Hornet Buzz
August 2, 2024
Sunday Chat with Principal Dothard
Hello Hornet Nation!
What an incredible way to wrap up the week! Our football team achieved an impressive victory against Reservoir High School with a final score of 29-0! Join us as we take on the North Point Eagles on Friday, November 15th, at 7:00 PM. We’ll need all the support we can muster to push past the Eagles of North Point!
Additionally, Friday marks the start of Winter Sport tryouts! This is your final week to complete your sports physical and register on Family ID for winter sports. If you had a sports physical for a Fall sport, you won’t need to get another; just make sure to sign up on Family ID!
Last week, we honored many outstanding HORNETS during our 1st quarter awards ceremony. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students. Among them, we recognized 41 students who scored the highest possible marks on one or more AP exams! Achieving a score of 4 or 5 does earn you college credit, allowing you to skip entry-level courses and save money on college tuition. Each year, numerous students graduate with nearly their entire freshman year completed through Dual Enrollment and AP testing.
Let’s also take a moment to express our gratitude to all who have served in the military. We owe our freedom and opportunities to your dedication and sacrifice. THANK YOU!
The week will be what you make it, so let’s make it GREAT together!
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
Dress Code
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!
No Cell Phones No Headphones/Earbuds
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,
Acceptable Use Policy
The AUP is linked here as well as the information Specific to Google.
Upcoming Events
Dates to Remember
- November 11 - Veteran's Day- All Schools Closed
November 13 - All-County Orchestra
November 13 - MTSS Flag Football Tournament
- November 14 - School Improvement Team Meeting
- November 27 to 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break
End-of-Course Exam Information
The Maryland State Board of Education approved for the End-of-Course (EOC) exam requirement to be included at 20 percent of the final course grade for all students entering the ninth grade in the 2023-2024 school year and for all years following. Students taking Life Science (Biology) and Government will have the EOC exam account for 20 percent of their final course grade as required by 13A.03.02 Graduation Requirements for high schools in Maryland.
All-County Honors Orchestra
All-County Honors Orchestra concert is Wednesday, November 13 @ 7:00 PM in the auditorium.
National Sojourners Essay Contest
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.
School Improvement Team
We are holding our second quarter School Improvement Team meeting November 14th at 3:00 pm in the Media Center. We would love for you to join us to hear what we are doing and share your thoughts.
Great Mills High School is hosting Tech Center Program Visits!
If you are interested in applying for a Tech Center program for next school year, please consider attending a Tech Center visit, hosted by Ms. Reck this November. Attending one of these visits at GMHS will count towards the required program visit needed for your application.
For example, if you plan to apply for the criminal justice program, attending the visit on 11/14 will count as one of the required visits for your application.
There are 10 seats available for the 2nd period visits and 10 seats available for the 4th period visits for EACH program.
Sign up here to receive a pass to attend.
Parents Please Complete the Federal Impact Aid Forms
Winter Sports Sign-up is Open
Winter sports sign up on Family ID is now open! In order to be eligible you have to have a 2.0 GPA on your 1st quarter report card. In order to sign up you need to have a yearly sports physical. If you are playing or tried out for a Fall sport you do not need a second sports physical. Click her to visit our website with more information including a digital copy of the physical form.
Winter sports include:
- Boys and Girls Basketball
- Girls and Boys Wrestling
- Boys and Girls Swimming
- Girls and Boys Indoor Track and Field
- Winter Cheerleading
- PALS Bowling
Order Your Yearbook Today
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
HAVE SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS YEAR'S YEARBOOK?
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!
Hornet Spot Light
Legion of Valor Award
Junior Aubrey Williamson was awarded the Legion of Valor Award! This award is for the best cadet out of 28 high schools that make up NJROTC Area 4 (metro DC, metro Richmond, and southern Maryland). Thank you Mrs. Woodley for representing our Superintendent, Dr. Smith to present this award!
Congratulations Aubrey Williamson!!
1st Quarter Fine Arts Award Winners!
1st Quarter World Language Award Winners!
1st Quarter Social Studies Award Winners!
1st Quarter PE/Health Award Winners!
1st Quarter Science Award Winners!
1st Quarter English Award Winners!
1st Quarter Mathematics Award Winners!
1st Quarter HORNET Award Winners!
1st Quarter Library/Media Award Winners!
1st Quarter NJROTC Award Winners!
Achieved the highest score on the Calculus AB AP Exam!
Achieved the highest score on the Biology AP Exam!
Achieved the highest score on an AP Exam! Also earns up to 5 college credits!
Achieved the highest score on an AP Exam! Also earns up to 5 college credits!
Achieved the highest score on the Environmental Science AP Exam!
Achieved the highest score on an AP Exam! Also earns up to 5 college credits!
Achieved the highest score on the AP Physics 1 Exam!
Achieved the highest score on an AP Exam! Also earns up to 5 college credits!
Achieved the highest score on an AP Exam! Also earns up to 5 college credits!
Achieved the highest score on the Statistics AP Exam!
Achieved the highest score on an AP Exam! Also earns up to 5 college credits!
Achieved the highest score on World History AP Exam!
Staff had a great time with our underground spirit week!
Finance Classes in Action!
Ms. Gleason's Academy of Finance classes are working together and collaborating. Lots of small group learning fun while comparing types of savings accounts.
HIVE NIGHT
Hive Night happens at the end of each quarter for Freshman in the the Green or Gold pod. Families receive a copy of their report card and meet teachers. There were representatives from the Health Department, public library, and the Tech Center also in attendance. Below are a few pictures from Hive Night!
COME OUT TO HORNET STADIUM AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!!
Our football team advanced to the next round of playoffs!! We will face North Point at North Point on Friday, November 15th at 7:00pm
Friday, November 15
- Varsity Football @ North Point 7:00 pm
GMHS Event Policy
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.
Buzzworthy Information
Nominate your favorite food service worker!
Need a library card? Here is how you sign up!
Smart Card Instructions (English)
Smart Card Instructions (Spanish)
Library Hours
SAT Registration
The true purpose of school is for you to become whatever you want to be in life!
WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU BECOME?
Higher education determines if you work and retire or work the rest of your life
FAFSA Deadline Approaching, Need Help?
Please email Mrs. Cunningham, accunningham@smcps.org, if you need assistance in completing FAFSA and/or MDCAPS
Maryland Promise Scholarship
Important Links
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