. Traditionally, children receive these during Chinese New Year with "lucky money" inside. As souvenirs to my AP Stats class, I gave my students these filled with HK coins. The character on the envelops roughly translates to "blessing".