Hello Hornet Nation!

Last week marked our inaugural Senior Class meeting! It's time to place your orders for cap and gown. All the necessary information is available on our school website, and remember, your cap and gown order includes a tassel. On Tuesday, a Jostens representative will be in the cafeteria to answer questions, assist with gown fittings, and take orders.

If your student is enrolled in Edgenuity classes, encourage them to set a goal to complete their coursework before the end of the 3rd quarter. The excitement of Senior activities ramps up in the 4th quarter, and finishing classes early will allow them to fully enjoy these events without the stress of pending assignments. Regardless of your student’s post-high school plans, we are here to support them. We regularly host professionals from various fields to guide our seniors in making informed decisions about their future. Please encourage your students to attend these visits and ask questions. We know our children don’t always ask the questions we need, so if you, as a parent, would like to join and seek answers to your inquiries, feel free to reach out to Ms. Carroll or Mrs. Cunningham for more information.

As we wrap up our Fall sports season, I want to express my pride in our coaches and athletes for their hard work and commitment this season. We witnessed tremendous grit, dedication, sportsmanship, and most importantly, growth! Kudos to all our fall athletes!

Winter sports kicked off on Friday! Best of luck to all Hornet athletes during the winter season. Next week, don’t miss the chance to see “You're a Good Man Charlie Brown”! Our students and staff have dedicated significant effort to deliver an outstanding performance. Even if theater isn’t your usual pastime, it’s a wonderful opportunity to support our talented students as they showcase their passions.

As we move through the community, it’s evident that the holiday season is upon us! This time of year encourages us to reflect on how we can support and express gratitude to others. Our staff traditionally provides Thanksgiving dinner and gift boxes for some of our less fortunate students. Currently, about 55% of our students qualify for Free and/or Reduced Meals (FARMS). If you’d like to join us in supporting this initiative, please refer to the flyers below for more details.

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 22 to 24 - Your a Good Man Charlie Brown
• November 27 to 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break
• December 3 - Morgan State, Coppin State, and Bowie State visit
• December 20 - Two Early Dismissal
• December 23 to January 3 - Winter Break
• January 6 - Students return from Winter Break
• January 17 - End of Quarter 2
• January 20 - Schools Closed - Martin Luther King Jr Day
• January 28 - Report Cards Available on HAC
• January 31 - No School for Students - Professional Day

SMCPS 2024-2025 Calendar

December 3rd

Morgan State University @ 9:00am https://www.morgan.edu/

Coppin State University @ 10:00am https://www.coppin.edu/

Bowie State University @ 11:00am https://www.bowiestate.edu/

Parents/Guardians: If you are interested in attending a college visit, please email me to RSVP.

Students must RSVP HERE for each December visit you would like to attend!

On December 4th, a representative from Salisbury University will be doing ON-SITE acceptances at GMHS. If you have your Salisbury University application submitted by the deadline below they will look over your application with you present and then determine if they accept you for Fall 2026. If you are accepted that does not mean you have to commit to Salisbury University.

Here is a Common App fee waiver code for Salisbury University: GOGULLS25

Check out Salisbury University! https://www.salisbury.edu/

Greetings Class of 2025! It is now time for you to start celebrating your one and only senior year. Order your Custom Great Mills High Graduation Announcement, Senior Apparel/Keepsakes, Class Ring AND Cap & Gown during:

Senior Order Week: Nov. 15th- Nov. 22nd

Seniors will receive information at the senior class meeting on Nov. 12th, however, online ordering is available NOW at Jostens.com!

Order at school on Tues. Nov. 19th during lunch in the cafeteria

OR

Online using the link below:

Click HERE to Order your Graduation Items

OR

By phone: 1-800-Jostens (567-8367)

*Please note: The cap and gown unit does include a tassel. Additional keepsake tassels can be purchased.

DELIVERY INFORMATION:

-Senior apparel and keepsake items will ship directly to your home 2 weeks after your order.

-Graduation Announcements and personalized paper items will be delivered at school early April.

- Cap & Gown Unit will also be delivered at school in May.

Feel free to contact Jostens with any questions during this process:

Phone: 1-800-567-8367 or Email: lindsey.glamp@jostens.com

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.

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.

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!

NJROTC won three trophies at the Bowie drill meet against tough competition. They scored 2nd in Personnel Inspection, 2nd in unarmed drill, and 2nd in color guard.

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.

A new YMCA is set to open next to Great Mills High School, marking a significant milestone that has been in development for several decades. This facility promises to be a valuable resource for the community, offering a safe and supportive environment for individuals to acquire new skills and refine existing ones. County Commissioner Vice-President Mike Hewitt has been instrumental in advancing this project, and we encourage residents to express their gratitude to him and the other county commissioners for their dedication to enhancing our community!

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