Written by Val Nafso, Adviser, North Farmington High School; Level 1 Curriculum Director, Student Leadership Camp

One decision: Ask or don't ask. It seemed like a small decision at the time. I never imagined that simply making the decision to ask would lead me to where I discovered (what I believe to be) the purpose of my existence. That's all it takes sometimes...a simple decision to act. Read more here!

New to the MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership program guide is the Summer Adviser Summit! This year, advisers can register to attend a one-day workshop at Albion College during our Summer Leadership Camp. This one-day workshop was created by the Adviser Board to focus on material and resources that are essential to the progression of adviser professional development and programs. Read more here!

A huge thank you to everyone that was able to come and support a very successful fundraiser, as MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership raised funds to support the “Mr. K” Summer Leadership Camp scholarship. The fundraiser was held at Mongolian BBQ in Novi, and generated over $1,000 to contribute to student scholarships to attend this years Summer Leadership Camp. Read more here!

Registration for the MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership State Conference is constantly evolving to stay agile to the needs of our members. Working with the Adviser Board to create a diverse, while inclusive State Conference, we have adopted a new registration process policy to create the best experience for our members. The entire process is being announced at this time to allow advisers and students to plan for the year ahead, removing any unknowns from the equation. Read more here!

It’s not too late to sign up for a Summer Leadership Seminar! These Middle School programs are a great way for schools to continue providing leadership curriculum throughout the summer months, while gearing your students for a great year ahead! Read more here!

As MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership continues striving to create world-class student leadership programs and events, we are also aware that these events take a great deal of time and planning from our member schools. We are happy to announce that all dates and locations for our “Leadership Training Institutes” (formerly known as FTIs) have been set for the Fall 2014. Read more here!

An important part of our endeavor in creating powerful student leaders is to keep our member schools informed of progress made by MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership. This transparency update assesses the state of MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership since the time of my hiring in January 2014. As the school year enters the home stretch, I want to personally thank you for the hard work, passion and commitment you’ve show to MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership and the students whom look up to you every day. Read more here!

We are excited to announce the 2015 MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership State Charity of the Year is “New World Flood!” New World Flood is lead by former Michigan State Spartan, and retired pro football player T.J. (Todd) Duckett to increase volunteerism and community service events across Michigan. Read more here!

For educators and students across the country, Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are quickly becoming a fact of life. Currently, forty-four states have voluntarily adopted the standards. Unfortunately, previous mandates that required educators to teach to the test at the expense of holistic student development have caused some stakeholders to view the new standards with suspicion. Read more here!