National Junior Honor Society

National Junior Honor Society Calender - Go to Mrs. Kmiec's Classroom Page or view all events on the NJHS bulletin board

Welcome to the Derby Middle School National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) webpage. Here you will find information that explains the National Junior Honor Society, requirements of candidates, and members.

Please sign-up for Remind to receive all current updates and volunteer opportunities. Directions were given to members at our first September meeting and they are also posted on the NJHS bulletin board. NJHS parents and students are invited to sign-up.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Derby LINKS
• GIGI's Playhouse
• Gilda's Club
• NJHS Club Projects
• Curriculum Night
• Parent-Teacher Conferences
• ROAR WEEK
• B2 after school tutoring 
• Disaster Relief at Work (DRAW)

Candidate Invitation Forms

The 7th Grade students who have a 3.7 Cumulative GPA and have been enrolled at Derby for at least one semester will be given an invitation to become a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Students who meet the Scholarship criterion will be called to the Media Center to receive their invitation. Students will sign off on the attendance sheet verifying that they received the invitation. The student must then fill out the candidate information form completely and return it to Mrs. Kmiec. 

Selection Criteria & Membership in NJHS

The NHS/NJHS chapter establishes rules for membership that are based upon a student's outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship and character. These five criteria for selection form the foundation upon which the organization and its activities are built.

Scholarship: 7th-grade students who earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.7

Service:  This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.

Leadership:  Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activity while working with or for others.

Character:  The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern and respect for others and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle. The student obeys the Derby code of conduct and exemplifies the Derby Cornerstone: Respect Yourself; Respect Everyone; Respect Everything; Respect Everyday
 
Citizenship: The student understands the importance of civic involvement, has a high regard for freedom, justice, and respect of the American form of government. Student demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement with such activities as; scouting, community organizations, and school clubs.

Candidates who need assistance in filling out the form

Help will be available. Listen to the announcements.

Understand the Obligations of NJHS Membership

NJHS is more than just an honor society. In addition to sustaining the qualities that earn you your membership, as an NJHS member you'll attend society meetings, perform service projects that benefit your school and communities, and fulfill any other responsibilities as required by your local chapter's bylaws.

Derby Middle School NJHS Commitments

1. Uphold Scholarship(3.7 GPA), Character, Leadership, Service, and Citizenship
2. Attend all mandatory meetings which will take place during lunch recreation up to twice a month 
3. Complete at least two service projects with the club 
4. Take on leadership roles when needed
5. Be an active participant (10 minimum in school volunteer hours)
6. B2 after school tutoring 

ARTICLE I: Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be to recognize and encourage scholarship, leadership, character, service, and citizenship. Derby Middle School’s chapter of National Junior Honor Society shall complete at least two service projects during the school year.

ARTICLE II: Selection of Members

Section 1 Eligibility

To be eligible for membership the candidate must be in 7th grade and in attendance at Derby Middle School (DMS) for at least one semester. The DMS minimum standard for scholarship is 3.7.  Candidates shall then be evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

The evaluation process for the 2020-2021 seventh graders will begin at 4th quarter with an informational meeting. All academically eligible students (GPA 3.7) are invited to attend.

Section 2 Voting

The selection of each member to the chapter shall be by a majority vote by the Faculty Council. The Faculty Council is made up of five voting faculty members who are appointed by the principal. The advisors are non-voting members.

Section 3 Selection Procedure

1. Interested eligible students must complete the NJHS Candidate Form. This form outlines the candidate’s accomplishments in the areas of service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Deadlines for this will be given to candidates at the information meeting for their grade level and will be printed on the candidate form.
2. Unfortunately, late applications cannot be accepted as our timeline is very strict and candidate form help sessions were provide.
3. Formal notification will be made to all candidates who completed the NJHS Candidate Form.

ARTICLE III: Powers Vested in the Organization

Section 1 Principal

The principal shall reserve the right to approve all activities and decisions of the chapter, and shall appoint a member or members of the faculty as chapter advisor(s), who may serve consecutive terms. The principal shall annually appoint the Faculty Council composed of five members of the school’s faculty who may serve consecutive terms.

Section 2 Advisors

The chapter advisor(s) shall be responsible for the direct, day-to-day supervision of the chapter and act as liaison between faculty, administration, students, and community.

Section 3 Membership and Selection

Membership in Derby Middle School’s chapter of National Junior Honor Society is an honor bestowed upon a student. Selection for membership is by the Faculty Council and is based on outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. Once selected, members have the responsibility to continue to demonstrate these qualities.

Section 4 Discipline, Dismissal and Resignations

When a member falls below any of the standards by which the member was selected or fails to fulfill chapter obligations, the adviser should inform the errant member in writing of the nature of the violation, the time period given for improvement, and provide warning of the possible consequences if no improvement (i.e., consideration of probation or dismissal, or additional disciplinary measures being imposed). In all cases of pending dismissal, a chapter member shall have a right to be notified in writing of the offenses and to a hearing before the Advisors and Principal. Members who resign or are dismissed are never again eligible for membership or its benefits.

ARTICLE IV: Frequency of Meetings

Mandatory general membership meetings will typically be held 1 or 2 times a month.

There may be exceptions to this due to school holidays or unforeseen circumstances.

Additional meeting times may be required due to service projects.

ARTICLE V: Duties and Responsibilities of Organization and Officers

Officers share the tasks of organizing and conducting an induction ceremony and various service projects. In addition to these responsibilities, each officer oversees the following areas:

The president and vice president share the responsibilities of motivating, organizing, and leading the members and activities of the chapter.

The treasurer will announce the profits of fundraisers when necessary at the meetings. The secretary keeps notes on all the meetings.

The historian will maintain a scrapbook and take pictures of NJHS events.

ARTICLE VII: Procedures for Elections

All officer candidates should be prepared to make a short speech to members. The candidates must write a speech and turn it in the day before the election to the advisors. The candidate is the only person that can read/give their speech. Students must stay to the content of the speech when presenting to the NJHS. The speech should be brief and should explain what would make them a good officer and what goals they bring to the position. Selection of officers will be made by a majority vote of NJHS members. Officers must be able to meet with the advisors before each meeting to set agendas and prepare for each club meeting.