Sunday, September 27, 2020

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man (Episode 8b)


On Protesting the National Anthem with Emmanuel Acho and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man (Episode 8a)


On Protesting the National Anthem with Emmanuel Acho and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

Friday, September 25, 2020

Distance Math Instruction Tool - Blue Light Filter Computer Glasses


I don't take for granted how lucky I am to have a job during this pandemic.  A lot of Americans have suffered from pay cuts, lost jobs, and more.  I am very fortunate to be able to continue to do the work as a teacher.  During distance instruction, I have had much more screen time.  Recently, eye soreness and related migraines have become an issue.  I purchased these glasses (Amazon @ $25) and will see if they help with the symptoms. (From 9/14/2020)



Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Thank You Plumley's


The Plumley Family delivered a generous gift.  They provided the Bonita faculty with lunch from Chick-Fil-A.  Today is our spirit week and points will also be rewarded for the Bonita vs. San Dimas Smudgepot competition.  I am so grateful, inspired, and humbed by their generous act.  Mrs. Eilean Plumley is also a second grade teacher at Oak Mesa Elementary.  (From 9/22/2020)

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Bonita Smudge Social Week (Week 5)

 

Let's Go Bearcats! Awww Yeah!

Monday, September 21, 2020

Bonita Smudge Social 2020

 


The ASB Leaders are doing a great job at being creative in keeping the spirits up.  I tried to do my part in doing the faculty social distancing dance. (From 9/18/2020).

Another year of faculty dance.

#MaskMonday @bonita_asb

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Thank You Jeff

 

Thank you, Jeff and the rest of the ASB Leadership, for always reminding teachers that we have your support.  Our ASB Leadership group does an outstanding job and keeping school spirit positive during our distance learning.  (From 9/16/2020)


Saturday, September 19, 2020

More Treats from Betty


Running friends Hardi and I got another treat from Betty after our 7-mile trail run. This time, it is a Spanish style burnt basque cheesecake.  Thank you Betty.  Once school starts, I lack motivation to run or workout.  All of my focus goes to teaching and lesson planning.  I thank these two for running with me on weekends. (From 8/29/2020)

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Thank You Karly


Thank you Karly for these sweet cookies.  I have known Karly for several years through various campus events.  It wasn't until this year that I have her in my math class, albeit through distance learning.  I am grateful for kind and thoughtful students like Karly.  We are all looking forward to returning to campus safely very soon.  (From 9/9/2020)

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Thank You Bonita Spirit

Thanks Kaylee, but "Your" should be "You're". =)

Thanks Kylee.

Thank you Kylee, Kaylee, and Mrs. O'Grady for these uplifting messages.  I had Kylee and Kaylee in my 7th period math class last year and I have them again this year, albeit only virtually through Zoom thus far.  (From 9/9/2020)

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Thank You Laura



A nice surprise to start the morning.  Thank you Ms. Ruiz for the treats.  (From 9/1/2020)

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Bonita Virtual Back to School Night 2020


Our most unique Back to School Night was held virtually via Zoom meetings on Tuesday evening.  I did live presentations for the parents and shared with them our class set up and philosophies.  While it was awkward presenting in an empty classroom with the guests muted, it was nice to see parents and students who I have had in the past.  I hope everyone can stay healthy and safe.  Looking forward to our students returning to campus soon.  Also, I got this new preppy hoodie earlier that afternoon.  (From 9/8/2020)

Friday, September 11, 2020

Bonita 9/11 Memorial

 
(Photo Credit: Mrs. Verti)

This is a picture from Mrs. Verti.  Our principal Mr. Ritchie shared the following story behind the 9/11 Memorial:

Hello Bearcats!
This memorial plaque was put in by a club and former teacher Elaine Saffan. The patriotic wind flowers were put there this morning by Jessica Kirby, our girls locker room attendant.  This memorial is located on the west side of the 900 building, outside of the teachers’ lounge door. I am sure we all remember that tragic day and the lives that were lost.  They will not be forgotten…
Kenny

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Thank You Bonita Crew

It's a simple but very meaningful gesture.  The Bonita classified crew shared their BBQ celebration with me, Mike also got me a turkey cream cheese bagel sandwich.  (From 9/4/2020)

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

AP Reader Gift 2020 - Fleece

There were some criticism about the most recent AP exams regarding the formats and administrations.  However, there's no denying that a lot of AP teachers put in countless hours of hour to write extra questions, create various rubrics, and score millions of free responses for the 2020 AP exams.  Exam readers get a College Board gift each year.  As an AP Statistics reader, I picked a simple soft fleece blanket this year.  (From 9/3/2020)

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Thank You Betty


Thank you Betty for giving Hardi and I these wonderful raspberry pastries.  I have the best running buddies.  Betty also helped me do a video and sound check for remote instruction.  (From 8/22/2020) 

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Thank you Ms. Contreras

Thank you for these salted caramel macaroons!  They are a wonderful treat for the end of a smooth first day of school.  Ms. Contreras made these for Mr. Wes and I.  Since Mr. Wes is working from his home and I live less than a mile away, I made a special delivery.  He will be charged a Door Dash delivery fee from me next time.  (From 8/26/2020)

Saturday, September 5, 2020

Distance Math Instruction Tool - Second Web Camera & Mic

 

At the appropriate times, I will incorporate using a second camera to provide some variety to my instructions.  I have been using the web cam from my laptop and it's worked well so far.  This second camera can go with the document camera for a different perspective to motivate learners.  (From 8/28/2020)
*This web cam & mic combo is provided by my school.

Friday, September 4, 2020

Student-Made Memes 2020 - Part 04

Tyron continues with his creativity.  I received two more new memes from this former student during our first week back to school.  Just in time for election season.  Full disclosure, I don't qualify to run for U.S. presidency.  (From 8/27/2020)

Below are his previous memes:

Part 03 From 1/31/2020


Thanks, Tyron, for another hilarious meme.  Tyron's photo editting skills are improving.  (From 1/21/2020).


Part 02 (From 1/7/2020)

Part 01 (From 9/19/2019)

More memes from students: (Click Here)

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Zooming w/ Former Students

I invited some former students and teacher friends to a Zoom meeting the week before school to do a sound check.  It was nice catching up to many former students from the class of 2020.  Camille, Tracy, Allison, Jacqueline, Daniel, Nathan, Bethany, Sarah, Kelly, Kaylee, and Adrian were in the call.  That same afternoon, I received a warm email from Nikki of class of 2019.  She totally made my day.  (From 8/21/2020) 

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Thank You Mrs. Redman

Mrs. Redman and I had to learn many new technology in order to remote teach this year.  I helped her set up dual monitor and a digital tablet last week.  She's so kind to give me her delicious cookies.  (From 8/20/2020)

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Distance Math Instruction Tool - Digital Graphics Tablet & Stylus

I have been using a Bamboo tablet by Wacom for years.  I am upgrading to a new tablet for remote teaching.  XP-Pen StarG640 6x4 Inch OSU! Ultrathin Drawing Tablet Digital with Battery-Free Stylus - 8192 Levels Pressure. (From 8/19/2020)
*Tablet purchased on Amazon. ~$45 teacher's own expense.