Program of Studies 2008/09
Recognition Programs
Included in this section:
- Honor Roll
- Honors Classes
- Rank in Class
- National Honor Society
- North Chicago Community Academic Honor Society
Honor Roll
One of the academic honors that can be achieved at NCCHS is a place on the semester honor roll. Students who maintain outstanding academic grades will be recognized on the Academic Achievement Listing at the end of the semester). In order to be considered, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of four (4) major subjects while earning a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Students who earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the semester (weighted or unweighted) will be recognized at the Principal’s Honors Breakfast as follows:
| Honor Roll | 3.0 – 3.49 |
| Dean’s List | 3.5 – 3.99 |
| Principal’s Scholar | 4.0 – higher |
Honors Classes
Honors curriculum courses are not necessarily recommended for all students who are college bound. The courses are designed for students who are capable of learning difficult material at an advanced pace. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who:- Have a strong interest in a particular subject
- Have proved academic achievement in that subject area as demonstrated through:
- Proficient or advance proficient on PSAE / state test ISAT
- Grades of A (or strong documentation of high achievement) in classroom performance
- Additional standardized test data
- Are willing to accept a high rigorous, challenging, and fast paced curriculum
- Want to strengthen their preparation for future study
Honors classes and AP classes have weighted grades in determining GPA. The following point system is used:
A = 5 points
B = 4 points
C = 3 points
D = 2 points
F = 0 points
Rank In Class
Class rank for each student is based on the cumulative GPA that is computed at the end of each semester. Students may obtain their rank from their counselor. The rank noted on the permanent record reflects the rank that the student holds by the end of the 7th semester of the student’s high school career. Since most college admission decisions are heavily based on class rank and college entrance examination scores, the student rank is an important part of the school record. The student ranked number one in the Senior Class is referred to as “Valedictorian” and the number two-ranked student is the “Salutatorian”. All students are included in the rank pool whether they have weighted GPA’s or not. Note: Class rank is based on GPA’s from the previous semester.
National Honor Society
North Chicago Community High School has a National Honor Society chapter that recognizes students in the areas of scholarship, character, service, and overall leadership. It also functions as a service organization in order to provide services to NCCHS. Each spring, a special faculty committee, headed by the Director of Guidance, selects members of the sophomore, junior, and senior classes for membership in the National Honor Society.
To be eligible for this honor, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Scholarship: Seniors, juniors and sophomores must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Leadership and Service: Candidates must participate actively in no fewer than two (2) school activities during the first five (5) semesters. Membership must extend to the end of the semester or the end of the school year, as appropriate. Students must fill out a Student Activity Information form.
- Character: Acceptable character is defined as; Integrity - no incidents of cheating or dishonesty.
- Positive Behavior: follows the rules and regulations regarding attendance and discipline as described in the student handbook.
- Ethics: wants to do the “right’ thing in various situations. Stresses courtesy, concern, cooperation and respect for others.
- Personality: exemplifies desirable qualities of personality such as cheerfulness, friendliness and stability.
North Chicago CommunityAcademic Honor Society
North Chicago Community High School, in conjunction with all of the grade schools in School District 187, formed the North Chicago Community Academic Honor Society. Membership is open to 7th, 8th and 9th graders. Selections and inductions are held in the spring semester of each year. Eligibility requirements are similar to those stated for the National Honor Society.