Penndale Middle School

NJHS FAQs

What does NJHS stand for?

• NJHS stands for National Junior Honor Society.

What is NJHS?

• NJHS is an organization that promotes scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

Why should I be a member of NJHS?

• Being a member of NJHS not only results in self pride and accomplishment, but also proves to others that you are a dedicated, hardworking, and self-motivated person who puts the needs of others first.

Who are the NJHS advisors?

• The NJHS advisors are Mr. Ernie Perilli and Ms. Megan Ohlsen.

Who can qualify for NJHS?

• All students in eighth and ninth grade who earn a cumulatvie GPA of 4.0 or higher can qualify for NJHS.

Am I notified if I qualify for NJHS?

• Yes, on or about the third week in November invitations for NJHS applications will be sent out.

Can I still be accepted into NJHS even if I haven't volunteered that much before?

• Yes, however, it is strongly recommended to have experience in volunteer work as NJHS requires you to exemplify your core qualities through service in the community.

Where can I obtain an application and when is it due?

• Applications can be obtained in the main office and are due in the same location no later than 3:00pm on the scheduled due date.

When do I find out if I was accepted into NJHS?

• On or about December 21st. Application results will be sent home (Good luck!).

Is there a special occasion for the new members of NJHS?

• Of course! On or about the 3rd week of January, new NJHS inductees will be recognized at an induction ceremony held in Penndale's auditorium at 7:00pm. However, inductees are required to report to the cafeteria by 6:15pm.

Do I have to reapply to be in NJHS in ninth grade if I was inducted in eighth grade?

• No, however, you must maintain a cumulative 4.0 GPA as required when you were inducted.

What are some things NJHS does as a group?

• NJHS holds meetings to communicate about upcoming events and important information as well as hosts events exclusive to NJHS members, such as pizza parties after school.

How often do we meet?

• NJHS meets at least once a month.

What happens if I don't meet the service hour requirements?

• If you don't meet the service hour requirements by the assigned date in June, you may be kindly asked to leave NJHS.

Can my membership in NJHS be revoked if my grades drop below the required cumulative 4.0 GPA?

• Yes, you will be kindly asked to leave NJHS if you do not maintain the required cumulative 4.0 GPA. Balancing your grades along with service in the community is an important component of proving your qualifications to be in NJHS.

What are the expectations for NJHS?

• The expectations for NJHS are very high as this organization is highly regarded and constantly works to exemplify the noteworthy students in Penndale. Poor behavior, both in and out of school, is frowned upon and will result in serious consequences as members of NJHS, who are examples of extraordinary students and citizens, should always be going above and beyond in whatever they do. Members will be expected to participate in as many service opportunities as possible and never settle for the bare minimum.

How do I find out about and sign up for service events?

• After you obtain a Sign-Up Genius account, which you will create at an NJHS meeting shortly after induction, you will receive emails notifying you of upcoming events. After deciding whether or not you are able to offer you time for the event, you may sign up on the website and refer to the posted information for further instruction.

What if I sign up for an event, but realize later that I can't attend?

• Cancelling your submission to attend a service event is not recommended. The organizer is counting on your pledge to be there and your absence could greatly impact the event. By signing up for events, you are putting the needs of others before yours, which ultimately illustrates why you deserve to be in NJHS. However, if you absolutely must cancel, you may do this on the sign up.

Will my membership in NJHS at Penndale carry over to NHS, National Honor Society, at North Penn High School?

• No, you will be required to apply for admittance into NHS as it is a separate organization from NJHS. Best of luck with applying when you become a junior or senior!

Who can I contact if I have any questions that weren't listed above?

• The NJHS advisors, Mr. Ernie Perilli and Ms. Megan Ohlsen can be contacted and are more than happy to clear any confusion or answer any questions about NJHS.