VSCA news & updates

September 2023

Upcoming Events

11/4/23 - Regions 3, & 5-6-7-8 Workshops

11/11/23 - Region 4 Workshop

11/18/23 - Advisory Committee Meeting at Orange County HS

12/2/23 - Regions 1 & 2 Workshops

12/8/23 - Advisor Workshop at The Founders Inn

2/3/24 - Advisory Committee Meeting

3/15 - 3/16/24 VSCA State Convention

Advisor Workshop Returns in December

VSCA is bringing back our one-day, in-person advisor training session, a great opportunity to leave the students at school and advance your advising skills in the company of peers from all across the Commonwealth. This year's session will be held at The Founders Inn in Virginia Beach and will feature John McLeod from North Carolina as the trainer. Mark your calendars for Friday, December 8 and plan to attend. Watch your email for details on how to register.

Your VSCA officers and region reps hope that your year is off to a good start and we look forward to interacting with you this year in the many programs we have planned, from online live Instagram chats and Adviser Exchanges to in-person regional workshops, advisor workshop, and the state convention. VSCA is a supportive community that can help all of us connect with others around the state who do what we do and share ideas. If it has been a while since you were an active member, we invite you to come on back and discover all that VSCA has to offer!

Region Workshops Offer Affordable Training

Hosted by the elected Regional Representative schools from each region, VSCA Region Workshops are a great opportunity for students to gain ideas and skills to be more effective student council members and network with other student leaders in their part of the state. Taking a group of students is a great team-building activity and the low registration rate of $15/person for member schools makes it a very affordable option for training. VSCA members can attend any workshop, so if a different region than the one you belong to is on a date that works better or is closer, feel free to register for any of the workshops.

Region workshops for 2022 are scheduled for the following dates and places:

Region 1: December 2 hosted by Prince George HS
Region 2: December 2 hosted by Grassfield HS
Region 3: November 4 hosted by Courtland HS
Region 4: November 11 hosted by Orange County HS at Montpelier
Regions 5-6-7-8: November 4 hosted by Buckingham County HS

Registration details are available on the VSCA website, with deadlines typically about 2 weeks before the workshop.

Membership Information

VSCA's membership year runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. The membership brochure details all the advantages of membership. If you haven't already sent in your membership affiliation, please do so now by completing this form and sending in a check with the appropriate amount.

Student Advisory Board Opportunity with VDOE

The Virginia Department of Education is offering an exciting opportunity for Virginia high school seniors who have an interest in education policy and serving the Commonwealth. The Student Advisory Board, established by House Bill 1188 for the purpose of providing student perspectives on matters before the State Board of Education, is now accepting applications. See below for additional information and please share this with any students you think would be a good fit for this position.

Student Advisory Board Forming

The Student Advisory Board is a fantastic opportunity for Virginia seniors who want to lend their voice to education policy issues.
Advisory Board members are appointed by the Governor and serve a one-year term for the duration of their senior year.
Advisory Board Members get the unique opportunity to have a tangible impact on education policy.
Board members represent the interests of their community and peers at a state level.
Board members meet at least twice per year virtually or in-person during the school year to discuss education policy issues.
Board members develop a presentation to deliver to the State Board of Education from the student perspective on one or more policy issues.
Board members engage with Board of Education members, Department of Education leadership, the Secretary of Education’s office, and other state leaders.
Eight students (one from each Superintendent region) will be selected for the Board.

Who Should Apply?

The ideal candidate is a current, motivated senior who is passionate about education policy. Students can attend public school, private school, or homeschool.
Candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must post a screenshot of their unofficial transcript showing their GPA.
Candidates must be able to meet twice during the school year, virtually or in-person in Richmond.

Please visit the Student Advisory Board page on the Secretary of Education’s website for more information and to apply. Applications close on September 28th.

Virginia Student Councils Association

Virginia Student Councils Association

is a leadership learning program of the

Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals

4909 Cutshaw Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23230