2. National Honor Society (NHS) Information Meeting Welcome !

3. Congratulations! You have been invited to attend this meeting because you have a 4.35 or higher grade point average. This is the first step in the selection process!

4. What is National Honor Society? National organization founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals Four objectives 1. to create enthusiasm for scholarship 2. to encourage development of character in the nation’s secondary school students 3. to promote leadership 4. to encourage service

5.  Over 12,500 chapters across the nation  Masconomo Chapter established in 1939  Present school membership, 2014-2015: 66  No quotas or membership cap

6. Is NHS for you? If you become a member, you must: 1.attend monthly meetings, 7:00 am on Tuesdays 2.participate in at least 2 NHS-sponsored activities per semester (not including tutoring) 3.Participate in the school-wide tutoring program when assigned 4.Complete the 5 hours of required service activities each quarter 5.participate in a Spring Chapter Service project 6.attend the induction ceremonies

7. Please note and remember….. There are no inactive memberships! EVERYONE who is inducted into the membership of NHS is required to attend meetings and participate in NHS activities.

8. Now…..what’s next? Becoming a member of the Masconomo Chapter of the NHS

9. The Four Pillars of NHS Pillar: a strong principle or belief Scholarship Character Leadership Service

10. I. Scholarship You are here at the Info Meeting, so….. you have already completed the first step toward NHS membership by earning a 4.35 (or higher) GPA Congratulations!

11. II. Character Character is who you are, how you treat others, how you act when no one is watching……. it’s already established.

12.  MERHS teachers comment on your character  based on classroom, extra curricular activity, participation and personal observation  The NHS paperwork requires that you provide evidence/examples of your character.  Recommendation letters are not to be submitted.  A short essay on the application will also provide opportunity to demonstrate your character. How is “character” validated?

13. III. Leadership  class officer  club officer  chairperson for a committee  representative on church, parish, or school council  captain of team or activity/sports club  concert band section leader  choir officer  Student Council representative  Peer leader  Scout patrol leader  Other, as approved  The NHS paperwork requires that you provide evidence/examples of your leadership.  Recommendation letters for leadership are not to be submitted. Being elected or selected to serve as:

14. IV. Service  Service includes volunteer activities for which you DO NOT receive any type of compensation, such as payment of a wage, school credit, Scout’s credit, or other obligations of your service requirements.  The NHS paperwork requires that you provide evidence/examples of your service. This can include service forms from Guidance for application only.  Recommendation letters for service are not to be submitted, however signatures are required.

15. Service includes:  teaching Sunday School  volunteering at Nursing Home  working at a Habitat for Humanity house  volunteering at the public library, animal shelter  unpaid peer tutoring  hospital volunteer  church related mission trips  volunteering at elementary school after care  helping with Eagle Scout projects  Big Brothers / Big Sisters of America  Other

16. A Final Note Membership in the NHS is a privilege, not a right. Only candidates whose applications demonstrate exemplary scholarship, character, leadership and service are considered for induction. The FC determines exemplary levels of each of the NHS pillars.

17. And now, on to the Student Packet Due 2:30 pm on Friday, March 6. Deadline is firm for all applicants.

18. The NHS Student Activity Packet gives you the opportunity to document and provide evidence for 1. examples of your leadership abilities 2. examples of your own service to the school and community 3. examples of your consistently strong character

19. Tips about the Packet  The Student Packet must be placed in Dr. Burgess’s mailbox.  Plan and start the packet NOW!  Contact people for signatures ASAP! This usually takes the longest  amount of time.  Lack of signature is not considered an excuse for a late application. You are one of several eligible students … present yourself in the BEST way possible.  Watch for grammatical and spelling errors.  Use complete sentences.  Be concise and don’t ramble.  And remember, it is YOUR application!

20. Thank you for attending. Good luck with your NHS Packet! The NHS Packet is available on the NHS link on Dr. Burgess’s website. Access this site via Mersd.org  Academics  Teacher Websites  Maria Burgess  National Honor Society

21. NHS Yearly Chapter Project Super Service Saturday Project Chapter-wide service day for all members Includes: ceiling tile painting…public library service…building clean- up…Humane Society visits… Project Linus blanket making…volunteering at Food Pantry…fund-raising for chapter charity…Activities at area nursing homes … The SSSP is an entire day of volunteering culminating with dinner and evening service activities.