VOE Constitution
Preamble:
This constitution comprises the fundamental laws and principles that prescribe the nature, functions and limits of Voices of Excellence. This constitution provides the basic structure upon which Voices of Excellence operates.
Springfield Township School District’s Student Activities and Clubs rules and regulations supersede VOE’s constitution and by-laws.
ARTICLE I: Voices of Excellence of Springfield Township High School
Section 1 - The name of this club shall be known as VOE within this constitution and by-laws
ARTICLE II: Purpose
Section 1 - Voices of Excellence (VOE) is a minority student leadership group at Springfield Township High School that focuses on building its members' character through service.
Section 2 - The mission of VOE is to increase academic excellence, develop organizational and leadership skills, and to enhance emotional intelligence.
Section 3 - All VOE members value learning, having a strong work ethic, taking academic risk, and striving to reach their highest level of potential.
ARTICLE III: Membership
Section 1 - Although VOE is a minority leadership group, membership in VOE is open to all members of Springfield Township High School community. Prospective members must 1) fill out a membership form with their parent’s signature, 2) read the VOE Constitution and By-Laws, 3) purchase the year’s shirt. 4) New member’s Parents/Guardians must attend the new member’s orientation or meet with the Executive Board Members before the student becomes an official member. Unless they have siblings that were in VOE or they have attended the meeting in the past. (Amendment 4)
Section 2 - Alternate membership is eligible for high school students that are not members of the Springfield Township School District community, but have satisfied all other requirements within this constitution. Alternate members shall have all the privileges and rights of membership.
Section 3 - VOE Alumni that was not dismissed from the group will be honorary lifetime members of VOE. Honorary members do not have to adhere to the rules and regulations of this constitution or by-laws and do not hold the same privileges in VOE.
ARTICLE IV: Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Election
Section 1 - The Board of Directors of VOE shall include the CEO, president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, art director, and eastern director. There could also be assistants to these offices that will assist in decision making.
Section 2 - The executive committee of this group shall consist of the CEO, president and vice-president.
Section 3 - The Board of Directors except for the CEO shall be elected by the senior class of the prior school year in a meeting conducted before the class graduates. VOE’s CEO will be chosen by the group's advisor. No member will hold two positions at once. The position will be held for 1 school year unless otherwise determined by the advisor.
ARTICLE V: Meetings
Section 1 - VOE will meet weekly during the school year, excluding holidays in the designated location.
ARTICLE VI: Amendments to Constitution and By-laws
Section 1 - Amendments to the constitution and by-laws shall be submitted in writing one week prior to their consideration to the VOE advisor.
Section 2 - These amendments will be discussed at the next scheduled meeting of the group.
Section 3 - All amendments will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote for passage.
ARTICLE VII: Board of Directors Duties and Responsibilities:
All members of the board of Directors are required to help in some form with every VOE event. Board members will also serve as a mentor to 9th and 10th graders.
Section 1 - CEO
Section 2 - President
Section 4 - Secretary
Section 5 - Treasurer
Section 6 - Art Director
Section 7 - Music Director
Section 8 - Eastern Director
This constitution comprises the fundamental laws and principles that prescribe the nature, functions and limits of Voices of Excellence. This constitution provides the basic structure upon which Voices of Excellence operates.
Springfield Township School District’s Student Activities and Clubs rules and regulations supersede VOE’s constitution and by-laws.
ARTICLE I: Voices of Excellence of Springfield Township High School
Section 1 - The name of this club shall be known as VOE within this constitution and by-laws
ARTICLE II: Purpose
Section 1 - Voices of Excellence (VOE) is a minority student leadership group at Springfield Township High School that focuses on building its members' character through service.
Section 2 - The mission of VOE is to increase academic excellence, develop organizational and leadership skills, and to enhance emotional intelligence.
Section 3 - All VOE members value learning, having a strong work ethic, taking academic risk, and striving to reach their highest level of potential.
ARTICLE III: Membership
Section 1 - Although VOE is a minority leadership group, membership in VOE is open to all members of Springfield Township High School community. Prospective members must 1) fill out a membership form with their parent’s signature, 2) read the VOE Constitution and By-Laws, 3) purchase the year’s shirt. 4) New member’s Parents/Guardians must attend the new member’s orientation or meet with the Executive Board Members before the student becomes an official member. Unless they have siblings that were in VOE or they have attended the meeting in the past. (Amendment 4)
Section 2 - Alternate membership is eligible for high school students that are not members of the Springfield Township School District community, but have satisfied all other requirements within this constitution. Alternate members shall have all the privileges and rights of membership.
Section 3 - VOE Alumni that was not dismissed from the group will be honorary lifetime members of VOE. Honorary members do not have to adhere to the rules and regulations of this constitution or by-laws and do not hold the same privileges in VOE.
ARTICLE IV: Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Election
Section 1 - The Board of Directors of VOE shall include the CEO, president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, art director, and eastern director. There could also be assistants to these offices that will assist in decision making.
Section 2 - The executive committee of this group shall consist of the CEO, president and vice-president.
Section 3 - The Board of Directors except for the CEO shall be elected by the senior class of the prior school year in a meeting conducted before the class graduates. VOE’s CEO will be chosen by the group's advisor. No member will hold two positions at once. The position will be held for 1 school year unless otherwise determined by the advisor.
ARTICLE V: Meetings
Section 1 - VOE will meet weekly during the school year, excluding holidays in the designated location.
ARTICLE VI: Amendments to Constitution and By-laws
Section 1 - Amendments to the constitution and by-laws shall be submitted in writing one week prior to their consideration to the VOE advisor.
Section 2 - These amendments will be discussed at the next scheduled meeting of the group.
Section 3 - All amendments will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote for passage.
ARTICLE VII: Board of Directors Duties and Responsibilities:
All members of the board of Directors are required to help in some form with every VOE event. Board members will also serve as a mentor to 9th and 10th graders.
Section 1 - CEO
- Highest position in the organization
- Advisor’s assistant
- This person is there to help the advisor in decisions, planning, and implementation of every VOE event.
- This person has shown the ability to be creative thinking and gives an alternative view to decisions.
Section 2 - President
- Figurehead of the group.
- Go between the advisor and the members.
- If the advisor or assistant advisor is absent, the president is in charge.
- Helps plan, organize, and carry out all of the club’s duties.
- Voice of the members.
- This person is in charge of making sure all of the members are in tune.
- Any issue with a member goes to the VP.
- VP also should know the different members that are at each event
Section 4 - Secretary
- communication director
- meeting notes and attendants
- organizes documents on the shared drive
- communicates with all of the grade leaders
- controls the website
Section 5 - Treasurer
- keeps records of all of the money
- fundraiser leader
- counts the number of people attending events
- tells director what to buy for events
- plans the group trip ideas
Section 6 - Art Director
- In charge of the layout of all of VOE’s events
- develops the theme for the VOE showcase Art display
- takes pictures at every event
- Changes the VOE boards outside of the library.
Section 7 - Music Director
- Showcase Director
- Coordinate musical events with music department
- Select music to perform, arrange performances
- Arrange practice time and ensure the performers are prepared
- Arrange music for events
Section 8 - Eastern Director
- Makes sure that all members at Eastern know what is going on and involved in the planning and implementation of VOE’s events.
VOE By-Laws
The by-laws of Voices of Excellence are specific rules of the organization. By-laws include all the rules not already stated in the constitution that are of such importance that they cannot be changed in any way without previous notice.
The by-laws of a student organization should be detailed rules that explain for the members their responsibilities, limitations and expectations as they pertain to the group.
Natalie Lewis Leadership Award ($500)
1. Attend 95% of the meetings (or excused absence)
2. Head a major VOE event
3. Leader of a committee
4. Major contributor to the success of ALL of the VOE events
5. Exemplifies group’s motto
6. Goes above and beyond for the group's success
James Taylor Memorial Scholarship ($400)
1. Attend 90% of the meetings (or excused absence)
2. Leader of a committee or event
3. Major contributor in the success of MOST of the VOE events
4. Stays late or arrives early to ensure the success of VOE
Lenny & Libby Thompson Scholarship ($300)
1. Given to the VOE member that has been consistent in their participation and work ethics for VOE during their time at Springfield
VOE Alumni Award ($300)
1. Attend 80% of the meetings
2. Contributor to all major VOE events
3. Embodies the Spirit of VOE
4. Founder of a VOE event
VOE Shawanna Coles Scholarship ($250)
1. Given to the student who have overcome obstacles to succeed and contributed to the success in VOE
VOE Motto Award ($200)
1. Attend 75% of meetings
2. The persons that best exemplifies the motto of the year
VOE Participation Award (No Money unless voted on by members)
1. Member of VOE for at least 1 school year
NAACP Award ($500)
1. Essay winner
Krimson Foundation Scholarship Award presented by the Abington-Ambler Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. ($600 total)
To a graduating senior(s) who demonstrated being a leader within VOE, was a motivated student, and promoted achievement throughout STHS and the overall community.
AWARD ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Awardee must be a graduating senior of STHS within Montgomery County, PA.
Awardee must have been accepted by a four year accredited college/university or trade school.
Awardee must have completed 20 hours of community service.
Awardee must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Per Leo, exceptions to this requirement can absolutely be made)
BASIS OF AWARD: The recipient(s) will be chosen from the VOE Faculty Sponsors based upon their scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities (in and outside of school), character, personality, leadership qualities, and overall potential for the attainment of a post-secondary degree or trade school certification. The award amount will be $600 as discussed, if more than one student is selected, then the award will be split.
Adopted: 31 March 2022 at 11:10 am:
Amended 1- March 1, 2021
Amendment 2- December 9, 2009
Amendment 3- May 10, 2022
Amendment 4- October 3, 2022
The by-laws of a student organization should be detailed rules that explain for the members their responsibilities, limitations and expectations as they pertain to the group.
- VOE Code of Conduct
- Respect
- Respect is a personal characteristic (being respectful is not based on how much a person respects you. This does not mean we allow people to be disrespectful to you, it just means that we will respond in a respectful manner)
- Be respectful to all adults and your peers (Especially if the teacher is a supporter of VOE)
- If you have an issue that you feel uncomfortable with, discuss it with Mr. T before you react
- Be careful what you put on social media because you represent the group even if you are not intending to represent us
- Respect is a personal characteristic (being respectful is not based on how much a person respects you. This does not mean we allow people to be disrespectful to you, it just means that we will respond in a respectful manner)
- Responsability
- Take care of your business
- Everyone has their responsibilities
- Family
- School work and job
- The key to being mature is doing what you are supposed to do when no one is looking at you
- Don’t act different because Mr. T is around
- Family
- Take care of your business
- Resilience
- When life sucks, you must keep on keeping on
- Don’t give up when things get tough. You will bounce back
- When life sucks, you must keep on keeping on
- Self - Discipline
- Discipline yourself so others don’t have to
- Self-Discipline is always greater than other people disciplining you
- Discipline yourself so others don’t have to
- Teamwork:
- Always work together to accomplish our goals. Don’t just do what you like to do. You must work with the group to accomplish the group's goals.
- Always work together to accomplish our goals. Don’t just do what you like to do. You must work with the group to accomplish the group's goals.
- Professionalism
- When it is time to get to work, be in work mode
- Meetings with officials
- Have something to write things down (notebook and pen)
- Don’t have anything that will cause a distraction
- Have something to write things down (notebook and pen)
- When it is time to get to work, be in work mode
- Respect
- Logo and Motto
- The VOE logo and Motto will change every school year.
- There will be a logo contest that will best reflect the beliefs of that school year.
- The logo winner will be determined by the group and will receive $25 from Mr. T for their design. That will be the official logo for the school year.
- The VOE logo and Motto will change every school year.
- Meetings Attendance
- VOE meetings will be conducted every Monday at 2:50 pm during the school year in Mr. T’s room or over zoom during the school year. If there is no school on Monday, the meetings will be held on Tuesday of that week.
- A meeting may be called by Mr. T or a member of the Board of Directors or Event leaders at any time.
- If you cannot attend a general meeting you should tell the secretary (NOT MR. T)
- If you cannot attend an event YOU MUST tell the event leader and/or Mr. T
- If you miss 4 unexcused consecutive or 10 total meetings you will be suspended (Amendment 4)
- Seniors will be dismissed from VOE
- If you come to the Tuesday meetings the absence is nullified (except if you are at Eastern)
- Seniors will be dismissed from VOE
- VOE meetings will be conducted every Monday at 2:50 pm during the school year in Mr. T’s room or over zoom during the school year. If there is no school on Monday, the meetings will be held on Tuesday of that week.
- School Work
- Always do your best. I’m not expecting all A’s and B’s, but you should always strive for excellence
- We have people who can help you. You should tell the VP if you need to be tutored or helped in any way.
- We have people who can help you. You should tell the VP if you need to be tutored or helped in any way.
- Always do your best. I’m not expecting all A’s and B’s, but you should always strive for excellence
- Member’s Responsibilities
- Mr. T is here to help you succeed. If you have any issues that you do not feel comfortable to talk to anyone else about either personally or concerning school GO SEE MR. T. We are a family and he is here to help you with anything (I am an advisor not counselor. I can only give you advice if you want it. I will not make you talk to me or tell me the truth. I am here to help those who want my help.)
- If you have a minor issue with something, discuss it with the vice-president or your grade leader. If the issue is too big for them then discuss it with Mr. T, before you react
- Assist in all of the VOE events. Even the events that may not concern you. Always ask the event leader if there is a way you can help.
- Communicate any change of phone number with the secretary
- Always be present to help out a fellow VOE member
- Lift each other up
- Make sure that we are all successful
- Lift each other up
- Wear your official shirt for events unless Mr. T said otherwise
- Do not wear your official VOE shirts outside of events.
- Don’t use VOE’s name or Mr. T’s name to get out of your mess.
- If you have questions/ideas, take it to the board of directors
- Board can’t say yes to everything
- The board is directed to say no until it is figured out how to implement the idea
- Person will present the idea to Mr. T at the Board Meeting
- Board can’t say yes to everything
- Do not be loud afterschool or during school (hallways and lunchroom).
- ALWAYS email your teachers if you will be out of class for a VOE event 1 week before the event
- If someone texts you about a VOE matter you must RESPOND
- If Mr. T talks to you about something, make sure it gets done.
- Everyone is expected to help out with the preparation and clean-up
- Mr. T sees who is who with stuff like this
- Mr. T sees who is who with stuff like this
- Seniors chose the board of directors for the next year
- To move up in the organization you have to be present and innovative. To be present means that you are actively helping make events successful, you are able to lead when called upon. To be innovative means you are not just following but coming up with ways to make the event successful. You are coming up with ideas for the group and how we can become better.
- Our website is our ally. Promote the website
- Help with parents who don’t know what we are about
- Help with parents who don’t know what we are about
- DO NOT BE A PASSIVE MEMBER. The goal is for everyone to be a leader.
- Procedures for members that are not doing what they are supposed to do (Amendment 1)
- Leader of the group should talk to the person
- If no change is made, the director of the even should talk to the person
- If no changes are made the VP talks to the person and then discuss it with the Board
- Mr. T will then get involved
- Leader of the group should talk to the person
- Work is not done until it is put in the VOE2 Drive. It is every members duty to put all work in the drive (Amendment 2)
- Out of sight is out of mind. The key to this group is the relationship. The only people I don’t joke with are the people I don’t know, like or trust. If you have thin skin and you’re not able to handle tough love then VOE is probably not right for you and you definitely can’t be in leadership. Sometimes you will be yelled at for things that’s not your responsibility because I want you to realize that everything is your responsibility. People leave VOE and start clubs and become leaders at college and other organizations. There is a reason for the madness. (Amendment 4)
- Mr. T is here to help you succeed. If you have any issues that you do not feel comfortable to talk to anyone else about either personally or concerning school GO SEE MR. T. We are a family and he is here to help you with anything (I am an advisor not counselor. I can only give you advice if you want it. I will not make you talk to me or tell me the truth. I am here to help those who want my help.)
- Leaders Responsibilities
- Grade Leaders: they are in charge of assuring all of the members in your grade have all of the communication. You are to text everyone individually and get a reply from them that they have received your message. If the grade leader can’t get in touch with a member and they have exhausted all means then they should report it to the secretary. The secretary should then contact Mr. T if they cannot reach the member. Any issues should come to the grade leaders first.
- Event Leader (Directors)- They are in charge of their event. They work with the board to plan, organize and implement their event. They have the final say in their event (other than Mr. T)
- Go to leaders of events/projects if you have any questions. Do not go directly to Mr. T
- If you cannot attend an event you must contact Mr. T and the event leader.
- Go to leaders of events/projects if you have any questions. Do not go directly to Mr. T
- Grade Leaders: they are in charge of assuring all of the members in your grade have all of the communication. You are to text everyone individually and get a reply from them that they have received your message. If the grade leader can’t get in touch with a member and they have exhausted all means then they should report it to the secretary. The secretary should then contact Mr. T if they cannot reach the member. Any issues should come to the grade leaders first.
- Program Leaders- leaders within the event that are responsible for the portion of the event they are assigned (ie. backstage director, technical director, etc). Work with the event leader to make sure your portion of the job is taken care of.
- Finances
- All money collected for VOE will go directly to Mr. T ONLY. Do not give it to someone to give to Mr. T. From your hands to Mr. T’s hands
- The treasurer will have a separate account book and will record all transactions
- Any signing of financial matters will only be done by the treasurer or an executive committee member
- All money collected for VOE will go directly to Mr. T ONLY. Do not give it to someone to give to Mr. T. From your hands to Mr. T’s hands
- Scholarships Criteria
- Junior class will chose scholarship winners for the senior class in a survey
- Mr. T reserves the right to change the winner of the scholarship.
- Not all Scholarships will be distributed every year. The junior class or the advisor will determine which scholarships will not be distributed.
- Junior class will chose scholarship winners for the senior class in a survey
Natalie Lewis Leadership Award ($500)
1. Attend 95% of the meetings (or excused absence)
2. Head a major VOE event
3. Leader of a committee
4. Major contributor to the success of ALL of the VOE events
5. Exemplifies group’s motto
6. Goes above and beyond for the group's success
James Taylor Memorial Scholarship ($400)
1. Attend 90% of the meetings (or excused absence)
2. Leader of a committee or event
3. Major contributor in the success of MOST of the VOE events
4. Stays late or arrives early to ensure the success of VOE
Lenny & Libby Thompson Scholarship ($300)
1. Given to the VOE member that has been consistent in their participation and work ethics for VOE during their time at Springfield
VOE Alumni Award ($300)
1. Attend 80% of the meetings
2. Contributor to all major VOE events
3. Embodies the Spirit of VOE
4. Founder of a VOE event
VOE Shawanna Coles Scholarship ($250)
1. Given to the student who have overcome obstacles to succeed and contributed to the success in VOE
VOE Motto Award ($200)
1. Attend 75% of meetings
2. The persons that best exemplifies the motto of the year
VOE Participation Award (No Money unless voted on by members)
1. Member of VOE for at least 1 school year
NAACP Award ($500)
1. Essay winner
Krimson Foundation Scholarship Award presented by the Abington-Ambler Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. ($600 total)
To a graduating senior(s) who demonstrated being a leader within VOE, was a motivated student, and promoted achievement throughout STHS and the overall community.
AWARD ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Awardee must be a graduating senior of STHS within Montgomery County, PA.
Awardee must have been accepted by a four year accredited college/university or trade school.
Awardee must have completed 20 hours of community service.
Awardee must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Per Leo, exceptions to this requirement can absolutely be made)
BASIS OF AWARD: The recipient(s) will be chosen from the VOE Faculty Sponsors based upon their scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities (in and outside of school), character, personality, leadership qualities, and overall potential for the attainment of a post-secondary degree or trade school certification. The award amount will be $600 as discussed, if more than one student is selected, then the award will be split.
- Suspension and Dismissal from VOE
- If you miss 4 consecutive or 10 total unexcused absences (Amendment 4)
- If you are continuously not taking care of your responsibilities (Don’t Care, Fake Care, or Fake Working). Such as not helping out on any events, not helping in the preparation of event, not helping in the set up or clean up of events, NOT RESPONDING TO MESSAGES FROM THE GROUP, Continuously being spoken to about your behavior from group members or the advisors.
- If you miss a mandatory event without contacting Mr. T directly (unless something comes up last minute)
- If you do not live up to the VOE code of conduct of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Self-Discipline, Professionalism, and Teamwork.
- Seniors will not be suspended, they will be dismissed from the group.
- Any member suspended 3 times will be dismissed from VOE permanently.
- Mr. T will determine how long your suspension will be.
- Mr. T will email you to let you know that you are suspended. Mr. T will also email you to let you know that you are no longer suspended, however you must reply to the email to be reinstated into VOE.
- Members are able to appeal the suspension. They are allowed to have 1 member of VOE speak for them at the appeals hearing.
- The appeals hearing will consist of Mr. T, advisor’s assistant, CEO, President and Vice President. Mr. T and the advisor's assistant will make the final decision based on the hearing. If we are in disagreement we will go to the other hearing members.
- Mr. T will email you to let you know that you are suspended. Mr. T will also email you to let you know that you are no longer suspended, however you must reply to the email to be reinstated into VOE.
- If you miss 4 consecutive or 10 total unexcused absences (Amendment 4)
Adopted: 31 March 2022 at 11:10 am:
Amended 1- March 1, 2021
Amendment 2- December 9, 2009
Amendment 3- May 10, 2022
Amendment 4- October 3, 2022