Chapter Bylaws
Revised February 25, 2021
ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1:
The name of this chapter shall be the Guy R. Reid Chapter of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools, which appears on the charter granted by the National Council of the National Honor Society, duly signed by the members of the National Council.
Section 2:
The object of this chapter shall be to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in all students of West County High School.
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
Section 1:
Membership in this chapter shall be based upon Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.
Section 2:
Membership of this chapter shall be known as provisional, active, and graduate.
Section 3:
Members of the sophomore class may be chosen as provisional members of the chapter of the Nation Honor Society if they satisfy all the requirements placed upon candidates from the junior and senior classes. Provisional members shall not have a voice or vote nor hold office.
Section 4:
Active members are members who are juniors or seniors who remain in good standing in the chapter in accordance with the minimum requirements governing their admission to candidacy and their duty as members.
Section 5:
All members who remain active members, in good standing, until graduation become graduate members at graduation. The graduate members have no vote or voice.
Section 6:
No Candidate may be accepted as standing members unless interested in accepting the honor and responsibility involved in becoming a member.
Section 7:
To be eligible for election to membership in this chapter, the candidate must have been in attendance for a period equivalent to one semester in this school.
Section 8:
Candidates eligible for election to this chapter must be members of the sophomore or junior class. Candidates eligible for election to the chapter shall have a minimum scholarship average of a 9.3500 cumulative grade point
average. This scholastic level of achievement shall remain fixed, and shall be the required minimum scholastic level of achievement for admission to candidacy. All students who can rise in scholarship to or above such standard may be invited to apply for admittance to candidacy for election to membership. The eligibility for candidacy shall then be considered on their scholarship, service, leadership, and character during their high school years.
Section 9:
By Service we mean willingness to give of yourself, without payment or benefit, in any way possible to help others as shown in our actions not only in school but in our community as well. We took out home as well
Section 10:
By Leadership we mean the ability to set an example for others to follow, not only scholastically, but personally, as seen in the way we conduct ourselves both publicly and privately, at school, in our community, and in our home.
Section 11:
Perhaps most important in considering a student eligible for candidacy is the element of Character. Candidates must have an unblemished character in the community, school, and the classroom. He or she must not be given to consuming alcoholic beverages of any kind. They must not be reckless in their personal lives as well as driving. Candidates must be good examples of good sportsmans. Candidates will be academically honest and forthright. Candidates must possess a wholesome attitude toward others in being respectful toward authority and behaving properly both in the classroom or at any school function as well as in the community and at home.
Section 12:
At the end of each quarter there will be a re-evaluation of a member's qualifications to determine if all members should retain membership.
Section 13:
All members will follow the National Honor Society code of conduct. In addition, each member will abide by the rules, expectations, and will be held accountable using a demerit system set forth by the executive council.
ARTICLE III: ELECTION OF MEMBERS
Section 1:
The election of members to this chapter of the National Honor Society shall be by a chapter council, consisting of the principal and members of the faculty: in no case should there be fewer than four teachers, who are to be chosen by the principal. The principal shall receive appeals in cases of nonselection of candidates.
Section 2:
Members of the chapter council will be given anonymous applications of eligible candidates. A rubric will be provided to council members for the purpose of considering eligibility of membership. Potential members must meet a set score of criteria set forth by the executive council.
Section 3:
At the end of the first semester of the school year there will be an evaluation of sophomores and juniors to determine who may be eligible to apply for candidacy based on a GPA of no less than 9.3500.
Section 4:
An active member of the National Honor Society who transfers from this school will be given a letter indicating the status of his membership and signed by the principal.
Section 5:
An active member of the National Honor Society who transfers to this school will be automatically accepted for membership in this chapter. This transfer member must maintain the membership requirements for this chapter in order to retain his membership.
ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS
Section 1:
The officers of this chapter shall be a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. Provisional officers shall be known as the newly elected officers; they shall take office officially after the current senior officers graduate.
Section 2: tHIS IS HOW IT HAS BEEN DONE ALL ALONG, BUT WAS NOT IN WRITING.
Current officers shall make 1-3 nominations each for persons they believe to be the best possible leaders. A majority of votes cast by the Executive Committee shall be necessary to elect any officer of this chapter. The current officers shall select from the newly elected officers who they want as their replacement. The sponsor will be a tie breaker.
Section 3: To be nominated for office of president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer, the member must not have received any demerits or warnings during their tenure in National Honor Society. Only seniors may hold office.
Section 4:
It shall be the duty of the president to preside at the meetings of this chapter.
Section 5:
The vice-president shall preside in the absence of the president. He or she shall set the agenda of each meeting for the president to review before handing to the secretary.
Section 6:
The chapter secretary shall keep the minutes of meetings, a record of all business, and all records on file. He or she shall, with the approval of the principal or adviser, certify to the national secretary of the National Council the names of all members for the current school year on the annual report submitted to National Headquarters.
Section 7:
The treasurer shall receive and disburse all funds of the chapter and keep an accurate account of receipts and disbursements in accordance with school regulations.
Section 8:
A full list of all officers duties and expectations to maintain this honor of leadership are included in officer binders. Officer binders shall be updated with each new officer and handed to the newly elected officer at the closing of the annual induction ceremony. All updates and revised versions to the binders shall be given approval by the sponsor prior to the binder being handed to a newly elected officer.
ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1:
The executive committee shall consist of the officers of the chapter and the chapter adviser.
Section 2:
The executive committee shall have general supervision of the affairs of the chapter between its business meetings, make recommendations to the chapter, and determine and perform such other duties as are specified in the chapter bylaws. All actions and recommendations of the executive committee shall be subject to the review of the chapter membership.
Section 3:
All accounts of the treasurer must be audited annually by an auditing committee appointed by the executive committee of the chapter.
Section 4:
The executive committee shall have the responsibility for ensuring that chapter activities and procedures follow school policy and regulations.
ARTICLE VI: SUPERVISION
Section 1: The activities of this chapter shall be subject to the approval of the principal and sponsor.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
Section 1:
The regular meetings of this chapter shall be during the regular school year on days designated by the principal at the beginning of the school year. Notice of meetings will be posted in the student handbook or online.
Section 2:
The officers of the chapter shall be elected prior to the annual induction ceremony.
Section 3:
Special meetings, approved by the executive committee, may be called by the president and/or the sponsor.
Section 4:
Meetings shall be open to all active members of the chapter. Meetings shall be held with the sponsorship of the principal or some other member of the faculty selected by him.
Section 5:
This chapter shall conduct its meetings according to Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised in all points not expressly provided for in the constitution of this chapter.
ARTICLE IX: Official Insignia
Section 1:
Each active, honorary, or alumni member in good standing with the chapter shall be entitled to wear the emblem adopted by the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools.
Section 2:
Any member who resigns or is dismissed shall return any emblem in his or her possession to the chapter adviser.
Section 3:
All insignia must be procured from the national secretary of the National Honor Society, 1904 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 22091. All insignia registered in the United States Patent Office, and cannot be duplicated by anyone.
ARTICLE IX: DUES
Section 1:
The annual chapter dues for each member shall be $20.00 (must not exceed $20). This amount shall be subject to the approval of the executive committee of the chapter.
Section 2:
Dues are payable to the Treasure of this chapter. He or she shall keep a record of each members' dues payable and paid and report to the executive committee by the first working day of October. Those members found to be overdue will be under penalty of probation in this chapter.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
Section 1:
This constitution may be amended by a majority vote of the chapter, provided that the proposed amendment has been approved by the executive committee of the chapter and that notice to members has been given at least one month prior to the meeting at which it is voted on.
ARTICLE XI: BYLAWS
Section 1:
A chapter may wish to include bylaws to amplify sections of its constitution. Bylaws do not need to be approved by the National Council if they are consistent with regulations outlined in the constitution.
ARTICLE XII: DISCIPLINE AND DISMISSAL
Section 1:
Scholarship:
Section 2:
Service and Leadership:
Section 3:
Character:
Section 4:
Dismissal: In all cases pending dismissal:
Appeals:
ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1:
The name of this chapter shall be the Guy R. Reid Chapter of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools, which appears on the charter granted by the National Council of the National Honor Society, duly signed by the members of the National Council.
Section 2:
The object of this chapter shall be to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in all students of West County High School.
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
Section 1:
Membership in this chapter shall be based upon Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.
Section 2:
Membership of this chapter shall be known as provisional, active, and graduate.
Section 3:
Members of the sophomore class may be chosen as provisional members of the chapter of the Nation Honor Society if they satisfy all the requirements placed upon candidates from the junior and senior classes. Provisional members shall not have a voice or vote nor hold office.
Section 4:
Active members are members who are juniors or seniors who remain in good standing in the chapter in accordance with the minimum requirements governing their admission to candidacy and their duty as members.
Section 5:
All members who remain active members, in good standing, until graduation become graduate members at graduation. The graduate members have no vote or voice.
Section 6:
No Candidate may be accepted as standing members unless interested in accepting the honor and responsibility involved in becoming a member.
Section 7:
To be eligible for election to membership in this chapter, the candidate must have been in attendance for a period equivalent to one semester in this school.
Section 8:
Candidates eligible for election to this chapter must be members of the sophomore or junior class. Candidates eligible for election to the chapter shall have a minimum scholarship average of a 9.3500 cumulative grade point
average. This scholastic level of achievement shall remain fixed, and shall be the required minimum scholastic level of achievement for admission to candidacy. All students who can rise in scholarship to or above such standard may be invited to apply for admittance to candidacy for election to membership. The eligibility for candidacy shall then be considered on their scholarship, service, leadership, and character during their high school years.
Section 9:
By Service we mean willingness to give of yourself, without payment or benefit, in any way possible to help others as shown in our actions not only in school but in our community as well. We took out home as well
Section 10:
By Leadership we mean the ability to set an example for others to follow, not only scholastically, but personally, as seen in the way we conduct ourselves both publicly and privately, at school, in our community, and in our home.
Section 11:
Perhaps most important in considering a student eligible for candidacy is the element of Character. Candidates must have an unblemished character in the community, school, and the classroom. He or she must not be given to consuming alcoholic beverages of any kind. They must not be reckless in their personal lives as well as driving. Candidates must be good examples of good sportsmans. Candidates will be academically honest and forthright. Candidates must possess a wholesome attitude toward others in being respectful toward authority and behaving properly both in the classroom or at any school function as well as in the community and at home.
Section 12:
At the end of each quarter there will be a re-evaluation of a member's qualifications to determine if all members should retain membership.
Section 13:
All members will follow the National Honor Society code of conduct. In addition, each member will abide by the rules, expectations, and will be held accountable using a demerit system set forth by the executive council.
ARTICLE III: ELECTION OF MEMBERS
Section 1:
The election of members to this chapter of the National Honor Society shall be by a chapter council, consisting of the principal and members of the faculty: in no case should there be fewer than four teachers, who are to be chosen by the principal. The principal shall receive appeals in cases of nonselection of candidates.
Section 2:
Members of the chapter council will be given anonymous applications of eligible candidates. A rubric will be provided to council members for the purpose of considering eligibility of membership. Potential members must meet a set score of criteria set forth by the executive council.
Section 3:
At the end of the first semester of the school year there will be an evaluation of sophomores and juniors to determine who may be eligible to apply for candidacy based on a GPA of no less than 9.3500.
Section 4:
An active member of the National Honor Society who transfers from this school will be given a letter indicating the status of his membership and signed by the principal.
Section 5:
An active member of the National Honor Society who transfers to this school will be automatically accepted for membership in this chapter. This transfer member must maintain the membership requirements for this chapter in order to retain his membership.
ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS
Section 1:
The officers of this chapter shall be a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. Provisional officers shall be known as the newly elected officers; they shall take office officially after the current senior officers graduate.
Section 2: tHIS IS HOW IT HAS BEEN DONE ALL ALONG, BUT WAS NOT IN WRITING.
Current officers shall make 1-3 nominations each for persons they believe to be the best possible leaders. A majority of votes cast by the Executive Committee shall be necessary to elect any officer of this chapter. The current officers shall select from the newly elected officers who they want as their replacement. The sponsor will be a tie breaker.
Section 3: To be nominated for office of president, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer, the member must not have received any demerits or warnings during their tenure in National Honor Society. Only seniors may hold office.
Section 4:
It shall be the duty of the president to preside at the meetings of this chapter.
Section 5:
The vice-president shall preside in the absence of the president. He or she shall set the agenda of each meeting for the president to review before handing to the secretary.
Section 6:
The chapter secretary shall keep the minutes of meetings, a record of all business, and all records on file. He or she shall, with the approval of the principal or adviser, certify to the national secretary of the National Council the names of all members for the current school year on the annual report submitted to National Headquarters.
Section 7:
The treasurer shall receive and disburse all funds of the chapter and keep an accurate account of receipts and disbursements in accordance with school regulations.
Section 8:
A full list of all officers duties and expectations to maintain this honor of leadership are included in officer binders. Officer binders shall be updated with each new officer and handed to the newly elected officer at the closing of the annual induction ceremony. All updates and revised versions to the binders shall be given approval by the sponsor prior to the binder being handed to a newly elected officer.
ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1:
The executive committee shall consist of the officers of the chapter and the chapter adviser.
Section 2:
The executive committee shall have general supervision of the affairs of the chapter between its business meetings, make recommendations to the chapter, and determine and perform such other duties as are specified in the chapter bylaws. All actions and recommendations of the executive committee shall be subject to the review of the chapter membership.
Section 3:
All accounts of the treasurer must be audited annually by an auditing committee appointed by the executive committee of the chapter.
Section 4:
The executive committee shall have the responsibility for ensuring that chapter activities and procedures follow school policy and regulations.
ARTICLE VI: SUPERVISION
Section 1: The activities of this chapter shall be subject to the approval of the principal and sponsor.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
Section 1:
The regular meetings of this chapter shall be during the regular school year on days designated by the principal at the beginning of the school year. Notice of meetings will be posted in the student handbook or online.
Section 2:
The officers of the chapter shall be elected prior to the annual induction ceremony.
Section 3:
Special meetings, approved by the executive committee, may be called by the president and/or the sponsor.
Section 4:
Meetings shall be open to all active members of the chapter. Meetings shall be held with the sponsorship of the principal or some other member of the faculty selected by him.
Section 5:
This chapter shall conduct its meetings according to Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised in all points not expressly provided for in the constitution of this chapter.
ARTICLE IX: Official Insignia
Section 1:
Each active, honorary, or alumni member in good standing with the chapter shall be entitled to wear the emblem adopted by the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools.
Section 2:
Any member who resigns or is dismissed shall return any emblem in his or her possession to the chapter adviser.
Section 3:
All insignia must be procured from the national secretary of the National Honor Society, 1904 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 22091. All insignia registered in the United States Patent Office, and cannot be duplicated by anyone.
ARTICLE IX: DUES
Section 1:
The annual chapter dues for each member shall be $20.00 (must not exceed $20). This amount shall be subject to the approval of the executive committee of the chapter.
Section 2:
Dues are payable to the Treasure of this chapter. He or she shall keep a record of each members' dues payable and paid and report to the executive committee by the first working day of October. Those members found to be overdue will be under penalty of probation in this chapter.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
Section 1:
This constitution may be amended by a majority vote of the chapter, provided that the proposed amendment has been approved by the executive committee of the chapter and that notice to members has been given at least one month prior to the meeting at which it is voted on.
ARTICLE XI: BYLAWS
Section 1:
A chapter may wish to include bylaws to amplify sections of its constitution. Bylaws do not need to be approved by the National Council if they are consistent with regulations outlined in the constitution.
ARTICLE XII: DISCIPLINE AND DISMISSAL
Section 1:
Scholarship:
- Members who fail to maintain the minimum required cumulative GPA (9.3500) will be issued a formal warning. This notice will indicate the deficiency in the member’s academic record and give the member one academic semester to re-establish a cumulative GPA which qualifies for membership.
- If the member does re-establish a qualifying cumulative GPA by the stated deadline, membership will be restored. If a qualifying cumulative GPA is not established by the stated deadline, the member will be dismissed from National Honor Society.
- If a member is found to have an unweighted GPA below the 9.3500 cutoff after the first semester of their senior year, they will be dismissed from NHS due to the fact that GPA is not calculated again before graduation.
Section 2:
Service and Leadership:
- Members will be required to complete a set number and type of service hours each semester as set forth by the executive council. At the end of each semester, members will have to complete the appropriate form to document these hours and activities.
- If the member does not complete and turn in the form by the deadline, they will be dismissed from National Honor Society.
Section 3:
Character:
- Members who fail to demonstrate character that is consistent with the National Honor Society charter will be issued a formal notice. Any disciplinary action/dismissal will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
- Academic dishonesty in any form is a serious offense in any institution of learning. If a student is reported to the office for plagiarism or cheating (academic dishonesty) for the first time will result in a warning and probationary status. A second referral for plagiarism or cheating (academic dishonesty) will result in IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL from National Honor Society. Cheating is defined as sharing work, giving answers, copying work from another student, or using any thoughts, ideas, or property that are not the original property of the student. This includes intentional or unintentional plagiarism.
Section 4:
Dismissal: In all cases pending dismissal:
- The member will receive written notification by email and in person indicating the reason for possible dismissal.
- The member and adviser will discuss the written notification in a conference, if requested by the student. Situations that involve flagrant violations of school rules or the law can warrant disciplinary action without a written warning, although a hearing must still be held (see below).
- The member will be given the opportunity to respond to the charge against him or her at a hearing before the Chapter Council prior to the vote on dismissal. Written responses to the charges must be filed with the sponsor by email by the due date and meetings with the Chapter Council scheduled in advance. The Faculty Council will then vote on whether to dismiss. A majority vote of the Chapter Council is needed to dismiss any member. Failure to return a letter results in automatic dismissal.
- The results of the Faculty Council vote will be reviewed by the principal and then, if confirmed, expressed in a letter sent to the student. Dismissed members must surrender any membership emblems to the adviser.
- When a student is dismissed or resigns, he or she is no longer a member and may not be reconsidered for membership in the National Honor Society.
Appeals:
- Any member who is dismissed may appeal to the Principal for reconsideration. Such appeal must be made in writing within three school days from the date of dismissal.
- The appeal to the principal is the highest possible appeal that can be made. There are no other appeal options at the national level, after appealing to the principal.