ARTICLE I: NAME The name of this chapter shall be The Leonardtown Middle School Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE The purpose of this chapter shall be to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in students in LMS.
ARTICLE III: POWERS
Section 1: This chapter operates under the direction of and in full compliance with the National Constitution of NHS and NJHS.
Section 2: This chapter will remain an active member by paying annual dues.
Section 3: The chapter adviser(s) is given the authority to supervise the administration of chapter activities.
Section 4: Nondiscrimination. Our chapter of NJHS maintains policies and practices that are designed to prevent discrimination against any qualified candidate or member on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, and disability. This policy of nondiscrimination applies to all practices, including the chapter administration and the selection, discipline, and dismissal of members.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership in this chapter is an honor bestowed upon deserving students and shall be based on the criteria of scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
Section 2: Eligibility: a. Candidates eligible for selection to this chapter must be rising 8th grader students.
Section 2: Eligibility: b. To be eligible for selection to membership in this chapter, the candidate must have been enrolled for a period equivalent to one semester at LMS.
Section 2: Eligibility: c. Candidates eligible for election to the chapter shall have a minimum cumulative grade point average 3.75.
Section 2: Eligibility: d. Upon meeting the grade level, enrollment, GPA candidates shall then be considered based on their service, leadership, and character.
ARTICLE V: SELECTION OF MEMBERS
Section 1: The selection of members to this chapter shall be by fulfilling the academic requirements and by meeting eligibility criteria in the areas of service, leadership, and character.
Section 2: Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony.
Section 3: An active member of the National Junior Honor Society who transfers from this school will be given an official letter indicating the status of his/her membership.
Section 4: An active member of the National Honor Society who transfers to this school will be automatically accepted for membership in this chapter. The faculty council shall grant to the transferring member one semester to attain the membership requirements and, thereafter, this member must maintain those requirements for this chapter in order to retain his/her membership.
ARTICLE VI: OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
Section 1: Each member of this chapter who is in good standing with regard to the membership standards and member obligations shall be entitled to membership.
Section 2: Members are required to display strong character and academic achievement. This includes maintaining a 3.75 GPA, following school rules, and behaving in a respectful manner toward faculty, peers and our community. Members are also required to display leadership by leading by example in their school community. Members are also required to engage in active service to the school and the larger community.
ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS:
Section 1: The officers of the chapter, their duties, and the method of their election shall be determined by the members of the chapter, approved by the faculty council and the principal, and described in the chapter bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS
Section 1: Regular meetings of this chapter shall be held at the discretion of the faculty advisor(s).
Section 2: Members are expected to attend all chapter meetings.
ARTICLE IX: ACTIVITIES
Section 1: The chapter shall determine one or more service projects for each year.
Section 2: All members shall regularly participate in these projects.
Section 3: These projects shall have the following characteristics: fulfill a need within the school or community; have the support of the administration and the faculty; be appropriate and educationally defensible; and be well planned, organized, and executed.
Section 4: Each member shall have the responsibility for choosing and participating in individual service the summer between his/her seventh and eighth-grade years. They will also need to complete and keep a log of service hours during their 8th grade year, which must include hours from opportunities provided by LMS, but can also include self-initiated community service hours to meet the total expected.
Section 5: The chapter shall publicize and promote its projects in a positive manner.
ARTICLE X: DISCIPLINE and DISMISSAL of MEMBERS Any member who falls below the standards of scholarship, service, leadership, or character may be considered for discipline or dismissal from the chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. A member of the National Junior Honor Society is expected to maintain his/her academic standing and take an active role in service and leadership to his/her school and community. This will be reviewed by the members of the chapter.