GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK, MEG!
It is with great reluctance the MVTPC must announce the departure of Meg Draeger, Program Manager for Automotive, Construction, Engineering and Environmental Technologies, effective January 30, 2009. Meg has decided to accept position at Chaminade Julienne HS as their STEMM Programming Coordinator. Meg has been with MVTPC since 1996 and has played an integral role in making this consortium one of the most out-standing Tech Prep operations in the nation. Her skills, talents and good-heartedness will be deeply missed around the office. Please join us in wishing Meg the very warmest and best wishes as she embarks on this new challenge.

STUDENTS REFINE CATAPULT DESIGN SKILLS IN COMPETITION AT AIM CENTER
Three Miami Valley Tech Prep Engineering program sites were winners in the annual Process Design Competition at the AIM Center at SCC: Fairborn HS won Best Production System, Stebbins HS won Overall First Place, and Ross HS won Best Engineering Report award. This year's challenge was for the student teams to design and refine a process by which to build ping-pong ball catapults. More than 150 students from five high schools participated in this year's competition, sponsored by the Operations Technology department.

THEATRE TECHNOLOGY EXPANSION
Theatre Technology Tech Prep is in the first year at Centerville High School and has already attracted interest in expanding the pathway for next year. Immediately following the Executive Luncheon there will be a meeting with the Sinclair Theatre Department and MVTPC to discuss this pathway on January 29, 2009 at 1:00-2:30 in Building 12 room 165. If you are interest in attending this meeting contact Bob Sheehan.

EARLY COLLEGE CONNECTIONS
MVTPC will be hosting 5 special events in February called “EARLY COLLEGE CONNECTIONS” for 10th grade students & parents considering a Tech Prep program for next school year. The dates are:
Sat. 2/7 (9:30-11:00) at the Courseview Campus (Mason) for all Career Pathways.
The other four events will be at the Sinclair Community College Campus, Building 12, Charity Auditorium (6:00-7:30).
Wed. 2/11 Allied Health & Exercise Science Pathways
Thur. 2/12 Automotive, Biotech, Construction, Engineering & Environmental Pathways
Wed. 2/25 Business, Criminal Science, Culinary Arts & Information Technology Pathways
Thur. 2/26 Digital Design/Interactive Media/Graphic Arts & Theater Technology Pathways
For more information contact Bob Sheehan

JUNIOR IT ORIENTATIONS
February 6th & 13th The CIS department at Sinclair will be hosting the MVTPC Junior IT Orientations. Twenty-four high school instructors will have the opportunity for their 11th grade students to choose two 50 minute lab experiences such as: XP Troubleshooting & Networking, Flash, Routing, Microsoft Expression Web, PC component identification, etc. conducted by the CIS faculty. For more information contact Bob Sheehan.

DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS PARTNERS EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON
It is time once again for the Miami Valley Tech Prep Consortium's Distinguished Business Partners Awards for 2008-09. This year the MVTPC will recognize 11 awardees from across the consortium, each representing a highly successful Tech Prep pathway. Attached is a list of awardees, along with the nominating faculty person(s) and site. You are cordially invited to join us during the Executive Luncheon on January 29th from 11:30 a.m until 1:00 p.m to honor these individuals and their fine work and dedication to this consortium. As in the past, the Executive Luncheon will be held in the Charity E. Earley Auditorium located in the David H. Ponitz Sinclair Center (Building 12). Parking is provided in the garage under Building 12. Please RSVP at least seven (7) business days prior to the luncheon by emailing your name, address, title, business/school to Linda York or by calling (937) 512-5146.

2009 MVTPC SHOWCASE
Complete information regarding the 2009 MVTPC Showcase is now up on the MVTPC Web Site (http://www.mvtechprep.org/activities/showreg.htm). Everything one needs to know about the "Showcase" can be accessed from this site noting the quick link on the title page. The information is also printed in the MVTPC 2009 User Guide in the last section. Please review the complete package noting the deadline dates for the application and the writing template. Applications are being accepted until March 27. After reviewing the comprehensive information if one still has a question please feel free to contact Dave McDaniel (937-512-2407). We are anticipating the most comprehensive and best showcase ever! Students and Tech Prep Instructors should plan early and develop the contextual and content skills which produce confidence with the project and carry over into professional success.