Preamble



Mercer Island High School Associated Student Body ConstitutionPreambleWe, the Associated Student Body of Mercer Island High School hereby establish this Constitution for the purposes of: (1) encouraging active participation, (2) regulating activities, (3) facilitating effective communication, (4) promoting school spirit, unity, high standards of academics and activities, and (5) establishing a democratic government to represent the interests of all students of Mercer Island High School.Name and TraditionsThe name of the organization shall be the Associated Student Body of Mercer Island High School, henceforth referred to as the ASB or MIHS ASB.The school name shall be “Islanders”.The school colors shall be Maroon and WhiteThe logo of Mercer Island High School shall be: Block MIThe school Motto shall be “……..”The school mascot is…The Mercer Island Fight Song is as follows:MembershipAll students officially enrolled at Mercer Island High School are members of the ASB. Mercer Island staff members are not eligible to be part of the Association except for the Leadership Advisor and Activities Coordinator.All students are eligible to purchase an ASB cardPossession of an ASB card is required for student athletes, musicians, ASB officers, and club members.Possession of an ASB card, entitles a student to discounts on ASB events and items for which discounts are offered.Branches of GovernmentThe MIHS ASB shall be divided into three separate branches to provide checks and balances: Executive Branch, Legislative Branch and Judicial Branch. Executive BranchThe ASB Executive Branch shall consist of the ASB Executive Officers and the ASB Cabinet. Duties of the ASB Executive BranchDrafting of the ASB Annual BudgetApprove fundraiser requestsApprove expenditure requestsApprove and manage ASB ClubsPlan and coordinate school eventsAct upon school wide issues and decisionsEnroll in the Student Leadership Class for the entire duration of their term (non-negotiable).Actively communicate with district officials and staff.Fulfill other responsibilities that may be assigned by the Leadership Teacher, Activities Coordinator and Principals.ASB Executive Officers Executive powers of the ASB shall be vested in the ASB Executive Officers, which shall consist of the ASB President, ASB Vice President, ASB Treasurer, ASB Secretary, ASB Public Relations Coordinator, and the ASB Spirit Commissioner.Duties of the ASB Executive OfficersWork together to create a class theme for the school year.Make executive decisions as deemed necessary with a two-thirds majority vote of all 6 Executive OfficersMentor fellow cabinet membersAttend all Student Senate MeetingsPresident - The Responsibilities and Powers of the ASB President shall be as follows:Develop a daily class agenda with the Leadership Teacher for the Cabinet.Develop the agenda for each Student Senate meeting with the other Executive Officers and the ASB Advisor.Preside over Student Senate meetings.Maintain close working relations with the Business Manager to keep abreast of the financial activities.Attend Principal’s Cabinet meetings per the Principal’s request.Report to Leadership Teacher and AdministrationAct as a spokesperson for the ASB via reports, meetings, and presentations to the leadership class, administration, school board, PTSA or other called upon requests.Vice President- The Duties and Responsibilities of Vice President shall be as follows:Perform all functions of the ASB President in his/her absence.Attend all meetings of the ASB Executive Council and Student Senate.Represent the Student Body of MIHS at all League meetings, exchanges, etc.Represent the Student Body of MIHS at designated training sessions.Oversee all ASB Club Policies and Procedures. Secretary - The Duties and Responsibilities of Secretary shall be as follows:Attend all meetings of the ASB Executive Council and Student pile and publish a list of Student Senate Representatives.Type and publish the agenda for each Student Senate meeting at least two days prior to the meeting.Record and publish minutes of every Student Senate meeting and Leadership Class meeting where decisions regarding money, fundraising and major school events within three school days of the plete all written correspondence on behalf of the Student Body of MIHS.Represent the Student Body of MIHS at designated training sessions.Treasurer - The Duties and Responsibilities of Treasurer shall be as follows:Attend all meetings of the ASB Executive Council and Student Senate.Work closely with the ASB Bookkeeper to monitor the financial activity of all ASB clubs, teams, and organizations.Promote and monitor the sale of the ASB cards each fall.Represent the Student Body of MIHS at designated training sessions.Public Relations Coordinator - The Duties and Responsibilities of Public Relations Coordinator shall be as follows:Attend all meetings of the ASB Executive Council and Student Senate.Serve as the contact person for the student body and teachers.Transmit communication from the ASB to the Student Body and staff.Be responsible for within-school communication for school pose all necessary announcements for the ASB.Be the contact person for clubs and sports relating to school municate with the SAB officers.Represent the student body of MIHS at designated training sessions.Spirit Commissioner - The Duties and Responsibilities of Spirit Commissioner shall be as follows: Attend all meetings of the ASB Executive Council and Student Senate.Plan spirit activities including: spirit weeks, pep rallies, various spirit days, etc.Work with students interested in being the school mascotWork closely with Cheer, Drill, and Maroon PlatoonASB CabinetThe ASB Cabinet shall consist of the ASB Executive Officers, Senior Class officers, Junior Class officers, Sophomore Class Officers, Freshmen Class officers, and Director Officers. ASB Class Officers will be responsible for:Class OfficersEach graduating class will elect 4 class officers to Appointed PositionsDescriptionElections and TermsVacanciesMinimum QualificationsEnrollment in the leadership classIf an elected or appointed ASB Officer cannot or will not enroll in the Student Leadership Class, he or she will be removed from their position. Any President vacancy will be replaced by the vice president.All other vacant positions will be appointed by:The remaining executive council for an executive council position The remaining class officers for a class officer positionExecutive council and leadership teacher for appointed position, only if need to be filled.The appointment of any position must be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the ASB CabinetLegislativeLegislative powers of the ASB shall be vested in a Student Senate. The Senate shall consist of:One elected representative from each Bridges2 group, All six ASB officers, All ASB Class officersAll ASB DirectorsThe chairpersons of the standing committees, And one representative of the administration.BRIDGES RepresentativeEach BRIDGES group shall have the responsibility of electing one representative and one alternate, preceded by open nominations, in a manner determined by the BRIDGES Group. The representatives from each bridges group will be elected at the beginning of the year and will rotate quarterly by grade within each group so that all grades are equally represented each quarter in Senate.Each representative shall have the responsibility of leading and encouraging BRIDGES discussion of Senate issues, conveying BRIDGES opinions to the Senate, and attending, or making sure that an alternate attends all Senate meetings if the regular representative is absent.The ASB President, or their designee, shall be the presiding officer of the Senate. If the ASB President is not able to be present, the next officer in the chain of command will act as presiding officer of the Senate.The ASB Secretary and Treasure RolesThe Senate shall have the power and responsibility of initiating and approving proceedings and guidelines for the benefit of the school and receiving and reviewing budget reports of the ASB Business Manager of all funds and expenditures.A time shall be allowed at every Senate Meeting for the presentation of new business, during which time a Mercer Island High School student or guest of the ASB may present a statement or ideas. The Executive Council shall discuss these statements or ideas at its next regular meeting for deletion or inclusion on the next regular agenda.Senate Meetings shall be convened by action of the Executive Council or Senate. The first council meeting shall be held within one month after the opening of school.With two-thirds majority affirmative vote, the Senate may veto any act of Executive Council and/or its committees and organizations.The Student Senate shall meet at least once every two months during the school year.Suggested format for Student Senate meetings: New Business, Follow up with old business, Budget Report, Reports from BRIDGES Reps (whenever needed), Club Updates, Sports Updates, Class Reports, SAB Reports, Guest of the Month, Spirit Activity of the Month.JudicialLegislative powers of the ASB shall be vested in the Principal/Activities Coordinator and ASB-Leadership Teacher. Impeach and RemovalAs member of the ASB Executive Branch can be removed from office if:They break the ASB Code of Conduct.They fail to fulfill their ASB officer duties. Are suspended from school for participating in illegal activity.They act in poor character that reflects negatively of Mercer Island High School.If the impeachment of an ASB officer is proposed, it will be brought to the attention of the ASB-Leadership Advisor and Principal/ Activity Coordinator to discuss the validity of the charges being brought against the student in question.The student in question will then be brought to the Executive officers and a decision, if necessary, will be made. Removal or impeachment from the class will result in a failing grade for the class. The student in question may not be allowed to run for an ASB position the following year. If the person in question is a member of the Executive cabinet, they will be excluded from the meeting regarding their impeachment.Elections of OfficersASB Executive OfficersElections for ASB Executive Officers shall be held before the end of the third quarter.Candidates for ASB offices must be of the sophomore or junior class.All students enrolled in Mercer Island High School who have purchased an ASB card and have an ASB number during the time of the election shall be eligible to vote for ASB Officers.Votes shall be cast by secret ballot. A student ID number (Card) must be present to vote. Officers shall assume office for a term of one year, commencing on the first day of the next to last calendar week of the school year.Newly elected officers shall sit in Student Council Meetings and participate in discussions; however, they will not be voting members until they assume office.A candidate may, upon request, receive a report listing the vote totals on primary or final elections.Officers may hold the same office for only one year.ASB Class OfficersElections for ASB Class Officers shall be held before the end of the April.Candidates for class officers must meet the same qualifications established for ASB Officers according to Section 8.01 (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h). Senior Class Officer Candidates must be Juniors and shall be elected by the exclusive vote of the Junior Class. Junior Class Officer candidates must be Sophomores and shall be elected by the exclusive vote of the Sophomore Class. Sophomore Class Officer candidates must be Freshmen and shall be elected by the exclusive vote of the Freshmen Class. Freshmen Class Officer candidates must be 8th graders and shall be elected by the exclusive vote of the 8th grade Class.The Officers of each class shall meet with the respective Class Advisors to supervise class activities, provide class leadership and determine class policy. The Officers may establish class committees to help regulate class activities. The officers shall work with their faculty advisors to establish and strive for class goals. Each Class President shall have the responsibility of providing class leadership, presiding over class meetings, appointing class committee chairpersons, and representing class views on the Cabinet.Each Class Vice President shall work with and assist the Class President in the execution of their duties, and shall assume the responsibilities of the office of Class President in the event of their absence.Each Class Secretary shall supervise class correspondence and maintain records of all class activities.Any vacancy occurring in a class office shall be filled in the same manner used to fill vacancies in ASB offices as provided by Article IV of the By-Laws.Impeachment of Class Officers, when necessary, shall be conducted in the same manner as the impeachment of ASB Officers as provide Article VII. Vacancy of Elected Offices If the office of President is vacated, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the President. Should a vacancy occur in any ASB or Class Office other than that of President, the respective ASB or Class President shall make an appointment to fill the said vacancy based on the recommendation of the ASB or Class group. The appointment must be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the executive cabinet. The appointed officer shall fulfill the office for the remainder of the term. An election may be held at the discretion of the respective President.ClubsMercer Island High SchoolClubs Policy and ProceduresApproved By ASB on: Modified by ASB on: ASB ConstitutionARTICLE V: CLUBSOrganizations may exist for the purpose of enriching the quality of life and academic standards of the students of Mercer Island High School.Sec. 1: In order for an organization to be recognized by the ASB it must:Have a Faculty Advisor.If it is a new organization, meet all the requirements under Article VI of the By-Laws.If already established, review and revise its existing Constitution yearly, by it’s Faculty Advisor.Sec. 2: An organization shall be automatically disbanded if it loses all members and/or does not comply with the Mercer Island School District’s statement of Rights and Responsibilities, or Article VI of the By-Laws. Sec. 3: An organization may be disbanded by two-thirds Student Senate vote following a full Senate hearing.Sec. 4: Any organization may be required to report to the Student Senate upon request.Sec. 5: The ASB/ Activities Coordinator must have on file any Constitution and/or statement of purpose adopted by all organizations, clubs, or activities recognized by the ASB.Sec. 6: The ASB does not require athletic teams to meet these requirements to receive funds.ASB By-LawsARTICLE VI: NEW CLUBSAll proposed new Mercer Island High School Clubs must submit a written statement of purpose, a constitution, and a yearly slate of officers to the Activities Coordinator. The club’s proposal will be forwarded to the Principal and Student Council. If approved, the club will become an official part of the MIHS ASB.Sec. 1: All clubs and activities must operate under the complete authority of the MIHS Constitution/Bills. Any club that does not comply with this Constitution or these By-Laws will be subject to disbandment by the Student Council after a secret vote. Sec. 2: Every school Officer and member of a club, activity or sport receiving financial support from the ASB must purchase an activity card.Procedure to become a club:Students must complete all paper work and submit it to the Activities Coordinator. The paper work includes:New Club ProposalClub ConstitutionClub Officer Information Sheet (if officers are not decided upon at this time, within 10 school days of the approval of the club)Clubs must have a clearly written Mission Statement/ Purpose.An advisor must be committed to overseeing the clubClub founder(s) must find five members, not including themselves, that will attend the club regularly for the duration of the current school yearThe founder(s) of the club will automatically serve as president or co-presidents for the duration of the current school year, and the founder(s) either must appoint a secretary or serve as secretary themselves.Once all paper work is completed and turned in and approved by the Activities Coordinator, The leadership class will discuss and vote on the approval of the club.The ASB President will present the proposed club to the class.A discussion regarding the proposed club will take place.Leadership will then move to:Approve with an majority voteIf approved, the club will become temporarily active until a final senate vote.If not approved, the leadership class will provide a reason why and feedback on what they can do differently.ii. Request additional clarification form the proposed clubIf the class does not feel that proposed club has provided enough information, then the class needs to identify what needs to be provided by the proposed club for approval.Once a club has been approved by the leadership class:A Temporary Approved Status Letter will be sent to the club advisor signed by the ASB President with further instructions regarding senate approval.A Documents Site will be created for the club to upload all required documents to located on the ASB webpage.Senate ApprovalAfter the club is approved by the leadership class, the club will be presented at the next student senate meeting.The club founder must present a 1-2 minute description of the club to the senate.A 1-2 minute question/discussion opportunity for senate members will be allowed for clarification.The senate will then vote on the passing of the club with a majority to pass.Voting will take place using hand counts.Clubs not approved will have to be given feedback by the ASB within one week why and what they can do to get approval from the senate.Once a club exists:Attendance ChecksThe leadership class will perform random checks on clubs to make sure that at least five members are attending each meeting. A club does not need to be checked more than once every four meetings.DocumentationThe club president or secretary must submit minutes to the club’s file on Office 365 after each club meeting that contains an overview of the agenda and a list of the members that attended.Any monetary decisions made by the club must be recorded in the minutes.All documents must be submitted within 1 week of the previous meeting.Random Check will be done by the ASB to ensure clubs are following these rules.Clubs that do not submit their paperwork on time. The following will occur:Clubs will receive a warning via email to the advisor.If the next check indicates that the club still has not submitted their minutes or again has not submitted their most previous minutes, the club will receive a letter, via the advisor, indicating that the club has become inactive for being incompliant.The club will need to resubmit a club proposal with an updated purpose and mission statement and a detailed plan of action on how they will keep their club in compliance with ASB Club rules.Club MeetingsA club must meet at least once a month with at least five members attending and submitted minutes or it will be deemed inactive.The club will receive a letter, via the advisor, indicating that the club has become inactive for being incompliant.The club will need to resubmit a club proposal with an updated purpose and mission statement and a detailed plan of action on how they will keep their club in compliance with ASB Club rules.Future Officers and Club StatusAt the end of the current school year, all members must vote in a president and secretary from the existing group of club members.If a new MIHS ASB Officer Information sheet is not submitted by the last day of school, the club will become inactive.The club will receive a letter, via the advisor, indicating that the club has become inactive for being incompliant.The club will need to resubmit a club proposal with an updated purpose and mission statement and a detailed plan of action on how they will keep their club in compliance with ASB Club rules. SportsSpecial ClubsAdministrative ReviewInterpretationAdoption Amendments and ReviewAmendments to this Constitution may be proposed in writing by any student or faculty member. Amendments shall become effective after being debated by the Executive Council and the Student Senate, and after receiving the approval of a majority vote of the students in an election ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download