WJH Election Dates to Remember-2016
Student Body Elections / 8th and 9th Gr. Elections / 10th Grade Elections
All Paper Work Due by 3:00 pm to Ms. Simonson or Mrs. Pobanz / Tuesday, April 12th / Tuesday, April 12th / Mandatory meeting – March 9th @ 7 a.m. in Simonson’s room
Tuesday, April 12th
Posters can be hung when school opens @ 6:00 a.m. on hanging strips in main hallway / Friday, April 15th / Monday, April 25th / Monday, April 25th
Primary Elections (if necessary) / Tuesday, April 19th / Wednesday, April 27th / Wednesday, April 27th
Assembly Skits for SBO Finalists / Friday, April 22nd / -- / --
Final Elections / Friday, April 22nd / Friday, April 29th / Friday, April 29th

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS AND ELECTION PROCEDURES

  • Candidates must havemaintained a 3.0 (GPA) or better for each of the three quarters prior to election. During the term of office, (including the quarter of election), all officers must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA each quarter and receive no failing grades.
  • Candidates will be ineligible to run for office if he/she accumulates more than one “N” per quarter or any “U’s” in citizenship during the year of nomination. During the term of office (including the quarter of election), officers may not earn more than one “N” per quarter and no “U’s”. The official printed report card will be the basis for determining eligibility and any “I’s” must be resolved prior to consideration for eligibility.
  • Any grade/citizenship changes must be finalized within five days of the end of the quarter to affect eligibility. Incomplete grades must be resolved before eligibility will be considered.
  • Truancies, poor attendance, a record of misconduct or any behavior that could be damaging to the reputation of the organization, will bar a student from becoming a candidate for student office. All candidates must be in compliance with the WJHS Constitution and WSD Code of Conduct.
  • All elected officers must be full-time students of WJHS. Student Body and Ninth Grade Officers must be enrolled in 8th grade at the time of the elections. All candidates for the Eighth Grade Offices must be in7 th grade at the time of the elections.
  • All candidates must attend the mandatory pre-campaign meeting and turn in all forms and documents by the deadlines. No exceptions.
  • SBO primary elections will be held if more than ten candidates are running for office, cutting the field to eight candidates running in the final election. No primary will be held if ten or less candidates run.
  • Class Office primary elections will be held if more than twelve candidates run for office, cutting the field to ten candidates running in the final election. No primary will be held if twelve or less candidates run.
  • Elected officers may purchase a school sweater. A deposit of $100 is required at the time of the fitting which is scheduled for Friday, May 13th at 3:00 in Ms. Simonson’s room. The sweater pattern is the same for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders so in the event that an officer is re-elected, the same sweater may be reused with a minor alteration charge.
  • Officers are required to attend ALL home athletic events and other school sponsored activities/performances (including concerts and school musical), and a minimum of two away games to support teams and bolster school spirit. Officers are expected to be dedicated and well-behaved spectators at each event by actively supporting participants and/or cheering with the cheerleaders. Officers will be allowed one excused absence per sport. If a student accumulates more than one absence from after school activities, the student’s grade in the Student Government class will be affected. Habitual absences may lead to probation or termination from office.
  • All officers must enroll in the Student Government class for the full school year. Schedule adjustments will be made in the counseling department.
  • Parents of elected officers will be expected to assist with at least one major event over the course of the year such as dances, assemblies, etc.

Posters & Campaign Materials

  • Posters may be hungwhen the school opens at 6:00 am on the first day of campaigns.
  • Campaigning will be limited to a total of 2 posters per candidate (regular poster size: around 22” X 28” or less). Candidates may also create one ad to be run on Eagle TV. No handouts or other unauthorized campaignadvertising is allowed.
  • Campaign posters will be limited to anytack strip in the building! Posters may not be affixed to or cover any glass/window or hang from or be affixed to any metal frames, etc.
  • Content of campaign posters must adhere to school policies and guidelines. Determination of acceptability will be made by Student Government Advisors and/or Administrators of WJHS.
  • Posters must be removed from the school the day a candidate is eliminated in the primary election and the rest removed the afternoon following the FINAL election.
  • NO OTHER UNAUTHORIZED CAMPAIGNING IS ALLOWED.

Guidelines for Election Skits (SBO Candidates Only)

Skits should be written and planned immediately after hanging posters, even if you have not passed the primary election. There are only two days between primary elections and the assembly. BE PREPARED!

Skits must be performed live. The only electronic equipment provided is the sound system in the gym.

It is your responsibility to make sure your CD works in the system (see Ms. Simonson or Mrs. Pobanz

for assistance).

Candidates may not run together for office. A candidate may appear in another candidate’s skit, but

skits may not be combined.

Current student body or class officers and cheerleaders MAY NOT participate in skits for candidates.

Five minutes will be allowed to present your skit. This includes set-up and clean-up time. If you

exceed the time limit, you may be stopped.

Skits must adhere to all school policies, including dress code.

All props for skits must be approved. No liquids or props with the potential to damage the gym floor

will be allowed.

A copy of your skit must be submitted to Ms. Simonson or Mrs. Pobanzfor approval at least one day

prior to the assembly. Skits may not be altered after that time.

WAHLQUIST JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CONSTITUTION (partial)

ARTICLE III

Officers

Section 1:Officers of Wahlquist Junior High School shall consist of:

  1. Officers of the student body shall consist of a President and three Vice Presidents.
  2. Officers of ninth, eighth, and seventh grades shall consist of a president, and four vice-presidents.

ARTICLE IV

Qualifications for Office

Section 1:All candidates for office must be full-time, registered students at Wahlquist Junior High School at the time of nomination and during the term of office. A candidate for any student body office must be from the eighth grade at the time of election. Candidates for class officers must be a member of the class they represent.

Section 2:Candidates for office must maintain a record of good standing at the school during the year of nomination, which includes the following: A candidate will be ineligible for nomination if he/she has accumulated more than one (1) “N’” per quarter or any “U’s” in citizenship during the year of nomination. Known truancies, poor attendance, a record of general misconduct or any behavior that could be damaging to the reputation of the organization, will bar a student from nomination for an official position in student government, cheerleading or any major appointed position in the school.

Section 3:All candidates for office must have signed and be in compliance with the Weber School District Code of Conduct Contract.

Section 3: An Eligibility Committee must approve all candidates for office. The Eligibility Committee will consist of the Principal, Vice-Principal and Student Council Advisor(s).

Section 4:A student desiring to run for office, but who does not meet the established eligibility qualifications, may submit a letter of explanation to the School Standards Committee, for consideration of any extenuating circumstances which may have caused a student to be ineligible for nomination. The decision of this committee will determine whether or not the student is eligible to run for office. Students may not proceed with the campaign process until cleared.

Section 5:No student will be allowed to hold more than one elected, appointed or adjudicated major leadership position in the school during a single school year, so that no one student is overloaded and so that many students are given the opportunity to serve.

ARTICLE V

Election of Officers

Section 1:Candidates for student body and class officers shall take part in elections and run-offs as needed, held during the months of April and/or May each year.

Section 2:An Administrative Committee will select a president from the elected candidates of each slate of officers. The other elected officers will hold the office of Vice-President and will have duties and/or responsibilities as assigned.

Section 3:For purposes of continuing eligibility, “term of office” will begin on the day of election and continue until the end of the year of office.

Section 4:The oath of office administered to incoming Student Body and Class officers shall be:

“I, ______(full name of student having been elected to the office), hereby promise to uphold the Wahlquist Junior High School Constitution, set a high standard and example for the Students of Wahlquist Junior High School, and do my best to carry out the duties of my office.”

Section 5:Duties of the Student Body Officers:

  1. President
  1. Preside at meetings of the Student Council and Student Body Assemblies
  2. Call extra meetings when necessary
  3. Vote only in case of a tie
  4. Perform other duties as assigned by the Student Government Advisor or others as the office may require
  1. Vice-Presidents
  1. Officiate in the absence of the President or if appointed by the President
  2. Execute duties delegated by the President, or as assigned by the Student Government Advisor.
  3. Keep an accurate record of all meetings of the Council and attend to all correspondence of the Council
  4. Perform other such duties as the office may require

Section 6:Office Vacancies:

A.Any officer of this organization will be removed if qualifications for office are not maintained.

  1. In case of a vacancy in the office of the President during the term of office, the vacancy will be filled, by appointment, by one of the Vice-Presidents. If a vacancy occurs in the office of vice president prior to the beginning of the school year, the vacancy may be filled by appointment. Appointments will be made by the Eligibility Committee and currently elected Student Body Officers.

ARTICLE VI

Student Council

Section 1:Organization:

A.The Student Council shall be composed of the Student Body Officers, Seventh Grade Officers, Eighth Grade Officers, and Ninth Grade Officers and other representatives from school organizations as determined by the administration and Student Government Advisor.

B. One or more designated staff members will act as advisor(s) to the Student Council.

Section 2:Standards:

  1. Members of the Student Council must be regularly enrolled, full-time students at Wahlquist Junior High School during the full term of office. Each must abide by and uphold the rules and policies of the school, maynot have any incidence of truancy, and must maintain a high standard ofpersonal conduct at all times. Officers must adhere to the Weber SchoolDistrict Code of Conduct Contract.
  1. During the term of office, any officer whose GPA falls below a “3.O” in any quarter, who receives any failing grade in any quarter, who receives more than one (1) “N” per quarter, or who receives any “U’s” in any quarter will be placed on probation for a nine week period.
  1. During the term of office, an officer who violates school or district policy or acceptable standards of conduct including truancy and/or incidents of illegal, dishonest or immoral behaviormay be placed on probation for a nine-week period. A student will be reinstated at the end of the probationary period if behavior has improved to the level required to hold office.
  1. During the time of probation, the Student Council member will be ineligible to participate in any group representation, or to wear any emblem or office related clothing. The member will, however, be expected to attend and participate in all Student Government meetings, classroom related and school activities. The member will continue to abide by all rules and regulations governed by the school constitution. While on probation, officers may not serve as a representative of their office in any manner or activity.

E.Removal from office: An officer who violates District or school policy, acceptable standards of conduct including truancy and/or incidents of dishonest, illegal or immoral behavior, may be terminated from office. An officer will be allowed only one probation during the term of office. A circumstance for a second probation will result in termination from office.

Section 3:The Student Council has responsibility to:

  1. Supervise and promote the activities and programs of the school
  2. Appoint students to committees, task forces, etc. as needed to assist in school-sponsored events and activities. All appointments must be approved by the Advisor(s), and/or administration.
  3. Deliberate and advise on matters referred to it by entities within the school
  4. Recommend changes which are in conformity with existing school policies and which are necessary for the betterment of the student body
  5. Schedule Student Council meetings as needed. Council meetings may be called by the officers and/or advisors and shall be ruled by an Agenda and Parliamentary Procedure
  6. Plan and organize school-sponsored activities which have been approved by the advisor and/or the administration.
  7. To promote academic pride and school spirit
  8. To serve as representatives of the student body at designated events and activities both in and outside the school

Weber School District

Code of Conduct Contract (53A-11-908)

Students

The Utah State Legislature recognizes that participation in student government and extracurricular activities may confer important education and lifetime benefits upon students. Weber School District encourages a variety of opportunities for all students to participate in such activities in meaningful ways; there is no constitutional right to participate in these types of activities and does not create such a right. The Legislature and District further note that those who participate in student government and extracurricular activities including coaches and advisors, become role models for others in the school and community. These individuals play major roles in establishing standards of acceptable behavior in the school and community, and in establishing and maintaining the reputation of the school and the level of community confidence and support afforded the school. When a student agrees to participate in an extracurricular activity sponsored by the school, he/she is agreeing to abide by the reasonable and rigorous standards the school chooses to promote and impose.

It is of the utmost importance that those involved in student government, whether as officers or advisors, and those involved in competitive athletics and related activities, whether students or staff, comply with all state laws and school rules of behavior and conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting their positions and responsibilities. Extracurricular participants who do not abide by established community and school rules, laws and standards may lose their opportunity to represent their school in extracurricular activities.

With the ever-increasing use of social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram), it is imperative that students participating in any extracurricular activities, clubs, groups and leadership organizations understand that they will be expected to adhere to appropriate standards regarding any posts (including photos), tweets, snapchats, etc. Any use of social media platforms by students, on or off campus, may be monitored by the administration and disciplinary action may be taken, including removing a student from the team, group, activity, and/or organization, if use is deemed inappropriate. Standards related to appropriate use of social media platforms include, but are not limited to: zero tolerance for cyber-bullying; harassment (all forms); lewd, suggestive, or sexually explicit posts/photos; discriminatory remarks/posts; posts/photos depicting or promoting illegal activities (alcohol, drugs, e-cigs), re-tweeting any/all of the above, etc.

In addition, the State Legislation, State Board of Education, and Weber School Board prohibit the following:

  1. The use of foul, abusive or profane language;
  2. The use, possession or distribution of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia, and the use, possession of distribution of nicotine products or alcoholic beverages contrary to law; and
  3. Hazing, demeaning or assaultive behavior.

This piece of legislation (53A-11-908) makes clear that its prohibitions relate not only to students and District employees, but also all adult coaches, advisors and assistants. It also requires all school employees who reasonably believe that there has been a violation of the above prohibitions to report the violation to the principal or District Athletic Director. Failure to report by a person who holds a professional certificate constitutes an unprofessional practice under the statute.

Please take time to review with all of your advisors and coaches the requirements of the statute and pay particular attention to make sure the requirements are communicated to students and any volunteers or para-professionals who are not regular employees of the District. The District will vigorously enforce the provisions of statute and Board policies adopted to enforce the statute.

I have read and understand the preceding regarding inappropriate use of social media, inappropriate behavior, foul, abusive or profane language; hazing, demeaning or assaulting behavior; the use of controlled substances.

____________

Student Signature Student Name(Please Print) Date

______

Parent Signature Parent Name (Please Print) Date

Wahlquist Jr. High School Student Government

APPLICATION AND PERMISSION SLIP

Name: ______Grade______Date______

I submit this application to become a candidate to run for the office of______

(indicate Student Body, Ninth, or Eighth Grade) at Wahlquist Jr. High School for the2016-2017 school year.SBO candidates who do not win may also run for ninth grade office. If you intend to run for both, please write down both choice.