Hello Hornet Nation!

This past week, we have seen an increase in outside issues affecting our school day, leading to some disruptions. While we've managed this well in the past, perhaps the extremely cold weather is playing a role! Regardless, we want to remind everyone that if you are facing difficulties with another student, we are here to help. We can facilitate a mediation or provide a safe space for one-on-one conversations. It's essential for us to learn how to resolve our differences constructively, rather than escalating the situation.

Conflict is a normal part of life, and it's crucial to address these issues now. Learning to navigate disagreements effectively can prevent potential consequences in your future, such as job loss or legal troubles. If you have any concerns, please reach out to your counselor or assistant principal. We are committed to supporting you and have successfully assisted many students in similar situations.

On a different note, I want to share an insight that has recently resonated with me: life is a competition, and our perspective shapes our experiences. A professional rugby player I met during a flight mentioned that he views games not as “win or lose,” but as “win or learn.” When outcomes don’t favor us, it's easy to blame others. Instead, we should focus on what we can learn and how we can improve for the next opportunity.

Life may require us to put in extra effort, and sometimes others might achieve favorable results. However, that doesn’t mean we should give up! Every job interview has one winner, and it’s important to reflect on what we can do differently next time. This may involve taking additional classes, gaining experience, or seeking further training.

We just finished the first week of the third quarter. There is still time to finish the school year strong regardless of how you may have started. Remember, we get out of school and life what we invest in it. There is ample room for each of us to succeed in our chosen paths. Great Mills is a fantastic school with dedicated teachers, and we take pride in our graduates who thrive in various fields—be it business, college, military, athletics, or trades. Let’s work together to build a bright future for everyone!

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

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 28 - Report Cards Available on HAC
• January 31 - No School for Students - Professional Day
• February 5 - School Improvement Team Meeting
• February 6 - FAFSA Completion Night (BYOD -Bring Your Own Device)
• February 11 - 3rd Annual Career Panel
• 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

The Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program places new professionals ages 18-25 with nonprofit and government agencies for a one-year term of full-time stipend-supported ($33,280) service. The Trust anticipates placing about 50 Corps Members who will engage in a wide range of activities in the fields of climate change, environmental restoration, environmental education, forestry, sustainable agriculture, energy conservation, and community engagement. A full list of available host sites and a description of the activities each host site is offering a potential Corps Member can be found at: https://cbtrust.org/chesapeake-climate-corps/apply/members/

The Maryland Climate Corps Program places new professionals who have graduated from a Maryland High School within the last 3 years with nonprofit, government, and for-profit entities for a 9.5 month term of full-time stipend-supported service (equivalent to $15 per hour). The Trust anticipates placing a minimum of 40 MCC-SYO Fellows who will engage in a wide range of activities in the fields of climate change, environmental restoration, environmental education, forestry, sustainable agriculture, energy conservation, and community engagement. A full list of available host sites and a description of the activities each host site is offering a potential MCC-SYO Fellow can be found at: https://cbtrust.org/maryland-climate-corps/apply/fellows/

We are also providing an information session to share details about the programs, outline the application process, and answer questions from potential applicants. The info session for these programs will occur on Wednesday, February 5th with information about the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps shared at 4pm and information about the Maryland Climate Corps shared at 4:45pm. Those interested in either session can register at this link.

Attention Seniors! The BECA Common Application Scholarships are officially open. There are 77 scholarships available totaling approximately $300,000 dollars. Some of the applications are long, so act early and get your money! In the words of Benjamin Franklin, "don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.'

See Mrs.Cunningham to get started!!

Attention Seniors! The BECA Common Application Scholarships are officially open. Join us at the scholarship fair on January 29 from 4:30-6:30 at USMSM!!

Are you interested in playing a Spring Sports? Wait no longer, the registration is open! If you played a Fall or Winter sport you do not need a physical because you only need one sports physical per school year. If you haven't played a sport download the physical form and make your appointment for your sports physical now. To register click here.

Spring Sports:

• Boys and Girls Track and Field
• Boys and Girls Lacrosse
• Baseball
• Softball
• Tennis
• PALS Bocce Ball

The American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Maryland, Inc., is once again sponsoring the Americanism Essay Contest in our area. Students should write a 450-500 word essay in response to the following prompt: What does America the Beautiful mean to me?”(Regarding veterans and our military?). Awards for each of the six groups will be given to first second and third place winners. (Awards (cash amounts) vary with each Unit and District. Our unit offers the following prizes: First place is $50, second place is $35, and third place is $25 in each of the 6 groups. All first-place winners at a Unit level will advance to the District level. Students must meet with Ms. Walsh before February 3 to sign a print copy of their essay and complete the coversheet.

The Tech Center is hosting a Reality Fair on February 4th. Students will travel to the Tech Center to learn the importance of credit, money management, career selection, and the importance of saving all through interactive learning. Permission slips for this trip are available to pick up in the College and Career Center. See Ms. Carroll with any questions.

Joint Base Andrews (JBA) is inviting all K-12 students to participate in their Air Show Logo Contest. The only requirement is that art work includes an aircraft – the rest of the design is up to the artist! Each student can upload up to two designs. Submission will be accepted through midnight February 12. A select team of GMHS staff will select 1 winner per grade level as instructed to submit. If you are unable to upload your design, you may submit it in the main office. Click here or the image above to submit your artwork.

Each year, The Rotary Districts hold a speech contest for students grade 9-12. Students choose whatever topic they'd like and are asked to utilize the Four Way Test framework in their speech:

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The Rotary Club will be sponsoring a select number of students to participate in our District semi-finals April 5th. Finalists are eligible to win up to $1500.

The Rotary is actively recruiting participants now and would like to identify interested students no later than Monday, February 17th. Participating students will present their speeches to the Rotary Club of Lexington Park Monday, March 10th.

Relevant information regarding the contest to include timeline, preparation, judging criteria and videos of recent finalists is available at the following link:

https://www.rotary7620.org/youth-programs/4wt/

Interested students are asked to contact Greg Reuss at 301-247-9089 no later than February 17th.

Senator Bailey’s scholarship application is now open for the 2025-2026 school year and the application link can be found within the informational letter on his website at www.SenatorBailey.com/scholarship .

Great Mills High School is partnering with Carolyn E. Parker Foundation Inc to take students who are interested in STEM to the BEYA STEM DTX Conference on Friday, February 14, 2025. On 2/14/25, high school students from around the country will visit Baltimore to interact with college deans, employers, military branches, and other students interested in STEM. Permission slips are available for pickup in the Career Center.

The yearbook is still on sale, but not as much. The current price is $115. Buy it now before it goes up to it's full price of $120. Only 64 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!

Check out this brief 4-minute clip from The Blue Angels documentary available on Amazon Prime. It highlights the significance of visualization. I truly believe that you must envision something in your mind before you can achieve it. In this video, watch how the world's top pilots prepare for their upcoming flight. Remember, you have to be able to see you being successful before everyone else can!

Monday, January 27

• Girls Varsity Basketball vs McDonough Varsity only 6:00

Tuesday, January 28

• Boys and Girls Wrestling @ Leonardtown High School -5:00

Wednesday, January 29

• Boys Basketball JV vs Huntingtown 5:00 Varsity vs Lackey 6:30
• Girls and Boys Swimming vs McDonough 6:00 @ CSM Leonardtown Pool

Thursday, January 30

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

Friday, January 31

• Girls Basketball vs Patuxent 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

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

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