NJHS (National Junior Honor Society)

According to the NHS/NJHS website, the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) was established in 1929 and is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its establishment.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS (High School) and NJHS (Middle School). NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

Characteristics of an Exemplary NJHS Candidate

Scholarship

Scholarship means a commitment to learning. A student willing to spend hours in reading and studying, knowing the lasting benefits of a cultivated mind. Knowledge is one great element in life, which leads to the highest success, and it can be acquired in only one way... through diligence and effort. Candidates have the charge to continually expand their world through the opportunities inherent in scholarship.

Leadership

Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Service

Service can be described in various ways. In the routine of a day's work, many opportunities arise to help others. Willingness to work for the benefit of those in need without monetary compensation or without recognition is the quality we seek in our membership. We are committed to the idea of volunteering our time and abilities to the creation of a better tomorrow.

Character

The student of good character upholds principles of morality and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others.

Citizenship

Citizenship is vital to the strength of our school. It requires effort and commitment. It is the willingness of each student to participate responsibly in classes, clubs, teams, and activities that occur at Longfellow Middle School or in our community.

Candidate Requirements

1. The candidate must be a member of the 7^th grade at Longfellow Middle School.
2. The candidate must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.75, as of the end of the third quarter of 7^th grade.
3. The candidate must complete and submit the electronic application form by the due date. The application highlights their community service, citizenship, school activities and leadership roles.

• Eligible students will receive invitation to join and an application emailed to their fcpsschools.net account by the end of May.
• Once the application is submitted the faculty selection committee will determine if the student will be offered membership based on the NJHS characteristics of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.
• All students will be notified by July 1^st of the membership decision.

To Maintain NJHS Membership

1. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75.
2. Students must complete 20 hours of community service by the May deadline. These hours of service are in addition to the hours required for middle school students. (Due to COVID, hours for the 2021-2022 school year will be reduced to 10 required hours.)
3. Uphold the qualities of scholarship, leadership, character, citizenship, and service.

• At the end of 8^th grade, students that have completed their membership requirements will be invited to the induction ceremony.
• Students will receive their certificate of membership and membership pin during the ceremony and be inducted into the Longfellow Middle School chapter of the NJHS.

NJHS Sponsors

Heather Postlethwait and Bindhu Zachariah

@email