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National Honor Society

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (Agawam Chapter)


To be eligible for membership in the Agawam Chapter of the National Honor Society a candidate must be a member of the current Junior or Senior class and have maintained a minimum G.P.A. of 3.9.

Membership, however, is not considered on the basis of grades alone.  For this reason students who are academically eligible are required to fill out a survey sheet regarding service and leadership activities.  Students should understand that these surveys are not applications for membership and that review of information gathered does not guarantee selection.

 A five person Faculty Council appointed by the Principal reviews the surveys completed by academically eligible students for induction into the Agawam Chapter.  Students who completed surveys but were not selected and who believe that they were denied due to a process violation may appeal to the Principal.  The Principal's role is only to be sure that all of the NHS rules were followed and that the correct procedures were followed.  The Principal will notify the concerned student(s) of the results of the appeal.

For evaluating potential members for Leadership, Service and Character, the Faculty Council has developed the following guidelines:

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.
  • inspires positive attitudes.
  • demonstrates academic initiative.
  • successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducting business efficiently, 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 performs SERVICE

  • is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude.
  • participates in some outside activity;  Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups volunteer services for the aged, poor or disadvantaged family duties.
  • 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/school in inter-class and inter-scholastic competition.
  • does committee and staff work willingly?
  • shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students.

 

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,  etc.
  •  demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability.
  •  shows courtesy, concern and respect for others.
  •  observes instructions 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.
  • manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing   unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others.
  •  actively helps to shape a positive school environment.
  •  shall not have been suspended for substance use, abuse or dishonesty during the year of  eligibility.  

 

N.B.  Any changes to the above selection procedure must be approved by the Faculty Council and distributed to eligible students at the time of their notification of eligibility.
 
National Honor Society Probation Procedure:  If a member does not maintain the standards previously established by the Agawam Chapter of the National Honor Society, as outlined above, the following steps will be taken:

1.  A letter will be sent to the student (and parent if under 18 years old) indicating that a warning period is in effect.

2.  A meeting will occur with the probationary student and the National Honor Society advisor. 

3.  The student (and parent if under 18 years old) and the National Honor Society advisor must sign the student's contract acknowledging:
     a.  the nature of the problem,
     b.  an awareness of the student's responsibility to continue to meet the National Honor Society's requirements,
     c.  there is a possibility of dismissal from the Society if the probationary period is unsuccessful. If the probationary member is unable or unwilling to meet the terms in the contract set up by the advisor and signed by the member, the member will be granted a hearing before the Faculty Council to determine if the student should be dismissed from the Agawam Chapter of National Honor Society.  The Faculty Council's decision may be appealed within ten school days to the Principal.

If a member's probationary period exceeds eight weeks, the member shall not receive credit for National Honor Society membership towards the Distinguished Achievement Award or any other awards involving membership in the National Honor Society and/or requiring the National Honor Society advisor's signature.

The Faculty Council may dismiss a member if the probationary period exceeds 1 semester.  The Faculty Council's decision may be appealed to the Principal.

A student who has been dismissed from the National Honor Society will not be eligible for membership in the Agawam Chapter of the National Honor Society in subsequent years.