STUDENT COUNCIL

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

(2012-2013)
1

RONCALLI HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Article I

Name Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Roncalli High School Student Council. Article II Purposes Section 1. The purposes of this organization shall be to: a. Provide significant learning experiences for students; b. Develop good citizenship, scholarship, leadership service and human values; c. Promote school spirit and pride; d. Uphold school policies and the schools moral code and community reputation; e. Provide a forum for student voice and channels for student involvement; f. Sponsor the orderly direction of school activities such as homecoming, dances, and special events; g. Promote harmonious relationships between the students, faculty, and administration. h. Serve the community through service projects. Article III Power and Authority Section 1. All powers of student council are delegated to it by the administration. Article IV Organization and Membership Section 1. Student Council shall consist of class officers and student council officers elected by the student body, as well as student volunteers (election not required to be volunteer). Section 2. The election of class officers and student council officers shall take place in the fourth quarter of the second semester of the school year. Election of freshman class officers shall take place in the first or second quarter of the first semester of the school year. Section 3. Vacancies on the Student Council shall remain unfilled unless moderator/administrators decide otherwise. Section 4. If deemed necessary by moderator/administrators, vacancies on the Student Council shall be filled based on student council points. The class member that is not an elected officer with the highest point total will be offered the position. Article V Qualifications for Officers and Members Section 1. Any registered student of Roncalli High School is eligible for election to class office.
2

Section 2. Any registered junior of Roncalli High School is eligible for election to student council office. Section 3. Student Council officers and class officers must maintain a C or better grade point average each quarter. Section 4. Any member of the Student Council may be removed from his/her position as outlined in Article XII for failure to attend meetings, failure to represent his/her group appropriately, failure to carry out his/her duties, failure to maintain a C or better grade point average quarter, or for any other actions which are detrimental to the school. Article VI Officers of the Student Council Section 1. The officers of the organization shall be a Co-President of Spirit, Co-President of Service, CoPresident of Public Relations, and Co-President of Web Promotions. Section 2. The nomination and election of the co-presidents shall be determined in the following manner: a. The student council moderator shall formulate and publicize rules governing elections each year. b. The election shall be held in the last quarter of the school year. c. Any member of the junior class with a C or better grade point average is eligible for nomination for the offices of the student council. d. Students desiring to campaign for the offices of co-presidents must file their application materials with the moderator of the student council. e. There shall be one week (5 school days) of campaigning prior to elections under the direction and supervision of the student council moderator and class moderators. f. Voting will be conducted by secret ballot. g. All candidates will run individually. h. A majority of the votes cast shall be required for election. i. A tally of the votes and the announcement of the winners shall be made by the student council moderator or administration. Section 3. All officers shall serve for a term of one year, beginning at the time of their election. Article VII Duties of Student Council Officers Section 1. Duties of the Co-President of Spirit shall be to: a. Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of ALL student council-sponsored events. b. Provide guidance and support to ALL class-sponsored events, or as needed. c. Attend ALL student council-sponsored events and activities. d. Preside over ALL meetings of the student council. e. Coordinate execution of the constitution and by-laws. f. Appoint committees, specifically those of spirit-related activities. g. Preside over Spirit Officer meetings as needed (no less than once a month) h. Act as chairmen of the executive committee, and attend executive committee meetings once a week (time to be agreed upon by moderator and officers) i. The executive committee consists of the 4 student council officers and the student council moderator j. Call special meetings of the executive committee with the approval of the moderator. k. Facilitate opportunities to strengthen school spirit, including, but not limited to: i. Back to school event after 1st home football game ii. Homecoming Spirit Week iii. Winter Spirit Week iv. Intramural/sport tournaments
3

v.

Any new events designed to encourage school spirit and pride

Section 2. Duties of the Co-President of Service shall be to: a. Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of ALL student council-sponsored events. b. Provide guidance and support to ALL class-sponsored events, or as needed. c. Attend ALL student council-sponsored events and activities. d. Preside over ALL meetings of the student council. e. Coordinate execution of the constitution and by-laws. f. Appoint committees, specifically those of spirit-related activities. g. Preside over Service Officer meetings as needed (no less than once a month) h. Act as chairmen of the executive committee, and attend executive committee meetings once a week (time to be agreed upon by moderator and officers) i. The executive committee consists of the 4 student council officers and the student council moderator j. Call special meetings of the executive committee with the approval of the moderator. k. Facilitate opportunities to serve the Roncalli and Indianapolis community, including, but not limited to: i. Canned Food Drive ii. Christmas Toy Organization iii. St. Baldricks Foundation iv. Youth Day of Service (United Way) v. Any new events designed to encourage service to the Roncalli and Indianapolis community l. Recruit volunteers and facilitate sign-ups for all student council-sponsored events. Section 3. Duties of the Co-President of Public Relations shall be to: a. Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of ALL student council-sponsored events. b. Provide guidance and support to ALL class-sponsored events, or as needed. c. Attend ALL student council-sponsored events and activities. d. Preside over ALL meetings of the student council. e. Coordinate execution of the constitution and by-laws. f. Appoint committees, specifically those of spirit-related activities. g. Preside over Public Relations meetings as needed (no less than once a month) h. Act as chairmen of the executive committee, and attend executive committee meetings once a week (time to be agreed upon by moderator and officers) i. The executive committee consists of the 4 student council officers and the student council moderator j. Call special meetings of the executive committee with the approval of the moderator. k. Facilitate the promotion of all student council-sponsored events including, but not limited to: i. Writing all 4th period announcements to be preapproved by moderator ii. Making all 4th period announcements iii. Working closely with video productions to plan and execute video advertisements iv. Training with video productions staff [highly recommended] v. Incorporating, creating, and displaying paper advertisements such as posters, flyers, and student council bulletin board displays vi. Work closely with the co-president of web promotions to maintain consistent communication with the student body Section 3. Duties of the Co-President of Web Promotions shall be to: a. Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of ALL student council-sponsored events. b. Provide guidance and support to ALL class-sponsored events, or as needed. c. Attend ALL student council-sponsored events and activities. d. Preside over ALL meetings of the student council. e. Coordinate execution of the constitution and by-laws. f. Appoint committees, specifically those of spirit-related activities. g. Preside over Web Promotions meetings as needed (no less than once a month)
4

h. Act as chairmen of the executive committee, and attend executive committee meetings once a week (time to be agreed upon by moderator and officers) i. The executive committee consists of the 4 student council officers and the student council moderator j. Call special meetings of the executive committee with the approval of the moderator. k. Facilitate the promotion of all student council-sponsored events including, but not limited to: i. Creating and moderating the student council Facebook, YouTube, blog pages, etc., including bi-weekly updates ii. Facilitate all of councils online needs, including documents, video, event information, etc. iii. Possible training with video productions staff possible iv. Work closely with co-president of public relations to to maintain consistent communication with the student body Article VIII Class Officers Section 1. Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen shall be represented in the Student Council by a CoPresident of Spirit, Co-President of Service, Co-President of Public Relations, and Co-President of Web Promotions. Section 2. The nomination and election of class officers be determined in the following manner: a. The student council moderator shall formulate and publicize rules governing elections each year. b. The elections for sophomore, junior, and senior class officers shall take place on the week after the student council officer elections. c. Freshmen class officer elections will be held during the 1st quarter. d. Any member of the class with a C or better grade point average is eligible for nomination for class office. e. All candidates will run individually. f. Students desiring to campaign for a sophomore, junior, or senior class office must file their name with the Student Council Moderator. g. There shall be one week (5 school days) of campaigning prior to elections under the direction and supervision of the student council moderator and class moderators. h. Voting will be conducted by secret ballot. i. A majority of the votes cast shall be required for election. j. A tally of the votes and the announcement of the winners shall be made by the student council moderator or administration. Section 3. All class officers shall serve for a term of one year, beginning at the time of election. Article IX Duties of Class Officers Section 1. Duties of ALL class officers shall be to: a. Assist in the planning, organization, and execution of ALL student council-sponsored events. b. Attend ALL student council-sponsored events and activities. c. Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of ALL class-sponsored events. d. Achieve a grade point average of C or better each quarter with no suspensions. e. Attend Student Council meetings each week and report any major upcoming events that the class is sponsoring. f. Communicate regularly and work with the class moderators and the student council moderator. g. Preside over Class Officer meetings as needed (no less than once a month). h. Be open to and seek out suggestions from other members of the class, document and present them at class officer meetings. i. Communicate council business to class members, be available and open to their suggestions, and express their needs to the council.
5

j.

Convey the attitude of the faculty and administration to class members.

Section 2. Duties of the Class Co-President of Spirit shall be to: a. Help plan, organize, and execute ALL student council-sponsored events. b. Attend ALL student council-sponsored events and activities. c. Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of all class-sponsored events. d. Update council on class business at student council weekly meetings. e. Attend Spirit Officer meetings as needed (no less than once a month). f. Call special meetings for the class with the approval of the moderator. g. Facilitate opportunities to strengthen class spirit, including, but not limited to: i. Homecoming Spirit Week ii. Winter Spirit Week iii. Intramural/sport tournaments iv. Class unity-building events v. Any new events designed to encourage school spirit and pride Section 3. Duties of the Class Co-President of Service shall be to: a. Help plan, organize, and execute ALL student council-sponsored events. b. Attend ALL student council-sponsored events and activities. c. Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of all class-sponsored events. d. Update council on class business at student council weekly meetings e. Attend Service Officer meetings as needed (no less than once a month). f. Call special meetings for the class with the approval of the moderator. g. Work with student council Co-President of Service and Volunteering to facilitate opportunities for class to serve the Roncalli and Indianapolis community, including, but not limited to: i. Canned Food Drive ii. Christmas Toy Organization iii. St. Baldricks Foundation iv. Senior vs. Staff basketball game (seniors only) v. Youth Day of Service (United Way) vi. Any new events designed to encourage service to the Roncalli and Indianapolis community h. Recruit volunteers and facilitate sign-ups for all class-sponsored events. Section 4. Duties of the Class Co-President of Public Relations shall be to: a. Help plan, organize, and execute ALL student council-sponsored events. b. Attend ALL student council-sponsored events and activities. c. Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of all class-sponsored events. d. Update council on class business at student council weekly meetings e. Attend Public Relations Officer meetings as needed (no less than once a month). f. Call special meetings for the class with the approval of the moderator. g. Facilitate the promotion of all class-sponsored events including, but not limited to: a. Writing all 4th period announcements to be preapproved by moderator b. Making all 4th period announcements c. Working closely with video productions to plan and execute video advertisements d. Training with video productions staff [highly recommended] e. Incorporating, creating, and displaying paper advertisements such as posters, flyers, and student council bulletin board displays f. Work closely with the co-president of web promotions to maintain consistent communication with the student body Section 4. Duties of the Class Co-President of Web Promotions shall be to: a. Help plan, organize, and execute ALL student council-sponsored events. b. Attend ALL student council-sponsored events and activities. c. Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of all class-sponsored events.
6

d. e. f. g.

Update council on class business at student council weekly meetings Attend Web Promotions Officer meetings as needed (no less than once a month). Call special meetings for the class with the approval of the moderator. Facilitate the promotion of all class-sponsored events including, but not limited to: i. Creating and moderating the student council blog, including bi-weekly updates ii. Creating and moderating the student council facebook page, including bi-weekly updates iii. Facilitate all of councils online needs iv. Possible training with video productions staff possible v. Work closely with the co-president of public relations to maintain consistent communication with the student body

Article X Point System Section 1. Any student that participates in the organization, planning, and/or working of a student councilsponsored event can earn points that accumulate to earn titles/recognition from the council. Section 2. In order to earn points, students must turn in a Record of Service form (supplied by student council moderator or student council secretary) explaining the work they did. (a) Students must write a detailed account of what tasks they were responsible for and completed, as well as the time they spent on the event. (b) The student council moderator will determine the point value earned by the student based on the Record of Service form (c) If Record of Service form is not turned in 1 week after the event, the student will earn no points for their work. Section 3. Points awarded will depend on the duration, importance, and particular facets of the task. The student council moderator will determine point totals, using their discretion. For example: (a) If a student attends one organizational meeting, they will earn 1 point. (b) If a student sets up for an event, they will earn 1 point. (c) If a student works during a 3-hour event, they will earn 3 points. Section 4. Students earning the following amount of points will recognized: (a) Student Council Representative 15 points (b) Student Council Ambassador 25 points (c) Student Council Executive 45 points Section 5. Points will roll over into the next year until a student leaves Roncalli.

Article XI Meetings Section 1. Executive committee meetings will be held every Monday at 7:00 a.m., (or a time to be determined by the moderator and officers) in order to prepare for that weeks Student Council meeting. Section 2. Open Student Council meetings are held every Wednesday beginning at 3:10 when school is in session, for the discussion of student council business, and should be expected to last 45 minutes. Section 3. The Student Council will meet each week, unless otherwise decided and announced by the Executive Committee.
7

Section 4. Provided they are publicly announced, emergency meetings of the Student Council may be called by the Student Council Co-presidents with the consent of the moderator. Section 5. Student council meetings are open to all students, faculty, and staff members. Those who attend meetings may have a voice in all discussions and participate in any decisions that are made.

Article XII Removal From Student Council Section 1. The student council may expel any of its elected officers for excessive absence. Four unexcused absences from council meetings and/or events warrant automatic expulsion from office. Officers will be informed of absences by the moderator. Section 2. The student council may remove an officer if the said officer does not maintain a C or better grade point average each quarter. Section 3. The council and moderator or administration and moderator may remove an officer or representative from his/her position if the said officer is suspended from school, placed on probation by the school, fail to represent the student body appropriately, fail to carry out their duties as outlined in the constitution, or for any other actions that are deemed detrimental to the school. Article XIII Student Council Moderator [this section omitted to save space] Article XIV Class Moderators [this section omitted to save space] Article XVI Adoption and Amendments Section 1. The constitution shall be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote of the student council, a simple majority vote of the student body, and /or approval of the student council moderator and administration. Section 2. Amendments to the constitution may be proposed by any member of the student body, the faculty, or administration and ratified by a two-thirds vote of the council, and the approval of the student council moderator and administration. Section 3. Proposed amendments must be read to the council at one regular meeting, and then be voted on at the next meeting. Article XVI By-Laws Section 1. The Roncalli High School Student Council Attendance Policy shall be used for determining attendance at meetings. Section 2. Roncalli High School Student Council Attendance Policy
8

a. Markings for the Records i. Present (P) A member is counted as present if he/she attends the entire student council meeting or attends half of the meeting and leaves with a permissible excuse which has been preapproved by the moderator. ii. Absent (A) A member is counted absent if he/she is ill or excused from school and must be on the schools official absentee list. iii. Excused (E) A member is to file an absentee form with the moderator before the meeting if he/she is to be excused. Excused absences are the following: (i) Members with prior school- related activities that have been pre-approved by the Student Council moderator can be excused no earlier than 3:30 for these activities. 1. Sports A member may miss a scheduled student council meeting for games or meets scheduled at the same time. 2. Appointments A member may miss a scheduled student council meeting for a medical appointment if no other time can be arranged for the said appointment. 3. Teacher/Student Conferences Conferences with teachers are excused if they cannot be arranged for another time. If such a conference is necessary, the member must present a note to the moderator. 4. Make-up Tests A member may make up a test during a scheduled student council meeting if this is the only time the test can be taken. The member must present a note from the teacher to the moderator. 5. Rules for Excused Absences a. A member is allowed only three excused absences from scheduled meetings b. After the third absence from a scheduled meeting, other absences will be counted as unexcused. iv. Unexcused (U) A member is considered unexcused from a scheduled student council meeting when he/she violates any of the above set regulations. The following absences will also be ruled as unexcused: (i) Work Work is not an excuse for missing a meeting unless the meeting was set on very short notice. (ii) Babysitting Babysitting is unexcused absence unless it is a family emergency. (iii) Transportation Student council members are asked to provide their own rides to and/or from or to seek rides with fellow members. (iv) Club or Sport Meetings Student council is considered to be your primary responsibility and should be number one on your list of priorities, (v) Other Appointments (vi) Detention/Suspension v. Rules for unexcused absences (i) A member is allowed four unexcused absences from scheduled meetings and events. (ii) Every three tardies (T) is counted as an unexcused absence. (iii) To be counted as tardy a member must arrive at a meeting with in five minutes after roll has been taken. (iv) After five minutes, the member is given an unexcused absence. (v) At the meeting following a members third unexcused absence he/she will be given a written warning by the moderator. (vi) The member is then asked to submit in writing to the Student Council Officers the reason(s) for the absence with his/her parents signature by the Friday following the written warning. (vii) If a member misses four meetings and/or events and the absences are determined to be unexcused, he/she will be dropped from the student council automatically, and be sent notification.