Surprise Treat

Three of the D-Street Dancers who are also in my AP Stats class surprised me during lunch.  They somehow found out about my birthday and brought me cupcakes and a muffin.  Very thoughtful and I am very grateful.  Thank you to Tiffany, Ramen, and Jackie.  Earlier that day, Natalie (the first student I met on campus) wrote me a letter that was just simply too touching. These acts of kindness are more than what I deserve. 

The next day, the Cheer Squad left me more sweets.

Over the weekend, my youngest student Leon gave me a set of mini macaroons. 

Track Meet

I participated in our first league meet of the season on Thursday (3/26/15) by helping with the high jump event.  Aside from my own mid- to long-distance running, I have no experience in track meets.  Luckily, I had an injured student-athlete Natalie's help throughout the afternoon.  Natalie will be ready to compete again in a few weeks.  One of our Bonita athletes won the boys high jump and set a new personal record by clearing the six foot bar!  Congratulations.

There's an interesting connection: Natalie's mom Betsy and I worked together multiple times years ago.  We were presenters for parents at my former school districts' annual Parent University seminars.  Betsy would talk about her daughter during the seminars, and thus I have actually heard about Natalie for years.  Both Betsy and I have since left that district and have not stay in touch.  During Back to School Night at the beginning of this year, Betsy saw my name on a flyer and stopped by my room.  I was surprised by her visit, and it was finally neat to meet Natalie.  

Live Love Dance

This Saturday, the BHS D-Street Dance Team will perform at the new Bonita Center for the Arts. It would be a wonderful way to support the program and get a chance to visit the beautiful BCA.

PS: The show was great. Mrs. O'Grady does a fantastic job.  It's wonderful to see our school's D-Street Dance Team and students of dance classes perform.

Gift From Coach

Coach Knott gave me a baseball cap.  What an honor!  Earlier that day, we chatted briefly when I told him that I attended one of his games and that I admired his coaching style.  It turns out that he coached at Gladstone HS before I started teaching there.  His team is playing in a tougher league this year and he is doing a fantastic job with a wonderful group of student athletes.  Good luck to Coach Knott and the baseball program this season.

Note: "Wearing a green hat" (戴绿帽) is a Chinese expression for a man whose wife/girlfriend cheated on him.  Many Chinese man refuse to wear green hats due to this symbolism.

Fashion Show

On Wednesday evening, we will have parent/teacher conferences from 5p to 7p.  Thereafter, the Fashion Show begins at 7p.  Come out and support the program.

PS: The Fashion Show showcased students' creative designs. The models and the D-Street Dance Team entertained the audience tonight.

Theater Festival Award

Congratulations to Mr. Frederick and the Theater Program.  Two of our students won an award this past weekend, I am proud and humbled to have them both in my AP Statistics class.

Auto Shop Car Show

The Auto Tech Program put together another successful car show this Saturday.  It was a beautiful day with over 100 cars on display.  Student dance teams, bands, and the teacher band performed.  Here are a few photos:

This I Am - Dance Concert 2015

One of my students invited me to her dance program showcase in La Canada Flintridge.  For about two hours, a group of talented and passionate dancers entertained parents, friends, and teachers through a variety of dances.  One of the senior dancers is bringing awareness to brain tumors and is doing her part in raising money to help its cause as a part of her senior project.  I donated a small amount and received a commemorative pin as a souvenir.

Spirit Run 2015

Before I started graduate school, I ran regularly and participated in many local mid- to long-distance races.  One of my favorites is the Spirit Run.  It's a family friendly event that benefits the local school district, held in the beautiful city of Newport Beach.  I haven't done this race in several years, so it was great to return this past weekend.  I didn't feel that I ran my best, due to a busy week before the race and having only two weeks between my previous Firecracker run in Chinatown.  To my surprise I finished in third place in my age group and got a medal!  I hope to stay organize with my work life so that I can continue to stay active and participate in cool events like these.

Name in Chinese

This is a calligraphy of my Chinese name "Yip Ka Ting".  It is a gift from my parents who visited the city of Chongqing (重慶) in China.  I hang this in my classroom.

BHS Auto Shop Car Show

Come out and support the Auto Shop Car Show.  The teacher band "In Danger of Failing" will perform!  Here is a clip from their recent Battle of the Bands set:

My First Gift

This is the first gift that I have ever received as an educator.  I began tutoring when I was about 14 years-old.  My first students were siblings William and Michelle.  They were in elementary school, I would get dropped off at their house by my parents, tutoring them for two hours, and their father would drive me back.  I didn't like it much at the time, I wasn't any good at the time.  I didn't know what I was doing aside from trying to help them with their homework.  But I do recall wanting to be better at tutoring and teaching.  That hasn't changed.  Michelle made this keychain for me.  For the longest time, it was attached to my racket bag.  It is now one of my most treasured memorabilia.

Swingin' with the Big Bands

The Bonita Jazz Band performed at the historical Fox Theater in Downtown Pomona.  I've driven by this theater many times, this gave me a great reason to visit.  It is beautiful inside and the performances were outstanding. I enjoyed an afternoon of classic jazz music.  Our music teacher Jeff Bird once again did an amazing job.

More photos here: http://goo.gl/ApBmuQ

Tournament Final

On Pi Day, I went to watch our school's baseball team play in the Dick's Sporting Goods high school tournament final.  The players fought hard and lost a tough game by one run.  Best of luck to the team as they begin their season soon.

Action Night 2015

I participated in our school's 2nd annual Action Night.  It ran from 6-8p.  Students played games and competed in challenges to earn class spirit points.  The students had a great time.  Congratulations to the seniors for having the overall lead.

2015 Welcome Video

This is the video, produced by our talented Mr. Eichen, for the 8th graders who visited our campus this week.

Battle of the Bands

(Our teacher band - In Danger of Failing)

Mr. Mullen, our school's respected AP World History teacher and on the trumpet above, has been an awesome and welcoming teacher friend to me.  He included me in several campus events, including a trip with the hiking club to Mt. Baldy.  He has help me transition to my new setting.  Since he is a member of a the teacher band, he invited me to be a guest judge at our school's annual Battle of the Bands.  I was thrilled to be one of three judges.  Seven student bands performed.  They were all truly outstanding.  Each group had 15 minutes to perform their set.  They played either original or cover music.  The talent and enthusiasm was off the charts.  Congratulations to the third place winner Clovers, second place winner Moon Sanction, and first place winner Alder's Gate.  To close the show, the teacher band "In Danger of Failing" performed and they totally rocked!  They were amazing and I can't wait to watch them perform again soon.  (They will perform at the Bonita Car Show on 3/21/15 at the campus parking lot.)

Firecracker 10K 2015

The newest calendar in the classroom was a free item in the Firecracker 10K runner's goodie bag.  The calendar starts with February because 2/19/2015 was Chinese New Year.  This is the Year of the Ram.  I've completed this annual event several times.  I had a good race this year.  Most importantly, I got to hang out with two of my best friends who also completed this course as a tune-up race for their upcoming LA Marathon.  Good luck to Sunny and Cong.  Stay healthy and have a great time.