Monday, June 9, 2008

Thoughts from a SkillsUSA Advisor

The following are notes from Dan Campagna, Alyssa's advisor at Walton High School on the process so far...

Monday, April 28th
Immediately following the competition Alyssa mailed out her letters to the advisors who are supporting their trip to Kansas City with funds. A huge poster was put outside my door saying “congratulations Alyssa and Olivia” and a photo of each on stage after receiving their award

Tuesday, April 29th
Alyssa wanted questions answered about paper, imposition, and laying out jobs for print. I gave her several examples and challenges for estimating the paper costs for a job. Paul Davis of DeKalb Tech came out in the afternoon and worked with Alyssa on pre-press. He shared great info on outputting files and a variety of pre-press issues.

Thursday, May 1st
Alyssa brought a list of questions for me to answer regarding imposition and how various factors have an effect on such as grain direction, paper size, page size, etc. She has learned the difference between sheetwise, work and turn, work and tumble and will get a project to produce and complete with that imposition. She stayed until 6:00 pm.


Wednesday, May 14th
Alyssa is reviewing the various areas to get add’l instruction to be prepared in the areas that she needs brushing up on. She has gotten the email I forwarded to her from Sue Rodman with the paper cutting problems.

Friday, May 16th
Got a call from Tim @ Semper International – a placement firm. 404-885-1701. Contact Tim or Misty.

Monday, May 19th
Alyssa has come in for a few hours to print a forms job needed by the front office for the beginning of the next semester. I have received an email from Sue Rodman after she corresponded with American Color Graphics and Butch Mooney. They are allowing Alyssa to work with an intern there in order to give her some great experience for the upcoming National Skills USA competition.

The response and involvement of PIAG, Heidelberg and industry leaders has been nothing short of phenomenal. It is so great that industry is showing such a strong interest in our students and helping them get “super-charged” for the competition. Many thanks are in order for Sue Rodman, Rachel Ann Shattah, and other staff members of PIAG. In addition, David Canady, Matt Bennett and his team at Heidelberg. Thank you all for such an awesome competition and your continued efforts.

Tuesday, May 20th
Alyssa has come in to clean up the Heidelberg after working on a live job for the school. We set a tentative schedule for training. I mentioned to her to call Semper International, Paul Davis, and the people at the printing company that I can’t think of the name right now.

Friday, May 30th
Alyssa came in to work on cutting diagrams, estimating paper, ink coverage and several other calculation problems that she may encounter during the competition. She has been currently working at American Color Graphics on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and has been learning a lot. She has worked with bindery personnel on the folder and learning various techniques.

Week of June 2nd
Alyssa has spent time at American Color Graphics doing the following: she learned how to program a cutter,

Wednesday, June 4th
Alyssa went to PIAG today and met with Tim from Semper International. He shared with her tips on interviewing and professionalism. She got a good bit of helpful suggestions and was glad they were able to take the time

Friday, June 6, 2008
Alyssa is at Walton running a practice 2-color job. Paul Davis worked with her on pre-press with InDesign during the afternoon.


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