Thanks for making a difference.
As 2015 Comes to a Close
In these final days of the year, we’d like to take a moment to reflect. 2015 has been an important year for NASC members. As local, world, and natural events challenged schools and communities, student councils across the nation rose to the occasion to lead the way to help others and support their schools through activities that raised spirits when they were low, raised money when funds were scarce, and made a difference in communities where helping hands were needed most.
We thank all of the student leaders who step up every day to do what’s right and make a difference, and thank the advisers who are more than teachers—who mentor and counsel their leaders in positive, caring ways, and who are professional role models for others to follow.
In a few short weeks, you will ring in the New Year. From our NASC staff, we extend best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and for peace and success in 2016.
Spotlight on Projects of Excellence
The National Student Project Database features over 3,700 projects, many of which include related links, photos, and documents that act as resources for councils that want to replicate the projects at their own schools. The projects below highlight service activities that student councils sponsored to raise awareness and address needs within their communities.
Light ’em Up!
Elko High School, Elko, NV
Light’em Up challenges people to come up with 100 ways to spread kindness throughout the community during the holiday season. Elko students developed a list of 100 simple acts of kindness and council members performed them at the end of November and first part of December. READ MORE
Elf Catered Caroling
Tuloso-Midway Middle School, Corpus Christi, TX
Teachers often forget to eat breakfast, and instead down a few cups of coffee. So every holiday season, council members email teachers and offer them selections from a healthy breakfast menu. Council members decorate lunch bags with holiday artwork and deliver the food decked out in elf outfits and hats, singing holiday tunes. READ MORE
News and Resources
Personal Recognition Programs: What Advisers Need to Know
As the school year progresses, many student leaders will be awarded by personal recognition programs and invited to register and pay to accept their honors. In addition to contacting students directly, some recognition programs invite teachers to share the names of students who are worthy of receiving recognition.
When such invitations are received, they should be reviewed with the school principal before any action is taken. The NASSP Committee on Student Contests, Programs, and Activities includes in its standards and guidelines information about personal recognition programs that includes suggestions for parents and students to consider before blindly committing money or sharing personal information.
National Council of Excellence Awards: Open to All NASC Members
All NASC member councils are eligible to participate in the NASC National Council of Excellence Awards (including international NASC members). Over 300 NASC member councils have already started the new online application to be named a 2016 NASC National Council of Excellence. The application deadline is February 16, 2016. Learn more and apply today.
LEADx Student Speakers
Modeled after the popular TED and TEDx speaker programs, student leaders attending a LEAD Conference this year are invited to apply to be a LEADx speaker. Those selected will take the stage during the LEADership Live session to present brief talks of five minutes or less. LEADx speaker applications should be submitted by January 7 for the Washington, D.C., conference and January 25 for the Chicago conference. Learn more and encourage your students to apply today. And of course, make sure to register to attend: The D.C. early bird deadline ends this Friday, December 18.
National Student Leadership Week: Right Here, Right Now
National Student Leadership Week (NSLW) gives students the chance to show how their leadership can positively affect their school and community. Next year, NSLW will be April 17–23, and the theme, “Right Here, Right Now” encourages student leaders to take action or plan a project that has an instant impact. Then with the power of social media using #NSLW16, they can share the great work they’ve done and challenge five people to do the same. Mark your calendar and learn more about participating in National Student Leadership Week.
NASC National Conference: Keynote Speakers Announced
The 2016 NASC National Conference will feature Mark Scharenbroich and Keith Hawkins as keynote speakers. Scharenbroich, an Emmy award winner and Hall of Fame speaker, will anchor the opening general session. Hawkins, who inspires his audience to be better people and to be the change they so desire will be featured during the general session on Sunday morning. Online registration for the 2016 NASC National Conference opens in February 2016. Save the date to join fellow NASC members and Explore Your Leadership Potential at the NASC National Conference this June 24–26 in Portland, OR.
Student Council Tips and Tools
Public Relations: Sharing Is Not Bragging
NASC councils sponsor amazing projects that serve critical needs in their schools and communities. Out of their own humbleness, they sometimes complete very worthy service projects without sharing anything about those projects with their communities. Sharing project and council activity news through press releases, social media, and other mediums is not bragging, but rather is an effective way to enlighten the community and make connections with local influencers.
NASC can assist you and your student leaders in communicating your good news. Before you or your student leaders write about the next activity or project, take time to review the information and tips that are found in the NASC Communications Toolkit.
DISCOUNT ON NASC GEAR
Shop the NASC Adviser Store and receive 15 percent off until January 15, 2016. Enter code HOL15A to receive the discount. Questions regarding sales orders can be directed to [email protected] or 866-647-7253.
Dates & Deadlines
December
18: Early bird registration deadline for LEAD Conference in Washington, D.C.
February
15: Early bird registration deadline for LEAD Conference in Chicago, IL
15: Registration deadline for LEAD Conference in Washington, D.C.
15: Deadline for LEAD Conference D.C. RSVP Training registration
29: Registration deadline for LEAD Conference in Chicago, IL
29-31: LEAD Conference in Washington, D.C.
February
12-14: LEAD Conference in Chicago, IL
In This Month’s Advise
Don’t miss the December/January issue of Advise magazine. Feature articles explore student leadership in small schools, beating the winter slump with your student councils, and creating local connections to enrich service learning activities. Also included is the 2016 Leadership Calendar, which identifies important dates and events relating to NASC for you and your student council leaders. Note: The incorrect dates for the NASC National Conference were listed in the Leadership Calendar—the conference is June 24–26, 2016. Click here to download an updated version of the calendar with the correct dates.
We also encourage advisers to contribute an article to Advise—learn more and view the editorial calendar.learn more and view the editorial calendar.
Quote of the Month
