Hello Hornet Nation!

This week marked a return to some normalcy following Spirit Week! While we encountered a few lunchtime hiccups, overall, it was a positive week. Moving forward, we’ll be implementing lunch schedules for students who are struggling academically, as well as lunch detention for those who are having difficulty finding a suitable place to be during lunch. With enough time spent in Nest Hour, everyone should be familiar with the available locations during Green and Gold lunch. So, make sure you find a spot, or we’ll help you find one!

Next week is packed with exciting events, including visits from the Navy, NAVAIR, and various colleges, as well as a career talk featuring a Dental Assistant. Check out the full list below, and be sure to click the link to sign up or visit the Career and College room to register. If there’s a specific college, university, or trade school you’d like to see at The Nest, don’t hesitate to make a request in the Career and College room!

On Wednesday, October 9th, all 10th and 11th graders will be taking the PSAT, which is covered by SMCPS for every student. Did you know that if you link your College Board account with your free Khan Academy account, you can access a personalized study guide based on your PSAT results? Additionally, all 11th graders will take the SAT in the spring, also at no cost to you through SMCPS. By dedicating time to study and utilizing these resources, you can achieve your target score without needing to retake the test!

Seniors, get ready! The FAFSA application will be opening soon. Those who submit their applications early often receive more financial aid. Remember, if you qualify for free or reduced meals through SMCPS, you’re also eligible for Pell Grants—free money from the federal government that doesn’t need to be repaid. This funding can even cover your dorm expenses, allowing you to focus solely on your classes. It’s also important to note that before accepting any scholarships, including sports-related ones, you must first gain admission to the school, just like any other student. This means every grade and class counts! Plus, your FAFSA funds can be used for trade schools as well.

Remember, every successful person has faced discomfort and made sacrifices in terms of sleep and time with friends and family. What sacrifices are you willing to make?

The week will be what you make it, so let’s make it GREAT together!

We Are… GREAT MILLS

#TRUSTTHEPROCESS

¡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

Hornet families and students,

I want to thank everyone for keeping their cell phones off and away. We are seeing an uptick in students wearing earbuds and headphones in the hallway. If phones are off and away, we shouldn't see headphones or earbuds because they are connected to a personal device. Remeber, this applies from the start of 1st period until lunch and 7th period through 8th period. This also includes the transition between classes. Cell phones, headphones, and earbuds are allowed during the 10 minutes when the doors open at 7:50 to 8:00, One-Hour lunch, and 2:45 when the dismissal bell rings. We are off to a really great start, so let's keep this going.

Thank you,

The AUP is linked here as well as the information Specific to Google.

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 October 31st, 2024. Please click here for the Blank Emergency Form. If you have any questions, please contact The Department of Student Services at 301-475-5511 ext.32150.

• October 9 - PSAT for 10th and 11th Graders
• October 14 - Two-Hour Early Dismissal
• October 18 - Two-Hour Early Dismissal
  
• October 18 - Trunk or Treat/Haunted House
• October 22 - ASVAB Test
• October 25 - End of First Marking Period
  
• November 5 - Election Day- No School
• November 6 - Reports Card Distribution
• November 11 - Veteran's Day- All Schools Closed
  
• November 27 to 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break
  

SMCPS 2024-2025 Calendar

On Friday, October 4th, we enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala, honoring Mrs. Lauren Runkles, the SMCPS Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Runkles is one of three ESOL teachers at Great Mills. Mrs. Raquel Grassinger, Mrs. Lauren Runkles, and Mr. Andy Collins lead our amazing ESOL program. Dr. Smith our Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Maher, Mrs. Wendy Tarr, teachers from Spring Ridge and Great Mills, along with several retired educators, joined us in this celebration! It's Great to be a part of such a wonderful school district!

Are you excited for the spooky season? ITS and Tri-M are hosting a trunk or treat October 18, and admission is free! Come out from 5-7 for some fun and candy with your favorite clubs and staff here at GMHS. We’ll also be hosting a Carnival of Terror Haunted House on the same day from 5-8. It will cost 5 dollars. Show up ready for some good scares! You won’t want to miss it!!

The yearbook is still on sale, but not as much. The current price is $105. Buy it now before it goes up to it's full price of $120 - BUY NOW & SAVE

Click to grab your copy before prices go up.

On October 3rd, there will be a virtual information session with The Apprentice School. The Apprentice School offers apprentices the opportunity to earn college credit, receive competitive pay and benefits, and learn a trade. Sign up to hear about this AMAZING opportunity!

Have pictures to share? Do you think they would be a great addition to this years yearbook? Scan the QR code and share your photos directly with the yearbook staff!

Aubrey Williamson received the Legion of Valor Award that she won as the top NJROTC junior among 28 high school NJROTC units in this region.

Monday, October, 7th

• Volleyball vs Huntingtown JV 4:30; Varsity 5:30
• JV Football vs Northern 6:00

Tuesday, October 8th

• Boys Soccer vs McDonough 4:30
• Girls Soccer vs McDonough 6:15

Wednesday, October 9th

• JV Girls Soccer vs Chopticon 4:30

Thursday, October 10th

• Varsity Football vs Patuxent 6:00

Purchase your ticket online at GoFan.

Just a reminder when you come to events at Great Mills High School

• Senior Citizen Cards will only be for St. Mary's County residents.

• All coaches should have ID/Badge or should arrive with the team.

• Anyone leaving the event without authorization MUST pay to re-enter

• No outside food or drinks (including water bottles) are permitted

• No Bags

Spectators will not be allowed to enter game venues carrying any bags. 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 sign up on Family ID is now open! In order to be eligible you have to have a 2.0 GPA on your 1st quarter report card. In order to sign up you need to have a yearly sports physical. If you are playing or tried out for a Fall sport you do not need a second sports physical. Click her to visit our website with more information including a digital copy of the physical form.

Winter sports include:

• Boys and Girls Basketball
• Girls and Boys Wrestling
• Boys and Girls Swimming
• Girls and Boys Indoor Track and Field
• Winter Cheerleading
• PALS Bowling

We are excited to announce that the GMHS Athletic Boosters are launching a program called ShopRaise. ShopRaise allows supporters to raise money for their favorite nonprofit organizations through online purchases at over 1,000 stores.

ShopRaise for GMHS Athletics

Part of making ShopRaise successful is recruiting a core group of Champions. As board members we are encouraging you to join our Champion group.

As a Champion, you simply do three easy things:

1. Click the link below to get the ShopRaise app

2. Use tools in the mobile app to share it with family and friends

3. Shop online to support our cause and help us reach our fundraising goals

The best thing is the program is free, you do not pay any more for the items you buy, and you get access to all the best coupons and deals.

https://shopraise.com/support/590446

Feel free to explore and send any feedback to me.

Thank you so much in advance!

The ASVAB is a tool that all military branches use to figure out the best employment fit for you within each branch. There are sections of word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, math, mechanical knowledge, and science. The test will be taken on paper.

Location: Media Center

Time: 8am - Noon

Click here to sign up.

Please email Mrs. Cunningham, accunningham@smcps.org, if you need assistance in completing FAFSA and/or MDCAPS

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HEALTH INSURANCE OR SUPPLAMENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOUR STUDENT? FIND MORE INFORMATION BELOW.

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