Hornet Nation,

Unfortunately, this week we have witnessed an increase in instances where students have resorted to fighting and arguing to resolve their differences within the school bathrooms and/or hallways.

We want to remind all students that we strongly encourage you to reach out to a staff member if you are experiencing any issues with another student. We are able to help and support students in all situations. We have successfully facilitated numerous mediations between students in the past, and we believe in the power of open communication to resolve conflicts. We can provide a safe space for students to discuss their differences without creating larger problems that lead to school discipline. We understand that disagreements are inevitable, but it is crucial that we make responsible choices in how we handle them.

Let us work together to create an inclusive and harmonious school environment where conflicts are addressed peacefully and constructively. Everyone's cooperation and willingness to communicate are vital in promoting a positive and supportive school environment for all.

I would like to remind everyone to mark their calendars for November 7th, as it is the day when report cards will be released on HAC. It is crucial for all parents and students to check and review their report cards.

I want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a good Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), as this is the GPA that colleges review when consider students during the admissions process. Remember, achieving a strong GPA is a gradual process that requires consistent effort one quarter at a time.

In the event that a student receives a failing grade for a course, we strongly encourage them to take proactive steps towards grade recovery. The TLC (The Learning Center) is available to provide additional support, or students can reach out to their respective teachers for guidance. It is important to note that a first quarter F can be recovered as long as it is completed prior to the end of the second quarter. Every student must maintain an average of at least a D or 60% across all four quarters in order to earn credit for a course. Our school system offers a variety of resources and strategies to help students pass their classes, leaving no room for excuses. It is worth noting that not earning enough credits to move to 10th grade increases the likelihood of dropping out by 60%.

We encourage all students and parents to take these factors into consideration and to actively engage in their academic journey. By staying informed, seeking support when needed, and maintaining consistent effort, we can ensure success and a bright future in whatever field you would like!

Remember, the week will be whatever you make, so let's make it GREAT!

Mr. Dothard

Principal

We Are... GREAT MILLS!!!

¡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

Our schools are heavily impacted by federally connected students – those parents/guardians who work on federal property in Maryland, live on federal property in Maryland, and/or are active duty military personnel. Because of this impact, we receive federal grant funds to operate and maintain our schools and enrich school programs. To receive these funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) requires us to survey each student to determine eligibility. SMCPS is encouraging all parents/guardians to please take the time to access and complete the 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.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) invites you to be part of an interactive event, helping to navigate the financial aid process and learn more about the $130 million in financial assistance available to Maryland students annually!

If you have questions on how to navigate MHEC's Financial Aid process this event is for you! If you are interested in the Maryland Promise Scholarship, this event can also help you understand that process as well.

The Virtual Financial Aid Open House will be on Friday, November 10 from 10am - noon. Click here to attend the Open House.

Please join MHEC Acting Secretary Dr. Sanjay Rai and Al Dorsett, Director of MHEC’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, for a VIRTUAL Financial Aid Open House on Friday, November 10 from 10 a.m. to Noon. The session will be moderated by MHEC Chair Cassie Motz.

The MHEC leadership team will (1) share MHEC’s plans to improve processes in the upcoming financial aid season and (2) welcome suggestions while fielding questions.

Please send your questions and suggestions in advance no later than Friday, November 3rd. Live questions and suggestions will be accepted but are not guaranteed to be addressed due to time limitations.

Click here to attend the Open House

Spread the word!

Effective communication is critical to the success of St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS). This will be crucial not only for emergencies but for our ability to communicate with families in general. Online Emergency Information Update Forms are now available through the student’s Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. It is vital that all information is updated in eSchool. The deadline for the online submission of Emergency Information Update forms is November 14, 2023. Please click here for the Blank Emergency Form. If you have any questions, please contact Tiffany Shreve at tkshreve@smcps.org.

• November 7 - Report cards will be available on HAC
  
• November 10 - Veteran's Day - All SMCPS Schools will be closed
• November 22 - 24 - Thanksgiving Break - No School

Since the entire school is on lunch together students do not have an assigned location for during lunch. This sometimes makes it difficult to locate students quickly. Please plan ahead by notifying the school prior to 11:30 and we will be able to get them a pass to the office for whatever time you plan to arrive during lunch. If you are unable to plan ahead we understand, but if you can call or text your student to share with us their location it will speed up the process.

Due to safety concerns and the demands on the main office, we do not accept food deliveries of any kind. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Oct 30th- The University of Alabama @ 1 pm

Oct 31st- Frostburg State University @10 am

2024 Yearbooks are on sale for the cheapest price of the year!! Follow this link to purchase yours today!

You didn't get your picture taken? No problem, picture make up day is on Wednesday, November 15th, for underclassmen, and the last day for seniors pictures will be Friday, November 3th.

Need to register for the SAT? We have fee waivers available for qualifying students in the counseling office. Follow this link to log in and sign up.

Schoology New Parent/Guardian Provisioning: New Schoology parent/guardian accounts will be created in the coming weeks. We hope to have accounts created and parents/guardians connected to their students in Schoology by Friday, September 2nd. Continue to use Schoology for your updates along with your SMOREs/School Messenger. Please share this specific message with your school community through School Messenger. Parents that have difficulty accessing their pre-existing accounts should contact schoology@smcps.org and include the student name and ID number for troubleshooting.

For more help with Schoology, visit the SMCPS Schoology Parent Dashboard.

1. "You are the creator of your own destiny, so make it worth living."
2. "The only way to achieve greatness is to take the first step towards your goal."
3. "Believe in yourself, and watch the world believe in you."
4. "Success is not a destination, it's a journey. Embrace the process and enjoy the ride."
5. "The only limit to your potential is the one you set for yourself."
6. "The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do."
7. "Small steps lead to big achievements. Keep moving forward."
8. "Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, create them."
9. "Chase your dreams relentlessly, because they are yours for the taking."
10. "Success is not about being perfect, it's about being persistent. Keep going."

It's that time of year again, link your Harris Teeter card to Great Mills High School!

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces enhanced security measures for after-school events. Beginning this year:

• There will be No Bags allowed in sporting events. Spectators will only be permitted to carry a small clutch or wallet into events. Other small permissible items such as keys, wallets, cell phones, credit cards, and cash may be carried in a pocket or by hand. Prohibited items include weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, outside food and drinks, laser pointers, non-service animals, and other items deemed inappropriate by the school administration.

Winter sports will be starting in November. If you haven't already had a physical the form is below for you to download. Get your physical and start getting in shape!

Winter Sports:

Boys and Girls Basketball

Girls and Boys Swimming

Boys and Girls Wrestling

Girls and Boys Indoor Track and Field

Winter Cheerleading

Pals Bowling

Tuesday, October 31st

• Girls Playoff soccer @ Chopticon 4:30
• Boys Playoff soccer @ Northern 5:00

Come out and support!!

See full playoff schedules on the SMAC Website when they are availble.

All SMAC regular season and playoff tickets will be sold online using Go Fan. I do recommend creating a free account to make purchasing tickets throughout the school year quicker. We will have card readers at the door, but NO CASH will be accepted at the door.

Are you aware that your child could qualify for a free Associate Degree or free professional certifications from CSM or a trade school in Maryland? What exactly is the Maryland Promise Scholarship?

SMCPS is committed to the mental health and wellness of students and parents. Check out each of the available sites for valuable resources.

For Our Spanish Speaking Families

¡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

Follow us on Twitter or check the school website for updates.

Email: bjdothard@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/gmhs/
Location: 21130 Great Mills Road, Great Mills, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 863-4001
Twitter: @GMHS_SMCPS