Hornet Buzz
September 26, 2021
Message from the Principal
SPIRIT WEEK IS HERE! Check out the homecoming information on each dress-up day! I can not wait to see which class has the most school spirit! We have a busy week with state testing on top of all the fun activities. Make sure you read the information below as it pertains to most all students. Make sure that you are in class on time throughout the week. DO NOT get caught in a blitz! Show up and show out with your school spirit and it will be a great week!
We Are...Great Mills!
Sincerely,
Dr. Heibel
State Testing
As part of continued COVID-19 recovery efforts, the Maryland State Department of Education is conducting an early fall student assessment as one of several strategies to identify how students are performing academically. The results will help educators better understand student needs, so that we can address disrupted education and accelerate learning opportunities for all students. These results never stand alone in assessing student growth and will be used in combination with other assessments and class work to gauge overall student performance.
Please review the attached testing information for complete details.
*If you are a SENIOR and have your own transportation, you can check-in at 10:00 am when at the start of first period.
Homecoming Dance Update
The Homecoming dance time and location has been updated: it will take place outdoors in the bus lanes from 6-9 pm. Parents/guardians may pull into the main parking lot to drop off/pick up students and then exit through the Great Mills Pool parking lot in the back. Student drivers may park in the main parking lot.
We are excited and ready for an outdoor experience, however, in the event of bad weather, the dance will be rescheduled. Information regarding a rain date is forthcoming.”
We are happy to announce that Food Trucks will be available to sell food at this year's Homecoming dance! Additional information and food menus will be shared later this week via Schoology.
Pep Rally Stadium Layout for the Classes
Home Sporting Events This Week
Wednesday, September 29: Field Hockey vs. Patuxent
Wednesday, September 29: CC vs. Northern, T. Stone
Thursday, September 30: Girls Soccer vs. Patuxent
Friday, October 1: Football vs. McDonough
Career Center Updates
Senior Parents/Students,
Many students and parents feel anxious about filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. In order to guide you through the application process, Great Mills would like to invite you to the following workshops to assist in completion.
FAFSA FSA-ID Completion Virtual Event – Tuesday, October 5th at 6:00 p.m.
FAFSA Completion Night – In-Person – Wednesday, October 13th at 6:00 p.m. – Great Mills High School Media Center
Great Mills is hosting a FREE FSA-ID Completion Virtual Workshop on Tuesday, October 5th at 6:00 p.m. This is a virtual event through Google Meet. Financial Aid Counselors will be available to walk students and parents through the process of completing their FSA ID. FSA ID RSVP HERE
What is the FSA ID?
The FSA ID ― a username and password ― has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents. Students and parents will create a username and password and enter a valid e-mail address. Students and parents will need full names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, contact information and to complete challenge questions and answers.
FAFSA Completion Night – Wednesday, October 13th at 6:00 p.m. – In-Person Event
Great Mills High School is hosting a FREE FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Completion/Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, October 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. College Financial Aid Counselors will be available to assist parents and students in the completion of their FAFSA. This event will take place in the Great Mills High School Media Center. (All MD Department of Education COVID Safety Protocol will be followed).
In order to accommodate our families safely, we are asking that if you are planning to attend, please RSVP through the google form with the link: FAFSA RSVP Here
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in the financial aid process. You use the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid, such as grants, work-study, and loans. In addition, most states and colleges use information from the FAFSA form to award non federal aid.
For more information or to complete the FAFSA, visit www.studentaid.gov
NEED TO BE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL?
Laptops
Technology and Resource Accountability:
Meal Benefits Application
Even though lunch will be provided free to students this year, parents should still complete the meal benefits application as there may be other benefits/assistance available to students who qualify for free or reduced meals.
No Food Deliveries
Employment Opportunities
SMCPS has multiple positions available to support our students and staff, including full-time and part-time positions in various areas. Employment opportunities can be found on the SMCPS website: https://www.smcps.org/hr/employment-opportunities
The Abacus Corporation provides part-time/temporary positions to support SMCPS as well. Various positions are also available through the Abacus Corporation and can be found on their website: https://www.abacuscorporation.com/find-jobs
St. Mary's County Government
County Government has asked that we share this link to their press release asking for community input into the revisions of the St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Plan. According to the county, “results from the survey will provide ways to document shared goals and objectives and maintain and enhance the quality of life in St. Mary’s County for years to come.”
If possible, please share this link in your weekly newsletter to families. You can include the text above as an explanation:
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
Email: mjheibel@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/gmhs/
Location: 21130 Great Mills Road, Great Mills, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 863-4001
Twitter: @GMHS_SMCPS