Hornet Nation,

We all have incredible potential that lies within. We are all powerful, unique individuals capable of achieving greatness and we deserve greatness! Remember, education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about nurturing curiosity, fostering growth, and truly embracing the challenges that come your way.

In this HORNET community, we are more alike than we are different and we all share similar dreams, aspirations, and shared experiences. Let us continue to celebrate our diversity and learn from one another, for it is through understanding and empathy that we can truly make a difference.

Success is not measured solely by grades or accomplishments, but by the kindness you show, the support you offer, and the positive impact you make on those around you. Each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire others. People will always remember how you made them feel much longer than what you say to them.

Believe in yourself, believe in each other, and let us embark on this incredible journey of learning, discovery, and personal growth. TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIVE ANYTHING!!

This week will be a great HORNET Week!!

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

This year picture day will be on October 4th and 5th. It is important that everyone takes a picture to get their ID Card. In efforts to speed up lunch lines, students will be expected to swipe their ID badge instead of punching in their number on the pad. This ID will also be needed to check out books and material from the Media Center. Did you know your school ID will also count as a valid ID Card when applying for work?

Do you need a fresh car wash? Drive down to Great Mills High School, on Saturday, September 30th between 10 am to 4 pm Mini- THON is hosting a car wash. All money raised goes towards families with children being treated for cancer at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Donations only! Don’t be shy, help conquer pediatric cancer!

Homecoming is just around the corner!!! SGA needs you to vote for Spirit Week days! Please click here to vote.

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.

Mini-THON wants you to save the date! Saturday, September 30th, 10 am- 4 pm! Students and teachers, do you have a parking spot and want to make it more personalized for yourself? For only $15 you can paint your parking spot with a few easy steps! First, submit a request form to submit your design plan to Mr. Wesiner (Room A28) and then pay for a painting spot at the bank or in the Myschoolbucks link. Once approved, you just need to show up on Saturday, September 30th between 10 am and 4 pm and start painting! More specific information is in the Request form!

You finally made it!! There is one last chance to get your Senior pictures taken. There is no cost for a basic yearbook sitting.

Appointments are available during the school day on October 12. This is the last date, so please sign up.

Register for Senior pictures here.

The unique pre-professional program, spread over 9 days (2 weekends), focuses on helping students learn how to read and build a case, how to write position papers, how to navigate the path to law school, and much more. Students will also be guided towards the LSAT, the difficult-to-navigate requirements of the application to Law School, and the many careers in the world of law.

Each day begins with a lecture outlining a skill or concept critical to a career in law, whether it be the inner workings of the court system or how to prepare for the LSAT. From there, students get to build teamwork skills and collaborative thinking by engaging with one another. Guided by qualified Harvard undergraduate instructors/students, the curriculum aims to provide a comprehensive look at legal systems and give students the chance to meaningfully explore the field. The program enables students to explore law and litigation, experience a mock trial, gain awareness of history and the current events that contextualize law in society today, and walk away with excitement for their future in law.

This time, we are opening the applications for 2 cohorts - October & November. So now you have the flexibility to join the cohort of your choice!

OPTION 1: The October 2023 Cohort

Program Starts: 14th October, 2023
Who Is Eligible?: Students from Grades 8 to 12
Duration: 2 weekends

Early Application Deadline: 30th September, 2023

Program Fee for Early Applicants: 300 USD

Regular Fee: 400 USD
Find more about the Program: Here
Application Form (October): Click Here

OPTION 2: The November 2023 Cohort

Program Starts: 18th November, 2023
Who Is Eligible?: Students from Grades 8 to 12
Duration: 2 weekends

Early Application Deadline: 15th October, 2023

Program Fee for Early Applicants: 300 USD

Regular Fee: 400 USD
Find more about the Program: Here
Application Form (November): Click Here

What You Will Get?

- Small class sizes

- Opportunity to network and learn with students from Harvard Student Agencies

- Get guided by qualified Harvard undergraduate instructors on legal systems around the world

- Experience a mock trial

- Gain awareness of history and the current events that contextualize law in society today

- The certificate will be given directly by Harvard Student Agencies

It's a rose that Mrs. Waddell has accepted a promotion and is growing her career! However, it's a thorn that we are now looking for a new College and Career Readiness Liaison. While we are in transition, please direct all college questions to your school counselor or Ms. Carroll our new Career Advisor. Please click the link below if you are interested in applying for this position.

Sept 19th- University of Maryland-Baltimore County @ 10 am

Sept 25th- Salisbury University @ 1pm

Sept 27th- Savannah College of Art & Design - SCAD @ 1 pm

Sept 28th- University of Maryland-College Park @ 1 pm

Oct 2nd- St. Mary's College of Maryland @ 10 am & Florida Institute of Technology @ 1 pm

Oct 3rd- Bowie State University @ 11am

Oct 4th- Mount St. Mary's Unversity @ 10 am & Shepherd University @ 1 pm

Oct 5th - Randolph College @ 10 am & Bridgewater College @ 10:30 am

Oct 17th - Washington College @ 10am & Merrimack College @ 11 am

Oct 18th York College of Pennsylvania @ 10 am

Oct 19th- Stevenson University @ 10:30 am

Oct 26th- Notre Dame of Maryland University @ 11 am

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!

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.

Back to School season is here! Whether you're in need of supplies and local resources or have the ability to donate extra - check out this list of events happening in the community.

• St. Mary’s County Government's Chromebook Distribution Events
• Leonardtown Library
• September 23 (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

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.

Monday, September 18th

• Volleyball vs St. Charles JV 4:30 - Varsity 5:30

Wednesday, September 20th

• Field Hockey vs Chopticon @ 4:00
• Golf vs Multiple Schools @ 4:30 Pax River: Cedar Point Golf Course

Thursday, September 21st

• Girls Varsity Soccer vs Northern @ 4:30
  
• Boys Varsity Soccer vs Northern @ 6:00

See full schedules on the SMAC Website.

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