Guidelines for National Honor Society Effective

Transcription

1 Guidelines for National Honor Society Effective Philosophy of the Club: According to the National Honor Society Constitution, the purpose of this organization shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. NHS promotes and provides leadership development opportunities to prepare and empower students to serve their schools and communities. Attendance o NHS meets on the fourth Thursday of every month (except November, December and May when we meet on the 2 nd Thursday), at 7:55 AM, normally in the auditorium. Attendance to all the meetings is required. o If you cannot attend a meeting and you are aware beforehand, you may obtain an excused absence form from Mrs. Williams in E104 or on the NHS website. Fill it out and return it prior to the day on which you will be absent. If you are absent from school from an illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you may fill out the excused absence form when you return without penalty if you attach an excused absence note from the front office. o One unexcused absence is permitted without penalty, but it still counts toward your total absences allowed until dismissal from the club. Any absence after this (whether excused or unexcused) requires one penalty hour per absence in addition to the twenty required. o Once you have missed two meetings (excused or unexcused) you will be notified of your probationary status with the club. At this point, you cannot miss another meeting and maintain membership. After missing three meetings, excused or unexcused, you will be removed from the club. In order to truly participate in the spirit of the club, attendance is necessary; skipping an entire year of meetings and then making up a large number of hours misses the point of membership. Requirements for Service Hours o A minimum of 20 hours is required for all members, juniors and seniors. You are encouraged to complete your hours as early as possible, especially since the greatest number of projects appear around the winter holiday season. This also relieves crunch time around finals and AP exams at the end of the school year, a time when few projects are typically offered. o At least 10 hours must be from club-sponsored (in-club) projects. These projects appear on the agenda, are announced at a meeting, and/or have sign up sheets available through the club. o No more than 5 hours may be obtained through direct monetary donations for an in-club fundraiser. Usually a $10 donation represents one hour. o At least 10 hours must be from active service. Active service is where you attend a project site and help out for the stipulated amount of time. (These 10 hours may but do not have to overlap with your 10 in-club hours.) o Hours that you have already turned in to another club such as Beta, Key, or Anchor cannot be transferred to NHS. o In order to facilitate the accurate tracking of hours, turn in completed forms within two weeks of the project date. (Since the form would be complete with signatures and contact information at the end of the event, all you have to do is drop by E104 and put it in the box, or give it to one of the sponsors or officers.) Hour forms filled out more than two weeks after the project will not be considered and counted toward your service requirement. Participating in Projects o NHS offers projects throughout the year for its members. However, other opportunities outside of the club, such as through church or a scout organization, are also available. If you wish to turn in hours from such a project, you must get the project pre-approved by one of the sponsor. Out-of-club/Pre-approval forms are available from Mrs. Williams in E104; fill out the Pre-approval part and have Mrs. Williams (E104) or Ms. Foti (E103) sign the form before you perform the service. Projects that you have completed and attempt to approve ex post facto will not be considered.

2 o o o o For every service project, even if a group sign-in sheet is present, an individual hours sheet must be turned in for each person. The hours will be counted based on your individual sheet, not the group sheet. Make sure that you remember to bring a form and to get the signature and the contact information of the person in charge of the event. If you arrive at a scheduled project site only to find that the project was unexpectedly cancelled without NHS or the assigned volunteers having been informed, you may receive one hour for keeping your appointment. When you sign up for a project, you are agreeing to make sure that you will attend and complete your service; the persons requesting your help are counting on you to be present, and you occupy a spot in which others who need hours may also have been interested. If you cannot attend, notify the officers or the teacher sponsors beforehand or find someone willing to fill in for you. If you fail to attend, you will be penalized one hour for the first missed project; for each subsequent missed project, the number of hours you signed up to complete will be deducted. (An exception is if an unavoidable and urgent problem arises, e.g. family emergency or grievous physical injury requiring a hospital visit; under these circumstances you will not be penalized.) The main fundraiser event for the year is mandatory, and failure to participate will incur substantial penalty hours. Seniors who do not participate will not be allowed to purchase graduation stoles. I have read and understand the guidelines of the Roswell Chapter of the National Honor Society. (printed student name) (student signature) I understand my child s responsibilities for the Roswell Chapter of the National Honor Society. (printed parent name) (parent signature)

3 Dear National Honor Society Candidate, Congratulations. You are academically eligible to apply for membership into the Roswell High School National Honor Society. Academic eligibility is based only on a cumulative GPA of 92 or higher (weighted). Read thoroughly through the entire application. If you have any specific questions after reading this packet, please see Mrs. Williams in E-104. She is available before and after school. Please be courteous and do not disrupt class time. You will be evaluated in the areas of: 1) Service to school and community, 2) Leadership, and 3) Character. You will be evaluated by the honor council in addition to completing this application. A system is established wherein each student must be able to show documentation of the following: A. Three examples of service (not all in the same organization): Your activities this school year ( ) DO NOT COUNT. Your service and leadership activities are for your previous two years NOT the current school year. Example: If you are a junior/senior and just started being a HAP mentor, this does not count. Service activities are those activities, which are done for or on behalf of others (not including family members), for which no compensation (monetary or otherwise) has been given. Babysitting your siblings does not count. Acceptable service examples include: Service clubs (Anchor, Key, Interact, Beta), church youth group, interscholastic competition, and scouting. Service does NOT include chores around the house or activities such as babysitting OR anything that you get paid for. B. Examples of leadership (not necessary that you have three): List all elected or appointed leadership positions held in school, community, or work activities. Only those positions in which you were directly responsible for directing or motivating others should be included. For example, leadership positions may include elected student body class or club officer, committee chairperson, team captain, newspaper editor, and work area manager or community leader. Being a cheerleader or a trainer does not count. Leadership and service must be properly validated with adult signatures only. A Fulton County employee may not sign for his or her own child. We realize that not everyone will have all of the leadership roles on his/her application filled out. However, please do not let this deter you in applying to NHS. C. Evidence of student s character D. NHS essay: The essay must be typed and written in a style or quality indicative of the high caliber expected of a National Honor Society member. E. Signed Constitution and $25 check F. Signed Guidelines G. One or fewer instances of ISS with an explanation. H. No instance of OSS. Completion of the application in no way guarantees your acceptance into the National Honor Society. It is used along with other information for the purpose of evaluation. Please complete the application process as outlined in this National Honor Society packet. This completed application must be returned to Mrs. Williams in room E104 by the deadline at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 2 nd. Absolutely no late applications will be accepted. Failure to comply will result in forfeiture of membership consideration. Students may make any attachments necessary. It is imperative that you read this entire packet. Please complete the application in its entirety, acquiring signatures for all leadership and service activities, along with telephone numbers for verification. Informational meetings will be held Wednesday, August 26 th at 8:00 AM in E104. Please attend this meeting for answers to any questions you may have. The meeting is not mandatory, but it may help you in completing your application.

4 List 3 service activities in which you participated during the previous 2 years. A sponsor s name, signature, and phone number is MANDATORY for each item listed. If you are unable to obtain your sponsor s signature, any tangible proof ( , certificate, etc) will be accepted. We will disregard any item listed that does not have proof. YOU MUST DESCRIBE THE ACTIVITY YOU CANNOT SIMPLY WRITE BETA CLUB. Service Activity: state the club/organization; describe the type of service activity; and include the date Sponsor: you MUST include sponsor signature and contact information( and/or phone number) Example: Beta Club, Saturday Scholars- tutored middle school math students for the CRCT, Spring Semester 2010 (January-April) Example: Mimi Gamel (signature) mimigamel@cms.com

5 List 3 leadership roles in which you served during the previous 2 years. A sponsor s name, signature, and phone number is MANDATORY for each item listed. If you are unable to obtain your sponsor s signature, any tangible proof ( , certificate, etc) will be accepted. We will disregard any item listed that does not have proof. Leadership Role: state the club/organization; describe your leadership role and/or title; and include the date Sponsor: you MUST include sponsor signature and contact information( and/or phone number) Example:, president of Key Club- conducted meetings and organized service- oriented events, Sophomore Year ( ) Example: Ally Williams (signature) mgamel@cms.com ESSAY: Write a well-crafted essay of at least three paragraphs detailing the specific contribution you will make to the Roswell High School chapter of the National Honor Society such as a suggestion for a service project and the role you will take. Failure to answer this question will result in a penalty of 15 points. Your essay MUST be typed.

6 National Honor Society I. Procedures: Upon completion of the applications, all students and their parent/guardian must read and sign the attached constitution. Applicants must pay $25 in dues with their application, returned to the applicant in cases of nonadmittance. Make Checks payable to RHS, with applicants name in the "for" blank on the check. Please include a phone number on the check. **The constitution and dues must be returned with the application in order for the student to be considered for admittance to NHS. II. National Honor Society A. Based on the National Honor Society Guidelines of the Division of Student Activities (National Association of Secondary School Principals), the following are rules and procedures for the National Honor Society. 1. National Honor Society eligibility in Fulton County is for juniors and seniors only. (Article IX, Section 1) 2. When students have completed spring semester in a Fulton County school or have transferred into a Fulton County school with NHS eligibility from their previously attended school, they may be considered for membership in the Fulton County school. (Article IX, section 1) 3. Evaluation of eligibility will occur during the fall semester of the junior and senior year. (Article IX, Section 1) 4. Printed material on criteria for membership and selection procedures should be available at all times. That information should also be printed in a school-wide publication such as the student handbook, PTSA newsletter, school newspaper, and/or posted in homerooms. (Article IX, Section 4) B. Eligibility requirements for membership to the National Honor Society in Fulton County schools. 1. Minimum cumulative grade point average standard: CGPA must be a minimum of a 92 at the end of the spring semester of the sophomore or junior year. 2. Areas of student evaluation for NHS membership. a. Service: Evidence of service to others should be documented over the preceding two years. Service might include club, church, school, or community. All applicants must have active membership in at least THREE SERVICE ACTIVITIES within the school or another organization. A designation of activities should include dates, sponsors, signatures, and telephone numbers to allow for verification. Additional evidence of service can be demonstrated by a student who: *Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude * Participates in some outside activity: girl scouts, boy scouts, church groups, volunteer services for the aged, poor or disadvantaged. *Volunteers dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance. *Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities. *Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school. *Is willing to represent the class or school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition. *Does committee and staff work uncomplainingly. *Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students. b. Character: Evidence of a student s character will be evaluated by the faculty council based on the National Honor Society definitions. The council will examine each student s documented behaviors as well as faculty comments. Evidence of character can be demonstrated by a student who: *takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously. *constantly exemplifies desirable qualities of personality (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability) *upholds principals of morality and ethics *cooperates and complies with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc. *demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability. *shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others. *observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness both inside and outside of the classroom. *has the powers of concentration and sustained attention *manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoids cheating in written work, and does not show willingness to profit from the mistakes of others. *actively helps to rid the school of bad influences or environment.

7 c. Leadership: Evidence of leadership will be documented by the candidate s explanation of leadership activities, based on the NHS definition. The student should provide at three example of leadership. Leadership need not necessarily be an elected position. A designation of leadership should include dates, sponsors, signatures, telephone numbers and the leadership activity performed. Evidence of leadership can be demonstrated by a student who: *is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles and making suggestions. *demonstrates leadership in promoting school activities. *exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals. *contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school. *is able to delegate responsibilities. *inspires positive behavior in others. *demonstrates academic initiative. *successfully holds school offices or positions of positions, conducts business efficiently and effectively, and is reliable and dependable without prodding *demonstrates leadership in the classroom, at work, and in school activities. *is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted. 3. Faculty input in evaluation process for National Honor Society membership: All faculty members should receive a list of all students being considered for membership. Comments related to the acceptance or rejection of each candidate should be forwarded to the faculty council. 4. Any student brought to Tribunal and found guilty may not become a member. 5. Any student suspended (in or out-of school) more than one (1) time during a twelve (12) month period prior to selection may not become a member. C. NHS Application Procedures: The sponsor will send a letter and a copy of the information form to all juniors with a cumulative grade point average of 92 or higher. The letter will outline the criteria for selection and the point system used in rating and selecting candidates. Additionally, the letter will inform eligible students of a meeting that will address the NHS selection process and will review methods for the proper completion of NHS information form. The sponsor will hold the informational meeting during the school day for the purpose of reviewing the information form. The sponsor will stress accuracy and scope in the completion of this form. Faculty evaluation forms will be distributed. Faculty members will be encouraged to evaluate candidates. The Faculty Council will consider all information provided by candidates and faculty members in making their decision. The Faculty Council will notify the principal of those students recommended for induction. In turn, the principal or the principal s designee will notify all candidates of the Council s decision. The student application form will include areas for the student to include the following information: Service activities within the last two years. leadership roles, and one typed essay. D. Decisions for NHS membership: The Faculty Council will use the following information to determine NHS membership: CGPA/character, service, and leadership, Student application form, Faculty response sheet, and Other student records including discipline, attendance, etc. E. Transfer Students: Any student who transfers to a Fulton County School and is a member of the NHS will be accepted once the student has met or maintained the academic standards of the society for one full semester. If the student was a member of NHS at his or her old school, but did not attain the RGPA at the old school, he or she will be given an adequate amount of time to attain this GPA, and membership will be bestowed once the new, higher, GPA is demonstrated. F. Honor Code: Each school will publicize its honor code and state that violations of the code could jeopardize NHS membership. G. Warnings and Dismissals 1. Members should understand fully that they are liable for dismissal if they do not maintain the standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character that were used for the basis for their selection. Members are allowed limited warnings during their membership. If a member is dismissed, the member will be notified in writing from the sponsor. Copies of the notification will be sent to his or her parents/guardian and to the Principal. Dismissed members may appeal the decision with the Honor Council (a panel made up of teachers from each department). During this meeting the selection process should be re-explained. The Honor Council reserves the right to approve all NHS

8 activities and decisions of the chapter. This authority extends to the selection and dismissal of members. (NHS Handbook, 1992, pages 14, 42-43) 2. A student who fails to maintain a 92 CGPA will be issued a warning indicating that he/she has one semester to re-establish a 92 CGPA. The warning may be in the form of a semester grade report indicating the CGPA or a verbal or written communication from the NHS officers or advisor. Failure to achieve a 92 CGPA at that time will result in the dismissal of that student from NHS. It is the responsibility of the NHS member to monitor his/her CGPA as it relates to continued membership. 3. Honor code violations may result in dismissal. The Roswell High School's Honor Code is found in the RHS Student, Teacher, Parent Handbook. Procedures for student violation of Roswell High School's Honor Code: a. Teacher discusses situation with student and refers student to the appropriate grade level Assistant Principal. b. The Assistant Principal, after giving the student due process, determines punishment, if any, for the student. c. The Assistant Principal refers the student to the Roswell High School Academic Honor Council, which is composed of faculty members as outlined in the National Honor Society Handbook. d. The Roswell High School Academic Council, student, and parents are informed of the date, time, and location for the Honor Code Violation hearing. This hearing is held only as it relates to academic honor societies, such as Beta Club, National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, etc. e. At the time of the meeting: (a) the teacher presents the case of academic dishonesty against the student and (b) the student and/or parents may present a defense. The teacher, parents, and student are dismissed from the procedure. The Roswell High School Academic Honor Council will deliberate the issue and render a decision. f. The students and parents will be informed, in writing, within three working days, of the Council's decision. g. Rights of appeal Fulton County recognizes no formal appeal process. However, decisions may be appealed informally with the principal. This informal appeal must be requested, in writing, within three working days of receipt of this letter. There is no further appeal. 4. NHS members who fall below the standards of character, leadership, or service will be issued a warning letter by the Chapter Advisor and will be given six weeks to correct the deficiency. Exception: In the case of flagrant violation of school rules or civil laws, a member does not necessarily have to be warned. The warning letter will contain documented evidence regarding the deficiency. It will be the responsibility of the member to meet with the Chapter Advisor to develop a corrective action plan in accordance with the deadline. Local school NHS members are responsible for adhering to the local NHS chapter rules and regulations as a condition for membership. Lack of participation in local projects and lack of attendance at local meetings are examples of disregarding local NHS chapter rules, which could place the member in jeopardy of discontinued membership. Each prospective local school NHS member will receive a copy of local NHS chapter rules and regulations at the time of application. Each school NHS chapter's rules and regulations will be available at all times and should be printed in a school-wide publication such as the local school student handbook, the PTSA newsletter, the school newspaper, or posted in homerooms. 5. Any student dismissed from the National Honor Society will not be eligible for re-entry. H. National Honor Society Induction Ceremony: The National Honor Society Induction Ceremony should be "appropriate and impressive." The format for each school's induction ceremony is a local decision. Reference: National Honor Society Handbook of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Division of Student Activities, 1992 Edition ISBN:

9 ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY I. Purpose: The National Honor Society was established in 1921 as an organization that would recognize and foster academic achievement while developing other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy. Membership in NHS is both an honor and an obligation. Once selected, members have the responsibility of continuing to demonstrate the qualities of superior scholarship, community service, responsible leadership, and character. II. Academic Requirements: Members of the Roswell High School chapter must maintain the 92 Core Grade Point Average required to be considered as a member. If the student's CGPA falls below 92, he/she shall be promptly warned in writing by the chapter advisor(s) and given probation to raise the CGPA. If a member fails to do so, dismissal is obligatory. III. Dismissal: When a member on probation commits any infractions, he/she shall be dismissed. For flagrant violations of civil law or school rules, no warning is necessary for probation and/or dismissal (i.e., major violations of Honor Code, leaving campus, ISS, OSS). If a member does not complete his/her 20 hours of service by the May deadline, he/she will be dismissed if a senior or put on probation with additional penalty hours to be completed over the summer if a junior. To be removed from probation, a student may do an extra project given by the officers to make up the deficiency in hours and complete 5 extra hours of service. IV. Board of Officers: The Board of Officers will include a Senior NHS President, Junior NHS President, Senior NHS Vice President, Junior NHS Vice President, Senior NHS Secretary, Junior NHS secretary, Senior NHS Treasurer, and Junior NHS Treasurer, Senior NHS Webmaster / Historian, and Junior NHS Webmaster / Historian. * The Junior NHS officers will automatically become the Senior NHS officers for the following year. *Officers for both the senior and junior classes will be elected at a meeting early in the year. In order to be elected, a candidate must receive a plurality of the vote, and there is no limit to the number of candidates for each office, within reason. The vote will be silent, secret, and taken on ballots designated by the NHS Voting Committee. Any type of tampering with the processes of voting or counting votes will result in immediate dismissal from the society. All members vote for all offices. President must lead and plan all meetings. Vice-President must assist President and produce NHS Newsletter. Secretary must keep track of hours earned and notify students on probation for lack of hours. Treasurer will make all deposits and track attendance. Treasurer will also notify those students who miss meetings and are placed on probation. The Webmaster / Historian is responsible for updating the website and for all publicity with regard to the club. RHS NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY CONSTITUTION I have read the constitution and the entire NHS application packet and understand the policies Member signature Date Parent signature Have you ever had ISS? Yes No If yes, describe the incident / circumstances. Have you ever had OSS? Yes If yes, describe the incident / circumstances. No Please sign above and return with application.