FAQs & Bylaws

Disclosure: this information is subject to change at any point based on our chapter's needs as we grow each year. We always try to be transparent and changes will be communicated in person at chapter meetings, on Instagram or on this website.

• Am I sent an invitation to apply for NHS or is it an open application?
  As of the 2024-2025 school year, we will only be inviting candidates with eligible GPAs as provided by the PCHS Registrar. Our updated eligible GPA is 4.0 unweighted.
  
  

• How does  the school send out information about the new  member  applications?
  Students will be emailed  an invitation to apply if they meet the GPA requirement as provided by the PCHS Registrar. The invitation will have our website information and instructions to fill out the application. Any deadlines will also be communicated on the invitation and our website.
  
  

• What does the application look like?
  The application is a  Google document with several sections. Please fill out all sections honestly and completely. The form requires a parent signature as well. We recommend using Kami to fill out the application so you and your parent can sign this.
  
  

• How are members selected?
  We have an anonymous 3rd party teacher committee (who are not NHS sponsors) of 5-7 Panther Creek teachers. These teachers review applications, qualifications, AI usage from application essays, teacher recommendations and discipline records. Based on this information, they cast a vote to accept or deny. Members are selected by majority vote. Please note, this process is subject to change on a yearly basis. 
  
  

• If I am not selected, am I able to know why?
  We do not share this information under any circumstances. We also do not share identities of teachers on the selection committee. We encourage you to apply again next year if you are a Junior, keeping your grades as high as possible & a clean discipline record (detentions, tardies, power hour losses, ISS/OSS, classroom issues, etc. - We take these VERY seriously and can prevent you from membership)
  
  

• Do I have to apply  for membership if I was invited but don't want to join NHS?
  You do not have to apply just because you were invited to.
  
  

• Can I apply even if I was not invited to based on GPA?
  Unforunately not. We are only sending invitations to apply based on our set GPA requirement.
  
  

• What is the required GPA?
  4.0 unweighted
  
  

• How many service hours do members need?
  24 hours of unpaid community service.
  
  

• Do service hours completed during summer count towards my required hours?
  No.  Only service hours completed during the school year count towards your required NHS service hours.
  
  

• Who logs service hours? Who verifies these?
  ALL members are fully responsible for correctly logging their own service hours on Xello. Sponsors verify these hours in December and April. 
  
  

• When are the service hours due?
  Late April/early May of each school year.
  
  

• How do I log my service hours?
  Use Xello for all logging. See the Resources tab for a step by step of how to submit hours.
  
  

• How much are NHS dues?
  $20 unless otherwise indicated by sponsors.
  
  

• What do my dues pay for?
  Dues pay for our chapter fees required by Nationals for our school. Dues can also fund member events for those who have paid and our Induction Ceremony. NHS officers always have to sign off when purchases are made. We follow Frisco ISD's organization account and budget requirements strictly and with fidelity in accordance with our PC finance office.
  
  

• When and how do I pay dues?
  Dues are collected during the Fall semester on OnlineSchoolFees.com
  
  

• How do I get an NHS stole or cord for graduation as a senior member?
  We require 24 service hours to be logged in Xello by mid-april per our front office guidelines. Once your hours are submitted and verified, you will see a fee in OnlineSchoolFees for your cord and stole. You must pay this by the deadline in order to receive it. If you do not submit your hours, you will not have a fee and cannot receive your stole/cord.  Members are expected to complete this by the communicated deadline! The front office at PC does not allow extensions for this because members forgot to submit or pay by the deadline.
  
  

• How soon after I apply will I hear about being accepted into NHS or not?
  We will send letters of acceptance/denial to school emails towards the middle of April.
  
  

• When is new member induction?
  Induction 2025 is on April 30th at 6pm in the Auditorium
  
  

• What is the best way to stay caught up on information, events, news, etc. for NHS?
  INSTAGRAM! We encourage members AND parents to follow @panthernhs on Instagram to stay caught up. Members, you are responsible for keeping up and staying informed!
  
  

• When are officer elections?
  We hold elections in September each school year. Members vote by majority for new officers.
  
  

• What is the job of the Sponsors?
  The teacher sponsors are purely here for guidance as elected student officers lead the chapter. We allow monthly meetings to take place in our classrooms, oversee the new member application process, work with the selection committee, pass along service opportunities and more.
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• I am a member or potential member and I have more questions that are not listed on this page. Who should I contact?
  Please contact your elected officers before contacting sponsors! This is what they are here for, especially our awesome President and VP. If they cannot help you, they will refer you to us.
  
  

**Disclosure: this information is subject to change at any point based on our chapter's needs as we grow each year. We always try to be transparent and changes will be communicated in person at chapter meetings, on Instagram or on this website.

Chapter Bylaws
Amended on a yearly basis as we grow and our needs change