MASC January 2024 Bulletin |
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MASC MEMBER SCHOOLS ONLY MASC CONVENTION Registration is OPEN Registration closes at 11:59 p.m., Friday, January 26, 2024 (no extensions!) |
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Ashore Resort & Beach Club (OC)February 28, 29, March 1, 2024 Convention Highlights • Listening to a nationally recognized motivational
speaker
• Grade-level workshop with the motivational
speaker
• Exciting and meaningful student-led leadership
workshops
• Civics of MASC workshop
• Networking with student leaders from across
the state
• Election of the two final State Board of
Education student member (SMOB) candidates
• MASC 2024-2025 Officer Elections
• Voting on stances for youth-related bills in the
Maryland General Assembly
• Fun recreational activities
• Team building and get-to-know activities |
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Advisors from MASC member schools may now register a school delegation to attend the MASC Convention! Click on the picture above for full details, documents, and the registration link. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m., Friday, January 26, 2024 (no extensions!) |
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CALLING ALL MASC-CERTIFIED WORKSHOP PRESENTERS! MASC Convention: Feb. 28-29 and March 1, 2024 Ashore Resort & Beach Club (OC) Must be from a MASC Member School Deadline: 11:59 p.m., January 14, 2024 MASC needs student workshop presenters (preference given to certified presenters) for the Convention. There are opportunities to teach the pre-written "Civic of MASC" workshop that all delegates will attend and/or create your workshop geared toward middle and high school students. Click here for full details and applications. |
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January Service Spotlight New Year, New Acts of Kindness January is the perfect time to set the tone for the year ahead with acts of kindness and service. Start the year with a bang by making a positive impact on those around you. Engage in acts of kindness, big or small, and let the spirit of service define the beginning of 2024. Together, let's create a year filled with compassion, connection, and community growth. |
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MASC Publications Stay informed and connected with our latest news and publications. MASC Bulletin – Published at the beginning of every month, the Bulletin has important MASC news and events, as well as additional opportunities, events, and resources outside of MASC Monthly Briefing – Published in the middle of each month, this informative resource contains recaps, reminders, and previews of upcoming events to help you stay in the loop MASC Quarterly – This seasonal publication offers an in-depth look at our initiatives, past events, and important dates. If you want to stay up-to-date on all things MASC AIMS Quarterly – The AIMS Committee (Action in Middle School) is a middle school student leadership group focused on making a positive impact in their middle school community. To read more about their projects and initiatives, check out the AIMS Quarterly newsletter. GreenCrabs – MASC's environmental newsletter has well-researched and relevant environmental news pieces to keep you informed, as well as other interesting features, like upcoming environmental service opportunities and more. |
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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 hope of the Mental Health Affairs Coordinators is that the Thought Box brings forth notable change within the mental health sphere in Maryland. (Please click on the "Mental Health" graphic or the "Thougth Box" blue link 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 devise to access this.) |
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GREAT MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Documentary Trailer & Resources: Hiding in Plain Sight: Ken Burns presents this youth mental illness documentary film by Erik and Christopher Ewers. Work2BeWell is creating 24+ lessons to go with the film that will be released this fall. It’s free to watch on PBS with a school email or a few bucks on Amazon Prime.
Work2BeWell: is a digital wellness program focused on positively impacting the emotional well-being of teens and promoting mental health. Check out a ton of free resources! Questions? support@work2bewell.org or https://work2bewell.org/ Also, be sure to bookmark and listen to Work2BeWell Podcasts! From conversations on social justice and mental health activism to navigating digital learning or supporting mental health during the holidays, we explore topics that build meaningful dialogue and student activation around mental health. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music. |
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MASC Committee OpportunitiesThere are still a few openings available for EMaryland astern Shore Students MASC offers opportunities for students to get involved in committees that align with their interests and skills. The Division 6-8 committee has a particular need for representation from the Eastern Shore. The Maryland Center for School Safety is also looking for students from Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore. Click on the picture to the left to go to the MASC Committee website to read about a few of the opportunities still available. |
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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. MASC awards and recognitions are only open to MASC MEMBER SCHOOLS. Click on the ribbon to the right for details. |
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Hosts Needed for MASC's Spring Leadership Conference Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase the leadership skills of your students and make a difference in the student community? Look no further than becoming an event host for MASC! Reach out to the MASC executive directors with any questions! Click on the picture to the left for details. |
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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) invites students to apply for the 2023-2024 student focus group, Students Advocating for Safety (SAS). Joining SAS will empower students to play a vital role in shaping student-centered recommendations for the Advisory Board and influence the Subcabinet's decision-making process. Becoming a member will also allow students to learn more about the diversity of the current school and students' safety-related issues, develop government relations and leadership skills, and grant them first-hand exposure to the inner workings of state agencies and boards. Applications are open year-round. |
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2023-2024 MASC 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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Small Grant Project: For Fiscal Year 2024, MYAC was allocated funding from the Maryland Children's Cabinet to provide grants to youth-led organizations and projects across the state. The grant is open to youth-led, adult-supported projects which aligns with one of the Council’s priorities. Requested funds are no more than $1,000, and completed grant submissions include an application form, budget template, and W-9 form for the organization. All applications are due at 11:59 p.m., Friday, January 5th, 2024 (no deadline exceptions). Selected applicants will be notified before MYAC's meeting on January 20th, 2024, and must present their grant proposal before the Council for final selections. Learn more about the application and access the application documents using this link - https://goccp.maryland.gov/myac-grant-project/ |
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State Superintendent SearchVirtual Focus Group7:00 p.m., Tues., Jan. 6th The Maryland State Board of Education has initiated a search for the new State Superintendent of Schools. There are four phases to the search process – engagement, recruitment, selection, and transition. The engagement phase consists of designing and planning a process of engaging the state's residents in interviews, online surveys, and focus groups. |
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The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) would like to invite members of MASC to be a part of this engagement process by attending a one-hour virtual focus group session at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 16th. Please click on the button below to register for this virtual session. MASC will email the Zoom link to the attendees the day before the session, then again, an hour before it starts. |
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Advisors: Great Virtual Learning OpportunityRegister by January 26, 2024 The NA4SA Academy is designed to provide support for activity advisors (regardless of their organization, or if you work with middle or high school students), leadership class teachers, and summer leadership workshop/camp staff and directors. It will be valuable no matter how much experience you have. The Academy will help each group excel in their role, share experiences with other individuals working in student leadership to build a national professional collaborative network you can tap into for support and advice, and provide you with the most recent scholarship in advising and leadership pedagogy. The first session is on January 29, 2024 Refer specific questions to Dr. Felix Yerace |
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#ICANHELP NEWS Free Webinar: Life Is Beautiful 7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 7 "Celebrate life. To truly live, celebrate each day of your life. Let each day be a festival of joy!” As the year starts, let's celebrate our lives through our mental wellness, happiness, and community. Join #ICANHELP as student panelists discuss the hunt for happiness that the new year can bring to us all. |
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Planning Ahead: 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 4, 2024 – "Spread the Love" free webinar “Love and kindness are never wasted. Kindness is the most important tool to spread love across humanity.” Going into the month of love, why not spread it through kindness, self-love, and self-care? As teenagers, many aspects may not be talked about such as how to deal with teen dating violence. Join us as our student speakers touch on random acts of kindness, self-love, and self-care, and how to nurture yourself. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Admin TechTalk: Policy Change: 4:00 p.m., February 6, 2024 - Administrators - Mark your calendars for the next session of this groundbreaking series hosted by Digital4Good & the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • #ICANHELP - Free Monthly Download: Sextortion Defense - In 2022, law enforcement received over 7,000 reports related to the online exploitation of children and teens, resulting in more than 3,000 victims and causing the FBI to issue a national public safety alert. Digital4Good has developed a new resource to aid schools, parents, and caregivers in addressing sextortion and other forms of cyber-sexual harassment and abuse. Download it for free HERE. |
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • FREEBIE: Social Media Emergency Plan (#ICANHELP) - It’s finally here! When campus threats, cyberbullying, or other dangerous online behaviors arise, school leaders need a plan to take action and keep students and staff safe. #ICANHELP Social Media Emergency Plan equips schools with the tools and resources to handle social media incidents quickly, safely, and efficiently. Download our newest resource for free HERE! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
SPECIAL OFFER: Social Media Engagement Course ($29.99) - Learn what and how to post on social media for your school or clubs. Our student marketing team teaches you the best practices, how to use analytics to grow your social media accounts, and the impact a good social media account can have on your campus! |
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As the Maryland General Assembly gets ready to start its 2024 Session, here are some events hosted by the MD Civic Education Coalition (MCEC) you don't want to miss. |
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Virtual: 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 25 Your Voice Matters: Mastering Advocacy in the Maryland General Assembly Are you ready to make your voice heard in the halls of power? Get ready to amplify your voice! Join MCEC's virtual advocacy training. Dive into how the Maryland General Assembly works and learn to connect with lawmakers. This is your chance to gain essential skills with a community of young changemakers like yourself. RSVP: https://forms.gle/eHR6WN1hny5yiT9x8 |
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Save the Date: Monday, February 12th
Advocacy Night for Civics in Annapolis
MCEC is hosting an Advocacy Night in Annapolis and they need your support. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage and advocate for the Maryland Seal of Civic Excellence. They'll be coordinating volunteer efforts to share key information directly with legislators in the General Assembly and your participation could make a huge difference in how civic education shapes the future of our state.
Let MCEC know of your interest: https://forms.gle/eHR6WN1hny5yiT9x8 |
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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. Register at exploreacttell.org/registration and students will join the fight against hunger by researching hunger security in their community, practicing skills needed to become good citizens through a project, and advocating for community involvement and service. Plus, students can enter projects into the competition for a chance to win a grant for a charity involving hunger and food insecurity. |
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FOSSI (Future of STEM Scholars Initiative) is now accepting applications for 2024. The application period will end on January 31, 2024. Underrepresented students interested in making an impact and innovation through science, engineering, and math. This national industry-wide program seeks to increase the number of underrepresented professionals in the STEM workforce by providing scholarships to students pursuing preferred STEM degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): These programs provide grants, work-study, and loan funds to students attending college or career school. The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., on June 30, 2024. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., on Sept. 14, 2024 MD State Financial Aid Programs: The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) at the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) provides several state grants, scholarships, and loan assistance repayment programs for eligible Maryland residents. Click on the article title above for details. |
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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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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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