ASAP - Mile 71 (A Visit)

A Shoe Adoption Project Update: On Friday, the student who received the dress shoes stopped by my classroom during break to thank me. We have never met before. We shook hands. He introduced himself and told me how grateful he was. Since receiving the shoes, he has tried them on and they fitted him well.  This is the senior student who received a pair of simple black dress shoes (Mile 70), he was polite and well-spoken. I wished him good luck on his senior presentation and asked him about his topic. He told me about his skateboard painting project. During lunch, I was surprised that he returned and brought his skateboards to show me. His skills are amazing. We wish him the best with his presentation next week. We also want to thank Mr. Archibald for communicating and helping us connect with this student. 

-Ricky

Teacher Appreciation Week - Thursday 5/10/18

The ASB kids have "post-it" some fun puns that week to make teachers feel appreciated.

AP Testing Weeks

AP Testing Weeks 2018 was from May 7th to May 18th. After a long academic year of preparation, students took on the challenging AP exams. I will be reading AP Statistics exams for the College Board again this June in Kansas City.

ASAP - Mile 70 (Dress Shoes)

A Shoe Adoption Project Update - On Wednesday, we donated our first pair of formal dress shoes. This pair goes to a senior student in need. Our seniors present their senior projects in a formal presentation to a panel of judges as a part of their high school graduation requirement. One of the categories of scoring is based on their formal attire. We are happy to provide for this student. The English Department also does an outstanding job of providing  formal shirts/ties/suits for the boys and blouses/pants for the girls in need. This simple and classic pair of black shoes may serve the student for other formal events or future job interviews. Thank you to all of the donors, supporters, and friends of this charity project.

Hunter's Bay Mike (Size 8)

I also threw in a pair of black socks for the kid. =)

Gift wrapped just to look cool.

Active Sock Fundraiser 2018

ASAP - Mile 69 (Thank You Donors)

A Shoe Adoption Project Update - I want to share two brief emails of gratitude from leaders who work closely with the shoe recipients. The emails are not too personal, I want the donors to know that they are making a positive difference. 

The first email came from our District Foster/Homeless Youth Liaison Mrs. Williams of Student Support Services. After I followed up with her via email and asked if the shoes fit our most recent recipient, she replied:

I let her know that both pairs of shoes are for the student to keep. The second email came from our fantastic principal, Mr. Ritchie:

Thank you to the donors, supporters, and friends of this charity project. We are working on donating a pair of dress shoes to a student who needs them for a formal presentation. More to follow very soon. -Ricky

National Teacher Appreciation Day - May 9th

National Teacher Appreciation Day was on May 9th, 2018. It is a great time to be an educator. I'm blessed to be working alongside some amazing teachers who I truly admire.

Teacher Appreciation Week - Wednesday 5/9/18

Thank you PTSA for the delicious lunch and gift pack.

D-Street Dance Showcase 2018

From Mrs. Ogrady:
"You’re invited to the dance show this weekend!

The theme this year is World of Dance so you can expect to see traditional dances from around the world and music in various languages. We will present Musical Theater, Disney, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, and Folk style dances.  Each year we add to our costume collection and quality as well."

National Nurse Week 2018

National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday.

What do teachers and nurses have in common? 
We both need 'patients'! =)

Teacher Appreciation Week - Tuesday 5/8/18

I joked with the ASB kids that they should have given me chopsticks. =)
I love punny jokes.

ASAP - Mile 68 (Track Prodigy)

Shoe Donation Pair #105 and #106

A Shoe Adoption Project Update - We delivered two pairs of new running shoes to a freshman student who had lived under the foster program. She continues to have a challenging life outside of school. This student is an excellent track runner. Thank you, Mrs. Williams, for your communications. 

Under Armour Assert 6 (Womens 11)

361 Degrees Marshal Aruba/Midnight (Womens 11)

*I checked both Dick's Sporting Goods and Big 5 Sporting Goods. To my surprise, they rarely carry women size 10.5's. They only carry full women sizes 10 and above. In any case, I have offered this student an online purchase if she feels that these size 11's don't fit her needs.

Teacher Appreciation Week - Monday 5/7/18

Thank you, ASB, for the Krispy Kreme donut and the funny pun.

Staff Appreciation Week 2018

Our ASB put together two huge events last Friday (Academic Rally and Best Buddies Prom). They are right back at it by celebrating teachers. Thank you, ASB. You guys do amazing work.

Academic Rally 2018

Thank you, ASB, for providing the school with a celebration of our diverse academic programs. Various campus performance groups also made the rally extra special.