PASC News Quarterly

Pnq PASC News Quarterly

Summer 5 Workshops

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PA Youth Summit

Horatio Alger Scholarships

Councils of Excellence

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Make A Difference

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Conference Updates

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Volume 39 • Issue 5 • May 2015

Spirit of Community Awards

Minithon Raises Funds

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Inside This Issue NASC Honors 9 Pennsylvania Councils as National Councils of Excellence ........................................ 2 Student Leaders Gather at Youth Summit in Harrisburg..................... 3 Grant Opportunity......................... 4 Pennsylvania Seniors to be Awarded $416,000 in Horatio Alger Scholarships................................................... 4 Summer Workshops Make a Difference in Your Council...................... 5 PASC Summer Leadership Workshop Dates ...................................... 5 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Announced......................... 6 PASC,You Made the Difference... 7 Alumni Profile: Steve Aikens......... 8

Congratulations to the nine PASC member schools who have received the highlyesteemed 2015 National Council of Excellence Award by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC).

The National Council of Excellence is a national award program created by NASC to recognize student councils that maintain strong year-round programs and work to improve their schools and community through their leadership activities. “Receiving an NASC National Council of Excellence Award indicates a dedication on the part of the local school to providing a strong, well-rounded student council program,” says Jeff Sherrill, associate director of NASC. “NASC applauds the work of the National Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities.”

The following PASC member schools have attained the status of Gold Council of Excellence. These councils are honored “for implementing a strong leadership program that meets council goals, functioning in an ethical and responsible way; and engaging others in leadership, spirit, civic and service activities.”

High School Gold Council of Excellence Boyertown Area High School (District 13) Interboro High School (District 12) Marple Newtown High School (District 11) Mountain View Jr.-Sr. High School (District 9)

End the Year on a Positive Note................................................... 8

North Allegheny High School (District 3)

PA Schools Hold More Than 130 Minithons.......................................... 9

Norwin High School (District 4)

North Penn High School (District 12)

Pocono Mountain West High School (District 9)

PASC Establishes Hotel Reservation Procedure for 2015 State Conference....................................... 10

Middle School Gold Council of Excellence

Principal– Advisor–Leaders 2015 Conference....................................... 10

The Council of Excellence award recognizes the work of each council during a calendar year. Student councils recognized as National Councils of Excellence receive national recognition, including an official letter and certificate. NASC also provides a press template that can be used with local media. All honored schools are encouraged to share their achievement with the student body, faculty, administration, school board, and community.

Conference Update: Organizers Make Changes ................................. 11 Consider Attending and Hosting a State Conference............................ 11 Continuity of (Student) Government................................................... 12 Four Ways to Fight End-ofYearitis............................................... 12

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NASC Honors 9 Pennsylvania Councils as National Councils of Excellence

Fleetwood Middle School (District 13)

For more information on the process used to have your council designated as a Council of Excellence, go to www.nasc.us for a listing of criteria and the application, which will be due February 15, 2016. Officers and advisors are encouraged to make sure that files are up-to-date this spring as the student council transitions from one set of student leaders to the next.

PASC’s goal in 2016 will be to have all nine councils repeat and to have at least nine other schools added to the NASC list of outstanding councils. We certainly know that many PASC schools will qualify after completing the required paperwork. Start thinking of how you can add your name to the list above for next year!

PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

Student Leaders Gather at Youth Summit in Harrisburg By: Luke Myers, Governor Mifflin High School, Region G Representative Bitter snow and cold didn’t prevent about 60 students and their advisors from trekking to Harrisburg for the annual PASC Youth Summit at the State Capitol building on February 19th. Upon arriving at the Capitol, the students gathered in the House of Representatives for some opening remarks by State President Michaela Lynch, PASC Executive Director Rose Ann Fulena, House Chamber Attendant Dave Spizzirri, and Communications Director for the House Speaker Jay Ostrich.

After hearing the speakers, PASC’s student representatives on the State Board of Education, Justin Reynolds and Donald LeCompte, explained their roles as student reps. They explained that the Summit is a valuable opportunity for them to liaise with student leaders from across the state, and opened up the floor for a question and answer session.

advocacy presentations.

Delegates considered the day to be very productive, and were glad they attended.

“The Youth Summit is a great opportunity to gain experiential insight into the process of policy making,” said Governor Mifflin senior Kevin Myers.

All in all, the Summit served as an excellent opportunity for students to hear different perspectives on the issues they experience every day and to get an inside look at the Pennsylvania legislative facilities.

Student leaders are taking the ideas discussed back to their schools and trying to implement them to have a positive impact on their schools. For example, leaders at Union Area HS are exploring the possibility of creating a student school board representative position, after talking to students at the Summit who serve in similar capacities.

At the conclusion of that session, delegates split into four groups to discuss prevalent issues in today’s education ranging from College and Career Readiness to Concussion Safety. Following two hours of group discussion, the students revealed the products of their work in the form of PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

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Grant Opportunity

Pennsylvania Seniors to be Awarded $416,000 in Horatio Alger Scholarships

The Best Buy Community Grants

The Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans will award $416,000 in scholarships to 53 Pennsylvania seniors in 2016. Juniors (Class of 2016) and educators are encouraged to visit horatioalger.com/scholarships/programs for details about the Horatio Alger Association and its scholarships. Applications for the Class of 2016 will be available beginning August 1, and are due no later than October 25, 2015.

Funds for Teen Technology Programs Program provides support to community-based organizations located within 50 miles of a Best

Please share information about the scholarship with your Guidance Department and with students that you know who fit the following criteria:

Buy facility. Grants promote pro-

The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need (under $55,000 adjusted gross family income), a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society.

grams that create hands-on learning opportunities for underserved teens to engage them in learning, experimenting, and interacting with the latest technologies to build 21st century skills.

Eligible programs must build technology skills utilizing cutting-edge technology such as computers, digital cameras, video cameras, and professional software; deliver community-based youth programs for teens, ages 13–18, during out of school time; and serve a diverse population.

Grants typically range from $4,000 to $6,000, and will not exceed $10,000. Public and nonprofit community-based organizations (e.g., community centers, schools, and libraries) are eligible to apply.

Online proposals may be submitted between June 1 and June 29, 2015.Visit the Best Buy website to review the program guidelines. https://corporate.bestbuy.com/bestbuy-foundation-national-partnership-request-for-proposals-2015/

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National Scholars Program: Three Pennsylvania students will be selected to each receive a $22,000 scholarship and will be invited to the National Awards program in Washington, D.C. Pennsylvania Scholars Program: Funded by the generosity of Joseph and Janet Neubauer, 50 Pennsylvania seniors will each receive a $7,000 college scholarship. Scholarship criteria is the same as for other Horatio Alger Scholarships.

Student Council advisors and student leaders can help promote these scholarships for seniors in your school by sharing this information with guidance counselors, administrators, and faculty members. Every Pennsylvania high school has one or more seniors who could benefit by these scholarships. Help spread the word. These scholarships can only be applied for online: www.horatioalger.com/scholarships/index.cfm

PASC News Quarterly is published quarterly during the school year. To submit announcements, articles, or corrections for newsletters, please email the PASC News Director, Executive Director, or Assistant Executive Director. Articles or information from PASC News Quarterly may be reproduced for use, with appropriate credit.

Executive Director Rose Ann Fulena Union Area Middle School 2106 Camden Avenue New Castle, PA 16101 PH: 724-971-4599 FX: 724-658-8617 pasc.exdir@gmail.com Assistant Executive Director Kathy Ann Coll 174 Link Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-366-5744 Kcoll1@comcast.net PASC President Michaela Lynch Halifax High School 3940 Peters Mountain Rd. Halifax, PA 17032

PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

PASC President-Elect Tyler Raub Deer Lakes High School Cheswick, PA PASC News Director Lisa Bernet Fleetwood Area Middle School 610-944-7634 x3228 lbernet@fleetwoodasd.k12.pa.us PASC News Editor/Designer Lyn Fiscus Leadership Logistics PASC Email: pasc.exdir@gmail.com PASC Website: www.pasc.net

Summer Workshops Make a Difference in Your Council

By Lisa Bernet, Fleetwood Middle School In July 2012, I was fortunate enough to spend a day at Lebanon Valley College observing the Blue PASC Summer Leadership Workshop. I had been sending my kids to summer workshop for years, and I finally got the opportunity to experience a day myself as an advisor. I was so impressed with what my students were doing at summer workshop!

The next year I was asked to staff the blue summer workshop, which was moved to Alvernia University. It was such an amazing week for me and the kids. I was able to work with the young leaders of our state for four fun-filled days that featured learning units, workshops, volunteer events, activities, and a ton of fun! Each day was packed and everything was so planned out. Each and every day I saw smiles on kids’ faces all day long as they were learning new leadership techniques and ideas while having a blast. Unfortunately last summer I was unable to staff again, but once again I spent a day at Alvernia watching all of the leaders learn while having an amazing time.

As I reflect on summer workshop I have advice for all of the advisors out there wondering if it is worth sending kids—without hesitation I say YES! Whether you are sending kids to Blue at Alvernia or Grove City, or Gold at Susquehanna or Grove City, or Advanced Gold at University of Pitt, Johnstown, you will not regret it.

I always knew that my students came back better leaders, but now I know why.

students into true leaders. My kids now beg to go to summer workshop. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to send many kids to workshop to experience four days of fun and leadership training. My year is always better when kids attend summer leadership

workshop. The skills they learn and the training they receive is worth every penny spent. If you want to have a smooth year and if you want your kids learning the techniques to be a good leader, send them to Summer Leadership Workshop—you won’t regret it!

Mark Your Calendar with These PASC Summer Leadership Workshop Dates Share these dates with underclass members of your student council, class governments, NHS, and other student organizations so that they may plan now for a week of learning, fun, and personal growth this summer.

Blue workshops are for middle level students in grades 7–9 in September 2015, while Gold workshops are for high school students going into grades 9–12 for the 2015–2016 school year. Costs listed below include registration, program materials, room, meals, and a t-shirt.

Please note the following dates and locations and begin planning now for students to attend in July.

Costs & Deadlines:

Blue (Grades 7–9) Grove City College, July 12–16 Alvernia University, July 26–30 Gold (Grades 9–12) Grove City College, July 19–24 Susquehanna University, July 26–31 Advanced Gold (Grades 11–12) University of Pittsburgh/Johnstown, July 12–18

Early Bird (May 14)

Regular ( June 11)

$355 $355

$380 $380

$390 $390

$415 $415

$525

$550

Note: Students not from a PASC member school will be charged an additional surcharge of $50 per delegate.

Summer workshops are the best investment a council can make. New friendships are formed, new ideas are learned, but most importantly this workshop helps to develop young PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

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Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Announced Students from Johnstown and Prospect Park earn $1,000 awards, engraved medallions, and a trip to the nation’s capital. Honors also bestowed on youth volunteers from Wexford, Lancaster, Fort Washington, Duncannon, Nazareth, Brownsville, Erie, and Mechanicsburg Conner Hagins, a senior at Bishop McCort Catholic High School in Johnstown, and Hanna Maier, a seventh grader at Prospect Park School, were named Pennsylvania’s top two youth volunteers for 2015 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. PASC annually promotes this awards program in our September issue of PASC NEWS. As state honorees, Conner and Hanna each received $1,000 and attended a national awards program in Washington, DC, in early May. Conner created his own charity in 2006 that collects stuffed animals and other toys for sick children and kids in need, and raises money for a variety of children’s causes. When Conner’s father was given a stuffed bear in the hospital to help him cough after undergoing heart surgery, Conner asked if the kids in the hospital got stuffed bears. Upon hearing that they didn’t, Conner vowed “to make the hospital stays of children a little brighter by providing them with a stuffed toy to cuddle while they are alone or scared.”

He began gathering stuffed animals and other toys through annual toy drives and events such as “Dress Down Days” at area schools and a “teddy-bear toss” at Johnstown Tomahawks hockey games. He also recruited friends and classmates to help and asked local businesses to host drop-off bins. Over the past nine years, Conner’s “Cuddles for Kids” 6

charity has delivered more than 85,000 toys, not only to kids in the hospital, but also to orphanages, child service agencies, and organizations in thirdworld countries. In addition, Conner has collected school supplies and hygiene items for at-risk youth and donated more than $5,000 to provide after-school meals to kids in need, support pediatric cancer research, and assist other initiatives that benefit children.

Hanna, a seventh grader at Prospect Park School, has persuaded four Pennsylvania towns to adopt anti-bullying resolutions and initiated annual community walks that have drawn more than 700 participants over the past two years to discourage bullying and promote kindness among kids.

“After being bullied by a fellow student and watching other children being bullied, I wanted to do something,” said Hanna.

“I wanted to make a change for myself and for my peers.”

Hanna discussed her desire with her mother, and together they researched the issue of bullying and sought advice from national anti-bullying initiatives. Then Hanna asked her borough council to pass two resolutions declaring Propsect Park a “compassionate borough” and a “bully-free zone.” After their adoption, three other towns in Pennsylvania passed similar resolutions at Hanna’s request. Next, Hanna decided to organize a walk as “a way for

PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

other kids to get involved in spreading bullying awareness.” She asked local businesses and organizations to sponsor the walk, and raised enough money to give each participating child a free T-shirt. The first walk attracted 125 walkers, but the second drew approximately 600 after Hanna’s school district got involved. Hanna also started a kids kindness club in her town, and is using some of the money she’s raised to buy “friendship benches” for schools in her district.

Distinguished Finalists In addition, eight other Pennsylvania students were named as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community service activities.

n Jamie Feldman, 17, of Wexford, PA, a senior at North Allegheny Senior Highs School, has raised $25,000 for leukemia and lymphoma research through her project, “Hop for Leukemia,” which she began at her elementary school.

Jamie, whose years of service began with the news of her sister’s leukemia diagnosis, has been running events and raising funds for a cure ever since. n Brynn Hackett, 18, of Lancaster, PA, a senior at Manheim Township High School, founded “TAK (E) CHARGE

[teens, Adults, Kids (Everyone) Can Help a Refugee Get Established],” a youth fundraising project through her church that has raised $20,000 to help cover the cost of rent, cultural and English classes, and other resources for refugees who have settled in the Lancaster area.

Brynn, inspired by the work her church is doing for more than 500 refugees who came to Lancaster to find a new life, has coordinated school dances, concerts, fun nights, and other events to raise funds while also recruiting teen volunteers, securing sponsorships, and handling event and program logistics.

n Amy Li, 16, of Fort Washington, PA, a junior at Upper Dublin High School, has raised $32,000 in monetary and in-kind donations to send gear to children in cities across America and in Columbia, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, and Ghana through her program, “Gear for Cheer.” Amy, a soccer player, has held numerous collection drives, created an online funding site to pay for the shipping of the donated equipment, and forged partnerships with nonprofit organization Peace Passers to help identify communities with the most need for equipment.

n Cavan McIntyre-Brewer, 13, of Duncannon, PA, a seventh-grader at The Cover School, founded “Socks for Vets,” a project through which he collects socks, hygiene products, and other basic necessities and distributes them to veterans and wounded warriors.

—continued on page 7—

PASC, You Made the Difference

By Kathy Coll, PASC Assistant Executive Director In a beautiful country plagued by civil unrest, an earthquake, tsunamis, and hurricanes, education is the “way out” for students and their families. I know as I have witnessed the difference that school supplies can make in a small village school that has no funding.

My name is Kathy Coll, and I am the PASC Assistant Executive Director and former Director of Advanced Gold. For the past eight years, twice a year, I have travelled to numerous hard to reach places in the country of Guatemala on a medical mission with doctors and nurses from Pittsburgh to villages and areas that don’t receive any medical attention.

In my job as a teacher, I work and play with the kids while they are waiting for their parents to visit the clinic that is set up on the dirt floors of their school, church, or animal pen. Each time I pack three or four 50 lb. suitcases filled with school supplies to take with me.

The results of what students and staff at the 2014 PASC Summer Workshops and the advisors of the 2014 Advisor Seminar gave for this initiative can only be described as being beyond generous and life changing. I received more than 300 pounds of wonderful teaching supplies and school supplies that became the talk of the villages. On my visit I had little ones coloring and doing their letters and numbers with their very own crayons and cool pencils.

Others were making beautiful cards for their parents with their very own markers and stickers. We all made “God’s-Eyes” out of yarn and Popsicle sticks to hang in their homes to decorate. Watching their eyes and smiles, as I brought out new supplies or Frisbees and bubbles to play, was the best part, and I thought about the huge impact that you made in the lives of children you don’t even know.

I will be heading back to Guatemala in November, so if you would like to help me make a measureable difference in the life

of children, here is a list of things I need: 2 pocket “picture” folders, cool pens and pencils, elementary flashcards, scissors, crayons, markers, Dollar Store Teaching posters, coloring books, fun stickers, and Frisbees. I also do a whole lesson on brushing teeth, so children’s toothbrushes and toothpaste would be helpful, too. If you can bring these to workshop with you, the directors will collect them on the first day and get them to me. I will promise you smiles and thank yous!

Spirit of Community Awards (cont’d from p 6) Cavan, who draws his inspiration from his father, who currently serves in the military and his uncle, who served in the Korean War, also takes part in other activities including feeding homeless veterans and visiting wounded veterans to offer comfort and friendship.

n Cameron Ohrwashel, 18, of Nazareth, PA, a senior at Nazareth Area High School, has helped to raise $47,500 for Make-A-Wish Foundation to support the wishes of 12 children through a variety of projects including founding a Wish Club at her school and helping her family run an annual book sale. Cameron, who recruited 80 young people to join the Wish Club, has organized a variety of projects and events, including a fundraising event where her school set the world record for most people whistling with 672 people whistling patriotic songs. n Jenna Shumar, 18, of Brownsville, PA, a senior at Brownsville Area High School, has secured $300,000 in grants, sponsorships and donations to fund the building of a park and an outside stage in her small town with her project, “operation Falcon Revitalization.” Jenna, who began working on the project in 2012, is working closely with sponsors, town officials, engineers and contractors to implement the revitalization, which has begun with the demolition of dilapidated buildings. n Norman Stark, 18, of Erie, PA, a senior

more than $15,000 to benefit the “Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund” with his near-25 mile swim across Lake Erie. Norman, who trained extensively for the swim challenge and set up a website to generate donations and support, says the funds will go to support treatment for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and psychological health conditions.

n Courtney Thurston, 17, of Mechanicsburg, PA, a senior at Commonwealth Connections Academy, is helping to encourage girls to get interested in and inspired by science, technology, research, engineering and math (STREAM) in a variety of ways, including the nonprofit that she co-founded, “Magikstra,” a social network that aims to connect girls interested in STREAM fields with mentors. Courtney, who helps to coordinate “ProjectCSGIRLS,” the largest computer science competition for middle school girls in the nation, is also an online community manager for the Scientista Foundation.

Not only does PASC recognize and honor these outstanding community volunteers, but we hope that PASC students and advisors can find inspiration in the projects noted above. The 2016 Prudential Spirit of America Awards applications will be due in late October 2015. Look for details in the September issue of PASC NEWS or contact the Prudential Foundation directly at www.spirit.prudential.com.

at Cathedra Preparatory School, raised PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

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Where are they now?

Alumni Profile: Steve Aikens How were you involved with PASC, both in high school and beyond?

In high school, I was involved on the local and national level. Aside from normal duties as the president of Student Council my senior year, I also attended regional, state, LEAD, and national conferences and was fortunate enough to teach workshops at each as well. After high school, I worked as a counselor at the Susquehanna Gold workshop for two years.

What have you accomplished since you left high school?

Once I left high school, I attended Hofstra University in New York where I double majored in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. After graduating in 2012, I worked for the New York Stock Exchange as an Event Specialist. In this role, I had the privilege to work with some of the world’s top companies as they open and close the world’s largest financial market every day. It was at the New York Stock Exchange that I met my current employer, C1 Bank.

I am currently the Assistant Vice President, Brand Manager, living in Saint Petersburg, Florida. In this role, I am responsible for all advertising and branding for the company.

Do you believe your experience with PASC had an impact on who you are today?

PASC absolutely had an impact on who I am today. PASC has given me the chance to work on valuable life skills like public speaking and teamwork at an early age. So many people today are scared of speaking in front of a group or sharing their ideas. After working with classmates and strangers (some who became my good friends and are still today) it really helped shape who I am today as a business professional.

What would you tell someone who hasn’t yet gotten involved with PASC? Even if you only have a few months left in your senior year, it’s not too late to get involved. Help out with committees that are short on members, or step up and help find a solution to a problem at your school. Take the initiative and propose a new idea that you think will make your community a better place to live and learn. The connections you can make even just within your school’s student council could help you in the future. Though I had the privilege to attend numerous conferences across the country, you can still learn amazing skills within your own student council. By getting involved in PASC, you’re expanding your network by thousands of like-minded people of all generations.

What was your favorite PASC moment?

My favorite PASC moment was attending the National Conference in Kansas in 2007. After a weeklong journey exploring the Midwest with a crew of new friends and ones I’ve had from past conferences, we landed in Overland Park, Kansas, for a week of workshops, speakers, and events with students from every state in the country. It was an amazing experience I’ll never forget. Eight years later and I still have some of my conference T-shirts I exchanged with other states!

End the Year on a Positive Note Before you end this year, take some time to contemplate what legacy you will leave behind. Use the following tips to help you exit the year on a positive note.

Evaluate the year. Lead members in an evaluation of what was good about what your group accomplished this year and what could have been better. Revisit goals you set at the beginning of the year and discuss whether you accomplished them.

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Report to the principal. After you’ve completed your evaluation, lead a team of student leaders in giving a report to the principal on what your organization accomplished this year. Refer back to your goals and let him or her know how you did.

Leave the files in order. Help next year’s members benefit from the lessons learned this year by making sure all project chairpeople have completed their project

PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

evaluations and have left copies of all relevant materials in their project files.

Offer appreciation. Take time to write sincere notes of appreciation to all those who helped your group succeed— advisers, administrators, teachers, custodians, parents, etc. Handwritten notes that specifically mention the person by name and what their role was will be more appreciated than a mass-produced gesture.

PA Schools Hold More Than 130 Minithons

FTK (For the Kids) is a common term heard throughout many schools in Pennsylvania. Each year Penn State University holds a thon to raise money for pediatric cancer. Unfortunately cancer is the number one cause of death by disease for children in the United States. Money raised through thon is donated to Four Diamonds. The Four Diamonds mission is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research.

monds! There are still THONs taking place in our schools and the total for 2014–15 will be released soon.

If you or your school are interested in becoming a part of a large and growing community of students focused on one goal—providing hope to children and families battling pediatric cancer—contact Four Diamonds at minithoninfo@hmc.psu.edu or 717-5316086 or visit www.FourDiamonds.org.

Four Diamonds was founded by the parents of Christopher Milard, who passed away from cancer in 1972 at the age of 14 after battling cancer for three years. Shortly before losing his battle, Chris wrote a story about a great knight named Sir Milard who sought out the four diamonds of Courage, Wisdom, Honesty, and Strength in order to be released from the grips of an evil sorceress. These diamonds symbolized the attributes that Chris believed were necessary to overcome cancer. That same year, Charles and Irma Milard founded Four Diamonds in honor of their son to assist children and families in their fight against childhood cancer.

Through Four Diamonds, Chris Milard and his legendary story of Sir Milard live on, and serve as an inspiration of hope for children and their families fighting cancer.

Pennsylvania schools have found ways to help Four Diamonds by holding mini-THONs modeled after the Penn State IFC/ Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON). Mini-THONs are multihour, fun-filled events that are student-led and inspire teamwork, leadership, and creativity while empowering young people through philanthropy and service.

Mini-THONs have been making a difference in the lives of childhood cancer patients for the last 20 years and are gaining more and more popularity every year. During the 2013–14 school year, all the elementary, middle, and high schools that participated and held a THON raised more than $3.1 million for Four DiaPASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

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PASC Establishes Hotel Reservation Procedure for 2015 State Conference The 2015 State Conference, November 12–14, will be a new adventure for PASC members. This year we will be experiencing a complete hotel conference, one that is not school-based but has been planned by Halifax High School students and staff.

Convention activities and housing will be at the Hilton Harrisburg Hotel and the Crowne Plaza, only a block from each other on 2nd St. in Harrisburg. The price is the same at both hotels: $134 per room (taxes and fees included) for any type of room (one to four in a room).

Conference Housing Policy It is important that all PASC conference attendees select the official conference hotel(s) as their first choice when making reservations. Doing so helps everyone by keeping hotel costs and registration fees to a minimum. When attendees stay outside of the hotel block, PASC is put at risk to fall short of its room commitment negotiated with the hotel(s) and become liable for attrition (a financial penalty).

Ultimately, such penalties result in higher fees and costs that increase attendee costs.

Not relying on the formal conference block impedes group negotiating power in securing favorable hotel rates and fees.

Attendees who live more than 30 miles from the conference site (Harrisburg) and choose not to stay in an official conference hotel will be assessed an additional fee of $75.00 per person registration to register for the PASC State Conference. The fee must be paid at the same time of registration. (This will not affect near-by commuter schools.)

Reservation Procedure: Step One • All reservations for both hotels will be taken by the Convention Services Manager: Jason Burd, email: Jason.burd@hilton. com or phone: 717-237-6430 • Mention you are part of the PASC 10

Block for Nov. 12–14, 2015 • You will need to give advisor’s name, school name, address, personal cell phone number, email, and a personal or school credit card to hold the reservation • You will receive a confirmation number a few days later for the reservation(s) in the advisor’s name by email.

• Once the Hilton room block has been filled, reservations will be sent to the Crowne Plaza and they will handle the reservations in the same manner.

Reservation Procedure: Step Two • When you receive your confirmation number, you will also receive a credit card authorization form and a blank rooming list template.

• Complete the credit card authorization on the card you plan to use for payment of the rooms. If you plan to pay by school check, payment can be made at the time of arrival or before if you wish. No purchase orders can be used for rooms.

• Complete the rooming list template when you have all of the information about which delegates will be attending. This list is due no later than October 22, 2015.

• Again credit card authorization form and rooming lists for both hotels will be sent to our Convention Services Manager, Jason Burd.

• All reservations not canceled by 4:00pm the day before arrival will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to one night’s room and tax.

Finally, all guest rooms will be pre-keyed and pre-registered and submitted to the advisor at 3:00pm on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at your conference hotel.

Remember all hotel reservations will go through Jason Burd and this procedure will be in effect from April 1 to October 22, 2015.

PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

Principal– Advisor– Leaders 2015 Conference Mark your Calendar and plan to attend PAL in the Fall The Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils is sponsoring three Principal – Advisor – Leaders (PAL) Conferences in the fall of 2015. Locations are within 120 miles of all PASC member schools. PAL Conferences are scheduled to be held: n Tuesday, September 29 at The Chadwick in Wexford n Wednesday, September 30 at Mountain View Country Club in Boalsburg n Thursday, October 1 at the Crowne Plaza in Reading The objective of these conferences is to provide an opportunity for principals, advisors, and student leaders (teams of four) to share ideas, to set goals, and to begin a working relationship for the new school year. The program will provide time for participants to interact as school teams as well as separate opportunities for principals, advisors, and students to meet in small group breakout sessions. Each school is encouraged to bring their principal or assistant principal, student council advisor(s), and up to four student leaders to the conference.

Additional teams from class government organizations or National Honor Society chapter may attend as long as they are also accompanied by an advisor.

If you are interested, watch for an email from PASC that will provide registration information and costs.

Conference Update: Organizers Make Changes

By Hannah Roux and Brooke Kern, State Conference Co-Chairs The 2015 State Conference is fast approaching and Halifax is kicking the planning up to high gear! From November 12–14, delegates across Pennsylvania will gather in Harrisburg to gain leadership skills, see the sights of Harrisburg, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

This year’s conference is taking on a new twist. Delegates will not be staying with host families, and the conference will be convention based, meaning delegates and advisors will not be at the host school, Halifax High School. In addition, the option of a pre-conference trip is being offered to the delegates and advisors. Those attending the conference can arrive early Thursday morning and take a tour of our state capitol and state museum. The afternoon will end with lunch and a tour of Hershey’s Chocolate World before delegates and advisors return to the hotel for activities and dinner. On Friday, the banquet and dance, which will be formal, will be held at the Harrisburg Farm Show Complex.

During this time, advisors will have an activity called “The Taste of The Valley,” where advisors can check out the flavor of our local culture.

Advisors and delegates should plan to

bring spending money for food for the weekend. Breakfast is on your own each morning. Each delegate and advisor will receive vouchers for dinners and lunches, but if any additional food is desired past the allotted amount, it will need to be covered by the delegate.

Halifax is recommending students and advisors bring non-perishable food items for breakfast and snacks throughout the weekend.

aging schools to sell PA Wounded Warrior t-shirts.

Workshop Applications Open The workshop applications are now open! Halifax will continue to accept applications until August 12. The registration for the conference opens on September 1 and ends October 16. The website is up and running with the conference schedule, a packing list, the workshop application, and a few different videos explaining our state charity and tips for workshops.

State Charity Changed Our state charity has changed from The Wounded Warrior Project to PA Wounded Warriors. This decision was made after much research and realization that the money we raise as an organization will remain in Pennsylvania to benefit the veterans in our state. Halifax has set a goal to raise $20,000 for PA Wounded Warriors.

Besides holding your own fundraisers for this amazing charity, we are also encour-

Although State Conference seems forever away, don’t let it creep up on you too fast! Get your registration and workshops in on time and don’t forget to be hashtagging PASC and follow the pasc2015 page on Twitter! We can’t wait to have you in our city of Harrisburg in six months!

If you have any questions about the conference, contact the co-chairs at: hannahroux24@gmail.com or bkernal14@ gmail.com

Consider Attending and Hosting a State Conference By: Emily Yourish, Deer Lakes High School Many students are often scared of the scale of a PASC State conference. They do not know what they should expect, or how they will benefit by going to one of these events. What many students are unaware of is that by attending they will be a part of something amazing. Strong leaders from around the state all meet to share ideas, help each other learn and grow, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

There are many parts of a conference that will benefit the delegate. Workshops and roundtables will help you to learn more

ideas for your council. Things such as fund raisers, school activities, and ways to help your community will be taught. General sessions, with guest speakers, will help you and your council grow closer and learn ways to make yourself better, stronger leaders. Last, you will be able to make connections with people from other schools.

These connections will be life-changing.

Friendships from PASC will never fade.

In November 2015, Halifax School District will be hosting the next state conference. In November 2016, my school, Deer Lakes High School, will be hosting.

By attending so many state conferences, our council was inspired to bid to be one of the schools to host. Attempting to bid is something that your council and advisor have to decide together. You not only will need the help of your council, but the help of your whole school and community. Being able to make a difference this big was something our council could not pass up.

So, talk to your council and see if hosting a state conference is something that you all cannot pass up. Please contact your district director for more information if you are possibly interested in bidding on the 2017 State Conference.

PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

11

Continuity of (Student) Government Four Ways to Fight

by Noah Pollio, Region A Representative As this school year draws to a close, my student council is already abuzz preparing for the next. Service project calendars have been finalized, applications for representatives have been distributed, and, of course, officer elections are looming. This annual exchange of power is a time-honored tradition in almost all student councils, and an exceptionally sentimental one for outgoing seniors.

However, that does not mean that it is without its share of problems. Generally, the most frequent issues that arise during this transitional period occur due to errors in communication. A hypothetical example of this could include an advisor accidentally sending the past president a copy of the council’s constitution for review. Normally, such errors can be rectified with little effort. Nonetheless, they are indicators of a larger issue within the PASC community.

Currently, PASC has no means by which to send correspondence directly to the students within our member councils. This is because it is not feasible for us to create a directory with the contact information of student representatives for each of the 400 member schools when it is inevitable that it will require nearly constant maintenance, and that even then runs the risk of being inaccurate. Despite this, it is still in the best interests of PASC to be in direct communication with its member students. We are a student-led organization, and as a result have the responsibility of ensuring that we are directly providing student leaders with information regarding the opportunities we provide. While this goal contradicts the impracticalities discussed earlier, there is a simple solution that allows us to achieve this communication while simultaneously getting rid of the previously mentioned transitional difficulties: universal council email addresses.

Essentially, this would require the current president and advisor to work together to create a new email. It makes the transition easiest if the name on the account is the name of the organization. For instance, our Union High School Student Council email address is uhsscpres@gmail.com, with the first name on the account as Union Area and the last name as HS. The phone number associated with the account is our advisor’s cell phone. Once the account is set up, emails sent to the account can then be forwarded to the current president’s personal email. When the position is handed down at the conclusion of the year, the email will be handed down with it, requiring only a new forwarding address for the new president.

The creation of such an account would serve to eliminate some of the awkwardness associated with school-year transitions, and would furthermore allow PASC to maintain a concrete list that can be utilized to better distribute information to all of our wonderful members. When your council makes the choice to create such an email, be sure to send it to your Region Representative. Our information can be located at PASC.net on the “Executive Board” tab. I strongly urge you to consider doing so. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at regionarep@gmail.com!

Editor’s note: Interested students can sign up to receive PASC News directly to their personal email accounts by signing up at: https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/1708904/21892/?v=a 12

PASC News Quarterly • May 2015 • www.pasc.net

End-of-Yearitis

Most student leaders are familiar with end-of-yearitis, the dreaded plague that usually strikes in spring, sapping students of enthusiasm for anything other than summer break. As a student leader, what can you do to overcome end-of-yearitis and keep people interested in participating in activities? Try these tips: Plan something new. Tried and true activities have their place, but when interest is lagging it’s time to bring out something new and different. Instead of “ho-hum there’s another dance on Friday,” spark students’ interest with the novelty of an event like a cardboard boat regatta, a walk-in movie on the football field, or a mud volleyball tournament—anything new and different for your school.

Tie into a current craze. One school got students excited about scoring well on the state standardized test by sending a camera crew through the school halls and sidewalks recording students dressed in crazy attire dancing and waving for the camera, to the tune of Uptown Funk.

Try a little competition. A class competition works to get everyone enthused for Homecoming, so why not try it at the end of the year? Develop a class competition that counts class attendance at some designated events like a performance of a fine art group (orchestra, chorus, band) or a spring sport, add in some noontime competitions, maybe a service project like a canned food drive, and culminate in an academic pep rally to get everyone fired up for standardized tests. Make the prize something everyone will want, like a class pizza party or an open campus lunch.

Address the problem directly.

If member participation has fallen off, talk to your group about what’s happening and encourage people to hang in there to finish the year on a positive note. Remind people why the events were scheduled in the first place. Refer back to your group goals and challenge members to help you finish any that haven’t been accomplished yet.