NatStuCo E-Bulletin: May 2017

The National Student Project Database features more than 6,000 project entries. It is the largest and most comprehensive resource of its kind. NASC members can find new project ideas, explore new themes for annual events, and submit projects their own councils have successfully completed.

End-of-Year Banquet
Woodgrove High School
Purcellville, VA
Every spring, the “voting” student council senators vote on the incoming executive board members. At the same time, the student body votes on new officers to represent them in next year’s class council. The student council hosts a banquet after school one night in May to induct all newly elected class council officers, executive board members, and student council members. The departing officers are presented with pins and medals to wear at graduation representing the number of years they served. The banquet itself is a potluck dinner arranged by the banquet ad hoc committee chairs and the families of all new inductees. Returning and graduating members are encouraged to attend. READ MORE

Night Watch
Canyon Ridge Middle School
Austin, TX
Night Watch was a positive, glow-in-the-dark party aimed at spreading a culture of kindness. Using neon glow sticks and glow bands, inscribed with the words “I’m on the Night Watch,” students of Canyon Ridge Middle School, Four Points Middle School, and Vandegrift High School came together to radiate kindness. During one of the event’s main activities—the Glow Ring Challenge—students broke into various groups and attempted to “light” each other up by sharing compliments with one another. The person who gave the compliment also handed a glow band to a recipient to “light them up.” The evening included a skit, using a backpack filled with rocks, to illustrate how students can offload negativity. READ MORE

DATES & DEADLINES

MAY

6–9 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards national recognition events in Washington, D.C.

8–12 National Teacher Appreciation Week

9 National Teacher Day

13 Early-bird deadline for NASC National Conference

19 Regular registration deadline for NASC National Conference

25 NASSP Virtual College Fair, 2:00–10:00 p.m. (ET)/11:00–7:00 p.m. (PT)

JUNE

26–28 NASC National Conference, Pinkerton Academy, Derry, NH

30 NASC affiliation renewal deadline

30 Annual adviser survey deadline

AUGUST

15 2018 National Council of Excellence Awards application open

IN THE LATEST ADVISE

The cover story of April/May issue of Advise provides a comprehensive overview of the NASSP Student Leadership Initiative on Global Citizenship. This article may answer questions you’ve had or point your council to some resources so that you can plan your involvement with this extraordinary student engagement opportunity.

Have a story topic to suggest for the next publication year? Tell us! Email your ideas for Advise articles to [email protected].

Miss an issue? You can always log in and find the Advise archives under Adviser Resources on the NASC website.

STAY CONNECTED!

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

NASC Adviser of the Year Finalists Named
NASC congratulates the following advisers who have been recognized as region finalists for the Warren E. Shull National Adviser of the Year Award. During the 2017 NASC National Conference in June, one middle level and one high school finalist will be named as this year’s national winners.

Middle Level Finalists:
Penelope Allen, Lafayette Middle School, MS
Nicole Ciaramella, Chartiers Valley Middle School, PA
Kelly Elder, C.R. Anderson Middle School, MT
Selina Martinez, Santa Rosa Middle School, NM
Sarah Wise, Erwin Middle School, NC

High School Finalists:
Jimmy Gleich, Bishop Manogue High School, NV
Antoinette Hernandez, Klein Forest High School, TX
Jeff Kusniez, Boyertown Area Senior High, PA
Kyrie Nehls, Millard South High School, NE
Chad Rizner, Jefferson City High School, MO
Tracy Todd, Easley High School, SC

Complete the 2017 NASC Adviser Survey
The annual NASC Adviser Survey is now open. The survey enables NASC to collect data about the volunteer service and spirit activities of councils, showing the remarkable collective effort of councils in building positive school and community climate. That information is used to generate the annual service report, which is shared with you, principals, key national organizations, and education departments. To thank you for your participation, we’re offering $25 Visa gift cards to eight lucky respondents. Fill out the survey by June 30 for your chance to win. Take NASC’s annual adviser survey today.

NASSP Virtual College Fair Coming May 25
To support students in their college search journey, all students at NASC-affiliated schools are invited to participate in the NASSP Virtual College Fair on Thursday, May 25, from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. (ET)/11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (PT). Designed to help students and their parents save time and money through the college discovery process, the Virtual College Fair will allow participants to chat live with college and university admission representatives from more than two dozen institutions. Accessible from computers, tablets, or smartphones, the fair will feature videos, scholarship information, and virtual campus tours in addition to live chats. The fair is open to students, faculty, and staff of all NASC schools. Register at www.NASSPVirtualCollegeFair.com.

The Best is Yet to Come—Renew Now!
Before you leave for the summer, renew your NASC affiliation so you don’t miss a beat as new and revitalized programs and services begin rolling out for the 2017–18 academic year. These include:

A new leadership web series for advisers and students.
A more robust online Adviser Resource Center.
An update of the popular Raising Student Voice & Participation program, which allows students to take leadership roles in improving their schools.

You and your principal should have received a letter and renewal invoice by mail. For faster service, your council’s primary adviser can renew online now.

Countdown to Liftoff of NASC National Conference
From a rocket scientist to an etiquette trainer, the 2017 National Conference will feature a lineup of speakers and presenters that guarantee delegates have an “Out-of-This-World Leadership” experience. The deadline to register is fast approaching! Visit the NASC conference website to register by May 19. (Register by May 13 for early-bird rates!) The website includes details about speakers and other presenters featured at this unique event, taking place June 26–28 at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH, about an hour from Boston.

Student Officers Opportunity: U.S. Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) invites elected student body and class officers to apply for their leadership program. Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors who will be serving in leadership positions for the 2017–18 school year. This program of the U.S. Senate bases its selection on the student’s outstanding abilities and demonstrated qualities of leadership in an elected or appointed high school student office. Visit the USSYP website for application information and to view highlights from the March 2017 events in Washington, D.C.

STUDENT COUNCIL TIPS AND TOOLS

Transitioning Your Officer Team
Amid looming deadlines, testing schedules, and special events, student councils are busy transitioning their leadership to new slates of officers. Having a smooth and logical process for student leaders to use helps ensure positive closure for current officers and a successful start for the new ones. With input from advisers over the years, NASC has developed an Officer Transition Checklist that members can use to facilitate the process. It is a good idea for advisers and officers to review it and add any piece that would help address your council specifically. Find the list in the Council Management Download Center of the Adviser Resources section of the NASC website.