Calling all certified workshop presenters. This is the last chance this school year to present a workshop at MASC's new Spring Leadership Conference. |
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Workshop Presenters Apply TODAYSpring Leadership ConferenceApps close Sunday, March 10th There is still time for you to apply to teach a workshop at our Saturday, April 13th Spring Leadership Conference. If you had a workshop that you were not able to present at the convention (due to breakout space limits), please re-submit it - we have plenty of classrooms in our South Hagerstown High School host school! Clock on the picture to the right for the Google Form application. |
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SPECIAL MASC Virtual Executive Board Meeting10:20-11:30 AM, Sat., March 16Registration Deadline: 11:59 PM, March 13th The MASC State Legislative Affairs Coordinators (SLACers) put together seven well-composed bill stances to vote on during the General Assembly at the Convention. Due to time constraints, we only voted on five bill stances, leaving two of them unfinished. Thus, we are calling an emergency Executive Board meeting to vote on the remaining two bill stances. All student leaders are invited to attend. You will register yourself. Click on the picture to the left to register. |
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MASC AwardsDeadline 5:00 p.m., March 8 Looking to recognize exceptional leaders in your school community? Look no further than MASC! With easy access to awards and recognitions, including middle and high school principal and advisor of the year, it's never too early to start the nomination process through your regional organization. Let MASC help you celebrate and honor the outstanding student leaders making a difference in your school. Note: The Felix Simon Award for Leadership and Service is completed by the school and goes directly to MASC. This is a recognition award for school student councils. Recognition of one Outstanding Student Leader (from a MASC member school in each MASC Region) – deadline of 5:00 p.m., April 1st. MASC awards and recognitions are only open to MASC MEMBER SCHOOLS. Click on the ribbon to the right for details. |
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Spring Leadership Conference Saturday, April 13th Registration March 13 - April 3
South Hagerstown HS - Washington County The last conference of the year is MASC’s new Spring Leadership Conference. Participating in this conference celebrates the accomplishments of the year (Awards Program and Hall of Ideas) and allows students to learn leadership skills while meeting other student leaders from across the state. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the year, start planning for next year, share your best project/program/activities, and get ideas from other schools through the Hall of Ideas. Advisors from member and non-member schools may register students to attend this event. Click on the graphic above for full details. |
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Affordable National Conference - You don't want to miss this! |
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Lasso Your Leadership at the 2024 National VISION Conference! Thursday, June 20 (pre-event) throughTuesday, June 23, 2024 Registration closes Tuesday, April 9th VISION: Value, Inspire, Share, Insight, Opportunity, Network |
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Middle school through juniors in high school - MASC is excited to be able to chaperone a small delegation to the National Vision Leadership Conference and New Mexico is proud and excited to announce that Rio Rancho High School (outside of Albuquerque) is hosting the VISION National Student Council Leadership Conference. Read about the conference, look at pictures from recent years, discuss with your parents, and sign up to attend. Click on the Vision Conference graphic above for all details. |
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Rising Leaders: Empowering Middle School Students for Success Webinar: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 19thRegistration closes at 11:59 p.m., Sat., March 16th Are you a middle school student interested in learning more about involvement, resources, and collaborating with others? If so, join the MASC 2nd-Vice President and |
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Regional 2nd-Vice Presidents and meet new students across Maryland! We have planned fun breakout sessions, get-to-know-you activities, and roundtable-styled discussions! You'll also hear from MASC Executive Board members and middle school student leaders like YOU! Click on the picture above for the link to register. |
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Inclusion in Leadership Forum
Saturday, April 27th9:50 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.Registration opens April 4th MASC is excited to announce that the theme for this year's forum has been finalized – Geographic Harmony. Student leaders will discuss geographical diversity through a panel and participate in multiple discussions about how location can affect us and our leadership. Join us to add to this discussion and learn more about being Inclusive as Leaders! Click on the picture to the right for more details. |
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Congratulations - SMOB Candidates Congratulations to Abhiram Gaddam (Parkside High School, Wicomoico County) and Jordan Hayes (Patuxent High School, Calvert County) who are the final candidates for the student member on the state Board of Education, The Governor will appoint one candidate to serve for the July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 term. Read about the SMOB candidates and Officers-elect on MASC's home page. |
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Congratulations - MASC 2024-2025 Officers-Elect! President: Shradha Bista (North Hagerstown HS, Washington County)
1st Vice President: Madison Watts (Rockville HS, Montgomery County)
2nd Vice President: Derrell Goss (Southern MS, Calvert County)
Treasurer: David Arowolo (Eastern Technical HS, Baltimore County) They will start their term at the concusion of the May 2024 executive board meeting. |
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Maryland Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) ApplicationsMarch 1 – June 30 The Maryland Youth Advisory Council was established through the Maryland General Assembly to ensure that Maryland youth are given the opportunity to provide feedback and recommendations regarding public policies and programs that affect their future and to take a leadership role in creating meaningful change. By providing testimony in Annapolis and policy recommendations, council members have the opportunity to rasie their voices and share |
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their experiences with the Governor, State legislature, agencies, and other youth. MASC can appoint two students this year (we have two who will be serving the second year of their term). Be sure to check "MASC" on how you heard about this to be considered for an appointment by MASC! Click on the graphic above for information. If you have questions, please contact Christina Drushel Williams at christina.drushel@maryland.gov |
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March Service Spotlight Spring into Action, Serve with Purpose As spring blooms and the world awakens from its winter slumber, let's seize the opportunity to sow seeds of change and growth within our communities. This March, let's harness the energy of renewal and embark on service projects that rejuvenate our surroundings and uplift those in need. From environmental initiatives to acts of kindness, let's spring into action and serve with purpose. Explore the possibilities and make a meaningful impact this March! Check out our website for project ideas. |
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March Green Goals Happy March, MASC! As we partake in the fun and festivities of St. Patrick’s Day, we must incorporate eco-friendly practices into our celebrations – paying homage to the lush, green landscapes of Ireland, while also contributing to the well-being of our planet. Check out the March Green Goals to learn more about sustainability practices during St. Patrick’s Day! The GreenCrabs Newsletter will be back in April! |
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Plan to Celebrate your Student Leaders during National Student Leadership Week |
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National Student Leadership WeekApril 22-26 "LEVEL UP!" Click on the picture to the left to go to the National Association of Student Councils (NASC) website for celebration ideas, e-cards, toolkit (great social media posts), and importantly, to shout out your outstanding student leaders on the Student Leadership Map! Select student stories will be featured on the National Honor Society and National Student Council social media accounts! |
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Maryland Kid's Code The Maryland Kid's Code (previously referred to as the Age Appropriate Design Code) is a bill that introduces innovative policies to Maryland regarding tech companies’ ability to collect data from minors and target minors through harmful advertising. The Maryland Association of Student Councils voted to support this bill last year and for the current year. The Civic Engagement Committee shares with you reasons why the students of Maryland have voted to support this bill once again. (Click on the graphic to watch.) |
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The Mental Health Thought Box The MASC Mental Health Affairs Coordinators are seeking the input of students around the state to submit commentary and general topics that they feel are disregarded and/or need to be discussed more deeply. |
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These responses – particularly the most prevalent or frequent ones – will be the basis for facilitating conversations at future mental health events led by the Mental Health Affairs Coordinators, with the support of the Mental Health Committee. The Mental Health Affairs Coordinators hope that the Thought Box brings forth notable change within the mental health sphere in Maryland. (Please click on the "Mental Health" graphic or the "Thought Box" blue link above to complete a Google form with your suggestions and topics. Please note that some school systems block Google items so you may need to use a personal device to access this.) |
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Buy some Popcorn, a Gift Card for Yourself or a Friend & Donate Your Old Electronics Looking to make a difference in your community? Look no further than MASC! With three ongoing fundraisers, you can support MASC. |
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1) Pop for a Cause: MASC is collaborating with Pop for a Cause to host our ongoing popcorn fundraiser! Purchase gourmet popcorn online here and select “MASC” in the Donation Recipient dropdown in your cart for MASC to receive a portion of the profits!
2) Shop for gift cards from over 750+ brands. 3) Safely and sustainably dispose of old electronics. Give back, save money, and make a difference all at once. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. Click on the picture for detailed information. |
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Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) - Students Advocating for Safety (student committee)MCSS is especially looking for students in Western Maryland and the Eastern ShoreAll meetings are virtual |
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The Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) Be a safety superstar and join the Maryland Center for School Safety's Students Advocating for Safety (SAS) focus group! As a member, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on school safety by sharing your ideas and recommendations with decision-makers. Apply today and help make your school a safer place for everyone. Applications are open year-round. |
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2023-2024 MASC Calendar &2024-2025 Draft Calendar! Get ready to lead the way with MASC! Our student leadership program offers a wide range of opportunities for you to grow, connect, and make a difference in your school and community. Check out our calendar to stay in the loop and get involved. Click on the graphic to the left for the Google document or go to our Events and Conferences webpage. |
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The Maryland Office of the Secretary of State Student Ambassador Program Deadline March 7th This program, designed for high school students, supports and promotes opportunities to organize events, promote volunteerism, and civic engagement in their communities regardless of any previous civic-based service. Students will be encouraged to actively engage in various service-based activities such as working as a Page in the Maryland Page Program, hosting voter registration drives, or participating in local policy hearings. |
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Each group of up to 10 students will earn points for their school to be recognized as the top school in Maryland for service and civic engagement. The school at the end of the year with the most points will receive a trophy and award ceremony in Annapolis. Click on the graphic above for full details. Click here to apply. |
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#ICANHELP NEWS Special for Adults, Parents, Educators Hypersexualized & Pornified Social Media & Gaming: The Harms to Youth4:00 p.m., Wed., March 13th |
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Calling all parents, caregivers, and educators! Join Digital4Good and Culture Reframed for an eye-opening discussion of the social, emotional, and cognitive impacts of hypersexualized media on youth well-being. Over 70% of teens encounter explicit content online before they turn 18. Discover practical ways to safeguard your children from harmful content, engage them in honest and meaningful conversations, and create a safer online environment for today's youth. Register for free at www.icanhelp.net/culturereframed |
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Advisor Seminar Series STUDENT COUNCIL ADVISOR SHARE | Tuesday, March 19, 2024: In the spring, NA4SA invites student council advisors and leadership teachers to gather and share about events, projects, elections, officer training, |
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teaching leadership - whatever you have to share or want to learn about! CLICK HERE to register. Looking Ahead: SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT | Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Whether you are looking for speakers for 2024-2025 school assemblies, regional/state events, staff training, or just want a good dose of positivity, you will want to be part of this annual event! We will enjoy a top-notch line-up of speakers from The Fisher Agency, CoolSpeak, and more! |
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Now accepting applications for the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option! The priority deadline for applications is April 1, 2024. The Maryland Cors/Service Year option provides individuals 18 years of age and older with an invaluable opportunity to determine the best next steps in their work or educational journey through a year of paid, full-time service. Participants will earn at least $15 an hour, will receive help accessing wrap-around services, and will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities. Additionally, after completion of the term of service, participants will receive $6,000 that can be put into a Maryland 529 Education Savings account or received as a cash stipend. Interested Members and Host Site Partners can go to serve.maryland.gov to apply today. Questions? Please visit serve.maryland.gov or email applytoserve@maryland.gov |
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Empowering Youth to Shape the Future of Democracy9:00-3:00 PM, Saturday, April 20Crofton High SchoolAnne Arundel County |
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The Maryland Civic Education and Engagement Leadership Summit, is hosting a youth summit that promises to be an extraordinary day of learning, networking, and empowerment. Participants will be exploring innovations in voting rights, educational strategies for civic engagement, youth participation in the electoral process, and much more. Click on the MD Civic Education Coalition graphic above to register. |
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MyImpact Challenge: Deadline: 11:59 p.m., May 19, 2024 – MyImpact Challenge is a civic engagement contest that promotes and fosters a robust understanding of citizenship to get students active in their communities now! Student service projects can win up to $10,000, with $40,000 in total prizes available to students and teachers. Submission is open to US citizens and US-based young people who are between the ages of 13 and 19 and enrolled in middle or high school on January 1, 2024.
Flyer (pdf) |
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The Explore.Act.Tell Program is a Family and Consumer Science aligned and fully-funded (free) service leadership program for students in grades 6-12. Join the battle against hunger in your community with Explore Act Tell! Students can register at exploreacttell.org/registration to research food insecurity, develop important skills, and advocate for community involvement. Plus, enter your projects into the competition for a chance to win a grant and make a real difference. |
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Work To Be Well Vision: That all teens have better mental health support and increased emotional well-being. Our Mission To be the trusted source for educational tools and resources to help activate and empower teens, educators and communities through their curriculum and social media campaigns. |
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Article Recommendations from #ICANHELP - DIGITAL4GOOD
Experts Weigh In: Donna Wick, Ed.D; Clinical Psychologist and founder of Mind to Mind Parents says, “Kids text all sorts of things that you would never in a million years contemplate saying to anyone’s face...You hope to teach them that they can disagree without jeopardizing the relationship, but what social media is teaching them to do is disagree in ways that are more extreme and jeopardize the relationship. It’s exactly what you don’t want to have happen.”
How does social media addiction start? Social media plays a large role when it comes to our mental health. The goal of social media apps is to keep us on them and absorb a lot of content. The downside to this is that they can be slowly addictive over time. Check it out - Apps like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok use different tactics to keep us hooked. |
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There is still time to apply! The application closes on March 15th! Click on the graphic below to apply! |
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Horatio Alger Scholarship CURRENT JUNIORS! CLOSES March 15th The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. While many programs are directed primarily to recognizing academic achievement or leadership potential, the Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity, as well as have critical financial need. Click on the information to the left for full information. |
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SENIORS - The Horatio Alger Association also has a few targeted scholarships for seniors. Click on the graphic above to apply! |
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Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): These programs provide grants, work-study, and loan funds to students attending college or career school. The Maryland Higher Education Commission has extended the state deadline to submit the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to June 1, 2024. While students will have until June 1st to file and qualify for Maryland scholarships, they are encouraged to submit their FAFSA by March 1, 2024, if they want to be notified of their eligibility on April 15, 2024. |
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Through the new MHEC One-App, students who plan to attend a college, university, or career/trade school between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, may now apply for all of the financial aid programs offered by the State through one convenient location. |
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To get started, students are encouraged to log into or create their Maryland College Aid Processing System account, known as their MDCAPS account. Students who do not currently have an account will be required to create one. Students will also be required to submit an email that they use frequently to ensure successful communication between the student and the agency—all notifications go through email. This includes undocumented students who are eligible for in-state tuition and replaces the Maryland State Financial Aid Application, known as the MSFAA, with the new application, which is also located in the Maryland College Aid Processing System. The Maryland Higher Education Commission administers 27 State scholarship and grant programs to more than 65,000 Maryland students annually. |
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If this Bulletin was forwarded to you and you would like to receive it directly, please sign up with the link on this page. If you are a student who has graduated, please email Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils to be moved to a MASC alumni list. If you are no longer an Advisor, thank you so much for your past work with our student leaders in Maryland. Please email Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils and send the name and email of your replacement. |
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Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. |
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