MASC February 2024 Bulletin |
|
|
Virtual Executive Board MeetingSaturday, February 10, 202410:00-12:30 p.m.Registration closes 11;59 p.m., Thursday, February 8 ALL student leaders are welcome to attend MASC Executive Board meetings. Registration is done individually, not by the school advisor. MASC Appointed Staff MUST register regardless if you’re attending or not. Click on the graphic to the right to register. |
|
|
MASC Officer ApplicationsDeadline: 5:00 p.m., Feb. 9(Must be registered for the Convention as advertised) Qualified student leaders interested in running for a MASC office should carefully read all of the qualifications, review the 2024-2025 draft calendar (time commitment), and discuss transportation arrangements with parents. There are recommendations and signatures required, so don't wait until the last minute or you'll miss the deadline! Click on the graphic to the left for details. |
|
|
Career in Finance Webinar7:00-8:00 p.m. February 13Register by 11:59 p.m. Feb.5 Are you interested in finance, economics, and business? Participate in finance-related activities and hear from a special panel of business professionals, including a student business owner and the Vice President of a business! Hosted by the MASC Treasurer and Finance Committee - refer questions to Treasurer Lumina.Zhang@mdstudentcouncils.org. Click on the graphic to the right to register. |
|
|
February Service Spotlight Love in Action: Share the Warmth This February, let's go beyond traditional expressions of love and turn our focus to love in action. Embrace the spirit of generosity and compassion by engaging in service projects that spread warmth throughout your community. Whether you're sharing kindness with friends, family, or strangers, February is the perfect month to make a positive impact. Check out our website for heartfelt service ideas. |
|
|
Maryland Age Appropriate Design Code The Maryland 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.) |
|
|
GreenCrabsEnvironmental Newsletter In this month's edition of the MASC Environmental Affairs Committee GreenCrabs newsletter, learn all about the world of environmental policy and how you can be an advocate for a brighter future! This edition features articles about local, state, and national environmental legislation and includes steps on how you can act to support a greener planet through the legislative process. Links to other MASC publications can be found on our MASC homepage. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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.) |
|
|
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 left for details. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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, 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! |
|
|
#ICANHELP NEWS Free Webinar: Spread the Love 7:00 p.m., Sunday, February 4 “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) |
|
|
Join #ICANHELP for the Digital4Good Summit on February 5th, 2024! Broadcasted live from Google NYC, this year’s Summit will feature talks from student innovators, social media influencers, and tech giants about what they’re doing to make the digital world a safer place — just in time for Safer Internet Day! Register for FREE to host a watch party for your classroom or school HERE. |
|
|
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • #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. Protect your loved ones from the dangers of online exploitation with Digital4Good. Our innovative cyber safety resource empowers parents, caregivers, and schools to prevent sextortion and other forms of cyber-sexual harm. Don't wait until it's too late – join us in the fight for a safer digital world. Download it for free HERE. FREEBIE: Social Media Emergency Plan (#ICANHELP) - Get ready to handle social media incidents like a pro! Introducing #ICANHELP - the ultimate social media emergency plan for schools. Say goodbye to cyberbullying and hello to a safer online environment for students and staff. Download our newest resource for free HERE! |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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 |
|
|
The Maryland Office of the Secretary of State is excited to announce the Student Ambassador Program for Maryland High School Students. This program, designed for 10th through 12th-grade 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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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) |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
SENIORS - The Horatio Alger Association also has a few targeted scholarships for seniors. Click on the graphic above to apply! |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
