WMS Distinctions

  • WMS National Junior Honor Society

    The National Junior Honor Society chapter of Westside Middle School is a duly chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious national organization. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in five areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Standards for selection are established by the national office of NJHS and have been revised to meet our local chapter needs. Students are selected to be members by a 5-member Faculty Council, appointed by the principal, which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school each year. Students in the second semester of seventh grade or grade eight are eligible for membership. Those students who meet the scholarship criterion of a 3.8 on the 4.0 scale are invited to complete a Student Activity Information Form that provides the Faculty Council with information regarding the candidate’s leadership and service. A history of leadership experiences and participation in school or community service is also required.

    To evaluate a candidate’s character, the Faculty Council uses two forms of input. First, school disciplinary records are reviewed. Second, members of the faculty are solicited for input regarding their professional reflections on a candidate’s service activities, character,
    citizenship, and leadership These forms and the Student Activity Information Forms are carefully reviewed by the Faculty Council to determine membership. A majority vote of the Council is necessary for selection. Candidates are notified regarding selection or non-
    selection according to a predetermined schedule.

    Following notification, a formal induction ceremony is held at the school to recognize all the newly selected members. Once inducted, new members are required to maintain the same level of performance (or better) in all five criteria that led to their selection. This obligation includes regular attendance at chapter meetings during the school year, and participation in the chapter service projects(s). Students or parents who have questions regarding the selection process or membership obligations can contact the chapter adviser, Kristen Job, job.kristen@westside66.net.

    Rotary Honor Roll

    Each interdisciplinary team nominates 10 students (for a total of 40 students) who they feel best exemplifies the ideals of the Rotary Club.  The WMS faculty then votes from the 40 nominated students, narrowing the list to 25 students to represent WMS at the Rotary
    luncheon in May.  The following characteristics best represent the ideals of the Rotary Club.

    • Leadership – works well with others, respects the opinions of others, is honest, dependable and reliable
    • Character – kind and courteous, responsible, demonstrates respect for others and for the environment
    • Scholarship – demonstrates a thirst for knowledge, shows ownership of academic outcomes, respects teachers and the learning environment
    • Presence – behaves appropriately, respects self and others in dress, speech and actions, portrays a positive self-image

    WMS Staff Awards

    Westside Middle School has five traveling awards.  This is a fun way to let other staff members know that we are aware of all that they do.

    The Golden Apple… goes to a teacher who promotes learning and goes above and beyond for an individual student, group of students, or for staff and serves as a model to us all.

    The Tireless Teacher…goes to a teacher who has put in a great deal of extra time and energy.

    The Cup of Kindness…goes to a teacher or support staff who does random acts of kindness.

    Warrior Award: In A Supporting Role…goes to a support staff member who does an excellent job of supporting other staff and/or students, and/or parents.

    The Fish Award…goes to someone who is playful; faces each day with optimism and interest and helps others to have a good day; is there for others and on top of the game, and chooses to be positive, i.e. personify the FISH philosophy.

    The Lighthouse Award…goes to someone who is innovative in the classroom.