National Honor Society (NHS)

NHS and NJHS

Common Questions

Q: How, Why, Is there, What?

A: Most of the questions can be answered by reading the bylaws found on the NHS page on the Dawson High School website. Please check there if you have questions or concerns. If they aren’t answered, check below and then contact the campus advisor.

Q:  How do you get an invitation to apply?

A:

NJHS

You must be in 6-7th Grade, and have an 88 GPA, no modified curriculum, and limited or no disciplinary referrals. See the bylaws for specifics. This is reviewed during the Spring Semester.

NHS

You must be in 9-11th Grade, and have a 90 GPA, no modified curriculum, and limited or no disciplinary referrals. See the bylaws for specifics. This is reviewed during the Spring Semester.

Q: Why did my child not get selected after they applied?

A: The faculty counsel is made up of members of the staff at DISD. This group is to remain anonymous, per the bylaws. The group reviews the applications that have had the applicant's name replaced with a random number, so that no personal prejudices have an influence on the selection process. The campus advisor, Mr. Brumley, is not a member of the selection committee, along with the principal, Mr. Dawson. This is per the national guidelines. You may look at the 4 pillars that the societies are based upon and see if the applicant has areas that they may need to grow. There’s no process in which the reason behind applications not being accepted are revealed. If they continue to qualify, they may reapply each year. Nationwide, only about 17% of the applicants are accepted as members. The application submitted is reviewed along with any records that may be a part of the students educational file, pertaining to their performance during the reviewable time period.

Q: Is there an appeal process, if the applicant is not selected?

A: An appeal may be filed per the district’s policy for appeals. You may contact the district for this policy, or it may be found online.