BYLAWS OF THE MARGARETTA CHAPTER OF THE
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

NAME AND PURPOSE BYLAW 1.
The name of this chapter shall be the Margaretta National Honor Society Chapter of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools, which appears on the charter granted by the National Council of the National Honor Society, duly signed by the National Secretary.

BYLAW 2.
The object of this chapter shall be to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote worthy leadership, and to encourage the development of character in all students of the Margaretta High School.

MEMBERSHIP BYLAW 1.
Selection of students for membership is the responsibility of the local school through its Faculty Council.
BYLAW 2.
Candidates eligible for election to this chapter must be members of the Junior or Senior class and shall have a minimum scholarship average of 3.5. This scholastic level of achievement shall remain fixed and shall be the required minimum scholastic level of achievement for admission to candidacy and membership.
BYLAW 3.
Candidates eligible for election to this chapter must participate in a minimum of one advanced or honors course offering one semester prior to election and for each semester while a member. These may include the following offerings or Advanced Placement (AP) classes:
Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus AP, Advanced English, AP Foreign Language, American History AP, Chemistry, Advanced Biology, Physics, American History CP, AP English
Students enrolled in Post secondary classes are required to submit their class schedule to the advisor for review by the Faculty Council.

BYLAW 4.
Candidates must submit a completed student activity form to demonstrate their activities in leadership, service, and character. This will be available to the Faculty Council for review.
BYLAW 5.
Candidates must submit a letter of recommendation for such membership by a faculty member, advisor, or employer.
BYLAW 6.
Eligibility shall then be considered on the basis of service, leadership, and character as evaluated by the Margaretta faculty. Faculty members will assess the student's eligibility for membership by completing an evaluation form provided by the advisor. Faculty will designate their affiliation with the student as instructor, advisor, or extracurricular. These assessments will be considered by the Faculty Council but will not be regarded as "votes".
BYLAW 7.
The Faculty Council will consider all verifiable information to support recommendations for membership. Those students receiving a majority vote for acceptance will be inducted into the chapter.
BYLAW 8.
Attendance at meetings and participation in projects is required to maintain membership in good standing. An absence may be excused if prior notice is given to the advisor. BYLAW 9.
A National Honor Society member must maintain the standards for membership in order to retain membership.
BYLAW 10.
A student who wishes to resign from membership may do so in writing, pending acceptance by the Faculty Council.

DISMISSAL OF MEMBERS

BYLAW 1.
Students are liable for dismissal for failure to maintain the standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character that were used as a basis for their selection. The following shall warrant a review of the student’s membership status:
1. Grade point average falling below average of 3.5
2. Failure to participate in a minimum of one advanced or honors course offering each semester while a member
3. Suspension from school
4. Repeated assignment to In-School Suspension
5. Possession or use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or related paraphernalia 6. Two unexcused absences from NHS meetings or activities
7. Any action that violated school/civil conduct code
8. Any action which is in direct conflict with the standards of eligibility for membership as evaluated by the Faculty Council

BYLAW 2.
The following procedures will be followed when a student falls below the standards for selection/membership:
1. The student shall be notified in writing by the advisor, stating why the student’s membership status is under review.
2. In cases of pending dismissal, a member shall have a right to a hearing before the Faculty Council.
3. The Faculty Council shall meet to consider any disciplinary actions. Disciplinary actions may include issuing a warning, placing a student on probation, or dismissal. These are not considered progressive disciplinary steps and dismissal may be warranted upon a first offense. A majority vote of the Faculty Council is required for all disciplinary actions. The student and parent(s) will be notified in writing of any such action taken.
4. A member who has been dismissed may appeal the decision in writing to the principal within 10 days.

BYLAW 3.
A student may receive only one warning/probation during their membership. BYLAW 4.
In the event that a member’s status is placed on probation, correction of the deficiency will be reviewed at the end of the probation period. If membership continues to be deficient or deficient a second time, the Faculty Council will determine if dismissal is warranted.
BYLAW 5.
A student who is dismissed or who resigns is never again eligible for membership. Dismissed students must surrender the NHS emblem and membership card to the advisor or principal.

OFFICERS BYLAW 1.
The officers of this chapter shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. BYLAW 2.
The duties of officers of this chapter shall be:
1. President - To assist in presiding at meetings of this chapter
2. Vice-President - To fill the chair of the President in his/her absence
3. Secretary - To keep records of chapter business where applicable, including attendance at meetings; and to handle correspondence of the chapter when needed 4. Treasurer - To receive and disburse funds of the chapter and perform other financial duties in line with school regulations
BYLAW 3.
Together, the officers and the advisor will make up an executive committee and may be required to attend special meetings regarding the chapter activities and procedures.

ELECTIONS BYLAW 1.
Candidates for office shall be nominated by fellow members of this chapter of the National Honor Society. The candidate will then accept or decline the nomination. If a member declines the nomination for said office, then he/she is eligible to be nominated for another office.
BYLAW 2.
Once a candidate accepts a nomination for an office, they are only eligible to run for that office. Members who have accepted nomination are required to present a speech regarding their candidacy to the general membership at the following meeting BYLAW 3.
Voting by secret ballot will take place following the presentation of the speeches of the candidates. The votes will be tabulated by members appointed by the advisor. BYLAW 4.
Results will be announced at the Achievement Banquet or the following chapter meeting.

SUPERVISION BYLAW 1.
The activities of this chapter shall be subject to the approval of the advisor.

MEETINGS/ACTIVITIES BYLAW 1.
The regular meetings of this chapter shall be held during the school year on days designated by the advisor and are to be scheduled following designated school procedure. BYLAW 2.
All meetings shall be open and held under the sponsorship of the advisor or a designated faculty member.
BYLAW 3.
The chapter will participate in one or more community service projects each year. All members shall regularly participate in these projects.

DUES BYLAW 1.
The annual dues to be paid by each member will be determined by the executive committee and shall not exceed the limit established in the national guidelines.

EMBLEM BYLAW 1.
Each member agrees that, whether the emblem comes to him as a gift, a personal purchase, an award, or from whatever source, the title of the emblem shall rest with the chapter of which he is a member. The faculty can, therefore, by a majority vote, request that any member return the emblem.
Each member agrees that his acceptance of the emblem shall be considered affirmation of this stipulation in regard to the title of the emblem.

BYLAWS BYLAW 1.
The Faculty Council will develop and revise, when necessary, all chapter procedures for selection, discipline, and dismissal of members, etc., all of which must remain in compliance with the national guidelines.

Revised 01/2020