PASC News
Volume 37 Issue 1 September 2012
Welcome Back Inside This Issue News & Notes...................... 2 • LEAD Conference Planned for February inWashington • NASC National Conference Returns to Las Vegas PASC Offers Two Free Registrations to National Conference............................ 2 PASC Mission & Vision Statements...................................... 3 Seeking Regional Reps from Districts 1–4–7–8................ 3 Attendees Rate Seminar a Success................................... 4 PASC State Conference News ...................................... 5 Act Now on Scholarship Opportunities....................... 6 My Experience as a PASC Middle Level Rep.................. 7 Candidates for Middle Level Reps Needed........................ 7 Support the 2012 PASC State Charity.................................... 8
to the 2012–2013 School Year and to PASC! By Jim Finnemeyer, Executive Director In 1932, the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils was created when advisors and principals from several schools met in Altoona under the leadership of Altoona HS advisor, Harold Pegg. Eighty years later the PASC organization continues its commitment to provide conferences and workshops to nurture the development of leadership skills for middle level and high school students and to encourage and support their activity advisors. During this school year, PASC NEWS will include an article in each monthly issue that will highlight: • How do we carry out our goals? • How is the PASC Executive Board organized to include
both student and adult members? • How do we finance PASC is an exciting part of a new school year for student council members all across Pennsylvania. this organization through dues and to PASCInfo@aol.com or program fees to get the highon Facebook. Your questions, est quality operation for the ideas, and input are critical least cost? to the success of PASC. The • What the benefits of memsharing of projects (big and bership are for all schools small) done in your schools and regardless of their abilities to communities is one way that attend our many conference we can help provide a strong and workshop offerings. student activities network. • PASC’s involvement and leadership in support and These are challenging times defense of student activities in our Pennsylvania schools on a national basis. and for co-curricular activities • The connection between the across the nation. I have served present organization and as PASC Executive Director our wide-ranging network of for 35 years, and seen us grow alumni. and weather challenges before. It is my desire that we hear from you, as advisors and student leaders who read PASC NEWS, through emails
What I have learned the most is that dedicated, motivated, and committed advisors and student leaders make good continued on page 3
Summer Workshop Attendance Grows......................... 8
Membership Cards Available Online
News from August Executive Board Meeting...................... 9
PASC has created a template that advisors can use to print membership cards for their student council members. These cards can be used to unify the student council “team,” serve as passes to attend in-school student council meetings, or as
Ford Recognized for 25 Years of Service............................... 9 Election 2012 Ideas to Get Out the Vote.......................... 10
discount coupons for student council events and activities. The template allows for the printing of 10 cards using Avery 8859 card stock sheets. The advisor can then print the school and student information on the cards. These can
be laminated prior to being cut and distributed, thus making them last for the entire school year. To access this template go to www.pasc.net, click on Resources, and then click on Membership.
News & Notes LEAD Conference Planned for February in Washington, DC The National Association of Student Councils offers a great opportunity to get national conference experience and resources at an affordable cost through its LEAD Conferences. Designed for middle level and high school student council and National Honor Society leaders and their advisors, these exciting and rewarding weekend meetings are designed to encourage interstate communication among student leaders and advisors, to strengthen leadership skills, and to prepare those attending for leadership roles on the local, state, and regional levels. This school year, a conference will be held in our area February 1–3, 2013, in Arlington,Virginia in the Washington, DC area. Conference details and program highlights can be found at www.LEADConferences.org. The early bird registration fee will be $190 and is available until January 13, 2013. Hotel reservations can be made at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington,VA.
NASC National Conference Returns to Las Vegas
PASC Offers Two Free Registrations to National Conference on Student Activities The annual National Conference on Student Activities will be hosted by the North Carolina Association of Student Councils this year from Friday, November 30 to Sunday, December 2, at Pinehurst Resort. Consider joining advisors from around the country for “Leadership Open in the Pines.” In addition, two PASC advisors are eligible this year for a special scholarship provided to PASC and valued at $275 per person. To apply go to www.pasc.net and submit the application by October 25, 2012. WHO: This program is open to ANY activity advisor: Student Government advisors Class and club sponsors Leadership class teachers Conference and camp organizers and staff members WHEN: Starts Friday, November 30 with registration 3:00– 5:00 PM (If available, come a day early for a round of golf on a national championship course) Ends: Sunday, December 2 by noon WHERE: Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, North Carolina (Site of US Open and US Women’s Open in 2014) One-day drive from anywhere in PA or fly to Raleigh/Durham Airport COST: Registration $275 (free to two PASC advisor scholarship winners) Rooms: $149.73 per night/ Single occupancy (includes all service fees/taxes) or $99.02 per night/ Double occupancy (includes all service fees/taxes) Includes super buffet breakfast each morning, Friday night dinner, and Saturday luncheon
trip, which should begin on approximately June 20. Trip
PROGRAM: Steve Spangler will be featured on Friday with his amazing Science of Leadership presentation. Additional large group presentations by inspiring and motivational speakers and parade of idea sessions. Choose four workshops (from selected topics) on Saturday. There is something at this conference for every advisor who needs to recharge and renew their enthusiasm for life, education, and student activities.
and conference details will be shared in the November
FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Go to www.nawd.com
issue of PASC NEWS. Anticipated cost including confer-
Need some research to convince your administrators that student activities and this weekend program are valuable? Show them the materials and research found at the end of the description of the 2012 National Conference on Student Activities or go to www.letxequalsa.org.
Sunrise Mountain HS in Las Vegas, Nevada, has been chosen as the site for the 2013 NASC National Conference. Conference dates are Saturday, June 22 through Monday, June 24 ending at noon. PASC will plan a pre-conference
ence registration, hotel accommodations, travel, meals, pre-trip entertainment, and t-shirts should be approximately $1,500. The national conference was last held in Las Vegas in 2004.
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Advisors: This One’s for You
PASC News • September 2012 • www.pasc.net
Tee Off on Leadership at This Hole-in-One Event!
Welcome Back (cont’d from page 1) things happen even in the most difficult of circumstances. As I continue to serve PASC for the next three years, I remain passionate about who we are and what we do. I seek an enlarged membership who will be equally committed to taking advantage of PASC programs, website and Facebook initiatives, and developing and sharing resources and networking opportunities that are beneficial to each of our member councils, their advisors, and their student leaders. Every three years, at our August Executive Board meeting, the adult and student members of the board re-examine our Mission Statement and Vision Statement. The 2013–2015
Mission Statement saw minor changes in wording, however the Vision Statement became more specific and more inclusive of who we are and what our core goals are as we more forward. As you read them (see box), we welcome your ideas and input regarding the steps we can take to implement them. Best wishes for a great school year, one filled with opportunities for your leaders and advisors who can make significant differences in the climate of schools and in the lives of the students and adults who are learning there every day.
Seeking Regional Representatives from Districts 1–4–7–8 PASC is seeking schools wishing to run for Regional Representative positions for Region A from District 1, Region B from District 4, Region D from District 7, and Region E from District 8. These positions are for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2013 and ending January 31, 2015. Elections for these positions will be held during Regional Caucus Meetings at the State Conference on Saturday, November 3 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle. Schools wishing to self-nominate should contact their respective District Directors by Friday, October 12 to express interest and should prepare a five-minute presentation for the caucus. Students who are selected to serve as Regional Representatives must be named by the selected school by December 1, 2012. Students must be a freshman or a sophomore in September 2012 and must be willing to make a two-year commitment to PASC. Current terms continue for Representatives in Regions C-F-G until January 2014. For a job description and timeline of commitments go to www.pasc.net and click on Resources/Forms and Applications/Executive Board Positions or contact us at PASCInfo@aol. com.
PASC Mission Statement The Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils will offer year-round opportunities for middle level and high school students and their advisors to develop and apply leadership and life skills in order to improve themselves, their schools, and communities. Vision of PASC for 2013–2015 To accomplish this mission, the Association will: • actively recruit and maintain a strong membership • operate in a fiscally responsible manner • support and defend student activities • support educational goals and the creation of positive school environments • disseminate information for nurturing effective leaders • perpetuate civic engagement and community service • use current technology to network and share ideas • recognize school and individual achievements • engage alumni in our programs
PASC News • September 2012 • www.pasc.net
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Attendees Rate Seminar a Success Success can be measured in many ways. Based on numbers of advisors who registered (22), this new program just reached our goal. Based on the feedback from the attendees and their comments on evaluations, the June 27–28 program was a huge success. It attracted several veteran advisors who gained new insights and who shared their wealth of experience with the “rookies.” The program’s impact could really be seen with the involvement of four advisors who had just completed their first year and the five advisors who will begin their advisor careers this September. PASC is committed to offering another Activity Advisor Seminar in 2014. The date and site will be determined following a survey of advisors in 2013. What participants had to say on the conference evaluation (on a 5-point scale): Value of conference to you as advisor: 4.8 • A lot of great ideas and resources. I received answers to many questions I had. • Learned a ton; information galore; super! • As a new advisor, it was great to hear ideas and “war stories” from seasoned advisors n
n Quality and usefulness of
materials received: 4.9 • The fact that I have a reference binder to start the year makes me feel at ease • All relevant to my needs as a new advisor; perhaps useful if available on line • I’m planning on making copies to pass on to other advisors in my school 4
PASC NEWS is published monthly during the school year. To submit announcements, articles, or corrections for newsletters, please email the Executive Director or Assistant Executive Director. Articles or information from PASC NEWS may be reproduced for use, with appropriate credit. Executive Director Jim Finnemeyer North Penn HS 1340 Valley Forge Road Lansdale, PA 19446 215-280-9299 215-855-0632 (Fax) Finnemeyer@aol.com PASCInfo@aol.com
Attendees at the Activity Advisor Seminar held in June participated in a variety of interactive workshops on such topics as organization, parliamentary procedure, fundraising, legal aspects, and technology. n General Session—Legal
Aspects: 4.0 • Incredibly helpful and engaging. What an amazing resource! • As a new advisor, it was so helpful; best presentation on legal aspects I have ever heard. Great speaker n Workshop Session—Orga-
nization: 4.8 • I will use the activities to not organize myself, but to show my kids they can’t do it all. n Workshop on Parliamen-
tary Procedure and Meeting skills: 4.9 • Good baseline info for making parli pro fun and educational for students • I wish we had more time to discuss; it was great receiving specifics on the topic n Fundraising 101:
4.7 • Thanks for allowing the group to discuss their successes. • Great ideas; maybe some do’s and don’ts
PASC News • September 2012 • www.pasc.net
n Technology for Student
Activities: 4.9 • Like the availability of the site to reference later; nice to see people using social media for good • Amazing ideas. These can really change the school. • Great resources I was unfamiliar with and will likely use not only with Stu Co but my personal life, also. The most valuable aspects of this conference are: • The total package presented all aspects of what it means and takes to be an effective advisor • The plethora of information that I’m leaving with • A chance to collaborate and get fresh new ideas and materials
Assistant Executive Director Kathy Ann Coll 174 Link Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-366-5744 Kcoll1@comcast.net PASC President Kristina Riggans Union MSHS 2106 Camden Avenue New Castle, PA 16101 PASC President-Elect Danielle Croner Boyertown High School 120 N. Monroe Street Boyertown, PA 19512 PASC News Editor Lyn Fiscus Leadership Logistics PASC Email: PASCInfo@aol.com PASC Website: www.pasc.net
State Conference News New Castle, Fireworks Capital of America, To Be Site of the 76th PASC State Conference “Ignite: Your School, Your Community, Yourself ” is the perfect theme for the state conference in a community known worldwide for its fireworks. The 2012 PASC state conference will be filled with fireworks with three excellent keynote speakers, and 45 workshops led by student leaders from across the Commonwealth from November 1–3. General sessions will be held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, a Pennsylvania landmark constructed in 1928. General session keynote speakers are Stacey Bess, Heather Schultz, and Ian Tyson. The Cathedral will also be the location of the Gala Dinner and separate dances for high school and middle level students on Friday. Workshops for students will be held on Friday at the two host schools, Union Middle/ High School and Laurel Jr.-Sr. High School. Advisors will remain at the Cathedral for their speakers and workshops. The program on Saturday will include regional caucus meetings and a closing general session with presentations on the
state charity, a preview of plans for the 77th State Conference at Boyertown High School, and the final keynote speaker. The conference will end by noon. The registration form and event information are available on the conference website: pasc2012.org. At this time, schools are limited to eight student delegates, not including workshop presenters. Once the advisor logs in with their school’s user name and password, online registration forms will be accessible. (School user names and passwords were sent to all schools in late August and are activated with the payment of 2012–2013 dues). Registration of delegates can be done online until Friday, October 5, 2012. Student delegates will be housed in host homes of the New Castle community. Thursday evening’s dinner and breakfast on Friday and Saturday will be provided by host families. Host families will also provide transportation for delegates to the Cathedral and from evening conference activities.
Advisors wishing to have their students stay in a hotel rather than host homes will be responsible for making reservations and providing meals, security at the hotel, and transportation to and from conference events. The hotels have differing reservation deadlines to get the PASC conference rate. Advisors please note: There is limited availability of rooms and if you have not made your own hotel reservations as of this date, please do so now. The state conference website has a tab for hotel information. Please do not delay! Check the conference website, pasc2012.org, for program details and for advisor and student schedules. It will be the experience that ignites you and your council and provides ideas that can bring a sparkle to your school and community for the rest of the school year!
Bus Transportation Will Be Available for Schools in Districts 9-10-11-12-13 Contact your District Director if your school is in Districts 9-10-11-12-13 regarding information on buses to the state conference in New Castle in November. The cost of charter bus transportation from the eastern PASC Districts will vary in each district. Go to www. pasc.net and click on YOUR District page for information or to contact your District Director for plans and details. Seats will be filled on a first come-first served basis.
Stacey Bess to Keynote Thursday Night’s Opening Session By Shelby Dean, Public Relations Co-Chair, Laurel HS Hey everyone! It is getting closer to the PASC State Conference! We hope that everyone is just as excited as Laurel and Union are to welcome you to New Castle! We have some new information that we would like to share with all of you. We would like to introduce to you to our new keynote speaker, Stacey Bess! Stacey taught kindergarten through sixth grade at a school for homeless children. By modeling and teaching love, self-worth, personal power, and courage she reached out to the children whom others believed were unteachable.
A movie, “Beyond the Blackboard,” was based on her book, Nobody Don’t Love Nobody. Her story is not only about Stacey’s work with homeless children, but it also teaches lessons on how to love, to give and to receive, and the power love has to heal and to help. She also shares lessons in how keeping silent or acting unkindly can affect a human being and how the damage done to one person can sometimes be passed on to the next generations. We are very pleased and excited to have Stacey Bess open our State Conference on November 1. You won’t want to miss this! PASC News • September 2012 • www.pasc.net
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Act Now on Scholarship Opportunities 51st Annual United States Senate Youth Scholarship Program
packet in mid-August. Information is also available at www.prudential.com/community/spirit. Please do not miss this opportunity to give outstanding young volunteers the recognition they so richly deserve. Deadline is November 6, 2011
$310,000 in Horatio Alger Scholarships to Be Awarded to Pennsylvania Seniors The Horatio Alger Association for Distinguished Americans is accepting scholarship applications for the Class of 2013 due no later than October 25, 2012. Fifty-three Pennsylvania seniors will receive $310,000 in scholarships in 2013 in this program. Please share the following information with your Guidance Department and with students that you know who fit the following criteria: Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. with Mariam Ahmad, Altoona HS, and John Connolly, Riverview HS, 2012 winners from Pennsylvania of the U.S. Senate Youth Scholarship.
Two student delegates from each state will be chosen to receive $5,000 college scholarships and the opportunity to spend a week in March 2013 in Washington, D.C., with delegates from across the nation. All expenses are paid by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has mailed a United States Senate Youth brochure and application to each high school principal in early September. Applications are also available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website and PASC website. Each school may nominate one outstanding student leader to be considered for the scholarship. To be eligible for the Senate Youth scholarship, a student must be a high school junior or senior and must hold an elected position in student council, class government, or a regional or state officer position in a statewide organization. After being nominated by the building principal, the student must complete an application packet and submit it by October 17, 2012 (postmark).
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program will award scholarships to students recognized for their dedication and selfless commitment to volunteerism. Eligible students must currently be in grades 5–12 and must be engaged in an act of volunteerism that has occurred, at least in part, during the 12 months prior to the application date. Programs could be done in or out of school. All middle level and high schools throughout Pennsylvania will receive program information and applications in early September. All high school principals should have received an application 6
PASC News • September 2012 • www.pasc.net
The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need (under $50,000 adjusted gross family income), a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. n National Scholars Program: Three Pennsylvania students will be selected to each receive a $20,000 scholarship and will be invited to the National Awards program in Washington, D.C. n Pennsylvania Scholars Program: Funded by the generosity of Joseph and Janet Neubauer, 50 Pennsylvania seniors will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship. Scholarship criteria are the same as for other Horatio Alger Scholarships. n Student Council Member Scholarship: A Horatio Alger Scholarship for a student council member in an National Association of Student Council (NASC) and Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils (PASC) member school. Go to horatioalger.com/scholarships/programs for details. On the application when the student sees the question: Are you a member of student council? CLICK on that and then answer all of the student leader questions and addition essays. These scholarships can only be applied for online: www.horatioalger.com/scholarships/index.cfm Applications available beginning August 1 with an October 25 deadline.
My Experience as a PASC Middle Level Representative By Lily Wang When I first found out that I had been selected as the PASC Middle Level Representative, I was ecstatic, overjoyed, and proud, but also terrified. I didn’t know what was coming for me as e a brand new member on the PASC Executive Board. So when I stepped into South Western High School in Hanover for my first board meeting on a snowy day in January, I was quite nervous— there were so many people, with so many names matched with so many unfamiliar faces to remember! At first, I had no idea who served on what position, how any of the meetings were organized, or what committees there were. Being the complete newbie that I was, I wasn’t even that familiar with PASC; I had only attended the State Conference in Scranton, and there I had discovered that I could apply for the Middle Level Representative. I barely had any background on what PASC was or how it worked. I just didn’t know what to expect. Fortunately, when we began introductions and fun icebreakers, I immediately felt welcome and included. I had met my fellow middle level representative, Patrick Moore, and he was a great, funny, and responsible guy. I was relieved that I would be able to work with such a cooperative kid. After the first January board meeting, I felt more comfortable with my position and what was expected from me. The outgoing Middle Level Representatives also helped me become more accustomed
with the atmosphere of the PASC Board, and I have to thank both Morgan Vallie and Sean Todd for being such great mentors. Once I began communicating with the student and adult members on the board, I began to feel like I was finally becoming part of the PASC family. I was able to experience the NASC Lead Conference in Stamford, Connecticut, in April. LEAD was a unique experience for me; I met so many people from all over the country and was able to learn how their student councils worked. I shared these new ideas with my school’s student council, and we all benefited greatly. Being the Middle Level Rep presented many great opportunities to me, and one of them was attending the Blue Summer Workshop at Lebanon Valley. I have to say, Blue was one of the best “camps” I have ever been to (PASC calls them workshops rather than camps). It was a week of phenomenal experiences. As usual, I met so many powerful leaders and learned so many new things. The Blue Summer Workshop really was the highlight of that summer. My third board meeting in August ran smoothly and I was able to grow even closer to the PASC board members. In the blink of an eye, the 2012 State Conference in Altoona was right around the corner. I attended the conference with a few of my fellow student council officers and it was such an excellent and rewarding experience for everyone. Furthermore, from attending both the State Conference in Scranton
Candidates for Middle Level Representatives Needed PASC is seeking two teams, each consisting of a seventh grade student and his/her Student Council advisor, to serve as the Middle Level Representatives on the PASC Executive Board from January 1, 2013 to January 31, 2014. Current board members are Molly Hundertmark and her advisor, Mrs. Amy Kauffman from Emory H. Markle Intermediate School (District 8) and Brynn Martin and her advisor, Mrs. Tressa Heffron from S. R.U. Middle School (District 7). Please contact Erica Castaldo at ecastaldo@npsd.org with any questions about the position. The job description, application, and the description of the selection process can be found at www.pasc.net by clicking on Resources/ Forms and Applications/Middle Level or by contacting us at PASCInfo@aol.com. Completed applications for the student and advisor must be postmarked by Friday, October 22, 2012. All the student/advisor teams will be interviewed at the State Conference on November 2, and two middle level teams will be selected to serve on the PASC Executive Board. and the one in Altoona, I was able to compare both trips, how the conference changed, and how I had improved as a leader. Throughout the year, I had contributed to the organization of the State Conference because I served on the PASC State Conference Committee. Seeing the conference come together in real life, rather than in ink on an agenda, was marvelous. Also, (not to brag) I received special recognition during the general session and was asked to present the Middle Level Advisor of the Year Award alongside Patrick, which I have to admit was pretty cool. When the State Conference ended, I was ready for my last PASC Board meeting in
January. It had been a year since I had become Middle Level Rep, and now my term was over. I was heartbroken because I didn’t want to leave this outstanding group of people that I had begun to love over the past year. In addition, I had just started to handle my job smoothly, and I didn’t want to leave just yet; I still had so much more to offer to the PASC Board! So, during that “final” board meeting for me, Patrick and I, along with the incoming Middle Level Reps, Molly Hundertmark and Brynn Martin, came up with a proposal. We proposed that the Middle Level Rep term of office would be extended to more than one year. After their second January board meeting, the two
PASC News • September 2012 • www.pasc.net
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“Act Locally and Reach Globally” By Supporting the 2012 PASC State Charity Throughout the 2011–2012 school year PASC schools have been encouraged to raise money for our state charity, The Keep It Campaign. It is a joint effort to support the creation of a library in Ivory Park, South Africa (Reaching Globally) and funding relief efforts for victims in PASC Districts 7-8-9 affected by the floods along the Susquehanna River and its tributaries (Act Locally). Our 2012 State Charity
campaign needs your donations now more than ever as we get closer to the deadline, which is the state conference! The total raised so far is $4,869.26 but we still need more than $45,000 to meet our goal of $50,000. Thanks to the schools who have already helped by donating to the 2012 State Conference Charity: Interboro HS, Laurel HS, Norwin HS, Old Forge HS, Quaker Valley HS, South Western HS, Union
Area HS, and Union Area MS. A special thanks to North Allegheny Senior High School for the largest donation to date of $1,600. We look forward to receiving donations large and small from many more schools before November 1. If your council is looking for ways to raise money for these worthy causes, we have plenty of fundraising ideas on the State Charity page at www.pasc2012.org.
My Experience as a PASC Middle Level Rep (cont’d) (continued from page 8) outgoing Middle Level Reps would stay and continue to serve as members on the board. We would act as guides to the incoming representatives and continue to contribute our own ideas to PASC board meetings and discussions. Getting the approval of all the student and adult members of the Board was going to be an extremely hard task to complete. That part of my term as PASC Middle Level Rep was definitely the most nervewracking. Experiencing a year as Middle Level Rep, attending the state and district conferences, and summer workshops really prepared me for this moment, and I was ready to tackle the challenge. We introduced the motion to the board and waited patiently, but nervously, for their response. Thankfully, all our hopes and prayers were answered when the board approved of our motion and our term would be extended. The extended months as the 8
Middle Level Rep flew by and I was suddenly on the road to my second August board meeting. This would actually be my final PASC board meeting as the Middle Level Rep. As my final meeting came to a close, I realized how much being on the PASC board had affected me. When I arrived at my very first board meeting, I was a shy, nervous, awkward seventh grader—not to mention an inexperienced leader. Being the PASC Middle Level Rep had changed me into a mature, confident, and outgoing high schooler, as well as an experienced and tremendously improved leader. I am still sorrowful to be leaving the PASC board, but I have definitely benefited greatly from this stupendous opportunity. All the student members have been wonderful friends as well as superb role models, and I am positive that they will all strive to live extremely successful lives. I can’t even explain in words how amazing the adult members are. At first, I was always intimidated by adults, but
PASC News • September 2012 • www.pasc.net
the PASC adult members created a welcoming atmosphere for me, and I feel as if we are all treated as equals. So thank you to all the outstanding PASC board members that I have met throughout my term. You have truly showed me what a real leader is and how to become one. I plan to follow in your footsteps so I can become a fantastic individual like all of you. And now, I have concluded my term as the PASC Middle Level Representative. I wholeheartedly believe that Patrick and I were successful representatives and we did make a difference for PASC. In other words, we played our role well in the overall production. Throughout this opportunity, I have learned so many crucial things, met incredible people, and became a well-rounded individual. I wouldn’t take back a single moment of this exciting experience, and the memory of being part of the PASC Executive Board will forever be imprinted in my heart.
Summer Workshop Attendance Continues to Grow The PASC Registrar reported that, for the second year in a row, attendance at the five PASC workshops grew by more than 10% from the previous year. At the three Gold Workshop (high school) sites, 239 delegates registered for programs at Grove City College, Susquehanna University, and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (Advanced Gold). At Grove City College and Lebanon Valley College, 119 delegates attended the Blue Workshops (middle level). Plans are now being made for dates and sites of the 2013 Summer Leadership Workshop season and will be announced in November.
News from August Executive Board Meeting Following is a summary of action taken by the PASC Executive Board at its August meeting: n Advisor survey planned about future State Conferences. Following the November state conference, all PASC advisors will be surveyed regarding the use of host homes versus hotel-based housing for future state conferences after 2013. PASC will be seeking feedback from advisors regarding school policies that might limit overnight conferences, the value of host homes in a community setting, the impact of conference costs when using hotels for meals and accommodation, and what method of housing allows us to have the greatest number of delegates possible at future state conferences. More information to follow in future issues of PASC NEWS. n Additional PASC Infor-
mation now on the website: In September the following information will be posted at www.pasc.net: • PASC Constitution • Mission Statement and Vision Statement for 2012– 2013 • Job Description and terms of office for all adult and student Executive Board positions • Organizational Flow Chart Our goal is to provide great accountability, clarification of roles, and general information to all PASC members. n The following appointments were made: • Executive Director Jim Finnemeyer was elected for a new three-year term. Jim has served in this position since May, 1977. This term will end on December 31, 2015. • Barrie Elizabeth Finnemey-
er was elected to continue as Registrar of PASC Summer Leadership Workshops and other special programs of the association such as: PAL Conferences, Student Summit in Harrisburg, and Activity Advisor Seminars. Her long service to PASC in this role has greatly
aided all members of the Executive Board in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities. This term will end on December 31, 2015. • District 12 Director, Chris Seifert will continue to serve as a volunteer for the position of Resources Development Coordinator. Develop-
ment of PASC fundraising efforts and partnerships are goals of Chris’s through this position. Chris is well suited to this role through his experience as the Director of Admissions at Bishop McDevitt High School and his work with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. n PASC Executive Board positions available in 2013. The positions of Membership Coordinator, Treasurer, Trip Coordinator, and Assistant Executive Director will become available during the 2012–2013 school year. Each position is a threeyear term. The positions will be advertised in the spring of 2013. Applications will be due in May and interviews will be held in early August at the Executive Board meeting.
Lisa Ford Recognized for 25 Years of Service to PASC Lisa Ford, assistant principal at Bishop McDevitt HS (Wyncote), was recently recognized for 25 years of service to PASC at a dinner held in her honor prior to the start of the PASC Gold Workshop at Susquehanna University on July 28th. As Andy Costanzo, veteran PASC workshop director, noted in his remarks that night, “PASC has raised Lisa from a pup.” Lisa was a workshop delegate in 1987 from Interboro High School (District 11) attending her first PASC workshop at Lebanon Valley College. Following graduation from high school, Lisa began her PASC career as a group leader (counselor) for several years at different workshop sites. Since the early 1990s Lisa has taught the units on leadership skills and situational leadership. She has blended elements of effective traits of leaders, a survey
of personal leadership characteristics, and the styles leadership, with examples of how leaders need to adjust their leader styles to fit the needs of their followers and the situations in which leaders find themselves. In recent years, Lisa has also taken on the added responsibilities as the Assistant Director at the Susquehanna Gold Workshop. PASC has been blessed to have such a talented and dedicated member on its summer workshop staff for 25 consecutive years. During the final banquet of the 2012 Susquehanna Workshop planned by the student delegates, Lisa was honored with the presentation of a quilt created by fellow staff member Dotty Noll using past summer workshop T-shirts collected over her years of service. We look forward to many more years of PASC involvement by Lisa. PASC News • September 2012 • www.pasc.net
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Get Students Civically Engaged with a Get Out the Vote Campaign Students who will not be 18 years of age by Tuesday, November 6, can still have a tremendous impact on the presidential and congressional elections this fall. A successful effort created in 2004 and 2008 under the auspices of a national civic-minded group known as Freedoms Answer used the “Take Ten” form to generate a large voter turnout in the elections of 2004 and 2008. How does it work? The Student Council, Class Government, or Social Studies Department could organize this massive “Get Out the Vote” campaign. • Create a buzz about your “Get Out the Vote” campaign. • Distribute copies of the “Take Ten” form to students at any grade level in your school. • Ask students to keep a copy of their form and return the original to the “Get Out the Vote” campaign organizers in your school. Set Tuesday, October 30 as the due date. • Students bring completed copies of the “Take Ten” form to the main office, to the Student Council, class advisor, or social studies teacher. • Tally the names found on all lists and announce the GRAND TOTAL on the morning announcements. • Encourage students to follow up over the November 3–4 weekend to remind voters of their pledge to vote on November 6. • Have seniors volunteer to drive older citizens to the polls. Participation Rewards: Find some funds to buy a few iTunes gift cards (cost $15–$25) or some other promotional reward. Hold a drawing in which the names of all “Take Ten” student participants are in the running for prizes. Contact a local fast food store (McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Wendy’s, etc.) and ask them to donate free coupons for a food item or other give-a-way incentive. Give the coupon to EVERY student who participates. Share Your Successes: Make sure you announce your “Get Out the Vote” campaign through the school district media channels and at a school board meeting. Make sure the local press knows this is happening. After the tally, share your results with the press. Also share your successful results—along with the methods your school used and incentives that you created—with PASC, so that we can share them with others across the state. Make This a Learning Experience: • Work with your Social Studies Department or local League of Women Voters to learn about the location of polling places, and the voter registration and election processes. • Learn about the candidates and their positions on key issues. Hold mock debates and mock elections in school. • Create a poster campaign that promotes the value of civic engagement. • Demonstrate that there is more to Student Council than running dances and planning Homecoming, Get a “Take Ten” form at www.pasc.net 10
PASC News • September 2012 • www.pasc.net
Election 2012 Get Your Whole School Involved By Troy Davis, Ford City HS
With the upcoming presidential elections, the whole country is abuzz about who will win the race. Every day, you’re surrounded with talk of “conservatives” and “liberals.” But until you’re 18, that doesn’t seem to matter. Students all across the country feel that during an election, there really isn’t much they can do to get involved with the election, because they can’t vote. Not true! While you can’t place a vote, you can still get involved, or help make sure others take advantage of their Constitutional rights. Here are three great ways to get your school more involved in the 2012 Presidential Election:
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Set up a simulated election at your school. Have your student body cast ballots and see who wins the race. Announce your election results to the local press by Monday, November 5th. Let the community know how students feel! Take time to make “Political Boards,” which explain each candidate’s views. Be unbiased, but get the issues out so everyone can see them. Add issues to the board each week beginning on October 1 and ending on October 29. You could even create a large wall chart that shows what the polls are predicting nationwide or just in Pennsylvania and change it each week. Use the Power of 10! Collect contact information for 10 registered voters. Then on Election Day, make calls to remind them to go vote. See the accompanying article for details on organizing a Take Ten Campaign with your students.
Have an Impact on Election 2012—Get Your School Involved!