ASAP - Mile 111 (Back-2-School Donation)

Foothill Family Shelter is working on a Back-2-School Backpacks Donation program to give kids in need the necessary supplies for the upcoming school year.  We are donating eight pairs of new shoes to go with these backpacks.  While most districts are starting the year online, I hope students and teachers can safely return to campus soon.  I delivered this batch to Jessica, case Manager at FFS, on Friday afternoon.  (From August 2020)

Champion Gusto Sockfit - Pink for De'Layia Age 7 Grade 2, Girl Size 4

Asics Jolt 2 - Grey/Green for Victor Age 17 Grade 12 Male Size 10

Daijonais Age 16 Grade 11 Male Size 8.5

Joseph Age 7 Grade 2 Male Size 2

Alexander Age 15 Grade 10 Male Size 9

Daion'e Age 10 Grade 5 Male Size 9

June Age 8 Grade 3 Girls Size 1

Rose Age 14 Grade 9 Girls Size 6

Bonita Masks 2020

A year ago, I would not be able to guess what these would be.  Our schools will pick a few of these designs and make Bonita masks.  (From 7/24/2020)

Bonita Girls 4x400 CIF State Championship Win 6/2/2018

Thank you, Dr. McGarvey, for sharing this video from 2018.

Amari P., Alisha W., Sierra J. and Sami R. helped Bonita win the girls 4x400-meter relay championship in 3:42.62 at the CIF State Outdoor Championships at Buchanan High's Veterans Memorial Stadium.  (From 6/2/2018)

More photos and video of a post race interview here:

https://mr-yip.blogspot.com/2018/07/state-champions-girls-4x400.html

Bonita Girls 4x400 2018 TF - CIF-SS (Masters) 5/26/2018

I found this gem from 2018.  The Bonita team of Amari Prude, Alisha Wilson, Sierra (Ceci) Julien, and Sami Riggs ran 3:46:07 and won CIF Champs later that year in the 4x400 Relay.  I had the pleasure of having Ceci and Sami in math classes.  Both are excellent student athletes.  (From 5/26/2018 @ El Camino College in Torrance, CA)

Bonita Girls 4x400 2018 TF - CIF-SS FINALS (D2) 5/19/2018

An amazing 3:44:92

Amari Prude, Alisha Wilson, Ceci Julian, Sami Riggs

Bonita High School 2018

(From 5/19/2018 @ El Camino College in Torrance, California.)

Bonita Girls 4x400 2018 TF - CIF-SS Prelims (D2) 5/12/2018

Team Bonita ran 3:51:49 is featured in Heat 2 at the 5:30 mark in the video.

Amari Prude, Alisha Wilson, Ceci Julian, Sami Riggs

(From 5/12/2018 @ Moorpark High School, just north of Thousand Oaks, CA.)

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man (Episode 7)

Race and Religion (From 7/28/2020)

Teaching Remotely: Unit 6

Unit 6: Providing Feedback and Assessment (August 10 - August 16)

In Review

• -Remote learning challenges us to re-examine how we assess students and the types of tasks and assignments we are creating.
• -In the absence of grades, students may struggle with why they should complete assignments and assessments. Having discussions and modeling intrinsic motivation can help keep them engaged.
• -Assessments don’t always require you to assign a grade. Meaningful feedback should provide students and their families with specific suggestions for how they can improve and continue to grow as a learner.
• remote learning may require some coaching on your part for both students and families. New assessment and feedback methods may take time for some to understand and accept.
• -Single Point Rubrics are simple and provide for the teacher, learner and family members to provide feedback.
• -Be careful not to assign more than you are capable of assessing in a timely manner. Utilizing an acronym like F.A.S.T. can help you provide feedback that is fair, accurate, specific and timely.
• -Digital citizenship shouldn’t be “something else” that you teach. It should be modeled by you and clear expectations established for how your students should conduct themselves in a remote learning environment.
• -Authentic learning opportunities and assessments allow opportunities for students to self reflect and provide constructive feedback to their peers.

AP Reading 2020 - Reader Gift

AP Readers receive a gift each year.  This year, I selected the fleece blanket.  Other available options are below.  The umbrella from 2018 is still one of my favorites.  (From 7/13/2020)

Summer Pen Pal - Kelly

My former Integrated Math student Kelly and I stayed in touch via email throughout the Spring and Summer of 2020.  Above is a picture of a cat she saw at a Newport Beach garden.  I appreciated exchanging our thoughts on favorite books and music.  I also had Kelly's older brother Cade the previous year in AP Calculus.

Teaching Remotely: Unit 5

Unit 5: Supporting Populations with Special Needs (August 3-August 9)

In Review

• -Universal Design for Learning strategies support all students, but especially students with disabilities.
• -Support multiple means of representing content and multiple means of allowing students to express themselves.
• -Executive function is the "secretary of the brain". Executive functioning skills can be taught and encouraged through purposeful design.
• -The transition to remote learning can be overwhelming and students who struggle with self-regulation may struggle in remote learning contexts.
• -Schools are required to meet IEP requirements of students with disabilities, even in remote learning. Students can use technology tools to access content in both English and their native language.
• -As many as 20% of students may not have Internet access at home.

Thank You Note from Sarah

Sarah's parents celebrated her graduation and birthday by having many of her mentors record a video message for her.  I also sent to her home a simple notebook since Sarah is moving to New York to study in the upcoming school year.  Best wishes, Sarah.  (From 7/14/2020)

Retiree Drive-By Celebration 2020

A group of faculty members met at the Bonita parking lot on 6/12/2020.  We drove by the homes of Mr. Shibuya, Mr. Sanchez, and Mr. Podley to celebrate their retirement from a safe distance.  We gave them gifts and thanked them for all of their contributions to Bonita High School.  Mrs. Verti took on the responsibility to make a math department gift binder for Mr. Shibuya.

Teaching Remotely: Unit 4

Unit 4: Selecting Digital Content (July 27 - August 2)

In Review

• -Selecting digital content is hard work, and requires a lot of purposeful time and planning.
• -It is important to read all of the fine print to ensure that you are keeping you and your students safe online.
• -As you move materials online, it is important to be aware of copyright laws and to avoid violating them.
• -When selecting digital tools, make sure that you use tools that are accessible for all students and compatible with the devices students are using.
• -With all of the content you use, it's important that content be free of bias and that content honors the diversity and richness of experience in your classroom.

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man (Episode 6)

Multi-Racial Families