1. National Junior Honor Society Application Process

2.  “National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in 1921 and 1929.”  “Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS and NJHS. NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.” What is NJHS?

3.  NJHS is an OPTIONAL organization. You may CHOOSE to apply or not apply.  You SHOULD apply because….  It is a great way to give back to your community.  It will look great on your high school specialty center and college applications.  Honor Society helps you build qualities that will help you develop as adults. Do I have to do this? Why should I??

4.  Because of your high grade point average (3.7 or above), you are qualified to apply.  If you choose to apply and are accepted, you must maintain that high average. (Otherwise, you will be put on probation or dismissed.) Here’ s how you can APPLY to NJHS... Scholarship

5.  First, go to the NJHS webpage (the address is written on the letter you are receiving today). Download the application and fill it out in FULL. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Turn in your completed printed applications by March 9th to Mrs. Sulzer or Ms. Marquis. How do I apply?

6.  For this section of the application, you will be listing activities which involve the following:  both time and effort on your part and  serve a need in the community. Application Section 1: Community- Based Activities (community service)

7. Community Service YES – This IS considered community service  Volunteering at the SPCA  Volunteering at a soup kitchen  Tutoring a child on a consistent basis  Raking your neighbor’s leaves unpaid NO – This is NOT considered community service.  Singing in your church choir  Donating money  Helping your friend with her homework once  Receiving payment for helping out a neighbor

8.  On this section of the application, you will list leadership positions you have held  You will also explain what you learned/gained from your experience as a leader. Section 2: Leadership

9. Leadership Continued Yes – This is considered leadership.  Student government, club positions,  Sports captains/leaders,  Faith-based group positions  School dance promoter  Youth group fundraiser organizer NO - This is NOT considered leadership.  Membership on a team  Raising your hand in class  Doing a presentation in class

10. Name of ActivityLeadership Position Sponsor Dates SCA dance committee school dance promoter SCA September 2012 Youth Group fundraiser organizer ChurchDecember 2012  Pick one of the leadership positions you listed above.  Name of position: school dance promoter  What actions have you taken to help make your organization better?  We wanted to make Tuckahoe’s first dance a success. We learned that if we had lots of good prizes at the dance more students would come. We got some businesses to donate good prizes like Panera gift cards and movie tickets. It was a lot of work because I had to also keep up with my homework. On the weekends I visited businesses to ask for prizes. Most of the businesses helped a lot. If you really want to make something a success and you stay organized, you can do it.  What have you learned about leadership?  When I helped promote the dances, I learned about working in a group, giving other people responsibility, and staying organized. It helped me be a better leader because now I’m not afraid to ask for things. Leadership Continued (how to fill out the application)

11.  You will receive TWO teacher recommendation forms AFTER you turn in your completed application.  You will give these forms TO the teachers whom you would like to recommend you.  You may ask a current teacher or a teacher from last year (so 6 th graders CAN ask their 5 th grade teachers).  The TEACHER will turn them in to the appropriate person.  Be sure to LIST the names of the two teachers you will be asking to fill out the form for you on your application.  It is your responsibility to follow up with whomever you choose. Section 3: Teacher Recommendations (Citizenship)

12. Excessive detentions and/or administrative referrals may prohibit your eligibility. Any felonies will prohibit your eligibility. The bottom line – Be a good citizen in and out of school. Citizenship Continued (EXCLUDING FACTORS)

13.  You will be asked to complete an essay as part of your application. The essay will be completed AT SCHOOL on March 11.  If you do not turn in a completed application on March 9, you WILL NOT write the essay.  You will be allowed to use your computer or hand write your essay.  The prompt will be given at that time. You will have 60 minutes to complete this essay. Section 4: Essay

14.  Begin with an interesting hook.  Use vivid and specific details to support your ideas.  Organize your ideas.  Be sure to keep the essay prompt in mind and stay focused on that topic.  Wrap up your ending. End powerfully.  Leave time to proofread.  Keep your eye on the clock. This IS timed so pace yourself.  Be neat. Essay Pointers

15.  You will attach ONE signed character reference from one of your coaches, club sponsors or activity directors mentioned in sections 1 or 2. These should be enclosed in a sealed envelope.  We are looking for evidence of character; trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, and caring.  It is your responsibility to contact, follow-up, get the letter and attach it to your application.  The letter may not be written by a regular classroom teacher unless he/she is also the sponsor or coach of one of your activities. Section 5: Character Reference Letter

16.  The letter may not be written by a relative.  PLEASE be considerate and allow your coaches and sponsors a few days to write your letter of recommendation.  You may want to contact more than one person in the event a coach or sponsor fails to write your letter of recommendation in a timely manner. Character Reference Letter Continued

17.  At the end of the application, you will need to SIGN (yes, that means cursive) the disclosure before you turn it in.  Your parent/guardian will also need to SIGN.  Basically, this states that you understand that there is no guarantee that you will be selected for membership, that the information in the application is true, and that you understand the requirements for remaining a member in good standing. Sign the Disclosure!

18.  Print out your COMPLETED application.  Be sure to get your character reference letter early.  Staple the letter of recommendation to the back.  Turn in to Mrs. Sulzer or Ms. Marquis by March 9.  Be sure to hand out the two teacher recommendation forms right after you get them (after handing in your completed application).  Remember to show up for the essay on March 11. If you are absent on this day, be sure to contact us immediately. Putting it all together…

19.  March 9 When is all this DUE?

20.  You must maintain a 3.7 GPA or higher (this is checked EACH nine weeks).  You must complete 10 hours of community service per year. (IB hours DO NOT count; 1 group activity per year)  You must maintain acceptable citizenship (in and out of school).  You must attend scheduled meetings after school and participate in NJHS sponsored activities.  You will be responsible for paying $5 dues. IF you get in:

21.  March 9  Good Luck When is it all Due AGAIN?