Mark your calendars, the Adviser Winter Workshop is returning to Soaring Eagle Casino this January 29-30th, 2016! Last year over 50 advisers from across the state came together to network, play and leave with outstanding resources from our speakers and breakout sessions. Check out this year's agenda and keynote speakers!

Written by Ashliegh Larkin

Tis the season...for MASC/MAHS Awards! I can still remember working on the MASC/MAHS Award of Excellence as a high school student at Royal Oak Dondero with my amazing co-advisers adviser, Mr. Larry Streeter & Ms. Kim Bos. It seemed like a daunting task. We were looking at 60 pages worth of materials in front of us, trying to figure out how to piece it together in order to display to the board that we were truly a school of excellence in Michigan and one that was worthy of this prestigious award.Fast forward 12 years and I am back at it with my kids! Read more here.

Regional Connect event dates and locations are posted and available for registration! Featuring 8 different locations across the state including one just for middle school programming this years Regionals are sure to be an idea-sharing and gathering frenzy. These events feature student "showcases," where students present ideas, programs, fundraisers, school-wide events, and much, much more. Our showcases range from anti-bullying programs to school spirit initiatives and everything in between. Click here for more information.

As the New Year gets closer, so does the 2016 State Conference! Please make sure to read and understand the 2016 States registration process, both Phase I and Phase II. For more information about the States registration process click here.

MASC/MAHS State Awards are available for your student groups to submit. A great idea is putting together a school “award committee” to review and plan on submitting awards that best fit your schools accomplishments. With 9 different award categories, we have something for every member school! Take a closer look at the awards types, rubrics and submission requirements here.

The deadline for award submissions is March 7th.

Resources provided by Thrun Law Firm, PC

In order to ensure that our Advisers have all of the necessary tools to service our diverse student population, while safeguarding their own professionalism and wellbeing, MASC/MAHS Michigan Student Leadership is working to provide literature and best practice protocol for a number of scenarios. This resource guide for accommodating Transgendered students is provided by Lisa Swem, attorney with Thrun Law Firm, PC.

The mission of Special Olympics Michigan is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship among their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff. Donations provide funding for the program. Want to get involved? Click here for ways to contribute.