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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><img width=625 height=90 id="Picture_x0020_8" src="cid:image001.png@01D56CBF.B44D8430"><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Happy September! I hope that everyone is settled into their schooling routine, and ready to work on cool long term STEAM projects. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Into “Marvel” and Superpowers? Take a look at our Improv challenge – “To the Rescue” and research how superpowers are used in different media. Of course there will be a villain with a superpower. Your hero will have an underwhelming power to try to overcome them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>How about photography? In our Fine Arts challenge, an unseen character will have an impact on your selected photograph, which will be theatrically represented. You will use a photographic technique to create a visual effect that will change a character’s point of view.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>For our Engineers, design a bridge made of cards that you will assemble on site. Test its strength by moving weight across the bridge, and tell a story about unexpected connections.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>In telling us about your project that meets a real community need for our Service Learning challenge, your story will have a character in a race against time. You’ll include a device that represents time & highlights project milestones.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><img width=624 height=172 id="Picture_x0020_7" src="cid:image002.jpg@01D56CBF.B44D8430" alt=19-20-Challenge-Logos><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>The “Big Fix” is in. Inventors, design and build an invention to solve a problem. Integrate an artifact to highlight your development process. Your scenery will show the impact of your solution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Interested in biology and ecology? Research a real species and habitat for our “First Encounter” scientific challenge. Your presentation of the species first encounter with the habitat and how they are both changed will be done “in the round”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Rising Stars (early learners: preschool – 2<sup>nd</sup> grade) will have a “Blast-Off” this year as they present a performance that tells us about something surprising that happens on their way from one planet to another. Oh yes, you will launch a rocket and create a puppet to help you tell your tale.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>To get a better idea of what each of these challenges entails, go to <span class=MsoHyperlink><a href="https://www.destinationimagination.org/challenge-program/2019-20-challenge-previews/">Challenge Previews</a></span>, and for more in depth information, download the First Look documents.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#606060'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#606060'><img border=0 width=529 height=51 id="Picture_x0020_6" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D56CBF.B44D8430" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/983ea8d89da8441460e8a9b20/images/5313a540-5f05-46c6-a9b1-68c92ded7a4b.jpg"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'>Challenges are available now. To purchase your team number and have access to the Challenges (and all the supporting materials), you can do so at </span><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><a href="https://www.destinationimagination.org/challenge-program/start-a-team/">Start a Team</a></span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'>. Challenge materials are $105.00 and the Florida Affiliate fee is $100.00. Destination Imagination is paperless, so all materials will be sent electronically </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>as soon as you purchase them</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'>Once you purchase your team membership, you will have access to the DI learning system, with training modules in different aspects of our program, as well as the RoadMap, a guide for Team Managers to help you conduct meetings and guide your teams through the creative learning process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'>If you would like more information, check out </span><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><a href="https://www.destinationimagination.org/parents-start-here/">Parents Start Here</a></span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'> or </span><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><a href="https://www.destinationimagination.org/educators-start-here/">Educators Start Here</a></span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>To help you in your efforts to inform your parents about DI, feel free to share this <span class=MsoHyperlink><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3JlNZtVXFg&feature=youtu.be">video</a></span> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#606060'><img border=0 width=529 height=51 id="Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D56CBF.B44D8430" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/983ea8d89da8441460e8a9b20/images/5313a540-5f05-46c6-a9b1-68c92ded7a4b.jpg"></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:red'>HELP WANTED: </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>In order to fulfill financial obligations, and to keep our Florida Affiliate costs as affordable as we can, we must find other financial backers. Our current Board of Directors is experienced in presenting a tournament but we do not have the skillset needed for grant-writing, or solicitation of larger donors. If you have an interest in helping to promote DI in Florida and would like to join us in our efforts, please contact me at <span class=MsoHyperlink><a href="mailto:difl.info@yahoo.com">difl.info@yahoo.com</a></span>. Our board meetings are mainly held virtually, so you could be situated anywhere in the state and still be involved. I look forward to hearing from you!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#606060'><img border=0 width=529 height=51 id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D56CBF.B44D8430" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/983ea8d89da8441460e8a9b20/images/5313a540-5f05-46c6-a9b1-68c92ded7a4b.jpg"></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Are you an Amazon shopper? If you are, please consider shopping through the <span class=MsoHyperlink><a href="https://smile.amazon.com/">Amazon Smile</a></span> program and designating <b>Florida Destination Imagination</b> as your charity. A donation would be credited to us each time you make a purchase.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>If you have a connection to a company that might have an interest in sponsoring Florida DI in any way, we would love to hear about them!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#606060'><img border=0 width=529 height=51 id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D56CBF.B44D8430" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/983ea8d89da8441460e8a9b20/images/5313a540-5f05-46c6-a9b1-68c92ded7a4b.jpg"></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Our 2020 tournament will be held at Park Maitland School in Maitland on March 28. We are so appreciative of our friends at Park Maitland for inviting us back.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#606060'><img border=0 width=529 height=51 id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D56CBF.B44D8430" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/983ea8d89da8441460e8a9b20/images/5313a540-5f05-46c6-a9b1-68c92ded7a4b.jpg"></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Staying connected: </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Our <span class=MsoHyperlink><a href="http://www.floridadi.org/">Florida DI</a></span> page has links to other resources. Make sure you visit our <span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:blue'><a href="https://twitter.com/Diffle_DIFL"><span style='color:blue'>Twitter</span></a></span></span> page where you can find jokes that Diffle (our flamingo mascot) likes, as well challenge information. Our <span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:blue'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/DI_Florida/"><span style='color:blue'>Instagram</span></a></span></span> page has puzzles, challenges and information. Check out our <span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='color:blue'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FloridaDI"><span style='color:blue'>Florida DI facebook page</span></a></span></span> for our monthly Instant Challenge. These are great practice for teams and fun for others. We hope that you will send us photos of your solutions to these challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>If you are in the Orlando area, come see us as “<a href="https://www.ocls.info/technoween">Technoween</a>” at </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Melrose Center October 13, and “Save the Spiders” by building a bridge, “Build a Bug” or create an skeleton using “Dem Bones”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>You can also join us at the <span class=MsoHyperlink><a href="https://www.makerfaireorlando.com/">Orlando Maker Faire</a></span> November 9 & 10.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#606060'><img border=0 width=529 height=51 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D56CBF.B44D8430" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/983ea8d89da8441460e8a9b20/images/5313a540-5f05-46c6-a9b1-68c92ded7a4b.jpg"></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'>We want everyone to have an awesome start to the new season. So, is there anything Florida DI can provide to assist you in starting teams? We can get you posters, flyers, stickers, PowerPoint presentations, DI introduction videos, etc. (If you check out </span><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'><a href="https://www.destinationimagination.org/challenge-program/marketing-materials">MARKETING</a></span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'>, in the STORE you can get an idea of what is available). These materials can be used for your Registration/Sign-up, Orientation, Open House, Meet and Greet and/or other Back to School Events. Just drop us a note, and we'll make arrangements to get you the materials. If you would like us to come to do an event, please let me know. We have long time DI participants who live in different areas of the state, so we might be able to work something out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:normal;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'>Remember, we’re just an email away at </span><span class=MsoHyperlink><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:blue'><a href="mailto:difl.info@yahoo.com"><span style='color:blue'>difl.info@yahoo.com</span></a></span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'> Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance. We are here to see you succeed as Team Managers and School Coordinators! We look forward to working with each and every one of you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:7.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:normal;background:white'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif;color:#202020'>Best Wishes!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal'><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Erica Bowler<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal'><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Affiliate Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal'><span style='font-family:"Maiandra GD",sans-serif'>Florida Destination Imagination<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal'><a href="http://www.floridadi.org">www.floridadi.org</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal'><a href="mailto:DIFL.info@yahoo.com">DIFL.info@yahoo.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal'><img border=0 width=318 height=45 id="Picture_x0020_9" src="cid:image004.png@01D56CBF.B44D8430"><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>