Hornet Buzz
September 7, 2020
Message From the Principal
Thank you to everyone who helped make the first week of this new school year a success! I know we had some issues this past week but please know that I appreciate everyone doing their best to connect and engage with their teachers as we worked through the new learning platform and technology issues. A special shout-out to Ms. Thorstensen, Ms. Cole, and every member of the Great Mills team who helped pass out books/materials to over 1000 students this past Friday in a timely and organized manner.
Now the real work begins in week two as we start our virtual schedule (link below). Students will now have class each period each day either "live" with their teachers (synchronously) or "on demand" (asychronously) working online independently.
In this week's edition of the Hornet Buzz please pay close attention to the virtual class schedule that we will start with this Tuesday's classes. Also, check out the information on the make-up textbook/materials day, students who need help with their technology, the acceptable use form, and student parking. Please make sure to read through each of these bits of information so that you can stay informed and on top of what is going on in our Hornet Nation. As we move closer to student's return to the building, we will make sure to share detailed information on what that will look like and how we will best meet the needs of our students and staff.
Thank you again for everyone's patience and understanding as we continue to navigate something new each day. Keep up the good work that you have started, remain patient and positive, and look to help out anyone in our school community who needs assistance. Together we will continue to rise to the level of success we deserve. Together we will get this done, after all.....
WE ARE....GREAT MILLS!
Sincerely,
Dr. Heibel
Textbook/Materials Distribution Make-Up Day Wednesday, September 9 4:00-6:00 pm
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and Online Platforms form:
Parents/Students:
As we navigate the virtual learning world, we need to make sure that we are taking proper safety and necessary precautions to ensure student success. Just like in years past, we are asking all students or their parents to complete the Acceptable Use form for online learning by September 30, 2020. Parent Permission - SMCPS Acceptable Use Policy and Online Platforms. Be advised that the AUP form authorizes students to utilize these applications necessary for instruction and have been sending some variation of this AUP form out over the past several years.
STUDENT TECH/LOGIN HELP RESOURCES
Having trouble with your TECHNOLOGY? Students have several places they can go for TECH help.
1. SMCPS Student/Parent Schoology Site: https://sites.google.com/smcps.org/smcps-schoology/home
2. SMCPS Website: Scroll down to Technology Assistance. https://www.smcps.org/dci/online
3. Reach IT help via phone: Information Technology Help Desk (301) 475-2138 during school hours or by EMAIL: helpdesk@smcps.org
Student Parking
Student Password Change
Please use the instructions below on the remote learning password change to update your account. All students must complete this process in order to log into clever and participate in schoology. If you have difficulty with any aspect of the password reset go to: https://selfservice.smcps.org/ for help.
If you forgot your password from last year, click here: Forgot your password
If you continue to have difficulty, please email the SMCPS help desk helpdesk@smcps.org for assistance.
The Counseling Corner
Students: Please note the name of your counselor and assistant principal for the 2020-2021 school year.
A-C Ms. Judi Stokes (Mr. Dunbar--assistant principal)
D-Hi Ms. Crystal Ridgell (Mr. Dothard--assistant principal)
Hj-M Mr. John Davis (Ms. Thorstensen--assistant principal)
N-R Ms. Molly Beck (Ms. Morgan--assistant principal)
S-Z Ms. Audra Bishop (Mr. Hart--assistant principal)
Schoology
- Student Schoology Resources:
1. Student and Parent Google Site: This site provides basic information about the platform and how to log in. This site will be updated regularly to reflect any changes.
Device and Access Information
While Schoology may be accessed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer - to best support this instructional platform, students should have access to a computer that they can use independently to participate in each day’s
instruction. Personally owned devices can be used to access online course material. Most current technologies will work with Schoology, with the following minimum device requirements:
- Operating Systems: Windows 10; iOS 11; Android version 6 or higher
- Browsers: Chrome (latest version); Safari versions 10 and 11; Firefox (latest version); Edge for Windows 10.
- Yes - Schoology will work on Chromebooks.
For full interactive instruction, students will require that the device have a microphone and camera. If they do NOT have a camera or mic, then they will be able to view the Google Meet Sessions- but will be unable to interact.
If a student does not have a device or access, please contact the school, who will provide assistance.
Meal Benefit Services
Free Meals Program: https://www.smcps.org/news/free-meal-program-reinstated
Parent Letter
https://www.smcps.org/forms/supporting-services/fiscal-services/407-parent-letter-pricing-19-20/file
Meal Charge Policy
Online Meal Benefits Application
MTSS Summary Review
Hornet Strong Brick Project
Consider giving a Hornet Strong Personalized Brick for a recent graduate or alumni.
Go to the Great Mill website click on Quick Links the Hornet Strong Brick project or click on the link below."
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZHAD2XN2Q00TOS_ZZJYPZR8T40ROI3
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