What is NJHS?

National Junior Honor Society is a society that is focused on promoting academics, service, leadership, character, and citizenship throughout the community. Students who are accepted into NJHS are members of the Explorer community who strive for excellence in these categories and go above and beyond to be an active member in our community.

The National Junior Honor Society chapter of Explorer Middle School is a duly chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious national organization. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in five areas of evaluation: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Students are selected for membership by majority vote of a five-member principal-appointed faculty council, which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school each fall.

Leadership

A student exercises leadership when he or she:

Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles, and making suggestions.

Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities.

Exercises positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals and spirit.

Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school.

Is able to delegate responsibilities.

Inspires positive behavior in others.

Demonstrates academic initiative.

Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility; conducts business effectively and efficiently; demonstrates reliability and dependability.

Is a leader in the classroom, at work, or in other school or community activities.

Is dependable in any responsibility accepted.

Service

The student who serves:

Volunteers and provides dependable and well-organized assistance, and is willing to make sacrifices to offer assistance.

Works well with others and is wiling to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities.

Enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school.

Is willing to represent the class or school in interclass and interscholastic competition.

Does committee and staff work without complaint.

Participates in some activity outside of school, for example, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, religious groups, volunteer services for the elderly, poor, or disadvantaged.

Character

The student of character:

Consistently exemplifies positive and desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability).

Cooperates by complying with all school policies and regulations and codes of student conduct.

Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendation graciously.

Demonstrates the highest standard of honestly, academic integrity, and reliability.

Regularly exhibits courtesy, concern, and respect for others.

Complies with instructions and rules, and displays personal responsibility.

Citizenship

The student who demonstrates citizenship:

Understands the importance of civic engagement.

Has high regard for freedom and justice; respects the US form of government (representative democracy); and respects the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels.

Demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement with such activities as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs.

Students will focus on what citizenship is during their 8th grade social studies class including taking the AZ Civics Test.

Scholarship

The scholarship requirement set by the National Council is based on a student's cumulative grade point average. This refers to the total academic performance as demonstrated by the grades received by the student while in attendance at Explorer Middle School. The minimum GPA to be considered for membership in NJHS is set at 3.80 out of 4.00. This standard must continue in order to maintain membership in NJHS.