The Constitution & Chapter Bylaws
Of the
Lisbon Regional School Chapter
Of the
National Honor Society
Adopted on September 5, 2012, Mike Heath, President.
Reviewed on August 31, 2013, Rebecca Daniels, President.
Revised on June 1, 2014, Calsea Bryer, President.
Reviewed on October 1, 2015, Rebecca Peters, President.
Pre-Amble
Acceptance into the National Honor Society is the highest honor that can be awarded
to a student at Lisbon Regional High School. The tradition, honor, and integrity of this
organization can be found in all its members’ and advisors’ behavior through
character, service, leadership, and scholarship.
Members will firmly uphold and sponsor these ideals, rules, and codes.
The Constitution intends to create the necessary guidelines for all members, so that the highest
level of conduct and responsibility is instilled in students at Lisbon Regional School.
Of the
Lisbon Regional School Chapter
Of the
National Honor Society
Adopted on September 5, 2012, Mike Heath, President.
Reviewed on August 31, 2013, Rebecca Daniels, President.
Revised on June 1, 2014, Calsea Bryer, President.
Reviewed on October 1, 2015, Rebecca Peters, President.
Pre-Amble
- We, the scholars and leaders of Lisbon Regional School, as members of the
- National Honor Society, Lisbon Chapter, do hereby ordain and establish this
- constitution, as the set law and standard code of conduct and procedure for all
- Lisbon Regional Honor Society related events and current members.
Acceptance into the National Honor Society is the highest honor that can be awarded
to a student at Lisbon Regional High School. The tradition, honor, and integrity of this
organization can be found in all its members’ and advisors’ behavior through
character, service, leadership, and scholarship.
Members will firmly uphold and sponsor these ideals, rules, and codes.
The Constitution intends to create the necessary guidelines for all members, so that the highest
level of conduct and responsibility is instilled in students at Lisbon Regional School.
ARTICLE I NAME OF ORGANIZATION
Section 1: The name of this chapter shall be the Ammonoosuc Chapter of the National Honor Society of Lisbon Regional High School (#00001875).
ARTICLE II PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION
Section I The purpose of this chapter shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote worthy leadership, and encourage character development in students of Lisbon Regional School.
ARTICLE III POWERS VESTED IN ORGANIZATION
Section I Lisbon Regional Chapter of National Honor Society operates under the direction of and in full compliance with the National Constitution. Also, this chapter will maintain an active affiliation with the national organization.
Section II Lisbon Regional Chapter of National Honor Society will maintain an active membership with the New Hampshire State Chapter of National Honor Society.
Section III Lisbon Regional Honor Society Chain of Command for the resolution of chapter issues shall be as follows Chapter Membership, NHS Officers, Chapter Advisor, Faculty Council, and Principal.
Section IV Lisbon Regional Honor Society Advisor is given authority to supervise and administer chapter by Lisbon Regional School Principal.
Section V The Principal shall reserve the right to approve all activities and decisions of the chapter.
Section VI The Principal shall appoint a five-member Faculty Council and one substitute from the school’s faculty who may serve consecutive terms. No school administrator may serve on the faculty council.
Section VII The Principal shall receive appeals in cases of non-selection of candidates and the disciplining and dismissal of members.
Section VIII The Faculty Council shall decide membership criteria, dismissal process of members who do not uphold the organization’s membership requirements, and that chapter procedures follow school and national bylaws.
Section IX The Lisbon Regional School Chapter of the National Honor Society maintains policies and practices designed to prevent discrimination against any qualified candidate or member based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, and disability. This nondiscrimination policy applies to all practices, including chapter administration and the selection, discipline, and dismissal of members.
ARTICLE IV DEFINITION OF MEMBERSHIP
Section I Membership in the Lisbon Regional School Chapter of the National Honor Society is an honor bestowed upon deserving students by the faculty. It shall be based on the criteria of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.
Section II Membership in the Lisbon Regional School Chapter of the National Honor Society shall be active, honorary, and graduate. Active members become graduate members upon graduation. Graduate and honorary members have no voice or vote in chapter affairs.
Section III The Faculty Council shall reserve the right to bestow honorary membership to school officials, principals, faculty members, NHS advisors, and others in recognition of achievement and service to the learning community in keeping with the high purposes of the National Honor Society.
Section IV ACTIVE MEMBER: A candidate selected by the Faculty Council and inducted by a special ceremony is an active member.
Section V HONORARY MEMBERSHIP: Honorary Membership may be granted to individuals who have performed outstanding service for the learning community in keeping with the high purposes of the National Honor Society. The Faculty Council may also honor exceptional students who have disabilities impeding his/her ability to membership requirements.
Section VI Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony.
Section VII The Induction Ceremony is mandated for all members and officers.
Section VIII A National Honor Society Member who transfers to Lisbon Regional High School who possesses a letter from the principal and advisor of another school becomes a Lisbon Regional Honor Society member upon completing one semester at Lisbon Regional High School. Successful completion means meeting Lisbon Regional Honor Society Standards for Membership.
Section IX Members who resign or are dismissed are never again eligible for membership.
Section X Members who are seniors in good standing are eligible to be nominated by the Faculty Council to compete in the National Honor Society Scholarship Program.
ARTICLE V NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF MEMBERS
Section I Selection to the National Honor Society is a privilege. Candidates do not apply for membership; instead, candidates provide information that the Faculty Council uses for membership selection. Scholastically-eligible students (3.5 G.P.A/ 4.0) receive notification for further consideration for candidacy for selection to Lisbon Regional School Chapter of National Honor Society.
Section II To be eligible for membership in the Lisbon Regional Honor Society, a candidate must complete four (4) semesters of school.
Section III Selection of members shall be by a majority vote of the five (5) - member Faculty Council who the principal appoints. The advisor shall be a sixth (6), non-voting, ex-officio member of the Faculty Council.
Section IV The selection and induction of new members shall be held during the second semester of the school year.
Section V Before selection, the following procedure shall occur:
Section VI The National Council and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) shall not review the Faculty Council’s judgment regarding selecting individual members to the Lisbon Regional High School Honor Society.
ARTICLE VI OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
Section I Members pay one-time dues of twenty (20) dollars upon acceptance to Lisbon Regional Honor Society.
Section II Each member in good standing of Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall be entitled to wear all official National Honor Society emblems, symbols, and clothing.
Section III Chapter members who are seniors in good standing have the privilege of wearing the honor stoles at graduation.
Section IV All members shall attend all meeting and functions of the Lisbon Regional Honor Society.
Section V Members will maintain the standards by which they were selected.
ARTICLE VII OFFICERS
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society Officers shall be president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and historian.
Section II All chapter officers will be incoming seniors.
Section III The Executive Committee shall be composed of officers and advisor.
Section IV The Order of Succession shall be:
Succession: President
Vice- President
Secretary
Treasurer
Historian
Parliamentarian
Section V Duties of Officers:
President
Vice President
1. Preside over all meetings in the absence of the President.
2. Serve as Executive Committee member.
3. Determine all event, meeting, and function dates.
4. Assume leadership for organizing service projects and fundraisers.
5. Assist in the organization of the Induction Ceremonies.
6. Organize Senior Sendoff.
7. Assist the Faculty Council with the new candidate process.
Historian
Secretary
Treasurer
Parliamentarian
ARTICLE VII MEETINGS
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall conduct biweekly meetings following organizational bylaws.
Section II Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall conduct its meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section III Special Meetings can be called by president with approval of advisor.
ARTICLE IX PROCEDURES FOR ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall have five (5) officers.
Section II All officers shall be incoming seniors.
Section III Membership shall nominate and elect officers before the induction ceremony.
Section IV The Principal, Faculty Council, and Advisor shall approve all officer nominees.
Section V Officer-Nominees officially assume duties upon recognition at an Officer Induction Ceremony.
Section VI All member shall participate in voting for officers.
Section V Officer candidates names shall be listed on official ballot with the full spelling of names.
Section VI Ballots will be distributed by advisor during election event. Members shall vote by secret ballot. Ballots shall be counted by advisor and member(s) of the Faculty Council.
Section VII There will be no electioneering during voting by candidates.
Section VIII Improperly marked ballots shall be discarded and not included in official voting.
Section IX Candidate receiving the majority vote and the Principal and Faculty Council approval will be offered the office.
Section X The Faculty Council's majority vote will decide any tie votes among candidates for office.
Section XI An officer shall be removed immediately for any violation of Article Ten (10). An officer may be removed from office for failure to carry out his/her duties and returned to regular membership.
ARTICLE X DISCIPLINE AND REMOVAL OF MEMBERS
Section I Any member who fails to uphold the standards of scholarship, leadership, service, or character may be disciplined or removed from the Ammonoosuc Chapter of the National Honor Society.
Section II The Ammonoosuc Chapter of the National Honor Society requires each member to maintain his/her academic standing and take an active role in service and leadership in the community.
Section III A member who fails to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 will receive a written warning and have four (4) weeks to demonstrate improvement. If the cumulative grade point average remains below standard at the end of nine (9) weeks, the member will be considered for dismissal by the Faculty Council.
Section IV Violations of law or school regulations and policies can result in the member's dismissal.
Violations:
Section V Failure to comply with Lisbon Regional High School’s Code of Conduct will result in members receiving written notifications. Further violations of Lisbon Regional School’s Code of Conduct may result in a members dismissal.
Section VI Members are allowed two (2) excused absences from Ammonoosuc Honor Society meetings and events per year. Members who accumulate two (2) unexcused absences will be placed on probation. While on probation, members will have additional time added to individual service obligations. If the member fails to complete added service obligations or accumulates added unexcused absences, the member will be cosidered for dismissal.
Section VII As representatives of the Lisbon Regional School Chapter of the National Honor Society, the Faculty Council can remove officers from their position as a consequence of disciplinary action.
Section VIII Cases of Pending Dismissal:
The member will receive written notification indicating the reason for consideration for dismissal.
ARTICLE XI OFFICIAL INSIGNIA
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall use the National Honor Society’s official emblem.
Section II Each active member, honorary member, and graduate member shall be entitled to wear the emblem.
Section III All members who resign or are dismissed must return the emblem to the advisor.
Section IV The motto for the National Honor Society is Noblesse Oblige.
Section V The official colors of the National Honor Society shall be blue and gold.
ARTICLE XII RATIFICATION, APPROVAL, and REVIEW
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society Bylaws shall be approved with a two-thirds majority vote of the active membership, a majority vote of the Faculty Council, and the administration’s approval.
Section II Lisbon Regional Honor Society Bylaws will be reviewed yearly.
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENTS
Section I Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws require:
Section II Article V, Selection of Membership, and Article X, Dismissal and Removal of Members, are not subject to active membership review and can only be amended by the Faculty Council’s majority vote and approval of the Principal.
Section 1: The name of this chapter shall be the Ammonoosuc Chapter of the National Honor Society of Lisbon Regional High School (#00001875).
ARTICLE II PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION
Section I The purpose of this chapter shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote worthy leadership, and encourage character development in students of Lisbon Regional School.
ARTICLE III POWERS VESTED IN ORGANIZATION
Section I Lisbon Regional Chapter of National Honor Society operates under the direction of and in full compliance with the National Constitution. Also, this chapter will maintain an active affiliation with the national organization.
Section II Lisbon Regional Chapter of National Honor Society will maintain an active membership with the New Hampshire State Chapter of National Honor Society.
Section III Lisbon Regional Honor Society Chain of Command for the resolution of chapter issues shall be as follows Chapter Membership, NHS Officers, Chapter Advisor, Faculty Council, and Principal.
Section IV Lisbon Regional Honor Society Advisor is given authority to supervise and administer chapter by Lisbon Regional School Principal.
Section V The Principal shall reserve the right to approve all activities and decisions of the chapter.
Section VI The Principal shall appoint a five-member Faculty Council and one substitute from the school’s faculty who may serve consecutive terms. No school administrator may serve on the faculty council.
Section VII The Principal shall receive appeals in cases of non-selection of candidates and the disciplining and dismissal of members.
Section VIII The Faculty Council shall decide membership criteria, dismissal process of members who do not uphold the organization’s membership requirements, and that chapter procedures follow school and national bylaws.
Section IX The Lisbon Regional School Chapter of the National Honor Society maintains policies and practices designed to prevent discrimination against any qualified candidate or member based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, and disability. This nondiscrimination policy applies to all practices, including chapter administration and the selection, discipline, and dismissal of members.
ARTICLE IV DEFINITION OF MEMBERSHIP
Section I Membership in the Lisbon Regional School Chapter of the National Honor Society is an honor bestowed upon deserving students by the faculty. It shall be based on the criteria of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.
Section II Membership in the Lisbon Regional School Chapter of the National Honor Society shall be active, honorary, and graduate. Active members become graduate members upon graduation. Graduate and honorary members have no voice or vote in chapter affairs.
Section III The Faculty Council shall reserve the right to bestow honorary membership to school officials, principals, faculty members, NHS advisors, and others in recognition of achievement and service to the learning community in keeping with the high purposes of the National Honor Society.
Section IV ACTIVE MEMBER: A candidate selected by the Faculty Council and inducted by a special ceremony is an active member.
Section V HONORARY MEMBERSHIP: Honorary Membership may be granted to individuals who have performed outstanding service for the learning community in keeping with the high purposes of the National Honor Society. The Faculty Council may also honor exceptional students who have disabilities impeding his/her ability to membership requirements.
Section VI Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony.
Section VII The Induction Ceremony is mandated for all members and officers.
Section VIII A National Honor Society Member who transfers to Lisbon Regional High School who possesses a letter from the principal and advisor of another school becomes a Lisbon Regional Honor Society member upon completing one semester at Lisbon Regional High School. Successful completion means meeting Lisbon Regional Honor Society Standards for Membership.
Section IX Members who resign or are dismissed are never again eligible for membership.
Section X Members who are seniors in good standing are eligible to be nominated by the Faculty Council to compete in the National Honor Society Scholarship Program.
ARTICLE V NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF MEMBERS
Section I Selection to the National Honor Society is a privilege. Candidates do not apply for membership; instead, candidates provide information that the Faculty Council uses for membership selection. Scholastically-eligible students (3.5 G.P.A/ 4.0) receive notification for further consideration for candidacy for selection to Lisbon Regional School Chapter of National Honor Society.
Section II To be eligible for membership in the Lisbon Regional Honor Society, a candidate must complete four (4) semesters of school.
Section III Selection of members shall be by a majority vote of the five (5) - member Faculty Council who the principal appoints. The advisor shall be a sixth (6), non-voting, ex-officio member of the Faculty Council.
Section IV The selection and induction of new members shall be held during the second semester of the school year.
Section V Before selection, the following procedure shall occur:
- Students’ academic records shall be reviewed to determine scholastic eligibility.
- Scholastically eligible students shall be notified and asked to complete candidacy forms for further consideration.
- Students who choose not to proceed with candidacy shall notify the NHS advisor and complete the Decline Membership Form for future candidacy eligibility.
- Candidates must attend a candidacy meeting to review process and receive candidacy forms.
- Candidates must return all candidacy forms by set date and time—failure to return forms by deadline results in removing the candidate from the selection process.
- The Faculty Council requests that the Lisbon Regional High School Professional Staff evaluate candidates based upon the four criteria for National Honor Society--Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.
- The Faculty Council shall review candidacy forms, faculty evaluations and conduct student interviews.
- The Faculty Council shall vote on membership of each candidate.
- Candidates receiving a majority vote of the Faculty Council for membership shall be eligible for induction into the National Honor Society.
- Each candidate shall receive written determination of his/her candidacy.
- Non-selected candidates may appeal to the Faculty Council’s decision in writing to the principal in forty-eight (48) hours.
- Candidates become members when inducted at a special ceremony.
Section VI The National Council and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) shall not review the Faculty Council’s judgment regarding selecting individual members to the Lisbon Regional High School Honor Society.
ARTICLE VI OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS
Section I Members pay one-time dues of twenty (20) dollars upon acceptance to Lisbon Regional Honor Society.
Section II Each member in good standing of Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall be entitled to wear all official National Honor Society emblems, symbols, and clothing.
Section III Chapter members who are seniors in good standing have the privilege of wearing the honor stoles at graduation.
Section IV All members shall attend all meeting and functions of the Lisbon Regional Honor Society.
Section V Members will maintain the standards by which they were selected.
ARTICLE VII OFFICERS
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society Officers shall be president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and historian.
Section II All chapter officers will be incoming seniors.
Section III The Executive Committee shall be composed of officers and advisor.
Section IV The Order of Succession shall be:
Succession: President
Vice- President
Secretary
Treasurer
Historian
Parliamentarian
Section V Duties of Officers:
President
- Preside over all meetings and events.
- Assume leadership for all projects and events.
- Organize and conduct induction ceremony.
- Research possible service projects and fundraising events.
- Ensure that organization conducts affairs by Bylaws and Constitution.
- Meet with Faculty Council and Administration to update them on chapter activities and goals.
- Assist Faculty Council with new candidate process.
Vice President
1. Preside over all meetings in the absence of the President.
2. Serve as Executive Committee member.
3. Determine all event, meeting, and function dates.
4. Assume leadership for organizing service projects and fundraisers.
5. Assist in the organization of the Induction Ceremonies.
6. Organize Senior Sendoff.
7. Assist the Faculty Council with the new candidate process.
Historian
- Collect and preserve information that provides a clear and concise record of all chapter activities.
- Serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
- Maintain Lisbon Honor Society Website.
- Develop and maintain a database of contacts.
- Establish and maintain the alumnus file.
- Promote the organization’s accomplishments and activities.
- Maintain an image database of the organization’s activities.
Secretary
- Maintain minutes of all meetings.
- Review minutes of all meetings.
- Serve as Executive Committee member.
- Maintain attendance records, notify members of compliance, and notify advisor of member status.
- Maintain individual and group service project information—participation information, approved service projects, and service project group lists.
- Create announcements and press releases.
Treasurer
- Maintain all the organization's financial records.
- Serve as an Executive Committee member.
- Complete all purchase orders and submit them to advisor.
- Collect all monies raised by organization and deposit them in organization’s account.
- Maintain an accurate inventory of organization’s supplies and assets.
- Maintain a vendor list.
- Prepare organization’s budget:
- Member Graduation Stoles and Tassels.
- Induction Ceremony.
- Harry S. Dickinson Award.
- Valedictorian & Salutatorian Banner.
- Teacher Recognition Awards.
- Student Recognition Awards.
Parliamentarian
- Act as the keeper of the constitution and bylaws and be familiar with their contents.
- Be knowledgeable about meeting procedures.
- Offer procedural opinions when asked to do so by the president or chairperson.
- Chair the constitution/bylaws revision committee if the need arises.
ARTICLE VII MEETINGS
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall conduct biweekly meetings following organizational bylaws.
Section II Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall conduct its meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section III Special Meetings can be called by president with approval of advisor.
ARTICLE IX PROCEDURES FOR ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall have five (5) officers.
Section II All officers shall be incoming seniors.
Section III Membership shall nominate and elect officers before the induction ceremony.
Section IV The Principal, Faculty Council, and Advisor shall approve all officer nominees.
Section V Officer-Nominees officially assume duties upon recognition at an Officer Induction Ceremony.
Section VI All member shall participate in voting for officers.
Section V Officer candidates names shall be listed on official ballot with the full spelling of names.
Section VI Ballots will be distributed by advisor during election event. Members shall vote by secret ballot. Ballots shall be counted by advisor and member(s) of the Faculty Council.
Section VII There will be no electioneering during voting by candidates.
Section VIII Improperly marked ballots shall be discarded and not included in official voting.
Section IX Candidate receiving the majority vote and the Principal and Faculty Council approval will be offered the office.
Section X The Faculty Council's majority vote will decide any tie votes among candidates for office.
Section XI An officer shall be removed immediately for any violation of Article Ten (10). An officer may be removed from office for failure to carry out his/her duties and returned to regular membership.
ARTICLE X DISCIPLINE AND REMOVAL OF MEMBERS
Section I Any member who fails to uphold the standards of scholarship, leadership, service, or character may be disciplined or removed from the Ammonoosuc Chapter of the National Honor Society.
Section II The Ammonoosuc Chapter of the National Honor Society requires each member to maintain his/her academic standing and take an active role in service and leadership in the community.
Section III A member who fails to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 will receive a written warning and have four (4) weeks to demonstrate improvement. If the cumulative grade point average remains below standard at the end of nine (9) weeks, the member will be considered for dismissal by the Faculty Council.
Section IV Violations of law or school regulations and policies can result in the member's dismissal.
Violations:
- Stealing.
- Driving Under the Influence.
- Truancy
- Possession, Sale, and Usage of Illegal Drugs.
Section V Failure to comply with Lisbon Regional High School’s Code of Conduct will result in members receiving written notifications. Further violations of Lisbon Regional School’s Code of Conduct may result in a members dismissal.
Section VI Members are allowed two (2) excused absences from Ammonoosuc Honor Society meetings and events per year. Members who accumulate two (2) unexcused absences will be placed on probation. While on probation, members will have additional time added to individual service obligations. If the member fails to complete added service obligations or accumulates added unexcused absences, the member will be cosidered for dismissal.
Section VII As representatives of the Lisbon Regional School Chapter of the National Honor Society, the Faculty Council can remove officers from their position as a consequence of disciplinary action.
Section VIII Cases of Pending Dismissal:
The member will receive written notification indicating the reason for consideration for dismissal.
- The member may respond to charges by requesting a hearing before the Faculty Council.
- For purposes of dismissal, a majority vote of the Faculty Council is required.
- The results of the Faculty Council vote will be presented to the Principal, and then written notification mailed to member.
- A member dismissed by the Faculty Council may appeal the decision in writing to the Principal within forty-eight (48) hours of notification.
- In lieu of dismissal, the Faculty Council reserves the right to impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions upon members.
- Plagiarism and all forms of academic dishonesty will result in members being considered for immediate dismissal.
- A member who has been dismissed may appeal the decision of the Faculty Council under the same rules for disciplinary appeals for the school district.
- A member who has been dismissed may never be considered for membership again and must surrender all membership emblems to the advisor.
ARTICLE XI OFFICIAL INSIGNIA
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society shall use the National Honor Society’s official emblem.
Section II Each active member, honorary member, and graduate member shall be entitled to wear the emblem.
Section III All members who resign or are dismissed must return the emblem to the advisor.
Section IV The motto for the National Honor Society is Noblesse Oblige.
Section V The official colors of the National Honor Society shall be blue and gold.
ARTICLE XII RATIFICATION, APPROVAL, and REVIEW
Section I Lisbon Regional Honor Society Bylaws shall be approved with a two-thirds majority vote of the active membership, a majority vote of the Faculty Council, and the administration’s approval.
Section II Lisbon Regional Honor Society Bylaws will be reviewed yearly.
ARTICLE XIII AMENDMENTS
Section I Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws require:
- Members receive proposed amendments in writing one month before voting.
- Amendments must receive two-thirds majority vote of the active membership.
Section II Article V, Selection of Membership, and Article X, Dismissal and Removal of Members, are not subject to active membership review and can only be amended by the Faculty Council’s majority vote and approval of the Principal.