Hornet Buzz
August 2, 2024
Sunday Chat with Principal Dothard
Hello Hornet Nation!
As we approach the final week of the first marking period, we want to remind all students that our teachers are available to provide support! Whether before school, during Nest-Hour, or after school, they are here to help. If you’re struggling in a course, remember that you can seek assistance from any teacher, not just your current one. Don’t miss out on the resources available to you!
With the colder weather upon us, please note that bringing or wearing blankets to school is not allowed. Blankets can contribute to the spread of lice and bed bugs in public spaces. We encourage everyone to check the weather and dress appropriately for the season. If you need assistance with cold-weather gear, please reach out to an administrator or school counselor, and we will help you find what you need.
Exciting news! We have 85 students signed up to take the ASVAB this week! This is a fantastic turnout, and we commend our students for exploring opportunities beyond high school. Our goal this year is to ensure that every senior completes all necessary paperwork for their post-graduation plans. If you have any questions about opportunities for your student, please contact our Career and College Center: Ms. Carroll at lmcarroll@smcps.org or Mrs. Cunningham at accunningham@smcps.org.
Additionally, the FAFSA application will be opening soon. Early submissions often lead to more financial aid, so don’t delay! This application can also be used for trade schools. Remember, it’s easier to decide not to pursue something than to change your mind later. Trust the process, and let’s work together for a successful future!
The week will be what you make it, so let’s make it GREAT together!
We Are… GREAT MILLS
#TRUSTTHEPROCESS
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
Dress Code
We have noticed a growing trend of students bringing blankets to school. Please be reminded that blankets and slippers (house shoes) are not allowed on campus due to safety and hygiene concerns. Using a laptop while wrapped in a blanket can be quite challenging, and blankets pose tripping hazards in hallways. Additionally, they can be used to hide inappropriate items, drag on the floor, and create significant issues in classrooms, particularly in science labs.
Moreover, blankets may carry lice or bed bugs, potentially transporting them to and/or from school. Slippers, lacking a hard sole, can lead to injuries if a student steps on sharp objects, resulting in the need for medical attention. We kindly ask that you ensure students do not bring slippers or blankets to school.
As temperatures drop, if your child needs a winter coat or warm clothing, please reach out to your administrator or counselor for discreet assistance.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
No Cell Phones No Headphones/Earbuds
Times when cell phones can be used:
- When doors open at 7:50 to 8:00.
- During Nest Hour 12:05 to 1:05.
- When the dismissal bell rings at 2:45.
Parents, if you need to contact your student, they will be able to respond during these times. During other times call the main office.
Thank you,
Acceptable Use Policy
The AUP is linked here as well as the information Specific to Google.
Online Emergency Information Update Messaging
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.
Upcoming Events
Dates to Remember
- 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
Winter Sports Sign-up is Open
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
Order Your Yearbook Today
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
HAVE SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS YEAR'S YEARBOOK?
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!
Hornet Spot Light
Hornet of the Month - 9th Grade Talia Kent!
Hornet of the Month - 10th Grade Landon Atkins!!
Hornet of the Month - 11th Grade Nathanel Valley!
Hornet of the Month - 12th Grade Taizir Keyes
Staff Hornet of the Month - Ms. Knobloch and Ms. Grassinger!!
Staff Hornet of the Month - Ms. Halloran!!
NJROTC
Joint Service JROTC Drill Meet at HE Lackey High. First in unarmed personnel inspection, first in armed personnel inspection, first in unarmed platoon drill. Impressive haul by Great Mills and our County allies at Chopticon AFJROTC.
Trunk or Treat and the Haunted House were big hits!
Teachers will always be king of Kickball! Final Score 4-3 Teachers!!
COME OUT TO HORNET STADIUM AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!!
Monday, October, 21st
- Volleyball vs Chopticon JV 4:30; Varsity 5:30
- JV Football vs Calvert 5:00
Wednesday, October 23rd
- Volleyball @ Leonardtown JV 4:30; Varsity 5:30
- Football @ Chopticon 6:00
GMHS Event Policy
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.
Buzzworthy Information
Sacred Journey and Concert
On November 1, St. Mary's College will host its annual Sacred Journey event. Sacred Journey is the College's yearly honoring of the dedication of the Commemorative to the Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland. This program begins at 4:45 at the Commemorative and ends with a waterfront ceremony. As part of the day, we are having a concert that evening, for which tickets must be purchased separately, at 7 p.m. in the Dodge Performing Arts Center. The band is the Brubeck Brothers Quartet w/ Camille Thurman.
Need a library card? Here is how you sign up!
Smart Card Instructions (English)
Smart Card Instructions (Spanish)
Library Hours
SAT Registration
ASVAB INFORMATION
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.
The true purpose of school is for you to become whatever you want to be in life!
WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU BECOME?
Higher education determines if you work and retire or work the rest of your life
FAFSA Deadline Approaching, Need Help?
Please email Mrs. Cunningham, accunningham@smcps.org, if you need assistance in completing FAFSA and/or MDCAPS
Maryland Promise Scholarship
Important Links
Mental Health and Wellness Resources
Supplemental Health Insurance
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HEALTH INSURANCE OR SUPPLAMENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOUR STUDENT? FIND MORE INFORMATION BELOW.
Great Mills High School
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