Code, Conduct, and Ethics for National Honor Society Members

The following will serve as the code objective standards for all members of the Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) National Honor Society (NHS). Please read carefully all information listed below, as you will be required to abide by these standards. Your signature and that of your parent/guardian will confirm that you both understand what is required. Failure to live up to these requirements can and will result in probation and/or removal from the PCTI National Honor Society using the proper procedures established in the NHS Bylaws.

The National Honor Society has a lifelong reputation for leadership, respectability, honor, integrity, and community service. All standards for acceptance, maintenance and service are not parallel or equal to any other school club or organization. The NHS members will be held to the highest of standards with regard to leadership, honor, discipline, grades, and all membership duties and/or activities. Officers may be held to even higher standards, as they are the role models for NHS members and NHS members are the model students for the entire school.

It is expected and shall be closely monitored that all members, including officers, develop the character, dignity and responsibility required of this most prestigious national organization. Membership shall reflect a commitment to excellent behavior, school and/or community service, and responsible leadership on a daily basis. This applies to not only the rules and laws that govern this school, but all the rules and laws that govern your cities and neighborhoods, the State of New Jersey and the United States of America. In fact, all good, moral and legal right behavior is expected. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for not abiding by the law.

Please reflect on the following: Each NHS member will have a marking period print-out that monitors late arrivals to school and classes, cuts, cafeteria violations, I.D. violations, fights, improper use of cell phones, unruly or negative behavior toward students, teachers or any staff employee of PCTI, discipline reports, including during transportation to and from school and class trip activities and all rules included in the student handbook which govern this school. Should your name and incident appear in violation of any of the above-mentioned concerns, you may be placed on probation or dismissed by the NHS Faculty Council.

Please note that the NHS Faculty Council is a panel of esteemed teachers and counselors who serve as the judicial committee for all NHS members at PCTI. This is the same body of people who certified your membership in the National Honor Society. The Faculty Council abides by the NHS national guidelines that are described in the NHS manual, which is on file with the school principal, coordinator of student activities and your advisors. Any member can preview this information on the NHS website or receive copied information from the manual. There will always be proper due process should violations or poor conduct result. The Faculty Council will conduct a hearing for you to explain and provide detailed information. You may have witnesses and parents present at the hearing. Your advisors will be there to preside over the hearing, but they do not have a vote in the decision of the council. The Faculty Council will then make a determination of your receiving probation or your removal from the National Honor Society. The steps for this due process are clearly spelled out in the chapter bylaws.

It is important to realize that the Faculty Council, and not your advisors, will make the final judgment for inappropriate behavior or violations as stated above. Should you desire the right of appeal for any decisions made by the Council, you have the right to do so. This can be done by submitting a written request to your Advisors for an appeal to the Principal. The Principal will be given a copy of the letter and complete an investigation of all matters concerning the member including a meeting with the member, those involved and the Faculty Council before rendering a decision. If the member is still not satisfied the member and/or the parent may appeal to the Chief School Administrator. The Chief School Administrator can conduct an additional investigation and meeting before ultimately making the final decision. The National Organization does not hear any appeals from the local NHS chapters.

If a member is placed on Probation or a member has not completed any of the membership obligations such as the required community service or fundraising obligations that member will be considered a member not in good standing. If this occurs to any senior member by June of their graduation year he or she will not be permitted to wear the stole and tassel at the graduation ceremony. If a member is dismissed, it will be placed on your permanent school transcripts besides losing any and all privileges of membership including the wearing the NHS national stole at graduation ceremonies.

Congratulations on your induction and membership to the Passaic County Technical Institute’s National Honor Society! We know that your will do your utmost to maintain this honor and privilege now and in the future. We encourage you to continue to set your goals on being the best that you can be. Your diligence and responsible behavior will be your commitment to this wonderful honor that is being bestowed on you. We look forward to your participation and effort in making this NHS team of outstanding students the example for all to admire, respect and emulate.

Respectfully, Mr. M. Hanczaryk / Ms. A. Esteves

The undersigned herby agree that they have read and understand all the expectations of the PCTI National Honor Society’s Code, Conduct and Ethics. A copy of this agreement will be placed in your personal membership file.

Members Signature Date

Parent/Guardian Signature