2019 Middle Level State Annual Conference

Nov. 15 - 16, 2019 • Embassy Suites, San Marcos

VIEW PROGRAM »

For Student Council, NJHS, and other ML Leadership Group members and advisors (Grades 5-8)

Middle level students are ready to take on the challenge of leadership and service, and you can give them that voice and ownership in their schools. Both students and advisors benefit from speakers and sessions designed specifically for middle school students. Students will leave inspired and prepared. Advisors will profit from training and the web of support offered at the conference. The entire conference including housing for the 900 attendees is in the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos. Registration opens in August.

Middle Level student council and NJHS leaders and advisors hear nationally known speakers, gain training from experts, and share ideas with peers. The one night conference is held in San Marcos; many schools take advantage of nearby colleges and landmarks (history and government) before or after the event. Build your ML program by sending your students and advisors. 

• Enjoy motivational general sessions presented by nationally recognized speakers including Carlos Ojeda
• Learn in breakouts and discussion groups led by outstanding leaders and advisors from across Texas 
• Network with other student council and NJHS advisors 
• View opportunities for community service and leadership resources at exhibit

Conference Schedule:

Students may attend concurrent sessions and discussion groups designed to develop leadership skills as well as school and community engagement presented by outstanding high school and middle level student councils and chapters as well as a social (dance or movie).

Advisors may attend training specific to the middle level advisor. Interested high school and middle level councils and chapters may apply to present.

Friday, November 15, 2019
3:30 - 7:30 Registration/Exhibits/Bookstore
6:30 - 7:15 Advisors Meeting with Hotel Staff and TASC Director
7:30 - 9:00 OPENING GENERAL SESSION
9:30 - 11:30 CHOOSE TWO: Line Dance Lessons, Service Project, Big Screen Motivational Media Presentation
                     (All advisors are expected to chaperone.)

Saturday, November 16, 2019
8:00 - 9:00 Registration
8:00 - 2:30 Exhibits/Bookstore
9:00 - 11:15 Advisor and Student BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:15 - 12:45 LUNCH (on your own)
12:50 - 2:30 Advisor and Student BREAKOUT SESSIONS 
2:30 - 4:00 CLOSING GENERAL SESSION

Advisor Notes:

Delegation/Registration: Conference check-in will be Friday, Nov. 15, from 3:30p to 7:00p. The opening general assembly begins at 7:30p. The event will conclude by 4:30p on Saturday, Nov. 16.

• The conference registration fee is $60 per student or advisor attending for registrations postmarked on or before October 28. If you have a question, contact [email protected]
• Pre-Registration and Refund Deadline is October 28: As a bonus for registering early, T-shirts are provided to schools whose registration is received by the pre-registration deadline.
• Late Registration after the October 28 deadline is $65. Conference T-shirts are NOT provided for registration after deadline.
• Onsite registration fee is $65. Conference t-shirts are NOT provided for those who register onsite.
• Student delegation size: unlimited.

• Early Bird Registration: Schools registering by midnight on the day Early Bird Registration closes have a discounted registration fee. They are also guaranteed t-shirts in the amount and sizes submitted by the Early Bird Deadline. 
• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations may be made until Early Bird Registration closes. Requests for refunds or cancellations must be submitted via email to Lori. No cancellations will be allowed, and no refunds will be made after that date. Schools not cancelling by the Early Bird Deadline or submitting registrations after the Early Bird Deadline will be billed the full amount for all persons registered including no shows.

Conference Hotel: San Marcos Embassy Suites and Conference Center 1001 East McCarty Lane, San Marcos | Ph: (512) 392-6450

• Reservations may be made by calling either the hotel directly at 512-392-6450 by using the link to reservations. Individuals must identify themselves as being with the TASC Middle level Conference organization at the time the reservation is made in order to receive the group rate. The conference rate is $159 for a King Non-Smoking Suite and $159 for a Double Queen Non-Smoking. Room rates are quoted per night. (Those rates include breakfast each day and a snack time with soft drinks and food each afternoon.)  All rooms are suites with sofa beds. TASC registrants in the block are NOT charged for parking.
• In previous years, the room block sold out early and most likely will again. Make your hotel reservations early to lock in the $159 (plus tax) price. TASC will secure special rates at nearby hotels if needed. NOTE: Transportation from overflow hotels to the Embassy Suites Conference Center is not available.
• All rooms contain a refrigerator and a microwave. Caffeina (the hotel restaurant) will be stocked with extra fast food sandwiches, chips, and sodas during peak lunch times.
• There is no fee for parking, and the parking lot accommodates buses easily. The hotel houses a heated pool, a fitness room, and a spa.
• There are numerous fast food restaurants in the area, and the Outlet Mall is a five to seven minute drive from the hotel. There are free shuttles to and from the Outlet Mall, but they are not sufficient for travel at lunch.
• Please take your tax exempt form for the school exemption for hotel tax. It is helpful to take a copy of your rooming list with you.
• Please review the dress code with your students. (No shorts, hats, or tops without sleeves-see below.)
• Extend your trip by visiting nearby Austin or San Antonio to reinforce your students' study of Texas history or visiting any one of the nearby colleges. There are also caverns, a wildlife park near New Braunfels as well as an environmental study area at Aquarena Springs at Texas State.
• Meals: The conference registration fee does not include any meals. However, the Embassy Suites includes a breakfast and afternoon snacks for those registered at the Embassy Suites.

Advisor Responsibilities: It is extremely important that all advisors accept full responsibility for their groups. TASC will not chaperone individual students and rooms. At least one advisor from each school attending the conference is expected to meet with TASC staff and representatives of the hotel to review the conference and hotel’s guest and security policies. This meeting will be held on Friday prior to the Opening General Session.

TASC recognizes middle level advisors for years of service to student council and in TASC. Service pins are awarded at 5 year intervals (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years). Retiring advisors who have served as an advisor for 5 or more years are also recognized and awarded a plaque. This recognition takes place during the business meeting at the Middle Level State Conference. In order to be recognized with a service pin or retiring plaque, advisors must submit a completed recognition form which can be found under the awards tab on the TASC homepage.

Workshop Sessions: A highlight of the event is the variety of school-led workshop sessions on Saturday morning. More than 40 topics will be available for student delegates to experience. High school or middle level schools interested in leading a discussion group at the conference should submit the ML Workshop Proposal (see quick links below). High school groups that present at the conference do not need to register, but they must be accompanied by an advisor and are responsible for their own travel and housing arrangements. High school groups are expected to observe curfew hours.

ADVISOR QUICK LINKS:

• Apply to Present at Middle Level Conference »  (High School Councils that present are not asked to register for the conference.)
• Advisor Recognition Online Form »
• 2020 Conference Coordinator Application »
• Exhibit at the Middle Level Conference »
• Tips for Advisors »
• Notes for Advisors Regarding the Conference »
• Restaurant Guide (includes restaurants that deliver) and nearby Medical facilities »
• About San Marcos »
  
• Letter from Embassy Suites »
• Consider a side trip to the capitol and Bullock State History Museum in Austin, to Texas State University, or to nearby Wonder World Park in San Marcos.

Dress Code: Student leaders should be very aware of the impact of personal appearance, and their grooming should be above average. Middle Level and High School Annual Conferences and District Conventions/Conferences:(Approved August, 2015.)

• Jeans/pants and t-shirts are highly encouraged as the primary dress.
• Shorts are NOT permitted at TASC conferences or workshops held during the school year.
• Shorts are permitted at summer programs but must be no shorter than three inches above the TOP of the kneecap.
• Skirts/dresses are permitted at all events but must be no shorter than three inches above the TOP of the kneecap.
• All tops and dresses must have sleeves at all TASC events. 
• Caps or hats are not to be worn when inside a building. 
• This dress code may be modified for performers at TASC events. Costumes must be approved by a conference committee.
• TASC/TASC Districts retain the right to enforce a specified dress code for events outside the TASC state calendar.
• This dress code may be modified for specific events; attendees will be notified by the assigned TASC designee.
  Policy adopted November 2015

Education in Action, is a proud sponsor
of the TASC Middle Level State Conference