Olivia Garcia: Running for the class
| Wednesday, Feb 24 2010 04:57 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Feb 24 2010 04:57 PM
Some people run for fitness.
Others to set a personal record.
Caleb Schroeder runs for his AP calculus students.
The Rosamond High School teacher was in Bakersfield this past weekend to run a half marathon as a part of a fund-raising effort for his students who want to take the AP Calculus AB Exam May 5 but can't afford cover the $86 cost.
He ran 13.1 miles in one hour and 42 minutes even though he was recovering from a respiratory infection. He couldn't skip out, he says, because his class was depending on it.
And it paid off to a tune of $477. The goal is to raise $1,704.
"I have 26 students in my AP calculus class and 14 of them are below the poverty line that qualifies them for aid so their test fee is only $48," the Lancaster resident told me. "The other 12 have to pay the full test fee of $86."
The exam covers only calculus. But if students pass, they get the equivalent of one semester of college credit.
"For many of my students, passing the AP Calculus Exam really motivates them to complete their college education," he said. "This is going to be my eighth year teaching this class and so far, my students have averaged a 3 for their score, which is the minimum needed to get credit at most California State Universities and private colleges."
Some of his former students have followed careers in math and science fields after college.
"As a math educator, I recognize that this is a major need in our society, and I want to do everything I can to fill in those career fields where numbers are dwindling," he said.
Here's wishing the best for Schroeder and his class. If you would like to help, email him at cschroeder@skusd.k12.ca.us or contact Rosamond High School.
Real estate expertise: Are you in the market of buying, selling or fixing up a home for re-sale? Then, I'd encourage you to attend the Home Buyer and Seller Expo 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Feb. 27 at the Bakersfield Marriott. Organized by The Bakersfield Californian, the expo is free and will draw many real estate experts who want to help consumers on a variety of issues. Get tips on issues such as short sales, foreclosures, tax incentives, fixing up a home for a quick sale and more. The expo will feature more than 40 booths, and the likes of agents, brokers, new homebuilders, insurance agents, and home improvement companies will be on hand, said Rob Meszaros, The Californian Marketing Manager.
"You won't be able to find all of the top real estate players in town in another convenient and casual spot," Meszaros tells me.
For more information, people can log onto Bakersfield.com/expo. Look inside Saturday's paper for a special section on the Expo.
Olivia Garcia is vice president of content for The Californian and blogs at www.livinbakersfield.com. These are her opinions, not necessarily The Californian's.
