GMHS Class of 2021 Graduation
May 5, 2021
Graduation will be held Friday, June 4th, 2021 at the Great Mills High School Auditorium. Tickets are required. The Commencement Ceremonies will begin promptly at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm (depending on the Session you are in). Doors will open for seating 15 minutes before each session.
Graduation Day Sessions
9:00 am SESSION 1 (A-E)
11:00 am SESSION 2 (F-K)
1:00 pm SESSION 3 (L-R)
3:00 pm SESSION 4 (S-Z)
Live Stream: Each ceremony will be live-streamed and available for viewing. The ceremony will be streamed at www.smcps.org/streaming, as well as www.smcps.org/graduation - both sites will be updated this week and will feature the livestream of each graduation on its particular day.
CLASS SPONSORS: Ms. Jeannette Ruby and Ms. Jocelyn Benedict
Participating/Walking in the Graduation Ceremony is a privilege. Appropriate behavior is an expectation of earning this privilege.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: Seniors are to attend all classes through May 27, 2021. Senior grades will be closed by the end of the day on May 25th. All graduation requirements must be completed before a Maryland State Diploma can be awarded. Make sure you have completed The Senior Survey, Naviance requirements at the 100% level and have met the following: all HSA requirements, PARCC requirements, enough credits in each area, and all credits needed to complete your program of studies. Check with your Guidance Counselor to make sure you have everything ready to go! We are unable to make last-minute changes, so check as soon as possible.
AWARDS ASSEMBLY: The awards assembly will be held Friday, May 28, 2021, at 9:00 AM. Please dress business casual. Seniors will report directly to the auditorium at 8:45 AM. By invitation only due to covid restrictions.
BALLOONS: We cannot permit any balloons at the assembly or the graduation ceremony. We have students and family members with allergies. Balloons also obstruct the views of other attendees. Please share this information with your family and friends.
CAPS AND GOWNS: Caps and gowns will be distributed at the graduation practice held on either June 1st or 2nd, depending on your Session... Your gown should be kept on a hanger and may be ironed with a COOL iron or may be steamed to remove wrinkles. The gown should extend down to the mid-calf area. DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM and PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, GENTLEMEN ARE TO REMOVE THEIR MORTAR BOARDS (CAPS).
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT: CM designation is determined by the Counseling Department and the list will be posted in Guidance. CM cords are paid for by the senior class and distributed at graduation rehearsal.
CLASS OF 2021 QUESTIONNAIRE: The Class of 2021 Questionnaire is online this year. Click on the link and complete the survey. https://forms.gle/BGuqKjyvcjcEocmb9
This information will be used in graduation planning and speeches. See Mrs. Willis in the Career Center for help! Before you complete the information, have all your financial aid/scholarship information handy.
CORDS: Certificate of Merit Cords are provided free of charge. Check with Guidance to verify you have met all requirements. The following organizations have cords or stoles (some of which are provided for a cost or rental fee): Fairlead Academy II, NJROTC, Four Year Athlete, Tri-M, Four Year Musician, National Art Honor Society (NAHS), National Honor Society (NHS), National Technical Society, Student Government Association (SGA), STEM, Dr. James A. Forrest Technical Center graduates). Academic cords will be provided by advisors at Graduation Practice. Additional cords or recognitions may not be hung, pinned, or attached in any way to either the cap or the gown.
DEBTS: All fees, dues, and outstanding debts must be paid in order to participate in the graduation ceremony. In order to attend any senior functions, we are asking that you try to pay all outstanding debts by Friday, May 21, 2021. The absolute last date to pay all school debts is Friday, May 28, 2021. If you have a question about your balance, please contact Mrs. Hickey in the School Bank or email her at mahickey@smcps.org.
GRADUATION DRESS CODE: Student dress will be checked as seniors enter GMHS on the day of graduation. Students not abiding by the dress code will be sent home for proper attire. The following dress code will be enforced:
Women are to wear white or black dress shoes and an appropriate dress or pants suit that meets the school dress code. High heels and slip-on high heels are discouraged, but not prohibited. Flip flops are not permitted. Ladies, please wear closed-toe or "peep toe" shoes only. This is to prevent catching your toes on the carpet of the stage. Plan to wear the shoes you want to wear for graduation during the practice at GM for approval and a trial run!
Men are to wear a white dress shirt, a dark tie, dark dress trousers, dark socks, and black dress shoes. Do not wear denim trousers, jeans, shorts, tennis shoes, or sandals. You will not be allowed to participate in the ceremony if you are improperly dressed!
GRADUATION HANDICAPPED SEATING: Handicapped seating can be accessed in the Auditorium (please have your guest speak with a GMHS staff member as they enter the venue).
GRADUATION LOCATION: Graduation ceremonies will be held at the Great Mills High School Auditorium. There will be four sessions (9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm). Doors for seating will open 15 minutes prior to the start of each session.
Live Stream: Each ceremony will be live-streamed and available for viewing. The ceremony will be streamed at www.smcps.org/streaming, as well as www.smcps.org/graduation - both sites will be updated this week and will feature the livestream of each graduation on its particular day.
GRADUATION GUEST SEATING: In an effort to comply with current Health Department Guidelines for this event, please understand that guest seating will be directed by staff on a first-come first-seated basis. Seats will be assigned by staff based on when you arrive in the auditorium.
GRADUATION PARKING: Parents and guests are asked to park in the Great Mills High School student/staff parking lot. Please follow the directions of staff for your parking spot. Graduates are encouraged to ride with their parent/guardian to graduation. In the event that a graduate needs to drive themselves, parking will be in the lot by the Tennis Courts only….follow staff directions.
GRADUATION PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOS: Any photography must be taken from your seat. We ask that families and friends remain in their seats for the duration of the Graduation Ceremony. Professional photographers will be taking photos of each student as they accept their diploma from Dr. Heibel. Video cameras will be allowed, however, all videotaping must be done from your seat. Guests are asked to not bring tripods into the auditorium due to space limitations.
GRADUATION PRACTICES: Attendance is mandatory. Dr. Heibel is in charge of the rehearsal. Only he may excuse a senior from rehearsal and this is rarely done. Students who do not attend practice will not participate in the graduation ceremony on June 4, 2021. Students who have conflicts must have written permission from Dr. Heibel (mjheibel@smcps.org) by Friday, May 28, 2021. Seniors who are late to practice will have 10 minutes of community service for every 1 minute they are late. The community service will take place immediately following the practice. Seniors are not to be on school grounds, except while they are attending graduation practice. If you must enter the building, only do so through the main office. You will be registered and assigned a chaperone. You may not wander the building and meet with teachers or otherwise be in the building/grounds. Make sure you arrange transportation, so you can arrive and leave graduation practice at the scheduled times.
Graduation practices are as follows: The alpha split is subject to change as the true number of graduates is known.
June 1, 2021: 8:00 – 9:30 AM Students with last names from A – E
10:00 – 11:30 AM Students with last names F-K
June 2, 2021: 8:00 – 9:30 AM Students with last names from L-R
10:00 -11:30 AM Students with last names S – Z
June 4, 2021, GRADUATION REPORTING TIME: If you have been present at the rehearsal, you must be at Great Mills High School 15 minutes prior to your designated Session time. Dress code will be strictly enforced as you enter the building. Anyone not meeting the dress code will be sent home to change. Secure any valuables in your car and then enter the school by the Tennis Court entrance and work your way to the gym (entering on the side down the Locker Room hallway). Staff will be present to direct you.
GRADUATION GUEST SEATING IN THE AUDITORIUM: In an effort to comply with current Health Department Guidelines for this event, please understand that guest seating will be directed by staff on a first-come first-seated basis. Seats will be assigned by staff based on when you arrive in the auditorium.
There are four different tickets (color-coded for each Session) - In order to be admitted into graduation, all guests must have a ticket (this includes children and infants). Due to Health Department, fire and safety regulations, all guests must be seated during the ceremony. Walking areas and ramps must remain open during the entire ceremony. We ask friends and family to refrain from leaving their seats in order to gain access to graduates as they are returning from the stage. If anyone comes forward for photos, they will be asked to return to their seats.
Again, please do not bring balloons to the ceremony. We have students and family members who are allergic to them and they obstruct the views of the people around you.
GRADUATION TICKET INFORMATION: Each graduating Senior will be given 4 graduation tickets; We do not have extra tickets. Tickets will be distributed to seniors during the June 1st or June 2nd Graduation Practice (based on your session). Seating is on a first-come basis. GMHS does not charge for tickets.
HALL OF FAME: Our tradition at GMHS includes the induction of a Hall of Fame member each year. The Hall of Fame recipient must be a graduate of GMHS. Further information is on the GMHS school website.
SENIOR CONTACT INFORMATION: Make certain that all contact information in HAC is correct. This information is used for Official Transcripts, Videographer, Photographer and Alumni Steering Committees. Updates can be given to Mrs. Duran, widuran@smcps.org, in the Guidance Department.
SENIOR PICNIC: Thursday, May 20th...see Ms. Ruby or Ms. Benedict
SMOKING/VAPING: Smoking/Vaping is not allowed on school grounds by federal law; this applies to students and the general public both at Great Mills and SMCM.
WEARING OF THE TASSEL: During the processional and throughout the awarding of diplomas, the tassel is worn on the right side of the mortarboard (cap). After the diplomas have been awarded, on the rehearsed signal, the tassels will be shifted to the left side of the cap. DO NOT lose your tassel, we have no extra tassels to give you.
20-May
Senior Class Picnic...see Ms. Ruby or Ms. Benedict
28-May
Last Full Day of school
28-May
Awards Assembly…be at school by 8:45 a.m. (Auditorium)
28-May
10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Senior Materials Collection (Student Debt, Textbook and Laptop returns)
*students are to enter the main lobby area and return materials to the media center.
01-June
Practice at School...
8:00-9:30 a.m. Last Name A-E (Auditorium)
10:00-11:30 a.m. Last Name F-K (Auditorium)
The alpha split is subject to change as the true number of graduates is known.
02-June
Practice at School ...
8:00-9:30 a.m. Last Name L-R (Auditorium)
10:00-11:30 a.m. S-Z (Auditorium)
The alpha split is subject to change as the true number of graduates is known.
04-June
Graduation Day….
9:00 am SESSION 1 (A-E)
11:00 am SESSION 2 (F-K)
1:00 pm SESSION 3 (L-R)
3:00 pm SESSION 4 (S-Z)
Candid Pictures
Class of 2021 Candid Pictures - https://forms.gle/aD3hZB95mJt81gUP7
GMHS is looking for candid pictures of the class of 2021 graduates to include in a Graduation slideshow. Up to 5 images may be upload. Pictures must be submitted by Wednesday, May 19th.
Information from the Tech Center
There will not be a Commencement Ceremony this year. In-person students will receive their cords and certificates in the classroom on either May 26 (A Day) or May 27 (B-day). Students who remained virtual will be able to come pick up their cords/certificates on Friday, May 28th, from 9-11 am. This is also when virtual students can return books/supplies that belong to the Forrest Center.
Students who completed their program as juniors in 2020 may come to pick up their cord on Friday, May 28th, from 9a-11am. They already have their certificates.
Returning School Owned Items - Laptops w/Charging Cord, Textbooks, etc.
All SMCPS issued resources and technology MUST BE RETURNED to school by Friday, May 28, 2021. Students are to enter the main entrance and return materials to the media center.
What to Return
Seniors may have been issued a laptop and a charger. - *If you never checked out a device and used your personal device, this does not apply. If not returned the cost of the laptop is $380.00. The charger is $40.00.
Hotspots - if you received a hotpot please return it - replacement cost is $106.47 - questions about this may be directed to Ms. Cole.
- Any unreturned technology will be assessed a fine and a debt letter. *Unpaid debts will be sent to a collection agency.
All of your textbooks and library media books must be returned. Any unreturned resource will be assessed a fine and a debt letter.
Costs for library and resource materials will range based on the type of resource. *Please keep your consumables (anything you can write in).
Spring Athletic Uniforms
Decorating Your Mortarboard for Graduation
Please take into consideration the following rules when decorating your graduation cap.
- Nothing inappropriate or offensive (foul language, drug reference, etc..).
- Materials need to remain flat on the mortarboard.
- Nothing that obstructs the view of others.
Graduation Ceremony Information for Guests
- Tickets - Each senior will receive two guest tickets - guests must enter the auditorium together and will be seated together. Everyone must have a ticket, including infants. Due to COVID restrictions, we cannot accept requests for addtional tickets.
- Sign Language Interpreter - Please contact Mrs. Ennels at raennels@smcps.org by May 14 if this service is needed for a guest.
- Doors will open 15 minutes before the ceremony. Guests will enter through the auditorium doors.
- Guests must remain in seats and may not stand to take photos.
Be courteous of other guests - noise makers and balloons or other items which may obstruct a guest’s view are not permitted.
- The ceremony will be recorded, including a complete video of all of the students receiving their diplomas, and will be available for free on the SMCPS youtube channel.
- After the ceremony, guests may meet up with graduates outside. Graduates and guests will be allowed to take photos on campus (outside only) for 30 minutes and then the grounds and parking lot will be cleared for the next group.
- Face masks must be worn while on campus.
- Due to limited parking, we ask that the graduate and guests try to arrive in one car.
Lunch Account Refunds
Dear parents and guardians, if you have a graduating senior please ensure that you turn off the automatic payments to your student's account. To request a refund, please go to the SMCPS webpage and click on Offices - then Food Services. Scroll all the way to the bottom and on the left is a link for Student Meal Account Refund.
Transcript Requests
Transcripts must be requested through Naviance
Steps to logging into Naviance
1. Go to SMCPS
2. Click on the STUDENT tab
3. Sign in with Clever
4. Click on Naviance
Steps once in Naviance
1. Click Colleges I’m applying to
2. Your list of colleges will appear
3. Edit your list, make sure we know the status for each school
4. Click the under RESULTS and then click SAVE COLLEGE APPLICATION
5. Repeat for all colleges you applied too
6. Once you are done, go to manage transcripts and click Request Final Transcript for the school you will be attending
Need a paper transcript mailed?
1. Log into Naviance
2. Click Colleges
3. Click Apply to College
4. Manage Transcripts
5. Click the to the right.
6. Click Other Transcript
7. You will then select “Final”, then “Other” and complete the required information.
8. Click Request and Finish.