Hello Hornet Nation!

As we enter week two of the second quarter, we need your support! We’re facing challenges with students arriving on time for 1st and 7th periods. When students exit the bus, they have 10 minutes to grab free breakfast, use the restroom, and prepare for class before the tardy bell rings at 8:00 am. Similarly, lunch lasts 60 minutes, plus an extra 4 minutes to transition to 7th period. There shouldn’t be any reason for tardiness during these times.

Please take a moment to discuss punctuality with your students, and students, encourage your friends to be on time as well. We’ve noticed many students extending their lunch by up to 10 minutes, which is affecting attendance in class. While we will continue to enforce consequences, the number of tardies is increasing. Although many students and teachers dislike ABC lunch, if we cannot improve on-time arrivals for 7th period, we may have no choice but to implement it. It’s important to remember that Nest Hour lunch is a privilege, not a right. If ABC lunch is enforced this Thursday, it will reflect our continued need for improvement.

On a brighter note, several of our teams are still in the playoffs! Stay tuned for an additional message with playoff dates coming soon.

Winter sports tryouts are set to begin on November 15th! Be sure to get your sports physical and sign up on Family ID. All sports are free for eligible students, and no prior experience is necessary. We encourage everyone to participate and make new friends. Don’t worry if you don’t have equipment; we’ve got you covered! Come out and show your Green and Gold on November 15th!

Lastly, what is your purpose for education? Education has the power to take you anywhere. Some of us are on the path to our desired future, while others are navigating life’s twists and turns. Taking charge of your future begins with the choices you make every day in high school. Make those choices count today to create the future you envision. Remember, the game of life is won by those willing to learn from mistakes, work hard, and step outside their comfort zones. Success is a journey that starts with education. #trusttheprocess

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

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!

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,

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

• November 5 - Election Day- No School
  
• November 6 - Reports Card Distribution
• November 8 - Two-Hour Early Dismissal
• November 11 - Veteran's Day- All Schools Closed
  
• November 12 - School Improvement Team Meeting
• November 27 to 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break
  

SMCPS 2024-2025 Calendar

Reminder for students attending field trips: "Stock Medications may not be available during off-site activities. The parent/legal guardian of a student with a diagnosis that may require the administration of a stock medication is encouraged to obtain a Medication Order Form and provide the student’s medication to ensure its availability at all times" (School Health Services Manual SY 2024-2025).

We are holding our second quarter School Improvement Team meeting November 12th 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.

Seniors! Are you looking for employment (now or after graduation) and have no idea where to start? The Mobile Career Unit is a great resource for you! On Monday, November 4th, you’ll be able to board the Mobile Career Unit right here at GMHS and start searching for and applying for jobs with the help of a professional.

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.

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

Click to grab your copy before prices go up.

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!

Congratulations to the Men’s Cross Country team along with Sadie Swift and Marisa Shick for advancing to Cross Country State Championships from Regionals! They will race the infamous Bull Run at Hereford High School on Saturday November 9th.

Mini-THON is a program here at Great Mills High School led by Mr. Brian Weisner. The certificate above is acknowledgement to Great Mills High School for raising over $12,000 to help conquer childhood cancer. Across the county last school year Four Diamonds raised a total of $6.2 million. This money not only goes to research, but also to help families pay for medical treatments.

Congratulations Mini-Thon for helping make a difference in the life's of families who are in need!

Playoff dates coming soon.

Purchase your ticket online at GoFan.

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.

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

Please email Mrs. Cunningham, accunningham@smcps.org, if you need assistance in completing FAFSA and/or MDCAPS

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