National Junior Honor Society
O.L. Smith Middle School
For more information about NJHS for students and parents, click on this website: https://www.njhs.us/parents/how-njhs-benefits-your-student.aspx
Constitution of the National Honor Society
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the National Junior Honor Society?
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is a nationally recognized academic club that recognizes outstanding students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.
2. Who is eligible to apply for NJHS?
7th and 8th graders who have a cumulative grade point average of a 3.2 or higher.
3. How do I join NJHS?
All 7th and 8th graders who are academically eligible to apply for NJHS will receive an invitation to apply. Then, you pick up an application in the counseling office or at the security desk in the office. After filling out the application, make sure you turn it in before the due date. You must also have two teachers and one member of the community fill out the recommendation forms provided with the application. If you need help filling out the application, refer to the Application Help link on the O.L. Smith website: https://smith.dearbornschools.org/
4. Does everyone who applies get into NJHS?
No. Once the applications and recommendations have been turned in, the names are removed and they are anonymously numbered. Then, the anonymous applications are given to a faculty council of five O.L. Smith Middle School teachers to be evaluated. A combined score of the application and the recommendations determines who is accepted.
5. What happens when I’m accepted?
When you’re accepted, you are required to attend an induction ceremony. This induction ceremony is a national standard for all chapters of National Junior Honor Society. If you cannot come to the induction ceremony, you cannot be a member of the O.L. Smith Middle School chapter of National Junior Honor Society.
6. Do I have to do anything as a member of NJHS? What is required of me?
As a member of NJHS, you must maintain and encourage high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship, and character. To remain a member of the O.L. Smith Middle School chapter of NJHS, you must maintain a 3.2 grade point average, complete 25 hours of service, attend chapter meetings, and follow the rules of the school.
7. Can I get kicked out of National Junior Honor Society?
Yes. Once you are accepted as a member of National Junior Honor Society, you will sign a contract. This contract states that you are only allowed to miss two meetings, you must maintain at least a 3.2 GPA, you must complete 25 hours of service, and you will follow the school rules. Essentially, you must live up to the NJHS standards of leadership, scholarship, citizenship, character, and service.
8. Is O.L. Smith Middle School officially affiliated with the National Association of Secondary Schools Principals?
Yes. The National Association of Secondary Schools Principals (NASSP) is the official sponsor of both National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society. We are an authorized chapter of NASSP and we have developed our own chapter bylaws. These bylaws have been submitted and approved by NASSP and they are the bylaws that we follow when running the O.L. Smith Middle School chapter of NJHS. These chapter bylaws are found on the O.L. Smith Middle School website.
9. If a student is a member of NJHS, is that individual automatically a member of NHS in high school?
No. NJHS and NHS are separate Honor Societies, both at the local and national levels. Members of NJHS must be selected for membership in NHS in the same manner as all other candidates at the school.
10. Where can I find out more information?
Our chapter bylaws are posted on the O.L. Smith Middle School website. These are the rules that our chapter follows. You can also find out more about National Junior Honor Society atwww.nhs.us/njhs.