Bisbee High School

Advisor: Heidi Kirchmeyer

Email: hkirchmeyer@busd.k12.az.us

National Honor Society (Anthony P. Nadolski Chapter)

Established in 1921, the National Honor Society (NHS) is the oldest and most respected student recognition organization in the United States. Membership in NHS distinguishes students who have committed themselves to the pursuit of academic excellence, community improvement, and personal development. Academic achievement is a core component of NHS, but today’s students need much more than just good grades to get ahead. NHS’s focus on service, leadership, and character helps students build the skills and relationships that will ensure success throughout their academic years and beyond.

Eligibility; candidates must:

1. Be a member of the sophomore or junior class
2. Have been in attendance at Bisbee High School the equivalent of one semester
3. Have an 80% or higher cumulative GPA
4. Candidate shall then be evaluated on the basis of their service, leadership, and character

Selection Process:

1. Begins during the second semester; letters to notify eligible students are distributed.
2. Interested students complete and turn in the Candidate Form. This form provides information about their leadership roles, service activities, both inside and outside of school, as well as work experience, recognition, and awards.
3. Teachers and athletic coaches receive an evaluation form for each eligible candidate.
4. The Faculty Council, five teachers appointed annually by the principal, reviews the candidate forms and faculty evaluations. They may interview any candidate at their discretion.
5. Selection for membership is always a majority vote of the council members.
6. The candidates are notified by letter of their selection or nonselection into NHS.
7. Though membership is a privilege and not a right, nonselected candidates may appeal the decision at the local level and should speak with the chapter adviser.
8. Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony.

Membership into NHS is permanent unless a student’s performance falls below the standards by which he or she is selected. A member of NHS is expected to maintain his/her academic standing and take an active role in service and leadership to his/her school and community.

Discipline and Dismissal:

1. If a member’s cumulative grade point average falls below the standard in effect when he/she was selected, he/she will be given a written warning and a time period for improvement. If the cumulative grade point average remains below the standard at the end of the warning period the student will be subject to further disciplinary action by the Faculty Council that may include dismissal from the chapter.
2. Violation of the law or school regulations will result in dismissal of a member. These violations include, but are not limited to DWI, stealing, destruction of property, cheating, truancy, possession, selling or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
3. Offenders of the school conduct code (such as failure to comply, unexcused absences, or excessive tardies) will receive written warning notification from the chapter adviser. A conference may be requested by either party (Faculty Council or student/parent). If the member is involved in another violation of the school code, the member may be dismissed.
4. In all cases of pending dismissal:
   1. The member will receive written notification indicating the reason for possible dismissal from the adviser. The member and adviser will discuss the written notification in a conference. 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.
   2. The member will be given the opportunity to respond to the charge against him/her at a hearing before the Faculty Council prior to the vote dismissal. The member has the opportunity to present his/her defense either in person or in writing. The Faculty Council will then vote on whether to dismiss. A majority vote of the Faculty Council is needed to dismiss any member.
   3. The results of the Faculty Council vote will be reviewed by the principal, then, if confirmed, expressed in a letter sent to the student, parents, and principal. Dismissed members must surrender any membership emblems or certificates to the adviser.
   4. The Faculty Council decision may be appealed to the building principal and afterwards through the school district discipline policy.
   5. When a student is dismissed or resigns, he/she is no longer a member and may never again be considered for membership in NHS.
5. In lieu of dismissal, the Faculty Council may impose disciplinary sanctions upon a member as deemed appropriate.