National Honor Society
By Laws
ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1. The name of this chapter shall be the Faith Chapter of the National Honor Society of Faith Academy of
Marble Falls.
Section 2. The purpose of this chapter shall be to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to
render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in students of Faith
Academy of Marble Falls.
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership in this chapter shall be known as active, honorary, and graduate. Active members become
graduate members at graduation. Graduate and honorary members have no vote in chapter affairs.
Section 2. 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, and Character.
Section 3. Eligibility:
a. Candidates eligible for election to this chapter must be members of the sophomore, junior, or senior class
b. To be eligible for selection to membership in this chapter, the candidate must have been in attendance for a
period of one semester at Faith Academy of Marble Falls.
c. Candidates eligible for election to the chapter shall have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (out
of 4.0; unweighted grade point average; ‘85’ or ‘B’ are the alternative minimum standards for school using either
100-point scales or letter grades only). This scholastic level of achievement shall remain fixed, and shall be the
required minimum scholastic level of achievement for admission to candidacy. All students who can rise in
scholarship to or above such standard may be admitted to candidacy for selection to membership.
d. Upon meeting the grade level, attendance, and GPA standard requirements, candidates shall then be considered
based on their service, leadership, and character.
ARTICLE III: SELECTION OF MEMBERS
Section 1. The selection of members to this chapter shall be by a majority vote of the Faculty Council consisting of
five faculty members appointed by the principal. The chapter adviser shall be the sixth, non-voting, ex-officio
member of the Faculty Council.
Section 2. Prior to selection, the following shall occur:
a. Students’ academic records shall be reviewed to determine scholastic eligibility.
1
b. Students who are eligible scholastically (“candidates”) shall be notified and asked to complete and submit the
Student Activity Information Form for further consideration for selection.
c. The faculty shall be requested to evaluate candidates determined to be scholastically eligible using the official
evaluation form provided by the chapter adviser.
d. The Faculty Council shall review the Student Activity Information Form and faculty evaluations in order to
determine membership.
Section 3. The selection of new, active members shall be held once a year during the second semester of the school
year.
Section 4. Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony.
Section 5. An active member of the National Honor Society who transfers from this school will be given a letter
indicating the status of his/her membership and signed by the Advisor.
Section 6. An active member of the National Honor Society who transfers to this school will be automatically
accepted for membership in this chapter, The Faculty Council shall grant to the transferring member one semester
to attain the membership requirements and, thereafter, this member must maintain those requirements for this
chapter in order to retain his/her membership.
NOTE: The selection process used at the local level may vary from the procedure outlined above; however, such
variations must still conform to the national constitution.
ARTICLE IV: DISCIPLINE and DISMISSAL
Section 1. Any member who falls below the standards of scholarship, leadership, character, or service may be
dismissed from the Faith chapter of the National Honor Society. A member of the National 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.
Section 2. If a member’s cumulative grade point average falls below the standard in effect when he/she was
selected (3.0 or 85%) he /she will 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.
Section 3. Violation of the law or school regulations can result in dismissal of a member. These violations include,
but are not limited to, DWI, stealing, destruction of property, cheating, truancy, or possession, selling, or being
under the influence of drugs or alcohol at school or school-related activities.
Section 4. Members who miss more than one meeting per semester (and choose not perform one hour of service
per absence beyond this requirement-see above) will be subject to disciplinary action by the Faculty Council that
may include dismissal from the chapter the following semester
Section 5. Members who do not participate in the group service project or meet the minimum requirements per
semester of individual service will be subject to disciplinary action by the Faculty Council that may include
dismissal from the chapter the following semester.
2
CODE OF CONDUCT
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to promote a Christ-like attitude in the learning environment and to
encourage the development of positive Christian relationships among students. We want to ensure a safe, orderly
environment that supports learning, achievement, and appropriate, enjoyable social interaction among students and
staff. However, we fully expect the students of Faith Academy to follow these guidelines on and off campus,
striving to represent a positive image at school, at home, at church, and in the community. Therefore, we have set
the following guidelines regarding student behavior that should help to build the character qualities and work ethic
of every student. The student should use every opportunity at Faith Academy to develop and strengthen these
qualities.
School Integrity
A fundamental expectation of those who are a part of the Faith Academy family is that all students, parents, and
staff members will represent the cross and Biblical standards at all times, not just during school hours. As
representatives of the cross and Faith Academy, it is critical that each person guard the reputation and public
perception of the school and refrain from any activity that would cast a negative light on Faith Academy or cause
someone to question the authenticity of the Savior we represent.
Examples of such activities include but are not limited to any display of inappropriate content or any reference by
name or disparaging remark about Faith Academy or anyone affiliated with Faith Academy on personal internet
blog sites (public or private) or chat rooms, participation in any group or organization whose reputation is not above
reproach (e.g., gangs, some fraternal organizations, etc), as well as behaving immorally, such as public intoxication,
lewd behavior, or physical altercations with others. Individuals are not authorized to use the school name, logo,
insignias, or reference themselves as being affiliated with Faith Academy on blog sites, chat rooms, or any other
public forum without prior permission from the school administrator. FAMF will guard the reputation of the school
and individual persons affiliated with the school by implementing appropriate discipline for behavior in violation of
this policy.
Classroom
The FAMF classroom will be a place of learning where the teacher is able to teach and the student is able to learn.
Teachers will strive for consistency and fairness for all students.
Conduct that disrupts teaching or learning will NOT be tolerated. Students should ALWAYS:
 come to class on time and be prepared with all required materials;

conduct themselves in an orderly, respectful manner;

make an effort to learn by participating in class activities and following teacher instructions;

strive to stay on task the entire class period and not engage in activities such as social conversations, grooming,
sleeping, or personal note-writing;

obey all school rules and regulations (both written and verbal); and

when in violation of these guidelines, comply with the resulting discipline.
Courtesy
Students have the responsibility to respect the rights and property of fellow students, teachers, administrators, and
visitors. At all times, adults should be addressed with a title (Mr., Mrs., Coach, etc.). In the same manner, when a
student is questioned by an adult, he should respond with either “Yes, Sir” or “No, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” or “No,
3
Ma’am.” Students should treat each other with respect, kindness, and compassion. Harassment or rude behavior by
a student will not be tolerated. Faith Academy desires to encourage students to learn to edify one another.
Fighting
Students are not allowed to fight physically or verbally. There should be no horseplay, running, or rough play
during or between classes.
Immoral or Illegal Behavior
Students should refrain from any distribution or display of materials which are obscene, libelous, or which advocate
the commission of unlawful actions. Students should not be involved in or create an impression of involvement in
immoral activities. Tobacco products, non-prescriptive drugs, alcohol, or weapons are not allowed on campus or at
a Faith Academy sponsored event.
Language
Improper or disrespectful speech (e.g., profanity, lying, back-talking, etc.) in the presence of classmates or staff will
not be tolerated on campus during or between classes or while involved in a sport or other school-related activity.
As Faith Academy representatives, students should strive to speak in a godly manner on and off campus. See “Use
of the Tongue” Student Handbook.
Public Affection
Students are expected to exercise good judgment when interacting with boyfriend or girlfriends. Public displays of
affection (i.e., handholding, kissing, etc.) will not be permitted on campus or at any school-related activity.
Stealing
Stealing from another student, staff, or the school will not be tolerated. Committing or attempting to commit a theft
is considered a serious offense.
Use of Property and Buildings
Students have the responsibility to be good stewards of the physical resources God provides for our use. Students
should actively protect and take care of the school’s property and assist the school staff in operating a school that is
safe for everyone. Students should demonstrate consideration of others and school property by keeping the facility
and grounds clean at all times and by refraining from any action that may cause property damage. Students should
not:
 eat or drink in the classroom or other areas not approved for this purpose,

chew gum while in the classroom,

throw trash on the grounds or leave trash in the classrooms or lunch area,

write on tables, walls, or other property,

sit or stand on tables or chairs, and

leave personal property in the hallways or on the decks outside the classrooms.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Faith Academy will not tolerate academic dishonesty (i.e., cheating). Academic dishonesty is both a serious breach
of personal integrity and a serious hindrance to real student learning. Therefore, we exhort our students and their
parents to adhere to high standards of personal integrity, both in school and in the home. I Chronicles 29:17a
4
reminds us that God "tests the heart" and is "pleased with integrity." We want to encourage and equip our students
to become disciples of Christ committed to serving and pleasing God in all he may do. Academic dishonesty is
broadly defined as any attempt on the part of a student or parent, whether realized or not, to falsely represent the
student's level of achievement or mastery in a given course or with regard to any element of the course. This
includes, but is not limited to:
 Lying or giving false information about completed assignments;

Copying the work of others at any time without direct authorization from the instructor;

Using any resources, such as, solution manuals and teacher edition textbooks, to complete
without the direct authorization from the instructor;

Obtaining any quizzes, tests, or academic materials, created by or belonging to the school;

Engaging in plagiarism - "to take ideas or writings from another and offer them as one's own";

Altering a graded paper or project for the purpose of disputing the accuracy of the grade; and

Talking with another student during any quiz, test, or academic assignment without direct authorization from
the instructor.
assignments
(Faith Academy Student Handbook)
Section 5. In all cases of pending dismissal:
a. 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 a written warning although a
hearing must still be held (see below).
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. The Faculty Council’s decision may be appealed to the building principal and afterwards through the school
district discipline policy.
e. When a student is dismissed or resigns, lie/she is no longer a member and may never again be considered for
membership in the National Honor Society.
Section 6. In lieu of dismissal, the Faculty Council may impose disciplinary sanctions upon a member as deemed
appropriate.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS
Section 1. The officers of the chapter shall be president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
Section 2. Student officers shall be elected at the *first meeting of each school year. All returning active members
are eligible to run for a position as an officer. All active members of the chapter are eligible to vote. * (this will
change to the last meeting of each school year in 09)
5
Section 3. 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 number of votes.
Section 4. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at the meetings for this chapter.
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 of meetings and be responsible for all official chapter
correspondence.
Section 7. The treasurer shall keep the record of chapter expenses, dues, and all other financial transactions of the
chapter.
Section 8. If vice-president, secretary or treasurer vacancies occur, the positions will be filled by nomination and
voting (Parliamentary Procedure), majority rules.
Section 9. The vice-president serves in the absence of the president.
ARTICLE VI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. The executive committee shall consist of the faculty adviser and the chapter officers.
Section 2. The executive committee shall have general charge of the meetings and the business of the chapter, but
any action by the executive committee is subject to the review of the chapter members.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
Section 1. Meetings of this chapter shall be monthly.
Section 2. This chapter shall conduct its meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 3. All chapter members are expected to attend all regularly-scheduled chapter meetings.
Section 4. Members should attend all regularly-scheduled chapter meetings. Students will be allowed one absence
per semester without incurring penalties or dismissal. Students who miss more than one meeting per semester may
complete an additional hour of individual community service per absence to avoid discipline or dismissal.
SCHOOL & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Section 1. The chapter will complete one group service project per school year. This project should fulfill a need
within the school or community; have the support of the administration and faculty; be appropriate and
educationally defensible; and be well-planned, organized, and executed.
Section 2. All members shall participate in the group project.
Section 3. Each member will complete four hours of individual service during the fall semester and four hours of
individual service in the spring semester. Each member shall have the responsibility for choosing and participating
in individual service opportunities that reflect his or her particular talents and interests, as approved by the chapter
advisor. This is in addition to the group project to which all members contribute.
6
Minimum per Credit Attendance Requirement
In order to successfully complete a course of study, students must attend at least 80% of that course’s regularly
scheduled class sessions. This means that they may not be absent more than six times during a semester for a
course meeting twice a week or nine times during a semester for a course meeting three times each week.
Students failing to meet these attendance requirements will not be recognized as having completed the course (i.e.,
they will be given a grade of incomplete and, in the case of credit-bearing high school courses, denied credit for the
course). In most cases, a failure to successfully complete a course because of excessive absences will also prevent a
student from being able to register for the next course in the sequence.
Exceptions: An exception may be granted by the administrator if a student has been unable to meet the attendance
requirements due to circumstances beyond the family’s control (such as extended illness), and provided the student
has, in the judgment of the instructor overseeing his work, achieved minimum mastery of the course content.
TARDY POLICY
Parents should make sure that students arrive to class on time to avoid unnecessary disruption to the class.
 First tardy: Teachers will email parents (copy supervisor).
 Second tardy: Supervisors will contact parents.
 Third tardy: The administrator will meet with the parents and student as a student conduct issue. The
student may be dropped from the class for excessive tardies.
A student who misses more than 10 minutes of the class will be counted as absent. Teachers, at their discretion,
may refuse to allow the student to “make-up” any work, quizzes, or tests missed because of a tardy.
(Faith Academy Student Handbook, p. 16-17)
ARTICLE VIII: 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 wellplanned, organized, and executed.
Section 4. Each member shall have the responsibility for choosing and participating in an individual service project
which reflects his or her particular talents and interests and as approved by the chapter adviser. This is in addition to
the chapter projects to which all members contribute.
Section 5. The chapter shall publicize its projects in a positive manner.
ARTICLE IX: EMBLEM
Section 1. Each member of this chapter who is in good standing with regard to the membership standards and
member obligations shall have the privilege of wearing the emblem adopted by the National Honor Society.
[Note:The content of this section parallels Article XV, Section 3 of the national constitution, revised 2000.]
Section 2. Any member who withdraws, resigns, or is dismissed from the chapter shall return the emblem to the
chapter. [Note to advisers: If the members purchased such emblems, the chapter is obligated to reimburse the
student for said expense.]
Section 3. Chapter members who are seniors in good standing shall be granted the privilege of wearing the honor
cords [or other insignia adopted at the local level] at graduation.
7
ARTICLE X: DUES (optional)
Section 1. Annual dues for this chapter shall be $10.00.
Section 2. Dues will be payable to the chapter treasurer within 30 days of induction.
ARTICLE XI: POWERS
Section 1. The chapter adviser is given the authority to supervise the administration of chapter activities, as
delegated by the school principal.
Section 2. The principal shall reserve the right to approve all activities and decisions of the chapter.
Section 3: These bylaws are designed to amplify provisions of the National Constitution and cannot contradict any
components thereof. The chapter is obligated to adhere to the provisions of the National Constitution in all activities
it undertakes,
ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be amended by a 2/3 vote of the chapter, provided notice of the proposed amendment
has been given to members at least one month prior to the vote. The exceptions are Articles III and TV (selection
and discipline), which are developed by the Faculty Council with the approval of the principal.
Section 2. By-laws and amendments must be consistent with the Constitution of the National Honor Society.
NOTE: Additional Articles can be added as needed. It is often convenient to have the last Article dealing with
Amendments.
Date: _________________________________
Signatures:
______________________________________
Chapter President
______________________________________
Secretary
______________________________________
Adviser
______________________________________
Supervisor
8