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Braves Bulletin
February 4, 2024
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Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, Feb 6
- 2nd marking period Report Cards grades available on HAC
- FAFSA Completion Night
Wednesday, Feb 7 - BECA Scholarship Fair (more info in this Bulletin)
Friday, Feb 9
- Two Hour Early Dismissal Day, Professional Responsibilities
- Cancelled - Volleyball Tournament, 1:00 pm
Friday, February 16 - Tech Center Application Closes at 3 pm
Saturday, February 17 - SGA Winter Wonderland Dance
Wednesday, Feb 28 - Spring Sport Registration Closes at 4 pm
Para nuestra comunidad hispanohablante
¡Saludos! Para leer en español, hay un botón para traducir en la esquina superior derecha de los anuncios de Smore cuando se abre por primera vez. Pueden hacer clic en el botón y después selecciona de la lista de lenguas disponibles.
Tech Center Application Closes on Feb 16 at 3 pm
Application deadline is February 16, 2024, by 3 pm. Applications will NOT reopen after the deadline. Students can apply for ONE program. If they change their mind, they must complete a new application, and must have a recorded visit for that program. The last application submitted by February 16, 2024, at 3 pm will be the one used.
Spring Sport Registration
Registration is now open for spring sports and bowling.
Spring Sports Eligibility
Spring eligibility will be determined by the 2nd Marking Period Grades. You must have a minimum 2.0 GPA for the 2nd Marking Period. Registration closes on February 28th at 4:00pm. Tryouts start March 1, 2024
Bowling
You must have at least 2.0 GPA for the 2nd Marking Period. You must also have a current physical and have an approved status on FamilyID. Registration closes at 4 pm on February 16. Bowling will start February 20 through March 14.
This will be 4 weeks of practice. The health and safety of SMCPS students-athletes, coaches and all stakeholders will continue to be our top priority and drive all decisions.
Evening Counseling Available
SMCPS is once again offering School-Based Counseling Support in the evening for SMCPS students. Counseling support focuses on the following areas: Healthy Relationships, Social Skills, Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Worry, Sadness, and Emotional Regulation. Services will be located at Margaret Brent Middle School and Greenview Knolls Elementary School on Tuesday evenings from 4-7:30 p.m. Please complete the Parent Contact Form for Evening Counseling to request services.
Nurse's Corner
Please take a moment to review this document. It has answers to many of your questions including when a student should stay home, elevator access and general health information.
College & Career Readiness Center News
ASVAB Testing
Chopticon High School will be offering the ASVAB test on April 4, 2024 at 8:00am. Click here to sign up.
FAFSA Completion Night
Tuesday, February 6th, at 6:00 p.m. – In-Person Event at James A Forrest Technology Center
St. Mary’s County Public School is hosting a FREE FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Completion/Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, February 6th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. College Financial Aid Counselors will be available to assist parents and students in the completion of their FAFSA. This event will take place at the James A. Forrest Technology Center. FLYER
To accommodate our families, we are asking that if you are planning to attend, please RSVP through the google form with the link: FAFSA Night RSVP
Noche FAFSA - Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda - Federal para Estudiantes La ayuda financiera es esencial para la mayorÃa de los estudiantes que planean asistir a la universidad o a una escuela vocacional. Te mostramos cómo funciona la ayuda financiera, los recursos para pagar la universidad y las opciones de pago de préstamos. 7 de febrero - 6:00 p.m. Lexington Park Library - FLYER
BECA Scholarship Fair Feb 7
College & Career Readiness Upcoming Events
Our "lunch and learns" have been very popular. Below is the list of who is coming next. This is a great opportunity for students to speak directly to someone in their field of interest and to make some professional connections. All presentations will be during "A" lunch. Click HERE to register.
- Feb. 6 - Careers in Cosmetology
- Feb. 7 - Careers in the Marine Corp/How to get an ROTC scholarship
- Feb. 21 - Careers in the Coast Guard
- Feb. 28 - Careers in Real Estate
- March 20 - Careers in Occupational and Physical Therapy
The ASVAB test will be offered on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 8:00am at Chopticon High School. Click here to register.
The 2024 Job and Career Fair is going to be held at Chopticon High School on Thursday, April 11th. Stay tuned for more details. If you own a business or are affiliated with a company that would like to participate, please reach out to Mrs. Nantz at kjnantz@smcps.org or 301-475-0125 ext. 38125
Lunch and Learn - It was a packed house in the College and Career Center as Chopticon High School students learned about Radiology and Ultrasound Careers.
Reggie Rice Show to Benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society
Tickets are $10 for kids and $15 for adults. There is also a meet and greet with Reggie for $30. Tickets must be purchased online at GoFan.
Volunteers are needed on the night of the event, each person would reach an ITS point (International Thespian Society) one gift card and 3 hours of volunteer service from LLS. Please complete this form if you would like to volunteer.
Questions - contact Alyssa Hammett
SMCPS Spectator Policy for After School Events
As we start another season of athletics, arts, and other activities, I want to strongly encourage you to come support our events. I also want to remind everyone of St. Mary’s County Public School’s policy regarding spectators at after school events:
No Bags or Purses Allowed
No outside Food or Drink Allowed including Water
Ticket Sales are online Only at Go Fan
No Cash option for tickets
Gates will open - one hour before the first event.
Concessions are cash and credit card.
Thank you, we hope to see you at our events.
Marc Pirner, Principal
Bravo to the Cast & Crew of "She Kills Monsters"!!
Dragon
Made and donated by Booster parents and artistically painted and brought to life by Chopticon student Abby!
Indoor Track - SMAC Championships!
Wrestling
Boys Basketball
.
Girls Basketball
Mario Kart 8 Tournament
Congratulations to the winners of this year's Mario Kart 8 Tournament: In third place, Jack Howard. In second place, Gabriel Holbrook. And in first place, Xander Hughson! Great Job Braves!
Around Chopticon
SSLAC
Chopticon representatives of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council met with other representatives and our Superintendent Dr. Smith.
Freshman Academy
Our Freshman Academy students had an opportunity to visit the Charlotte Hall Library to learn about the opportunities and support the library provides for our community.
Future Braves
These middle schoolers got an inside look at the Chopticon Basketball program and the opportunity to workout and work with coaches and players. Moments like this help bridge relationships and strengthen the program. More importantly creating long lasting memories and excitement that will grow until they are wearing Chopticon jerseys.
"She Kills Monsters"
Mrs. Karen Bailey, Chairman Board of Education and Dr. Scott Smith, Superintendent of Schools for St. Mary's County Public Schools join Principal Marc Pirner for an outstanding performance by Chopticon's Bravehouse Production of "She Kills Monsters".
Important School Information and Links
No Food or Other Deliveries for Students
Here is a link to the daily menu.
Help Prevent the Spread of Infection
Students and staff should stay home with ANY signs/symptoms of illness. If fever-reducing medication was required within the past 24 hours to maintain a normal body temperature, you should NOT be in school.
Online Forms Each Parent/Guardian Should Complete
Please be sure you have completed the following:
- Impact Aid Survey Form online, located in the Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the form has been started. The deadline for the online submission of Impact Aid Program Survey forms is November 14, 2023.
- Online Emergency Information Update Forms are available through the student’s Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. This form is important as this is the current contact information we have for parents/guardians.
- 2023/2024 Parent Permission - SMCPS Secondary Acceptable Use Policy and Online Platforms - More Info - must be completed for each student
- 2023-24 Meal Benefit Form
Braves Bucks
Hey Chop Nation! Braves Bucks are rolling out and you might not know how to spend them. Visit the school bank during PRIDE time and use your bucks to purchase any items listed below. Prices are subject to change based on supply and demand, so get down early for the best deals.
Parents - Braves Bucks are something students may earn to reward positive behaviors. Some examples of how a student may earn a Braves Buck is by going to a teacher's classroom during Pride Time for academic assistance or being on time to class during a Blitz. Students may trade in Braves Bucks for items in the "store" located in the School Bank.
Zion cashed in his Braves Bucks for a hoodie!