Senior Sunset 2017

Seniors checkout on Friday. The Class of 2017 will gather together at the Bonita fields on Thursday to enjoy the sunset at 6:30pm. Food trucks will be there for the celebration.

Thanks, Peony

Happy Dragon Boat Festival (端午節). Junior Peony made a special request to her mom to make me some traditional Zongzi (粽子), which are rice wrapped in lotus leafs with fillings. They were delivered to me fresh and warm. I was very surprised and touched. Thank you Peony and Mrs. Siu.

Shoe Dog - Phil Knight (Book Read in 2017)

this memoir of the company, Phil Knight recalls the ups and downs of his journey in building this company. As a fan of this brand of products, it is interesting to read the genesis of this athletics giant company.

Leis for Graduates 2017

The ASB leaders are currently making these beautiful leis for each of the graduates. Lily told me that she's made a few extras and gave me one. Thank you, Lily.

Art Showcase 2017

Our Visual Arts Program showcased students' projects this week. Students proudly shared with their friends their creative pieces. This year, the Vans shoes designs was the main attraction.

Puzzle - The Florence Cathedral and the Duomo

In 2004, I spent a summer studying abroad in England and Italy. The Florence Cathedral is one of my favorite architectures. This 3-D puzzle was challenging. I am pleased with its quality and glad that we have all of the pieces in place. I plan to find a case and display in my classroom.

Puzzle - The Eiffel Tower

After the AP exams and finals, some seniors have been helping me put together puzzles. This is one that I received from my friend Jon Cue. When I studied in Cambridge in 2004, our professors encouraged us to go "study" in Paris during the weekend before finals. My classmates and I went to Paris, we did a biking tour and forgot to study.

Thank you, Matt B., for putting this together.

ASAP - Mile 28

A Shoe Adoption Project Update: These three pairs of soccer cleats will be donated to a local church group who is trying to start a grass root soccer league for kids who may not be able to afford to play for a club. I wasn't able to get specific shoe sizes, but I have gift receipts. Growing up in a simple and modest happy home, I had all of the basic needs. Yet it wasn't until high school when I was able to participate in organized sports supported by the public school system. I am very grateful for my high school athletics experience. 

Now as an educator, I see the benefits of being involved in sports at a young age. It made me somewhat uncomfortable when I recently learned that most of the players who made the school's varsity team are already playing in club teams. As a result, kids from families who can't afford club teams will have a lower chance of making the public school's team. Where else can they play and learn to compete? I know these shoes will go to those in need. With this batch (Corral #6) to be delivered this week, we will have donated 24 pairs of shoes to kids who may be less fortunate. Thank you for all of the friends and supporters of this shoe charity project. I strive to be more proactive in regards to communicating with social workers this summer.

Adidas Goletto VI in Size 5.0 and 5.5.

Adidas Goletto VI in Size 4.0

Senior Countdown 2017

Of course, the seniors have been counting down. A senior ASB student told me that the theme for this poster is to use only cartoon characters from the 90's. The graduating class of 2017 will be the last group of students who are born in the 1990's.

Dance Showcase 2017

Thank you, Mrs. O'Grady. The dance program keeps getting stronger. It was a fun and entertaining night of student performances.

Bonita Prom 2017

Rose Promenade & Gardens in Costa Mesa.

Thank you, Anthony

Two weeks ago, I bought a book for Anthony, thanking him for all the work that he has done for our school's video production program. The book was "The Cinema of Wong Kar Wai", who is one of Anthony's favorite directors. I was so surprised that a student in La Verne would admire a director from Hong Kong. I just thought it would be a nice gift for him prior to his graduation. On Friday, Anthony give me this special CD collection of Hong Kong legend Leslie Cheung. 

You can see Anthony in action here: https://youtu.be/F2jWcD06_gU

Prom 2017 Chaperone

Thank you, Vinny

Vinny dropped by with his baked goods to thank me during Teachers Appreciation Week. Vinny is a star student in our Culinary Program. He has given me many of his treats over the past few years.

These are posts from Vinny's previous gifts:
Gifts/Treats from Vinny

Thank you, Felicia

On the morning before AP Statistics exam, I received a surprised breakfast gift from Felicia. Felicia is an amazing vocalist, I saw her perform at our drama program's most recent musical. Thank you, Felicia.