Staunton River High School National Honor Society Bylaws
Article I: Name
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools – Staunton River Chapter. The National Constitution shall serve as the general guideline for all chapter functions, and these bylaws shall amplify sections of the National Constitution and clarify the operating procedures of the chapter. The National Honor Society Handbook shall be consulted when issues arise that are not covered by the National Constitution or the Staunton River NHS Bylaws.
Section 1. The purpose of this chapter shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of Staunton River High School.
Section 1. In addition to the responsibilities listed under Article V of the National Constitution, the Principal shall 1) conduct at least one private plenary meeting involving the chapter advisor(s), and the five members of the Faculty Council prior to the first school day of October in order to review the previous year’s events and discuss the calendar of the current year; 2) hear all appeals from students who are non-selected and reconvene the Faculty Council if a procedural or technical error has been made; 3) confer with each member of the Faculty Council prior to vetoing any activities and/or decisions of the chapter; 4) provide a written justification for any veto of activities and or decisions of the chapter within one week of such action(s); and 5) communicate to the Chapter Advisor any issues concerning National Honor Society brought to his/her attention by members of the community that would directly impact the selection or dismissal of a student. Under no circumstance is the Principal to serve as a member or even an observer of the Faculty Council’s deliberations pertaining to the selection or dismissal of a student.
Section 2. In addition to the responsibilities listed under Article VI of the National Constitution, the Advisor(s) shall 1) review each member for compliance with society standards and obligations within one week of the end of each semester; 2) approve all chapter activities and provide the Principal with a written record of chapter activities; 3) read and develop a familiarity with the Constitution of the National Honor Society and the Staunton River High School bylaws; 4) attend all meetings and functions, including those of the Faculty Council; 5) involve Chapter members in the development and review of selection and dismissal procedures and guidelines; 6) ensure that the Faculty Council follows national and local guidelines for procedure; 7) facilitate discussions of the Faculty Council in order to maintain objectivity and professionalism during the review of each case; 8) serve as an advocate for each student whose name or case is brought before the Faculty Council by assuring that the Council considers only relevant and valid information in a fair and consistent manner; 9) interview teachers who give students a below-average evaluation; and 9) provide written documentation to the Principal if the Faculty Council violates the National Constitution or the Staunton River Bylaws in such manner as to jeopardize the fairness of a student’s selection or dismissal.
Section 3. In addition to the responsibilities listed under Article VII of the National Constitution, the Faculty Council shall 1) read and develop a familiarity with the Constitution of the National Honor Society and the Staunton River High School Bylaws prior to making any decisions pertaining to selection or dismissal of students; 2) follow all stated guidelines and procedures in all aspects of the chapter’s activity; 3) consult with the Chapter Advisor concerning questions of policy and/or procedure and refer all questions from parents concerning the National Honor Society to the Chapter Advisor; 4) maintain objectivity and professionalism during the review of each case; 5) examine each individual case as a group in such manner as to allow every member to evaluate and comment on every case; 6) provide written documentation to the Principal if the Faculty Advisor violates the National Constitution or the Staunton River Bylaws in such manner as to jeopardize the fairness of a student’s selection or dismissal.
Section 4. In addition to the responsibilities listed under Article XII of the National Constitution, the Executive Committee shall determine the dues structure and make recommendations concerning the bylaws, time and place of meetings, meeting agendas, special projects, member obligations, and nominating procedures for the National Honor Society Scholarship Awards Program.
Article IV: Membership
Section 1. Membership in the Staunton River chapter of the National Honor Society is an honor bestowed upon a student. Membership is not a right or an elective position, but rather a privilege enjoyed by those students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship, character, leadership and service. Membership is not automatically conveyed simply because a student achieves a 3.35 GPA or submits a Student Activity Information Form. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate and document these qualities.
Section 2. Annual dues set by the Executive Committee and approved by the membership. Dues may not exceed $10.00. Membership shall not be denied due to a member’s inability to pay.
Section 1. To be eligible for membership the candidate must be a member of the Junior or Senior Classes.
Section 2. Pursuant to Bedford County School Board Policy, candidates must have a cumulative (including ninth grade) GPA of at least 3.35 on a 4.0 scale as determined by the guidance department. Candidates shall then be evaluated on the basis of service, leadership and character.
Section 3. The selection of each member to the chapter shall be by a majority vote of the Faculty Council and shall NOT be based on a point system. The council may request written (signed) faculty recommendations, interviews with candidates, or any other verifiable information about each candidate and his or her activities which define the candidates leadership, service, and character.
Section 4. The selection procedure shall be determined by the Faculty Council and shall be consistent with the rules and regulations of the National Honor Society. A committee consisting of the executive committee members, the members of the Faculty Council, and two parents shall collectively or individually review the selection procedure for clarity and provide any suggested changes to the Faculty Advisor once each school year. Pursuant to Article IX, Section 4 of the National Constitution, only the Faculty Council may vote on the selection and/or dismissal procedures.
Section 5. A description of the selection procedure shall be published in a timely fashion in the Staunton River High School Agenda and the Staunton River High School Website. Copies of the selection process and all attendant forms shall be available from the Chapter Advisor.
Section 6. The selection of members for the Staunton River High School chapter of the National honor Society shall be conducted as follows:
1. All juniors and seniors at Staunton River High School who have a cumulative GPA of 3.35 will be notified by the chapter advisor and provided with a copy of the Student Activities Information Form. This form shall provide documentation of the candidate’s character, leadership and service. Candidates may request faculty recommendations that speak to the candidate’s character, leadership and/or service.
- Character is difficult to assess and define. The Faculty Council will consider the positive and negative aspects of character, and will provide written documentation if non-selection is based on a character deficiency. The Six Pillars of Character as defined by the Character Counts! Coalition are: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and citizenship. The following are also qualities of character that the council will be considering in the scholar:
· Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
· Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)
· Upholds principles of morality and ethics. Under provisions of federal law, pregnancy – whether within or without wedlock – cannot be the basis for automatic denial of the right to participate in any public school activity.
· Cooperates by complying with school regulations. A student who has a documented record of school discipline will not be considered for membership unless he or she obtains a letter from the Principal assuring that his or her character is no longer in question.
· Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
· Regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others
· Observes instructions and rules, is punctual, and faithful both inside and outside of school, and adheres to state and national law. Students who have been arrested and found guilty of civil offenses or who have a chronic record of breaking school rules should not be automatically excluded from consideration for membership. A proper regard for adolescent growth and behavior improvement is essential.
· Has powers of concentration, self-discipline, and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies
· Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others
· Actively helps improve the school environment
- Leadership is a key component for membership selection. Leadership shall not be interpreted solely on the grounds of holding elective office or other traditional leadership positions. The scholar who exercises leadership:
· Is resourceful in proposing new solutions to problems, applying principles, and making suggestions
· Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
· Exercises positive 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 at school, work, church, social clubs, or other community organizations; conducts business effectively and efficiently; demonstrates reliability and dependability
· Is a leader in the classroom (including SCA representatives), at work, and in other school, church, or community activities
· Is thorough and dependable in any responsibility accepted
· Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude
- Service is generally considered to be those activities undertaken by the student which are done with or on behalf of others without any direct financial or material compensation to the individual performing the service. In considering service, the Faculty Council shall consider the contributions the candidate has made to the school, classmates and community, as well as the student’s attitude toward service. Candidates must document evidence of community service performed during the 18 months prior to his or her consideration for membership in order to be considered by the Faculty Council. Students are strongly advised to have their hours “verified” by the NHS Advisor. The student who serves:
· 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
· Does committee and staff work without complaint
· Participates in some activity outside of school, for example, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, volunteer services for the elderly, poor or disadvantaged
· Mentors persons in the community or students at other schools
· Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students.
2. Completed SAI forms shall be reviewed by the Faculty Council pursuant to Section 3 above. Students who fail to complete the SAI form or fail to turn the form in by the date set by the Faculty Council will not be considered for membership.
3. Candidates who are selected for membership by a majority vote of the Faculty Council shall be inducted into the chapter.
4. Students who are selected, and their parents, shall be notified of their selection and given information regarding the upcoming induction ceremony and the obligations of membership in NHS.
Section 7. The procedure for non-selection will be as follows:
1. Students who are not selected for membership in the NHS shall be notified in writing of their non-selection by the chapter advisor. Specific reasons need not be given, however, the Faculty Council shall provide general statements as to which component the student was deficient in.
2. The Chapter Advisor shall hold a conference with each non-selected student and explain the reason for non-selection.
3. Students who wish to appeal the decision of the Faculty Council may submit an appeal in writing to the Principal.
4. The Principal shall hear all appeals from non-selected students. Following a discussion with the student and his or her parents, if the Principal feels that a technical or procedural error has been made, the principal may ask the Faculty Council to reconvene to review the situation.
5. If a non-selected student or his/her parents wish to challenge the principal’s decision they should contact the Superintendent.
Section 8. The dismissal of members from the Staunton River High School chapter of the National Honor Society shall be conducted as follows:
1. Students shall be provided with a written explanation of the obligations of membership in the National Honor Society. All members are expected to uphold the standards by which they were selected. Failure to do so may result in dismissal. No member may be automatically dismissed for any reason. In all cases of impending dismissal, a chapter member shall have a right to be notified in writing of the offense and to a hearing before the Faculty Council.
2. Except in the case of a flagrant violation of school rules or civil laws, a member is entitled to written warnings from the Chapter Advisor concerning the nature of their deficiency and the steps required to correct the deficiency. A copy of these warnings shall be sent to the parent(s) of the student and to the Principal.
3. If a member fails to improve in the area where there is a deficiency, the faculty advisor must convene a meeting of the Faculty Council to consider the facts of the case. If the Faculty Council determines that the facts warrant consideration of dismissal, the member shall be notified in writing of the violation, the possibility of dismissal, and the need for a scheduled meeting with the Faculty Council.
4. The Faculty Council shall establish a date for the hearing and notify the member in writing of the action being contemplated, the reason for the action, the date and time of the hearing and the opportunity for the member to respond either in writing or orally. A parent or guardian may be present with the member, however, the member must present his or her own case.
5. Dismissal of member is based on a majority vote of the Faculty Council.
6. If a member is dismissed, the Faculty Council shall provide written notice of the decision to the member, his or her parent, and the principal. The letter should inform the dismissed member of the appeal procedure.
7. Any dismissed member may appeal the decision of the Faculty Council to the principal, who will then follow the local district appeals process.
8. Members who resign must do so in writing and will never again be eligible for membership or its benefits.
Section 1. The chapter shall have regularly called meetings during the school year on days designated by the Executive Committee and in accordance with school policy and regulations. The Chapter Advisor reserves the right to cancel meetings provided they be rescheduled. An attempt should be made to hold one meeting each six weeks.
Section 2. The installation of new officers shall occur during a special ceremony on one of the scheduled meeting days.
Section 3. Pursuant to Bedford County School Board Policy, the induction ceremony for new members shall be held prior to the Thanksgiving Break.
Section 4. Attendance at NHS meetings is an expectation for NHS members. Excessive unexcused absenteeism prevents the chapter from fulfilling its goals and makes it difficult to disseminate information.
Article VII: Duties and Responsibilities of the Organization, Officers, Advisor and Members:
Section 1. The Staunton River High School chapter of the National Honor Society shall create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership and develop character. As an organization, it will seek to develop a culture of pride and respect within the school and establish a history of fairness and consistency.
Section 2. The Officers (and their duties) of the Staunton River High School chapter of the National Honor Society are as follows:
President
· Create the agenda for all meetings with the advice and consent of the officers and the advisor.
· Preside at all meetings of the SRHS National Honor Society and meetings of the executive committee.
· Appoint necessary committees and delegate leadership responsibilities of service projects and activities.
· Serve as ex-officio member on committees and projects.
· Preside at the Induction Ceremony and deliver the speech on “Leadership.”
· Represent the Staunton River High School chapter of the National Honor Society at all public occurrences.
· See that the names of all persons who participated in each service project and attended each meeting are submitted to the advisor with the help of the Secretary and Treasurer in order that the Advisor may fulfill the responsibility of notifying and informing those not fully participating of the responsibilities of NHS membership.
· Maintain close communication with the Chapter Advisor.
· Set an example of scholarship, leadership, character and service for others to follow.
Vice – President
· Preside at all meetings and perform all duties in the absence of the President.
· Check out room use and reservations in the front office.
· Lead and organize at least one major chapter service project.
· Coordinate and check on the planning activities of the various committees and keep the President informed of their progress and problems.
· Perform any duties delegated by the President.
· Coordinate projects and help plan the calendar for the year.
· Deliver an Induction Ceremony speech on “Character.”
· Set an example of scholarship, leadership, character and service for others to follow.
Secretary
· Keep minutes of all meetings.
· Keep accurate attendance of all meetings and service projects and report to the President and the Advisor the names of any members who have become inactive.
· Conduct correspondence with the President, Advisor, and the Administration and elements of the community when necessary.
· With the Chapter Historian, collect all publicity, clippings, and/or photographs for the chapter.
· Deliver an Induction Ceremony speech on “Scholarship.”
· Set an example of scholarship, leadership, character and service for others to follow.
Treasurer
· Maintain with the Advisor a financial record of all income and expenditures for the period the officer holds office.
· Recommend fundraising activities and collect dues.
· Set an example of scholarship, leadership, character and service for others to follow.
Historian/Reporter
· Collect and bind all Induction Ceremony speeches for posterity, and make an effort to obtain whatever speeches were delivered in the past and are, to date, lost in order to build a collection and a tradition.
· Aid the Secretary in press, publicity and photography tasks.
· Assure that there is a collection of photographs of NHS activities for the JFHS Yearbook, school bulletin boards, and press releases.
· Deliver the Induction Ceremony speech on “Service.”
· Set an example of scholarship, leadership, character and service for others to follow.
Section 3. In addition to the duties outlined in Article III, Section 2 of these bylaws, the duties and responsibilities of the Advisor are as follows:
1. Set an example of scholarship, leadership, character and service for others to follow.
2. Approve all chapter activities and inform the Principal of such activities.
3. Maintain all chapter records and send the annual report to the national office.
4. Attend all meetings and assure that proper procedure is followed by the officers.
5. Provide direction to chapter members concerning opportunities for service.
6. Work with the Faculty Council in selecting, disciplining, or dismissing members.
7. Promote chapter activities.
8. Stimulate positive action by members.
Section 4. Members of the Staunton River High School chapter of the National Honor Society shall fulfill the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Maintain the standard by which they were selected.
2. Attend meetings on a regular basis.
3. Participate in a majority of the planned chapter service projects.
4. Document a minimum of 10 hours of community service each year by completing at least one individual service project, participating in fund-raising activities, and participating in chapter service activities.
5. Attend and participate in the induction ceremony for new members.
6. Set an example of scholarship, leadership, character and service for others to follow.
Section 1. Election. Nominations for each office will be made by current and new members by the second Friday in May. An official ballot will be distributed to each member of the chapter and will be controlled by signing off on the membership list. The candidate who receives the most votes for each office shall be notified of their selection.
Section 2. Removal. The Removal of officers may be affected by a 2/3 vote of the membership. Written documentation detailing the reason(s) for removal shall be provided to the officer facing removal by the Chapter Advisor, and the officer shall have an opportunity to defend himself/herself before the membership.
Section 3. Replacement. In the event an office comes open during the school year, the procedure outlined in Section 1 above will be followed in order to fill the vacancy.
Section 1. Meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Section 1. Chapter bylaws shall be voted on by the current membership (with the exception of Article 5), and approved by the Faculty Council and the Principal.
Section 1. If changes to the bylaws become necessary, those changes shall be proposed in writing, distributed to the membership for review and discussion, and brought to a vote. A 2/3 vote of the membership is required to amend the bylaws. Changes to the selection procedures, discipline procedures, and dismissal procedures may only be made by the Faculty Council; however, membership input is encouraged.