Hornet Buzz
October 22, 2023
Sunday Chat
Hello Hornet Nation!
Welcome to the exciting month of Women's History! Throughout this month, we will be honoring and acknowledging the remarkable achievements of extraordinary women who have shattered glass ceilings and made a lasting impact on society.
As educators, we have the privilege of playing a vital role in shaping the future generation of strong, determined, and dedicated women leaders. It is truly empowering to know that teaching is one of the most influential professions on this planet. Just pause for a moment and try to think of a leader or successful individual who reached great heights without the guidance and support of a teacher. Together, we can continue to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment that empowers all students, regardless of gender, to reach their full potential.
We want to address the issue of vaping among students. Some parents have taken preventive action by randomly searching their children's book bags. Vaping is a widespread problem in schools nationwide, affecting students of all ages. It is another form of peer pressure that we need to address. We recommend parents occasionally check their child's book bag for vaping materials, involving them in the process. This can also help identify any missing assignments. Together, we can control the sharing of vapes and create a safe school environment.
We are just 20 days away from the end of the 3rd quarter. Graduation for the class of 2024 will be here before you know it, and they will become Hornet Alumni! Make sure to prioritize your grades and coursework so that time doesn't slip away. Also, don't forget that Tuesday, March 5th is Tighten Up Tuesday! I'm thrilled to see everyone dressed for success.
Let's make this week at Great Mills amazing!
We Are… GREAT MILLS
#TRUSTTHEPROCESS
Senior's Read Me
Are you a Senior who is unsure of what they would like to do after high school? Are you a Senior who knows what you want to but you need more time to be sure? If this is the case, I invite you to consider the Maryland Corps/ Service Year option which offers Seniors a year of professional growth and career exploration while you earn money, gain new skills, and identify how your interests and talents translate into a career! Join us in the Career Center on Wednesday, March 6 during Nest Hour to hear more about this amazing opportunity! Email Ms. Carroll, lmcarroll@smcps.org, for questions.
HBCU College Expo!!
This weekend we took about 40 students to Washington DC to the Black College Expo at the Washington DC Convention Center! We had 12 students receive On-Site Acceptances!! 🎉 $72,000 offered in Scholarships!! 💰 Students met with HBCUs, branches of the military, and other organizations! Students attended seminars and accessed great resources!! They also met the Assistant to Vice President Kamala Harris!! See more picture below!
Join the Gamerz Lunch Club
The GAMERZ Club runs Tuesdays and Thursdays during GREEN and GOLD lunches, in Mrs. Menard's Room 1904. This allows a terrific cross-section of students to play video games, some in groups and some individually. Come enjoy socializing, healthy competition and lots of gaming fun!! Stop by and check us out!!
Harris Teeter - Together in Education
Career Visits
Much like our college rep visits, I will be bringing local professionals into the building to talk to students about their careers and the steps they took to get to where they are now. You will have the chance to sign up for the career representatives you are interested in hearing from and ask questions, get advice, and create connections during these visits. Some scheduled visits are with an engineer who graduated from GMHS and a local daycare owner. If you are interested in a career in engineering, entrepreneurship, or early childhood development, these visits are for you! Sign up here!
New Bathroom Policy
Maintaining order in school bathrooms has been an issue for schools nationwide, and Great Mills is no different. Last week, we had extensive damage in one of our boys' restrooms. This restroom will be out of order indefinitely until repairs are made. In the ongoing effort to keep bathrooms functional and available for the entire student body, we are establishing the following protocol for the student bathrooms:
During class time, all students must have a valid pass to use the bathrooms (if not, you will be turned away)
There is a maximum capacity of 5 students in any given bathroom at all times. If the capacity has been reached, you will need to wait
Always follow the directions of the adults who are monitoring the bathrooms (Safety Assistants, Admin, Teachers, etc)
Not following these expectations can result in disciplinary action under Code 702, Insubordination, in the Code of Conduct.
Please understand that the last thing we would like to do with our time is monitor high school bathrooms, but unfortunately, this is where we are. In an effort to get students help we created an anonymous form where anyone can report suspicious behavior in the bathrooms. We will place QR codes to this form around the building.
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.
Schoology Access
For more help with Schoology, visit the SMCPS Schoology Parent Dashboard.
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 on 11/20. 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.
The Career and College Center
It is National Career Development Month and Ms. Carroll is giving a raffle! Students can earn tickets by attending Military visits in the Career Center, answering the Career related question that will be given during the announcements, or making time to speak with Ms. Carroll about their Career plans after high school. Each week, she will draw a ticket and the winner will receive a gift card. Good luck!!
ASVAB
The Spring ASVAB will be given on April 11, 2024 for Juniors and Seniors. Military branches use the ASVAB as a tool to determine how successful a person will be at certain occupations. Sign up using the link in your email or see Ms. Carroll, lmcarroll@smcps.org with any questions.
Interested in ASVAB tutoring?
Would you be interested in an ASVAB tutoring session during the school day with a military recruiter? This session can help improve your current score or help you prepare to take the ASVAB for the first time. If you are interested, please email Ms. Carroll at Lmcarroll@smcps.org
Maryland Promise Scholarship
Enhanced Security at SMCPS After School Events
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces enhanced security measures for after-school events. Beginning this year:
There will be No Bags allowed in sporting events. 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.
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