

Hornet Buzz
October 22, 2023

Sunday Chat
Hello Hornet Nation!
This week will be filled with a mix of emotions as we celebrate our graduating seniors while remembering that we are not whole. Extra support will be available within the school building all week. We encourage you to reach out and ask for help whenever needed. Asking for assistance during challenging times is not only important but also a normal part of life.
Rest assured, we are here to support each senior and their families throughout this journey.
I would like to remind everyone that our first graduation practice of the year will take place on Tuesday. If you cannot recall the exact timings, please refer to the information below. It is mandatory for all students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony to attend these practices.
Furthermore, on Monday, June 3rd, we will be holding grade level assemblies for class representatives. All students running for an office will have the opportunity to give a 2-minute speech, and their peers will vote for the candidates they believe will best represent them. It promises to be an exciting day, and we encourage all students to attend and exercise their right to vote.
The week will be what you make it, let's make it GREAT!
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
Upcoming Events
Dates to Remember
- May 31 - Graduation Commencement
- May 31 - Virtual Day for all GMHS students
- June 6 - 2-Hour Early Dismissal
- June 7 - End of 4th Quarter
- June 7 - 2-Hour Early Dismissal
- June 7 - Last day of school for student
- June 13 - Report Cards available on HAC
Class of 2024, it's graduation time!! Stinger is ready and waiting for you!
SGA Presents, Nest Fest!!!
Get ready for food, games, music, and fun at the second annual GMHS Nest Fest! A special thank you to our wonderful sponsors: - M&G Boutique - Sweet Tooth Funnel Cakes - The St. Mary's County Art Council
MTSS Parent Planning Meeting
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support,, MTSS, is having hosting a parent planning meeting. MTSS is a framework that helps educators provide academic and behavioral strategies for students with various needs. They organize all of our student vs staff games, various competitions, and other incentives to encourage students to make positive choices. All parents are welcome to attend this meeting. We will meet Monday, May 20 from 3:00 to 4:00 in the Great Mills High School Media Center.
SMCPS Athletics Seasonal Tryout Information
St. Mary's County Public Schools Athletics
SEASONAL TRYOUT INFORMATION (linked)
School Year 2024-2025​
Anyone wishing to compete for a place on a team is expected to be at all tryouts.
First Day of Fall Sports Tryouts - August 14, 2024
First Day of Winter Sports Tryouts - November 15, 2024
First Day of Spring Sports Tryouts - March 1, 2025
FamilyID
All interested athletes are expected to be present from day one and have all required documentation fully completed if they wish to compete for a place on the team. For online registration go to www.familyid.com and use "Find a program" to select your high school. Failure to submit all required electronic data entry/forms/cards by the deadline set by the high school will necessitate the exclusion of the student.
Preparticipation Physical Evaluation
Sports physicals are valid for 12 months. It is recommended you attain your sports physical during the months of June or July annually.
History Form - To be filled out prior to examination by the patient or parent/guardian and provided to the Physician.
Physical Examination Form - To be completed by the Physician and kept in their office in the patient’s medical file.
Medical Eligibility Form - This is the ONLY form that should be submitted to the school.
Corollary Sports Program
The Corollary Sports program is offered as an alternative program to the mainstream high school athletics program, with team rosters composed of both students with or without disabilities. For more information please visit the Corollary Sports Page.
Fall Season - Cycling
Winter Season - Bowling
Spring Season - Bocce
Assistance and Contacts
Please contact your child’s school or the appropriate individual on this list if you have questions or concerns.
Summer Sports Academies
SMCPS and SMC R&P have partnered to offer the new Summer Sports Academies. Campers will be instructed by area high school coaches. Camps are held Monday - Thursday. Click below for more information. Registration is open now! Don't miss this opportunity.
Ey'Verson Baker, a HORNET with wings. You are forever in our hearts.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations to Great Mills High School 2024 Valedictorian, Kaia Ganzell!!!!
Congratulations to our Great Mills High School 2024 Salutatorian Ryan Brown!!!
Congratulations to Great Mills High School 2024 Salutatorian Lindsey Magpuri!!
Congratulations to GMHS 2024 STEM Valedictorian, Carter Brotherton!!
Congratulations to GMHS 2024 STEM Valedictorian, Eli Leopold!!!
Congratulations to GMHS 2024 STEM Valedictorian, Kodi Long!!!
Congratulations Kayla!!!
Kayla Rorie is the two time 100 M Hurdle State Champion!!!
Freshman Avarice Brown was selected to play in the Prospects Game for the South Region. He will play May 26th at 10 am at Arundel HS. The Prospects games are for players in the 9th grade.
Congratulation Ryan!!
Ryan Brown was selected to play in the Xposure Sports All-Star weekend at Harford CC on June 1st & June 2nd. He was also selected to play in the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches Classic. He will represent the South Region and play on June 1st at Sherwood High School 1pm versus the East Region. This game is only for juniors and seniors.
Congratulations Nick!!!
Nick Hevner was selected to play in the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches Classic. He will represent the South Region and play on June 1st at Sherwood HS 1pm versus the East Region. The Classic is for players in 11th & 12th Grades.
Congratulations Brayden!!!
Brayden Langley was selected to play in the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches Classic. He will represent the South Region and play on June 1st at Sherwood HS 1pm versus the East Region. The Classic is for players in 11th & 12th Grades.
GMHS NJROTC
NJROTC performed colors for a Southern Maryland Blue Crabs game (pictured above) and for Armed Forces Day at Mission BBQ! ( pictured below)
Students learned a lot and truly enjoyed our Mental Health Spirit Week!!
A great lunch time Yoga Session during Mental Health Spirit Week!!
Aromatherapy Bead Bracelet's always helps!
Buzzworthy Information
Naval Horizons Essay Contest
Naval Horizons is an essay contest introducing students to cutting-edge STEM topics impacting the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The STEM topics in the video series include space, weather, aerospace, optometry, epidemiology, machine learning and more! Watch the videos to begin, then write an essay explaining how the research and the STEM professionals in the video inspired you and share your thoughts on the future of the STEM topic. Up to 5,000 winners will earn a $200 cash prize! Open to college and high school students until June 10, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET. Please visit: https://www.navalhorizons.us/
DO NOT OPEN EXTERIOR DOORS
Safety for everyone is a top priority! I want to remind everyone that under no circumstance should we open an exterior door to allow entry to anyone. Even if you think they are student do not open doors and direct them to the main office doors for entry. Everyone, including students, should enter through the main office.
Need a library card? Here is how you sign up!
Smart Card Instructions (English)
Smart Card Instructions (Spanish)
Library Hours
SAT Registration
The Learning Center (TLC) is now available!
We hope to see you in The Learning Center on Wednesday!
How did your grades look in the first marking period? Looking to recover those grades to a passing grade?
The Learning Center (TLC) will be available during One Lunch. TLC will support students who need additional help in their graduation-required courses. Any students who are interested in the TLC need to report to Room F12 during One Lunch. If you have any questions about TLC, please contact Katie Sushinsky, GMHS Literacy Coach, at kesushinsky@smcps.org or Hattie Webb, GMHS Math Coach, at hswebb@smcps.org.
Great Mills Athletics
FAFSA Deadline Approaching, Need Help?
Please email Mrs. Cunningham, accunningham@smcps.org, if you need assistance in completing FAFSA and/or MDCAPS
Cap and Gown!!
IMPORTANT REMINDER Class of 2024! If you have not placed an order for your Graduation announcements, senior apparel, keepsakes and most importantly, your Cap and Gown unit, the time to do so is NOW. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Toney in room 1203 or by email tntoney@smcps.org.
Higher education determines if you work and retire or work the rest of your life
Maryland Promise Scholarship
This is proof that EDUCATION OPENS DOORS closed to those without it.
Important Links
Secure Your Memories Now!!
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