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FEBRUARY 2007 MASCA MATTERS |
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Dear MASCA Colleagues -
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD - The MASCA Human Rights Committee is sponsoring the first annual Human Rights Award which will recognize someone who has been involved in the sponsoring or delivering an outstanding human rights project or activity. The candidate should be someone who not only embraces the tenets within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but who leads by example and actively engages in activities that promote human rights for all. The nominations are due March 1. Please go to http://www.masca.org/pdf_05_06/Human-Rights-Award-06-07.doc to view the nomination form. CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR APPOINTED POSITIONS - Individuals interested in serving in one of the annually appointed positions on the MASCA Governing Board are encouraged to submit their names to Bob Bardwell, MASCA President no later than February 15. More details and copies of the job descriptions for Executive Director, Treasurer, Secretary, Counselor's Notebook Editor, Coordinator of Membership and Coordinator of Professional Development can be found on the home page of www.masca.org. SPRING CONFERENCE – The countdown is on in that the annual spring conference is less than three months away and plans are progressing nicely. Conference registration materials are now available on the MASCA website. MASCA members who register by April 1 will only pay $150 for the three day conference. Don't miss out on an awesome conference, wonderful professional development opportunity and top notch MASCA event. Check out the website for the latest details and updates. EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM UNVEILED - The MASCA Governing Board recently approved a new program to encourage new leadership. Called the Emerging Leaders Program, this initiative hopes to encourage professional school counselors who have not previously been in an appointed or elected position to get involved with MASCA. Participants will receive a free one-year membership, free training, a Governing Board mentor and an opportunity to earn PDP's. In return, one must present or co-present at either the fall or spring conference, participate on at least one standing committee, attend at least one Governing Board and affiliate meeting and write periodically for the Counselor's Notebook. If interested, please submit a resume, letter of intent and recommendation from a supervisor to Bob Bardwell, MASCA President, no later than April 1. No more than 15 emerging leaders will be chosen and those selected will be announced at the Spring Conference. IMMEDIATE CHANGES TO TEEN WORK PERMIT PROCESS - Recent legislation amended the Massachusetts Child Labor Laws which affects minors’ working hours, provide for certain additional required supervision, streamline the work permit process, strengthen existing criminal penalties and also allow for civil penalties in the event of violations. A complete summary of the Massachusetts laws regulating child labor may be found on the Youth Employment Page on the MA Division of Occupational Safety (DOS) website: www.mass.gov/dos/youth. As a result of this legislation, there is now a single application and permit process for all teen workers ages 14 through 17. Additionally, under the new law, 17 year-olds with documented proof of a high school diploma or the equivalent, who complete a work permit application, are entitled to a work permit without authorization from the Superintendent. The new Employment Permit provides a box to check that indicates that signature by the Superintendent or authorized school official is not necessary for these individuals. The new Employment Permit Application may be found on the DOS website (www.mass.gov/dos/youth) and the new Employment Permit may be accessed on the DOE secure portal for Superintendents. If you have any questions about this new process contact Lisa Price, Deputy General Counsel, DOS, at (617) 727-3452, ext. 108. PANDEMIC AND HEALTH EMERGENCY WORKSHOP - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is sponsoring a workshop to discuss the need to close schools as a result of a pandemic influenza or other health emergencies on February 28, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the O’Neil Federal Building, 10 Causeway St., Boston. Stakeholders who would be affected by a school closing are invited to attend. The primary purpose of the program is to help officials develop preparedness policies and understand the processes and implications of a school closure. Please RSVP via email to DPH-Ex-Reg@state.ma.us by close of business Wednesday, February 14, 2007. Include your name, title, and full email address, and put “School Closing” in the subject line of the email. NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION'S READ ACROSS AMERICA - The 10th annual NEA Read Across America program will be held on March 2, 2007. As a project of the MTA & NEA, you are urged to participate in this nationwide event. Contact your local MTA affiliate to see what is being done in your home town. For more information, go to www.nea.org/readacross or http://www.massteacher.org/teaching/teaching_readacross.cfm . Bob Bardwell www.monsonschools.com/guidance |
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