September 2016

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Register now for any 2016–17 NHS/NJHS college admission planning webinar
Registration is open now for all sessions in the 2016-17 National Honor Societies’ college admission and financial aid planning webinar series. The first webinar, “The College Application Process: An Insider’s View,” is Wednesday, September 28, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. (ET). Members and parents will hear from college admission officers about what it takes to really make a college application stand out. Visit the NHS or NJHS Adviser Resource Center’s “Publicizing NHS/NJHS Programs & Services” for an email, flier, and sample social media posts to help you promote this to your members.

The First Lady Wants to Help Your Students Go to College
Pass this news on to your senior members: First Lady Michelle Obama has launched a totally free tool to walk them through the whole college application and financial aid process—all through texting. Up Next, Better Make Room‘s text-messaging tool, gives high school seniors personalized support about the college search and application process, federal student aid, even student loan repayment. All students have to do is text “COLLEGE” to 44044, and Up Next will text reminders, advice, and encouragement about important deadlines. Learn more about Up Next here.

2016 National Principals Month Video Contest Underway
Submissions for the 2016 National Principals Month video contest are now being accepted! Make a brief video giving “props” to your principal—telling us why you love your principal and what he or she means to you, your school, and your community. Read the Contest Rules first, then check out the 2015 winning videos to view all the amazing entries on our Principals Month YouTube playlist. Three winners will be selected to receive a $200 Best Buy gift card, and the winning videos will be announced on the National Principals Month website. To enter, upload your video on YouTube and complete the Contest Registration Form.

LEAD Conference Early-Bird Registration Deadlines Set
Take advantage of the special early-bird registration rate to save $20 per person for LEAD Conferences this school year. For LEAD Denver, early-bird registration closes on October 14. For LEAD DC, the early-bird deadline is December 19, and for Chicago the early-bird deadline is January 13. Join us at one of this year’s LEAD Conferences to energize your leadership and network with like-minded student leaders and advisers. Special Honor Society adviser training and other new programming are planned for this year. Find out more on the LEAD Conferences website.

NHS Virtual College Fair Coming Next Month
Your members can chat live with college admissions representatives from dozens of colleges and universities via their desktop, tablet, or smartphone on Thursday, October 20. Log in any time between 2:00 and 10:00 p.m. (ET). Registration is now open. It’s a great way for students and their parents to create or narrow down a college wish list. Advisers are welcome to join too. Register and be sure to visit the NHS Scholarship program booth too. Learn more and register here.

Webinar for Advisers—The Every Student Succeeds Act: What Students Need to Know
Recently, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) became law. This webinar will explain how this legislation requires students to be engaged in developing their school improvement plans, as well as in providing opportunities for a well-rounded education, a safe and healthy learning environment, and digital learning opportunities. Ann Postlewaite, NASSP’s director of student programs will present along with Amanda Karhuse, NASSP’s advocacy director. They will offer in-depth insight into how school leaders and students can work together to ensure the new law meets the specific needs of their community. It takes place Wednesday, September 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (ET). To register, visit www.nassp.org/webinars.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Open
Volunteer service simply makes teens “feel good about themselves,” according to research conducted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The award program is the U.S.’s largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service. Applications are now being accepted. Your school should have received an information packet by mail. Ten national winners will be chosen to receive $5,000 and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for the charity of their choice. The National Association of Secondary School Principals, parent organization of the National Honor Societies, is a program sponsor. Learn more here.

HONOR SOCIETY TIPS AND TOOLS

New Advisers
Welcome! Many new advisers have contacted us with questions about your role and duties. The “New Chapters and New Advisers” section of the Adviser Resource Center provides a checklist for chapters and the Adviser Basics manual. Visit today on the NHS or NJHS website to familiarize yourself with these resources. Even veteran advisers will find this section a helpful refresher.

Welcome Members
A sample welcome letter that outlines programs and opportunities for student members is available for you to download and reproduce. Share it with your members at a meeting and give it to new members as they are inducted. Find it by visiting “Publicizing NHS/NJHS Programs & Services” in the Adviser Resource Center of the NHS and NJHS websites.

Selection Timelines
How much time should chapters give candidates to complete their candidate information form? There is no mandatory timeframe, but there are several questions to consider: Is the length of time you give reasonable? Also, how many forms are candidates expected to complete? Allow enough time for candidates to review all documents associated with their candidacy. If candidates are required to submit teacher recommendations, allow time for that as well. See “Selecting Members” in the NHS or NJHS Adviser Resource Center for customizable material.

Visit the National Student Project Database

There are more than 5,000 project ideas available at your fingertips! Log on now to the National Student Project Database on the NHS and NJHS websites for ideas from other schools, and to submit your own successful projects!

Is there something you’d like us to include in next month’s Honor Society News? Email your ideas or suggestions to [email protected].

IMPORTANT DATES

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