Hornet Nation,

I had an interesting conversation with a student recently that got me thinking about the purpose of school. When I asked him, "What is the purpose of school?" his response was the age-old answer, "to get an education." While that is certainly true, I believe it's time for us to start looking at school from a different perspective.

School is not just about getting an education, it's about becoming whatever your child wants to be in the future. Whether their aspirations lie in becoming a doctor, lawyer, cosmetologist, makeup artist, or any other profession, school provides the foundation and skills necessary to pursue those careers.

At SMCPS, we are proud to offer a variety of opportunities for our students. For those interested in business, we have a dedicated track that teaches students about starting their own business, finances, marketing, and more. This track is perfect for students with an entrepreneurial mindset who want to explore the world of business.

Additionally, our partnership with CSM allows students to participate in dual enrollment. This means that your child can graduate high school with just a few credits short of an Associates degree. What's even better is that, in accordance with the new Maryland Blueprint, SMCPS covers the cost of those college courses. This means that your child can earn a high school diploma and a free Associates Degree! It's truly a great deal.

To learn more about these exciting opportunities, I encourage you to reach out to our school counselors. They will be able to provide you with more information and guidance on how your child can take advantage of these programs.

Let's redefine the purpose of school together and help our children become what they want to be. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education.

This week we will wrap up fall regular season games when our football team travels to Lackey. Some of our fall teams will be going to playoffs, so please prepare to come out and support. Now that playoffs are here, it’s win and keep playing or loss and season over. Good luck Hornets!!

This week will be a great HORNET Week!!

Mr. Dothard

Principal

We Are... GREAT MILLS!!!

¡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

Our schools are heavily impacted by federally connected students – those parents/guardians who work on federal property in Maryland, live on federal property in Maryland, and/or are active duty military personnel. Because of this impact, we receive federal grant funds to operate and maintain our schools and enrich school programs. To receive these funds, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) requires us to survey each student to determine eligibility. SMCPS is encouraging all parents/guardians to please take the time to access and complete the Impact Aid Survey Form online, located in the Home Access Center (HAC). Once logged in, directions to access the online form can be found HERE. A video with instructions is available HERE. The form can now be accessed in Spanish by clicking on the Globe in the top right-hand corner once the form has been started. The deadline for the online submission of Impact Aid Program Survey forms is November 14, 2023.

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 November 14, 2023. Please click here for the Blank Emergency Form. If you have any questions, please contact Tiffany Shreve at tkshreve@smcps.org.

• October 27th 2-Hour Early Dismissal and End of 1st Quarter
  

This year’s SMCPS STEAM Festival will be held on Saturday, October 28th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. Admission is free and open to the public. Wrap up the fall festival season with a day of learning, food trucks, and STEAM-related fun!

Since the entire school is on lunch together students do not have an assigned location for during lunch. This sometimes makes it difficult to locate students quickly. Please plan ahead by notifying the school prior to 11:30 and we will be able to get them a pass to the office for whatever time you plan to arrive during lunch. If you are unable to plan ahead we understand, but if you can call or text your student to share with us their location it will speed up the process.

Due to safety concerns and the demands on the main office, we do not accept food deliveries of any kind. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Oct 26th- Notre Dame of Maryland University @ 11 am

Oct 30th- The University of Alabama @ 1 pm

Oct 31st- Frostburg State University @10 am

2024 Yearbooks are on sale for the cheapest price of the year!! Follow this link to purchase yours today!

You didn't get your picture taken? No problem, picture make up day is on Wednesday, November 15th, for underclassmen, and the last day for seniors pictures will be Friday, November 3th.

On Thursday, October 26 the photographers will be here to take club pictures in order to get as many of our clubs featured in the yearbook as possible. If you sponsor a group or club (this includes choral, band, NHS, SGA, theater, one lunch clubs, class officers)...please sign your group up for a time slot in the link below.

Club Photo Sign Up

Need to register for the SAT? We have fee waivers available for qualifying students in the counseling office. Follow this link to log in and sign up.

Schoology New Parent/Guardian Provisioning: New Schoology parent/guardian accounts will be created in the coming weeks. We hope to have accounts created and parents/guardians connected to their students in Schoology by Friday, September 2nd. Continue to use Schoology for your updates along with your SMOREs/School Messenger. Please share this specific message with your school community through School Messenger. Parents that have difficulty accessing their pre-existing accounts should contact schoology@smcps.org and include the student name and ID number for troubleshooting.

For more help with Schoology, visit the SMCPS Schoology Parent Dashboard.

1. "You are the creator of your own destiny, so make it worth living."
2. "The only way to achieve greatness is to take the first step towards your goal."
3. "Believe in yourself, and watch the world believe in you."
4. "Success is not a destination, it's a journey. Embrace the process and enjoy the ride."
5. "The only limit to your potential is the one you set for yourself."
6. "The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do."
7. "Small steps lead to big achievements. Keep moving forward."
8. "Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, create them."
9. "Chase your dreams relentlessly, because they are yours for the taking."
10. "Success is not about being perfect, it's about being persistent. Keep going."

It's that time of year again, link your Harris Teeter card to Great Mills High School!

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces enhanced security measures for after-school events. Beginning this year:

• There will be No Bags allowed in sporting events. 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.

Are you looking to get involved with a team, or meet new friends? All girls are welcome and you don't have to have played before, nor do you need to own equipment. Girl's lacrosse is hosting an interest meeting Thursday, October 26th during Nest Hour in the Health room, H39. Anyone wanting to tryout should attend. Coach McLeod is excited to see your smiling face!

Join Coach Meagan in room H40 on Wednesday 10/25 during green lunch for a swim interest meeting! Pasta parties, water polo, strength training, community, cross-training, and swimming! Join the Great Mills High School swim team this Fall for fun and fitness. Tryouts will be held in mid-November at the Great Mills Pool after school. Watch the Hornet Buzz and the hallway announcement slides for upcoming details. Swimming is a great sport for athletes in fall/spring sports to stay in shape. Contact Coach Meagan Ross at maross@smcps.org if you’re interested and text @h2ornets to 81010 to join the Remind group.

Assistant coach positions are still open!

See full playoff schedules on the SMAC Website when they are availble.

All SMAC regular season and playoff tickets will be sold online using Go Fan. I do recommend creating a free account to make purchasing tickets throughout the school year quicker. We will have card readers at the door, but NO CASH will be accepted at the door.

Winter sports will be starting in November. If you haven't already had a physical the form is below for you to download. Get your physical and start getting in shape!

Winter Sports:

Boys and Girls Basketball

Girls and Boys Swimming

Boys and Girls Wrestling

Girls and Boys Indoor Track and Field

Winter Cheerleading

Pals Bowling

Are you aware that your child could qualify for a free Associate Degree or free professional certifications from CSM or a trade school in Maryland? What exactly is the Maryland Promise Scholarship?

SMCPS is committed to the mental health and wellness of students and parents. Check out each of the available sites for valuable resources.

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

Follow us on Twitter or check the school website for updates.

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