Well, Lance is now posting his answers to the battle. He actually explains how all this started better than me. He went straight to his all-time favorite speech in a film. Therefore, I have no choice but to place my favorite finale to a film (Cinema Paradiso, The Empire Strikes Back and The Usual Suspects rank right up there though). The movie that helped make me what I am.
I remember watching this movie in the theater towards the end of my sophomore year in high school. I think E, M, C, LL, and Emo were with me. I hated the movie when it first began because the Chem book kept popping up all through the film and it was the same text we used in our Chem H class. But the movie brought everything from my Freshman year English class full circle. I knew writing a poem helped me rediscover my identity, yet this film helped me realize I could also reach out to others.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Personality Test
Here is one of the tests I use to determine the different personalities trying out for my leadership class. It's a modified cheaper version of the Myers-Briggs Test that many schools use to test their students.
Here are my results. Tell me what you think.
ENFP
outgoing, social, disorganized, easily talked into doing silly things, spontaneous, wild and crazy, acts without thinking, good at getting people to have fun, pleasure seeking, irresponsible, physically affectionate, risk taker, thrill seeker, likely to have or want a tattoo, adventurous, unprepared, attention seeking, hyperactive, irrational, loves crowds, rule breaker, prone to losing things, seductive, easily distracted, open, revealing, comfortable in unfamiliar situations, attracted to strange things, non punctual, likes to stand out, likes to try new things, fun seeker, unconventional, energetic, impulsive, empathetic, dangerous, loving, attachment prone, prone to fantasy
favored careers:
performer, actor, entertainer, songwriter, musician, filmmaker, comedian, radio broadcaster/dj, some job related to theater/drama, poet, music journalist, work in fashion industry, singer, movie producer, playwright, bartender, comic book author, work in television, dancer, artist, record store owner, model, freelance artist, teacher (art, drama, music), writer, painter, massage therapist, costume designer, choreographer, make up artist
disfavored careers:
data analyst, scientist, researcher, financial advisor, business analyst, govt employee, office manager, mathematician, investment banker, office worker, computer tech, it professional, network engineer, strategist
Free Jung Personality Test (similar to Myers-Briggs/MBTI)
Here are my results. Tell me what you think.
ENFP
outgoing, social, disorganized, easily talked into doing silly things, spontaneous, wild and crazy, acts without thinking, good at getting people to have fun, pleasure seeking, irresponsible, physically affectionate, risk taker, thrill seeker, likely to have or want a tattoo, adventurous, unprepared, attention seeking, hyperactive, irrational, loves crowds, rule breaker, prone to losing things, seductive, easily distracted, open, revealing, comfortable in unfamiliar situations, attracted to strange things, non punctual, likes to stand out, likes to try new things, fun seeker, unconventional, energetic, impulsive, empathetic, dangerous, loving, attachment prone, prone to fantasy
favored careers:
performer, actor, entertainer, songwriter, musician, filmmaker, comedian, radio broadcaster/dj, some job related to theater/drama, poet, music journalist, work in fashion industry, singer, movie producer, playwright, bartender, comic book author, work in television, dancer, artist, record store owner, model, freelance artist, teacher (art, drama, music), writer, painter, massage therapist, costume designer, choreographer, make up artist
disfavored careers:
data analyst, scientist, researcher, financial advisor, business analyst, govt employee, office manager, mathematician, investment banker, office worker, computer tech, it professional, network engineer, strategist
| ENFP - "Journalist". Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population. |
Jabbawockeez
My newest guilty pleasure has been watching America's Best Dance Crew. These guys are just cool with their team chemistry and masks. Oddly, many of my friends who first watch our teacher lip sync video think we have masks on and that we are trying to emulate these guys. Ummm... we'd never get close to being this good. I also found it interesting that many of my friends are also watching this show.
Last Thursday when I got home from a long day of dealing with elections, appointing new officers, and being kidnapped by R, who forced me to eat dinner, I had missed all my Thursday night television. Believe it or not, I fired up the DVR and the first show I couldn't wait to see was this one and not the newest episode of Lost.
So the finale of the show is this Thursday. You have until Thursday afternoon vote for the Jabbawockeez. Do it now! 1-866-ULOVE02
Here's a link to a compilation to some of their earlier performances.
Last Thursday when I got home from a long day of dealing with elections, appointing new officers, and being kidnapped by R, who forced me to eat dinner, I had missed all my Thursday night television. Believe it or not, I fired up the DVR and the first show I couldn't wait to see was this one and not the newest episode of Lost.
So the finale of the show is this Thursday. You have until Thursday afternoon vote for the Jabbawockeez. Do it now! 1-866-ULOVE02
Here's a link to a compilation to some of their earlier performances.
Drumline Battle Answer #4 - My Name is Inigo Montoya
I think this movie has some of my favorite scenes and lines that I can't help but quote. But the famous line here is by far the best. Out of nowhere I'll just start repeating it. Sometimes I will even use it as a mantra when I pitch and I desperately need to get the batter out. This whole movie should be included. I definitely love this movie more than Drumline and the scenes are much more memorable for me -- plus Andre the Giant (just wait until I start picking famous scenes from wrestling).
I particularly also like the battle of wits.
Or how about this tribute video done in lego.
I love lego as much as the next kid in my generation but I've never been able to do this. I was amazed at all the videos done in lego that can be found on youtube.
I particularly also like the battle of wits.
Or how about this tribute video done in lego.
I love lego as much as the next kid in my generation but I've never been able to do this. I was amazed at all the videos done in lego that can be found on youtube.
Les Amis
I had the pleasure of another fine dining experience with friends Jack, Anne, and Kathleen. It had been too long since I have had the opportunity to spend an evening telling stories and catching up with these dear people. Jack and Anne were in town to procure a wedding cake for their upcoming blessed event this September.
On this particular occasion we found ourselves at Les Amis. One of the first pictures you will see on the website is a corner table and that is where we sat. The service was kind and informative. Dinner began with some raw salmon topped with sturgeon caviar. If you know me, you are wondering if I actually ate this little starting morsel. I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth texture of the salmon and the salty pop of the caviar blending into the flesh, although I think the sashimi I had in Hawaii at the sports bar was much better. I selected a simple appetizer of a cauliflower soup also topped with the same caviar. I have a tendency to really like the soups I try at fine dining restaurants (and I miss the white truffle soup at bar tartine). The main entree was a N.Y. Strip steak. The portion size was excellent, yet it wasn't that tender which was disappointing (it made me really long for the American Kobe "Bavette" Steak at Bix). Dessert was average. However, the time was well spent and we accomplished our goal of hanging out and spending quality time together. I would still recommend the restaurant... I think my meal was only average because I was eating meat on Good Friday.... I needed to be punished.
On this particular occasion we found ourselves at Les Amis. One of the first pictures you will see on the website is a corner table and that is where we sat. The service was kind and informative. Dinner began with some raw salmon topped with sturgeon caviar. If you know me, you are wondering if I actually ate this little starting morsel. I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth texture of the salmon and the salty pop of the caviar blending into the flesh, although I think the sashimi I had in Hawaii at the sports bar was much better. I selected a simple appetizer of a cauliflower soup also topped with the same caviar. I have a tendency to really like the soups I try at fine dining restaurants (and I miss the white truffle soup at bar tartine). The main entree was a N.Y. Strip steak. The portion size was excellent, yet it wasn't that tender which was disappointing (it made me really long for the American Kobe "Bavette" Steak at Bix). Dessert was average. However, the time was well spent and we accomplished our goal of hanging out and spending quality time together. I would still recommend the restaurant... I think my meal was only average because I was eating meat on Good Friday.... I needed to be punished.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
D & D (teachers doing spoken word... sorta)
I just can't say no to anything this year. I had to support our first ever E.Y.E. hip hop/spoken word showcase. If you read my earlier blogs, you'll know that I was too busy to try and write a piece just for this evening. However, my teacher buddy neighbor had an idea. Let's do a piece in which we poke fun of the students and comment on their comments to us. Say our little poem is called "Do You Have Any Questions?"
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Teacher Lip Sync (Center Cam-best view)
Here's a copy of the video from the judges' point-of-view.
I am so off. I couldn't hear anything with all those students yelling. Ha! Ha!
But it was fun. I was so pumped up afterwards.
I am so off. I couldn't hear anything with all those students yelling. Ha! Ha!
But it was fun. I was so pumped up afterwards.
Drumline Battle Answer #3 meets Lip Sync Rally - Joyful, Joyful
So some of my students asked for suggestions as to what performance they should do for the lip sync rally. Well, the seniors took what of my suggestions to heart and I know many of the teachers loved it, because my young staff grew up with this movie, while most of the students in it were just starting kindergarten.
This scene also happens to be another one of those films my siblings will stop to watch, especially when it gets close to the finale as you will see here.
here's the students version first
and now the scene from the movie
i swear the students should have performed this last. It was my favorite lip sync routine of the whole rally, although the Freshmen composed themselves quite well.
This scene also happens to be another one of those films my siblings will stop to watch, especially when it gets close to the finale as you will see here.
here's the students version first
and now the scene from the movie
i swear the students should have performed this last. It was my favorite lip sync routine of the whole rally, although the Freshmen composed themselves quite well.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Drumline Battle Answer #2 - Revenge of the Nerds
So the next immediate answer to come to mind was this little scene here...
I know it won't make for an exciting lip sync routine for our students, but I was kinda hoping one of the classes did this one. The costumes alone would have made it great fun at a rally. I'll have to devise some way to see this done in the near future. I will not rest until I can make it happen somehow.
I know it won't make for an exciting lip sync routine for our students, but I was kinda hoping one of the classes did this one. The costumes alone would have made it great fun at a rally. I'll have to devise some way to see this done in the near future. I will not rest until I can make it happen somehow.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Inspi(red)
Inspi(red)
the El Camino version of the NBA "Where Amazing Happens" commercials
here's the Golden State Warriors version in order to compare
Welcome to the INSPI(RED) Campaign!
This past summer at our CADA leadership summer training camp, along with previous ideas from past Conferences I had attended, my students and I formulated a new idea/mission/theme for the school year 2007-2008.
We combined the ideas of the RED campaign (we did call and ask for permission, although they seemed rather surprised we did ask, but they didn't mind as long as we were doing our part for the Global AIDS fund), got milk?, the homecoming service components that existed at a couple of other schools, and a variety of other ideas. We took the idea of a one word theme (which came from Richard Parkhouse one of the educations services people at Jostens and former activities director) and selected Inspired, in large part because it ended in RED.
The idea was to find a slogan/motto/theme which the students and faculty could get behind. Although we had doubts initially, the favorable response of the staff encouraged us to execute the idea. The commercial above is just one of the many ways we've begun to reach out to our students, alumni, and community.
We now have Inspired students of the week/month. The theme of our fashion show was "(Red)esign with style" and many of the flyers that promote school events now include a red word. We had two weeks devoted to the concept as mentioned in my blog entitled "March Madness." Overall, a great idea that my students have run with and it has helped make for a more interesting year. One of the homecoming competitions was to raise funds for a childhood charity. The penny wars battle was held for the first time in years. So far, the school has raised over $4000 for various charities with more than half of that going to the leukemia society.
The theme song has been the Goo Goo Dolls' "Give a Little."
Here's a clip from the 2005 NBA all-star festivities
Take a look at some graphics. The first two pictures are flyers posted around school and the third is our t-shirt design.
A special thanks to my CTS/AV commissioners for making the video and flyers.
the El Camino version of the NBA "Where Amazing Happens" commercials
here's the Golden State Warriors version in order to compare
Welcome to the INSPI(RED) Campaign!
This past summer at our CADA leadership summer training camp, along with previous ideas from past Conferences I had attended, my students and I formulated a new idea/mission/theme for the school year 2007-2008.
We combined the ideas of the RED campaign (we did call and ask for permission, although they seemed rather surprised we did ask, but they didn't mind as long as we were doing our part for the Global AIDS fund), got milk?, the homecoming service components that existed at a couple of other schools, and a variety of other ideas. We took the idea of a one word theme (which came from Richard Parkhouse one of the educations services people at Jostens and former activities director) and selected Inspired, in large part because it ended in RED.
The idea was to find a slogan/motto/theme which the students and faculty could get behind. Although we had doubts initially, the favorable response of the staff encouraged us to execute the idea. The commercial above is just one of the many ways we've begun to reach out to our students, alumni, and community.
We now have Inspired students of the week/month. The theme of our fashion show was "(Red)esign with style" and many of the flyers that promote school events now include a red word. We had two weeks devoted to the concept as mentioned in my blog entitled "March Madness." Overall, a great idea that my students have run with and it has helped make for a more interesting year. One of the homecoming competitions was to raise funds for a childhood charity. The penny wars battle was held for the first time in years. So far, the school has raised over $4000 for various charities with more than half of that going to the leukemia society.
The theme song has been the Goo Goo Dolls' "Give a Little."
Here's a clip from the 2005 NBA all-star festivities
Take a look at some graphics. The first two pictures are flyers posted around school and the third is our t-shirt design.
A special thanks to my CTS/AV commissioners for making the video and flyers.
Lance and Derek Drumline Battle Answer #1 - Babysitting Blues
So as Lance and I began the game of what's better than Drumline, there were only a couple of obvious responses in terms of movies. You'll notice that many of them are musical numbers from some of the movies that have embedded themselves into our childhood/adolescent psyches.
I remember trying to hook up my Sony Walkman recorder to my old VCR to record the audio output. We would listen to some of our favorite movie scenes this way, especially on road trips.
So here's one of the first clips we were obsessed with (oh, and for argument's sake, we didn't allow Star Wars into the discussion for it would have been too obvious).
Enjoy the flashbacks!
I remember trying to hook up my Sony Walkman recorder to my old VCR to record the audio output. We would listen to some of our favorite movie scenes this way, especially on road trips.
So here's one of the first clips we were obsessed with (oh, and for argument's sake, we didn't allow Star Wars into the discussion for it would have been too obvious).
Enjoy the flashbacks!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Guilty Pleasures
In order to help me with all my grading this past weekend, I watched parts of Drumline three times as it aired on TNT. Ok, you all need to know I have some unhealthy obsession with certain things. I really don't know why, but this is one of those guilty pleasures. Whenever I see it on TV, I feel I must stop whatever I'm doing and watch it.
So about a month or so ago, my brother decided to start a new game/conversation. What do I obsess over more than Drumline. I shocked him as almost anything movie scene he said would come up short. But we did finally find some. I will be posting a different one for the next few days. It started out just movie clips, but as those became rare to find, my brother and I shifted to other things caught on video tape such as TV shows or sports highlights.
So here it is, guilty pleasure #1
So about a month or so ago, my brother decided to start a new game/conversation. What do I obsess over more than Drumline. I shocked him as almost anything movie scene he said would come up short. But we did finally find some. I will be posting a different one for the next few days. It started out just movie clips, but as those became rare to find, my brother and I shifted to other things caught on video tape such as TV shows or sports highlights.
So here it is, guilty pleasure #1
Monday, March 17, 2008
A Special Request
Too bad my hair wasn't long enough to do what's in these pictures for the lip sync rally. I was out with a few co-workers and again people could not believe that I would ever do the following to my head. So for those of you who asked, here it is.
Another reason to like this picture... it reminds me of the fact I got to see Giants baseball on TV this weekend, even if it was on a new channel and I didn't realize it until the third inning. Just in time for Aaron Rowand's home run. I gotta enjoy what offense I can.
I don't think I'll ever box my hair again--it hurt like hell. You can see how tender pink my scalp is. Well, now that the hair is thinning, these styles will just have to remain memories.
Happy St. Paddy's Day
Another peculiar holiday this month. Okay, maybe i'm the only that cares about Grammar Day and I know Pi day is at least acknowledged on Weekend Update during the last Saturday Night Live. I love the idea of celebrating a day for the Irish. Yet, no one ever believes that I'm an eighth Irish. I know it doesn't show, but people look at me like I'm a frickin' liar.
My great-great-grandfather immigrated from Ireland and eventually settled in Tennessee. His son joined the army and was stationed in the Philippines where he found his wife. Unfortunately, my great-grandfather was killed in an accident when he was cleaning the steampipes of a ship. I still have some links to that side of my family but those connections have been fading since my grandfather passed away in 1983.
See, you just can't make that stuff up. And I'm part Norwegian too! C'mon, where do you think this height came from. Here's some visual evidence. My grandfather is half-white, half-Filipino. If you look carefully, you'll notice that I have the same hairline. And if you look even more carefully at one of the teacher lip sync videos you'll see a patch of hair thinning on the back of my head. Hmmm... I think I need a cuter baby picture of me...
Here's a family picture of the Irish side...
My great-great-grandfather immigrated from Ireland and eventually settled in Tennessee. His son joined the army and was stationed in the Philippines where he found his wife. Unfortunately, my great-grandfather was killed in an accident when he was cleaning the steampipes of a ship. I still have some links to that side of my family but those connections have been fading since my grandfather passed away in 1983.
See, you just can't make that stuff up. And I'm part Norwegian too! C'mon, where do you think this height came from. Here's some visual evidence. My grandfather is half-white, half-Filipino. If you look carefully, you'll notice that I have the same hairline. And if you look even more carefully at one of the teacher lip sync videos you'll see a patch of hair thinning on the back of my head. Hmmm... I think I need a cuter baby picture of me...
Here's a family picture of the Irish side...
EC Track Commercial
The video here and the one below are my leadership class' efforts at promotional videos around school. Here's the track team:
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Surviving Pi Day & The Ides of March
I can't believe how hard it has been to avoid eating pie this weekend. All last Friday, students were bringing in pie for extra credit to their math and science classes. I finally broke down after the rally clean up to eat a slice of chocolate silk. I was doing so well.
Anyways, Pi Day proved to be eventful thanks in large part to the fact that Milpitas High School came by to do some workshop sharing and watch our lip sync rally. I hope they enjoyed themselves. Once lunchtime came around, I didn't get to focus on them as much as I would like, but I know some of their students ended up performing in the junior skit--learning it in two hours.
Thanks to Ms. Lee and all her leadership students for giving us some new energy and allowing us to share some of our traditions.
Finally the lip sync rally is over. I just need to get through these next four work days and then spring break arrives and I can finish grading in more detail. But I know what you really want to see... you want some evidence of the teacher lip sync routine... there are 3 different videos that I've found on youtube so far
this is the sophomore view but it's kind of blocked and it's only part one... here's part 2
here's the freshman view point from near the floor where my half of the staff entered
I think this is the best angle so far. It comes from halfway up on the junior side. You get a particular good shot of the flips with which BR shocks the gym.
I tried to post my own judges' viewpoint but my computer is having difficulty trying to locate my camcorder. Oh well. One day you'll get it.
some other parts of the rally worth seeing
seniors (really good view)
juniors (didn't find one yet)
sophomores (another good view)
the angles are from the bleachers
freshmen 1
freshmen 2
Enjoy everyone!
I need to go back to reading term papers.
Anyways, Pi Day proved to be eventful thanks in large part to the fact that Milpitas High School came by to do some workshop sharing and watch our lip sync rally. I hope they enjoyed themselves. Once lunchtime came around, I didn't get to focus on them as much as I would like, but I know some of their students ended up performing in the junior skit--learning it in two hours.
Thanks to Ms. Lee and all her leadership students for giving us some new energy and allowing us to share some of our traditions.
Finally the lip sync rally is over. I just need to get through these next four work days and then spring break arrives and I can finish grading in more detail. But I know what you really want to see... you want some evidence of the teacher lip sync routine... there are 3 different videos that I've found on youtube so far
this is the sophomore view but it's kind of blocked and it's only part one... here's part 2
here's the freshman view point from near the floor where my half of the staff entered
I think this is the best angle so far. It comes from halfway up on the junior side. You get a particular good shot of the flips with which BR shocks the gym.
I tried to post my own judges' viewpoint but my computer is having difficulty trying to locate my camcorder. Oh well. One day you'll get it.
some other parts of the rally worth seeing
seniors (really good view)
juniors (didn't find one yet)
sophomores (another good view)
the angles are from the bleachers
freshmen 1
freshmen 2
Enjoy everyone!
I need to go back to reading term papers.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
March Madness
It's been another hectic time in the psychoverse. This past Saturday was the first time I've had a chance to catch up on sleep in the past month.
For an idea just how crazy school has been, I believe 75% of the last school days for the past month have been spirit dress up days, including 12 of the last 14. Tomorrow is epic movie day, as we count down film genres heading into the movie soundtrack themed Lip Sync Rally this Friday.
So here are some of the good things that have been happening as of late...
El Camino hosted its first fashion show. Believe it or not... I wasn't even there because I was at a conference for CADA for four days. However, from what all the students say, the show was a tremendous success for the most part. The only real harsh criticism I've heard is that it was too short. There were 8 different stores and designers who donated clothes, you can only make the show last so long. I swear it felt like the two weeks leading up to that event felt like my whole life. Yet the person who put the most work into it was my co-worker Elaine. She did an excellent job securing all the clothes, setting up the program, working with the lighting company and DJ's, and inspiring the officers into making this event possible. More huge thanks to Feliciana for working with the models, to Robyn and Mike for spending the week prior co-scripting and memorizing the program in order to do M.C. duties, to Faye and Nikki for lending helping hands along with other alumni (I can't say for sure who was all there... I haven't yet seen the video), and to everyone else involved.
The following Saturday night was our school's first formal fundraising dinner. I flew back into SFO from my conference and still managed to get there at 8pm as the silent auction was going on. I felt like I was walking into a room of El Camino history and South San Francisco local dignitaries. There was a particularly nice moment when Carlos Roman was honored for his
service to the school as its baseball coach for about 25 years. The event is definitely one that I'd like to see grow and include more alumni and raise the tens of thousands that is potentially out
there (many other schools that have a similar event raise that much and it is the biggest fundraising night of the year). I was surprised that the gift basket of El Camino items went for the most money of all the silent auction baskets at $350. I wish the school made that much money after every sweatshirt/ beanie/ attache bag/ lanyard sale. I personally wanted some of the Warriors and Giants tickets that the teams donated. The 49ers donated an autographed Joe Montana ball that went for $550 in the live auction. The 4-digit items were all travel packages that were donated. Overall, a fun evening, even though I had slept a total of 7 hours in the 3 nights prior.
I spent that time networking at my conference in Reno. I don't gamble so that really isn't an appeal to me, but I did have the opportunity to be surrounded by 1500 other activity directors and class advisors. We get together annually to discuss the current state affairs: things like how are we supposed to raise money for our programs if we can't sell candy, chips and soda anymore. Also, in the midst of all this working, I did the foundation component of the new activity director certification program (since the growing trend is that everything needs to be certified, but it also will protect many of the newly hired people who were forced to take the job on and not realize what they were getting into when they agreed). The best part of the whole conference was getting to know the people at schools in the bay area. I rarely ever get a chance to talk to the directors down the peninsula and a few of them attended this year. Hopefully we will be able to coordinate something in the future. In addition, Milpitas High is coming to EC to watch our lip sync rally... I really wish I had time to practice the teacher routine... this could get embarrassing. I appreciated T and C letting me hang out with them Saturday as we swapped stories about our schools and how they are run.
Things didn't slow down once the weekend ended. I had my first prospective parents meeting. I usually meet with the parents of the leadership students after they have been chosen for the
class. However, I thought it would behoove me to meet with them prior to them running for office so that the parents would not be surprised by the amount of money summer leadership camps and the time commitment involved. The biggest point for me was to emphasize to the parents how much of their time that would be needed to create a successful program. Things like how needed it is for them to attend the Elegant Evening or buy tickets for the district sponsored Giants game. The scariest part of the night was the fact over a 100 parents were in attendance--and many parents couldn't make it. Admittedly, many parents had to really sit down and talk with their son/daughter to make sure this commitment suited them. Another fun moment is that one of the parents in attendance was my cousin R. I may actually have her daughter T in my class next year. I know it won't be like when my sister attended EC, but it still must be odd knowing that your teacher is your uncle. What if I end up her English teacher?
So while all the above was happening... I've also been trying to coach track, rehearse for the lip sync rally, and write a poem for last Friday's amazing 1st annual hip hop spoken word showcase. I didn't think I would end up performing because the hours were ticking but Martens and I pulled together at 5pm, 2 hours before the show, to make his plan come to fruition. I forget what a rush it can be to perform on stage. We did a found poem stating all the questions we get everyday from students. I think we were the only piece of the night that really tried to be funny. I am so proud of all my creative writing students who conquered their stage fright to express their words in ways that many of their peers never expected. The night was an empowering moment that they should never forget. Here are the links to the ones I could find on youtube so far. The students are all in my creative writing class. I'm pretty sure mine will end up on there eventually.
The group piece from my creative writing class called "Respect Women"
another view of "Respect Women" (this version I think has the whole thing)
Deanna
Travis
Another great moment from the showcase was hanging out at BJ's after the show with Martens, Vosberg, and our featured poet/artist Randomabiladeze. I loved his political themes. I know the students may not have understood a lot, but I loved the social conscience take he had. You should check him out here:
music can be heard @ www.myspace.com/randomabiladeze
www.cdbaby.com/randomabiladeze
And in another surprise for today...
a former student came by to visit on his was to the airport...
i'm glad he's been pursuing his dance career...
he's in the newest Janet Jackson video
and was flying back down to southern California to begin a 3 month tour...
and dinner got even better when I was able to hang out with 3 co-workers and my sister and the Red Robin Fundraiser Dinner for our Track Team....
and didn't realize we were there for 2 hours just sharing stories...
now I need to stop procrastinating and get back to grading papers...
For an idea just how crazy school has been, I believe 75% of the last school days for the past month have been spirit dress up days, including 12 of the last 14. Tomorrow is epic movie day, as we count down film genres heading into the movie soundtrack themed Lip Sync Rally this Friday.
So here are some of the good things that have been happening as of late...
El Camino hosted its first fashion show. Believe it or not... I wasn't even there because I was at a conference for CADA for four days. However, from what all the students say, the show was a tremendous success for the most part. The only real harsh criticism I've heard is that it was too short. There were 8 different stores and designers who donated clothes, you can only make the show last so long. I swear it felt like the two weeks leading up to that event felt like my whole life. Yet the person who put the most work into it was my co-worker Elaine. She did an excellent job securing all the clothes, setting up the program, working with the lighting company and DJ's, and inspiring the officers into making this event possible. More huge thanks to Feliciana for working with the models, to Robyn and Mike for spending the week prior co-scripting and memorizing the program in order to do M.C. duties, to Faye and Nikki for lending helping hands along with other alumni (I can't say for sure who was all there... I haven't yet seen the video), and to everyone else involved.
The following Saturday night was our school's first formal fundraising dinner. I flew back into SFO from my conference and still managed to get there at 8pm as the silent auction was going on. I felt like I was walking into a room of El Camino history and South San Francisco local dignitaries. There was a particularly nice moment when Carlos Roman was honored for his
service to the school as its baseball coach for about 25 years. The event is definitely one that I'd like to see grow and include more alumni and raise the tens of thousands that is potentially out
there (many other schools that have a similar event raise that much and it is the biggest fundraising night of the year). I was surprised that the gift basket of El Camino items went for the most money of all the silent auction baskets at $350. I wish the school made that much money after every sweatshirt/ beanie/ attache bag/ lanyard sale. I personally wanted some of the Warriors and Giants tickets that the teams donated. The 49ers donated an autographed Joe Montana ball that went for $550 in the live auction. The 4-digit items were all travel packages that were donated. Overall, a fun evening, even though I had slept a total of 7 hours in the 3 nights prior.
I spent that time networking at my conference in Reno. I don't gamble so that really isn't an appeal to me, but I did have the opportunity to be surrounded by 1500 other activity directors and class advisors. We get together annually to discuss the current state affairs: things like how are we supposed to raise money for our programs if we can't sell candy, chips and soda anymore. Also, in the midst of all this working, I did the foundation component of the new activity director certification program (since the growing trend is that everything needs to be certified, but it also will protect many of the newly hired people who were forced to take the job on and not realize what they were getting into when they agreed). The best part of the whole conference was getting to know the people at schools in the bay area. I rarely ever get a chance to talk to the directors down the peninsula and a few of them attended this year. Hopefully we will be able to coordinate something in the future. In addition, Milpitas High is coming to EC to watch our lip sync rally... I really wish I had time to practice the teacher routine... this could get embarrassing. I appreciated T and C letting me hang out with them Saturday as we swapped stories about our schools and how they are run.
Things didn't slow down once the weekend ended. I had my first prospective parents meeting. I usually meet with the parents of the leadership students after they have been chosen for the
class. However, I thought it would behoove me to meet with them prior to them running for office so that the parents would not be surprised by the amount of money summer leadership camps and the time commitment involved. The biggest point for me was to emphasize to the parents how much of their time that would be needed to create a successful program. Things like how needed it is for them to attend the Elegant Evening or buy tickets for the district sponsored Giants game. The scariest part of the night was the fact over a 100 parents were in attendance--and many parents couldn't make it. Admittedly, many parents had to really sit down and talk with their son/daughter to make sure this commitment suited them. Another fun moment is that one of the parents in attendance was my cousin R. I may actually have her daughter T in my class next year. I know it won't be like when my sister attended EC, but it still must be odd knowing that your teacher is your uncle. What if I end up her English teacher?
So while all the above was happening... I've also been trying to coach track, rehearse for the lip sync rally, and write a poem for last Friday's amazing 1st annual hip hop spoken word showcase. I didn't think I would end up performing because the hours were ticking but Martens and I pulled together at 5pm, 2 hours before the show, to make his plan come to fruition. I forget what a rush it can be to perform on stage. We did a found poem stating all the questions we get everyday from students. I think we were the only piece of the night that really tried to be funny. I am so proud of all my creative writing students who conquered their stage fright to express their words in ways that many of their peers never expected. The night was an empowering moment that they should never forget. Here are the links to the ones I could find on youtube so far. The students are all in my creative writing class. I'm pretty sure mine will end up on there eventually.
The group piece from my creative writing class called "Respect Women"
another view of "Respect Women" (this version I think has the whole thing)
Deanna
Travis
Another great moment from the showcase was hanging out at BJ's after the show with Martens, Vosberg, and our featured poet/artist Randomabiladeze. I loved his political themes. I know the students may not have understood a lot, but I loved the social conscience take he had. You should check him out here:
music can be heard @ www.myspace.com/randomabiladeze
www.cdbaby.com/randomabiladeze
And in another surprise for today...
a former student came by to visit on his was to the airport...
i'm glad he's been pursuing his dance career...
he's in the newest Janet Jackson video
and was flying back down to southern California to begin a 3 month tour...
and dinner got even better when I was able to hang out with 3 co-workers and my sister and the Red Robin Fundraiser Dinner for our Track Team....
and didn't realize we were there for 2 hours just sharing stories...
now I need to stop procrastinating and get back to grading papers...
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
National Grammar Day
Happy National Grammar Day to all!
Now are you shocked, ashamed, pleased to know that this day even exists or did those same thoughts now apply to your feelings towards me.
Why today?
March 4 is the only date that makes a complete sentence--
a command to "march forth."
In other wayward news...
El Camino High School is one of 30 high schools chosen out of 800 eligible schools to be awarded an Outstanding Activity Program designation in the state of California.
What does this mean?
This is an affirmation of all the hard work my former and current leadership students have put into making our high school one of the more recognized programs in the state. I hope that the students of our school realize that for all the whining about how high school can suck El Camino is still one of the better/safer places one could attend high school. All you alumni should be proud.
Now--can you find all the grammar mistakes above?
Now are you shocked, ashamed, pleased to know that this day even exists or did those same thoughts now apply to your feelings towards me.
Why today?
March 4 is the only date that makes a complete sentence--
a command to "march forth."
In other wayward news...
El Camino High School is one of 30 high schools chosen out of 800 eligible schools to be awarded an Outstanding Activity Program designation in the state of California.
What does this mean?
This is an affirmation of all the hard work my former and current leadership students have put into making our high school one of the more recognized programs in the state. I hope that the students of our school realize that for all the whining about how high school can suck El Camino is still one of the better/safer places one could attend high school. All you alumni should be proud.
Now--can you find all the grammar mistakes above?
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