Frequently Asked Questions

Who is ‘in charge’ of National Honor Society at PHS?
Mrs. M. Rietman is the advisor, and it is her responsibility to oversee the club. As a non-voting member of the selection committee, she serves in two capacities. She ensures that local and national procedures are properly being followed. She also serves as the representative of the interests of the students, so that only relevant and valid information is brought under consideration by the members of the Faculty Council. She oversees student meetings of the chapter and makes sure that their obligations are being met.
Who is on the Faculty Council?
The members of the PHS Faculty Selection Committee are veteran teachers, approved by the school principal. The PHS Faculty Council consists of five voting members.
How do I become a member of the NHS?
PHS juniors and seniors who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5/4.0 percent or higher GPA meet the scholarship requirement for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character.
The scoring of each area is based upon the judgments made by the committee and how the information fits the rubric, final determination is decided by majority vote of the Faculty Council.  Please see the Selection Policy for detailed information.
How many students are selected to be a part of the Peotone NHS? 

There are no limits to the number of students who are admitted to the Peotone NHS.

Is being invited to complete an Informational Resume a guaranteed “in”?
Completing an informational resume is neither a guaranteed acceptance nor denial. 

You may want to ask yourself these questions. 

• Do I consistently demonstrate the four pillars of the National Honor Society? 

• Do my activities reflect someone who belongs in NHS? 

• Are my actions those of an exemplary citizen, both in and out of the classroom? 

• How do I show leadership? 

• Do I have the time and inclination to commit to the community service requirements of this organization?

I received my letter to complete the informational resume but I don't know where to find it!
Don’t worry! Go to your school email and find the Google Classroom invite. You will find instruction, and the forms there.
What if I don’t get in?
Students who are not selected will have the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Rietman to discuss areas of weakness or other causes for non-selection. 

In cases where there has been procedural error, the principal can reconvene the committee to rectify the error.

Please remember: The NHS is a student driven honor society and communication is expected to exist between the student and the advisor. Parental communication is done as a courtesy, and not as a rule.
What does an inducted member have to do?
Your acceptance of membership in NHS indicates your willingness to participate in ALL National Honor Society activities such as meetings and service projects. 

It is expected that inducted, active members will continue their excellence in the four pillars. 

• Local chapters are required to have a minimum of one large group (all club) service project, and each individual member must complete 8 NHS hours and 16 hours of individual community service each school year. 

  • There will be plenty of opportunities available for students and they will be announced and posted. Also, students must attend all monthly meetings. This is an obligation set by the national organization.

It’s too much work for me right now. How can I exit gracefully?
On occasion, students find that the requirements of NHS are not a good fit for them. In this case, students can opt to withdraw from the club. A written note, signed by a parent, is sufficient.
What happens if a member gets in trouble?
Any member who falls below the standards of scholarship, leadership, character, or service may be considered for discipline or dismissal from the chapter. We expect that members will maintain their academic standing and take an active role in service and leadership in his or her school and community. Members whose GPA falls below the 3.5/4.0 standard will be given a written warning and a reasonable time period for improvement. Offenders of the school conduct code will receive a written warning/documentation. As a consequence of disciplinary action, membership can be revoked. This is a permanent dismissal, and students may NOT reapply for admission.
I’m confused and still have questions not answered in this summary.
We are here to help you! If I don’t know the answer to a question, Mrs. Rietman will research and find it out for you. Please e-mail her at mrietman@peotoneschools.org, or stop by room 229/230, and she will help you directly.