Massachusetts Association of Student Councils

MASC DIRECTORY 2015 – 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION TABLE OF CONTENTS ------1 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ------2 MASC PRESIDENT’S LETTER ------3 MASC EXECUTIVE BOARD------4 2015-2016 DEADLINES ------5 * CONFERENCE REGISTRATION POLICY------6 MEMBERSHIP DUES ------7 BEHAVIOR EXPECTIONS------8

SECTION 2 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS WARREN E. SHULL AWARD ------9-10 HENRY SULLIVAN AWARD ------11-12 JAMES ROKAS AWARD------13-15 COMMONWEALTH AWARDS ------16-17 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR ------18

SECTION 3 COUNCIL AWARDS FIVE STAR COUNCIL AWARD ------19-20 EXCELLENCE AWARD ------21-30 TOP TEN PROJECT AWARD ------31

SECTION 4 PRESIDENT’S DINNER------32

SECTION 5 OFFICERSHOP------33

SECTION 6 PRINCIPAL’S DAY ------34-35

SECTION 7 ANNUAL CONFERENCE INVITATION ------36-37 REGISTRATION GUIDELINES ------38-40 PARENTS’ POWER OF ATTORNEY FORM ------41 SMALL GROUP WORKSHOP FORM------42 STUDENT ELECTION INFORMATION AND REGULATIONS------43-45 STUDENT ELECTION NOMINATION FORM------46-47 LIP SYNC/TALENT CONTEST REGISTRATION FORM------48 PROGRAM COVER DESIGN CONTEST ------49 MASC COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT------50 UNSUNG HERO AWARD------51

SECTION 8 NASC COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD ------52

SECTION 9 NATIONAL CONFERENCE------53-54

SECTION 10 SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ------55-56

SECTION 11 ADVISOR WORKSHOP ------57

SECTION 12 MASC CONSTITUTION ------58-59

SECTION 13 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT – Special Olympics –------60-65

REMEMBER TO GET ON-LINE WITH MASC … www.mastuco.net *Please see form of payments policy on pages 5 & 6.

Massachusetts Association of Student Councils

August 2015

Welcome!

On behalf of the MASC Executive Board and all of the member schools of our association ~ we bid you welcome. We are proud to have your school among our members for the 2015-2016 school year. Belonging to our association provides many benefits for member schools, as well as for individual students and advisors. Included in this packet are the registration forms, applications, and descriptions for all MASC sponsored programs and activities.

At first glance, this packet may seem overwhelming. Begin with the page entitled 2015-2016 PROJECTS and ACTIVITIES. MARK EVERY DEADLINE DATE ON YOUR COUNCIL CALENDAR. The next step is to go through the entire packet. Determine your council’s eligibility for the various awards. Participate in every program, project or activity which suits the needs and goals of your council. Seek the appropriate level of recognition. Join us at the conferences and summer leadership programs. It is wise to make duplicates of all blank applications in case of errors, and to reference the guidebook online for any updates/changes throughout the year.

Please take note of a few new additions of to this year’s guidebook. Located on page 6 is a conference registration policies page. Please review this page carefully, as it will affect the way you submit your registration. Also, please take note of the MASC Council of Excellence program (page 21-31). We hope to award many schools as a MASC Council of Excellence in Hyannis this year.

Please note that on all registration forms for all MASC programs – a principal’s signature will be required.

The Executive Board provides a challenging, rewarding and educational program of activities for the association. We hope that 2015-2016 will live up to your expectations. If you have any questions, feel free to contact any member of the Executive Board.

Once again, “welcome,” and we hope that 2015-2016 will be your most successful year.

Sincerely, Paul Branagan Paul Branagan MASC Executive Director

Peter Smith Peter Smith Associate Director

Massachusetts Association of Student Councils

My fellow MASC leaders, are you prepared for take-off?

Suit? Check. Food? Check. Oxygen? Check. Amazing leaders from the best state in America? DOUBLE CHECK. All aboard “Mission MASC: To Leadership and Beyond!” This trip will be one to remember, surely a year you will never forget. The skies are clear, the rocket ship is fueled, our stars are shining, and we are ready for take-off. The best part of all? I know for a fact that we have the most equipped, driven, and enthusiastic crew in the galaxy. Massachusetts, are you ready for the adventure of your lifetime? With the help of your fellow flyers, you will all rise to new heights, and soar among your shooting stars this year with MASC.

Before we can departure, we begin by prepping our captains at President’s Dinner, meatballs and meteors included. We then adventure off to astronaut training at Officershop, where our crew will learn to take on whatever the hemispheres may throw at them (literally). In between, we will take memorable pit-stops at our annual bocce tournaments, where we will invite some of our closest friends to experience the magic of flying. And last, as any prepared astronaut knows, Hyannis is where our students will truly take flight. We will all file into our spaceships, ready for anything, and experience the voyage we have been preparing for all year. The portal is shut, our leaders are ready, and sparks begin to fly. We’re all on a trip in our favorite rocket ship, soaring on the adventure of a lifetime.

No matter where our ship may take us, we will always be prepared. We CAN find the next Earth, we CAN soar to the moon, we CAN do anything we set our minds to; with the help of not only your state, but your friends right by your side. You will be prepared with all of the resources, guides, and fuel you need to truly fly among the stars and achieve your dreams this year MASC. For help along the way, check out our newly designed website, www.mastuco.net, to discover all the information you may need for events, conferences, the 2015-2016 Excellence Book, and so much more!! This website along with our Twitter @MA_StuCo and Instagram ma_stuco, will also provide you with all of the information you may need on MASC’s partnerships with Special Olympics Massachusetts. At some points along your journey these websites and social networks may be your lifeline, so embrace them the most you can!

For all of you adventurers out there, this is going to be the best trip yet. Zip up your suit, check for comets before you go, make sure there is plenty of powdered ice cream, and be ready for the flight of your life. Thank you Massachusetts for not only all of the work that you put into your schools, regions, and state, but also into yourself in ensuring that we have the best leaders out there. Without all of your hard work, dedication, bravery, and commitment, MASC would not be where it is today. I can’t wait to see you all at the space station soon, ready to depart on the trip we’ve all been waiting for.

And in 3...2...1…..Blastoff!! Mission MASC: To Leadership and Beyond!!

Best of Wishes,

Hannah Goodale MASC President West Boylston High School

2015 - 2016 Executive Officers

State Officers

Hannah Goodale Christopher Cioffi Stina Cofsky MASC President MASC Vice President MASC Secretary West Boylston High School Amesbury High School Walpole High School [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Adult Officers

Paul Branagan Michele Denise MASC Executive Director MASC Assistant Director & [email protected] MASC Summer Conf. Co-Director [email protected]

Linda Francis Erin Lachapelle Linda Dugan SEMASC Executive Director CDMASC Executive Director NEMASC Ex. Director [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Angela Mass Vincent Crossman Diana Myers-Pachla WMASC Executive Director MASC Assistant Director & MASC Travel Consultant [email protected] Summer Conf. Co- Director [email protected] [email protected] Peter Smith MSSAA Liaison [email protected]

Regional Officers & State Delegates

Eric Eisner Justine DiBiasio CDMASC President NEMASC President Blackstone-Millville Regional High School Saugus High School [email protected] [email protected]

Ashley Pezzella Ryan Yelle SEMASC President WMASC President Rockland High School Minnechaug Reg. High School [email protected] [email protected]

Doug Botelho Claire Abelson MASC Delegate MASC Delegate Middleborough High School Greenfield High School [email protected] [email protected]

Christopher Alfond Justin Petrie MASC Delegate MASC Delegate No. Middlesex Regional High School Tewksbury High School [email protected] [email protected]

2015 - 2016 PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES

Please check in with your Principal to ensure your school has been registered for Student Council.

September 16, 2015 PRESIDENT’S DINNER - registration deadline September 24, 2015 PRESIDENT’S DINNER (at MSSAA, Franklin, MA) October 7, 2015 OFFICERSHOP registration deadline October 16, 2015 OFFICERSHOP (at College of the Holy Cross) November 13, 2015 WARREN E. SHULL nominations due December 11, 2015 PROGRAM COVER DESIGN entries due ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR applications due NASC CONFERENCE $500 deposit due TOP TEN PROJECT applications due STUDENT ELECTION NOMINATION FORMS DUE January 11, 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE registration begins MASC SMALL GROUP WORKSHOP applications due MASC COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT COMMONWEALTH AWARDS nominations close FIVE STAR COUNCIL AWARD applications close January 15, 2016 PRINCIPAL’S DAY February 1, 2016 EXCELLENCE AWARD submissions due MASC Summer Conference JC/SC Application due JAMES ROKAS AWARD applications due HENRY SULLIVAN AWARD nominations due LIP SYNC/TALENT SHOW registrations due UNSUNG HERO AWARD submissions due February 1, 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE registration ends (unless openings previously exhausted) ANNUAL CONFERENCE final payment due March 31, 2016 NASC CONFERENCE final deposit due June 1, 2016 SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE registration due June 10, 2016 SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE (full & final payment due)

NOTE: Please use appropriate application or transmission form for each award or activity listed above. Correct address for submission is specified on the form. This card will be returned to you to acknowledge timely receipt of the submission. (You may submit such a card with any application or submission if you wish to have a record of receipt.)

NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all checks (*in the form of a school issued or a single bank (cashiers) check only) and purchase orders should be made payable to MSSAA, and must contain a memo line indicating the purpose for which the money is remitted. All forms in this packet need to be legible. They must be typed, scanned, or word-processed. All registration forms require a signature by your principal.

Conference Registration Policies

Registration for any conference must be accompanied by a Purchase Order or a check. Checks and Purchase Orders must contain a memo line indicating the purpose for which the money is remitted. * Payment must be made in the form of a school issued check or a single bank (cashiers) check. Personal checks will not be accepted and will be sent back. Please allow time for your Business Office to process your request, in order to meet registration and payment deadlines. ALL checks must be made payable to: MSSAA (not MASC).

Failing to cancel your registration for a conference at least 48 hours in advance will result in a FULL charge of your registration fees. Canceling less than 10 days before an event will result in a charge of HALF of your registration fees.

PLEASE NOTE: The cancellation policy for the Annual Conference specifically states: “Schools are responsible for the occupancy created. If you cancel one person in a room, you are responsible for covering the charges associated with full occupancy of that room. You will be charged in FULL for any rooms that are not cancelled at least 10 days before the conference”. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

In July, a Student Activities Registration Form/Invoice was sent to every MSSAA high school and middle school principal in Massachusetts. On the form are listed multiple activities, including student council that the principal may elect to join. Once the decision has been made as to which activities your school has elected to sponsor, a check(s) must be made payable to MSSAA (Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators’ Association) and mailed to the MSSAA office at 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038. MSSAA will forward to the MASC an updated membership list on a regular basis.

MASC dues are $80.00 per year for high schools and $40.00 per year for middle schools, if the school has at least one administrator that is a full member of the MSSAA. MASC member schools are eligible to receive numerous awards, scholarships, and recognition for outstanding achievement. MASC member schools receive our newsletter and all other information relative to state, regional or national awards, conferences, and programs. The two state conferences and the Summer Leadership Training Program provide opportunities and enrichment for high school students and advisors.

If you are unsure of your membership status, please call the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators’ Association in Franklin, (508) 541-9818 and ask for Michele.

Please check with your principal to ensure that he/she has completed the registration process. Schools must be registered for Student Council in order to attend any state conferences/events.

Behavioral Expectations (It is expected that each Advisor will read the following aloud to their students.)

1. The Annual Conference usually brings together over one thousand people. Other events include several hundred people. This requires that all attendees maintain proper behavioral standards. The safety of the large number of people in attendance also dictates that any person not doing so be removed from the Conference or event as soon as it is possible to do so.

2. Expectations include, but are not limited to, the following: a. No attendee shall be in possession of or use any controlled substance. b. No attendee shall conduct himself or herself in such a way as to damage private or hotel property or disrupt the proceedings and schedule of the Conference or event. c. All students will obey instructions and directions given by any adult or student staff member and maintain a respectful attitude toward staff members and fellow attendees at all times. d. No student shall leave the premises of the hotel or site during the Conference or event. e. Students are reminded that the rules of their own school are also in effect during the event, and will be implemented by the advisor present at the event site. f. Incidents of actions contrary to these expectations will be reported to the Director for action. Actions of the Director are subject to review by the MSSAA Liaison or the MSSAA Standing Committee on Student Council.

3. Violation Procedures: a. Any student possessing or using a controlled substance will be removed from the Conference or event immediately and sent home as quickly as possible. The principal of the school involved shall be notified immediately by the Director. In the absence of the Director, the Assistant Director, MSSAA Liaison or school advisor may make such notification. In all such cases the MSSAA Liaison will be notified immediately, and is responsible for correct use of procedures. Follow-up disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the school principal. b. Students failing to meet any of the expectations in section a, b, c, or d above will be subject to disciplinary action determined by the Director. Such action may include exclusion from one or more Conference or event activities, restriction under the supervision of the school advisor or dismissal from the Conference or event under the provisions of the preceding paragraph. c. If on-site disciplinary action is taken, the principal of the school involved shall be notified by the Director in writing about facts of the matter within three days following the close of the Conference or event. d. Any student dismissed from the conference or any other MASC event shall be ineligible for attendance at MASC events for a period of thirteen months, unless recommended by his or her principal and approved by the Director. e. The school involved in any dismissal situation shall be considered to be on probation for thirteen months following the date of the event. Schools under probation may attend MASC events, but must notify the Director of action taken to ensure acceptable behavior at each event attended during the probation period.

Warren E. Shull Award NASC ADVISOR OF THE YEAR 2015 ~ 2016

Attention Student Council Presidents:

Consider your Advisor for this prestigious Award!

The MASC is proud to participate in the selection process for the National Association of Student Councils’ Warren E. Shull Advisor of the Year Award. The NASC recognizes a student council advisor, not on the basis of one year’s accomplishments, but on the basis of his/her entire career.

The effects of this program are dramatic. Over fifty advisors are recognized by their state associations as the Warren E. Shull Advisor of the Year. (Puerto Rico and D.C. also nominate). The state associations then forward these names to the National Board, which must then select the eight Regional Nominees. All eight of these candidates are invited to the NASC Annual Conference, where, during a special General Session held in their honor, the NASC Warren E. Shull Award is presented to the most deserving of the candidates.

Massachusetts has fared very well in this program. Peter Baltren was the MASC and Region I Nominee in 1991. Dennis Lordan was the MASC and Region I Nominee in 1992. Dennis went on to be selected as the National Award Recipient. Bonnie McHale was the MASC and Region I Nominee in 1993. John Schrader was the MASC and Region I Nominee in 1994. Dianne Tattersall was the MASC and Region I Nominee in 1995. Richard O’Donnell was MASC and Region I nominee in 1996. Robert Condon was MASC nominee in 1998. Garrett Powell was MASC and Region I nominee in 2001, Ann Knell was the MASC nominee in 2004, Jack Scanlon was the MASC nominee in 2006, and Linda Francis was the MASC and Region I nominee in 2007, Liz Benstead was the MASC and Region 1 nominee in 2010, and Paul Branagan was the MASC and Region 1 Nominee in 2011. Paul went on to be named the 2011 National Advisor of Year.

You may find the nomination form online Warren E. Shull Award - High School. The nomination form is quite detailed. The form has been designed for self-nomination. ADVISORS PLEASE NOTE: Please do not inhibit your students from placing your name in nomination. (even though that will require you to contribute significantly to the process by providing the vital information).

All forms must be submitted so that they will be postmarked by November 13, 2015.

MAIL TO: Mr. Paul Branagan Warren E. Shull Award  Middleboro HS 71 E. Grove Street Middleboro, MA 02346

2015-2016 NASC ADVISOR OF THE YEAR Warren E. Shull Award

OVERVIEW The National Association of Student Councils was founded in 1931 under the leadership of Warren E. Shull. Warren was student council president at Sapulpa High School in Oklahoma when he came up with the dream for a National Association of Student Government Officers (the original association name).

The early days were difficult, as the United States was in the Great Depression. Warren had to hitchhike from Oklahoma to New Jersey for the 2nd Annual meeting of the Association of which he was President. Warren Shull went to his last NASC National Conference in 1986. It was the 50th National Conference, and it was held in his home state of Oklahoma. He died in 1987 at the age of 76.

Warren Shull sacrificed many things to make NASC a reality. He recognized that leadership is service. He wrote that NASC has “a future that must be dedicated to the improvement of education for all our youth”. There are many student council advisors across the nation who is also guided by the same principles as Warren E. Shull. It is those advisors whom we wish to recognize with a lasting memorial to our association founder. NASC REGIONS

Region I Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont.

Region II Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania.

Region III District of Columbia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia.

Region IV Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Region V Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, West Virginia.

Region VI Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma.

Region VII Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington.

Region VIII Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas.

WARREN E. SHULL

NASC ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2015-2016 Official Nomination Form can be found at HENRY SULLIVAN AWARD www.nasc.us 2015 ~ 2016 MASSACHUSETTS(Middle STUDENT & High COUNCIL School) ADVISOR OF THE YEAR

he Massachusetts Association of Student Councils Henry Sullivan Advisor of the Year Program has been established to recognize and call attention to the outstanding efforts of student council advisors. Henry Sullivan was among the state’s leading student council advisors for over thirty years. His commitment to excellence and his service to young people in This school and across the Commonwealth provide a shining example for advisors to follow.

Member schools may nominate one advisor. The selection committee shall select one award recipient. The Henry Sullivan Award Recipient will be celebrated with a commemorative plaque at the annual State Banquet. SUGGESTED NOMINATION CRITERIA 1. Local Advisorship: Successful candidates must have demonstrated their willingness to support student council activities with adequate time and energy, as well as have provided appropriate representation of their council’s activities to faculty and administration, and must be enthusiastic proponents of their council in the community.

2. Regional Association Involvement: Successful candidates have promoted participation by their council in their Regional Association. Their councils have demonstrated this commitment through regular attendance and active participation in Regional Activities.

3. State Association Involvement: Successful candidates have promoted participation in all MASC sponsored programs and activities. Their councils have demonstrated this commitment through regular attendance and active participation.

To nominate an advisor for the Henry Sullivan Award, the nomination form must be completed and two letters of recommendation supporting the nominee’s commitment to student council must also be submitted. These letters should be from:

1. Nominee’s school principal or administrator; 2. Nominee’s student council president or designee (another student council officer)

The completed application, together with the nominating endorsements, must be forwarded to the MASC and postmarked by FEBRUARY 1, 2016. The announcement of the award recipients will be made at the MASC conference banquet.

Recipients of the Henry Sullivan Award

1993 Dianne Tattersall, Medway High School 1994 Ken Warchol, Northbridge High School 1995 Linda Francis, Marshfield High School 1996 Gerald Delongchamp, Auburn High School 1997 M. Ralph Noon, Amesbury High School 1998 Diana Myers-Pachla, Foxboro High School 1999 Myrtle Thurston, Tahanto Regional High School 2000 Joseph McCourt, Uxbridge High School 2001 John Scanlan, Quincy High School 2002 Michele LeBlanc, Blackstone Valley Reg. Voc. Tech. High School 2003 Ann Knell, Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School 2004 Lincoln Stiles, Oakmont Regional High School 2005 Paul Branagan, Middleboro High School 2006 Marsha Hudson, West Boylston High School 2007 Christine Smith, Foxborough High School 2008 Jane Osgood, Saugus High School 2009 Vincent Crossman, Winthrop High School 2010 Joseph Marzilli, Worcester North High School 2011 Peter Parcellin, Taunton High School 2012 Nancy Johnson, Hopedale High School 2013 Angela Mass, Greenfield High School 2014 Tony Pina, Silver Lake Regional High School 2015 Rob Powers, Apponequet Regional High School

2014 ~ 2015

HENRY SULLIVAN ADVISOR OF THE YEAR

Please visit MASTUCO.net to nominate

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Typed or word processed information preferred.

2. Nominations must be POSTMARKED by: February 1, 2016

On one side of a separate sheet of paper, please submit the following information:

1. A list of student council activities in which nominee has participated

2. A list of any other activities/responsibilities/honors that support the application

Include the typewritten recommendation/endorsements (maximum length - 1 page each)

1. Nominee’s school principal or administrator 2. Nominee’s student council president or student designee 

ENTRIES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED IF RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED

2015 ~ 2016 JAMES ROKAS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AWARD

Please visit MASTUCO.net to nominate

We will present to one student from each region his/her tuition for the MASC Summer Leadership Conference.

The requirements for this award are as follows:

1. Only one nomination per member school.

2. The nominee must be from a current MASC member school (Dues must be paid as of the Award Deadline).

3. The nominee must be a current member of student council.

4. Only students in grades 9, 10, and 11 are eligible.

5. Nominees must complete and submit the official nomination form.

6. Any nomination not properly completed will not be considered.

7. The nomination must be POSTMARKED by February 1, 2016.

The finalists for this award will be determined by a committee consisting of the students and adults who serve on the MASC Executive Board. No Board member may serve on this selection committee if there is a nominee from his/her school. Enclose a return postcard for receipt of submission. Announcement of the Rokas Award recipients will be made during the annual state conference.

JAMES ROKAS LEADERSHIP TRAINING AWARD NOMINATION FORM  This form may be re-created or scanned. Typed or word processed preferred.

NAME ______AGE ______

CURRENT GRADE ______HOME PHONE ______

HOME ADDRESS ______

CITY______STATE ______ZIP ______

SCHOOL ______SCHOOL PHONE ______

SCHOOL ADDRESS ______

CITY______STATE ______ZIP ______

1. Student Council Experience

Using only the space below, list those Student Council Activities with which you have had experience and in which you have demonstrated leadership (i.e., Semi-formal Dance Committee – Chairperson, 2015).

______

JAMES ROKAS LEADERSHIP TRAINING AWARD NOMINATION FORM (Continued)

2. RECOGNITION AND EXPERIENCE Using only the space below, list other significant involvements, awards or recognition, that support your nomination. (i.e., Boy Scouts - Eagle Scout – 2013; Varsity Soccer - Captain 2014; Drama Club President - 2015)

______

3. Questionnaire On the back of this form, please answer one of the following questions in 200 words or less.

1. How have you demonstrated leadership? 2. How will your leadership training impact your school? 3. What are your expectations of a leadership training program?

4. ENDORSEMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS If I am accepted as a Rokas Award Recipient, I will strive to be a worthy representative of the MASC and my school by contributing my best efforts toward the success of the leadership training program.

______Nominee’s signature Date

______Signature of parent or legal guardian Date

This certifies that we have read and verify the contents of this application, that we verify the nominee’s eligibility and that we recommend this student for the James Rokas Leadership Training Award.

______Principal’s signature Student Council Advisor’s signature

______Student Council Advisor Email

COMMONWEALTH AWARDS PROGRAM

Recognition of achievement is central to the mission of our Association. The MASC and the Regional Associations want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of individual student council members all across Massachusetts. The Commonwealth Awards Program seeks to recognize three outstanding council leaders in each of our member schools.

The MASC will assist in this recognition by including all of the names of the Commonwealth Award winners in the annual conference program booklet. Additionally, the MASC will issue certificates for presentation by the school’s advisor at the annual conference. Further recognition at the regional or local level will vary according to circumstance and budget.

SUGGESTED AWARD CRITERIA

Member schools may vary the criteria according to their needs.

1. Leadership: promotes the participation of others in council-directed activities; promotes the leadership of others; effectively delegates responsibility;

2. Followership: willingness to support council activities with the necessary time and energy; appropriate enthusiastic support of the leadership of others

3. Citizenship: enthusiastic proponent of the council and the school; promotes participation in the community by the school; promotes participation in the school by the community.

SELECTION

The method of determining the awards is an individual school decision. The MASC suggests the involvement of the principal, the advisor, and the council president. The names of the award winners must be uploaded by January 11, 2016 to insure inclusion on the MASC Conference program, please visit Mastuco webpage to upload names. The conference program is sent to the printers in December.

MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS

Commonwealth Awards

Please visit the Mastuco webpage to nominate

Massachusetts Association Of Student Councils Administrator of the Year Award

Please visit MASTUCO.net to nominate

The main criterion for this award is the administrator’s support of student activities in your school.

RULES: 1. Each school may submit one administrator, 2. Each entry must be accompanied by two letters of recommendation, 3. Each a maximum of one page, from both the Student Council advisor and president. 4. Each entry must be accompanied by the attached application. 5. Entries will be disqualified if rules are not followed. 6. Entries must be POSTMARKED by December 11, 2015.

Mandatory Supplementary Information:

Typed or word processed preferred …each no longer than one page 1. Letter of endorsement from the Student Council Advisor 2. Letter of endorsement from the Student Council President

Administrator’s Name: ______Position:______School: ______School Phone: ______School Address: ______School City: ______Zip Code: ______Years as an Administrator: ______As an MSSAA Member: ______Student Council Advisor’s Name: ______Student Council Advisor’s Email: ______Student Council President’s Name: ______

FIVE STAR COUNCIL AWARD

The Five Star Council Awards Program has been designed to honor those student councils that support ALL phases of the MASC program of conferences and leadership activities. A certificate for the council and special recognition for the delegates at the annual conference will be presented at the annual conference to all MASC member councils who have met the following criteria during the past year:

1. Sent delegates to appropriate Spring Regional Conference

2. Sent delegates to the previous MASC Summer Leadership Conference

3. Sent delegates to MASC Fall Officershop

4. Sent delegates to appropriate Fall Regional Conference

5. Sent delegates to the previous MASC Spring Conference

If your council qualifies for this recognition, please send notification of your compliance by completing the form online at MASTUCO.net. Begins January 11, 2016

2015-2016 MASC COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

The MASC Council of Excellence Award Program has been designed to recognize and reward the achievements of outstanding student councils or student government organizations on our state association. This award program has been created from the MASC Excellence Award Program as a way of providing encouragement and support, as well as to provide standards of effective student leadership.

AWARD LEVELS

All awards will be presented during the closing ceremonies at the annual conference.

The MASC Gold Council of Excellence is presented to those student council programs that are deemed to be the most outstanding in our state association. The Gold Council is based on achieving over 46 points on our scoring rubric as determined by the judging committee.

The MASC Silver Council of Excellence is presented to those councils whose programs are among the very best in our state association. The Silver Council of Excellence is based on achieving between 43-45 points on our scoring rubric as determined by the judging committee.

The MASC Council of Excellence is presented to those councils whose student council programs have distinguished their reputation and have demonstrated the value of student council in their school and community. The Council of Excellence is based on the achievement of a score between 40 and 42 on our scoring rubric as determined by the judging committee.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The attached criteria sheet demonstrates how each school’s submission will be judged and the categories that will be considered. Applications must be orderly, neat, and complete and submitted on time. To be considered for judgment, all reports must follow the of the criteria sheet and must be accompanied by the required letter of endorsement by the Principal.

The judgment of the awards will be made by a committee that consisting of student council advisors and principals from schools that did not submit applications. The judgment will correlate to the rubric for the award. The criteria are based on the points given for each category. All of the submitted applications will be placed on display at the annual conference after which they will be made available for return.

To be considered, reports must be submitted so that all materials will be POSTMARKED BY FEBRUARY 1, 2016. Send to: MASC Council of Excellence Award Middleboro High School 71 E. Grove Street Middleboro, MA 02346 Attn: Paul Branagan

MASC Council of Excellence Award Book Set-up and Format Criteria

Please follow the directions very carefully as you are completing your submission for the 2015 MASC Council of Excellence Award. If you have any questions regarding the lay-out and format of this award, please send all inquiries to Paul Branagan, MASC Executive Director at [email protected]. Good luck!

Book Set-up and Format:  The Application MUST be presented in a THREE-RING BINDER  Submit ONLY what is asked for outlines in the award indicators. NO FLUFF!  Only WHITE 8 ½ x 11” paper will be accepted.  Each indicator MUST not exceed ONE PAGE in length (12 font, single spaced)  The Award must include the following: 1. Cover Sheets for each indicator 2. Protective Plastic Pages 3. Divider Pages for each indicator  The Award must NOT include: 1. No pictures (except for the outside cover) 2. Nametags from conferences or workshops 3. newspaper articles 4. thank you letters or other letters of appreciation 5. decorative displays (except for outside cover) 6. NOTHING…UNLESS THE INDICATOR ASKS FOR IT!

Scope of Award:  The MASC Council of Excellence Award will recognize programs that have occurred from February 1, 2015 to February 1, 2016. Please adhere to these dates. Projects not within this time frame will NOT be judged.

Clarification of Each Indicator:  There are 30 indicators needed to be met for the MASC Council of Excellence Program. Each indicator will ask for certain pieces of evidence to satisfy the indicator. o In some cases, an actual document will be required (ex. Student Council Constitution, Evaluation Tool, Treasurer’s Report, etc.) o In some cases, a one-page description of the processes of the Student Council (ex. Council Philosophy, Goals, Membership Process, Committee Development, etc.) o In some cases, a full summary and description of a project must be included for actual projects and programs that the Student Council coordinates and/or sponsors. For these types of projects the format on the following page is asked to be followed.  NOTE: Please follow the format carefully! 

MASC Council of Excellence Award Project Summary Format:  This format is for any indicator that is requiring a Student Council to summarize a project or program that is sponsored by the Council.  The descriptions should be kept to no more than one-page per project.

The Format:

Indicator Number:

Project Title:

Objective of Project:

Summary of the Project:

Finances of Project (if any):

Participation in the Project:

Time Spent on Project:

Evaluation of Project:

FormatHow does Example this project is meet located the Indicator on the? following page. Indicator Number: 15 Spirit and Social Activities

Project Title: Thanksgiving Day Pep Rally

Objective of Project: To celebrate the end of the fall season and the anticipation of the Thanksgiving Day Football Game

Summary of Project: (Give your summary of what happened at the Pep Rally. Highlight the activities, the recognition of students, teachers, programs, etc.)

Finances of Project: The total cost of the project was $200.00 (you may want to expand on this if necessary)

Participation of the Project: The entire Student Council prepared for the rally through the work of the committees that were established for the event. The entire student body participated in the event during the last hour of the day before the Thanksgiving Holiday break.

Time Spent: Two months of preparation and committee work.

Evaluation of Project: This area is where you completely evaluate the pep rally

How does it meet the indicator? This is very important to show HOW the event meets the indicator that you have selected to represent this activity. Please use detail.

Procedures:  Student Council members and advisors affiliated with the MASC collect evidence showing their council meets each of the Indicators on the MASC Council of Excellence.  The Council officers and advisor prepare materials.  The Student Council will then meet with their principal where they will present their evidence that shows they have meet each standard  If the principal finds that the Council qualifies as a Massachusetts Council of Excellence, s/he will confirm it with his/her signature. (Failure to attain the signature of the principal will result in disqualification. (No exceptions)  Following the support of the principal, the Student Council will submit their completed application to the Paul Branagan, MASC Executive Director postmarked by February 1, 2016.

Scoring:  To be named a Massachusetts Council of Excellence, the student council must: 1. Meet all required standards and indicators by attaining a total of a minimum of 40 indicator points. 2. Submit a completed application packet that is neat, organized and follows the directions outlined in the Regulations 3. Submission includes letter of recommendation of school principal.  To be named a Massachusetts SILVER Council of Excellence, the student council must: 1. Meet all required standards and indicators by attaining a total of a minimum of 43 indicator points. 2. Submit a completed application packet that is neat, organized and follows the

directions outlined in the Regulations. 3. Submission includes letter of recommendation of school principal.  To be named a Massachusetts GOLD Council of Excellence, the student council must: 1. Meet all required standards and indicators by attaining a total of a minimum of 46 indicator points. 2. Submit a completed application packet that is neat, organized and follows the directions outlined in the Regulations. 3. Submission includes letter of recommendation of school principal.

Special Note:  The essence of the new award will keep the tradition of the presentation of the former MASC Excellence Award Program. However, the scope and the level of materials placed into the document will change dramatically. Make your decisions carefully as to what your Council will be selecting to submit to meet each indicator.

2015 – 2016 MASC COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD CRITERIA

1. School Biographical Information (SEE ATTACHED) 1 POINT  This form is located in the MASC Council of Excellence section of the MASC Guidebook 2. Letter of Endorsement of Student Council President 1 POINT  This letter must be on Letterhead (Student Council preferred) 3. Letter of Endorsement of the School Principal 1 POINT  The Application will be disqualified if this letter is not included  This letter must be on Letterhead (School preferred) 4. Council Philosophy & Mission Statement 2 POINTS  A statement of the development of the philosophy and/or mission statement  This section should be NO MORE than ONE PAGE in length. 5. Council Goals 1 POINT  A statement of the development of the Goals of the Student Council  The Goals MUST be measurable and presented in the bulleted process.  This section should be NO MORE than ONE PAGE in length. 6. Governance (Constitution) 1 POINT  A copy of the current Student Council Constitution must be submitted 7. Governance ( Membership Process) 1 POINT  A statement of the development of a Student Councils Membership  This section should be NO MORE than ONE PAGE in length. 8. Governance (Meetings) 1 POINT  Schools will have to submit a list of ALL Student Council Meetings for the award year from February 1, 2015 ~ February 2, 2016  This section should be NO MORE than ONE PAGE in length and MUST NOT include other meetings outside of general student council meetings. 9. Governance (Agendas) 2 POINTS  Schools must submit TWO copies of agendas from Student Council meetings  ONE MUST be for an Executive Board Meeting and ONE MUST be for a full Student Council Meeting. 10. Governance (Minutes) 2 POINTS  Schools must submit TWO copies of the minutes from the corresponding agendas submitted for award  ONE MUST be for an Executive Board Meeting and ONE MUST be for a full Student Council Meeting. 11. Governance (Budget or Accounting Report) 1 POINT  A copy of the Treasurer’s Report or Budget or Financial Statement for the award year from February 1, 2015 ~ February 2, 2016

12. Governance (Committee Development) 1 POINT  A statement of how the Student Council develops their committees. Student Council will have to state how they area managed, evaluated and maintained committees within Student Council.  Include guidelines for operation, a list of all committees (standing and ad hoc), and a description of the method of chair selection. 13. Governance (Evaluation) 1 POINT  Student Council will have to provide a sample of their evaluation tool of their student council projects.  Explain how the evaluation tool is used within the assessment of the Student Council. This explanation should be NO MORE than ONE PAGE in length.

14. School Service Programs 2 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit evidence of TWO programs that BENEFIT THE ENTIRE SCHOOL COMMUNITY A. One example must show the participation of student council working with a diverse population within their school. (Special Education population, Collaborative work with other clubs or activities in their school, etc.) B. One example must show the participation of the entire school population (ex. Homecoming Week, Spirit Week, etc.) 15. Spirit and Social Activities 2 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit evidence of TWO programs that will IMPROVE SCHOOL SPIRIT AND CLIMATE IN THEIR OWN SCHOOL. A. Both examples need to show evidence of spirit activities (ex. Pep Rally, Spirit Recognitions Programs) B. A school should attempt to diversify their activities. Choose and event that reaches out to a certain population of students. C. EACH DESCRIPTION IS ALLOWED TO BE NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE IN LENGTH. 16. Community Service Programs 2 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit evidence of TWO programs that shows planning and implementation of community service programs in their school A. One example MUST show the participation of the entire school community B. One example MUST show the participation of the membership of the Student Council only. C. EACH DESCRIPTION IS ALLOWED TO BE NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE IN LENGTH. 17. Fundraising Programs 1 POINT  Student Council will need to submit ONE project that raises funds for student-related activities A. One example must be provided of a fundraising activity. B. EACH DESCRIPTION IS ALLOWED TO BE NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE IN LENGTH.

18. Leadership Training Programs 3 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit evidence of THREE projects or programs that show their planning and implementation of their leadership training programs A. One example will need to be an “in-house” student council (full membership) leadership program B. One example will need to be a program that focuses on the training of the Student Council Executive Board C. One example will need to be a program that focuses on the professional development of the Student Council Advisor (MASC Officershop or MASC Advisor Retreat) D. EACH DESCRIPTION IS ALLOWED TO BE NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE IN LENGTH. 19. Communication 1 POINT  Student Council will need to provide ONE piece of evidence of how they communicate with their membership and the student body as a whole. The student council membership is allowed to practice opportunities to show a variety of communication skills. A. One example of Student Council Communication (ex. Student Council Newsletter, Project Promotion Materials, Interactive Website for students, etc.) B. Provide an explanation how this communication is used that is NO MORE than ONE PAGE in length.

20. Civic-Based Activities 1 POINT  Student Council will need to submit ONE example of evidence that employs various methods that encourage students to be involved in their community and increase their awareness of good citizenry and activism A. One example a civic-based activities initiated by the Student Council B. Examples can include: Elections, Community Service and Student Forums) C. EACH DESCRIPTION IS ALLOWED TO BE NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE IN LENGTH. 21. Student Voice Activities 2 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit TWO examples of how they seek out opinions of their student body and create opportunities to include all students in the planning and executing of student council programs and project development. A. One example of an activity that provides a forum for student opinion and idea exchanges. B. One example of an activity that provides participation of students “at-large” within the school community to participate in leadership activities and committees within the student council. Student Council has a process to allow ALL students to be “part of the process” C. EACH DESCRIPTION IS ALLOWED TO BE NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE IN LENGTH.

22. Special Olympics ~ Service Project 4 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit evidence of their participation in the following Special Olympics Program offered in partnership with the MASC and Special Olympics of Massachusetts. A. Participation in the MASC Bocce Tournament as a part of a Unified Sports Team or “Fans in the Stands” B. Participation in the “Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign” within your school. C. Participation in the Polar Plunge Program D. Example of an in-school event that fosters an environment of inclusion in school through an event/program sponsored by Student Council. E. EACH DESCRIPTION IS ALLOWED TO BE NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE IN LENGTH. 23. Transitional Activities 2 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit TWO pieces of evidence that shows transitional activities for incoming students into their school A. One example of an activity that aids in the transition or incoming students (outreach to the feeder schools) B. One example of an activity that is designed to welcome and engage new students to the school community (ex. Orientation Programs, Freshmen Welcome Programs, etc.) C. EACH DESCRIPTION IS ALLOWED TO BE NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE IN LENGTH. 24. Evaluation 2 POINTS  Student Council members will need to submit TWO forms of evidence of how effectively they evaluate their programs. (SAMPLES MUST BE PROVIDED) A. One example of an evaluation that was used by the student council membership and/or committee chairs, executive board B. One example of an evaluation that was used by the entire student body as a method of analyzing a school-wide activity. C. This section should be NO MORE than ONE PAGE in length for the description explaining the evidence in which you have provided. 25. Charities: 2 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit TWO examples of charities that they planned and implemented that raised money for a charitable cause A. One example will be a list of all the charitable programs done throughout the year and the amount raised for the organization or program B. One example will be the DESCRIPTION of ONE program planned and implemented by the student council

C. This section should be NO MORE than ONE PAGE in length for the description explaining the evidence in which you have provided. 26. Regional Participation 2 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit evidence of their participation in the following Regional Programs A. Regional Spring Conference B. Regional Fall Conference

27. MASC State Participation 3 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit evidence of their participation in the following MASC Programs A. MASC State Conference in Hyannis B. MASC Summer Leadership Conference C. MASC Officershop 28. Workshop Development and Participation 2 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit evidence of the development and presentation of a workshop on the following levels: A. Evidence of a workshop/program presented at local student council event B. Regional Workshop Presentation (evidence must be provided) 29. National Participation (NASC) 2 POINTS  Student Council will need to submit evidence of their participation in the following National Programs A. NASC National Conference B. Evidence of Membership with the National Association of Student Councils

30. Completion of Check List and Validation Forms 1 POINT

TOTAL POINTS ONE CAN ATTAIN 50 POINTS

Special Note:  The new format might seem like a great deal of NEW stuff. However, when you look at your current programs, you may find plenty of already established programs that could be identified for each of the areas.  Also, there will NO REPEATING PROJECTS. You will only be allowed to use a project ONCE.

SCHOOL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION INDICATOR #1

THIS FORM MUST BE TYPED School Information:

School Name: ______

School Address: ______

School City & Zip Code: ______

School Phone: ______Fax: ______

Advisor Information:

Advisor Name: ______

Advisor Phone or School Extension: ______

School Email: ______

Number of Years as Advisor: ______Number of Co-Advisors: _____

Principal Information:

Principal Name: ______

Principal Phone and School Extension: ______

School Email: ______

School Demographics:

Current Number of Students in School: ______Grades in School: ______(ex. 9-12)

Classification (rural, suburban, urban, regionalized, private, technical) ______

Student Council Information:

Number of Active Student Council Members: ______Number of Officers: ______

Approximate Year that the Student Council was founded: ______

2015 – 2016 MASC COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD CHECK-LIST AND VALIDATION RUBRIC

Important Note: This form MUST be completed and signed in order to be eligible for the MASC Council of Excellence Award

MASC Indicator Total Eligible Advisor Initials and MASC Judging Committee Points Point(s) awarded Point Awarded & Comment School Biographical Form 1 Point Letter from Council President 1 Point Letter from Principal 1 Point Council Philosophy & Mission 2 Points Statement Council Goals 1 Point Copy of Council Constitution 1 Point Copy of Membership Process 1 Point List of Council Meetings 1 Point Copy of two Council Agendas 2 Points Copy of two Council Minutes 2 Points Copy of Treasurer’s Report 1 Point Copy of Committee Process 1 Point Copy of Project Eval. Tool 1 Point School Serv. Programs (2) 2 Points Spirit & Social Activities (2) 2 Points Community Service Act. (2) 2 Points Fundraising Activity (1) 1 Point Leadership Training Act. (3) 3 Points Copy of Communication Tool 1 Point Civic-Based Activity (1) 1 Point Student Voice Act. (2) 2 Points Special Olympics (4) 4 Points Transitional Activities (2) 2 Points Use of Evaluative Tools (2) 2 Points Charity Programs (2) 2 Points Regional Participation (2) 2 Points MASC State Participation (3) 3 Points Workshop Development (2) 2 Points NASC Participation (2) 2 Points Completion & Submission of 1 Point this form

TOTAL POINTS ACHIEVED BY COUNCIL: ______

Student Council President Signature: ______

Student Council Advisor Signature: ______

School Principal’s Signature: (MANDATORY) ______NOTE: All submissions will be read and judged by a committee. If your submission does not meet the criteria noted in the MASC Guidebook, you will not receive the achieved points for that category. Please follow the directions carefully. DO NOT REPEAT PROJECTS!

TOP TEN PROJECTS AWARD PROGRAM

The Top Ten Awards Program was established to recognize the ten most outstanding student council projects or activities staged during the current year. The focus of the submitted projects and activities is entirely up to the individual student council. All entrees must abide by the rules and all will be judged according to the criteria listed below. Award winners will receive a special plaque at the annual conference. All entries will be published in a booklet which will be distributed at the annual conference.

Entries will be disqualified if they do not follow the rules ENTRY RULES 1. The entry MUST be TYPED (NO photos or scrapbooks please). 2. The entry may NOT exceed TWO pages, double-spaced. 3. The entry MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY a signed evaluation of the project by a teacher, administrator, or other school staff member, other than the student council advisor. 4. The two page (maximum) entry MUST follow the format below.

NAME OF PROJECT a) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY b) PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT (WHAT WERE YOU TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH) c) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT d) BRIEF EXPLANATION OF INVOLVEMENT (IF APPLICABLE) 1) Student Council Members 2) Other Students 3) Faculty 4) Community JUDGING CRITERIA 1. How well does the project meet stated objectives 0-10 points 2. Degree of involvement by: the student council members 0-10 points the student body 0-10 points other school organizations 0-10 points the faculty 0-10 points the community 0-10 points 3. Originality of project 0-10 points 4. Overall results from the standpoint of the student body participation/reaction or community participation/reaction or funds raised 0-20 points 5. Consideration of the circumstances of the project as it relates to the size of the school and/or community 0-10 points

Total possible points: 100 points

Please visit MASTUCO for more information

The Massachusetts Association of Student Councils Executive Board

Cordially invites you to the

10th Annual MASC Presidents Dinner Thursday, September 24, 2015

MSSAA 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038

Advisors and Council Presidents are invited to join us for a dinner to kick-off the 2015-2016 school year. We encourage you to take this opportunity to gather information on the upcoming year, including new initiatives and programs.

Presidents and Advisors should be dressed in business attire.

For more information and to register please fill out the MASC Presidents Dinner online registration. Once you have registered, please send the confirmation you received together with your payment before Wednesday, September 16, 2015. Checks should be made payable to: MSSAA (school check or bank (cashiers) check)

Payment should be sent to: MSSAA 33 Forge Parkway Franklin, MA 02038 Attn: Phil Napolitano

NOTE: There will be NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2015 Place: MSSAA, Franklin MA Deadline: September 16, 2015 Registration Fee: $20/per person Time: 6:00 pm

ADVANCE REGISTRATION ONLY ~ NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION

TO REGISTER PLEASE VISIT: MASC Presidents Dinner Registration

FALL OFFICERSHOP TRAINING SEMINAR Friday, October 16, 2015 Hogan Center, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA

The MASC is proud to announce that the annual and upcoming Fall OfficerShop will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at the Hogan Center on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester.

Holy Cross is an ideal location. It is located just off Route 290, (College Square exit) which is easily accessible from the Mass. Turnpike and I-495.

This year’s training seminar is packed with informational, practical workshops, which should be both extremely enjoyable and beneficial to students and Advisors. This year the seminar will feature an interactive approach offering specific and practical training opportunities for officers and advisors. Student Councils are asked to limit the number of delegates.

If you have never joined us before, we encourage you to take this opportunity to gather useful information and to participate in the lively exchange of ideas. For those of you who have attended in the past, you are well aware of the valuable officer orientation and motivational “booster shot” that the Officershop Seminar provides.

Please register online, no later than October 7, 2015. NOTE: There will be NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION.

Date: Friday, October 16, 2015 Place: College of the Holy Cross ~ Hogan Center Deadline: October 7, 2015 Registration Fee: $20/per person Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 Noon (Registration 8:00 am - 9:00 am; Continental Breakfast)

ADVANCE REGISTRATION ONLY ~ NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION

For more information and to register please fill out the MASC OfficerShop online registration. Once you have registered, please send the confirmation signed by your principal together with your payment (Please add: MASC OfficerShop in the memo line)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, OCTOBER 7, 2015 Mail To: Phil Napolitano MSSAA/MASC Officershop 33 Forge Parkway Franklin, MA 02038 or Fax: 508-541-9888

2015 ~ 2016 PRINCIPAL’S DAY

Among the most exciting events on the MASC calendar of activities is the celebration of Principal’s Day. This year marks the fourteenth annual observance of this highly acclaimed activity. Circle Friday, January 15, 2016 on your calendar. Join student councils all across the Commonwealth in a celebration of the contributions of their principals.

Principal’s Day is a dynamic activity which is intended to recognize the outstanding efforts made by principals towards the advancement of student government.

CERTIFICATES AND MASC ASSISTANCE

Included in this packet is a sample press release and list of suggested activities. Publicity is a necessary element of the activity. Public praise is the highest form of commendation. When possible, go beyond the press release; invite the press to become part of the celebration. The sample press release that is included provides an easy model to follow. The list of activities has been successfully staged by member student councils. Try any one or any combination of activities. The newsletter is also a source of ideas, as it often will feature descriptions of new activities.

SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE

DATE: 1/15/2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Today, Friday, January 16th, Mayberry High School students are honoring and celebrating their Principal, Mr. Thomas Green. Student Council President Walter Oliver and the entire student council will present Mr. Green with a special certificate from the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils, but that is only part of the celebration. Mr. Green was treated to a limousine ride to school, a red carpet was rolled out at the school, and a special breakfast was held in his honor. Similar events are taking place in high schools all across the Commonwealth in observance of the fourteenth annual Principal’s Day. The Massachusetts Association of Student Councils has dedicated Friday, January 15, 2016, as Principal’s Day in Massachusetts. Student Councils will celebrate today in an effort to recognize high school principals for their efforts to promote student leadership and student government in their schools. The MHS Student Council wishes to join the MASC in thanking all of the principals, and especially Mr. Green, for their tireless efforts to stimulate civic responsibility. Happy Principal’s Day!

Suggested Activities for Principal’s Day

Balloon-O-Grams Special Awards & Motivational Assembly Cake & Ice Cream Reception Special Breakfast Special Lunch Red Carpet Welcome Limousine Service Valet Parking Decorate Office & School Decorate Parking Space Car Wash Cross-Road Banner in Town Center Boutonniere/Corsage/Bouquets Faculty - Student Council Reception “T is for Teacher” Presentation “Wind Beneath my Wings” Presentation Life Size Thank You cards School Cleanup in Honor of Occasion Donation to Local Charity Special Announcements & Bulletin Boards Special Gift to School Room Service for Lunch Photos with School Mascot Preferred Parking Singing Telegrams

(For a citation / proclamation from the State House ~ contact your local State Representative or State Senator)

Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis 2016 Annual Conference March 9-11, 2016

The strongest asset of our state association is our Annual Conference. It is the focal point of all of our activities and programs. Each year the Executive Board strives to make the current conference more memorable than the last. Last year we hosted more delegates than ever before, a total of over 1,100 students and advisors attended. They brought back to their schools and communities a wealth of ideas and inspiration, as well as some practical hints about running more effective student councils.

The Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis provides a medium for students and advisors to establish new friendships and foster learning opportunities. The Cape Codder Resort will again serve as our associate hotel this year. The M.A.S.C. will provide shuttle service between the hotels.

On the pages that follow, you will find guidelines for registration and a conference registration form. The guidelines have been established to ensure the most beneficial program possible. Complete conference rules will be mailed prior to the conference. Additional program details will be published in the newsletter as soon as the plans are finalized.

If you have not attended, please consider the benefits to be gained from the experience. We guarantee that this conference will be long remembered. Schools should register as soon as possible after registration officially begins.

All registrations must be accompanied by one-half payment payable to MSSAA and mailed to the MASC office in Franklin. Registration begins January 11, 2016 and ends at capacity, or February 1, 2016. Final payment must be received or postmarked by February 1, 2016.

Registrations will take place online ONLY. Registration will begin at Noon on January 11, 2016. Please visit the Conference Section of the MASTUCO website to register on January 9th.

For planning purposes, the rates for The Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis and the Cape Codder Resort & Spa are as follows:

Rates per Person: $385 Single $325 Triple $340 Double $310 Quad

(In the event of changes in HOTEL CHARGES, rates may have to be adjusted)

Payment must be in the form of a school issued check or bank (cashiers) check. Personal checks will not be accepted and will be returned.   Mail Registration and Payment to:

MASC State Conference Registration MSSAA 33 Forge Parkway Franklin, MA 02038

2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION GUIDELINES

HOTELS Two official hotels will be used for the 2016 annual conference, the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis and the Cape Codder Resort. Transportation will be provided between the two hotels. The conference package plan includes all meals, sleeping accommodations, conference registration, and fees.

OCCUPANCIES

To maximize the number of delegates staying at the Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis, ONLY QUAD occupancy for STUDENTS and ONLY DOUBLE or single occupancy for ADVISORS will be accepted.

If you desire OTHER TYPES of occupancies you MUST send an email request to [email protected].

Students MUST stay in the same hotel as their advisor.

NOTE: If you have made a MASC conference room(s) reservation and need to cancel or alter this reservation, contact Phil Napolitano at [email protected]; please put conference cancellation in subject line. Otherwise your cancellation will not be honored. Please see the cancellation policy for details.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DELEGATES

In order to provide an opportunity for the maximum number of MASC member schools to participate in the conference, the number of student delegates per school has been limited to 12 per school at both hotels.

As a means of recognition as well as an incentive, those schools selected as GOLD COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE through participation in last year’s COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD PROGRAM will be allowed to bring 16 students. (Amesbury, Attleboro, Bishop Stang, Carver, David Prouty, Dracut, Duxbury, Grafton, Greenfield, Hopedale, King Philip, Marshfield, Middleboro, Minnechaug, Oakmont, Oxford, Quaboag RHS, Rockland, Saugus, Shepherd Hill, Silver Lake, Taunton, Tewksbury, Walpole, Westborough, Winthrop). MASC Executive Board members are not included among the delegates from their respective schools.

CANCELLATIONS Schools are responsible for the occupancy created. If you cancel one person in a room, you are responsible for covering the charges associated with full occupancy of that room. You will be charged in FULL for any rooms that are not cancelled at least 10 days before the conference. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Canceling or altering your MASC room reservations can only be done by phone. You must email Phil Napolitano at the MSSAA in Franklin at [email protected], please put conference cancellation in subject line.

Schools are responsible for the occupancy created. Cancel one in a quad, and you are still responsible to pay for that full quad. There will be a hotel charge in cancellation of a whole room within four days of arrival. Canceling or altering your MASC room reservations can only be done by email. You must email Phil Napolitano at the MSSAA in Franklin at [email protected].

Please note that MSSAA reserves the right to change or alter the schedule at the conference.

CONFERENCE ELIGIBILITY

To attend the conference, to vote, and to have candidates for office, your MASC membership dues MUST be paid. Please refer to dues memo on page 7 of this guidebook, or call Michele at the MSSAA office to find out if your school has registered and paid for Student Council dues.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

The major goal of the MASC Annual Conference is leadership development of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. The Executive Board recommends, very strongly, that schools NOT BRING SENIORS.

SUPERVISION

An Advisor MUST accompany each delegation and MUST remain in attendance and be available throughout the entire conference. The conference is an extension of the school day. The advisor is responsible for the conduct of his/her students at all conference activities. The advisor must also ensure that all of his/her students attend all sessions.

REGISTRATION TIME FRAME

Online registration begins at Noon on January 11, 2016. Please visit the Conference Section of the MASTUCO website to register on January 11th.

ADVISORS PLEASE NOTE: the RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER AT HYANNIS fills very quickly; registrations will officially close on February 1, 2016, or when capacity has been reached.

PURCHASE ORDER POLICY

A School Purchase Order may be used for initial registration, however a Purchase Order WILL NOT hold the accommodations after February 1st. Payment must be received by February 1st or your registration may be cancelled. Use a copy of your Registration Form as the bill, in order to process payment with your school.

The Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators affiliation and tax exempt number is listed on the registration form. Please start the process early.

CONFERENCE MAILINGS

Shortly before the conference, attending schools will receive a package of materials. Included will be details about the conference, information about what to bring and what not to bring, and medical release forms.

OVERFLOW DINING AT BANQUET

The Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis Banquet Hall cannot accommodate more than 700 people. We use a lottery to place delegations in the upstairs dining room. The schools chosen for the upstairs dining room will not be part of the lottery for the next two years.

EXCELLENCE/HONOR COUNCIL WORKSHOP

The winners of the 2015 Gold Council of Excellence Awards are encouraged to conduct a small group workshop at the 2016 Conference.

Rockland Marshfield Silver Lake Hopedale Amesbury Grafton Attleboro David Prouty Middleboro Greenfield Taunton Duxbury Oakmont Saugus Carver Tewksbury Dracut Minnechaug Bishop Stang King Philip Walpole Winthrop Oxford Quaboag RHS Shepherd Hill Westborough

Massachusetts Association of Student Councils Annual Conference

Parents’ Power of Attorney

NAME OF STUDENT: ______

I hereby authorize and empower (name of advisor) ______, advisor, to secure necessary and required medical aid for the above named student from ______, (date of departure) to ______(date of return). Further, if an emergency should a rise necessitating surgery by reason of illness or accident, the said advisor, ______, may execute any medical or hospital authorization for and on my behalf as if I were personally present.

It is agreed and understood that prior to exercising the above power of attorney in the event of an emergency, the above named attorney, therefore shall make every effort to contact the parent or guardian for verbal approval or disapproval.

______Signature of Father or Legal Guardian Date

______Signature of Mother or Legal Guardian Date

______Signature of Advisor

______Signature of Principal (Mandatory) Date

______Home Phone # Parent Work # (indicate which parent)

Insurance Company Identifying Number

Allergies to Medication / Significant Medical History: ______

______

MASC is requesting that each student complete this form or a local form giving such information. The advisor should have these forms with them during the convention. The advisor should alert the MASC nurse of any medical problems which you feel should be brought to our attention. 41

SMALL GROUP WORKSHOP APPLICATION (Typed or word-processed preferred)

Please visit MASTUCO.net for application

Students and advisors who are interested in presenting a workshop at the annual conference in Hyannis must complete and submit this form.

1. All student presenters are required to register for the conference. 2. Student presenters MUST have an ADULT SUPERVISOR/sponsor registered for the conference who must attend their session. 3. Workshop presenters DO count towards the school’s delegation limit of 12. 4. In order to be considered, completed application forms MUST be returned to the MASC by January 11, 2016. 5. Gold Council of Excellence schools are expected to conduct a workshop.

STUDENT ELECTION INFORMATION

The election of officers will be held during the annual MASC Conference.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDIDACY

1. Each candidate MUST be from a school which is a current MASC dues-paying member. 2. A candidate must submit the official nomination form. It must be signed by the principal, the student council advisor, the candidate’s parent, and the candidate. 3. No present senior may compete for office. 4. DEADLINE: the completed nomination form MUST BE POSTMARKED December 11, 2015. FAXED COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 5. MAIL TO: Peter Smith, MASC Elections, MSSAA, 33 Forge Pkwy, Franklin, MA 02038 6. ANY NOMINATION FORM NOT PROPERLY COMPLETED WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. 7. A current photo may be submitted for conference video presentation (use Picture Submission Form on pg.47). 8. Please contact Paul Branagan, with any questions/concerns regarding election information. [email protected] ~ school phone #: 508-946-2010 x 3102 ~ cell phone #: 508-245-2543

OFFICES AND DUTIES

The PRESIDENT shall:

1. Be an official student representative of the MASC 2. Preside over MASC Executive Board Meetings and activities 3. Represent the MASC at the NASC Conference in June 4. Carry out the duties delegated to him/her by the Executive Board 5. Present an annual report of the MASC to the Annual Conference

The VICE PRESIDENT shall:

1. Assume all duties of the President in the event he/she is unable to fulfill his/her office 2. Work with the President and accept duties delegated to him/her by the Executive Board

The SECRETARY shall:

1. Keep accurate minutes of all meetings and distribute them to all members of the Executive Board 2. Conduct all MASC correspondence

SPEECHES All candidates will present a three minute (maximum) speech at the annual conference on Thursday morning.

ELECTION CAMPAIGNS All candidates must comply with the restrictions regarding the posting and distribution of campaign materials. Complete details will be mailed to all candidates together with a list of their opponents after the nomination deadline.

ATTENDANCE Any officer/delegate who misses three (3) Executive Board Meetings will be removed from office.

TRANSPORTATION All elected officers and delegates ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION. Executive Board Meetings are held at MSSAA Headquarters, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA. 43

DELEGATES

In addition to elected officers, at least four students will be appointed at large to the Executive Board. All candidates for office will be considered if they indicate their desire to be considered on the nomination form.

ELECTION / PRIMARY

In the event that there are more than TWO candidates for an office, and no one candidate receives a majority of votes, then the first election on Thursday afternoon will serve as a ~PRIMARY~ for that office only. From that “Primary,” the top two candidates will have their names placed on a second ballot. The final election will then take place Thursday night.

Students should be aware of all the RESPONSIBILITIES that go with the acceptance of an MASC office and any students who are sincerely interested in seeking office are encouraged to run. Advisors should encourage any dynamic student member to run. It is a fulfilling and worthwhile experience.

Voting is done on an equal basis for all MASC member schools regardless of size. Each member school will be given four (4) ballots that may be cast in any combination. All voting will take place on Thursday afternoon and/or evening at the annual conference.

Directions to MSSAA Office

From Rt. 495 South: Follow Route 495 north to Exit 17 (Franklin/Bellingham) Route 140 (north). At the top of the exit ramp take a left. Follow Route 140 straight over new bridge for approximately 1 mile, at the fifth set of traffic lights on Route 140 (counting the light at the top of the exit ramp from Route 495S), turn left onto Forge Parkway and left again into the MIAA/MSSAA entrance.

From Rt. 495 North: Follow Route 495 south to Exit 17 (Franklin/Bellingham) Route 140 (north). At the top of the exit ramp bear right. Follow Route 140 straight for approximately 1 mile, to the third set of traffic lights; turn left onto Forge Parkway and left again into the MIAA/MSSAA entrance.

From the Mass Pike get off at exit 11A – Route 495. Follow directions above for From the North.

2015 MASC ELECTION REGULATIONS

1. Candidates for State Office will be limited to ONE PER SCHOOL.

2. Elections will be held from 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis Lobby on Thursday. Each school will have four (4) votes in the regular election.

3. If no candidate receives a majority of votes in the regular election, and if there is a run-off election, it will take place between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Thursday evening. Each school will have one (1) vote in the run-off election.  There will be two candidates in the run-off election (the top two vote getters)

4. The Banquet (Thursday night) will be CAMPAIGN-FREE. No centerpieces or handouts of any kind will be allowed - either placed on the tables or handed to the delegates.

5. There will be a limit of one sign that can be displayed by each candidate. All signs MUST be checked before they are allowed to be placed in the corridors. They must be totally free standing and must contain NO ELECTRICAL component. No signs can be erected before 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. There will be a lottery for position outside the ballroom at the 2:00 meeting.

6. No fliers, balls, gum, stickers, pins, play dough, etc. (anything that can cause extra clean up for the hotel staff) are allowed. No flying or bouncing objects or water guns are allowed in the hotel.

7. Campaigning is limited to the BALLROOM area only. No campaigning is allowed in the front lobby of the hotel, especially on Wednesday afternoon. Candidates should NOT BEGIN CAMPAIGNING before the 2:00 p.m. meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

8. All candidates for office will wear CANDIDATE RIBBONS that will identify them at all times as a candidate for office.

9. If a candidate for office desires to make election T-shirts, etc. then the number that can be brought is limited to the total number of delegates from his/her school.

10. Speeches are just that – SPEECHES! They must always be positive in nature. Advisors are responsible for reviewing and critiquing their candidate’s speeches prior to the convention. They must not exceed three minutes in length.

11. Candidates are limited to $400.00 in campaign spending. This limit refers to the VALUE of ALL campaign materials both purchased and donated. Each candidate must submit a typewritten spreadsheet listing all expenditures at the pre-conference meeting on Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in HYANNISPORT EAST.

12. All decisions concerning campaigning and speeches will be decided by the entire adult membership of the MASC Executive Board.

13. If you plan to have any handouts or mailings, for your election campaign, they must be pre-approved by the MASC Executive Board. Please mail or mail Paul Branagan with your request on or before February 5, 2016. [email protected] c/o Middleboro High School, 71 East Grove Street, Middleboro, MA 02346

NOTE: Any candidate who fails to comply with the MASC Election Regulations will be subject to disqualification. 45

STUDENT ELECTION NOMINATION FORM (Typed or word processed information preferred)

NAME ______AGE ______PRESENT GRADE ______HOME ADDRESS ______CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______SCHOOL ______SCHOOL ADDRESS ______CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______PHONE: HOME ______SCHOOL ______EMAIL ADDRESS: ______ADVISOR NAME & EMAIL: ______POSITION STUDENT IS APPLYING FOR

(TYPE office sought in box above)

If your candidacy is unsuccessful, you will be considered for a delegate position.

ALL candidates must submit a list of five (5) of their major Student Council or School related accomplishments. Type these on the back of this form, and they will be printed in the conference program. Please refer to the 2013 MASC Conference program for an example. A current yearbook style photo must also be submitted for conference video presentation.

Candidates should be aware of the responsibilities that go along with the acceptance of an office on the MASC Executive Board. Because of the commitment of both time and energies, only those students of strong academic quality should consider becoming a nominee for any of the positions on the MASC Executive Board.

The following signatures signify that the above-named student is capable of representing his/her high school and the MASC at any and all functions.

______Signature of APPLICANT Signature of PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN

______Signature of PRINCIPAL Signature of STUDENT COUNCIL ADVISOR

ADVISOR Email Address: ______

Deadline Date: POSTMARKED by December 11, 2015 Mail to:  MASC ELECTIONS MSSAA 33 Forge Pkwy Franklin, MA 02038 Attn: Phil Napolitano

MASC Media Services

Picture Submission Form

As you may know, at the MASC Annual Conference, your picture may be displayed on the 20' projection screen anytime that you are speaking. Keep in mind that over 1000 people will be looking at your picture, and the image that you present is very important. In order to have a uniform appearance, the following standards must be followed if you choose to submit a picture. MASC Media Services must approve any deviance from this policy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Paul Branagan at [email protected].

1. Pictures should be taken by a professional photographer. If you don't have a picture, you can get one for under $20.00 at Sears or K-Mart. 2. Pictures can be taken on any background, however, we suggest that you use a light colored (light blue, etc.) background for optimal appearance on the screen. Very dark backgrounds tend to blend in with the page. We want you to stand out. 3. Pictures must be taken in color. Black and white will not be accepted. 4. Picture size should be bigger than wallet size, but no larger than 5x7. Use the box below as a guide. If the picture is larger than the box (no larger than 5x7) it will work fine, but it cannot be any smaller. 5. Pictures can also be emailed to Paul Branagan at the above address.

Name: ______

Contact Telephone #: ______

Email: ______

Current position (eboard) or position you are Running for (candidate):

______

LIP SYNC/TALENT CONTEST RULES and REGULATIONS

Please visit MASTUCO.net for application

The annual conference has featured a Lip Sync/Talent Show Contest for the past 15 years. The contest provides entertainment for all of the delegates, plus opportunities for participating delegations to work together just for the fun of it. Only songs and acts that are conducive to the atmosphere of a leadership conference should be considered for presentation.

1. All songs and acts will be screened for suitability by the school’s advisor before presentation at the conference. 2. Dress/attire MUST NOT be obscene, offensive or suggestive. Cross-dressing is not acceptable. 3. Acts MAY NOT exceed four minutes in duration. 4. ONLY one act per school. 5. Music must be submitted on CD ONLY. 6. All CD’s must be delivered to the registration table on Wednesday. 7. Delegates must retrieve their CD’s immediately following the contest. 8. Acts will be judged on appearance, talent, and originality. 9. A maximum of TWELVE acts will be permitted on a first come, first serve basis. 10. NO acts may change after inclusion in the program. 11. The deadline for inclusion is February 2, 2015 – or when the limit is reached. (Entries POSTMARKED later than February 2, 2015 will not be considered) Please note: Any Lip Sync deemed to be inappropriate by MASC will be immediately disqualified.

PLEASE RETAIN A PHOTOCOPY OF THE ABOVE RULES

2016 PROGRAM COVER DESIGN CONTEST

Our Theme for 2016 is “Mission MASC: To Leadership and Beyond” The Program Cover Design Contest was created in order to develop a greater involvement of the entire membership of our Association in the planning and preparation of materials for our annual conference. Any student from a member school may submit a design entry for the cover of the program for the 2016 annual conference. The Program Booklet contains the schedule, workshop descriptions, candidate close-ups, and all of the pertinent data regarding the conference.

The rules are simple:

1. Designs MUST be PHOTO READY (i.e., ready for production AS IS)

2. Designs MUST be a visual interpretation of the theme

3. Designs MUST be on 8 ½ x 11 paper

4. Designs MUST be received by December 11, 2015

5. Color Design MUST be done in overlays – limited to three colors

6. ONE copy of the submitted design MUST be in BLACK AND WHITE. The additional copies are to show the color scheme that you would have your design appear.

The designs will be judged by the Executive Board. The winning designer and his/her school will be officially recognized at the annual conference. Also, the designer will be credited in the program.

In addition to the finished artwork, please include ten (10) photocopies for judging purposes.

  MAIL TO:

PAUL BRANAGAN c/o MIDDLEBORO HIGH SCHOOL 71 East Grove Street Middleboro, MA 02346

MASC COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

MASC has always encouraged its members to be involved in community service projects. Lauryn McCarthy, a former MASC delegate, launched our annual participation in the WALK FOR HUNGER. This charity walk raises thousands of dollars every year for those who are homeless and hungry. Our first walk was a great success, and MASC schools contributed over $8000.00 to the WALK FOR HUNGER project. MASC schools met at the Boston Common, turned in pledge money and walked as a group, wearing their MASC conference shirts proudly.

We plan to continue our participation in this event and will have a representative from the WALK FOR HUNGER organization at the state conference who will give each member school a packet to get organized.

In recognition for your student council’s participation in this event, a ribbon will be given to the member school delegates to wear at the 2016 annual MASC state conference. In order to qualify, your council members must have walked and submitted pledges or contributed pledges of at least $100.00 to the MASC WALK FOR HUNGER campaign.

If your council participated in the 2015 MASC WALK FOR HUNGER service project, please fill out the form below and mail it before the January 11, 2016 deadline. If you do not mail it in time, we cannot guarantee delegate ribbons for the conference.

Visit the MASTUCO website register

Massachusetts Association of Student Councils UNSUNG HERO AWARD Nomination Form

This award will recognize one student council member from each region who goes above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis with little or no recognition. The nominated student council member should:  Display extraordinary effort in performing tasks for the council  Show enthusiasm and initiative on a regular basis  Consistently and willingly extend an unsolicited helping hand  Is a role model in your school and community

Please visit MASTUCO.net for nomination form

The MASC Executive Board suggests that a nominee is a non-officer member of your council. The nominee must be attending the MASC State Conference to be eligible for the award.

Rules: 1. Each school may only submit 1 student council member who must be attending the state conference. If the member does not attend the state conference, the advisor will notify the State Executive Board so an alternate may be selected. 2. Each entry must be accompanied by two letters of recommendation, each a maximum of one page, from the Student Council Advisor and a student officer. Each letter of recommendation should describe the nominee and detail the nominee’s unsung contributions to your school. Please be as specific as possible. 3. Each entry must be accompanied by this application. 4. One student council member from each region will be selected. 5. Entries must be postmarked by February 1, 2016. 6. Entries will be disqualified if rules are not followed.

National Association of Student Councils presents: The National Council of Excellence Award Program 2015-2016

The Massachusetts Association of Student Councils invites all MASC members’ schools to apply to become an NASC Council of Excellence for the 2015-2016 school year. The NASC National Councils of Excellence Award provides national recognition for student councils that consistently provide quality leadership activities and service to their schools and communities. This award provides broader recognition for the most worthy efforts of NASC member schools. All schools found to meet the criteria will be recognized.

There are two levels of recognition to the National Council of Excellence Awards. The base level is the National Council of Excellence that is awarded to student councils that meet the minimum number of criteria. The National Gold Council of Excellence is awarded to the student councils that demonstrate the highest levels of leadership and activities as illustrated by the greater number of criteria they meet.

NASC Council of Excellence Schools: Bishop Stang High School ~ Gold Council of Excellence Hopedale High School ~ Golf Council of Excellence Minnechaug Regional High School ~ Gold Council of Excellence Murdock Regional High School ~ Council of Excellence Quaboag Regional High School ~ Council of Excellence Rockland High School ~ Gold Council of Excellence Walpole High School ~ Gold Council of Excellence Westborough High School ~ Gold Council of Excellence

Student councils that earn a National Council of Excellence Award receive:  A National Council of Excellence Certificate proclaiming their achievement

 An official letter from NASC recognizing and congratulating your student leaders and school

 A press release that can be customized for their local news media

 Inclusion of their school name in the winners’ list that is published on the NASC website

 Recognition during the NASC National Conference (Names of winning schools are on display during the conference and delegates from winning schools will receive official Council of Excellence ribbons)

Check out the NASC Website at www.nasc.us for application and due date information.

NASC Scholarship

A scholarship for a NASC registration will be awarded to an applicant by the MASC E-board.

This is in memory of John Schrader, who was the MASC Travel Director until his untimely death in 2001. Mr. Schrader always put kids first and planned memorable trips to "Nationals" every year.

Annual NASC National Conference Century High School Portland, OR June 24-26, 2016

Attention: MASC Delegates

The National Association of Student Councils (NASC) extends its welcome to the delegates coming to Portland, Oregon.

The Massachusetts delegation of 40+ will be going on or about June 22, 2016.

The approximate cost will be $1,450* for each delegate, at the time of this publication. Final cost will be identified by the state conference in March and will be depended on the cost of airfare, and miscellaneous associated travel expenses.

The cost includes:  Registration  Airfare  Food  Hotel Accommodations (based on quad occupancy)  T-shirt  Pins for trading  A side trip/activity

If you would like to become part of the Massachusetts delegation please visit MASC/NASC Online Registration. As of the date of the guidebook publication, online registration is not yet live. Please check the website frequently for more information on when you can register.

Payment for the trip to the National Conference will be in two installments as follows: 1. $500.00 with application by December 11, 2015 (checks payable to: MSSAA) 2. Remaining Balance Due by March 31, 2016

Please Note: Since there are a limited number of spaces, registration will be conducted on a first-come, first- serve basis. Student delegates who have attended a past NASC Conference will be placed on a waiting list. This is done to allow more first time delegates an opportunity to go to a National Conference.

Students will be notified by MASC, after the December 11th deadline, if they have received a spot for the National Conference.

* $1,450.00 is the tentative cost depending on airline prices at time of booking.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN AND POSITIVE TO DO THIS SUMMER?

Why not attend one of New England’s premier youth leadership training programs!

Early July Date TBD.

 Develop and sharpen your leadership skills.  Make new friends.  Get new ideas for your school.  Great for student leaders of all types – student council members, athletic captains, club officers and many more!  Three levels to build your leadership training: BASIC: - Learn about your leadership style.

MASC SUMMER INTERMEDIATE – Train to serve on the local, regional & state level. CONFERENCE ADVANCED – Apply your knowledge to inform, create & execute!For registration information visit: www.mastuco.net

Or see your student council advisor! Full packets with location, registration and fee information will be available online!

MASC Summer Leadership Conference

Sponsored by: Mass. Association of Student Councils Mass. Secondary School Administrators’ Association 33 Forge Parkway Franklin, MA 02038 Phone: 508-541-7997 Fax: 508-541-9888 Email: [email protected]

Massachusetts Association of Student Councils Summer Leadership Conference Junior Counselor/Senior Counselor Application Procedure

July 2016

If you are interested in applying for a staff position, please email a BRIEF COVER LETTER explaining why you want to be a JC as well as a RESUME to [email protected]. Your cover letter and resume should be in MS WORD FORMAT and sent as an attachment. We will respond with a confirmation email when received. Your resume should include your leadership, educational and relevant work experience. Also, please include any co-curricular activities you have participated in throughout high school or college. If using your college resume, please be sure it highlights your student council experience.

YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER ARE DUE NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 1, 2016

Along with your application, a brief recommendation email must be sent from you advisor or an individual who has worked with you directly in a leadership role within your school and community. This should be emailed directly from the individual to [email protected] with your name in the subject line. This email should briefly highlight your strengths and weaknesses and whether or not they feel you will make a good JC. Again, tell your advisor that this does not have to long; a paragraph or two is perfect. This email is due no later than March 4, 2016.

Any Questions: Please send an email to [email protected]

Save the Date!!

The MASC Advisor Workshop January 22 & 23, 2016 The Resort and Conference Center of Hyannis

Workshop Highlights:  Amazing professional development opportunity in student leadership  Nationally recognized presenter/trainer  All inclusive fee (lodging, conference registration, meals and materials)  Network with advisors from across the Commonwealth  And much more!

All registration information will be distributed at the MASC Officershop in October.

Any Questions: Contact Paul Branagan at [email protected]

Massachusetts Association OF STUDENT COUNCILS CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this association shall be the Massachusetts Association of Student Councils.

ARTICLE II – SPONSORSHIP

The Massachusetts Association of Student Councils is sponsored by the Massachusetts Secondary School Association.

ARTICLE III – OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this association shall be:

1. To stimulate student council growth and development. 2. To promote the cause of student participation in the school community. 3. To promote unity among student councils by developing cooperation and communication. 4. To provide the opportunity for student expression through representation to the state organization. 5. To stimulate student awareness and involvement in relation to the issues of the times.

To assist all student councils to, become more effective organizations within their schools.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

A. Secondary schools in Massachusetts which have student councils or similar organizations shall be eligible for membership in this organization upon payment of annual dues. B. Dues changes shall be recommended by the MASC Executive Board for approval by the MSSAA before being sent to the general membership. C. Regardless of delegation or school size, each member school shall have equal representation regarding any vote.

ARTICLE V – EXECUTIVE BOARD

There shall be an Executive Board for the purpose of maintaining continuity from year to year and of most efficiently transacting the business of the association.

A. The three (3) state officers and five (5) sectional presidents shall serve on the Executive Board. Should any sectional president become a state officer, another sectional officer may be designated by the sectional executive director as the official representative of that section. B. In addition to the above, the following shall serve on the Executive Board: 1. A member from the MSSAA Standing Committee on Student Councils 2. The Executive Director 3. Assistant Executive Directors 4. The Executive Director from each region 5. Student delegates as determined by the Executive Board 6. Advisor delegates as determined by the Executive Board C. Duties of the Executive Board are to be determined by the by-laws.

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS

A. The officers of this association shall be President, Vice-President and Secretary. B. Each candidate for office shall be a Student Council member in good standing of the freshman, sophomore, or junior class of a member school at the time of election. C. The duties of the President shall be: 1. To preside over all meetings of the MASC Executive Board. 2. To preside over all meetings of the MASC membership. 3. Be an official representative of the MASC. 4. Be an ex officio member of all MASC committees. 58

5. Present an annual report at the Annual Spring Conference. D. The duties of the Vice-President shall be: 1. To assume the duties of the president in the event that he/she is unable to carry them out. 2. Serve on any committee as determined by the President. E. The Secretary shall: 1. Keep all the official minutes of all MASC meetings. 2. Send copies of the minutes of meetings to all members of the Executive Board. 3. Keep an official list of membership. 4. Conduct all correspondence for the MASC. F. Representation at the Annual Conference shall be open to all members of the association. A majority of the accredited delegates present at the annual conference shall decide any questions properly brought before such meeting, except amendments to this constitution. G. Notice of the annual meetings or conferences of the association shall be sent to al member schools at least one month prior to the date thereof.

ARTICLE VII – NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

A. The Massachusetts Association of Student Councils shall be a member of the National Association of Student Councils. B. The Massachusetts Association of Student Councils shall be represented at all National Association of Student Councils annual conferences as well as other NASC meetings and workshops. C. The Executive Board of the MASC shall send the Executive Director and the president of the MASC to the annual NASC convention. In addition, the Board may designate additional delegates or alternate delegates to represent it at NASC conferences or any other meetings at which it is entitled to representation. D. The President and the Executive Director or their designees shall have expenses (funded by the MASC) for attendance meetings may be funded by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VIII – REGIONS

A. Regional Divisions-Member schools of the Association shall be divided by the Executive Board into five (5) regions to be known as the Western, Central, Eastern, Northeastern and Southeastern regions. B. The constitutions and by-laws of each region shall be subject to the approval of the MASC Executive Board. C. No regions shall have the power to take any action binding on the MASC. D. Regional Meetings should be held in each of the five (5) districts at least once yearly.

ARTICLE IX – RULES OF ORDER

All meetings of the association shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order. The assistant Executive Director shall serve as Parliamentarian.

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS

A. By-laws may be enacted by a majority vote of a delegation at the annual conference and must be approved by the MASC Executive Board. B. By-laws can be submitted by any member school in triplicate to the Executive Board no later than sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting.

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the member schools at the annual conference of the association, provided that the subject matter of the proposed amendment shall be stated in writing to the member schools at least four (4) weeks before the meeting. An amendment to this constitution may be proposed by any two member schools or by the Executive Board of the Association.

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