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National Junior Honor Society
(Grade 8)
Advisors: Mr. Peshkur & Ms. Burns
What is Honor Society?
The National Junior Honor Society is the nation’s premier organization which recognizes outstanding Middle School students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character. The organization seeks to create an enthusiasm for superior scholarship, develop citizenship, promote leadership and instill exemplary qualities of character.
When do I become eligible?
Students are inducted into the NJHS during the first quarter of eighth grade. Sixth and seventh grade students are NOT eligible. However, your grades, actions, school involvement and your community service during these two years are the main determining factors for eligibility.
What requirements do I have to meet in order to be considered for Honor Society in eighth grade?
Initial and continued membership in the National Junior Honor Society depends on conforming to the criteria listed below.
Scholarship
For initial eligibility, you must have a minimum unrounded raw average of 92% or above. This average will be calculated using:
• Marking quarter grades three and four from 6th grade
• Marking quarter grades one through four for 7th grade
Character
Your overall character should be of high quality. A candidate would be ineligible if the student has ever been given out-of school suspension during the second half of 6th grade or at any time during 7th grade. The James Wilson Young NJHS Faculty Council will evaluate overall character based upon the criteria described below.
A student of character:
• Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
• Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior based on the Code of Conduct
• Upholds principles of morality and ethics
• Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
• Shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others
• Observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness both inside and outside the classroom
• Has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies
• Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others
• Actively helps to rid the school of bad influences or environment
Service
Students must complete ten hours of voluntary service to the school and/or community from the middle (end of 2nd marking quarter) of 6th grade to the beginning of 8th grade. These hours must be documented by a written acknowledgement and signature from the individual or organization receiving the service. This documentation must be presented when your application is submitted at the beginning of 8th grade – save it in a safe location! Hours performed during the summer will be counted.
The student who serves:
• Is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain loyal school attitude
• Participates in some outside activity: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, volunteer services for the aged, poor or disadvantaged, family duties
• Volunteers dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance
• Works well with others and is willing to take on difficult or inconspicuous responsibilities
• Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school
• Is willing to represent the class or school in interclass and interscholastic competition
• Performs committee and staff work without complaining
• Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students
Leadership
We are looking for students who demonstrate leadership in the classroom, at work and in school athletics and activities. The James Wilson Young NJHS Faculty Council will evaluate leadership qualities based upon the criteria described below.
The student who exercises leadership:
• Is resourceful in proposing new problems, applying principles and making suggestions
• Demonstrates leadership in promoting school activities
• Exercises influence on peers in upholding school activities
• Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school
• Is able to delegate responsibilities
• Exemplifies positive attitudes
• Inspires positive behavior in others
• Demonstrates academic initiative
• Successfully holds school offices or positions of responsibility, conducts business efficiently and effectively, and is reliable and dependable without prodding
• Demonstrates leadership in the classroom and in school activities
• Is thoroughly dependable in any responsibility accepted
You will need to demonstrate an on-going commitment in at least two clubs or sports at James Wilson Young Middle School in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades as verified by a coach or advisor. Music class is part of your regular class work and does not qualify as a club or activity. Select music organizations that meet after school or in the evening do satisfy this requirement. Students who are unable to meet these requirements because of family obligations or special circumstances should meet with the advisor to find additional activities that would satisfy this requirement.
Citizenship
The student who demonstrates citizenship shows mature participation and responsibility through involvement in school clubs and activities. The qualified student understands the importance of civic involvement, and has a high regard for freedom, justice and respect for the American form of government.
This criterion will be evaluated in conjunction with leadership.
What else is part of the application process?
All applicants must turn in:
• A completed NJHS application packet
• A letter of approximately 150 words (typed and double spaced) explaining why you want to be a member of the National Junior Honor Society
What happens after I am selected to be in the National Junior Honor Society?
You will be asked to attend a meeting and a rehearsal in preparation for the Induction Ceremony. Your family will be able to share in the induction evening where you will take your official oath. Soon after we will have our first official meeting as new members and begin a wonderful year.
Who can I contact if I have any questions regarding National Junior Honor Society?
Should you have any questions regarding the National Junior Honor Society, you can contact the advisors.
Mr. Peshkur:
Apeshkur@bbpschools.org
Ms. Burns:
sburns@bbpschools.org
Science Olympiad
(Grades 6, 7 & 8)
Advisors: Krista Peterson
In the spring all grade levels will participate in the National Science Olympiad. This competition, designed by science teachers consists of topic and grade level written tests. In preparation for this contest, we will spend meeting time practicing the different events to find out which science stu-dents are the most suited for the kinds of individ-ual and group science events that they choose. Some of the events that will be competed on are: Balloon Race, Batty Buggy, Bridge Building, Egg Drop, Feathered Frenzy, Road Scholar and the Wright Stuff
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Student Council
(Grades 6, 7 & 8)
Advisors: Ms. Gunst and Ms. Foley
Student Council is a school wide organization. The club consists of 2 advisors, 4 officers, and approximately 50 homeroom representatives. Students meet two times a month to discuss school policies, as well as plan and run social events. The council is responsible for hosting the pep rally, dances, spirit week, as well as fund raisers and the end of the year barbecue. The Student Council is a great club to join if students want to be an influential part of their middle school experience.
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Yearbook Club
(Grades 6, 7 & 8)
Advisors: Mr. Cairns & Ms. Mountain
The JWY Yearbook Club meets on Tuesdays. Meetings alternate between morning and after-noon meetings to accommodate students who may have after school commitments such as sports or other clubs. Members of the yearbook club are involved in every aspect of designing the yearbook, from selecting the cover, to taking photos, to arranging layouts of individual pages. In addition, club members participate in fund raising and yearbook sales activities. The yearbook club is made up of students in all three grades, six to eight, and the book is dedicated to representing activities from each grade. Students with an interest in photography or graphic design are encouraged to join as there are many opportunities to showcase those skills and learn new techniques. Please contact advisors Mr. Cairns or Ms. Mountain for more information.
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