National Junior Honor Society Selection Process

“For many students, selection as a member of the National Junior Honor Society is the pinnacle of their achievements in middle school. This honor, recognized throughout the nation is both the public recognition of accomplishment and the private commitment to continued excellence on the part of the new member. Because of the importance placed upon this aspect of school life, local chapters are charged with creating a selection process that conforms to the national guidelines, is applied fairly and consistently to all candidates, and provides meaningful recognition of deserving students." - 4.1 National Junior Honor Society Constitution.

1. Procedure development:  Created by the Faculty Council

2. Academic Eligibility:  1st step in the student selection process. Students academic records are reviewed to determine those individuals who are scholastically eligible for membership. Students must obtain a 3.6 GPA average in the first semester.

3. Candidate Notification and Forms:  Students who are eligible scholastically should be notified and informed that for further consideration for selection to the Chapter. They are to complete the Candidate information form.

a. Candidate Information Form: outlines the candidate’s accomplishments in the areas of service and leadership.

b. Candidates will write a resume and letter of interest addressed to the Faculty Council for membership. Examples will be provided in the Candidate Information Packet.

c. Students will have the opportunity to attend sessions that will provide assistance in filling out the information packet.

d. Parents and students will sign the forms

e. Students turn forms into the Advisers by their deadline stated in the form

4. Additional Faculty Input:  If additional faculty input would be beneficial, all faculty members can be invited to make comments on candidates, most likely done on a faculty input form. This will not factor into the points accumulated in the selection process but will be added information for the faculty council.
5. Review, Deliberate, and Vote:  The candidate information form should be reviewed by the faculty council, along with any other verifiable information about the candidates relevant to their candidacy. The manner in which all candidates have fulfilled the selection criteria-service, leadership, character, and citizenship- should be reviewed carefully. Selected and Non-Selected will be notified of their selection.
6. Report Results to the Principal:  Prior to notification of any candidates, the adviser must report to the principal the results of the faculty council’s deliberation for approval. List of the selected and non-selected students, as well as reasons for non-selection, are to be incorporated into this report.
7. Notification:  Chapters should initiate formal notification of all selected candidates and their parents to inform them in writing about selection and timing of the induction ceremony.
8. Verification and Induction:  To finalize the plans for the induction ceremony, a plan should be devised for verification of membership and acceptance of the invitation for membership as well as attendance at the induction ceremony.

Membership Responsibilities

1. Attend and participate in all chapter meetings. Set a goal of making one positive contribution at each session--even if nothing more than being on time and paying attention to every presenter.

2. Participate in and support all of the chapter's projects throughout the year, whether these are providing service, raising money, providing leadership and training or otherwise reaching out to the school or community.

3. Promote service through your individual service project activities and by supporting service activities done by other groups both at school and in the community.

4. Assume a leadership role in the chapter, whether running for office, serving as a committee chair, or otherwise volunteering for a specific responsibility at lest once each year. One aspect of this leadership is to show respect for other chapter leaders as they undertake their duties and responsibilities.

5. Welcome new members, whether new inductees or transfer members, to help them become an active part of the chapter as quickly as possible. Support their efforts to understand the operations of your chapter by offering explanations where needed and looking out for their best interests. Remember: You are an ambassador for your chapter and for your school.

6. Read and respond to all paperwork or other administrative requests that are shared at chapter meetings and events in a timely and appropriate manner. Adhere to deadlines.

7. Communicate effectively. Share ideas and information about chapter activities whenever possible. Be a strong communicator, whether in your oral or written communications, but also practice good listening skills.

8. Motivate others and yourself to get involved and remain engaged in support of all that your chapter does at school.

9. Be a good citizen at the local, state, national, and global levels. Support and encourage the ongoing use of democratic principles in all aspects of chapter activity. Be fair.

10. Remain engaged as an active member of the chapter and encourage others to be similarly engaged throughout the year. Help all students at school find one activity that they can become involved in to enhance their school experience.

11. Be a role model for your peers in the chapter, for others at school, and for those in the community. Each member represents the Honor Society and retains a responsibility to reflect the values of the organization in all that he or she does.

By becoming a strong member of your chapter, you enhance the reputation and effectiveness of your organization. An effective chapter becomes an asset to the school and promotes the creation of a positive school climate. A positive school climate helps all students achieve and learn, helping to achieve the goals of the principal, faculty and the school system. A strong school builds strong community and world. It all begins with you. Make the most of your membership in Magnolia Junior High Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society

Leadership Positions

The National Junior Honor Society has five leadership roles within our organization: President, Vice President,  Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian. Currently those roles are filled by the following members:

 

President - Carris Collins

Vice President - Olivia Nelson

Secretary - Callie George

Treasurer - Arianna Lopez

Historian - Layla Dalli

Discipline & Dismissal Procedures

Any member who falls below the standards of scholarship, leadership, character or service may be dismissed from the Magnolia Junior High School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. A member of the National Junior Honor Society is expected to maintain his/her academic standing and take an active role in service and leadership to his/her school and community.

#1:  If a member’s cumulative grade point average falls below the standard in effect when he/she was selected, 3.0, he/she shall be given a written warning and a time period for improvement. If the cumulative grade point average remains below standard at the end of the warning period the student will be subject to further disciplinary action by the Faculty Council that may include dismissal from the chapter.

#2:  Violation of the law or school regulations can result in dismissal of a member. These violations include, but are not limited to, stealing, destruction of property, cheating, truancy, or possession, selling or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or school-related activities.

#3:  Offenders of the school conduct code (such as the use of profanity, failure to comply, unexcused absence, excessive tardiness, etc.) will receive written warning notification. A conference may be requested by either party (Faculty Council or student/parent). If the member is involved in another violation of the school conduct code, the member may be dismissed.

Dismissal Procedures:

1. The member will receive written notification indicating the reason for possible dismissal from the adviser/Faculty Council. The member and adviser will discuss the written notification in a conference. Situations that involve flagrant violations of school rules or the law can warrant disciplinary action without written warning although a hearing must still be held (see below).

2. The member will be given the opportunity to respond to the charge against him/her at a hearing before the Faculty Council prior to the vote on dismissal (in accordance with due process identified in Article X of the National Constitution). The member has the opportunity to present his/her defense either in person or in writing. The Faculty Council will then vote on whether to dismiss. A majority vote of the Faculty Council is needed to dismiss any member.

3. The results of the Faculty Council vote will be reviewed by the principal, and then if confirmed, expressed in a letter sent to the student, parents, and principal. Dismissed members must surrender any membership emblems to the adviser.

4. The Faculty Council’s decision may be appealed by the building principal and afterwards through the school district discipline policy.

5. When a student is dismissed or resigns, he/she is no longer a member and may never again be considered for membership in the National Junior Honor Society.

6. In lieu of dismissal, the Faculty Council may impose disciplinary sanctions upon a member as deemed appropriate

National Junior Honor Society By-Laws for

Magnolia Junior High

Article 1: Name

The name of this chapter shall be the Magnolia Junior High Chapter of National Junior Honor Society.

Article 2: Purpose

The purpose of this chapter shall be able to create and enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership and citizenship, and to encourage the development of character in students of Magnolia Junior high.

Article 3: Powers

Section 1. This chapter operates under the direction of and in full compliance with the NJHS National Constitution. (See www.nhs.us/constitutions.)

Section 2. This chapter adviser is given the authority to supervise the administration of chapter activities, as delegated by the school principal.

Section 3. Final authority on all activities and decisions of the chapter resides with the school principal.

Section 4. Nondiscrimination. Our Chapter of NJHS maintains policies and practices that are designed to prevent discrimination against qualified candidate or member on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex (gender), and disability. This policy of nondiscrimination applies to all practices, including the chapter administration and the selection, discipline, and dismissal of members.

Article 4: Membership

Section 1. Membership in this chapter is an HONOR bestowed upon deserving students by the faculty and shall be based on the criteria of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Citizenship, and Character.

Section 2. Membership in this chapter shall be known as active during designated school year.

Section 3. Eligibility:

• Candidates eligible for selection in this chapter must be in the second semester of seventh grade classes.
• To be eligible for selection to the membership in this chapter, the candidate must have been enrolled for a period equivalent to one semester at Magnolia Junior High
• Candidates for selection in this chapter shall have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale. Upon meeting the grade level, enrollment, and GPA standards, candidates shall then be considered on their service, leadership, citizenship, and character.

 

Article 5: Selection of Members

Section 1. The selection of members to this chapter shall be by a majority vote of the Faculty Council which consist of five faculty members appointed by the principal. The faculty adviser shall be the sixth, nonvoting member of the Faculty Council.

Section 2. The selection of active members shall be held once a year during the second semester of the school year.

Section 3. Prior to the final selection, the following shall occur:

• Students’ academic records shall be viewed to determine scholastic eligibility.
• All students who are eligible scholastically (i.e, candidates) shall be notified and asked to complete and submit Candidate’s Form for further consideration
• The faculty shall be requested to evaluate candidates determined to be scholastically eligible using the official evaluation form provided by the chapter adviser.
• The faculty council shall review the Candidate Forms, faculty evaluations and other relevant information to determine those who fully meet the selection criteria for membership.
• The faculty council will review measures such as attendance and behavior records

Section 4. Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony.

Section 5. An active member of National Junior Honor Society who transfers to this school will be given an official letter indicating the status of his/her membership

Section 6. An active member of National Junior Honor Society who transfers too this school will automatically be accepted for membership in this chapter. The Faculty Council shall grant to the transferring member one semester to attain the membership requirements and, therefore, this member must maintain those requirements for this chapter in order to retain his/her membership.

 

Article 6: Obligations of Members

Section 1. Annual dues for this chapter shall be $20. Dues will be payable to the chapter prior to induction.

Section 2. Each member of this chapter who is good standing with regard to the membership standards and member obligations shall be granted the privilege to wear the emblem adopted by the National Junior Honor Society.

Section 3. Any member who withdraws, resigns, or is dismissed from the chapter shall have the privilege of wearing the emblem to the chapter revoked.

Section 4. Each member is required a minimum of 20 service hours for the entire school year in addition to NJHS project service activities.

 

Article 7: Officers

Section 1. The officers of this chapter shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2. Student officers shall be be elected at the last meeting of each school year. Any active member can nominate an eligible member as candidate for office.

Section 3. Voting shall be a secret ballot. A majority vote shall be necessary to elect any officer of this chapter. If the first vote does not yield a majority, a second vote shall be taken of the two candidates receiving the highest numbers of votes.

Section 4. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at the meetings of the chapter, and serve as the official meetings of the chapter, and serve as the official representative of the chapter at school and community functions.

Section 5. The vice president shall preside in the absence of the president and shall also keep a record of members’ contributions to leadership and service.

Section 6. The secretary shall keep the minutes and attendance records for meetings and be responsible for all official correspondence.

Section 7. The treasurer shall keep the record of business expenses, dues, and all other financial transactions of the chapter.

Section 8. Officers and the faculty adviser(s) shall collectively be known as the chapter's Executive Committee. The executive committee shall establish annual goals for the chapter and have general charge of the meetings and the business of the chapter. Any action by the executive committee is subject to the review of the chapter members.

 

Article 8: Meetings

Section 1. Regular meetings of this chapter will be held on a designated day(s) every month. Students will get notifications about chapter meetings throughout the school year.

(A.) After 3 unexcused absences from both meetings and/or service projects, Active members will be presented to the members of the faculty council for further actions.

Section 2. Members are expected to attend all chapter meetings and special meetings called by or at the approval of the chapter adviser(s).

 

Article 9: Activities

Section 1. The chapter shall determine one or more service projects for each year.

Section 2. All members shall regularly participate in these projects.

Section 3. These projects shall have the following characteristics: Fulfill a need within the school or community, have the support of the administration and the faculty, be appropriate and educationally defensible, and be well-planned, organized, and executed.

Section 4. Each member shall have the responsibility for choosing and participating in an individual service project (a minimum of 20 service hours) which reflects his or her particular talents and interests and is approved by the chapter adviser. This in addition to the chapter projects to which all members contribute.

Section 5. The chapter shall publicize and promote its projects in a positive manner.

 

Article 10: Discipline and Dismissal of Members

Section 1. Any member who falls below the standards of scholarship, leadership, character, citizenship, or service may be considered for discipline or dismissal from the Magnolia Junior High chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. A member is expected to maintain his/her academic standing and take an active role in service and leadership in his/her school and community.

Section 2. If a member’s cumulative grade point average falls below the standard in effect when he/she was selected, he/she will be given a written warning and a reasonable time period for improvement. If the cumulative grade point average remains below standard at the end of the warning period the student will be subject to further disciplinary action by the Faculty Council that can include consideration of dismissal from the chapter.

Section 3. Violations of the law or school regulations can result in immediate consideration of the dismissal of a member (see Section 5 below). These violations include, but are not limited to stealing, destruction of property, cheating, truancy, or possession, selling, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or school-related activities or in the community.

Section 4. Offenders of the school conduct code (such as use of profanity, failure to comply, unexcused absences, excessive tardiness, etc.) will receive written warning notification. A conference may be requested by either party (Faculty Council or student/parent). If the member is involved in another violation of the school conduct code, the member may be considered for dismissal.

Section 5. Chapter officers, as representatives of the chapter, can be removed from their positions as a consequence of disciplinary action taken by the Faculty Council.

Section 6. In all cases of pending dismissal:

• The member will receive written notification from the adviser/ Faculty council indicating the reason for consideration of dismissal.
• The member will be given the opportunity to respond to the charge(s) against him/her at a hearing before the Faculty Council prior to any vote on dismal. The member has the opportunity to present his/her defense either in person or via a written statement presented in lieu of the face-to-face hearing. Following the hearing, the Faculty Council will then vote on whether to dismiss. A majority vote of the Faculty Council is needed to dismiss any member.
• The results of the Faculty Council vote will be presented to the principal for review, and then stated in a letter sent to the student parents. Dismissed members must surrender any membership emblems to the adviser.
• The Faculty Council’s decision may be appealed to the building principal and afterwards according to provisions of the school district discipline policies.
• A member who is dismissed or resigns, may never again be considered for membership in the National Junior Honor Society.

 

                National Junior Honor Society Members will have two  major mandatory service project throughout the year as well as other projects. 

                                  Individual members are responsible for 20 hours of community service on their own time throughout the year.