Grade of the Student Apply:
In 11th grade contingent upon an NHS Invitation Letter that is sent in February. This letter will notify the student regarding the details of the application process.
In 12th grade contingent upon an NHS Invitation Letter that is sent in September. This letter will notify the student regarding the details of the application process.
Selection of Members
The selection of new members shall be held once a year for Juniors (Spring) and once a year for Seniors (Fall). Students’ academic records shall be reviewed to determine scholastic eligibility. Students meeting the first criteria of scholarship will be notified in writing and will be invited to complete the National Honor Society Application.
Students must complete and submit the Putnam Valley National Honor Society Application and have two adults in supervisory positions complete the recommendation pages. You must have at least one recommendation from a teacher who has instructed you in an academic class. Your second recommendation may be from any non-relative adult (administrator, counselor, coach, teacher, employer, etc.).
The completed application must be submitted electronically using the form on this website. The Faculty Council will evaluate each candidate’s application, recommendations, and discipline record for compliance to school policy and make recommendations to the Chapter Advisors and Principal.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for selection to membership candidates must:
Be members of the junior or senior class.
Have been in attendance for a period of one semester at Putnam Valley High School.
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 89.5. This scholastic level of achievement shall remain fixed. All students who can rise in scholarship to or above such a standard may be admitted to candidacy for selection to membership.
Have earned a minimum of 20 hours of documented community service that is diverse in nature such as inside school activities, outside school activities, and leadership opportunities that are all up to date, and listed on Passport For Good.
Upon meeting the grade level, attendance, and GPA standard requirements, candidates shall then be considered based on the standards of service, leadership, and character.
Standards
The Faculty Council seeks evidence of the following characteristics when it considers election of candidates:
Scholarship
The Scholarship requirement set by the Putnam Valley National Honor Society is based on a minimum cumulative GPA of 89.5.
Leadership
Leadership roles within and outside the school community will be considered.
The student who demonstrates leadership:
-Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility (club officer, team captain, e.g.)
-Conducts business effectively and efficiently; demonstrates reliability and dependability
-Inspires positive behavior in others
-Is resourceful in proposing solutions, applying principles, and making suggestions
-Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities
-Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted
-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
-Demonstrates academic initiative
-Is a leader in the classroom, at work, and in other school or community activities
-Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude.
Character
A person of character demonstrates these six qualities, defined as the “Six Pillars of Character” by the character Counts! Coalition: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
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, halls, etc.
-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 the classroom
-Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistake of others
-Actively helps rid the school of bad influences or environment
-Demonstrates an outstanding record of conduct and behavior with regard to school and community rules, guidelines, and policies or demonstrates sufficient growth and improvement to compensate for previous inadequacies.
Service
Service is considered to be those actions undertaken by the student, which are done with or on behalf of others, without any direct financial or material compensation.
The student who serves:
-Participates in some activity inside (Back to School Ambassador, Stumke Soccer Tournament, Pajama Program) or outside of school (e.g., Boy or Girl Scouts, church groups, hospital volunteer, volunteer groups for the elderly, poor, or disadvantaged, etc.)
-Volunteers and provides dependable and well-organized assistance, is readily available, and sacrifices to offer assistance
-Works well with others and takes on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities
-Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service
-Willingly represents the class or school in interclass and interscholastic competition
-Performs committee and staff work without complaint
-Mentors persons in community or students in other schools
-Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers, and students
The Faculty Council will consider extenuating circumstances, such as long-term illness, employment, work at home, and others, which may legitimately restrict the number of activities in which a candidate is involved.
Notification of Inductees
Candidates who are elected to membership are invited to a meeting at which they learn about the honors and obligations of NHS membership. If a candidate accepts membership, he or she does so with the understanding that membership entails the responsibility to maintain those standards by which candidates are elected, to participate in the activities of the chapter, and to accept the conditions of the Chapter Bylaws.
Discipline and Dismissal
Any member who falls below the standards of scholarship, leadership, character, or service may be considered for dismissal from the PVHS chapter of the National Honor Society. Failure to comply with the Expectations and uphold the values of the National Honor Society will warrant disciplinary action and intervention on the part of the Advisors, the Faculty Council and/or Administration. A member of the National Honor Society is expected to maintain his or her academic standing and take an active role in service and leadership to his or her school and community.
Expectations
Inductee is expected to fulfill the following requirements:
-Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 89.5 or greater
-Attend regularly scheduled meetings
-Volunteer a total of 20 hours of community service (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, volunteering for the Blood Drive) for the school year
Contact Information:
Any questions or concerns should be addressed to the National Honor Society Advisor Ms. Lisa Penta. She can be reached by email at lpenta@pvcsd.org or by phone (845) 526-7847.