Hornet Buzz
August 2, 2024
Sunday Chat with Principal Dothard
Hello Hornet Nation!
As we kick off the second quarter this Monday, it's a fresh opportunity for students to enhance their academic performance. If the first quarter didn't meet your expectations, now is the perfect time to turn things around. Remember, your final transcript will reflect the average of all four quarters, so there's still a chance to achieve the grades you desire. Report cards will be accessible on HAC starting Wednesday, November 6th.
Nest hour is an excellent resource for students looking for assistance. Whether you need help recovering an assignment, making up a test, or clarifying concepts, don't hesitate to utilize this time for support.
Parents, after reviewing your child's report card, please feel free to reach out to your student's counselor or teacher if you'd like to schedule a conference with any or all of their instructors.
Additionally, we’re excited to welcome the fall playoff season! Join us in supporting our teams at their games this week—schedules are provided below. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab some Hornet Gear as we refresh our collection of HORNET SWAG!
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.
Online Emergency Information Update Messaging
Effective communication is critical to the success of St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS). This will be crucial not only for emergencies but for our ability to communicate with families in general. Online Emergency Information Update Forms are now available through the student’s Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. It is vital that all information is updated in eSchool. The deadline for the online submission of Emergency Information Update forms is October 31st, 2024. Please click here for the Blank Emergency Form. If you have any questions, please contact The Department of Student Services at 301-475-5511 ext.32150.
Upcoming Events
Dates to Remember
- 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 27 to 29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break
PSAT Scores
PSAT Scores were made available on Wednesday, October 24th.
- If you provide your phone number for the BigFuture App, your scores were texted directly you.
- If not, you can log in to your Collegeboard account to view your scores.
- If you need help accessing your scores, please stop by Mrs. Frye's office (2107) or e-mail mmfrye@smcps.org.
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
Eliza Szymendera - SGA Event Coordinator
I wanted to give senior, Eliza a shout out as the SGA Event Coordinator. As the Event Coordinator she plays a significate role in planning Spirit Week, Homecoming Dance, and Nest Fest! She will be moving on next year to study Software Engineering!
First Annual Community Deliberations
The community deliberation session is part of a collaborative student service-learning project centered on helping students collaborate and discuss contested issues by considering multiple perspectives and searching for consensus. Ms. Tracy Harding and Ms. Katie Sushinsky, the project's architects, want to bring cross-generational perspectives together while exploring a contested policy issue, reinforcing the importance of multiple perspectives.
This was a great event which included students from Great Mills and Leonardtown! I look forward to experiencing the growth of this project!
Hornet Football Visited Bowie State University Football Program
The Hornet Class of 1984 in front of the original entrance!
The Hornet Class of 1984 in front of the new entrance!
NJROTC had its first Battalion Quarters of the Year!
Tylik Miles did a great job as MC!
Camila Lopez-Quinonez did and amazing job singing the National Anthem!
COME OUT TO HORNET STADIUM AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!!
Monday, October, 28th
- JV Football vs Chopticon 5:00
Tuesday, October 29th
- Regional Championship Boys Soccer vs Chopticon 6:00
Wednesday, October 30th
- Volleyball Round 1 Playoffs vs St. Charles 5:00
Thursday, October 31st
- Varsity Football vs Lackey 6:00
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.
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
Buzzworthy Information
Sacred Journey and Concert
On November 1, St. Mary's College will host its annual Sacred Journey event. Sacred Journey is the College's yearly honoring of the dedication of the Commemorative to the Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland. This program begins at 4:45 at the Commemorative and ends with a waterfront ceremony. As part of the day, we are having a concert that evening, for which tickets must be purchased separately, at 7 p.m. in the Dodge Performing Arts Center. The band is the Brubeck Brothers Quartet w/ Camille Thurman.
Need a library card? Here is how you sign up!
Smart Card Instructions (English)
Smart Card Instructions (Spanish)
Library Hours
SAT Registration
ASVAB INFORMATION
The ASVAB is a tool that all military branches use to figure out the best employment fit for you within each branch. There are sections of word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, math, mechanical knowledge, and science. The test will be taken on paper.
Location: Media Center
Time: 8am - Noon
Click here to sign up.
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