FAQ for Students

 

What is an Honor Society?

 

An Honor Society is a group of students organized at your school. They are chosen as members of the group based on making good grades and demonstrating to the teachers and principal of the school how responsible they are at school, at home, and in the community. Let’s face it. We all like to be congratulated for our hard work and accomplishments, and NEHS provides that opportunity for you.

The Honor Society group is known as the “chapter.” The chapter holds meetings for its members during the school year, organizes projects and activities for its members, and works as a team to improve the school and community in many ways. It is an honor to be selected as a member, but remember, there are also new responsibilities that you will have as a chapter member.

In middle schools and junior highs, the National Junior Honor Society exists for these same purposes. In high school, students can be selected as members of the National Honor Society, the nation’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious student Honor Society. And once you enter college, there are many Honor Societies organized to recognize outstanding students on the college campus.

Your selection as a member of NEHS will recognize your good grades and your good deeds, and prepares you for success in your future schooling.

We hope you will establish a goal of becoming a member of NEHS at your school. Good luck!

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Why should I be interested in NEHS?

 

NEHS is a new Honor Society developed specifically for elementary students and schools. By being selected as a member, you will have been recognized for your achievements in school so that everyone – your parents and family, your fellow students, your teachers, and others in the community – can see how hard you work, how smart you are, and how responsible you are in all that you do.

As a member, you will work with other successful students like yourself. You’ll learn how to be a leader, and how meaningful it can be to help others through service. Your work as a member of the chapter will improve your school, helping all of your friends get the most out of their education.

By getting involved in the work of your chapter, you’ll be developing skills to make you a stronger student. You’ll be developing new friendships, both students and adults, to support you in all that you do. You’ll be preparing yourself for your future – both in school and in all other aspects of your life.

If invited, we hope you’ll become an active member of your school’s new NEHS chapter.

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If I am selected to be a member, what will I need to do during the school year?

 

• A list of activities planned for your chapter will be provided for you once you are selected. This list can include meetings of the chapter and other activities both during school and after school. Your participation in these activities will be an important part of your membership.

• More importantly, you are expected to keep your grades up. Your good grades were one important factor in your becoming a member, and it is one of your jobs to see that your grades don’t fall.

• The chapter adviser at your school (a teacher in your school) can share with you more information about the chapter and what is expected of members at your school.

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Do I have to apply to become a member every year?

 

No. Once you are selected, you are a member through sixth grade. It is not necessary to apply every year. It is important, however, that you keep up your grades and stay involved so that you may keep your membership in the chapter.

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FAQ for Parents

 

My child is busy -- why should he/she get involved with NEHS?

 

Involvement in school and community activities is important for the well-rounded development of every young student, and participation in NEHS will benefit your child in many ways. NEHS will reinforce the value of education, leadership, and responsibility, and surround him/her with a solid group of like-minded peers.

For many years, NASSP and NAESP, parent organizations for NEHS, have sponsored student organizations (student activities) in schools. In its position statement on the value of these student activities, NASSP has stated, “Student activities [like NEHS] are integral to an education, providing opportunities for all students that support and extend academic learning.” NEHS, with your support, creates this potential for your student and your school. We hope you will become a supportive part of the new chapter.

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If my child is in NEHS, will he/she automatically move into NJHS when they enter middle school?

 

• No. Fundamentally, the three honor societies (NEHS, the National Junior Honor Society, and the National Honor Society) operate as separate and unique organizations.

• While participation in activities of NEHS can be viewed as valuable in preparing any student for future Honor Society memberships, membership in any one Honor Society does not, and cannot guarantee selection at the next level. Students earn recognition at each level by demonstrating that they meet the selection criteria at each phase of their education.

• Collaboration among the three organizations will be encouraged among schools sponsoring these chapters at the local level.

• With the creation of NEHS at the elementary level, there is now a continuum of excellence recognizing the nation’s outstanding students throughout their K-12 education experience.

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What will students have to show that they are members of NEHS?

 

Each NEHS chapter may recognize student membership differently. The NEHS store will have pins, certificates, membership cards, and apparel, including pieces customized for your school (sales to chapters beginning July 1, 2008). Talk to the chapter adviser about how members will be recognized at your school.

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What can parents do to support an NEHS chapter?

 

First, parents can do what you do best – support and motivate your child. Then, once he or she is selected as a member, encourage participation in all chapter activities. While there is no formal role for parents in chapter activities, there are opportunities available. Offer to chaperon chapter activities or ask the chapter adviser if there is any other support you can provide.

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