Thank you, Sarah E. Dunne. Sarah E. Dunne, NJHS Advisor

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1 February 9, 2018 Dear Student, Congratulations! You are interested in applying for membership in the VMMS Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. This is the first step of many on the path to membership. Eligibility requirements for membership consideration are as follows: 1) Applications open to 6 th and 7 th grade students only who have made the honor roll at least two out of the last four marking periods. For 6 th grade applicants you must have made honor both first and second quarter this year at VMMS in order to apply. 2) Potential members must meet high standards of leadership, service, citizenship, and character. 3) ESAAY for the application essay You MUST ATTEND the essay writing session on THURSDAY, MARCH 1 st held during 1 st and 2 nd period in the multipurpose room. Applicants will complete a standard five-paragraph essay. Only essays completed during this time will be accepted. Only students with documented excused absences will be permitted to complete the essay on an alternate date. 4) You will have to have completed at least 25 hours of documented, verifiable community service. You will need to submit a letter of recommendation from a community service organization. It can NOT be a letter from a parent, relative, or neighbor. 5) You will need to submit three letters of recommendation from VMMS faculty that have had you in class. Two of the three letters must be from a current academic teacher. You are provided recommendation forms with your application for the teachers to fill out. Be sure to give these to your teachers ASAP. They will return them directly to Mrs. Dunne. All students who meet the academic requirements are encouraged to apply. Your application is scored on a rubric and will be reviewed by a committee. This will determine your acceptance status. It should be noted that the application process is a lengthy one and highly competitive. However, please still try and apply even if you are currently in process of meeting some of the NJHS standards. For example, let s say you only have 17 hours of community service you would still earn some points under the service section of the application, and if the other areas of your application are strong you may still be admitted to NJHS. It is always good to try and if you aren t selected this year you will have gained valuable experience by going through the application process. Again, it should be noted that the application process is a lengthy one and highly competitive. There are limited membership positions available. Consequently, an independent Faculty Council will closely evaluate all applications. This is a blind evaluation during which the students applications are assigned a tracking number and the faculty involved does not know the identity of the students. Additionally, it should be noted that the Faculty Council does not include the NJHS advisor or VMMS administrators. We strongly encourage all qualified students to consider applying. If you are interested in applying, please return your application to room F5 during homeroom (by 8am) on Thursday, March 22 nd. Questions? See me in room F5. Thank you, Sarah E. Dunne Sarah E. Dunne, NJHS Advisor

2 Veterans Memorial Middle School Academic Qualification Form I understand that I have met the academic qualification for National Junior Honor Society Membership. I realize that I am responsible for meeting the required deadline and that if I fail to do so I will be automatically eliminated from the application consideration process. Additionally, I realize that just because I am academically qualified it does not mean that I am accepted as a member in the VMMS National Junior Honor Society. Student s Name (Please Print) Student s Signature Homeroom I have read the above information and I permit my child to apply for the National Junior Honor Society. Parent s Signature Date You must attach a copy of your report cards reflecting your academic eligibility to this form. Thank You. Checklist 6 th Grade Applicants Final Report Card showing all four quarters for 5 th Grade You must turn in a copy of your end of the year 5 th grade report card. Failure to do so will disqualify your application. 6th Grade Report Card showing 1 st & 2 nd Quarter 7 th Grade Applicants Final Report Card showing all four quarters for 6 th Grade 7th Grade Report Card showing 1 st and 2 nd quarter

3 Veterans Memorial Middle School Chapter 2018 Application Application due on: THURSDAY, MARCH 22 nd Special Notes: Completion of this application form does not guarantee selection into NJHS. The essay portion of the application will be administered in school on THURSDAY, MARCH 1 st. Application Directions: 1. Application process is open to all qualified 6 th and 7 th grade students. 2. Your application must be completed in blue or black pen only. No pencil. Typing your application is permitted but not required. (You can find a copy on our school website.) 3. Neatness counts!!! 4. Please be sure to complete all sections. Do not be modest. Every bit of information can be used by the Faculty Council to assist with the selection process. 5. ALL supporting materials must be turned in with your application. For example, letters verifying your community service hours. 6. Teacher Recommendation Forms (3) Two of the three teachers must be current academic teachers. The other may be filled out by a teacher of your choice. Remember, the teacher recommendation forms will be returned directly to the NJHS Selection Committee. Section 1: Administrative Information Name Home Telephone Number Home Address Homeroom Number Homeroom Teacher s Name Section 2: Verification Statements I understand that completing this form does not guarantee selection to NJHS, and that the information presented here is accurate. Student Signature I have read the information provided by my son/daughter on this form and can verify that it is true, accurate and complete in its presentation. Parent Signature Date Date

4 Section 3: Scholarship Academic Verification (previously submitted and on file Initial Application) Recognition and Awards: List below any honors or recognition that you have received that support your application to be selected for membership in the National Junior Honor Society. (ex. Student of Month, MVP do not include Honor Roll) Recognition or Award Grade Description of Activity Section 4: Leadership The leadership criterion is considered highly important for membership selection. (The following are descriptors of the VMMS NJHS standard for leadership. This list is for consideration purposes only and should not be thought of as a checklist. ) The student who exercises leadership: Contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school Inspires positive behavior in others and exemplifies a positive attitude Demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities Demonstrates academic initiative, reliability and dependability Exercises a positive influence on peers in upholding school ideals and spirit Leadership Positions: List all elected or appointed leadership positions held in school or community activities. Only include positions in which you were directly responsible for directing or motivating others. For example: elected student body, class or club officer; committee chairperson; team captain; newspaper editor; community leader. Grade Activity Accomplishment

5 Section 5: Service The following are descriptors of the VMMS NJHS standard for service. This list is for consideration purposes only and should not be thought of as a checklist. The student who serves: Volunteers and provides dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance Cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any requested service to the school Shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students. Service Activities: List service activities in which you have participated. These can be service projects done with a group either in or out of school, or done as individual projects performing service. Generally speaking, service activities are those which are done for or on behalf of others (not including immediate family members) for which no compensation (monetary or other) has been given. At least some of your service activities should have been completed outside of VMMS in the community. Please list the name of an adult supervisor who can verify your participation in each activity. It is required that you have your supporting community services letters attached to your application when you submit it. Letters must be official in nature and may not be from a family member or relative. If you run out of room on this form you may print out another page online or see Mrs. Dunne in room F5 for an extra page to insert in your application. Activity Please be sure to include the organization too. Ex. Girl Scouts Breast Cancer Awareness walk. Grade Total Hours Earned Adult Sponsor Signature (Non-family member)

6 Section 6: Citizenship The following are descriptors of the VMMS NJHS standard for citizenship. This list is for consideration purposes only and should not be thought of as a checklist. The student who demonstrates citizenship: Demonstrates mature participation and responsibility through involvement with such activities as scouting, community organizations and school clubs Understands the importance of civic involvement Has a high regard for freedom and justice; and respects the laws at the local, state and federal level that protect our citizenship. Co-curricular VMMS School Activities: List all activities in which you have participated during middle school. Include clubs, teams, musical groups, etc., and any major accomplishments in each. Grade Activity Accomplishment OUTSIDE of VMMS Community Club Activities: List other community activities in which you have participated and note any major accomplishment in each. These should be any activities outside of school in which you participated for the betterment of your community. For example: church groups, clubs sponsored outside the school, Boy or Girl Scouts, Flag Football, Rec. Sports or community art endeavors. Do not repeat participation already listed above. Community Activity Grade Total Hours Major Accomplishment Adult Sponsor Signature (Non-family member)

7 Section 7: Character The following are descriptors of the VMMS NJHS standard for character. Additionally, NJHS is a member of Character Counts! TM Coalition ( Through this activity, the NJHS supports the use of the multifaceted definition of character known as the Six Pillars of Character. A person of character demonstrates the following six qualities: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. This list is for consideration purposes only and should not be thought of as a checklist. The student of character: Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (e.g., cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability) Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc. Regularly shows courtesy, concern and respect for others Observes instructions and rules, is punctual, and faithful both inside and outside the classroom Manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work, and showing an unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others Teacher Recommendations: Please give the attached three letters of recommendation forms to three teachers of your choice. Two of the three teachers must be CURRENT academic teachers. The selected teachers will return the form directly to Mrs. Dunne. Please be sure to complete the table below, so that the committee knows which teachers you have selected. Grade In which you had the teacher Teacher Subject Taught Character Statement: As a candidate for NJHS, I certify that I have a clean record of conduct and behavior with regard to school and community rules, guidelines, and policies. This means that I have not had any bus suspensions, GASP or out-of-school suspension. By signing below, I verify that this is true. Applicant s Signature Parent/Guardian s Signature Date Additionally, I verify that all of the information contained in this application is true and accurate. I also understand that false information will lead to my immediate dismissal from NJHS, if selected. Applicant s Signature Parent/Guardian s Signature Date

8 February 9, 2018 Veterans Memorial Middle School National Junior Honor Society Recommendation Form To whom it may concern: It gives me great pleasure to bring to your attention a (Please circle one) fifth sixth seventh grade student from homeroom. Based on the information given below I Highly recommend Recommend Recommend with reservations Do not recommend this student. Rank Characteristic Low High Academic Integrity and Initiative Trustworthiness demonstrates the highest level of honesty Sense of Responsibility Thoughtfulness Leadership Ability Total Assessment Score : Percentile: Additional Information: If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank You. Sincerely, Teacher's Name (OPTIONAL) Please state course for which you instructed this student Students: please be sure to give your teacher enough time to fill out this form. It is suggested that you give this form to your recommending teacher as soon as possible. Teachers: Please return this to Mrs. Dunne, no later than March 22 nd, Thank You!

9 February 9, 2018 Veterans Memorial Middle School National Junior Honor Society Recommendation Form To whom it may concern: It gives me great pleasure to bring to your attention a (Please circle one) sixth seventh grade student from homeroom. Based on the information given below I Highly recommend Recommend Recommend with reservations Do not recommend this student. Rank Characteristic Low High Academic Integrity and Initiative Trustworthiness demonstrates the highest level of honesty Sense of Responsibility Thoughtfulness Leadership Ability Total Assessment Score: Percentile: Additional Information: If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank You. Sincerely, Teacher's Name (OPTIONAL) Please state course for which you instructed this student Students: please be sure to give your teacher enough time to fill out this form. It is suggested that you give this form to your recommending teacher as soon as possible. Teachers: Please return this to Mrs. Dunne, no later than March 22 nd, Thank You!

10 February 9, 2018 Veterans Memorial Middle School National Junior Honor Society Recommendation Form To whom it may concern: It gives me great pleasure to bring to your attention a (Please circle one) sixth seventh grade student from homeroom. Based on the information given below I Highly recommend Recommend Recommend with reservations Do not recommend this student. Rank Characteristic Low High Academic Integrity and Initiative Trustworthiness demonstrates the highest level of honesty Sense of Responsibility Thoughtfulness Leadership Ability Total Assessment Score : Percentile: Additional Information: If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me. Thank You. Sincerely, Teacher's Name (OPTIONAL) Please state course for which you instructed this student Students: please be sure to give your teacher enough time to fill out this form. It is suggested that you give this form to your recommending teacher as soon as possible. Teachers: Please return this to Mrs. Dunne, no later than March 22 nd, Thank You!