IDEA Public Charter School

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1027 45th St. NE, Washington, DC 20019 Phone: (202) 399-4750
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Scholar Leadership

NHS
 
The National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States and outlying territories, which consists of many chapters in high schools. Selection is based on four criteria: scholarship (academic achievement), leadership, service, and character. The National Honor Society requires some sort of service to the community, school, or other organizations. The time spent working on these projects contributes towards the monthly service hour requirement. NHS was founded in 1921 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. National Honor Society groups are commonly active in community service activities both in the community and at the school. In addition, NHS chapters typically elect officers, who, under the supervision of the chapter adviser, coordinate and manage the chapter as a student organization. Special thank you to the academic team sponsoring this program: Mr. Tummings, Ms. Simonsen, Dr. Gabriel, and Ms. Crudup!
Peer Group Connection
This student led group helps incoming freshmen successfully navigate their high school years and build positive peer relationships by connecting them with trained juniors and seniors who serve as the freshmen’s peer leaders and guides. "This program helps new IDEA scholars make a successful transition from middle school to high school with the help of scholars in older grades providing support and encouragement," noted Ms. Yvette Brown, IDEA social worker.
 
Pairs of junior and senior peer leaders meet with small groups of freshmen to build friendships across grades. Those leaders are also enrolled in a daily, for-credit, year-long leadership course taught by school faculty during regular school hours. Research has shown that Peer Group Connection improves graduation rates and cuts down on dropout rates.
 
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Student Advisory Council
IDEA's student advisory council gives scholars a channel to contribute their voices, ideas, concerns, and input on IDEA initiatives. "Our scholars represent a diverse range of aptitudes, interests, and ideas. By choosing scholars who are capable of taking on this responsibility and who are willing to help make IDEA an excellent learning and social environment, we give them an opportunity to excel as leaders," said Vice Principal Shomari Jennings.
 
Two members of each class, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, sit on the council.