REGION 15 TECHNOLOGY BOOSTERS HOST ENGINEERING PROGRAMS AT MIDDLEBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
 PHS Alumna; MES Grandfather Talk About Careers in Engineering

 The newly-formed Region 15 Technology Boosters will be hosting two engineering programs at Middlebury Elementary School in April and May. Tech Boosters member, Jill Hutchinson, is organizing the two presentations. Mrs. Hutchinson’s father is one of the guest speakers.

In coordination with her former teacher Mrs. Joan Benson, Alicia Castagna presented a program to all Middlebury Elementary School fourth-graders on April 7, 2006. She talked about her Materials Science and Engineering career choice and will also be making “Gak”, a crosslinked polymer. Alicia is a 2003 graduate of Pomperaug High School and is currently working toward her degree in Materials Science and Engineering at Rochester Polytechnic Institute in New York. She is the Alumni/Corporate Coordinator in the Society of Women Engineers.

Dr. Robert Bartolini will also be giving an engineering presentation to Mrs. Roberta Kuegler’s third-grade class at Middlebury Elementary School on May 5, 2006 at 12:30 – 1:15 pm. Dr. Bartolini will be talking with the students about his 40-year career in engineering, what engineers do, and how to become an engineer. He will also perform a laser application.

Dr. Bartolini has 22 U.S. patents and much of his work is now embodied in present-day products such as compact disks, DVDs, CD-ROMs, and smart credit cards. Dr. Bartolini is the grandfather of MES third-grader Jillian H.

"These two engineering programs in particular, are designed to educate and enlighten students about the exciting and important field of engineering,” said Mrs. Jill Hutchinson. “The students will learn how fascinating engineering is and how it affects their lives everyday.  We are trying to shine the spotlight on engineering.  With the help of these creative and passionate volunteers, an interest in engineering may be sparked for some of these kids."

The Region 15 Technology Boosters is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the awareness and benefits of technology and technology education within the Region 15 school system; support, create, and share ideas and programs for using technology in meaningful ways for students, teachers, staff, and parents; assist and support technology teachers with school projects and events; and raise funds to supplement Region 15 technology budgets that benefit all students.

For more information on the Technology Booster organization, go to www.region15techboosters.org.