Hello Hornet Nation!

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing winter break and holiday season! As we step into this new year, take a moment to reflect on 2024 and consider how you can make 2025 your best year yet. Remember, while we can’t control everything around us, we can control our responses. Reflecting honestly on our reactions can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding when we make the necessary adjustments.

Let’s make 2025 a year dedicated to chasing our dreams! Take the time to truly understand yourself and envision who you want to be in the next decade. Don’t let peer pressure hold you back from being your authentic self. Embrace the best version of you! Successful individuals often say that when you shine, some are going to Hate. So, instead of harboring negativity, recognize that there’s PLENTY OF SPACE FOR EVERYONE TO SHINE! DON’T BE A HATER. Ask yourself: Does this choice align with my goals and the person I aspire to be?

I challenge each of you to set a few specific goals for 2025 and share them with your loved ones to help keep you accountable. It takes approximately 66 days to form a new habit, so let's commit to making our resolutions stick. We can do this together! Let’s be the change we wish to see.

As we return to the rhythm of high school—early mornings, time with friends, sporting events, and more—let’s remember that we have about two weeks left in the second quarter. A few reminders as we transition back:

- Teachers are also adjusting after the break.

- We will be reinforcing school expectations starting Monday.

- Make sure to arrive on time for class and be in the correct room.

- Restrooms will be available during transitions but will be locked for the first 5 to 10 minutes of class. They will be accessible for students with passes only during this time.

- During Nest Hour, please remain in an assigned location. This time is perfect for catching up on assignments, seeking extra help, joining clubs, or simply hanging out with friends. Wandering the halls in search of friends is not allowed.

Utilizing Nest Hour effectively can ensure you maintain strong grades, even in subjects you may not enjoy. These expectations aren’t just about rules; they’re about setting the foundation for success. Every successful person learns to work with others, regardless of personal feelings, arrives on time, and puts forth maximum effort in all endeavors. Let’s start training for success now!

I look forward to seeing all your smiling faces bright and early Monday morning! Remember, the sun rises quickly, so be sure to get plenty of rest!

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

St. Mary's County is under a Winter Storm Warning starting tonight at 6:00 pm until Tuesday, January 7, at 1:00 am. You can check for school closing on the SMCPS home page.

I encourage everyone to dress in layers. Lately our HVAC system hasn't be the most reliable, so the temperature inside the building can be unpredictable. It's much easier to take a layer off, then to be cold and not have enough layers. Also, blankets are not allowed due to health and safety concerns. If you are unable to purchase proper cold weather gear please see an administrator or your school counselor. We have resources to make sure every Hornet has what they need!

See you all soon!

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.

• January 6 - Students return from Winter Break
• January 17 - End of Quarter 2
• January 20 - Schools Closed - Martin Luther King Jr Day
• January 23 - FAFSA Night for Spanish Speaking Families (BYOD -Bring Your Own Device)
• January 25 - Saturday Morning FAFSA (BYOD -Bring Your Own Device)
• January 28 - Report Cards Available on HAC
• January 31 - No School for Students - Professional Day
• February 6 - FAFSA Completion Night (BYOD -Bring Your Own Device)
• February 14 - Two-Hour Early Dismissal
• February 17 - Holiday - Presidents' Day - All Schools and Offices Closed
• February 18 - Performing Art Assessment Concert (Chorus, Band and Orchestra all perform)

SMCPS 2024-2025 Calendar

Every year a small woman owned defense contracting company named, Kairos, donates boxes of hoodies, sweatshirts, undergarments, and socks to Great Mills to give students. Thank you, Olivia Bauman and your team, for always looking out for OUR community!

Happy Holidays to everyone at Karios, from everyone at Great Mills!

SMCPS will offer a School Day SAT administration on March 12, 2025. This SAT administration will be free of charge for all juniors; however, they must pre-register by January 10, 2025 if they wish to take the test. Here is a link to the registration form.

If you link your free CollegeBoard account to your free Khan Academy account, you can get a free individualized study guide based on your previous PSAT score.

Get a head start on college! Take classes at GMHS or on CSM campus!

Deadline for Spring In-School (GMHS) Dual: January 24th

Dual Enrollment students can earn college credit while they are still in high school. Students can attend courses at a CSM campus or at their local high school.

There is no cost to the (public school) student for courses approved by the public school system in the student’s county of residence, during the fall and spring semesters. There is a 25% tuition discount for courses taken during the summer and winter terms.

Students who register for a course that is not on the approved list are responsible for the tuition and fees and receive a 25% tuition discount.

Students who participate have full access to all college services including clubs, free tutoring, learning support workshops, library resources, and workout rooms.

After completing high school, students can either use the credits earned through Dual Enrollment towards the completion of a program of study at CSM, or submit their CSM transcript to other colleges and universities for evaluation and possible transfer. Helpful information about the transfer process can be found here.

Please Note:

SMCPS will only be covering the costs of up to four county-approved dual courses per year. Students would be responsible for the costs of any additional courses taken during the school year.

SMCPS will not cover the costs of any repeat courses, summer courses, or winter courses, regardless of whether the course is county-approved or not

SMCPS will only cover the costs for students who meet the College & Career Readiness (CCR) criteria or participate in the Free & Reduced Meals (FARM) program.

The yearbook is still on sale, but not as much. The current price is $110. Buy it now before it goes up to it's full price of $120. Only 12 more available at this price. - BUY NOW & SAVE

Click to grab your copy before prices go up.

Come learn the game of Lacrosse with our Hornet Lacrosse players and the St. Mary’s Youth Lacrosse Club. Every Saturday from January 11th to February 22nd, we will be hosting a FREE clinic from 1-2:30 pm in the GMHS gym. This clinic is for boys ages 6-14 of all skill levels. This is a great way to get introduced to the game of lacrosse or fine tune your skills. There will be equipment available for those who want to give it a try at NO COST! Bring water, athletic clothes, sneakers, and get ready to play some lax! For more information email Mr. Kruckow rkruckow@smcps.org or Alex David at amdavid@smcps.org .

It's HAPPENING! College Acceptances are rolling in!! Come to the College & Career Center and let's celebrate your acceptance you!

Please take a few minutes to review the Door Decorating Results above! The staff and students did an amazing job using unique creativity and technology! The presentation has a lot of pictures so it does take a minute to load, but it is worth the wait!

Great Mills Alumni, class of 2021, Senior Airman Hargrove, spoke to students about the pros and cons of being in the Air Force.

#TRUSTTHEPROCESS

The students used Arduino microcomputers to program and create Interactive Holiday Houses. Each house included music, motion sensors, automation, and some had interactive parts! This was an amazing display of team work and ingenuity!

#TRUSTINGTHEPROCESS

This year, Josten’s took a unique approach. Rather than providing a bonus for the school, they donated several yearbooks to be given to students! We aimed to present these yearbooks to those who exemplify our HORNET virtues: Honest, Open-Minded, Respectful, Noble, Excellent, and Team-oriented. After gathering input from various clubs, coaches, and staff, we are excited to announce that these students have been awarded a complimentary GMHS Yearbook, valued at $120!

Left to right:

ARIANA GARAY

TESSA SOREY

RICHARD DENT

TAIZIR KEYES

TAVON BARNES - Pictured Below

Thank you for TRUSTING THE PROCESS!

We Are... GREAT MILLS!!

#TRUSTTHEPROCESS

Monday, January 6

• Boys Basketball vs King George -JV-5:00; Varsity-6:30

Tuesday, January 7

• Boys and Girls Wrestling vs Digital Harbor -5:00

Wednesday, January 8

• Boys and Girls Swimming vs Chopticon and Leonardtown 6:00 pm @ St. Mary's College Pool
• Girls Basketball vs North Point JV-5:00
• Girls Basketball vs McDonough Varsity-6:30

Thursday, January 9

• Boys and Girls Wrestling vs Chopticon 5:30

Friday, January 10

• Boys Basketball vs North Point JV-5:00; Varsity-6:30

Click here to purchase your tickets online, now!

Over the break the Boys Basketball team visited the University of Maryland to watch their men's team play. What a motivational experience!

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.

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.

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

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?

The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) should be completed every year for every students. This year students will need permission to use Google's Additional Services.

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

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

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

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