National Honor Society Samuel Clemens High School

Introduction to NHS What NHS is not What NHS is Selection of members Expectations of members

What NHS is not NHS is not an honor roll. NHS is not a club. Though members are initially invited to compete for selection based on their GPA, the criteria also includes character, service, and leadership. NHS is not a club. Though meetings are held bi-monthly, NHS is more like a commitment to a team; members are expected to contribute to their schools and community every day; in addition, participation in chapter service events is mandatory.

What NHS is not NHS is not a requirement for college admissions. While NHS is a recognition of student excellence in a variety of areas, it should not be viewed as a “fast track” item on college applications. Admissions officials are more interested in the character and the school/community involvement that the student has exhibited in high school than whether or not they were in NHS.

What NHS is The National Honor Society is the leader among educational organizations and societies that promotes recognition for students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Membership in National Honor Society is a privilege. The Honor Society member exhibits excellence in academics and leadership, honorable and admirable character, and demonstrates a commitment to service—all of which indicate that the member is willing to use personal talents and skills for the improvement of both self and society. NHS Handbook

What NHS is The National Honor Society operates under the auspices of the National Association of Secondary Schools Principals (NASSP). All chapters must abide by the National Constitution which lays out the selection requirements and procedures, as well as expectations for chapters and dismissal procedures. Chapters are required to have their own by-laws which must be consistent with the Constitution, but are specific to the chapter’s governance and activities.

What NHS is A recognition of students who have already demonstrated outstanding commitment to their school and community through scholarship, character, leadership, and service; A commitment of time and energy to continue and promote these ideals throughout the school and community; and An opportunity for members to better themselves and build relationships with others who share their talents and those whose lives are made better through their work.

Selection of members - Overview At the beginning of each school year, Clemens juniors and seniors are evaluated based on their scholarship. Any student whose GPA is at least 92.0 (weighted) is eligible for membership. Students must have been at the school for at least one semester. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Letters of eligibility are sent to these students, and students are invited to submit Candidate Information Packets for consideration. This is not an application.

Selection of members - Overview The Faculty Council (5 teachers) meets to consider each candidate’s information. A majority vote is required for a candidate to be selected for membership. In accordance with the NHS Constitution, sponsors do NOT have a vote in the selection process. The list of candidates who have been selected is submitted to the school principal for review before notification. All candidates who are selected must be inducted in an official ceremony to be recognized as members. This is mandatory in order to be in compliance with the national constitution of NHS.

Selection Criteria - Scholarship Scholarship (GPA) is NOT allowed to be re-visited when considering candidates. The National Handbook states that “It would be considered ‘revisiting’ the scholarship criterion for the Faculty Council to bring up the quality of a student’s grades or evaluate the degree of difficulty of the courses after the GPA has been determined, and it should not be done (40).”

Selection Criteria - Character Teacher Recommendations As part of the Candidate Information Packet, students are required to have at least two recommendations from teachers who have taught the candidate in a core subject for at least one academic year. These recommendations will not be returned to the candidate; teachers will submit them directly to the NHS adviser. Candidates will document which teachers received forms in their Information Packet.

Selection Criteria - Character Additional Character Information The adviser will obtain affidavits from Assistant Principals indicating any discipline referrals received in the last year. A list of candidates will be furnished to the entire faculty for comments about character. These comments will be considered in the Faculty Council’s discussions. More often than not, these comments are complimentary. Candidates are invited to include any other recommendations (form is in the packet) from another teacher or adult who has knowledge of a candidate’s character through participation in an organization.

Selection Criteria - Leadership The Candidate Information Packet provides each prospective member an opportunity to show the Faculty Council his or her commitment to leadership. Leadership is demonstrated through commitment to extra-curricular activities on campus, such as athletics, band, theatre, UIL academics, etc. Candidate involvement in other organizations and activities outside of school are also considered, as is employment. Officer positions are given extra consideration, though they are not required.

Selection Criteria - Service Students are expected to have already demonstrated a commitment to serving a community. (Please see NHS website for the “Service Guidelines” to determine it an activity will count as community service.) There is no “minimum” number of hours to meet this criterion, but the nature of service and the student’s willingness to serve outside of required obligations is given serious consideration. Candidates are expected to have demonstrated a sustained commitment to service since their freshman year.

Selection Criteria - Service All service must have been completed since enrollment in high school and must be verified by the adult (non-relative) who supervised the activity. Prospective members must fill out a different affidavit for each project/activity completed. Additional service forms are available on the website. Candidates may also use certificates and/or letters on official letterhead that indicate the activity, total number of hours, and contact information.

NHS Member Expectations Once inducted, all members are expected to uphold the standards on which their membership was based. GPA must remain above 92.0. If a member’s average falls below this threshold, he or she has one grading period (9 weeks) to bring the average up to meet the minimum standard. Members must not have a lapse in leadership or character. The list of NHS members is made available to the faculty, and issues will be addressed with members who do not uphold standards. Any serious violation or persistent minor violations will be grounds for a dismissal hearing.

NHS Member Expectations Members are required to attend bi-monthly meetings and to take part in all official events/activities: - Induction Ceremony - Officer Election/Installation meetings - End of Year Social

NHS Member Expectations As stated in the National Constitution – “Each chapter shall determine one or more service projects for each year.” “All members shall regularly participate in these projects.” “Each member shall have the responsibility for choosing and participating in an individual service project that reflects his or her particular talents and interests. This is in addition to the chapter projects to which all members contribute.”

NHS Member Expectations Each member is required to perform service in conjunction with at least one of the official chapter events. Opportunities will be announced at meetings and published on the Clemens NHS website. Total service hours requirement (including, but not limited to, official chapter events): Juniors – 16 hours “New” Seniors – 24 hours “Returning” Seniors – 32 hours

NHS Member Expectations Dues The Samuel Clemens Chapter of NHS is a self-supported organization. Each member will be required to submit $60 to cover costs including annual dues, society expenses associated with induction and service projects, cost of NHS member shirt, NHS certificate, pin, and graduation stole. These costs can be paid to the organization directly, or members can participate in annual fundraiser to cover these costs in lieu of direct payment. -

Recognition of NHS membership Members who are “in good standing” according to chapter and national guidelines will be recognized by the ability to claim membership on all applications and résumés, and the right to display NHS insignia. Graduating members who have met all requirements and who are “in good standing” will have the NHS emblem affixed to their diplomas and will receive a stole to wear at the graduation ceremony as a visible recognition of membership. This will be a keepsake for the member.

Completing Candidate Packet Each candidate will receive a packet in a manila envelope; this packet will have a number that allows us to track who received packets and if they were turned in by the deadline. Candidate must fill out the packet in ink. Forms are included for teacher evaluation and service projects. Please follow the directions for these forms. Additional forms for service verification can be found on NHS webpage. Other means of documenting service and leadership, including certificates and letters, are welcome to be included.

Submitting Candidate Packet All paperwork (excluding teacher evaluations) must be placed in the original manila envelope. Do NOT staple paperwork. Candidate must return the packet in person to Mrs. Mumme (Room H103) no later than 4:15 on September 27th. Candidates will sign a log to verify submission. Candidates will be informed of selection decisions via email. All decisions of the Faculty Council are final.

Communication The National Honor Society not only uses evidence of leadership for selection, but strives to foster this quality through membership. In keeping with this expectation, you are asked to communicate directly with the advisers regarding any issues that arise. Although your parents or guardians are still your advocates, the expectation is that you take ownership of your participation in NHS and try to resolve issues on your own. If any issue cannot be resolved between the member and the sponsor, then parent involvement may be warranted.

Questions? Please email Mrs. Kristen Mumme – kmumme@scuc.txed.net OR Stop by Room H103 before or after school.