National Honor Society
“The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.”
Newark Charter School inducted the first members of our chapter of the NHS in the fall of 2015.
Eligibility
Students with a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least a 3.5 for 9th and 10th grade are eligible to apply to Newark Charter School Chapter of the National Honor Society in the fall of Junior year. GPAs will not be rounded. Students will receive a letter of eligibility via email in September of their Junior year inviting them to apply. Students who receive the eligibility letter are encouraged to look through the NHS website and review the bylaws and the application process. Students are also strongly recommended to work towards accumulating community service hours. The complete application packet will be emailed with the eligibility letter.
Students who do not meet the GPA requirement in their junior year are encouraged to work towards improving their GPA and attain eligibility as they will have an opportunity for eligibility again in the fall of Senior year.
Any questions should be directed to NHS Advisors Mrs. Setty and Mrs. Taylor.
Election to National Honor Society
Election to membership in the National Honor Society represents the highest honor and trust that can be bestowed upon a student in the junior or senior year of high school. The National Honor Society recognizes students for outstanding SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, and CHARACTER. Membership in the society is indicative that the student has attained and is demonstrating and promoting all of these qualities, and is exerting an effort to improve conditions in the school and community.
Meeting the grade point average requirement of 3.5 is not the sole criteria for acceptance into the National Honor Society. Evidence that you meet the qualifications of SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, CHARACTER, and SERVICE, as well as at least a cumulative unweighted grade point average of 3.5, is necessary to be eligible for membership.
Membership
Membership in the NCS chapter is an honor bestowed upon a student. Selection for membership is by a faculty council and is based on outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities. Members who resign or are dismissed are never again eligible for its benefits.
Selection of New Members
To be eligible for membership, the student must be a member of the junior or senior class.
A student must have earned a cumulative unweighted grade point average of 3.5 or above. GPAs will not be rounded.
The candidate shall then be evaluated based on outstanding character, leadership, and service.
Candidates are to submit supporting information for this evaluation.(All sections must be complete). A teacher recommendation form is also required, and a link will be provided on the application.
The selection of members to the chapter shall be by a majority vote of the faculty council based on the criteria listed below.
The chapter advisor(s) will review the selection results with the principal before notifying any candidates. The National Council of the National Honor Society and the NASSP shall not review the judgment of the faculty council regarding the selection of individual members to local chapters
The Student Who Exercises LEADERSHIP:
Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions
Demonstrates leadership 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 responsibilities, conducting business efficiently and effectively, and without prodding, demonstrates reliability and dependability
Demonstrates leadership in the classroom, at work, and in school or community activities
Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted
The Student Who SERVES:
Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude
Participates in some outside activity (examples: girl scouts, boy scouts, church groups, volunteer service for the aged, poor or disadvantaged, etc.)
Volunteers 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
Does committee and staff work uncomplainingly
Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students
The Student of CHARACTER:
Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendation graciously
Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities or behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, and 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 instruction and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness both inside and outside of the classroom
Has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies
Maintains truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others
Actively helps to rid the school of bad influences or environment