BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

John W. Hoeffler, Ph.D.                                                                                                 550 West Merrill • Birmingham, MI  48009

Superintendent                                                                                                                         (248)- 203-3004  Fax (248) 203-3007

                                                                       January, 2003

Dear Superintendent Colleague:

For eleven out of the twelve years I have been superintendent at Birmingham, I was fortunate to work with Mike Pierno and John Nagohosian, in the development and support of engineering technology, robotics, pneumatics, and fluid power programs for our students, and our district is much different and much better as a result. Mike served as our district technology engineering department head, and John served as a guide and counselor to our efforts to provide excellent programs to our students. The result of their teamwork has been nothing short of spectacular—our programs in these areas have been recognized nationally and internationally. In fact, if you would like to see first-hand what Mike, John, and a team of dedicated creative teachers have been able to accomplish for students over the past decade, please give me a call (248-203-3004), and I would be delighted to set up a visit for you and a team from your district.

When Mike came in to see me a little over a year ago to discuss his retirement plans with me, I felt that he still had much to offer to school systems throughout Michigan and the country. So I challenged him to think about how he could spread the fine work he had done for us and for our students on a broader level. The result of that challenge is a partnership between Mike Pierno, now the Educational Director for the MAC Valve Foundation, and John Nagohosian, the Educational Coordinator of the National Fluid Power Educational Foundation. Because of the constant constraint on school districts’ finances, I asked these two very creative individuals to develop a program for school districts that would lead to change and improvements in a cost-effective manner.

The result of their collaboration is a three-day workshop for high school teachers focusing on problem solving activities with pneumatic solutions, using the Clippard pneumatic training panel. An advanced workshop is also available. Given the rapid advancements of technology that have affected our schools, our curriculum, and the future employment opportunities for our young people, I urge you to look over the enclosed materials from John Nagohosian and Mike Pierno and give their workshop opportunity your strongest consideration. For a relatively small investment, I think you may stimulate more professional growth for your technology staff and more educational opportunities for your students than you may ever think possible. I believe that, given the brilliant work done by Mike and John in our school district, I can guarantee you will be happy with the results with your teachers and students.

Thank you and best wishes!

                                                                       Sincerely,

John W. Hoeffler

                                                                       John W. Hoeffler