Dear SkillsUSA Advisor, (SkillsUSA 2009-2010 #6)          three attachments with this message      

1. Regional Map

2. Regional Guidelines

3. Contest Participation Numbers

Happy New Year!!

Item #1: Regional Competitions

A special thank you to all local advisors and schools responsible for planning and facilitating regional competitions this year. Remember: all competing students must be active SkillsUSA Maryland members (dues paid) before they are eligible to participate. Please see the six regional contest dates and locations:

Region 1 (Eastern) – February 11, 2010  Host – Worcester Technical High School, Worcester County

Region 2 (Northeast) – February 6, 2010  Host – Carroll County Career & Technology Center

Region 3 (Baltimore City) – February 6, 2010 Host – Center of Applied Technology South, Anne Arundel County

Region 4 (Southern) – February 3-6, 2010  Host – James A. Forrest CTC 

Region 5 (Central) – February 10, 2010 Host – Thomas Edison High School of Technology

Region 6 (Western) – February 6, 2010  Host – Allegany County CCTE

Important reminder for regional hosts: forward completed regional contest results forms to state director immediately following competitions (form located in “Regional Guidelines.doc” attached)

Item #2: State Championship Contest Participation

Although the 2010 State Championship is still two months away many of you already know of students planning to compete in various events, including new demonstration contests.  Please review the “Contest Participation Numbers” spreadsheet (attached) and complete the “Pre-registration survey” column to the best of your ability. Don’t hesitate to contact state director with questions. 

Return the completed survey to state director by January 15, 2010. Your prompt attention to this request will ensure that proper contest plans are made to accommodate your students.

Item #3: 2010 State Championship Information

The 37th Annual SkillsUSA Maryland State Championship is March 26-27, 2010. We are pleased to be returning to the Center of Applied Technology North (CATN) and extend a special thank you to Principal Dan Schaffhauser and the entire CATN staff for continuing to support this premier event. Due to a scheduling conflict the Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville (CCBC Catonsville) will only be available to host the Automotive Service Technology competition. Leadership-related competitions will be held at North County High School and we plan to return to Baltimore International College, Northrop Grumman Corporation, AACO Fire Training Academy, Channel 98, Printing Specialist Corporation and Earlbeck Gases and Technologies for various competitions. Plan on ample seating at the Awards Ceremony as SkillsUSA is returning to the UMBC Field House.

SkillsUSA Maryland will be using the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute of Technology (CCMIT) for Friday afternoon and evening activities including: registration material pick-up, Delegate Assembly, Health Occupations Professional Portfolio, Opening & Closing Ceremonies, TeamWorks presentations and Quiz Bowl.  Please note that all registration materials (name badges, programs, etc.) will only be available at CCMIT Friday, March 26, 2010, 3:00pm-6:30pm.

Item #4: 2010 State Championship Registration Fees Will Not Increase

The per-person registration fee for 2010 State Championship competitors (not staying overnight at CCMIT) will remain $70.00.  All contest models, delegates, state officer candidates and advisors will be charged a reduced $25.00 per-person “non-contestant” registration fee. Important: every local chapter in attendance is required to have at least one registered advisor accompanying them.  The per-person registration fee for conference attendees planning to stay overnight at CCMIT will also remain the same as last year:

Quad – (four in a room) $110.00 per person

Triple – (three in a room) $120.00 per person

Double – (two in a room) $150.00 per person

Single – (adults only) $215.00 per person

Item #5: Online Membership Confirmation

Please visit the SkillsUSA online membership page (www.skillsusa.org/join) to confirm that your chapter membership has been officially submitted. Remember to press the “submit” button after all membership information has been loaded in the online membership database. If you do not complete this last step of the online process your chapter membership will not be received by SkillsUSA national headquarters.

Charles S. Wallace

Director, HOSA & SkillsUSA

Student & Assessment Services

Career Technology and Adult Learning

Maryland State Department of Education

410-767-8872

(fax) 410-333-2099

cwallace@msde.state.md.us