MASC December 2022 Bulletin |
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"The Magic of MASC – Spellbinding Leadership." Join us as we explore, learn, and experience the magic that is MASC!! |
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Executive Board Meeting December 10, 2022Registration closes 11:59 p.m., December 7th At this meeting, business items include legislation concerning election rules for the student member on the Board of Education (SMOB) and MASC officers. In addition, the standing rules for the Legislative Session and Convention will be discussed. We will also hear conference updates and bids (presentation/voting) for upcoming conferences. |
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Executive Board Meeting SERVICE PROJECT As winter approaches, many individuals are lacking sufficient clothes to keep warm this season. So, MASC is asking you all to donate new or gently-used outdoor winter clothing: hats, gloves, coats, scarves, and any other outside clothing for any age. The items will be collected at this meeting and the donation will be given to organizations to distribute to those in need. Any donation will go a long way! |
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Calling All MASC Certified Workshop PresentersDeadline: 11:59 p.m., Dec. 21 Training Sat. Jan. 21, 2023Legislative Session: Sat. Feb. 11, 2023 MASC just completed a successful Fall Leadership Conference and we are diving into major planning for the Legislative Session. This event will be in-person on February 11, 2023 (snow date: February 18th). MASC is in need of certified workshop presenters from member schools (check with your advisor if you are not from a member school) to present at Legislative Session. All workshops will be prewritten, requiring less prep time for presenters. There will be a mandatory, in-person training day on January 21st at the host school, so make sure you are available on that day also! The Workshop Presenter information is at the bottom of the Legislative Session website. Sign-up is now open until December 21st. | | |
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Mark your calendar NOW - registration for the MASC Legislative Session is January 4 – 25, 2023. Only MASC Member Schools may register. |
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The second major MASC conference of the school year is the Legislative Session. During this event, students will participate in leadership workshops, take stances on youth-related bills in the Maryland General Assembly, and participate in electing the final two candidates for the student member of the State Board of Education! Click on the link below to read the detailed information and to get ready for this important civic event. | | |
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MASC AwardsDeadline: 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023 It's never too early to start the paperwork to nominate an advisor, principal, or student for a MASC award or recognition! Please note that the middle and high school principal and advisor of the year awards must go through the regional organization (except for counties with no regional organization). 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 open to MASC MEMBER SCHOOLS.
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December Service Spotlight: Giving Back during the Holiday Season MASC is encouraging school and regional student councils to help out those in need during the holiday season. The holidays are about sharing, compassion, and showing your appreciation for others. Use this season of giving to help out those in your community. Many families in unfortunate situations can not afford to purchase their own holiday goods. Through volunteering and donating, you can improve the holiday season and transform your community into a happier place. Let's make the holidays special for everyone! Click the link below to explore several ways you can give back during the holiday season. | | |
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If your school or regional SGA has completed an exciting community service project, MASC wants to share your work to help students around the state follow your lead! MASC has a Google form to submit a description and photos of your project at any time throughout the year. Your SGA can also support service work initiated by other student groups and organizations, then complete the form to share the story of this collaboration with MASC! Click on the link above (Service Spotlight Details) |
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December Green Goals Happy Holidays everyone! As you’re going about buying presents and preparing for the holidays, keep in mind the simple things you can do to make the season more sustainable–so that our Earth can thrive for many more holiday seasons to come! Click on the link below to read about some ways to make this winter white season a little more green! | | |
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Electronics Recycling Fundraiser In keeping with our green goals, MASC is proud to announce a new, environmentally friendly and responsible fundraiser designed to help alleviate the fast-growing environmental problem of e-waste. But we need your help! Simply dust off your old electronics, place them in a box, print the FREE pre-paid shipping label, and take it to the nearest FedEx to ship. 100% of the proceeds from the recycling of these items will go towards funding MASC, so we can continue to have our amazing events and conferences. | | |
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MASC 2022-2023 Membership - Join Today! Student voice, leadership skills, networking, resources, recognition representation, friendships, and fun – are just a few of the reasons why your school's student council should join the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC). Membership applications are still open. The process is exclusively online and only a school advisor or administrator may complete the application. Click on the link below to apply. | | |
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2022-2023MASC Calendar Get involved! MASC's calendar of events includes registration periods and links to details for 2022-2023. Please take a look and mark your school and regional calendars to help avoid conflicts and plan ahead for school delegations to be involved and attend events! | | |
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Summit CelebrationDecember 5-6, 2022 Digital4Good celebrates students who are using digital technology to make a positive impact in their communities. We’re shining a spotlight on student innovation and leadership to show the world just what kids + teens can do with the right tools, education, and encouragement. The annual Digital4Good Summit will celebrate eleven outstanding student innovators who are using digital media and technology to solve problems and advance social, economic, environmental, and educational causes. The Summit is a LiveStream event, which means that virtual participation is limitless. | | |
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National Student Council Opportunity - HURRY - There is not much time for the early-bird registration discount!!! |
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LEAD SPARK ConferenceEarly Bird Discount EndsDecember 9th Conference Jan. 27-29, 2023 Crystal City, VA LEAD (Leadership, Experience, and Development) SPARK is the only NatStuCo, NHS, and NJHS conference being offered for 2023. Whether you are budding leaders or seasoned club officers, students and advisors will want to attend this conference to LEAD and SPARK their passion for leadership and service! |
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MASC will be able to chaperone a few students to this event. Please email Nicete.Moodie@mdstudentcouncils.org and Karen.Crawford@mdstudentcouncils.org for more information. |
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LEAD SPARK Call for Workshop Presenters! Are you planning on attending LEAD SPARK? Do you have student leadership experiences you could share to help other students make an impact? You can be a workshop presenter – deepen your engagement by sharing your knowledge. |
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MASC committees opportunities |
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Committees are an excellent way for students in Maryland to get involved in issues for which they are passionate or skilled and to learn more about MASC. MASC currently has several committee applications that are still open. Some are only looking for representation from specifically under-represented counties and Baltimore City. Action in Middle School Civic Engagement Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Environmental Affairs Mental Health Social Media Committee deadlines now vary, so check the information for each committee by clicking the link below. | | |
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MD State Dept. of Education Student Roundtable Watch the live-stream recording from the November 17, 2022, Student Roundtable, co-facilitated by State Board of Education Student Member of the Board Merin Thomas and State Superintendent of Schools Mohammed Choudhury. The conversation was impactful and MASC encourages students and advisors to watch. | | |
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Maryland Public Schools Strategic Planning Survey The Maryland Strategic Planning Survey is now live! Help shape the future of our schools. The Maryland State Board and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) invites Maryland residents to complete their Strategic Planning Survey, which will help guide the implementation of the multi-year strategic plan to transform public education. | | |
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MyImpact ChallengeDeadline: May 21st MyImpact Challenge is a civic engagement contest hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute. Their goal is simple: foster a robust understanding of citizenship and 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. Every project that meets the entry guidelines will be rewarded with a digital Civic Achievement badge. Advisors - there are also "thinking lessons" available! | | |
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Free Covid Test Kits While you can no longer get free COVID-19 test kits from the federal government, if you have health insurance or Medicare, you’re covered for eight free over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests each month. | | |
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FOSSI Scholarships January 31, 2022 Recognizing a lack of diversity throughout the STEM workforce, in November of 2020, the American Chemistry Council (ACC), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Chemours and HBCU Week Foundation partnered to establish the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI). 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). | | |
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Maryland Higher Education CommissionDeadline: March 1, 2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) The Maryland Higher Education Commission is happy to announce that the 2023-2024 FAFSA and MSFAA applications are now open. Click on the link below for more details and for the applications. | | |
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To view a complete list of all state scholarships and grants that the Maryland Higher Education Commission offers, click on the link below. | | |
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There are some exciting changes to the Horatio Alger Association National ($25,000) and State ($10,000) scholarship programs. It's so much more than a scholarship!!! · • Attendance in April 2023 at National Scholars Conference in Washington DC. (all expenses paid) • Online seminars (college application process, time management, study skills, and more!) • Enrollment in HAA Connect (networking platform to other scholars and alumni • Access to Scholar Services Coordinators (created to provide guidance and support) • Access to the Scholar Emergency Fund • Enhanced Mental Health Services (24/7 telephone line and online portal) • Alumni Association (give back and help others!) The Horatio Alger Association is pleased to have awarded $235 million to more than 35,000 students with the support of its Members and is the largest provider of need-based scholarships in the United States. |
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Horatio Alger AssociationNational Scholarship Deadline: March 15, 2023 This scholarship has now transitioned to awarding scholarships to high school JUNIORS. This change will afford the Horatio Alger Staff to counsel Scholars and for the Scholar to learn more about the Horatio Alger Association. |
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One application for the National ($25,000) or State ($10,000) scholarship! 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. |
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Here's to December - a Month of... * Celebrating how far we have come * Reflecting on all we have learned this year * Knowing we are not alone if we are grieving or hurting. * Remembering that even though there are 100 things to do, we are not wrong for needing time to rest and regroup. * Being grateful for things both great and small. * Believing that some of the best gifts we can give are time, empathy, and love." Morgan Harper Nicholas During this season of giving, let us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things. We wish you a holiday that sparkles with moments of love, laughter, and goodwill. May the year ahead be filled with contentment and joy. Nicete Moodie & Karen Crawford |
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Please consider an "end of the year" donation to MASC. All donations are tax-deductible! Any amount helps! MASC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting the student voice in Maryland! | | |
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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 be moved to a MASC alumni list. |
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Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. |
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