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Cynthia Carter with Xerox spoke at a conference PIAG sponsored in July of 08. She mentioned resources from Xerox that may be of interest to teachers in Georgia. Here is the information,as well as Cynthia's contact information.

• In the contract Xerox has with the State of Georgia, the purchase or lease of Xerox equipment includes consumable supplies with the exception of paper and staples. If a schools purchases from the State of GA web site then the equipment will include supplies. Visit this site for information http://www.xeroxstateofgeorgia.com/
• The Xerox Foundation provides grants to non profits. Schools can check at http://www.xerox.com/ for the foundation address and get the requirements for the Xerox Foundation dollars.

Cynthia F. Carter
General Manager
State of Georgia
Xerox Corporation
6190 Powers Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30339
Office: 678-202-7338 Intelnet: 8-452-7338
Fax: 678-202-7183
cynthia.carter@xerox.com

SkillsUSA Information

SkillsUSA Statewide Competition Friday, April 17
The 2009 SkillsUSA graphic communication and advertising design competitions will again be held at Heidelberg USA in Kennesaw. PIAG is sponsoring the statewide competition and is working hard to put together a great contest, as well as training materials to assist teachers and contestants to prepare.Visit PIAG's website for updated information on contest particulars, logistics, transporatation and training materials.

Contestant Onsite Training Thursday, April 16
We'll again offer contestants an opportunity to train on the equipment they'll use during the contest. In addition, PIAG is working with industry professionals to put together additional training materials such as the Heidelberg PrintMaster Training video. General training resources can be found on The Mentor.

Demo Tour Thursday, April 16
We're working on another exciting demonstration facility tour and have already signed up Heidelberg and Hewlett Packard as stops on the tour. If you are interested in bringing a select group of students on the demonstration tour, please contact suer@piag.org. We'll have limited spaces and you must be pre-registered to attend.

InDesign Tutorials

Image via Wikipedia Teaching, like parenting, often means you have to be in several places at once. Here are two simple tutorials that can help you do that. One creates a simple pad using InDesign and the other creates a greeting card using InDesign. These tutorials were put together by Paul Foster (pfoster@pgama.com).

If you have a great self-paced tutorial, please let me know.

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Hilarious Video on Fonts

Check out this hilarious video on fonts. It's short enough for a fun introduction to typeface/fonts.


In contrast, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group and the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF)put together this video on careers in graphic communications. Like GC Net and the Second Life project, this video is part of the Education Summit agenda.

I would be VERY interested to see what you think of the videos and more importantly, what your students think. If you show them, please ask students for their feedback and let me know.

No time to Read? Subscribe to The Mentor Podcast

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If you don't have time to read The Mentor, subscribe to the podcast. Just go to The Mentor's Odiogo Page and click Subscribe so you can listen to the content on the go, on your iPod or MP3 player. Want to test it out first? Click on the Odiogo button on each post to hear.

While we're on the subject of subscribing, subscribe to the print version of The Mentor by clicking the RSS feed on the side of this post. Now you'll never miss a post!

Online PrintED Notebook, Upcoming Training

If you are considering PrintED accreditation, you are no doubt wondering, what does a PrintED notebook look like? Well, Paul Foster, a former teacher at Soller Point High School in MD, has put his PrintED notebook online for all to view. Check it out here.

Still a little unsure? Mark your calendar for Jan. 5 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and join us at PIAG Headquarters for a FREE Teacher Training session with Paul Davis, former graphic arts instructor at DeKalb Tech. Paul has put together curriculum, labs, tests and resources to assist graphic communications teachers with their day-to-day instruction. In addition, many of these resources will assist those working toward PrintED certification.

Discussion covers safety procedures (including much of the information needed for the safety portion of PrintED on a take home CD) and competencies related to introduction to the graphic arts such as type, math, color and print knowledge. Bring a laptop and Paul will also touch on InDesign and give participants materials to take home that tie-in to the upcoming SkillsUSA competition.

To reserve your spot, please email Sue Rodman at suer@piag.org. There is no charge for the session and free parking is available onsite. Lunch is on your own with several fast food and fast casual restaurants within a mile of the facility. Upon completion of the program, we will post as much of the material as possible to the Graphic Communications Network, Georgia Instructors discussion group.

Sample Ruler and Pointsize Questions

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Need ruler reading or pointsize questions for a test or to review with the class? Find some here. (You may have to register, but it only takes a moment.) It's at the bottom of the post under attachments. Also attached is a printable e-scale. It can be printed onto transparency film. 3M makes a brand that is compatible with either laser or inkjet depending on what side you use.

When printing it out be sure to have page scale set to NONE or the document may scale and the images will not be accurate.

These tests were created by Paul Davis, an instructor at DeKalb Tech. PIAG will host Paul on Monday, Jan. 5 at our headquarters in Smyrna. All teachers are invited to attend at no charge. Paul has put together tests like these, curriculum, labs, and other resources to assist graphic communications instructors and would like to share his research and knowledge with anyone that is willing to give up a few hours of their day. Many of these resources will also assist those that are working toward PrintED certification. If you are interested in participating in a small group session to discuss safety procedures (including much of the information needed for the safety portion of PrintED) and competences related to introduction to the graphic arts such as type, math, color and print knowledge, this meeting is for you.

Online Resources

Looking for online resources, click here. (You may have to register, but it will only take a moment.) This extensive list, compiled by Amy Hicks, includes math help, color information, design/software, press operations, binding and finishing, paper and classroom information, as well as instructional supports. Check it out and leave a comment letting us know what you used and how you used it.

The Dot Doctor Color Show

Image via Wikipedia

In addition to discussing SkillsUSA, I thought I would start using this blog to highlight useful information for graphic communication and design instructors. I'll continue to update you on the SkillsUSA program, but will also add inforamtion on PrintED and just general instructional items from a variety of sources. The aim is to give you bite sized doses easily digested and put to use. Let me know what you think.

Last July, PIAG hosted Camp T&I at our headquarters in Smyrna, Ga. As part of that program, Larry Irwin from The Pitman Company presented a wonderful powerpoint on color theory that is easily downloaded for immediate use in your classroom by going to the Graphic Communications Network. The presentation gives great examples of how the eye tricks you when seeing color. If you aren't already registered, please join more than 70 individuals interested in graphic communication education from around the country on this networking site. You are welcome to use Larry's presentation in your classroom and feel free to call him if you have questions. The link above has his contact info.

Alyssa Invited to Compete for spot at World Skills

Alyssa Ailion, the Georgia SkillsUSA winner and National SkillsUSA second place winner in graphic communications was tapped earlier this week to compete for a chance to represent the US at the WorldSkills competition in Calgary, Canada next year. PIAG is currently working with Alyssa, her former advisor Dan Campagna and representatives from Heidelberg to find a print shop that is willing to hire Alyssa and give her experience on the SpeedMaster 52, the press used at the World competition. We'll keep you posted on Alyssa's progress. If you know anyone in the NE Atlanta area that would like to assist with training, please let me know.

AIGA to Develop and Judge Graphic Design

Since it's been a while, I wanted to let everyone know that PIAG has started planning for the 2009 SkillsUSA competition. AIGA, the professional designers association will again assist us in putting together and judging the Advertising Design competition. We are working with AIGA to determine the elements of the competition and training resources to assist teachers and students in preparing. Look for more information on the 2009 competition soon. As always, if you have suggestions, comments or ideas, please let us know.

Printulation - A Virtual Print Shop in Second Life

Image via Wikipedia Brian Regan with Semper International is spearheading an interesting endeavor for the printing industry. He is creating a virtual print shop called Printalution in Second Life, a virtual world. For those of you that haven't heard of Second Life, it's like a video or computer game where you create your own enviornment, similar to Sims or the popular Tycoon (lemonade/zoo) games.

Printulation is in the process of being built out right now, but once it's done, guests can take a tour of the shop, stopping at each department to find out what careers are available in that department, what those people do, what education and experience they need and how much they can expect to make. Touring is nice, but wouldn't it be better if you could actually work on the equipment? Well eventually you can! Once this is feature is built, visitors can run the Heidelberg QuickMaster QM46 or the Indigo digital press. Technical training sessions on the equipment students will use in the real world SkillsUSA competition can be held in virtual classrooms. Heck we can even host a virtual SkillsUSA competition prior to the real event as training and include a virtual trade show just for the printing industry.

The equipment will not be working equipment at this first stage. That will require more investment. The first stage will mainly be an area to explain about each piece and how they operate, as well as linking to web supported information and videos.

This is an exciting project that has a lot of potential, especially for SkillsUSA. If you would like to be involved in this project or just follow along, Brian has created a social networking site (ning) at http://printalution.ning.com/ to support the Second Life project.

Right now Brian needs help finishing off the tour rooms. Each room is a part of the print process and there is a lot of the equipment built and located on the island. Brian just needs the detailed touches that make it special. The Design room needs help, pre-media and mailing. Basically each room needs some attention and while Brian can build and do anything in Second Life he lacks the expertise to add the details. So if you can help, email Brain at bregan@semperllc.com.

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National SkillsUSA Blog

Image via Wikipedia Jesus Rodriguez is one of the drivers of the SkillsUSA National graphic communications competition. He's started the blog below to assist teachers in perparing for the national event.

About Jesus: Been teaching 30+ years, very interested in the future of the young people I come in contact with, former Kiwanian, involved in graphic arts associations.

This BLOG is for you!!!
http://skillsusaforgraphiccommunications.blogspot.com/Check it out, I have four postings in the last two weeks. Let me know what you think and let me know what you would like to have included in this blog over the coming months.Email me at jrod2012@sbcglobal.netHave a great summer and a very successful school year 2008-2009.Jesus
Jesus J. Rodriguez

Photos from Nationals!

Nationals! from the advisor perspective....

As I look back at the week at Kansas City for the SkillsUSA National Competition I can without a doubt say it was one of the most powerful experiences I have had as an educator and one that was most impactful to me personally and also for my students.

Alyssa Ailion was competing in the Graphic Communications competition and Olivia Goodall was competing in Screen Printing Technology both representing Georgia. The girls have worked very hard in preparing for the competition and will be a memory that I am sure they will never forget.

It was truly overwhelming how much industry support was represented at the convention center and all over the downtown streets as several were blocked off for the event. Lowes, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Stanley, just to name a few of the more prominent ones and hundreds of others I have no idea the cost, but this was a multi-million event to orchestrate. Over 90 competitions, most held in one gigantic center that seemed to spread for several city blocks all under one roof. It is a site that would make anyone's jaw drop.

We not only came to compete, but were able to network with others from around the country and share ideas as students met with each other from around the country as well. We were able to tour a little as I got to go on a tour of the Kansas Speedway and also participate in the Champions Run, a 5K race that helped me do a little exercise while being out of town. We got to go to an amusement park, a teen festival and just had a great time.

The Graphic Communications competition as well as the Screen Printing competition were both run extremely smoothly, very professional, top notch equipment, supplies, tools, etc. It was without a doubt a site to see. For Graphics computers were setup up, 6 Heidelberg Quickmasters, cutter, 2 folders were set up for the contestants to use. Screen Printing as well had pretty much a full "lab" 2 presses, exposure units, washout booth, scoop coaters, etc. etc.

I am so proud of Alyssa and the work ethic that she has is truly commendable. The hours she put in after school during the month of June (as she mentions in her blog) paid off as she took 2nd in the nation. She and the 1st place winner were 7 points apart (out of 1000), the 3rd place winner was around 75 points away. It was a very challenging competition. Not a bad way to end your high school career.

I was also proud of Olivia who took 10th in the nation in Screen Printing. It was a very intense competition as well. I hope to make the trip out here next year as well.

Every Technology educator needs to experience an opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA Nationals at some point in their career. It will be something you will never forget. To the Technology educators out there, ...If not Nationals, at least get your students involved locally in SkillsUSA, for leadership development, regional competitions, and their professional development. I see it as a tremendous disservice to our students to NOT encourage them and be a part of SkillsUSA.

Give the students an opportunity and allow whoever chooses to rise to the top and help them do it! That's why we do what we do!

I look forward to seeing many new advisors jump on board as we get into a new school year with new opportunities for both students and educators for both personal and professional development.

Dan Campagna


Dan Campagna, NBCT
Graphic Arts Teacher
Walton High School
1590 Bill Murdock Rd.
Marietta, GA 30062
770-578-3225 ext. 290
daniel.campagna@cobbk12.org

Nationals!!!!!

The SkillsUSA national competition was quite an experience. Upon arriving at the Hilton, I found that all the Georgia members stayed in one hotel. I shared a room with 3 other girls, who were all a ton of fun!! Everyone in Kansas City was excited to see the SkillsUSA kids. The convention center was in walking distance from the hotel and the city was beautiful. One of the most interesting things I got to do in Kansas City was meet people from all over the country. The convention center is HUGE, it is amazing how many companies come out and support the competitions. Anyone who ever has a chance to go out there should, it truly is incredible. When you walk into the competition room, as far as you can see there are students, the best of the best, working hard. I competed against about 35 people, and they were all talented. One girl I talked to even had a grandfather who owned a printing company. They were a great group of kids, and all very nice. The competition itself was difficult; I had to use everything I had learned not only in the past month but in my whole career in graphic arts. Some things were completely new and I had to figure them out using prior knowledge.One of the biggest things you can see at the national competition is the massive amount of industry support. At the opening ceremony Lowe’s even donated $1,000,000!!! Overall the national competition was very similar to the state competition, so I was very well prepared. Something else that came as a surprise to me was the SkillsUSA ceremony. They closely resemble a rock concert, with music, lights, and tons of energy. All in all my hard work paid off and I placed 2^nd in the nation! After checking the scores, I found out that the difference between 1^st and 2^nd place was only 7 points out of 1000, talk about a close competition. It really goes to show that every point counts. In conclusion, I had a great time, learned a lot from this experience, and would like to thank everyone once again for all of their help and support.

Congratulations Alyssa! 2nd in the Nation!!!

We just got the word Friday night that Alyssa took 2nd in the Nation! Congratulations. She has worked so hard. Reports say the competition was very stiff this year -- which makes this achievement even more wonderful. We'll have a full report next week and hopefully some pictures from the winner's circle.

From Paul Davis, Instructor at DeKalb Tech....

Alyssa and I met last week to do some training in Adobe InDesign CS3 where she is a quick learner. We met in Dan Campagna's lab at Walton high school during summer break (how's that for Alyssa's commitment). Alyssa should do well in the pre-press portion of the competition. I wish her all the luck.

The Final Stretch

Well, I leave for Kansas City next Monday! Yesterday was my last day at American Color Graphics. I really appreciate all the help they have been. As I told Mr. Mooney, the staff there is incredible. He's got a company full of very knowledgeable people who are dedicated to quality, and they did everything in their power to help me.

Today I met Mitch Bright at Heidelberg, and he trained me some more on the Printmaster 46. We printed two 4-color process jobs. Mitch was also very helpful, and i learned a lot from him.

Throughout this competition training in the past month I have met so many people, and everyone has been incredibly warmhearted and helpful. But some people have gone above and beyond, and I would like to thank them in this post.

• Sue Rodman, and everyone at PIAG, who pretty much put this whole thing together.

• Mr. Campagna, who has answered my endless questions and spent hours at school over the summer helping me.

• Mr. Butch Mooney who opened up his shop to me so I could learn all I wanted to learn.

• Paul, Joe, Kevin, Kenny, Tim and Barry over at American Color Graphics, who helped me along the way, taught me everything they know, and answered my many questions.

• Tim over at Semper International, who helped me prepare for the interview portion.

• Paul Davis at DeKalb Technical College who spent his Fridays helping me with prepress

• Mitch Bright, and everyone else helped me at Heidelberg, for spending time to help in the printing portion of the competition.

I know there are some people I'm forgetting and I apologize. But thank you to everyone who helped me I really do appreciate it.


Alyssa

Interviewing Skills with Semper International

Alyssa met this week at PIAG headquarters with Tim Captville, senior placement coordinator with Semper International, the only staffing and recruitment firm specializing in the printing industry.

Tim worked with Alyssa on her interviewing skills and beefing up her resume. PIAG staff held a mock interview with Alyssa after the training. She did great!