August 25, 2016

Dear Students,

Thank you for your interest in Richland High School’s Jr. Beta Club! As a potential candidate for admission/continued membership into the National Junior Beta Club, we look forward to sharing in your goals and aspirations as you matriculate through the Jr. High experience. The National Junior Beta Club is an organization that is committed to both educational excellence and service to our local community. To be selected for membership, admission/membership into Beta is based on maintaining an overall average of 85 (no C’s) on all core subjects (Science, Language Arts, Math/Algebra, History, and Technology/STEM) or higher as well as the leadership characteristics you display in the classroom and community. It is an extreme honor to be one of the select students who have been nominated for an admission prospect and we truly look forward to working with you in the near future.

Traditionally, the National Junior Beta Club is responsible for enhancing school pride and service within the community. This year BETA members will discuss and participate in various volunteer/community service and fundraising opportunities. As a group, we help support the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation of Jackson, Mississippi to help support and bring awareness to the foundation and the sickle cell community. These activities allow BETA members the opportunity to utilize their leadership skills for the greater good and to make a difference in our school and community.

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to fill out the information form attached and return to a Jr. Beta Advisor no later than Thursday, September 01, 2016. We will begin the 2016- 2017 school year inducting new members into Richland High School’s National Junior Beta Club. This date is tentative for September 19, 2016, as more information will be provided. As you read the attached form, you will find that students participating in the National Junior Beta Club are asked to display and support the ideals of BETA: character, service, achievement, and leadership in a global community. Not only are you required to maintain an overal average of 85 or above, but you will be required to attend the scheduled meetings and community service projects. All guidelines are enforced and must be completed in order to maintain membership in Jr. Beta Club.

We are very proud of your dedication and successful academic achievement!

Best wishes,

Ms. Tamara Taylor, Sponsor

The Faculty Council will consider the following for membership: o Grades – Students must maintain an overall average of 85 (core subjects only) for each grading period while they are in the Beta Club. Students who receive a letter grade of “C” or fails to maintain the required average of 85 will be assigned to probationary status. Y1 (Year) Grades determine eligibility. S1 (semester 1) grades determine probationary status. If a member is removed due to grades, he/she can not re-enter Jr. Beta Club until 9th grade for Sr. Beta Club (high school). Current members who had a C on Y1 grades will be placed on probation until the S1 marking period for 2016 (December).

o Teacher Evaluations/Recommendations – Teachers will be asked to comment on the quality of character of all potential BETA members.

o Community Service Hours – A minimum of ten (10) HOURS are required to be completed per year. BETA expects that each student will participate in a variety of service projects and activities during the school year. This will require the commitment of time and effort. FORMS are provided for documentation and accountability purposes.

o Dues- Jr. Beta Club Chapter dues are: (NEW: fee does include 1st t-shirt) o $30 (8th GRADE Returning members) o $40 (NEW/Transfer members) This includes members from another school AND members from Richland Upper Elementary School.

o Packet information Students will need to complete and return all necessary attachments for admission to BETA by September 1, 2016.

FYI

This process involves important timelines to which you must adhere.

Completed packets are due to Ms. Taylor on or by Thursday, September 1, 2016. Dues: deadline Tuesday, September 6 , 2016 (Please contact Ms. Taylor ([email protected] ) if you have additional concerns regarding due date for Dues or request extension)

National Junior Beta Regional Convention will be held March 19-21, 2017 Location: Mississippi Coast Convention Center, Biloxi MS Registration Deadline: February 19, 2016 Registration FEE: $20.00 National Junior Beta National Convention will be held June 25-28, 2017 Location: Orlando, Florida!!!! Registration FEE: $20.00 BETA Members will be competing at state… and hopes for a national participation this year again. New Orleans was a great success in 2016! More information to follow! Trip Fees have not been finalized. However, general cost for previous years has been $240-260 for state. We will make every attempt to fundraise money to cover a portion of your student’s cost for this major event in Beta. (more information pending) Richland High School’s National Junior Beta Club Student Activity Information Packet

Directions: Complete all sections. If not applicable, please write N/A. Do not leave blanks. Please type or print neatly in black ink. Do not be modest; if additional space is needed, please attach a separate sheet. PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION LEGIBLY.

Name: ______Grade: ______

Student ID: ______Telephone: ______

Address: ______Zip: ______

E-mail: ______Homeroom Teacher: ______

Are you able to stay after school for scheduled meetings? Yes No

Are you able to commit to serving your community and school? Yes No

Will you be able to complete at least 10 hours of community service per school year? Yes No

Will you be a positive role model and leader? Yes No

Are you interested in running for BETA office? Yes No (IF you are an officer in another organization, you can not be a Beta Officer due to obligations)

All BETA member have a responsibility to compete at convention. Are you interested in competing at Regional Convention? Yes No

I. In-School Activities – Leadership Positions – List all activities in which you have participated during high school. Include clubs, sports teams, cheerleading, musical groups, student council, etc., and major accomplishments in each. List all elected or appointed leadership positions; only those positions in which you were directly responsible for directing or motivating others should be included. For example, elected study body, class, or club officer, committee chairperson, team captain, newspaper editor, etc.

Year Accomplishments/ Activity Adult Sponsor Name 7th 8th Leadership Position II. Out-of-School Activities – Leadership Positions. List all activities in which you have participated outside of school. Include clubs, teams, church groups, theater/dance clubs, musical groups, student council, etc., and major accomplishments in each. List all elected or appointed leadership positions; only those positions in which you were directly responsible for directing or motivating others should be included. For example, elected study body, class, or club officer, committee chairperson, team captain, newspaper editor, etc.

Year Accomplishments/ Activity Adult Sponsor Name 7th 8th Leadership Position

III. Work Experience, Recognition and Awards – List below any job experiences, honors, or recognition you have received that support your bid to be selected for membership in the National Junior Beta Club. Work experience may be either paid or volunteer. You may include middle school under this category only.

Job Recognition Year Group Activity/Number of Hours Spent on and/or Award 7th 8th Job or Volunteer Activity

IV. Teacher Recommendations- Please have 4 of your core teachers complete the designated Recommendation Handout. Their feedback of your performance in class is an essential part of your acceptance to the National Junior Beta Club. All Recommendation Forms should be submitted in a sealed envelope. a. English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Technology Student and Parent Acknowledgement

I understand that completing this packet does not guarantee selection to BETA and affirm that the information presented herein is accurate.

______Student Signature Date

I have read the information provided by my son/daughter in this packet and can verify that it is true, accurate, and complete in its presentation.

______Parent Signature Date Teacher Recommendation Form

National Junior Beta Club Richland High School 1202 Hwy. 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218

Name of Student

This student is applying for acceptance to the National Junior Beta Club. Your input is extremely valuable and we appreciate your assistance.

Name of Teacher Subject Taught

Please respond candidly to each selection by checking the appropriate circle for each category. TEACHERS …. Please fold and tape closed return to the BOX of T. Taylor. Thanks.

Below Average Average Excellent Outstanding

Academic Achievement

Intellectual Promise

Written Communication

Oral Communication

Creativity

Open Mindedness

Class Discussion

Disciplined

Work Habits

Motivation Respect

Comments:

Teacher Recommendation Form National Junior Beta Club Richland High School 1202 Hwy. 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218

Name of Student

This student is applying for acceptance to the National Junior Beta Club. Your input is extremely valuable and we appreciate your assistance.

Name of Teacher Subject Taught

Please respond candidly to each selection by checking the appropriate circle for each category. TEACHERS …. Please fold and tape closed return to the BOX of T. Taylor. Thanks.

Below Average Average Excellent Outstanding

Academic Achievement

Intellectual Promise

Written Communication

Oral Communication

Creativity

Open Mindedness

Class Discussion

Disciplined

Work Habits

Motivation Respect

Comments:

Teacher Recommendation Form National Junior Beta Club Richland High School 1202 Hwy. 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218

Name of Student

This student is applying for acceptance to the National Junior Beta Club. Your input is extremely valuable and we appreciate your assistance.

Name of Teacher Subject Taught

Please respond candidly to each selection by checking the appropriate circle for each category. TEACHERS …. Please fold and tape closed return to the BOX of T. Taylor. Thanks.

Below Average Average Excellent Outstanding

Academic Achievement

Intellectual Promise

Written Communication

Oral Communication

Creativity

Open Mindedness

Class Discussion

Disciplined

Work Habits

Motivation Respect

Comments:

Teacher Recommendation Form National Junior Beta Club Richland High School 1202 Hwy. 49 South Richland, Mississippi 39218

Name of Student

This student is applying for acceptance to the National Junior Beta Club. Your input is extremely valuable and we appreciate your assistance.

Name of Teacher Subject Taught

Please respond candidly to each selection by checking the appropriate circle for each category. TEACHERS …. Please fold and tape closed return to the BOX of T. Taylor. Thanks.

Below Average Average Excellent Outstanding

Academic Achievement

Intellectual Promise

Written Communication

Oral Communication

Creativity

Open Mindedness

Class Discussion

Disciplined

Work Habits

Motivation Respect

Comments: