Hornet Buzz
October 22, 2023
Sunday Chat
Hello Hornet!
I hope everyone has enjoyed this weekend! Testing season upon us, I wanted to emphasize the importance of attendance during this time. The MCAP tests are mandatory graduation requirements, and it is crucial that our students are present in school to limit the number of students who need to take make-up tests. This week, our 10th grade students will be taking the World Literature test.
The tested areas for the MCAP/MISA tests include Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Biology, and Government. It is vital that our students are well-prepared and ready to showcase their knowledge in these subjects.
In other news, I wanted to remind you that prom is happening this week. Tickets are on sale until Wednesday or until they are sold out. Don't miss out on this memorable event!
We also have limited copies of our yearbook left, with less than 100 available. If you haven't already, make sure to get yours today using the link provided below. It's a fantastic way to capture the memories of this school year.
On Thursday, we have our STEM showcase, where our students will be presenting their impressive research projects. I am truly excited to see and hear about the innovative work they have done. It promises to be a great event.
For those who haven't had the chance, today is the last day to see The Lightning Thief musical at 3:00 pm. It has been a phenomenal production, and I highly recommend attending if you can.
Attention, juniors! It's time to start signing up for your senior pictures. The link to sign up is provided below. Don't miss this opportunity to capture your senior year in a memorable way.
Graduation information is also linked for those who are interested. It's never too early to start planning for this milestone event.
Lastly, I want to remind everyone that afterschool tutoring continues Monday through Thursday in Mr. McGowan's room. Additionally, the TLC (The Learning Center) remains open during Nest Hour. Take advantage of these resources to further enhance your academic success.
In closing, I would like to leave you with a thought to ponder. Every successful person has made sacrifices, whether it be time with friends and family, doing what they need to do instead of what they want to do, and/or putting aside differences to work with people they may not agree with. How much are you willing to sacrifice to be successful? It's a question worth considering as we navigate our educational journey.
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
- April 27 - Prom
- May 3 - Spring Pep Rally
- May 14 - Election Day No School for Students
- May 10 - 2-Hour Early Dismissal
- May 17 - Last day for seniors
- May 23 - Senior Awards
- May 31 - Graduation Commencement
- 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
Secure Your Memories Now!!
2024 Yearbooks are on sale for the cheapest price of the year!! Follow this link to purchase yours today!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
3rd Quarter Awards was great and some parents came out to support with us!!
Let's celebrate all the students who made 3rd Quarter Honor Roll! Congrats!!!
Congratulations John Lang!!
Great Mills High School Junior, John Lang, is a Environmental Explorers Volunteer & Intern at Elms Environmental Education Center, has been awarded a Scholarship to Audubon’s Hog Island, Maine Teen Birding Summer Program. Congratulations John!
GMHS Sailing Team
I had such a great time watching my very first Sailing Regatta today at Chancellors Point Park with our Sailing team! Hornets are literally making waves!!
GMHS Lighthouse Productions put on an amazing musical, The Lightning Thief!!!
The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical!
The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical!
The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical!
Buzzworthy Information
Congrats, Mrs. Thompson was nominated AstraZeneca STEM teacher of the year!
Support Our Environmental Science Field Trip
Environmental Field Trip Donation Link- please help Mrs. Estocsin take 30 kids in a National Park! Our trip will be Monday, May 20th. Scan or click to support.
Health 2 - Additional Registration Options Available
SMCPS is offering additional options to rising juniors and seniors for taking Health 2 beyond the regular school day. If you are interested in taking an Asynchronous Health 2 course where 80% of the class is completed online through MSDE's Canvas program and 20% of class time is via Google Meet, please see this Flyer for more information and registration. Registration will open on April 24, 2024, at 1:00 PM; rising seniors will have priority for enrollment.
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/
St. Mary's County Health Hubs are a great resource! Check out all the services!
All Library's have in person and digital resources available for free!
Need a library card? Here is how you sign up!
Smart Card Instructions (English)
Smart Card Instructions (Spanish)
Library Hours
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!
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. 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
Support your HORNETS in action!!!
This week in Sports
Monday, April 22
- Tennis vs Patuxent - 4:00
- Softball vs Chopticon - Varsity 4:30
- Baseball vs Chopticon - Varsity 4:30
- Boys Lacrosse vs Northern - Varsity 5:30
Wednesday, April 24
- Boys and Girls Track and Field - 4:00
- Baseball vs Mc Donough - JV 4:30
Friday, April 26
- Boys and Girls Tennis vs Thomas Stone - 4:00
- Girls Lacrosse vs Leonardtown - Varsity 5:30
- Softball vs Patuxent - Varsity 4:30
- Baseball vs Patuxent - Varsity 4:30
- Boys Lacrosse @ Leonardtown - Varsity 6:00
Come out and support!!
Save time and buy your tickets online!
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
This is proof that EDUCATION OPENS DOORS closed to those without it.
Maryland Promise Scholarship
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