MASC September 2024 Bulletin |
|
|
MASC Membership is Open Advisors - Don't wait, join MASC early. Membership perks for advisor webinars, conferences, awards, and give your student council members a voting voice at the state level! Read the FLYER for the reasons your school should join MASC. Click on the graphic for details. |
|
|
Workshop Presenter CertificationSaturday, September 21stRegistration closes Sept. 18Location: Western HS (Baltimore City) Do you want to be a workshop presenter at MASC conferences? Workshop Presenter Certification is an intense day of learning to certify secondary-school students to be MASC workshop presenters and to re-certify previously certified presenters. MASC feels peer teaching is a successful and effective method of training potential and current student leaders. MASC's extensive training yields student-led, high-quality workshops. Students may register themselves for this event. (Grades 8-12; 7th grade with advisor verification of prior conference attendance.) Click on the picture for details and the registration link. |
|
|
State Student Member on the Board of Education (SMOB):Webinar and Application Information Virtual SMOB Informational Webinar Thursday, 7:00 p.m. October 10Registration: Open now through 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, October. 8 School SMOB Nomination Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Monday, November 18 Each public high school in Maryland is invited to nominate one student for the 2025-2026 student member on the state Board of Education. To inform and educate interested qualified students about this position, MASC is offering a virtual SMOB webinar facilitated by the current and past state SMOBs. Read about the position and register for the webinar by clicking on the picture to the left. |
|
|
MASC Committees are Open!! Middle and high schoolers – join to energize your year with new projects fulfilling causes about which you’re passionate or to get involved with/become a bigger part of MASC! As committees meet at the same time virtually each month, students may only join one committee. Committee applications will remain open until just after the Fall Leadership Conference. Click on the graphic to the left for details. |
|
|
September Service Spotlight As we step into September, it’s crucial to reconnect with our school environment to set the stage for a successful and fulfilling year. Building a strong, supportive community begins with each of us actively engaging in service. This month also serves as an important time to remember and honor local heroes who have made significant sacrifices. MASC encourages school and regional student councils to extend their heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated members of our community. Local heroes include healthcare professionals, teachers, neighbors who go out of their way to help others, social workers, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces, among many others. Their unwavering |
|
|
commitment to our safety and well-being deserves our deepest appreciation. By reconnecting with our school community and acknowledging the efforts of those who serve us, we strengthen our bonds and foster a sense of gratitude and unity. Click on the "Service Spotlight" graphic for project details. |
|
|
August Green Goals Welcome back to school, MASC! This school year, make sustainability a priority and mitigate your impact on our environment. By incorporating eco-friendly practices into your school routines, you can protect the planet and create valuable learning opportunities for yourself and your peers that are an essential part of education. To learn more about back-to-school sustainability, check out this month’s Green Goals! |
|
|
Hosting MASC Events 2024-2025 Throughout the year, there are major conferences and several smaller events for which MASC needs hosts. MASC will accept bids for the Fall Leadership and Winter Leadership Conferences by September 28th. The presentation will be at a virtual executive board meeting the evening of Tuesday, October 1. Applications for the December Executive Board meeting should also be submitted by September 28th. Click on the graphic to the right for application and bid information. Reach out to Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils.org with any questions! |
|
|
MASC 2024-2025 CALENDAR After reviewing the MASC events from this past year, MASC has adjusted the 2024-2025 calendar. Please bookmark this Google Document as it will be updated throughout the year with webinars and other special events. Click on the graphic to the left to see the Calendar! |
|
|
Please note: Some school systems block access to documents on outside Google Drives. Consider using a personal device in accessing the MASC Calendar. |
|
|
FUNDrive:
Fundraising for your School Are you interested in fundraising while helping the environment and community at the same time? Host a FUNDrive donations drive with your student council or any other organization! Connect with FUNDrive, a program that partners with thrift stores, to host a clothing/household items donation drive for thrift stores and have your organization get paid for the donations! This is a great, easy, eco-friendly fundraiser! As a bonus, by using the MASC referral link, you can support MASC too |
|
|
Support MASC by donating your old electronics! 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 to the right for more information |
|
|
MASC 2024-2025 Member School ADVISORS |
|
|
MASC is offering advisor webinars in 2024-2025 to address topics of interest. Please take a couple of minutes to complete a SHORT survey so MASC may begin planning these events. Thanks to those advisors who have already completed the survey! Please note that this is a "perk" for MASC member school advisors - MASC Membership is now open for the 2024-2025 school year. |
|
|
Click on the graphic above to access the Google Form. |
|
|
| | Deadline to Register October 15th Foundations of Advising! NA4SA is offering the Foundations for Advisors program for the 2024-2025 school year, and welcomes the third cohort of new (or close to new) activity advisors to the world of Student Activities...and to YOUR National Association for Student Activities! Advisors will have the opportunity to earn up to 20 professional development hours. Each participating advisor will also be assigned a mentor advisor they can reach out to during the year. After the program, participants will receive a Credly micro-credential from NA4SA. Participants will also have the option of earning graduate credit for their participation.
Reach out to Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils for a personal testimony - Mrs. Crawford participated in the pilot program and highly recommends this affordable program.
| | |
|
| | NA4SA is looking forward to the 52nd annual National Conference on Student Activities (NCSA), December 6-8, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee! YOU are invited to attend this unique conference that brings together the Advocates, Advisors, Administrators, and Allies of Student Activities for a weekend of learning, networking, and fun! After NCSA 2024, you'll be inspired - and equipped - to make the most significant difference possible in the lives of your students, colleagues, and members of your school community! It is also never too early to start planning to attend this great National Conference Join other Maryland advisors (and MASC Executive Director) for a great weekend of outstanding speakers, fantastic workshops, and unbelievable networking! Check out the website for the schedule, hotel information, to meet the keynote speakers, and llearn about the scholarship available for new attendees! Anyone registering should use the special code KC24MD. | | |
|
|
National Association of Student Councils (NASC) News |
|
|
Join the National Association of Student Councils (NASC) In a landscape where every dollar counts, especially for schools managing tight budgets, the decision to invest in NASC membership is not just a cost, but a strategic investment in your students’ future. For $95, less than the cost of a single textbook, NASC is an essential resource for students, advisers, administrators, and your entire school community: Comprehensive Leadership Development: Resource Hub at Your Fingertips Nationwide Network of Support Recognition and Motivation A Voice in National Conversations:
Click on the NASC graphic for membership information. |
|
|
The National Association of Student Councils Scholarship program recognizes high school juniors and seniors who embody the core tenets of NASC: leadership, service, student voice, and engagement. |
|
|
This year, NASC is awarding $100,000 to students with a strong record of leadership in their school’s student council—$1,000 to 75 finalists and $5,000 to five national winners. Sign up for an informational webinar at 5:00 p.m., on September 26th to learn more about the scholarship. Sign up HERE! Click on the Scholarship graphic above for information. National Council of Excellence Strong Student Councils are essential to strong schools. The National Council of Excellence (NCOE) Awards recognize and celebrate middle and high school Student Councils that meet high standards and demonstrate evidence of student service, leadership, voice, and engagement. Applications open September 3, 2024, submission deadline is February 14, 2025, applicants receive information April 2025. |
|
|
Paid Fall Internship Rock the Vote is seeking smart, energetic, passionate, and enthusiastic candidates to join our team as Fall 2024 Interns. This is a paid position and will be fully remote. |
|
|
Rock the Vote is seeking applicants with experience or interest in any of the following areas: Research and public policy; Voting rights and social justice issues; Civic engagement and partnerships; Social media, marketing, and events; Campaigns and elections. Click on the graphic above for details and application information. |
|
|
United States Senate Youth Program Maryland Deadline October 9 The United States Senate Youth Program, established in 1962 by U.S. Senate Resolution, is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students interested in pursuing careers in public service. Current junior or senior high students, actively serving in high-level elected or elevated appointed leadership positions may be nominated by their school, and then can apply. |
|
|
If nominated, rising high school juniors and seniors may obtain a USSYP application through their high school principals, school counselors and social studies teachers OR visit the Maryland State Department of Education website for the program brochure and memo/nomination packet. |
|
|
2025 Maryland Legislative Page Program(Various deadlines in October and early November) During the 2025 Legislative Session, the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) will host student pages. Since 1970, Maryland's high school seniors have had the opportunity to learn about the legislative process by serving as student pages during the annual session of the Maryland General Assembly. Click on the picture for more information including the Page Coordinator in your school system. |
|
|
We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day Grants - Apply ASAP!
Dozens of $1,000 grants remain to be awarded to organizations, schools, and youth changemakers to lead service projects on or around 9/11 Day of Service 2024 that engage at least 100 youth volunteers in planning & implementing the service activities.
|
|
|
Click on the YSA graphic above for details. |
|
|
Free Webinars! Several free webinars are coming up that you don't want to miss! Students4Good Webinars (scroll to the bottom of the page) • 7:00 p.m., September 8 - Take Action: unplug the connotations of suicide and what students are doing to help prevent it not just this month but year-round. • 7:00 p.m., October - Be Nice, Be an Ally - discuss how awareness can be done through several outlets. Student speakers will be able to talk about how they show awareness through global diversity, LGBTQIA+ awareness, and cyberbullying prevention. This is our time to show how we are all capable of doing something nice! Digital4Good Webinars
8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2024 – Resume Boost Workshop: Unlock the power of your resume with "Resume Boost," a dynamic one-hour webinar designed for students. Join trailblazing professionals with firsthand industry experience, alongside expert resume mentors, for an interactive workshop. Bring your current resume and engage in real-time refinement. |
|
|
Data Proof for No Phone Policy: A No Phone Policy is meant to increase student attention, engagement, and academic performance. Considerable research shows that having a cell phone in class negatively affects student performance. Here are some key findings: Schools that restrict cell phone use see an improvement in test scores, especially among lower-achieving students. Dividing attention between a teacher and a device reduces long-term retention and impairs exam performance. Students who use phones during class recall less information, take less detailed notes, and perform worse academically. Simply having a phone present, even if turned off or face-down, reduces cognitive capacity.
Download #ICANHELP School District Policy Suggestions Guide today! (CLICK HERE) |
|
|
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. |
|
|
Maryland Civic Education Coalition (MCEC) MCEC is a great resource for all things civic-related. Read the latest newsletter with exciting news about upcoming events, internships, etc. Click on the graphic to the right to go to their website. |
|
|
The Maryland Civic Education Coalition is a cross-partisan organization committed to building an inclusive coalition that brings together students, educators, experts, scholars, and community members who are committed to ensuring that all Maryland students have access to meaningful, hands-on, comprehensive civic education and service-learning opportunities. |
|
|
Two Special Events on Tuesday, September 17th |
|
|
National Voter Registration Day National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. Celebrated every September, National Voter Registration Day involves volunteers and organizations from all over the country hitting the streets in a single day of coordinated field, technology, and media efforts. Click on the graphic for resources! |
|
|
September 23-27 is High School Voter Registration Week! Get help in planning from The Civics Center! Youth Serve America is also offering a Non-Partisan Voters Guide for the Presidential, House of Representatives, and US Supreme Court. CLICK HERE to get the information. |
|
|
Constitution Day "Constitution Day is an opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge of the Constitution, with its short elegant language and its far-reaching ramifications that have both shaped our history and our lives." Plan your celebration of Constitution Day by utilizing some of the resources listed below. |
|
|
Additional background, resources, program, and planning can be found in the New York Times Constitution Day Planning Guide by clicking on the graphic above. |
|
|
Back to School Resources for Educators |
|
|
JC Pohl, President & CEO – TEEN TRUTH, is offering a FREE download of his book, Building School Culture From the Inside Out. This book is packed with practical insights and strategies designed to help you create an environment where both students and staff can thrive. CLICK HERE |
|
|
Are your principal and assistant principals members of the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP)? Members enjoy access to members-only online research, liability coverage, reduced rates for the national principals' conference, and more! MASC is proud to collaborate with MASSP and present workshops at their conference
November 14-16,2024. Click on the graphic above to learn more and apply today! |
|
|
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. |
|
|
Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. |
|
|
|
|
