Thomas A. Kraft Chapter

of the

National Junior Honor Society

Since 1977, when we received our charter, Macopin School has had the pleasure of offering high-achieving students membership in the Thomas A. Kraft Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.  Induction into this organization is based on excellence in each of the following areas:  Scholarship, Leadership, Character, Service, and Citizenship.  The following is an explanation of the criteria for membership in the Thomas A. Kraft Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

 Scholarship

By the end of the second marking period of their eighth grade year, students must have achieved a 3.75 grade point average. This GPA is a cumulative average based on student grades in all subject areas from six marking periods (four marking periods in seventh grade and two marking periods in eighth grade).

 Leadership and Character

Nominees must exhibit positive leadership and character qualities, both at Macopin School and in the community.  These are demonstrated through offices or positions held, team cooperation, school spirit, and positive interaction with peers and faculty members, both within and outside of the instructional setting. Faculty members are asked to complete a subjective survey, rating each NJHS candidate from 0 to 3 on the leadership and character attributes these nominees display.  Any student who receives an average score of 2 or higher in each of these areas may be considered for membership.  In addition, students must obtain a signed letter of recommendation from someone outside the educational community who can attest to the candidate’s character and leadership qualities.

 Service and Activities

 As part of the application process, candidates are required to complete paperwork that asks them to list their involvement in school and community recreational and service activities. The minimum requirement for membership is two school-based recreational activities and two school-based service activities and two community-based recreational activities and two community-based service activities for each of the two grades, seven and eight.  The following are examples of possible school and community recreational and service activities.

School Service                          School Activity             Community Service                   Community Activity

Macopin Mediators                     Intramural Sports            Beautification Day                    Sports Teams

Newspaper Club                         Drama Club                   Church Service Activity             Scouts

Yearbook Club                           Activity Nights                Scout Service Activity               Cheering

Fundraising                                 Class Trips                     Animal Shelter Volunteer            Lessons (Dance, Music)

Soup Labels/Box Tops                 After-School Chorus       Babysitting                                Youth Group

Kids Against Pollution                  Art Club                         Food Drives                              Jobs

Peer Tutoring                              Band

Student Council

Toward the end of February, eighth grade students who have met the academic criteria will be invited to apply for membership in the National Junior Honor Society.  More specific information about criteria and application standards will be distributed to eligible students at that time.

 If you have any questions regarding Macopin’s National Junior Honor Society, please feel free to contact your child’s guidance counselor, or the NJHS advisors, Laura Borgess and Melissa Cavagnino.  These numbers are listed below for your convenience.

Macopin Guidance Office (973) 697-5691 Ext. 130

Laura Borgess (973) 697-5691 Ext. 309

Melissa Cavagnino (973) 697-5691 Ext 356