Hello Hornet Nation,

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer break! As summer comes to an end I wanted to share some back-to-school information. Here are a few dates to remember:

1. The first day of Fall sports is Wednesday, August 9
2. HAC opens for students to see their class schedule on Friday, August 18
3. Openhouse is Monday, August 21
4. The first day of school is Wednesday, August 23

There is more information on these dates below.

I have missed everyone and I know you may not be ready to be back, but I'm ready to see all your smiling faces! Continue to enjoy your summer and I will see you all real soon!

Principal Dothard

We Are... GREAT MILLS!!!

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

Great Mills High School's open house for all grades will be held on August 21st. We look forward to seeing all 9th graders and new transfers at 12:30 to meet administrators. You are invited to tour the building and meet teachers immediately after.

• Grades 9 and new transfers 12:30-1:00 pm meet the administration and go over HORNET expectations
• Grades 9 and 10 building tours 1:00-2:00 PM
• Grades 11 & 12: 2:00-3:00 PM

The student's first day of school is Wednesday, August 23rd.

We completely understand that some families face hardships and that is not a reason to go without. Did you know there are lots of benefits that come along with completing this free application? Meal benefits are not retroactive and need to be completed yearly. Did you know if you qualify for reduced or free meals, your child qualifies for free money to pay for trade school, community college, and 4-year colleges and universities? Click here to complete the online application and get a much faster response.

You finally made it!! Make your senior portrait appointments now! Portraits will be taken on the dates listed below. There is no cost for a basic yearbook sitting.

Appointments are available on August 7 and 9, October 12, and in the evening on September 13.

Follow this link or click the link below to book your appointment:

https://seniors.legacystudios.com/greatmills-hs-md/

Our sports teams are looking for you! It's the last day to join a Fall sport. What's a fall sport?

1. Football
2. Cheerleading
3. Field Hockey - This is a GREAT Olympic and Scholarship sport for girls looking to get active and join a team!
4. Cross Country - Boys and Girls
5. Soccer - Girls and Boys
6. Golf

All high school sports are free of charge and no experience is needed! The purpose of JV sports is to help students learn the game and feel what is like to be a high school athlete. You must sign up on FamilyID to play. Once you create your FamilyID account remember your login credentials because you will use this to sign up for all sports. We also issue needed equipment to play. All you need to do is get your sports physical and show up with a winning attitude!

For specific information about each sports tryout location and times please see our GMHS Athletics website and click the individual sport under the Fall Sports tab.

Did you forget your password over the summer? Click here to reset your student password.

The parking pass link is open and live! Make sure you complete your application completely so you do not slow down your application process. Parking passes are sold until all the spots are gone, so don't wait til the last minute because they might not last long. All parking information is located on our website using the link below.

Click here to visit our SMCPS website created for all things HAC. HAC is the place for parents and students to track attendance and see report cards. All parents should have their own login credentials separate from students.

St. Mary's County Public Schools lend laptops to students with the expectation that they will be used for school and returned at the end of the school year. When laptops are not returned or damaged when returned, debts are placed on student accounts. Click here to see how much things cost from keyboards to the entire laptop.

Need college, job opportunities, trade school, and scholarship information? Mrs. Waddell is here to help you. She may be contacted at tdwaddell@smcps.org or 301-863-4001 ext.18139. She also built the GMHS College & Career Readiness Google Site, which contains information for students and parents.

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."

Are you aware that your child could qualify for a free Associate Degree or free professional certifications from CSM and/or Blades School of Hair and Design? What exactly is the Maryland Promise Scholarship?

MySchoolBucks is an online payment service that provides a convenient way for parents/guardians to pay for school-related purchases by using their credit/debit card or electronic check. Please use this link for more information on how to sign up for a MySchoolBucks account if you do not already have one.

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