Per NHS mandate, the FCDS NHS Faculty Council considers juniors and seniors with evidence of outstanding scholarship, demonstrated leadership, community and school service, and good character for membership in the Society. The Faculty Council requires a cumulative grade point average of 9.0 and above (12-point scale) based on ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth (when applicable) grade years to meet the scholarship requirement for consideration. Grade point averages are first calculated for NHS at the end of the first semester in the junior year. GPA-eligible students seeking consideration must complete—by the publicized deadline—an information form on which they document their co-curricular activities, leadership positions, community activities, employment experience, recognition, and awards. The cumulative grade point average used is a weighted, non-rounded average incorporating only grades earned while enrolled at FCDS. Additionally, the Faculty Council will consider only students enrolled at FCDS for at least one full semester. Election of candidates is by majority vote of the Faculty Council of the National Honor Society. Any student who is academically eligible, completes the information form, but is not selected for NHS, has one additional opportunity to submit materials to the selection committee. Students not selected for NHS, and who maintain their academic eligibility, may submit additional material anytime after July 1 and prior to March 1.
Per the requirements of the Society, any serious disciplinary offense contrary to the school rules (including suspension for any reason) or any violation of civil laws precludes admission for that academic year. Failure to maintain standards of admission for scholarship, leadership, service, or character may result in probation and/or removal from the Society.
Additionally, any senior whose cumulative grade point average falls below the required 9.0 on a 12.0 scale may be subject to probation and/or removal from the Society.
Criteria for Membership
Scholarship
The scholarship requirement set by the National Council is based on a student’s cumulative GPA. The Faculty Council requires a cumulative grade point average of 9.0 and above (12-point scale) based on ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade years to meet the scholarship requirement for consideration. Averages are calculated at the end of the first semester in the junior and/or senior year.
Leadership
The FCDS Faculty Council considers leadership both in and out of school, with priority given to in-school examples. Leadership can be interpreted as holding an office in an organization, captain of an athletic team, section leader in a band or orchestra, committee chairs in student groups and other similar activities. Leadership can also be demonstrated in the classroom, by being a positive, outspoken and energetic participant. When evaluating candidates, the Faculty Council also looks for examples of consistent leadership throughout their time as a student at Forsyth Country Day School.
In addition, leadership can also be demonstrated through the following:
- Displaying initiative
- Delegating responsibilities
- Promoting school activities
- Being a positive influence on peers
Service
The FCDS Faculty Council considers service activities both in and out of school. These activities can be individual or group service projects. Generally, service activities are those that are done for or on behalf of others. No compensation can be given for these activities. When evaluating candidates, the Faculty Council looks for examples of consistent service throughout their time as a student at Forsyth Country Day School.
Character
When considering the component of character, the Faculty Council looks for students who have an outstanding record of conduct and behavior with regard to school and community rules, guidelines, and policies or be able to demonstrate sufficient growth and improvement to compensate for previous inadequacies.
Qualities of character include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
Other examples of character might include the following:
- Takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously
- Consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (e.g., cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, stability)
- Upholds principles of morality and ethics
- Cooperates by complying with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc.
- Demonstrates the highest standards of honesty and reliability
- 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
- Actively helps rid the school of bad influences or environment
|
Sample Activity Information Form
Printable Activity Information Form |
