

Hornet Buzz
August 2, 2024

Sunday Chat with Principal Dothard
Hello Hornet Nation!
It was wonderful to see everyone’s smiling faces for a few hours last week! We’re hopeful that this week will allow us to return to a more regular schedule. Unfortunately, it seems the weather will remain chilly for a while, so be sure to dress warmly and in layers. You never know which classroom will be cozy and which will be a bit cooler, so layering will help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
This week marks the final stretch of the second quarter, which means it's time to buckle down for some of us. Nest Hour is an excellent opportunity for students to catch up on assignments, meet with teachers about grades, and address any school-related concerns. Don’t let your grades catch you off guard—be sure to check Schoology for your current standing. It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the school year! Time flies when you’re having fun!
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
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.
Upcoming Events
Dates to Remember
- 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)
Ending the semester is the best time to review these powerful words!
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.
Want to take a gap year and work?
On Wednesday, January 15th, a representative from the Maryland Service Year Option will be in the building to speak to Juniors and Seniors about this wonderful opportunity at 9am in the Career Center. If you are unsure of what you'd like to do after high school, this visit is for YOU!
GMHS/CSM DUAL ENROLLMENT
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.
Order Your Yearbook Today
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 8 more available at this price. - BUY NOW & SAVE
Calling all Future Hornets
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 .
Let's Celebrate Your College Acceptance Together!!
It's HAPPENING! College Acceptances are rolling in!! Come to the College & Career Center and let's celebrate your acceptance you!
Hornet Spot Light
Congratulations, Na'Taliya! 🎉Mount St. Mary's University!!
Congratulations, Maria! UMBC, Mount St. Mary's University and Frostburg!!
Congratulations, Na'Taliya! 🎉 Stevenson!!
Congratulations, Maria 🎉 Salisbury University!
Congratulations, Na'Taliya! 🎉 Frostburg!!
Congratulations, Shakrya!! 🎉 University of Maryland Eastern Shore!!
News From Career and College
Come out and Support your HORNETS!!!
Monday, January 13
- Boys Basketball vs King George -JV-5:00; Varsity-6:30
Tuesday, January 14
- Boys and Girls Wrestling vs Thomas Stone -5:00
Friday, January 17
- Boys Basketball vs Northern JV-5:00; Varsity-6:30
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
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
Acceptable Use Policy
The AUP is linked here as well as the information Specific to Google.
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