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Packet

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

JACKSON CHAPTER

2009 – 2010

Jackson Memorial High School

Jackson, New Jersey
 National Honor Society
Jackson Chapter

National Honor Society Selection Procedures

The National Honor Society is sponsored by the National

Association of Secondary School Principals and, as a recognized chapter,
it is required to adopt and follow the national constitution. Our chapter
has also adopted its own constitution which further outlines the
procedures of selection.

1. In September, juniors (based on four semesters) who have a

grade point average of 4.0 or better and seniors (based on six
semesters) who have a grade point average of 4.0 or better are
invited to an orientation session on the National Honor Society.
This orientation introduces students to the National Honor
Society’s purpose, requirements, and the selection process,
including the required profile, essay, and recommendations.

2. In October, each eligible student must submit completed

profiles, essay, and recommendations by the date listed in the
application. The Faculty Council, composed of five teachers
and the National Honor Society advisor, is formed.

3. In late October, a list of eligible students is distributed to staff

members for additional input to the Faculty Council. This input
must be written and is given to the National Honor Society
advisor, who sits ex-officio on the council.

4. In November, the Faculty Council meets to review the

candidates. This review involves consideration of each
student’s leadership, service, and character based on the
information available to the Faculty Council, including the
profile, recommendations, discipline reports, attendance
records, essay, and faculty input. A majority vote of the
Council is required for selection.

5. Selected students are advised by the National Honor Society

advisor in a letter in December. Induction is held in January.

6. Acceptance is an honor and not a right of a student and

therefore the decision of the Faculty Council is final.

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 National Honor Society
Jackson Chapter

Outline of Procedures in Completing Candidate Profile

Membership in the National Honor Society is based upon the

demonstrated characteristics of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and
Character.

SCHOLARSHIP

To be eligible for membership, a student must attain a fixed and

specific grade point average. Academic ranking will be used for the
purposes of making the determination on grade point average.
Ineligible students may request that their GPA be reviewed to insure its
accuracy. In order to qualify for membership status, one must earn a
4.0 GPA or higher.
Attaining the grade point average brings students to the first level
of candidacy. Verifying the academic records allows a student to
proceed to the next level. At any point in the selection process, a
student may withdraw his/her candidacy. Students who do not withdraw
thereby give their consent to have their candidacy reviewed in
accordance with the established procedures.

SERVICE, LEADERSHIP, and CHARACTER

1. To complement their academic accomplishments, candidates

must demonstrate and document, sustained interest, effort, and
achievement in extra-curricular activities or volunteer work. Candidates
are asked to submit a list of school and/or community activities in
which they have participated during high school. Students must request
verification to be submitted from three different (3)
advisors/coaches of the listed activities which must include at
least one service or volunteer. This verification must attest to the
candidate’s active participation and to the demonstrated characteristics
of service, leadership, and character. It is the responsibility of the
candidate to insure that the verification statements are submitted in
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accordance with established timelines. An unsatisfactory advisor
verification will be reason for non-acceptance into the chapter.

2. Candidates will also be asked to submit recommendations

from three (3) teachers attesting to their service, leadership, and
character.

3. All candidates will be required to complete an essay. More

specific information regarding the required essay can be found in the
packet.

National Honor Society

Jackson Chapter

HELPFUL HINTS
In order to increase your chances of acceptance, please read carefully
the following list of do’s and do not’s.

DO
*Do complete all information on the forms neatly and legibly.

*Do list a variety of activities (e.g. one sport, two clubs, etc.).

*Do submit your application on time. Failure to submit the

completed application by Thursday, October 7, 2010 will
constitute automatic disqualification.

*Do list activities in which you have been a member for at least one full
year.

*Do use the appropriate recommendation forms.

*Do return your completed application directly to Ms. Bunce

Room 145.

*Do complete the top portion of all forms (Teacher Recommendation

and Advisor Verification).

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*Do give considerable thought and care in writing the essay.

*Do type your essay.

*Do provide community advisors with a stamped envelope addressed to

Ms. Bunce.

*Do verify that the advisor has signed in both places on the “Advisor
Verification Form”.

DO NOT
*Do not list a paid activity (e.g. baby-sitting, part-time jobs, etc.) as one
of your three (3) required activities.

*Do not list an activity that you have not participated in for a year.
(Example: an activity you have just joined this fall or late last spring).

*Do not list middle school activities.

*Do not list private volunteer work.

*Do not ask the same teacher to complete two forms (e.g. a Teacher
Recommendation and an Advisor Verification.

*Do not submit two (2) Advisor Verification forms for the same activity
(e.g. varsity basketball and CYO basketball).

*Do not ask two advisors/coaches to write a recommendation for the

same activity (e.g. head coach and assistant coach).

*Do not ask a friend to submit your completed application. Do not

put your completed application in Ms. Bunce’s mailbox.

*Do not use pencil. Use ink or type!

*Do not wait until the last minute to request recommendations of your
teachers/ advisors.

*Do not submit the application without being completely filled out.
Incompletes will not be accepted.

*Do not submit the following activities for advisor verification:

1. Any club or activity which is not academic or service oriented
(e.g. chess club, intramurals, ski club);

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 2. Lessons outside of school (e.g. dance, piano) unless you are
involved in competition.
3. Religious classes (e.g. CCD, Hebrew school) unless you hold a
leadership role. Do list youth group activities.
4. Classes (e.g. band, ROTC) unless your involvement goes beyond
class requirements.
5. One day activities (e.g. Teen Arts, Jackson Day, PALS, and
Heroes and Cool Kids, etc.).
NOTE: You may list these activities as part of your student activity
profile.

GOOD LUCK!

Remember the completed application is due Thursday October

7, 2010

National Honor Society

Jackson Chapter

National Honor Society Selection Process Essay

Membership in the National Honor Society is awarded to those

students who have become involved and made positive contributions in
many different types of situations. The essay is a significant and
reliable source of information about you, the applicant. It is the only
part of the application that is still open to development. It is an
opportunity to show the Faculty Council a little about yourself, your
insights, your enthusiasm, and your writing ability. It is also a separate
part of the application and should convey information not found
elsewhere.

Take advantage of this opportunity. Consider the essay to be of

equal importance to other parts of your application, such as activities,

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which consumed many hours. Outline and organize carefully. Try to
write something that is your best piece of work. Rewrite it as many
times as is necessary to present what you want to communicate in the
best possible way. Remember that this is your own work. You are
expected to compose and edit your essay without any assistance.

In order to assist the Faculty Council with the selection process,

please respond in a well-organized and well-written essay of a minimum
of 500 words and a maximum of two pages to the topic below. All
aspects of the topic must be addressed.

Your response must be typed/word processed. Use plain 8 ½ x

11 paper and a formal research paper format according to the
JMHS Research Guide which can be found on the JMHS website.
A poorly developed theme, spelling errors, or problems with language
mechanics will not demonstrate the scholarship expected of candidates
for the National Honor Society. The essay is a significant part of the
selection process and must be recognized as such by all candidates.
Plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification. This essay should be
a unique essay, written solely for acceptance into the JMHS National
Honor Society.

TOPIC

What current event within the last year changed how you
view the world.

Homeroom Teacher:

Homeroom number:

National Honor Society

Jackson Chapter

Candidate Data Form

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Name__________________________________________________________________
_
(Last) (First) (Middle
Initial)

Grade:_______ Counselor:_____________________________

I have______have not______ failed any course in high school.

I have______have not______had credit withdrawn because of
attendance problems in high school.
I have______have not______been involved in any disciplinary
matter while at Jackson Memorial High School which resulted in
ASD, ISS, or OSS.
I have ______have not______violated the Academic Integrity Code
(plagiarism, cheating, counterfeit work, theft, unauthorized
reuse of work)
If “have” is checked, please explain the situation in which you
have been involved using the back of the paper if necessary.
_______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Signature_______________________________________
Date____________________________________________

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 National Honor Society
Jackson Chapter

Student Activity Report

Candidate’s
name:________________________________________________________

Instructions to candidates:

1. Please list below the activities, both school and community, in

which you have participated during your school career. Do not list
activities you have intentions of joining this fall. In addition, list
any honors or awards which you have earned during high school and
any summer and/or part-time jobs you held. Remember, any
falsification will be considered an adverse reflection on your
character.

2. Please have three (3) teachers/advisors complete the Advisor

Evaluation Checklist forms included in this packet. Please have your
coach, advisor, or teacher submit the evaluation directly to Ms. Bunce,
or mail it to Ms. Bunce, Jackson Memorial High School, 101 Don Connor
Boulevard, Jackson, New Jersey 08527, or fax to
(732) 833-4600 no later than October 1, 2010.

I. School Activities (Student Council, Clubs, etc.)

ACTIVITY GRAD POSITIO TIME ADVISOR’S NAME SIGNATURE

E N & OF ADVISOR
DAYTIME PHONE
#
Example: Staff (10) 1 Mr. Miller – 555-
Literary 10, 11 Editor hr./wk. 0000
Views (11) 30
wk./yr.

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 II. Sports (Please indicate Freshman, JV, or Varsity)

SPORT GRAD POSITION TIME COACH’S NAME AND SIGNATURE

E DAYTIME PHONE # OF ADVISOR
Exampl
e: 11, 12 Goalie 10 Coach Don Smith –
Varsity hrs./w 555-0000
Soccer k.

III. Honors/Awards (Honor Roll, athletic awards, etc.)

HONOR/AWARD DATE RECEIVED

Example:
Principal’s Honor Roll 11/30/03, 3/5/04

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 IV. Employment (Summer, part-time, etc.)

PLACE OF DATE OF POSITIO TIME EMPLOYER’S NAME AND

EMPLOYMEN EMPLOYMEN N DAYTIME PHONE #
T T

IV. Community Activities (Scouts, religious organizations, hospital

volunteers etc.)
Must be a recognized organization.*

ACTIVITY DATE OF POSITIO TIME ADVISOR’S NAME & SIGNATURE

PARTICIPATIO N DAYTIME PHONE # OF ADVISOR
N

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 * private volunteer work does not count

National Honor Society

Jackson Chapter

Student/Parent Acknowledgement

I understand that completing this form does not guarantee selection to the
National Honor Society, and that the information presented here is accurate.

_______________________________________________ ________________
Student Signature Date

I have read the information provided by my son/daughter on this application and

can verify that it is true, accurate, and complete in its presentation.

_______________________________________________ ________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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 National Honor Society
Jackson Chapter

Candidate Checklist

Before submitting your candidate profile, check that the

following requirements have been met:

-Essay completed according to guidelines.

-Recommendations requested of three (3) teachers.

-Candidate Data Form completed and signed.

-Student Activity Report completed.

-Advisor verifications requested of three (3)

advisors/coaches with signature on front and back of
form.

-Student/Parent Acknowledgement signed and dated.

-All information submitted according to required

timelines--final
deadline is Thursday, October 7, 2010.
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 Teacher Recommendation for the National Honor Society

Student: Please complete your name, name of teacher,

and title of course before giving the recommendation to
the teacher.
Name of Candidate_____________________________________________
Name of Teacher Writing Recommendation___________________________
Title and level of the course _______________________________________

Please check the appropriate box (5 is best)

1 2 3 4 5

Academic Motivation
Respectful
Academic Self-Discipline
Leadership
Concern for others
Responsible/Accountable
Maturity
Personal Initiative
Reaction to Setback
Honesty/Integrity

TOTAL NUMERIC SCORE: ____________

Please feel free to write whatever you think is important about the applicant. We
welcome information that will help us differentiate this student from
others who seek entrance into the National Honor Society. Please use the
reverse side for your additional comments.

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Please do not complete or sign the recommendation unless the student has
completed the top part of this form.

Signature_________________________________________Date___________

Please return to Ms. Bunce’s mailbox before October 8th 2010

Teacher Recommendation for the National Honor Society

Student: Please complete your name, name of teacher,

and title of course before giving the recommendation to
the teacher.
Name of Candidate_____________________________________________
Name of Teacher Writing Recommendation___________________________
Title and level of the course _______________________________________

Please check the appropriate box (5 is best)

1 2 3 4 5

Academic Motivation
Respectful
Academic Self-Discipline
Leadership
Concern for others
Responsible/Accountable
Maturity
Personal Initiative
Reaction to Setback
Honesty/Integrity

TOTAL NUMERIC SCORE: ____________

Please feel free to write whatever you think is important about the applicant. We
welcome information that will help us differentiate this student from
others who seek entrance into the National Honor Society. Please use the
reverse side for your additional comments.

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Please do not complete or sign the recommendation unless the student has
completed the top part of this form.

Signature_________________________________________Date___________

Please return to Ms. Bunce’s mailbox before October 8th 2010

Teacher Recommendation for the National Honor Society

Student: Please complete your name, name of teacher,

and title of course before giving the recommendation to
the teacher.
Name of Candidate_____________________________________________
Name of Teacher Writing Recommendation___________________________
Title and level of the course _______________________________________

Please check the appropriate box (5 is best)

1 2 3 4 5

Academic Motivation
Respectful
Academic Self-Discipline
Leadership
Concern for others
Responsible/Accountable
Maturity
Personal Initiative
Reaction to Setback
Honesty/Integrity

TOTAL NUMERIC SCORE: ____________

Please feel free to write whatever you think is important about the applicant. We
welcome information that will help us differentiate this student from
others who seek entrance into the National Honor Society. Please use the
reverse side for your additional comments.

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Please do not complete or sign the recommendation unless the student has
completed the top part of this form.

Signature_________________________________________Date___________

Please return to Ms. Bunce’s mailbox before October 8, 2010

National Honor Society

Jackson Chapter
Advisor Recommendation

September 2, 2010

Dear Advisor,

The student’s name on the attached sheet has indicated that you were a
coach/ activity advisor for a school or community activity at some point
during his/ or her high school years.

This student is a candidate for admission into the National Honor Society,
and your verification of participation in the listed activity is essential to
the selection process. Students selected for admission must have
demonstrated superior scholarship. To complement their academic
accomplishments, students must demonstrate sustained interest,
effort, and achievement in extracurricular activities or volunteer work.
We ask that you verify this student’s participation and contribution to your
activity.

If you are a staff member here at the high school, please return the
information to my mailbox by October 8, 2010. If you are community
member, kindly fax to 732-833-4600 or mail to:
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 Ms. Kathleen Bunce
National Honor Society Advisor
Jackson Memorial High School
101 Don Connor Boulevard
Jackson, NJ 08527

Thank you for your cooperation,

Sincerely,
Kathleen A. Bunce
National Honor Society Advisor

National Honor Society

Jackson Chapter
Student: Please complete your name, name of the advisor, and the name of
the activity before giving the recommendation to the advisor.

Name of Candidate________________________________________________
Name of Advisor Writing Recommendation____________________________
Name of Activity (be specific) _______________________________________
Dates of participation in activity______________________________________

Please check the appropriate box (5 is best)

1 2 3 4 5

SERVICE:
Attended at Least 75% of
meetings or classes
Willingly helped out beyond
minimal requirements
Fulfilled committed obligations

LEADERSHIP:
Took initiative
Exhibited growth in self-
confidence
Led a committee or activity
Held positions of responsibility
Promoted the group’s activities
Was a positive influence
Worked well with others
Followed through on tasks

CHARACTER:
Reliable
Responsible

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Honest
Sincere and courteous

TOTAL NUMERIC SCORE: ____________

Please complete the second page of the evaluation and sign.

Comments: Please make any additional comments, which will assist the selection
committee in the decision-making process. Please explain and item rated below “3”.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

Please return to Ms. Bunce before October 8, 2010

Signature_________________________________________Date___________________

*Daytime Phone:______________________________*Evening Phone_________________

*Required for Community Advisors Only

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 National Honor Society
Jackson Chapter
Advisor Recommendation

September 2, 2010

Dear Advisor,

The student’s name on the attached sheet has indicated that you were a
coach/ activity advisor for a school or community activity at some point
during his/ or her high school years.

This student is a candidate for admission into the National Honor Society,
and your verification of participation in the listed activity is essential to
the selection process. Students selected for admission must have
demonstrated superior scholarship. To complement their academic
accomplishments, students must demonstrate sustained interest,
effort, and achievement in extracurricular activities or volunteer work.
We ask that you verify this student’s participation and contribution to your
activity.

If you are a staff member here at the high school, please return the
information to my mailbox by October 8, 2010. If you are community
member, kindly fax to 732-833-4600 or mail to:

Ms. Kathleen Bunce

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 National Honor Society Advisor
Jackson Memorial High School
101 Don Connor Boulevard
Jackson, NJ 08527

Thank you for your cooperation,

Sincerely,
Kathleen A. Bunce
National Honor Society Advisor

National Honor Society

Jackson Chapter
Student: Please complete your name, name of the advisor, and the name of
the activity before giving the recommendation to the advisor.

Name of Candidate________________________________________________
Name of Advisor Writing Recommendation____________________________
Name of Activity (be specific) _______________________________________
Dates of participation in activity______________________________________

Please check the appropriate box (5 is best)

1 2 3 4 5

SERVICE:
Attended at Least 75% of
meetings or classes
Willingly helped out beyond
minimal requirements
Fulfilled committed obligations

LEADERSHIP:
Took initiative
Exhibited growth in self-
confidence
Led a committee or activity
Held positions of responsibility
Promoted the group’s activities
Was a positive influence
Worked well with others
Followed through on tasks

CHARACTER:
Reliable
Responsible
Honest
Sincere and courteous

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 TOTAL NUMERIC SCORE: ____________

Please complete the second page of the evaluation and sign.

Comments: Please make any additional comments, which will assist the selection
committee in the decision-making process. Please explain and item rated below “3”.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

Please return to Ms. Bunce before October 8, 2010

Signature_________________________________________Date___________________

*Daytime Phone:______________________________*Evening Phone_________________

*Required for Community Advisors Only

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 National Honor Society
Jackson Chapter
Advisor Recommendation

September 2, 2010

Dear Advisor,

The student’s name on the attached sheet has indicated that you were a
coach/ activity advisor for a school or community activity at some point
during his/ or her high school years.

This student is a candidate for admission into the National Honor Society,
and your verification of participation in the listed activity is essential to
the selection process. Students selected for admission must have
demonstrated superior scholarship. To complement their academic
accomplishments, students must demonstrate sustained interest,
effort, and achievement in extracurricular activities or volunteer work.
We ask that you verify this student’s participation and contribution to your
activity.

If you are a staff member here at the high school, please return the
information to my mailbox by October 8, 2010. If you are community
member, kindly fax to 732-833-4600 or mail to:

Ms. Kathleen Bunce

National Honor Society Advisor

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 Jackson Memorial High School
101 Don Connor Boulevard
Jackson, NJ 08527

Thank you for your cooperation,

Sincerely,
Kathleen A. Bunce
National Honor Society Advisor

National Honor Society

Jackson Chapter
Student: Please complete your name, name of the advisor, and the name of
the activity before giving the recommendation to the advisor.

Name of Candidate________________________________________________
Name of Advisor Writing Recommendation____________________________
Name of Activity (be specific) _______________________________________
Dates of participation in activity______________________________________

Please check the appropriate box (5 is best)

1 2 3 4 5

SERVICE:
Attended at Least 75% of
meetings or classes
Willingly helped out beyond
minimal requirements
Fulfilled committed obligations

LEADERSHIP:
Took initiative
Exhibited growth in self-
confidence
Led a committee or activity
Held positions of responsibility
Promoted the group’s activities
Was a positive influence
Worked well with others
Followed through on tasks

CHARACTER:
Reliable
Responsible
Honest
Sincere and courteous

TOTAL NUMERIC SCORE: ____________

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 Please complete the second page of the evaluation and sign.

Comments: Please make any additional comments, which will assist the selection
committee in the decision-making process. Please explain and item rated below “3”.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE IS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

Please return to Ms. Bunce before October 8, 2010

Signature_________________________________________Date___________________

*Daytime Phone:______________________________*Evening Phone_________________

*Required for Community Advisors Only

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