We were proud to induct our second group of students into the Newton Bateman Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. The Faculty Council approved twenty-two students for membership this year. We have four 6th grade members, three 7th grade members, and fifteen 8th grade members. We are grateful that some parents, siblings, and grandparents were able to witness the initiation ceremony.
 
Currently, we are meeting every two weeks, on Friday afternnons at 3:00 in Room 314. 

Founded in 1929, the National Junior Honor Society currently has chapters in all 50 states and more than 70 countries. Its mission is to promote academic excellence, leadership, and service in middle school students. Although similar in nature to the National Honor Society for high school students, it is a separate organization.

Students interested in applying for membership to the National Junior Honor Society must be in the sixth, seventh, or eighth grade. Additionally, they must have been students at Bateman school for at least the two previous quarters. Candidates must have demonstrated leadership and citizenship in the classroom and school activities. The academic requirement is a B average in core subjects and all specials classes. School attendance is also a consideration. Students interested in applying should contact Mr. Phelps.

Each student member must participate in a individual service project. 8th grade students have worked with Mr. Phelps to implement their project, while 6th and 7th grade students have worked with Mr. Nowak. Some students have volunteered at Bateman as reading and math tutors and by helping in the library. Other students are serving at their places of worship. 

The NJHS structure at Bateman consists of four levels: co-advisors, the Faculty Council, the Executive Committee, and the student members. Mr. Justin Nowak and Mr. James Phelps are the co-advisors. While they oversee that day-to-day operations of the Bateman chapter, they do not vote on any matters. The Faculty Council approves the chapter by-laws and member selection process and decides on all membership applications. Currently, the Faculty Council members are Mrs. Karen Tellez (8th grade teacher), Mr. Patrick West (7th grade teacher), Ms. Dori Lawrence (6th grade teacher), and Mr. Adam Geisler (6th grade teacher). The Executive Committee consists of four student officers: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The Committee will meet with Mr. Phelps and Mr. Nowak to review any matters that may arise in between the regular meeting of the membership. Lastly, the chapter membership is comprised of the twenty-two student members. These members will vote on all matters other than the students' applications. 

The 2012 NJHS class has committed to the following three service projects:

April 21, 2012: We observed Earth Day by cleaning up about fifty pounds of garbage along the Chicago River at the Bunker Hill Forest Preserve. Twenty students joined Ms. Nokes (a student teacher for seventh and eighth grade science students) and Mr. Phelps for this activity. We fortified ourselves with donuts before setting out into the great Chicago wilderness. We overcame muddy paths and vicious butterflies to successfully complete our mission. Before heading for home, we enjoyed a picnic lunch, rolling down the hill,  and games of volleyball and soccer. Way to go students! I'm proud of all of you. 

I'd like to add a special thanks to Mrs. Valkanas's student teacher, Ms. Nokes. Besides coming as a chaperone, Ms. Nokes took most of the pictures. You may view them by clicking on the link for photo albums. She also found and hauled back to Bateman the deer bones that are now in the science lab. Good luck to you, Ms. Nokes.

May 19: We will have another outdoor clean-up The site is yet to be determined.

June 9: We will join volunteers from Chicago Cares to help paint Bateman School.

Bateman
James Phelps