ELWOOD JUNIOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY David Retherford, Principal Ted Rutowski, Assistant Principal NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Terri Wilson, Advisor Kassandra Bower, Advisor Audra Bolt, Advisory Committee Member Membership in the National Honor Society (NHS) is based on a student's fulfillment of four requirements. Members of the junior and senior class who meet all four requirements and complete an application will be admitted to the National Honor Society. The four basic requirements for membership are scholarship, leadership, service, and character. SCHOLARSHIP Students are eligible to apply for NHS membership if they demonstrate academic achievement by achieving a 3.50 or higher. Grade point averages will not be rounded to meet the minimum requirement. LEADERSHIP According to the National Honor Society standards, the student who exercises leadership: ∙ is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions ∙ demonstrates initiative 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 ∙ exemplifies positive attitudes ∙ inspires positive behavior in others ∙ demonstrates academic initiative ∙ successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility; conducts business effectively and efficiently; and demonstrates reliability and dependability ∙ is a leader at work and in school or community activities ∙ is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted ∙ is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude SERVICE The National Honor Society standards require that a student: ∙ volunteers and provides 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 ∙ participates in some activity outside of school: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, youth groups affiliated with religious institutions, volunteer services for the aged, poor, or disadvantaged, etc. ∙ mentors persons in the community or students at other schools ∙ shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students The EJSHS chapter of the NHS requires members to participate in a variety of EJSHS activities but also to serve the greater community outside of the school. CHARACTER Each eligible student will be evaluated by the faculty and administration according to the National Honor Society standards for good character, which state the student of character: ∙ takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously ∙ consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability) ∙ upholds principles of morality and ethics ∙ cooperates by complying 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 ∙ exhibits concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies ∙ manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others ∙ actively helps rid the school of bad influences or environment Character will automatically be questioned by events leading to suspension from school, consistent lateness, cheating, or other offenses brought forth by a member of the faculty or administration. If someone deems a student's character not sufficient, that opinion will be discussed with the student's current teachers, administrators, or counselor, and the relevant information will be forwarded to the Faculty Council for consideration. APPLICATION AND MEMBERSHIP Eligible students are responsible for completing an application and documenting their service/activity hours. The Faculty Council will evaluate the requirements of scholarship, leadership, service, and character for each eligible candidate. Final selection of the National Honor Society is the responsibility of the Faculty Council. All National Honor Society members are expected to maintain membership requirements of the National Honor Society, including GPA, and to take part in National Honor Society service projects. The Faculty Council may dismiss any member failing to fulfill these obligations. Dismissal will result in the removal of the NHS designation from school records and, depending on the severity of the infraction, possible notification of colleges to which a student applied. National Honor Society Application Checklist Personal data page Two teacher recommendation forms – complete the top portions only and deliver to your recommending teacher. (Character & Scholarship) Signature page Discipline Record(Character) Transcript(Scholarship) Activity form(Character, Service, & Leadership) OPTIONAL—NHS Officer Application Applications must be received by Friday, February 19, 2016 by 3:00 p.m.. Deliver to guidance office Elwood Junior Senior High School National Honor Society Application Personal Data Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Last First Middle Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Number and Street _________________________________________________________________________________________ City and State Zip Code Home Telephone: _________________________Cellular Telephone: _________________________________ E-mail:___________________________________________________________________________________ Grade: __________________________ General Directions: Use the checklist to be sure all parts of the application are included. Follow the specific directions on each page. Application pages may be completed online and then printed. Handwritten applications will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Return your completed application to the guidance office. Deadline: ______Friday, February 19, 2016 by 3:00 p.m_________ Teacher Recommendations: In the spaces below, name the two teachers you will ask to recommend you. Complete the table. A recommendation must be given to a teacher whose class you have taken or are currently taking. You cannot use a coach, activity sponsor, counselor or non-teaching staff person. Teacher Course Semester /Year Questions: If you have questions or need help completing the application, you may contact one of the following advisors: Ms. Kassandra Bower Mrs. Terri Wilson Elwood Junior Senior High School National Honor Society Application Signature Page To be completed by the applicant: I understand that completing and submitting this application does not guarantee selection to the National Honor Society. I attest that the information presented here is complete and accurate. If selected, I agree to abide by the standards and guidelines of the chapter and to fulfill all of my membership obligations to the best of my ability. Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________ (Printed) Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________ (Date) To be completed by the parent or guardian of the applicant: I have reviewed the application and give permission for my child to apply to the Elwood Junior Senior High School chapter of the National Honor Society. Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________ (Printed) Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________ (Date) Daytime Telephone: ___________________________ E-mail:_____________________________________ OPT OUT To be completed by the applicant: I do not wish to be a member of the National Honor Society Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________ (Printed) Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________ (Date) To be completed by the parent or guardian of the applicant: I understand that my child does not wish to be a member of the National Honor Society. Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________ (Printed) Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________ (Date) Elwood Junior Senior High School National Honor Society Application Activity Form Directions: List all activities in which you have participated during high school. Include clubs, teams, musical groups, work, community service, volunteering, etc. Please include any major accomplishments for an activity (ex. Captain, director, etc.). Also note the name of the faculty coordinator you work with in this activity. ACTIVITY YEAR Accomplishment Leadership Position Held Faculty Coordinator (9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ) th th th th Student Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Elwood Junior Senior High School National Honor Society Application Teacher Recommendation Form Applicant: Complete the top portion only. Student Name: __________________________________Teacher Name: _______________________________ This student is seeking to become a member of the National Honor Society. The Faculty Council would like your input to help make its decision. What course did you teach this student and when? _________________________________________________ Check the appropriate box that best describes the character of the student. Attribute Truly Outstanding (top 2-3%) Excellent (Top 10%, but not top 2-3%) Good Average Below Average No Basis for Judgment Responsibility Maturity and selfdiscipline Self-confidence Sense of humor Concern for others Integrity Reaction to setbacks Compliance with school regulations Cooperation with others Recommendation: _____ _____ _____ recommend without reservation recommend with reservation (Please comment). do not recommend (Please comment). Comments should be written on the back of this form. Printed Name ______________________________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________ Date _________________________ DO NOT RETURN TO THE APPLICANT. Please sign and return to the guidance office by Friday, February 26, 2016 at 3:30 p.m.. Thank you. Elwood Junior Senior High School National Honor Society Application Teacher Recommendation Form Applicant: Complete the top portion only. Student Name: __________________________________Teacher Name: __________________________________ This student is seeking to become a member of the National Honor Society. The Faculty Council would like your input to help make its decision. What course did you teach this student and when? _________________________________________________ Check the appropriate box that best describes the character of the student. Attribute Truly Outstanding (top 2-3%) Excellent (Top 10%, but not top 2-3%) Good Average Below Average No Basis for Judgment Responsibility Maturity and selfdiscipline Self-confidence Sense of humor Concern for others Integrity Reaction to setbacks Compliance with school regulations Cooperation with others Recommendation: _____ _____ _____ recommend without reservation recommend with reservation (Please comment). do not recommend (Please comment). Comments should be written on the back of this form. Printed Name ______________________________________________________________________________ Signature _______________________________________________________ Date _________________________ DO NOT RETURN TO THE APPLICANT. Please sign and return to the guidance office by Friday, February 26, 2016 at 3:30 p.m.. Elwood Junior Senior High School National Honor Society Application OPTIONAL-----NHS Officer Application Applicant: If you are interested in being interviewed for an Officer Position of NHS, please review the roles of each position and complete the application as directed. National Honor Society is a student run organization that requires time and dedication from its members but especially from its Officers. Co-Leaders’ Roles and Expectations: Organize and run meetings Lead the planning of fundraisers and share important information with NHS members Work with the staff advisors in planning meetings and activities Schedule and attend weekly meetings with other officers Assist in contacting organizations that we would like to support Treasurer Roles and Expectations: Manage finances Publicize to the school and community about activities NHS is organizing to increase participation in fundraising activities Assist in finding fundraisers that will help raise money for different organizations Secretary Roles and Expectations: Take notes at meetings Maintain accurate attendance logs for meetings and events Maintain contacts for all NHS members (cell phone numbers and email addresses) Help organize tasks Make agendas for meetings Applicant: Complete the following 250 or less word essay in a typed format that you should attach to your application. Your essay answer must include your name and the title “REQUEST TO BE CONSIDERED FOR NHS OFFICER POSITION”. You should also list the position(s) that you want to interview for. All applicants selected to run for office will be required to present a speech explaining why they would make a strong officer in front of the NHS members. NHS members and advisory committee (Mr. Retherford, Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Rutowski, Ms. Bower, and Ms. Bolt) will then vote for candidates. ESSAY: Why do you think you would make a strong officer for NHS? Your essay should include how you manage your academics and extra-curricular activities and how the demands of NHS would fit into your senior year of high school. Your essay should also include what characteristics or experience you have that fit the officer role you are applying for.