FAQs
I'm a really good kid :) I do my homework. I don't get in trouble. Is that enough to get into NJHS?
While we are really proud of how many wonderful kiddos we have at ARS and also that you are working hard for your grades, being a good student/kid alone is not enough for NJHS. For NJHS you must work hard to go above and beyond the average in leadership, service, character, and citizenship. You must have a reputation for doing exceptional work, for being reliable, for having integrity, and for having the initiative to solve problems creatively and ethically in service to your community. You must push yourself to be an example in all of the categories, not just one.
I have really high grades. Why isn't that enough for membership?
Again, NJHS is not about grades. It is first and foremost a service organization. While scholarship is part of the picture, it is only one part. The scholarship (GPA) requirement is actually the easiest part of the qualification process.
How can I find out if my GPA qualifies me to pursue membership?
All GPAs will be calculated by the district at the end of the 4th 9 weeks of the school year. We cannot tell you before that what your GPA is. Do you make all As? Or all As and a couple of Bs? You probably qualify.
When will the Student Profile & Activity Information Form (SPAIF) be available and when will newly selected members be notified?
These forms will be available from Ms. Gloria, the Counselor's Secretary, in May. An exact date will be emailed to students directly. There is no electronic version of the SPAIF; all students must pick up and turn in their form in person. SPAIFs are due by 5:00 on the last day of the school year, and no exceptions will be made.
I don't have enough service hours. May I have an extension to complete them over the summer?
Sorry, but no. All service hours must be completed by the last day of school to allow time for verification and review.
I didn't finish my Student Information Form by the deadline. May I bring it to school the next day?
No. The deadline is firm. Forms must be completed and submitted no later than 5 PM on the due date.
I have a demerit. Does that mean I can't be in NJHS?
Not necessarily. We will look at the circumstances of the demerit and check to see how significant it was, as well as whether or not the problem was repeated. If you get a demerit for something like forgetting your badge once, you're fine. However, multiple demerits will definitely be a problem. NJHS members must lead by example, and that means following the rules and expectations of our school.
Will a low teacher recommendation keep me out of NJHS?
Teacher evaluations are only part of the larger consideration process, so one low score will probably not sink you. However, if we see a pattern in the teacher feedback and disciplinary records, that will could affect the decision.
What will you use to decide whether or not to invite me for membership?
We will evaluate your candidacy based on the following items:
Your completed Student Profile & Activity Information Form (Quality of responses, completion of all tables and information, strong evidence of initiative and follow-through in Leadership, Citizenship, Service, and Character.)
x2Vol service hours and quality of reflections
Disciplinary records (demerits, etc.)
Teacher feedback
GPA