Eco-Action

This is an informal organization through which students educate others about issues critical to the environment.

National Honor Society

Induction into the National Honor Society is an honor that is recognized throughout the nation as public recognition of accomplishment and the private commitment to continued excellence on the part of the members. The Faculty Council selects students who demonstrate outstanding performance in the criteria of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. A brief description of the four pillars of the National Honor Society follows:

Scholarship - A cumulative grade point average of 3.5 is required. Juniors are evaluated on their first five semesters in school and seniors are evaluated on their first six semesters.

Leadership - A student that exercises leadership is resourceful, demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities, exercises positive influence on peers, and contributes ideas that improve the civic life of the school. The student is able to delegate responsibilities, exemplifies positive attitudes, inspires positive behavior in others, and demonstrates academic initiative. Such a student acts reliably and dependably, while holding school offices and / or positions of responsibility. This student is a leader in the classroom, at work, and at other school and community activities, is dependable and is willing to uphold scholarship and maintain a loyal school attitude.

Service - Service is generally considered to be those actions under taken by the student that are done with or on behalf of others without any direct financial or material compensation to the individual performing the service. Service includes contributions that the student has made to the school, classmates and the community. The student's attitude toward service may also be reviewed. A person who serves, volunteers and provides dependable and well-organized assistance, is gladly available, and is willing to sacrifice to offer assistance. This student works well with others, cheerfully and enthusiastically renders any service requested at the school, is willing to represent the class or the school, does committee and staff work without complaint and shows courtesy by assisting visitors, teachers and students. This person participates in activities outside of school and mentors persons in the community or students at other schools.

Character - A person of character demonstrates the following six qualities: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and citizenship. In addition, it can be said that a student of character takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously, consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior (cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, and stability). This student upholds principles of morality and ethics, cooperates by complying with school regulations, demonstrates honesty and reliability, and regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others. A student of character observes instructions and rules, is punctual, and has powers of concentration, self-discipline and sustained attention as shown by perseverance and application to studies. This student manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, avoiding cheating in written work and actively helps rid the school of bad influences or environment.

The Faculty Council makes their selections based on the extent to which the eligible student demonstrates the four pillars of the National Honor Society. All candidates are informed of their selection or non-selection status as soon as the Faculty Council finalizes their decisions.

Orpheus

Orpheus is the Lewis S. Mills literary magazine consisting of student writing and artwork. Orpheus is published once a year.

Student interested in being on the Orpheus staff will be asked to solicit writing, edit, type, and collate for each issue as well as contribute work of their own for the magazine.

Participating on the Orpheus staff is encouraged for students particularly interested in writing and in being involved in the production of a literary magazine.

Social Studies Activities

The Social Studies Department sponsors a variety of academic programs from which students may choose. The activities include: the Model U.N. Organization, the Debate Team, the High School Bowl, the History Day Program, Election Programs, Essay/Speech Contests/Programs, Legislative Page Programs, the Awards Program, Service Activities, Sociology/Psychology Seminars, and Advanced Placement History Review.

The Spartan Scroll

The objective of The Spartan Scroll is to put out eight to ten issues a year. Students who wish to join the paper will be required to submit a writing sample to the advisor. The advisor and editor will review the samples and notify the students of the decision. Enrollment in The Spartan Scroll activity is not mandatory for membership on the paper. Membership on the paper entails gathering news from the school community as well as surrounding towns. Students will be expected to write articles and present them in newspaper form. Students will learn proofreading skills, layout, format, and advertising techniques. Students will be expected to meet deadlines and accept full responsibility for the accuracy and quality of their work. Membership on the paper is encouraged for all college-bound students.

In the event a staff member fails to perform his or her duties in a satisfactory manner, the advisor reserves the right to suspend the student from the staff either temporarily or for the duration of the school year. Editors may not be officers in other clubs without the newspaper advisor's permission.

Student Council

The Student Council will have an elected representative from each class. Twelve seniors, nine junior, six sophomores, and three freshmen well be elected by their respective classes to serve annually as representatives. All prospective members must pass four major subjects.

Objectives

1. Provide a democratic forum in which students can address those school-related issues that affect their lives.

2. Maintain a continuous communication channel from students to both faculty and administration, as well as among the students within the school.

3. Offer a yearlong program of social functions and community involvement project for the students.

4. Direct students in the duties and responsibilities of good citizenship, using the school environment as the primary training ground.

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Other school activities

There are many other activities available at Mills including: Art Club, Dramatics, Human Relations, Academic Bowl, Technology Club, and Mills Club. New clubs form each year with the support of a faculty advisor.

School Policy for School Activities on/off School Grounds

Any student who attends any school-approved activity, on or off school property (i.e., field trips, dances, athletic contests, etc.) outside the normal school day, is subject to all school regulations. Students are subject to suspension and/or restriction (even though they are not on school property) and may be restricted from other after-school activities if they do not follow regulations. Students who are suspended from school may not participate in any school activity or practice.