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Junior Honor Society

National Junior Honor Society of Secondary Schools 

J.A. DePaolo Middle School Chapter 

The purpose of the DePaolo Middle School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society of Secondary Schools is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, to develop character, and to encourage citizenship. 

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION 

Membership selection will be by a faculty council decision and will be based on the outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, service, and citizenship of the candidates.   The following guidelines will be used to define the above mentioned criteria: 

Scholarship 

The following criteria will be used: 

  • Seventh and eighth grade students must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 cumulative grade at the end of the previous school year. 

Leadership 

The student who exercises leadership: 

  • Demonstrates leadership in the classroom and in school or community activities

  • Successfully holds positions of responsibility, conducting business efficiently and effectively 

  • Is able to engage the loyalty and cooperation of others 

  • Exemplifies positive attitudes and inspires positive behavior in others 

  • Is thoroughly dependable and reliable in any responsibility accepted 

  • Demonstrates initiative in carrying out responsibility without the prodding of teachers 

  • Promotes worthy and proper school activities 

Service 

The student who serves:

  • Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school 

  • Volunteers dependable and well organized assistance 

  • Is willing to sacrifice time to offer assistance 

  • Places service to others above self interest 

  • Renders service through the school to the community 

Character 

The student of character: 

  • Demonstrates highest standards of honesty, reliability, fairness, and tolerance

  • Shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others 

  • Observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness both inside and outside the classroom 

  • Takes criticism willingly, accepts recommendations graciously, and displays efforts to improve 

  • Demonstrates concern for self growth and progress 

Citizenship 

The student who demonstrates citizenship:

  • Demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement with such activities as scouting, church groups, community organizations, school clubs, etc. 

  • Understands the importance of civic involvement 

  • Has high regard for freedom, justice, and respect 

SELECTION PROCEDURE 

Selection Process:

*GPA’s are not considered in the final selection process. The GPA’s are used to determine eligibility to be considered for membership in the NJHS.

1) After all Student Activity Forms have been received, all names are removed and students are given a number. No names are seen in the selection process.

2) A system is used to put the Students Activity Forms in order from most activities to least activities. This system helps the faculty council about each applicant.

3) All Student Activity Forms are given to the Faculty Council. (The Faculty Council consists of five DePaolo staff members. All Faculty Council members receive the same criteria on which activities, character, leadership, and community services is based. Selection or non-selection into the National Junior Honor Society is based on a majority vote of the Faculty Council.)

· Each Student Activity Form is looked at separately.

· The Faculty Council is looking for students to be involved with the DePaolo community not just within the Southington community, have leadership skills, and show that they have an ongoing, consistent commitment to community service.

· There are not a maximum or minimum number of students who may be accepted into the NJHS.

5) Students are notified of acceptance or non-acceptance via the mail.