NatStuCo E-Bulletin: September 2016

The National Student Project Database features more than 5,000 project entries that NASC members can search and review. Many of the projects include related links, photos, and documents that act as resources for councils wanting to try replicating projects at their own schools. This month, we turn the spotlight on a project putting a new twist on a classic dance and a mouthwatering student appreciation activity.

Harvest Hawkins
Boyertown Area Senior High
Boyertown, PA
The student council typically hosts just one formal dance each year, but last year it hosted two and needed a fun way to attract more attendees. The “Sadie Hawkins Dance” is known nationwide for its tradition of girls asking boys to be their date to a dance. To make it fun, student council ran a contest asking girls to get a picture or video of themselves asking a guy to the dance. Using #harvesthawkins and tagging their StuCo on Instagram or Twitter, students entered the contest to win two free tickets to the dance. The contest drew nearly 120 entries. READ MORE

Pancake Breakfast
Palm Middle School
Moreno Valley, CA
On the last Wednesday of every month, the student council recognizes students who have modeled an identified character trait of the month by treating them to a pancake breakfast. The character trait might be integrity, responsibility, or respect. Teachers choose winners and each winner is allowed to bring three companions. Student council members take their breakfast order, which can be topped with sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or all of the above. READ MORE

DATES & DEADLINES

SEPTEMBER

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards open (Deadline November 8)

National Council of Excellence Award program open (Deadline Feb. 15, 2017)

28: “The Every Student Succeeds Act: What Students Need to Know” webinar, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (ET)

OCTOBER

National Principals Month

National Bullying Prevention Month

14: LEAD Denver early-bird registration deadline

19: Day of National Concern: Take the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence

28: LEAD Denver regular registration deadline

28: National Principals Month video contest submission deadline

IN THE LATEST ADVISE

The cover article for September’s Advise guides you in getting buy-in and support for your council from principals, parents, and community members. In the article, you’ll discover tips so you can successfully make your case about various council activities.

We’re looking for authors! If you’d like to contribute an article to Advise or add your name as a prospective author, please email [email protected]. To get your creative juices flowing, view the editorial calendar here.

WHAT’S IN STORE?

Did you see the Adviser Resource Guide included with your September issue of Advise magazine? Browse it for branded apparel (including the awesome NASC Super Leader cape!), ceremonial attire, and merchandise to help you run your council in style. Remember, you can always shop online 24/7. Visit www.nasc.us/store.

STAY CONNECTED!

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Special Survey Headed to NASC Advisers Next Month
In October, you, along with all NASC advisers, will be invited to take part in an important survey to better identify your needs. Your responses will help guide efforts to build robust new and improved resources for you and your student leaders to add value to your NASC membership. To encourage your participation, the names from eight completed surveys will be drawn at random, and those advisers will each receive a $250 donation to their student councils. When you receive your email invitation, please respond!

The First Lady Wants to Help Your Students Go to College
Pass this news on to your seniors: First Lady Michelle Obama has launched a totally free tool to walk them through the whole college application and financial aid process—all through texting. Up Next, Better Make Room‘s text-messaging tool, gives high school seniors personalized support about the college search and application process, federal student aid, even student loan repayment. All students have to do is text “COLLEGE” to 44044, and Up Next will text reminders, advice, and encouragement about important deadlines. Learn more about Up Next here.

2016 National Principals Month Video Contest Underway
Submissions for the 2016 National Principals Month video contest are now being accepted! Make a brief video giving “props” to your principal—telling us why you love your principal and what he or she means to you, your school, and your community. Read the Contest Rules first, then check out the 2015 winning videos to view all the amazing entries on our Principals Month YouTube playlist. Three winners will be selected to receive a $200 Best Buy gift card, and the winning videos will be announced on the National Principals Month website. To enter, upload your video on YouTube and complete the Contest Registration Form.

LEAD Conference Early-Bird Registration Deadlines Set
Take advantage of special early-bird registration rates to save $20 per person for LEAD Conferences this school year. For LEAD Denver, early-bird registration closes on October 14. For LEAD DC, the early-bird deadline is December 19, and for Chicago the early-bird deadline is January 13. Join us at one of this year’s LEAD Conferences to energize your leadership and network with like-minded student leaders and advisers. Find out more on the LEAD Conferences website.

2017 NASC National Conference
The 2017 NASC National Conference will be held in the Granite State of New Hampshire, June 26–28, 2017. Our host school is the 100-acre Pinkerton Academy. Founded in 1814, Pinkerton has an award-winning NASC student council. Start planning today for your New England leadership adventure at the NASC National Conference. Visit the NASC Conference webpage regularly for updates and be sure to view the 2017 conference promotional video.

Webinar for Advisers—The Every Student Succeeds Act: What Students Need to Know
Recently, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) became law. This webinar will explain how this legislation requires students to be engaged in developing their school improvement plans, as well as in providing opportunities for a well-rounded education, a safe and healthy learning environment, and digital learning opportunities. Ann Postlewaite, NASSP’s director of student programs, will present along with Amanda Karhuse, NASSP’s advocacy director. They will offer in-depth insight into how school leaders and students can work together to ensure the new law meets the specific needs of their community. It takes place Wednesday, September 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (ET). To register, visit www.nassp.org/webinars.

Tampa Area Schools Prepare to Raise Student Voice
Six teams of student leaders from schools in Pasco County, FL, recently gathered at Land O’ Lakes High School for a daylong RSVP training activity. During the training, students, advisers, and principals were introduced to the RSVP process and guided through steps and strategies for launching and managing RSVP on their campuses. To learn how you can host an RSVP training for NASC councils in your school district, email the NASC national office at [email protected].

Students participate in a summit simulation activity during RSVP Training held on August 27 at Land O’ Lakes HS in Florida

Students participate in a summit simulation activity during RSVP Training held on August 27 at Land O’ Lakes HS in Florida.

STUDENT COUNCIL TIPS AND TOOLS

Each year, nearly 30 percent of NASC advisers are taking the reins of their schools’ student councils for the first time. Some have been advisers at their previous schools, but many are truly new in their adviser roles. For those just beginning their adviser journey and others whose councils have joined NASC for the first time, welcome! And check out the New Member Packet available for download in the Adviser Resources area of the NASC website. The New Member Packet addresses topics that NASC members have identified as essential information for teachers preparing to lead their councils.