Friday, April 30, 2021

Distance Math Instruction Tool - XP-Pen Deco Tablet

 

I have been using a digital tablet everyday during math instruction.  In the past, I have used several Wacom models.  This year, I have been using a 4 inch by 6 inch XP-Pen Star G460 which has performed very well.  I am excited to test this 10 x 6.25 inch upgrade.  $60 @ Amazon.  (From 4/18/2021).


Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Thank You PTSA


This is displayed proudly at our staff lounge. Thank you to all of our parents and volunteers who are involved with the PTSA to help teachers feel spoiled each year. (From April 21, 2021)

Monday, April 26, 2021

Distance Math Instruction Tool - Drafting Chair


Our school is offering reimbursement for a classroom purchase, I selected to purchase a drafting chair to supplement my podium station.  (Ordered on 4/5/2021)

Friday, April 23, 2021

Thank You Justine


This comes from Justine, who I met for the first time in person last week. She's on varsity cheer and an enthusiastic student in my Pre-Calculus Honors class. I'm blessed with some of the kindest, most talented, and caring students. I'm glad I finally have the chance to meet some of them in person.  (From April 20, 2021)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Distance Math Instruction Tool - HP Omen Laptop


The previous HP Envy Laptop run great pre-remote instruction. However, the Envy was underpowered for Zoom meetings running Whiteboard with live graphics. I purchased a new HP Omen with a more robust graphic capabilities. It's been running great and has enhanced my remote teaching experience tremendously. Looking forward to doing more work and having more fun with this powerful machine. ≈$1500 from Costco.  (From March 2021)




Monday, April 19, 2021

Bonita - Hybrid Instruction


We welcomed our students' return to campus on Monday April 12th, 13 months after the school closed due to COVID-19. It was wonderful to have students on campus and in the classrooms once again. (From 4/12/2021)

Sunday, April 18, 2021

Retro Game Played - Harmful Park


Harmful Park
(Released in 1997)

Harmful Park is a horizontally scrolling shooter video game that has wacky designs, also referred to as a cute-em-up genre. This game is a hidden gem for the PlayStation because it was never released in the U.S. However, the minimal menu text in Japanese makes this game very playable for non-Japanese readers. (Completed in April 2021).

Retro Game Played - Comix Zone


Comix Zone
(Released in 1995)

This difficult beat-em-up takes place in a comic book setting.  The character travels from panel to panel fighting villians.  It is a difficult game with one of the most unique designs.  (Completed in April 2021)

Retro Game Played - Robocop


Robocop
Released in 1988

This was a game that I have always wanted as a kid. The movie and the character of Robocop were classic images of the 80's. I am sure that I have wasted more quarters on the arcade version. This Nintendo game, however, does not hold up very well. It lacks creativity. The level and character designs are very repetitive. (Completed in April 2021)

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Retro Game Played - Parodius


Parodius
(Released in 1991)

Parodius is a side-scrolling cute-em-ups that is a parody of the classic Gladius. The wacky characters and catchy music make Parodius an interesting playthrough. (Completed in April 2021)

Retro Game Played - Streets of Rage 3


Streets of Rage 3
Released in 1994

This is a fun beat-em-up that is a strong addition to the Sega line up. However, most gamers would agree that Streets of Rage 2 is better game.  Part 3 is strange in that there's a sci-fi element to the enemies.  There are robots and kangaroos along the way to the final boss.  (Completed in April 2021)

Monday, April 12, 2021

Hybrid Instruction Setup


The new setup for hybrid instruction is ready to go.  I purchased additional bottles of hand sanitizers for the classroom. (From 4/7/2021)

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Retro Game Played - Aliens Arcade


Aliens Arcade
(Released in 1990)

This is a side-scrolling shooter based on the 1986 film.  It is especially neat playing as Ripley in the Power Loader.  (Completed in March 2021)

Retro Game Played - Castlevania: Symphony of the Night


Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
(Released in 1997)

This is one of the most impressive games that I've played since retro gaming over this past year.  Along with Metal Gear Solid, I think this Castlevania is one of the best games for the PlayStation.  The castle design, character movements, and music are all top notch.  I think it's a must-play for any gamer, especially those with a history of playing Castlevania or PS1 games.  (Completed April 2021)

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Retro Game Played - Metal Slug (Neo Geo Series)


Metal Slug Series
(First released in 1996)

Metal Slug is a super fun run-and-gun series with a sense of humor.  The graphics and music play a huge part of the experience and were much superior compared to the typical home consoles.  To me, all the games in the Neo Geo series play about the same.  There are some levels that are more creative than others, but I enjoyed them all for the most part.  (Completed December 2020)

Retro Game Played - Super Mario Land


Super Mario Land
(Released in 1989)

A handheld Super Mario was a novel idea back in the late 80's. After playing the NES version, any Mario game would draw major attention. The first Game Boy entry was simple and relatively easy. (Completed in March 2021)

Friday, April 9, 2021

Thank You Sophie


The ASB and my student leadership buddy Sophie gave me a gift basket to get us ready for next week.  The basket included masks, face shield, ID landyard, hand sanitizer, snack bars, and most special - Sophie's card.  Thank you ASB and Sophie. (From 4/8/2021).

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Distance Math Instruction Tool - HP Dock


One of the biggest gains from remote instruction is that the experience has forced me to learn more about technology. I've enjoyed making technology work to suit my teaching style. Our district gave me a basic laptop which is a bit underpowered, but it came with a HP Dock Station that has been extremely useful. I have connected to the dock my laptop, second monitor, keyboard, mouse, digital writing pad, mic, extra charging ports, and projector. (From March 2021)

The back of the HP Dock with more ports on the side.

Here's the insanity in practice.

I had to purchase additional adapters to meet my needs.


I also purchased an ethernet switch to support my teaching station.

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Retro Game Played - Mega Man V


Mega Man V
(Released in 1994)

The final Mega Man for the Game Boy. This is one of the best 8-bit Mega Man games and its game play holds up very well today. It is challenging as you battle through all the bosses named after the planets (including Pluto) before Mega Man's encounter with Dr. Wily and the Sunstar. (Completed in March 2021)

Retro Game Played - Mega Man IV


Mega Man IV
(Released in Japan and US in 1993)

Although the game play is similar to previous versions, the Mega Man games get more challenging with more intricate bosses. The cut scenes are especially well designed in Mega Man IV. (Completed in March 2021)

Retro Game Played - Mega Man III


Mega Man III
(Released in Japan & US 1992)

The series gets better by adding new bosses and the "Mega Buster" feature.  It is an impressive platformer on the simple Game Boy system. (Completed March 2021)

Retro Game Played - Mega Man II


Mega Man II
(Released in Japan in 1991, in US in 1992)

The addition of the robo-dog Rush added to the this side-scrolling platformer.  (Played Completed 2021)

Retro Game Played - Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge


Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge
(Released in Japan and US in 1991)

Mega Man is one of the most prolific video game series.  I don't remember which NES version I played the most growing up.  It nostalgic to revisit the character in this Game Boy series.  (Completed March 2021)

Saturday, April 3, 2021

Retro Game Played - TMNT: Turtle in Time


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
(Released in arcades and SNES in March 1991)

This was one of the most popular arcade games in my childhood years. I remember the days of spending many quarters at the local pizza restaurant to play arcade games with my brother, cousins, or friends. The music, graphics, and gameplay still holds up very well today for this SNES port. (Completed March 2021)

Retro Game Played - Streets of Rage 2

Streets of Rage 2
(Released in US in 1992 and in Japan in 1993)

A solid beat-em-up from the 90s.  I grew up with the NES and Nintendo 64.  Sega games was not a big part of my childhood.  I took advantage of the isolation period to play different types of games from different systems.  This game stands out with cool music and big 2D sprites.  The tone of the game reminds me of the original Robocop movie.  (Completed March 2021)

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Bonita Classified Employee of the Year - Ms. Bustos


Congratulations to my friend Eva! She has worked hard since her first day on the Bonita campus. She has done an amazing job thoughout the COVID period in keeping our campus safe and clean. We appreciate you! (From 3/23/2021)