NJHS

The DeWitt Middle School Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society exists to create an environment within the school community that fosters and promotes the growth of student scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship and character. Membership is open to students entering 8th grade. In order to be considered for membership into NJHS, students must meet certain criteria. 

Excerpt from the NJHS Constitution: Section 1. Membership in local chapters is an honor bestowed upon a student. Selection for membership is based on outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

To be considered for membership, students must:

1. maintain a 3.5 average;

2. exercise a positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals;

3. be a leader in the classroom, and in other school or community activities;

4. be thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted - A candidate would be ineligible if he/she has ever been given in-school or out-of-school suspension;

5. consistently exemplify desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability);

6. observe instructions and rules, be punctual, and faithful both inside and outside the classroom and school community.

The Selection Process: The selection process starts in April and is complete by the end of May.

1. Students with an acceptable GPA will be identified.

2. Applications will be provided to students. Applications are due two weeks after the initial opening of the application process.

3. Applications will be reviewed by the Faculty Council.

4. Candidates shall be evaluated on the remaining four criteria for NJHS membership. Character will include the qualities of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring.  Citizenship includes cooperation with school regulations, including attendance and punctuality.

5. Students will be notified of a decision on membership by letter.

Once students are accepted into National Junior Honor Society, they will participate in an induction ceremony. Expectations of members include:

1. Members must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA

2. Members must attend biweekly meetings from 8:15-8:45am at DeWitt Middle School.

3. Members must complete 5 hours of verified community service over the summer (any dates when school is not in session).

4. Members must complete 10 hours of community service at DeWitt Middle School during the school year.

5. Members must participate in one Ithaca-centered community service project during the school year. The advisors will provide information on specific opportunities throughout the year.

6. Members must commit to demonstrating and being student role models of the five characteristics of membership: outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.

Parents and students must understand that no student has a right to be selected for membership in the National Junior Honor Society.  Reconsideration of a Faculty Council’s decision must be a rare occurrence if the council is to be expected to take its assignment seriously.  It is important to uphold the integrity of the National Junior Honor Society standards and to recognize the potential danger of yielding to outside pressure.  Reference Part 4, Section 7 of the NJHS Handbook.

Membership in National Junior Honor Society does not mean a student will be accepted into National Honor Society. Additionally, if a student is not chosen for National Junior Honor Society, it does not mean the student will not be considered for National Honor Society.

Questions? Contact Liz Quadrozzi at elizabeth.quadrozzi@icsd.k12.ny.us or aaron.arm@icsd.k12.ny.us