Hello Hornet Nation!

As many of you may know, like many high schools across the country, we face challenges with students utilizing the bathrooms appropriately. It can be frustrating for everyone when the bathrooms are occupied, preventing you from taking the break you need. We’ve observed that some students are using these spaces to skip classes or gather to vape, including sharing THC vapes, which can lead to serious consequences such as underage citations.

We also recognize the annoyance when bathrooms are locked, leaving you unsure about which ones are available. This situation is difficult for all, and we are committed to finding a solution. Our policy has always prohibited hall passes during the first and last 10 minutes of class unless it’s an emergency, and this rule is consistent across all three high schools.

To improve the situation, we are working to implement a new plan:

- All bathrooms will be open during transition times.

- Once the bell rings, bathrooms will be locked for the first 5 to 10 minutes of class.

- If you have a pass, a Safety Assistant or Administrator will be available to open a bathroom for you during this time.

- After class begins, the following bathrooms will remain open: both bathrooms upstairs, both bathrooms in the Science hallway, the girls' bathroom at the 4-way, and both bathrooms in the English hallway.

Bathrooms may be locked at other times due to issues like vandalism, damage, or strong odors. We appreciate your support and understanding as we work together to create a better environment for everyone.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. I am thankful for our caring community that embraces our differences, a hardworking and passionate student body, and the dedicated staff who genuinely care about our youth and continuously strive for growth. I am grateful for proactive and energetic administrators and for my family’s good health.

What are you thankful for? Don’t keep it to yourself—share your appreciation with your parents, friends, and family. You never know how your kind words might uplift someone’s day or even change their life! And remember, if no one has told you they love you today, know that Dothard loves you!

Let’s have a great short week and enjoy your long weekend with the ones we love most!

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

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!

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,

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

• November 27 to 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break
• December 3 - Morgan State, Coppin State, and Bowie State visit
• December 20 - Two Early Dismissal
• December 23 to January 3 - Winter Break
• January 6 - Students return from Winter Break
• January 17 - End of Quarter 2
• January 20 - Schools Closed - Martin Luther King Jr Day
• January 28 - Report Cards Available on HAC
• January 31 - No School for Students - Professional Day

SMCPS 2024-2025 Calendar

December 3rd

Morgan State University @ 9:00am https://www.morgan.edu/

Coppin State University @ 10:00am https://www.coppin.edu/

Bowie State University @ 11:00am https://www.bowiestate.edu/

Parents/Guardians: If you are interested in attending a college visit, please email me to RSVP.

Students must RSVP HERE for each December visit you would like to attend!

On December 4th, a representative from Salisbury University will be doing ON-SITE acceptances at GMHS. If you have your Salisbury University application submitted by the deadline below they will look over your application with you present and then determine if they accept you for Fall 2026. If you are accepted that does not mean you have to commit to Salisbury University.

Here is a Common App fee waiver code for Salisbury University: GOGULLS25

Check out Salisbury University! https://www.salisbury.edu/

National Sojourners is hosting an essay contest for all high school students with prizes of $3000/ $2000/ $1000. Essay is on modern day relevance of the preamble to the Declaration of Independence. Click for details. All entries are due by December 15th.

The Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center offers vocational programs for high school students. The ATX program gives 9th and 10th graders an opportunity to experience one program each quarter to determine which one they would like to enroll in for next year. They offer 1 year electives and 2 and 3 year graduation completer programs. Check out their website to see a full list of programs and application information.

-Video Tours will take place in the Auditorium on December 4th during US History and Government classes.

-Meet and Greets will take place from December 9th to December 16th from 12:15-12:30. Students will need to sign up to attend these visits. The sign up will be out soon.

-The Tech Expo is January 23rd from 5:30-8:00 PM at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. This is for families and current high school students.

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.

Thank you for those of you who completed the previous survey. We know there were some technical glitches, so we have revised the survey, and are asking every parent or guardian to complete it prior to December 13th.

Click to complete the Survey.

Thank you!

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!

As you can see from this list, over half of our student body is fully committed! These HONOR students embody GRIT! They put in hard work even on days when they'd rather take a nap. They approach all assignments with dedication, not just the ones they prefer. They've found ways to foster friendships with their teachers as well. By doing this, they are opening doors to futures that will remain closed to others. Their full engagement and trust in the proven educational process are truly inspiring. Keep up the incredible work, all you HORNET SCHOLARS!

#TRUSTTHEPROCESS

If you didn't have the opportunity to catch "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown," you truly missed an outstanding performance! The production was filled with numerous laugh-out-loud moments and impressive singing. A huge shoutout to our Lighthouse Productions team, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Wilhite, Mrs. Grassinger, and all the students both on and off stage, for their fantastic work! I can't wait to see "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" this Spring!

Congratulations to both NJROTC Joint Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) teams for advancing to Round 2. JLAB is a national academic competition of SAT-type questions.

November 2024's National Career Development Month at GMHS was a great success! We had visitors from the Navy, Army, Marines, AV3 Inc, St Mary's College Law Enforcement, SMECO, and visited CSM's Health Science Building.

All seniors should complete the FAFSA. Did you know...

• Even if you are offered a full or partial athletic, academic, or merit scholarship you still have to complete the FAFSA.
• FAFSA will pay for trade schools, CSM, and colleges and universities.
• If you receive Free and/or Reduced Meals at school the FAFSA will qualify you for free federal money, Pell Grants, that you do not have to pay back.
• Your plans can change and completing the FAFSA now will make sure you are prepared for more choices after graduation.
• Completing the FAFSA sooner increases your chances of getting more funding.

Click here to RSVP.

Class of 2025, I'll see you at FAFSA night!!

Friday, December 6

• Girls basketball vs Chopticon JV 5:00 Varsity 6:30

Click here to purchase your tickets online, now!

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.

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