Rules and Regulations

This contract identifies the expectations that the Allegany-Limestone chapter of National Honor Society holds for its members.  As stated in the Constitution of National Honor Society, “The purpose of this organization shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to encourage the development of character in all students [of Allegany-Limestone] school.”  As an inducted member of National Honor Society, you are expected to adhere to the standards which were the basis of your selection.  You must continue to exemplify these qualities for the duration of your membership in all aspects of student life.

I. Scholarship – Members must maintain a 92%  weighted or better GPA for the remainder of their high school career.

If your GPA drops below this minimum, you will automatically be put on probation for a minimum of one semester. If, at the end of the probationary period, your GPA is 92% or better, you will again be a member in good standing. However, you must maintain a 92% minimum GPA for the rest of your high school career, or your membership may be revoked. If you do not raise your GPA to the required minimum of 92% at the end of the probationary period, the faculty committee may revoke your membership. An extension of the probation period may be granted under extenuating circumstances.

In addition, members of National Honor Society are expected to maintain strictly all standards of scholarship as set forth in the student handbook.  These standards include academic honesty in claiming authorship and in documenting sources of information.

II. Leadership requires more than participating actively in organizations, clubs or disciplines contributing to the school or community, although this is an essential aspect of leadership. The combination of scholarship, service and character identifies a true leader; as a member of National Honor Society, your leadership will be judged by your performance in all four areas outlined in this contract. You do not need to be an officer in an organization to be essential to its operation. Responsibility, reliability and active participation are essential components of leadership. You are neither responsible nor reliable if you fail to fulfill any obligation to which you have committed yourself, including taking unexcused absences from classes.  Discipline Referrals will be reviewed by the advisor.  Instances of questionable leadership may be presented to the faculty committee for membership or discipline evaluation.

III. Character - members of National Honor Society should earn the respect of others. You earn respect by displaying character traits such as honesty, respect, maturity, humility, cooperation and support. Character also requires adherence to the rules established to govern a community, including the policies of individual teachers and of the Allegany-Limestone School District. The faculty committee may review the membership of any student who is referred to the administration, or who commits any infraction of the Code of Conduct for the ALCS School District, or who breaks the law.

IV. Service - The National Chapter of the Society requires that all local chapters involve themselves in community service. Members of the Allegany-Limestone chapter must complete a minimum two service projects for the 2008-2009 school year. At least one service project must be completed as an individual service project.  Submit the Service Verification Form to the advisor after completing a service project.  Failure to complete the service portion of the membership requirements may result in a member being placed on probation.

NHS meetings - Members are required to attend all NHS meetings and participate in chapter service projects and fund raisers.  Members who will be absent from a meeting must obtain approval from Mrs. Hollowell prior the meeting.  Repeated unexcused absences or failure to participate in projects or fund raisers may result in a member being asked to leave NHS.

Disciplinary Action

            A member is never automatically dismissed for failing to maintain standards.  A hearing must be conducted by the faculty council to dismiss a member.  Hearings are closed and will include faculty council members and the NHS advisor only.  Members may submit written documentation for their own defense to the NHS advisor for consideration by the committee at the hearing. 

Members should understand fully that they are liable for dismissal if they do not maintain the standards of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character that were used as a basis for their selection.  They should also be informed that they are allowed limited warnings during their membership.  All cases of discipline will be evaluated on a case by case basis.  Probationary periods will range from a minimum of one semester to a maximum of the duration of NHS membership, and will be determined by the faculty council.  Members are limited to one probationary period during their membership.  In the case of a flagrant violation of school rules or civil laws, a warning is not necessarily required for dismissal.  A student who is dismissed or resigns may never again become an Honor Society Member.

Appeals: Members have a right to an appeal to a dismissal as per the National Honor Society code of conduct. 

Please sign the attached page indicating that you have read and understood the above.