Policies & Practices
What is the difference between NHS and NJHS?
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the name for the high school level organization. Members are either juniors or seniors in high school. The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a middle school organization. Huron juniors should consider themselves as junior members of NHS.
What if a student did not receive an invitation letter?
If the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better, the student is eligible to be selected as a member of NHS. Most likely the letter was lost in the mail. Extra copies of the invitation letter are available from the Faculty Sponsor and on this website. Students may attach a copy of their transcript to the membership survey to demonstrate that they have an eligible GPA.
How is selection determined?
The Faculty Council reads and scores each membership survey according to the Scoring Rubric. The NHS Constitution does not require a point system to aid the Faculty Council in rating candidates, but it does suggest that "developing and implementing a fair point system can provide a local Faculty Council with an effective system for selecting members of the chapter," and it provides sample point systems for chapters to use. The point system used at Huron was developed with student input and adopted by the Faculty Council.
What is the Faculty Council?
The NHS Constitution calls for a 5+ member Faculty Council to oversee selection and dismissal for the local chapter. The NHS Faculty Sponsor is a non-voting member of this committee. The Council is appointed by the school Principal. At Huron High School, the Faculty Committee currently serves as the NHS Faculty Council. The Faculty Committee is a standing group with members from each department. The Committee represents faculty views and concerns within the school. The Faculty Council is selected by the Principal for their knowledge and ability to be objective.
How is the point system used in selecting candidates?
Each section of the survey is scored by a different pair of Faculty Council Members using the Scoring Rubric. Each pair of Council Members will work together to develop reliable and valid process for scoring. A different Council Member will read each section of the survey.
The survey is the candidate's opportunity to highlight strengths in the areas of leadership, service character, and scholarship It's their chance to brag, so they shouldn't hold back. Students should not omit any required areas on the survey. Typically, when candidates are not selected, it is because they have omitted supporting details, particularly from the sections on service and leadership.
We encourage candidates to attend the information sessions on how to fill out the survey.
How are the optional sections scored?
The recommendation and scholarship sections on the membership survey are optional. The optional sections will only help a student's candidacy. Rubrics will be scored to an average. The denominator in that average will depend on which elements of the application are submitted (i.e., 30 for the three required parts and an additional, 10 points for either of the optional sections). Thus, we won't include an optional section that does not give useful information or speak well of a student's candidacy.
Is there a minimum and maximum number of students or certain percentage of the student body that can be accepted by NHS each year?
None whatsoever. The point data assigned by the Faculty Council is tabulated. There is usually a clear separation between the first tier of candidates, who are accepted, and the second, who are not.
How are students notified of selection and are they given reasons why they didn't get in?
Students are notified of acceptance and non-acceptance via letters mailed to their homes.
According to the NHS Constitution, "Chapters are not legally or constitutionally obligated to share with parents and students information concerning specific students not selected for membership." However, we are happy to make a reasonable effort to answer questions or concerns. Parents or students who would like more information about their selection status should contact the Faculty Sponsor.
What is the appeal process?
The first person to provide feedback is the Faculty Sponsor. The next level of discussion should take place with the Principal. If he believes there has been a technical or procedural mistake, he can ask the Faculty Council to reconvene and review the situation. The NHS Constitution does not require an appeal process, and reconsideration by the Council or the Principal is rare.
Why don't we get more reminders about the deadlines for picking up the Student Information Packet and returning it once it is filed in?
Each eligible candidate receives a letter addressed to the student and his/her parent(s) in the mail. NHS eligibility criteria are also shared during school announcements. Taking responsibility is one of the hallmarks of the NHS, and it is the responsibility of the student with the support of parents to respond on the appropriate dates.
Do Junior members of NHS need to complete a survey for their Senior year?
Yes. Junior members of NHS are encouraged to keep their grades up so that they will be invited for reconsideration the next year.