Dear Parent/Guardian,

 

Congratulations!  Your student has been invited to pledge National Honor Society.  National Honor Society is a nationwide honorary organization for high school students who have distinguished themselves during high school in the area of academic achievement, high school activities and leadership, service, and outstanding character.  It is important for you to know that your student has met the initial requirements in order to be considered for this high honor.  It is additionally important for you to understand what will be expected of your student in order for him/her to be selected for membership.

 

Each pledge is expected to complete a period of pledging during which each participant will be required to complete the following minimum requirements:

 

1.      GRADES – Pledges must maintain a 3.5 average throughout the entire pledge period.  Grades will be checked at the end of 1st Semester and the 3rd Quarter.  The 1st Semester and 3rd Quarter GPA not the cumulative GPA must be 3.5. 

 

2.      SERVICE – Pledges will be required to perform 30 hours of school and/or community service.  Service points must be turned in by the April 11th meeting.  We have committed to a number of service projects throughout the year, and only those project which we announce at the meetings or on the morning bulletin will be allowed to count toward the 30 hours.

 

3.      PLEDGING FEE:  Each pledge will be charged a $10.00 pledge fee to be paid by the October 12th meeting.

 

4.      LEADERSHIP – Pledges will be required to be active members in three of the school-sponsored activities listed on the Activity Information Sheet.  Activity Sheets with sponsors’ signatures must be turned in for each semester.  1st Semester Activity Sheets are due Nov. 9th, and 2nd Semester Activity Sheets are due Feb. 8th.

 

5.      COMMITTEES – Pledges will be required to serve on one committee and will sign up for a committee at the September 28th meeting.

 

6.      MEETINGS – Pledges will be required to attend at least four of the monthly meetings.  Meetings will be in the Library at 3:00 p.m. on the following dates:

 

September 28           January 11

October 12                 February 8

November 9               March 7

December 1              April 11


 

In addition, each student must be recommended by faculty members in the fall and again in the spring.  Recommendations by faculty members are in accordance with regulations established by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.  In making recommendations, faculty considerations include the following:

 

1.      Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously

2.      Constantly exemplifies desirable qualities

3.      Upholds principles of morality and ethics

4.      Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, offices, halls, etc.

5.      Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability and faithfulness both inside and outside the classroom

6.      Shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, observes instructions and rules, punctuality and application to studies

7.      Has powers of concentration and sustained attention as shown by perseverance in written work, and showing unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others

8.      Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating

9.      Actively helps rid the school of bad influence or environment

 

At the end of the pledge period, all aspects of the student’s pledge program are reviewed without identification, and those pledges who have met the aforementioned qualifications are then invited into membership of the National Honor Society.  Students must be initiated to attain membership in the National Honor Society.  An initiation ceremony will be held in the spring.  Parents will be invited and are encouraged to attend the ceremony.

 

Juniors who are not selected will be asked to pledge again during their senior year if they are again qualified.

 

We hope this letter provides an understanding of the requirements that must be met in order to be offered membership into this elite group.  We also hope that with this knowledge you will be able to encourage your student to maintain these high standards and complete all necessary pledge requirements.

 

Again, congratulations on your student’s fine achievement.

 

                                   

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Mary Lee Muniz

 

 

 

Anne Luner

Honor Society Advisors