November-December Newsletter 2023 In This Edition...
Recaps SMOB Informational Webinar Workshop Presenter Certification Falling for Civics Webinar Future Leadership Conference
Opportunities MASSP Membership MCSS Students Advocating for Safety Students4Good Webinars
REMINDER MASC School Membership Deadline - Dec. 22nd December 22nd is the deadline for schools to apply for MASC membership. School Membership is for public, private, or charter secondary school student governments or councils. Dues are based on the school’s enrollment. School advisors or administrators should be the one submitting the form linked here: https://mdstudentcouncils.org/index.php/applications/masc-membership-application/ MASC Membership allows schools to participate in member exclusive events such as Convention as well as consideration for an award during the Spring Leadership Conference.
RECAPS SMOB Informational Webinar Each public high school in Maryland had the opportunity to put forward a single sophomore or junior student as a nominee for the role of student member on the State Board of Education for the 2024-2025 term. The Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) along with the current and former state Student Members on the Board of Education (SMOB) organized a virtual webinar to inform eligible students interested in the role, its responsibilities, and time commitments.
Workshop Presenter Certification Certification Day for Workshop Presenters was a special event comprising a range of workshops and activities aimed at certifying middle and high school students as MASC workshop presenters, as well as re-certifying those who have been certified before. MASC strongly believes in the effectiveness of peer teaching as a means to train both potential and current student leaders. As a result, MASC has developed a comprehensive program to train student workshop presenters, with the ultimate goal of delivering high-quality, student-led workshops. The majority of workshops featured at our conferences are led by students. MASC also coordinated with Baltimore County Student Council (BCSC) and Baltimore County Junior Council (BCJC) to host an October workshop training specific for BCSC/BCJC students. Certified students have the opportunity to apply to facilitate workshops at the Fall Leadership Conference, the Convention, and the Spring Leadership Conference.
Falling for Civics Webinar Those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the influence of youth voting and how to establish their own voter registration initiative had the opportunity to attend the "Falling for Civics: A How-To Guide for Voter Registration" webinar, presented by MASC Student Legislative Affairs Coordinators in collaboration with the MD Civic Education Coalition and the Maryland League of Women Voters.
Fall Leadership Conference On Saturday, November 18th, nearly 700 students and advisors gathered at Seneca Valley High School in Montgomery County for MASC’s annual Fall Leadership Conference. The record attendance was a testament to the hard work of the MASC’s Executive Directors, Officers, Student Workshop Coordinators (SWCs), and the host staff. Since August, the team has worked diligently to plan the event, corresponding with the student leaders across Maryland who taught workshops at FLC. High school workshops offered at the event were all written by the student presenters; covering topics such as communication, mental health, event planning, and A.I. Middle schoolers
attended workshops about MASC’s timehonored parliamentary procedure workshop in preparation for a mock general assembly. This session allows middle school students to utilize their parliamentary procedure skills to vote on legislation they drafted during their workshops. Later in the day they also had an opportunity to attend workshops on building confidence in leadership and event organizing.
Each year, the MASC 2nd Vice President serves as chair of the middle school mock general assembly, while the MASC Parliamentarian ensures participants are following parliamentary procedure correctly. “It’s a great way for the
Fall Leadership Conference (cont.) younger members of the organization to get a real look into how we discuss and vote on legislation in a low-stress environment! Also gives a more in-depth look at parliamentary procedure and how it works in real situations,” said current Parliamentarian Madelynn Kelly when discussing the mock general assembly. Middle schoolers also attended idea sharing sessions which covered spirit activities, service projects, and fundraising. These sessions allowed students to contribute ideas from their own student councils as well as gain important tips on ideas for the future. In addition to workshops and the mock general assembly, the Fall Leadership Conference also featured important guests. High schoolers had the opportunity to listen to a panel of educators who discussed the impact of A.I. in schools today. Along with the panel, high schoolers had the opportunity to attend roundtables which brought up topics on school safety, mental health in education, and post high school pathways. Both high and middle schoolers had an opportunity to briefly hear from Logan Taylor, this year’s MASC Convention keynote speaker. He spoke to students about the workshops he will present at Convention and expressed his excitement about speaking during the event’s general session.
A unique addition to this year’s conference was a popcorn fundraiser spearheaded by MASC’s Treasurer, Lumina Zhang. The fundraiser is in partnership with Pop for a Cause, a student-led fundraising organization. “I decided to host the popcorn fundraiser because I am very passionate about hosting more in-person fundraisers, not only to support MASC’s initiatives but also to increase engagement and joy at our conferences,” said Zhang. The fundraiser is ongoing and instructions on how to order can be found here: https://mdstudentcouncils.org/index.php/2022/08/ 18/masc-fundraisers/. Overall, the event was an exciting day that strengthened the leadership skills of students across Maryland. It’s safe to say that the Fall Leadership Conference has set a precedent for a great year for MASC.
Opportunities Convention The Convention has a NEW look for 2024. Business from the former Legislative Session and Convention will be combined into one event. The SMOB candidate finalists, along with the MASC Officer candidates will be giving speeches, participating in Q&A sessions, and campaigning before the voting. In addition, the delegates will take positions on youth-related bills before the Maryland General Assembly. This is a member school only opportunity and registration should be completed by a school advisor.
Registration opens Wed. Jan. 3 and closes at 11:59 p.m., Friday. Jan. 26,
MCSS Students Advocating for Safety The MCSS Student Focus Group, designed for middle and high school students, offers a platform for Maryland's youth to contribute feedback and suggestions on school safety matters that concern them. Where to register: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d2674cd6757b4 6cf98925c1a662ebfec
Students4Good Webinars A monthly student-led webinar showcasing student panelists who provide brief presentations on how they utilize their platform or voice to foster positivity in their school or local community. Where to register: https://www.icanhelp.net/students4good
Highlights
Upcoming Dates: Dec. 22: MASC Membership Deadline Jan 3-26: Convention Registration Jan 23: Regional Advisors Meeting Jan 26-28: NatStuCo Lead Conference
Merch! Where to purchase: https://mdstudentcouncils.org/index.php/events/spirit-wear/
Support MASC Why: Donations are used to cover the costs necessary to run a training program and conferences. Your gifts are essential to the development of our student leaders in Maryland. Where: https://mdstudentcouncils.org/index.php/support-us/
In loving memory of
Khalia Wilson Class of 2024
Our beloved Student Leader Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils