The National Junior Honor Society is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1929.
For more information about membership and the national requirements that determine how Old Quarry Middle School's chapter of NJHS functions, please review the information contained in the link below:
What is an Honor Society?
Membership in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is the highest honor given to a middle school student and carries with it a distinction recognized nationwide. The organization seeks to create an enthusiasm for superior scholarship, develop citizenship, promote leadership and instill exemplary qualities of character.
NJHS is more than just an honor roll. The Honor Society chapter establishes rules for membership that are based upon a student’s outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship, and character. These criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built.
Scholarship: Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.72, A- average, or higher, following the second trimester of the current school year, have met the minimum requirement for scholarship. A cumulative GPA includes grades from the past five trimesters in session, which would be all of 6th grade and two trimesters of 7th grade.
Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from mature participation and responsibility gained through involvement with such activities as athletics, scouting, community organizations, and school clubs.
Service: This quality is defined through the a variety of consistent, voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit for those in need.
Citizenship: The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic involvement and has a high regard for freedom, justice, and democracy.
Character: The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a positive lifestyle.
When do I become eligible?
Seventh grade students who are selected for membership in NJHS are inducted during the third trimester; they will serve as active NJHS members for their eighth grade year. Eighth grade students who are selected for membership in NJHS may be inducted as honorary NJHS members during the third trimester. Membership in NJHS is a junior high honor; it does not transfer to the National Honor Society (NHS) at the secondary level.
What process do I follow to be considered for membership in NJHS?
As a 7th grader, after receiving your second trimester report card indicating you have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.72, A- or higher for 5 trimesters, you will be given an nomination packet by the NJHS advisor to complete for submission to the faculty council in order to determine acceptance to NJHS. PLEASE be aware that nomination packets have a set due date and late submissions will not be accepted without penalty.
What requirements do I have to meet in order to be considered for membership in the National Junior Honor Society?
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.72 or higher, A- or higher for 5 trimesters
Be a leader -Participate in community/school activities, athletics, or school clubs. The minimum requirement to be considered for membership in NJHS is active participation in at least three in school or out of school activities each school year. These activities should demonstrate that you are an active, consistent part of your school/community. Please consult the NJHS adviser with any questions.
Provide service to your school/community. The minimum requirement to be considered for membership in NJHS is having provided twenty hours of service to either the school or community in a variety of activities. See service hours log for more detail information. Complete the NJHS service hours log; remember to obtain the signature of the supervisor/sponsor for the activity.
Demonstrate positive citizenship and strong character in classroom/school environment. The faculty council will consider your discipline record as evidence of your citizenship.
How is membership for NJHS determined?
Students who have meet all the criteria listed above will be considered for induction as members of NJHS. The NJHS adviser is not a member of the faculty council; the adviser acts a liaison between the student and the faculty council.
How and when am I notified that I have been selected to be inducted as a member of NJHS?
A congratulatory letter along with an invitation for your family to attend the Induction Ceremony will be sent home within three weeks of the final due date for the nomination packet. Specific reasons need not be given; however, the NJHS sponsors shall provide recommendations for future NJHS consideration.
What happens after I am selected to be in NJHS?
You are expected to attend an Induction Ceremony where you will commit to the ideals of the National Junior Honor Society and accept the responsibility associated with membership; you will receive a certificate commemorating this special honor.
How and when am I notified that I have not been selected to be inducted as a member of NJHS?
You will receive a letter stating you were not selected for membership in NJHS within three weeks of the final due date for the nomination packet.
Is there an appeal process if I am not selected to be inducted as a member of NJHS?
Students who wish to appeal the decision of the faculty council may submit an appeal in writing to the principal within one week of being notified of non-selection. The principal may ask the faculty council to reconvene to review the situation; decisions made by the principal are final.
What if I do not maintain the ideals of NJHS after induction?
It is expected that active members of NJHS continually strive for excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. If the ideals within any of these categories should become a concern, the member will receive a warning and/or be placed on probationary status. If the violation of the ideals continues, the member may be considered for dismissal from NJHS by the faculty council.
Why is membership in the NJHS considered such a great honor?
Schools throughout the country participate in the National Junior Honor Society. If inducted, you are a member of a select group of young people who are considered the best and brightest in your school. You have the admiration of friends and family and should take great pride in this outstanding accomplishment.
The Old Quarry Middle School Chapter of National Junior Honor Society is run by:
Mrs. Megan Ehn mehn@sd113a.org
Ms. Megan O'Neill moneill@sd113a.org