CHS Home | StuCo Home

Columbia High School Student Council Constitution

as drafted by Council Sponsor Spear, approved by CHS Principal Galloway, and adopted by the Student Council Executive Officers Zackary Kaspar, Lauryn Kennemer, Todd Loggins, Samantha Martinez, Sarah Logsdon, and Natalie Kuban in the month of September of the year 2007.

 

Table of Contents:

                        Preamble                                                                                 

                        Article I. Organization Name

                        Article II. General Aims and Objectives

                        Article III. Membership

                                Section 1. Executive Council Members

                                Section 2. Additional Council Members

                                Section 3. Maintaining Member Status

                        Article IV. Elections

                                Section 1. Officers

                                Section 2. Procedures

                                Section 3. Campaigning Rules                  

                        Article V. Student Council Commitment

                                Section 1. Committees                     

                        Article VI. Powers and Duties of the Student Council

                                Section 1. Powers of the Student Council          

                                Section 2. Duties of the Student Council           

                        Article VII. Meetings

                                Section 1. Executive Officer meetings               

                                Section 2. General Assembly meetings             

                                Section 3. Special Sessions                       

                        Article VIII. Points

                                Section 1. Earning Points                  

                                Section 2. Minimum Point requirements            

                                Section 3. Point penalties                 

                        Article IX. Letter Jackets

                                Section 1. Guidelines                        

                        Article X. Amendments

                                Section 1. Process                            

                                Section 2. Amendments                   

                        Appendix A. Sponsor Information                     

                        Appendix B. Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) Information

 

Preamble

We, the students of Columbia High School, in order to ensure for ourselves, our school and our successors

          a bridge of communication among the various school organizations;

          a voice of representation for the student body in every phase of school life;

          a forum to foster, improve and develop democracy in the school and community;

          a role model embodying the qualities of citizenship and leadership;

          and the promotion of a better understanding among a diversified student body,

do hereby ordain and establish this constitution for the Columbia High Student Council.
top

Article I. Organization Name

This organization shall be known as the Columbia High School Student Council.

 

Article II. General Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the Columbia High School Student Council shall be:

          a. to represent students of Columbia High School in a responsible and respectable manner by participating in an organized democracy;

          b. to promote citizenship through activities related to pride and patriotism which provide for a sense of community and school;

          c. to provide an open forum for the discussion of activities, as well as problems, and how to address those at Columbia High School;

          d. to promote school morale and spirit through meaningful activities which support the school both in and outside of the classroom;

          e. to provide examples of leadership and fellowship for all members of the student body,

          f. to cooperate with the community in activities to promote community and school;

          g. and to promote respect for authority and individual rights.
top

 

Article III. Membership

The Columbia High School Student Council, in order to be an effective representative body of the students of Columbia High School,

shall consist of an Executive Council, a minimum of four (4) officers from each grade level, one (1) faculty Council Sponsor, and

the General Assembly membership, as outlined below.
top

Section 1.

Executive Council Members

The Columbia High School Executive Officers will consist of a Council President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Historian.

These officers and Committee Chairpersons should be self-starters. They should know their jobs as described below, and should take the initiative and responsibility to carry them out effectively. They should promote and help with all Student Council activities. They should hold a sense of duty, responsibility, and respect toward their school and community.

          a. Executive Officers hold the privilege of choosing the committee he/she will chair.

          b. Executive Officers will nominate and appoint, via majority vote, any and all committee heads.

          c. Executive Officers will nominate and create, via majority vote, any committees deemed necessary by the Executive Council,

                   the Council Sponsor, and/or the Principal.

          d. Executive Officers will, at all times, model and demonstrate the highest values, principles, and ideas of Council and school life.

          e. Executive Officers are responsible for recruiting at least one (1) member from each school club and/or organization to be an active

                   member in Student Council.
top

I. President

The Executive Presidential officer is responsible for:

          a. Scheduling, organizing, and running all Executive Member and General Assembly Student Council meetings.

          b. Ensuring that the rules of order in a meeting are in accordance with Parliamentary Procedure.

          c. Preparing agendas for each meeting with the Executive Officers and the Sponsor prior to each meeting.

          d. Attending the calendar meeting with the Principal and Student Council sponsor to schedule Student Council activities.

          e. Meeting regularly with the Principal and Student Council sponsor to discuss Student Council events and school issues.

          f. Joining school-wide panels and committees as a student representative.

          g. Remaining a formal representative of the student body of Columbia High School and the CHS Student Council at any occasion.

          h. If holding a Senior status, organizing the elections for Student Council Executive Officers and Class Officers.

          i. Organizing the Officers' Banquet after the elections for the coming year's swearing-in ceremony.

          j. Coordinating for communication among the various school organizations, the community, and the administration.

          k. Keeping a sense of all the expenditures of the CHS Student Council.

          l. Being the voice of the Student Council and the CHS student body at Board of Education meetings, and is able (and encouraged) to

                   express views on any subject discussed by the Board of Education.

          m. Working with the Council Sponsor and the Executive Council in formulating ideas for the Student Council Gift for the betterment of the CHS campus.

          n. Overseeing the work of his/her Executive Council to ensure its effectiveness.

          o. Performing any duties delegated to him/her by the Council Sponsor and/or Principal.

II. Vice President

The Executive Vice Presidential officer is responsible for:

          a. Meeting frequently with the President to discuss the Student Council's activities and progress, and any updates from meetings with the                             Principal.

          b. Undertaking the duties of the President when he/she is unable to fulfill them.

          c. If holding a Senior status, organizing the elections for Student Council Executive Officers and Class Officers.

          d. Organizes the Officers' Banquet after the elections for the coming year's swearing-in ceremony.

          e. Assisting the President in running and organizing all Student Council meetings.

          f. Ensuring that all committees perform their duties as dictated by the council.

          g. Working with the President and Council Sponsor in producing an activities calendar for each six weeks and overseeing the distribution of     said calendar to all Council members.

          h. Keeping a copy of each 6 weeks activity calendar in the Student Council Journal to be accessible by any member.

          i. Working with the Executive Secretary in the creation of a reproducible member roster for sign-in at each meeting.

          j. Working with the Executive Secretary in the creation of member contact information to be kept in the Student Council Journal to be                            accessible by any member.

          k. Performing any duties delegated to him/her by the Council Sponsor and/or Principal.
top

III. Secretary

The Executive Secretarial officer is responsible for:

          a. Recording all minutes of both Executive Officer and General Assembly Student Council meetings.

          b. Typing and copying all minutes and reports which are to be kept in the Student Council Journal to be accessible by any member.

          c. Presenting the minutes of each prior meeting at every Student Council meeting.

          d. Working with the Executive Vice President in the creation of a reproducible member roster for sign-in at each meeting.

          e. Maintaining and keeping a typed and/or photocopied record of all meeting attendance in the Student Council Journal to be accessible by any member.

          f. Distributing points-tracking sheets among members, and tallying points accumulated by each member on a six-weeks basis.

          g. Council member points are to be typed and placed in the Student Council Journal to be accessible by any member.

          h. Assisting the Executive Parliamentarian with tracking those members on probation for grades and/or Council points.

          i. Working with the Executive Vice President in the creation of member contact information to be kept in the Student Council Journal to be                  accessible by any member.

          j. Nominating CHS Student Council Member of the Month with the Council Sponsor and presenting this nomination at the final meeting of                          each month for a majority vote.

          k. Sending all CHS Student Council correspondence, including Thank You notes, within the timely manner of five (5) school days.

          l. Issuing formal letters of Honorary Membership to any foreign exchange student(s) at Columbia High School, and inviting him/her to                         actively participate.

          m. Performing any duties delegated to him/her by the President, Council Sponsor, and/or Principal.
top

IV. Treasurer

The Executive Treasurer is responsible for:

          a. Working with the sponsor to produce and present a written statement of all fundraising efforts and expenses to the Student Council on

                   a monthly basis.

          b. Keeping a typed report all financial aspects of the Student Council in the Student Council Journal to be accessible by any member.

          c. Helping to administer and Student Council dues and the collection of all Student Council monies.

          d. Working with the Executive Council and the Council Sponsor in the creation of a Council budget for the school year which includes                           financial goals for the future.

          e. Working with the Executive Council and the Council Sponsor in obtaining the Student Council Gift for the betterment of the CHS                           campus.

          f. Performing any duties delegated to him/her by the President, Council Sponsor, and/or Principal.
top

V. Parliamentarian

The Executive Parliamentarian is responsible for:

          a. Procuring a copy of and knowing the Rules of Parliamentary Procedures.

          b. Assisting the Executive President in the overseeing of each meeting to ensure that Parliamentary Procedures are followed.

          c. Assisting the Executive Secretary in the distribution of points-tracking sheets among members, and the tallying of points                                accumulated by each member on a six-weeks basis.

          d. Maintaining a current record of all Council members on probation for grades and/or Council points.

          e. Assisting probationary members in obtaining tutoring for each jeopardized subject area and following up with these students at two week intervals.

          f. Informing probationary members of upcoming activities.

          g. Keeping the Executive President and the Council Sponsor updated as to which members will receive probation for grades and/or points, as well as each probationary member who has regained their membership status.

          h. Keeping the Executive President and the Council Sponsor informed and updated of any disciplinary action or behavioral issues of the                      General Assembly membership.

          i. Performing any duties delegated to him/her by the President, Council Sponsor, and/or Principal.
top

VI. Historian

The Executive Historian is responsible for:

          a. Recording all activities and events of the Student Council for the school year in picture format.

          b. Coordinating with the Photojournalism Sponsor and staff in obtaining any useful photographs for the Student Council State Scrapbook.

          c. Creating an attractive scrapbook in which to keep a pictorial record of the activities and events of the Student Council for the current year.

          d. Creating a slide-show "The Year in Photographs" presentation to be viewed at the final Council meeting of the school year.

          e. Completing the Student Council State Scrapbook in time for presentation at the State Convention.

          f. Recording and keeping on file descriptions, dates and examples of Council activities and events for use in documentation for state forms.

          g. Coordinating with the Executive Secretary in order to maintain a monthly log of activities and events.

          h. Performing any duties delegated to him/her by the President, Council Sponsor, and/or Principal.
top

VII. Council Sponsor

The CHS Student Council Sponsor will be responsible for:

          a. Providing locations for and attending Executive and General Assembly Council meetings.

          b. Creating a reproducible Executive Officers roster for sign-in at each meeting.

          c. Maintaining the Student Council Journal which is to be accessible by any council member, as well as the school administration.

          d. Providing a bridge of communication between the Student Council and the school administration.

          e. Keeping the Principal informed of all Student Council events and/or activities as well as planning meetings between the Executive President, the Principal, and the Council Sponsor.

          f. Ensuring the effectiveness of both the Executive Council as well as the General Assembly membership of the CHS Student Council.

          g. Providing a means for which each Executive Officer is able to perform his/her duties in an exemplary manner.

          h. Maintaining a record of all members and their current membership status at six-week intervals.

          i. Ensuring the proper points are dispersed and recorded for each member of the Council.

          j. Maintaining a record of any points lost for each member of the Council as a result of non-attendance, insubordination, etc.
top

 

Section 2.

Additional Council Members

I. Class Officers

The Columbia High School Student Council Class Officers will consist of a Class President, Vice President, Secretary, and

Treasurer for grade levels 9-12.
top

II General Assembly Membership

Initial membership of the Columbia High School Student Council will consist of those students showing a sincere and active interest in the activities, events, morale, and care of Columbia High School. General Assembly membership will be established at the first regular meeting of the Council. Any additional students seeking membership will have an opportunity to join the council through a "work-on" program.
top

I. Foreign Exchange Students

Any and all foreign exchange students are honorary members of the Student Council and are encouraged to participate actively.
top

Section 3.

Maintaining Member Status

I. Executive and Class Officers

          a. Officers must maintain an overall grade average of 85 for each six weeks.

                   1. If the grade average is not maintained, the officer is placed on probation for the following six weeks.

                   2. If at the end of the member's probationary period, he/she has not raised his/her average to meet the guidelines set forth in this document, that member will submit his/her resignation to the Council.

                   3. If at the end of the member's probationary period, he/she has raised his/her average to meet the guidelines set forth in this

                             document, that member will regain full, active membership status.

                   4. During a probationary period resulting from grades, probationary members are not eligible to receive Council points for that

                             six-week period.

          b. Officers shall pass each course on his/her schedule of classes.

                   1. If a (one) class is failed, the member is placed on a probationary, non-participation status as required by the No Pass-No Play      guidelines for each six week period.

                   2. During a probationary period resulting from grades, probationary members are not eligible to receive Council points for that

                             six-week period.

                   3. If a second class is failed, the member will submit his/her resignation to the Council.

          c. Officers must remain active members of the Columbia High School Student Council.

                   1. Executive members are required to chair committees, perform their duties as outlined in this document, and attend all Executive                              Officer and General Assembly Student Council meetings.

                   2. Elected Class Officers are required to serve on committees, perform their duties as outlined in this document and the Executive                        Council and Council Sponsor, and attend all regular and special session meeting of the Council.

                   3. Officers who become lax in their duties or fail to regularly attend meetings may be removed from office or asked to resign their position by an Executive Committee recommendation and a vote of the Executive council and Council Sponsor.

          d. All Executive and Class officers will conduct themselves as respectable, responsible members of the Columbia High School Student Council and student body.

          e. All Executive Officers will, should the occasion arise, provide the Council Sponsor with full access to any public forum and/or website of which he/she is a member.

          f. All Executive and Class Officers are expected to practice conduct in accordance with the general aims and objectives of this

                   constitution. Any officer failing to do so will be subject to immediate dismissal by an Executive committee recommendation

                   OR by the Council Sponsor's and Principal's discretion.

          g. Any officer who must resign for any reason will be required to petition the Executive Committee for permission to seek re-election.

          h. All officers must remain clear of any disciplinary action of any kind for any reason.

          i. All officers must keep a current record of all Council Points earned each six weeks, and must meet the minimum requirement of 15

                   points per six weeks.

          j. All officers must maintain regular attendance to all scheduled events and meetings. Council members are only allowed to miss 3 meetings.                              On the 4th absence, he/she will lose his/her position on the Council and his/her voting rights.
top

II. General Assembly Membership

          a. General Assembly council members must maintain an overall grade average of 80 for each six weeks.

                   1. If the grade average is not maintained, the member is placed on probation for the following six weeks.

                   2. If at the end of the member's probationary period, he/she has not raised his/her average to meet the guidelines set forth in this document, that member will submit his/her resignation to the Council.

                   3. If at the end of the member's probationary period, he/she has raised his/her average to meet the guidelines set forth in this

                             document, that member will regain full, active membership status.

                   4. During a probationary period resulting from grades, probationary members are not eligible to receive Council points for that

                             six-week period.

          b. Member's shall pass each course on his/her schedule of classes.

                   1. If the grade average is not maintained, the member is placed on probation for the following six weeks.

                   2. If at the end of the member's probationary period, he/she has not raised his/her average to meet the guidelines set forth in this document, that member will submit his/her resignation to the Council.

                   3. If at the end of the member's probationary period, he/she has raised his/her average to meet the guidelines set forth in this

                             document, that member will regain full, active membership status.

                   4. During a probationary period resulting from grades, probationary members are not eligible to receive Council points for that

                             six-week period.

          c. Members must remain active members of the Columbia High School Student Council.

                   1. Members are required to actively participate on committees, and perform their duties as outlined by committee heads, the                                       Executive Council and the Council Sponsor.

                   2. Members are expected to devote personal time to participate in community service projects, Council fund-raising, and events

                             and activities required by the Council.

                   3. Every representative of the CHS Student Council will practice conduct in accordance with the general aims and objectives of                              this constitution. Any member failing to do so will be subject to immediate dismissal by an Executive committee recommendation OR by the Council Sponsor's and Principal's discretion.

          d. All members must keep a current record of all Council Points earned each six weeks, and must meet the minimum requirement of 12

                   points per six weeks. This record should be turned in to the Council Parliamentarian each six weeks.

          e. All members must maintain regular attendance to all scheduled events and meetings. Council members are only allowed to miss 3 meetings. On the 4th absence, he/she will lose his/her position on the Council and his/her voting rights.
top

III. Work-On Membership

Students wishing to join the Columbia High School Student Council may do so by participating in a "work-on" program. There are several requirements an interested student must meet in order to demonstrate their desire to become a part of the school leadership team.

            a. Attend 3 consecutive meetings.
          b. Work on at least one committee.
          c. Write a letter to the Executive Committee explaining their desire to join Student Council.

After meeting these requirements, the interested student becomes a full-fledged member of Student Council with the privilege of voting. However, all requirements, responsibilities and consequences as outlined in this Constitution apply, including the attendance requirements.
top

 

Article IV. Elections

In an effort to preserve, learn of and participate in a functioning democracy, the Columbia High School Student Council employs the following rules and procedures.
top

 

 

 

Section 1.

Officers

I. The elected officers of the Columbia High School Student Council shall be:

          a. President

          b. Vice President

          c. Secretary

          d. Treasurer

II. The offices of Parliamentarian and Historian will be appointed by the Executive Officers and the Council Sponsor.

III. Nominations for elected offices will be called for during the second meeting of the fifth six weeks.

IV. All Executive Officers shall be elected during the third meeting of the fifth six weeks by a majority vote of the General Assembly Student Council members present at said meeting. Voting-by-proxy is not allowed, nor is early voting.

V. All Officer candidates, at the time of nomination, must have an 85 overall average and remain clear of any and all disciplinary repercussions.

VI. Nomination Requirements:

          a. President

                   1. The Council President must hold Senior status for the year of office. Candidates, at the time of nomination, must be a Junior                                 in good standing with all his/her classes and have been an active member of the Columbia High School Student Council in both his/her Junior and Sophomore years.

                   2. Presidential candidates must not hold another demanding position of leadership in any other school organization during the year of office. Presidential candidates should be able to devote their time solely to Student Council.

                   3. Presidential candidates must have attended at least one (1) Summer Leadership Camp, and should plan on further attendance for                                    future leadership workshop events.

          b. Vice President

                   1. The Council Vice Presidential candidates must be upperclassmen (Senior or Junior status), and active members of the Columbia

                             High School Student Council for:

                                      a. their Junior and Sophomore year, in the case of Seniors,

                                       b. their Sophomore and Freshman year, in the case of Juniors.

                   2. Vice Presidential candidates must have attended at least one (1) Summer Leadership Camp, and should plan on further attendance

                             for future leadership workshop events.

          c. Secretary

                   1. The Council Secretarial candidates must be upperclassmen (Senior or Junior status), and active members of the Columbia

                             High School Student Council for:

                                      a. their Junior and Sophomore year, in the case of Seniors,

                                      b. their Sophomore and Freshman year, in the case of Juniors.

                   2. Secretarial candidates must have attended at least one (1) Summer Leadership Camp, and should plan on further attendance

                             for future leadership workshop events.

          d. Treasurer

                   1. The Council Treasury candidates must be upperclassmen (Senior or Junior status), and active members of the Columbia

                             High School Student Council for:

                                      a. their Junior and Sophomore year, in the case of Seniors,

                                      b. their Sophomore and Freshman year, in the case of Juniors.

                   2. Treasury candidates must have attended at least one (1) Summer Leadership Camp, and should plan on further attendance

                             for future leadership workshop events.

VII. In the event that no eligible candidates are available to fill all offices, the remaining offices shall be filled via appointment through the Executive

          Council and the Council Sponsor.
top

Section 2.

Procedures

I. All students seeking office in the Council must complete the petition process within one week of his/her nomination by the Council. The process includes, but is not limited to:

          a. Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates will collect at least 35 signatures of support from underclassmen.

          b. Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates will collect at least 10 signatures of support from Council members.

          c. Secretarial and Treasury candidates will collect 25 signatures of support from underclassmen.

          d. Secretarial and Treasury candidates will collect 10 signatures of support from Council members.

          e. Executive Officer candidates will have at least two (2) letters of recommendation from faculty and/or administrative members of Columbia High School.

          f. Executive Officer candidates will attach an information sheet including his/her current grades with the teacher's signature, a copy of

                   the previous' six weeks report card, and a copy of the Candidate and Parent Contract showing both parties understand the level

                   of commitment required to fulfill the office.

II. Executive Officer candidates will be expected to prepare and deliver a campaign speech no longer than five (5) minutes.

III. General elections to elect class officers will occur at the same time as Executive Officer elections.

          a. Senior Council members shall serve as the election committee for these elections.
top

Section 3.

Campaigning Rules

I. Expenditures should be limited to $15.00 per candidate per office.

II. All posters and material for distribution must be approved and initialed by the Council Sponsor and/or a CHS administrator.

III. Election posters must be placed on the inside of buildings.

IV. Election posters will not be attached to any painted surfaces. Glass and metal surfaces are allowed.

V. No candy, gum, or favors of any kind may be distributed in order to gain votes.

VI. Any flyers must be given to potential voters by hand.

VII. Campaign buttons/stickers (Vote Bob) are allowed, but may not be distributed by the candidate in an effort to win votes.

VIII. All campaign material must be removed from campus by 3:30 pm, and properly disposed of on the day of the election. Failure to do

          so will result in the loss of Council Points.

 

Article V. Student Council Commitment

In an effort to continuously show Columbia High School Student Council's level of commitment, Executive Officers will chair mandatory committees, name any additional committees deemed necessary, and provide a constant service to both school and community. Council members will participate in these committees and donate their time and diligence in an effort to improve Columbia High School and its surrounding community.
top

Section 1.

Committees

The Committees of the Columbia High School Student Council will be, but are not limited to:

I. Teacher Appreciation

          a. Welcomes any new administrators, faculty members and/or support staffers to the CHS campus.

          b. Plans and carries out any events and activities in order to show professionals on the CHS campus the appreciation of the student body.

                   1. Campus professionals include administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, nurses, cafeteria staff and custodians.

II. Drug, Alcohol, Safety, and Health (D.A.S.H.)

          a. Plans and carries out any events and activities which raise the awareness of substance abuse within our school and community.

          b. Promotes events and activities which support the choice of a substance-free lifestyle.

          c. Plans and carries out activities which promote safety in and out of the classroom and the school, as well as within the district

                   and community.

          d. Plans and carries out activities which promote and raise awareness of health issues concerning young people and responsibility of

                   making good decisions.

III. Energy and Environment

          a. Plans and carries out events and activities to raise awareness of energy conservation and the environment in and out of the classroom and the school, as well as within the district and the community.

          b. Plans and carries out events and activities for the promotion of recycling.

          c. Plans and carries out events and activities which support litter-free living, and litter clean-ups.

IV. Community Service

          a. Controls any and all charitable/civic organizational drives to show CHS Student Council's support of school and community.

                   1. Food/Can drives

                   2. Blood drives

                   3. Toys for Tots, etc.

V. Pride and Patriotism

          a. Plans and carries out events and activities aimed at raising the level of patriotism and pride in our school, our district, our community,

                   and state, and our country.

          b. Provides awareness of current issues and concerns associated with citizenship and leadership.

VI. Public Relations

          a. Finds methods of raising financial support for items and issues which concern the Council and student body at large.

          b. Plans and carries out found methods of fund raising.

          c. Researches and plans the Columbia High School Student Council Gift for the betterment of the CHS campus.
top

 

Article VI. Powers and Duties of the Student Council

Section 1.

Powers of the Student Council

I. Held within the power of the Columbia High School Student Council:

          a. Council Projects                                                 g. Evaluation of projects

          b. Teacher Appreciation Day                                   h. Constitutional evaluation

          c. Publicity Responsibilities                                      i. Elections

          d. Executive Council meetings                                 j. Annual report to the Board of Education

          e. School visitor ushering                               k. Club re-chartering

          f. Suggestions box management                      l. Recommendations for anything of student concern on campus
top

II. Shared authority between the Council and the administration and/or assorted campus organizations

          a. Homecoming                                            g. Code of conduct

          b. Social events                                             h. Foreign exchange students

          c. Organization of new clubs and club chartering   i. Promotion of citizenship

          d. School pride and morale                                      j. Sales projects

          e. General student welfare                             k. Development of traditions

          f. Scheduling of meetings and events                        l. Assemblies
top

         

III. No authority

          a. Grades and honor roll                                g. Length of vacations

          b. Homework regulation                                h. Salaries

          c. School maintenance                                   i. College counseling

          d. School equipment purchases                      j. Teaching procedures

          e. School personnel                             k. National Honor Society selections

          f. Hall passes
top

         

Section 2.

Duties of the Student Council

The duties of the Council are as follows:

I. To provide events and projects which will accomplish the aims and objectives of this constitution.

II. To suggest rules and regulations for the care of the school, the personal property, and the general welfare of the student body.

III. To sponsor drives and campaigns to benefit the school, the community, and the organizational groups which provide for families and children.

IV. To promote and provide school assemblies and programs which raise school spirit and pride.

V. To promote positive morale and a positive learning environment which is conducive to the learning of all students enrolled at Columbia High School.

VI. To represent the school in a positive manner demonstrating leadership in school, district, and state Student Council Activities.
top

         

Article VII. Meetings

Section 1.

Executive Council

Meetings of the Executive Council will be set on a regular basis preceding all General Assembly meetings. Two Executive Officer meetings will occur prior to the first General Assembly meeting of the school year. Specific dates and times for Executive Council meetings will be decided by said Council at the start of each new calendar. Tardiness to Executive Officer meetings will result in the earning of no Council Points for said meeting.
top

Section 2.

General Assembly

General Assembly meetings will be set on a rotating basis. The first General Assembly meeting of the school year will be the third Monday of the first full month of school. Meetings will continue every two weeks. Student Council General Assembly Meetings will begin promptly at 2:50pm with the Pledges of Allegiance. Any member desiring entrance after the President has called the meeting to order may sit and participate, but will not be counted present for that meeting and will not receive Council Points.
top

Section 3.

Special Sessions

I. A special session may be called by the President on his/her own initiative.

II. A special session may be called on the request of at least five (5) Officers.

III. The Council Sponsor must be informed of any and all special sessions.
top

 

Article VIII. Points

Section 1.

Earning Points

Points system is subject to change (with prior notice) at any time as changes within the school and the Student Council occur. Changes to the Points system are made at the Council Sponsor's discretion. Sponsor errands may earn members 1 Point, also at the Council Sponsor's discretion.

          Meeting Attendance                                      1        Committee Involvement (per hour)                 2

          Meeting Attendance w/Spirit shirt                   2        Fundraising Participation (per hour)               2

          Meeting Attendance w/StuCo shirt                  3        (bake-sales, car washes, etc.)                          2

          Meet the Teacher Night w/Spirit shirt             2        Boxed Candy Sales (per box)                           2

          Meet the Teacher Night w/StuCo shirt  3        Student Council Member of the Month          5
top

         

Section 2.

Minimum Point requirement

          I. Officers are required to earn a minimum of fifteen (15) points per six weeks in order to maintain active member status.

          II. General Assembly members are required to earn a minimum of twelve (12) points per six weeks in order to maintain an active member                      status.

          III. Members failing to meet the required amount of Points per six weeks will be placed on probation for the next six week period. During that six week period, probationary members must earn the regular required number of Points plus the number of Points that were missing the previous six weeks.

                             a. Probationary members who earn all required Points are reinstated to active member status.

                             b. Probationary members failing to meet the Point requirement may be removed from Student Council via a majority                                            vote of the Executive Officers and/or the Council Sponsor's discretion.
top

Section 3.

Point Penalties

I. Any member owing Council monies for any reason (project, workshop, event participation; fundraising; etc.) will forfeit one (1) point per week until

all accounts are settled.

II. Any member who has volunteered his/her time to an event, and does not follow through, for any reason, shall lose 1/4 point per occurrence.
top

 

Article IX. Letter Jackets

Section 1.

Guidelines

I. Only members currently holding Junior or Senior level status can letter.

II. Letter candidates must have been an active members of the Columbia High School Student Council for a minimum of two (2) years.

III. Letter candidates must have accumulated a minimum of 150 points in their Council career.

IV. Letter candidates must have no more than three (3) excused absences from scheduled events and meetings.

V. The final decision rests with the Executive Council and Council Sponsor.
top

 

Article X. Amendments

Section 1.

Process

I. Any proposed amendment to this constitution must be submitted in writing at a regularly scheduled meeting, and lie on the table for a minimum of one (1) week.

II. After the proposed's one week rest, the amendment must have the signature of both the CHS Principal and Council Sponsor.

III. After these conditions have been met, it must be resubmitted to the council at the next regularly scheduled meeting for approval. Approval consists of the majority vote by those members present.

IV. Voting by proxy is not allowed, nor is early voting.
top

Section 2.

Amendments

Appendix A: Sponsor Information

Holly Spear

979-345-5147, ext. 2602

F102

For emergencies, contact any of the Executive Officers. These officers will be able to contact me at any time.
top

Appendix B: Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) Information

Columbia High School is a member of District 14.

TASC ONLINE

2007-2008 State Officers

President - Kempner HS, Sugar Land

Student: Billy Gifford

Advisor: Barbara Hoffman

Vice President - Allen HS

Student: Zac McCullock

Advisor: Stevie Mayberry

Secretary - Azle HS

Student: Scott Gathright

Advisor: Joanie Gathright

Parliamentarian - Clear Lake HS, Houston

Student: Carly Bigi

Advisor: Jamie Edwards


top