Gladiator Gazette

October 19th - 23rd: Homecoming Tickets On Sale, See Additional Information Below

October 19th - 23rd: Spirit Week, More Information Below

October 23rd: Homecoming Parade, 4:00 pm

October 23rd: Homecoming Game, 6:00 pm

October 24th: Homecoming Dance, 7:00 pm

October 27th: Senior Portraits, During the School Day, More Information Below

October 27th: End of 1st Marking Period

October 28th: School Closed for Student

October 28th: Senior Portraits, During the School Day, More Information Below

October 29th: Senior Portraits, During the School Day, More Information Below

November 3rd: Schools and Offices Closed

November 6th: 1st Quarter Report Cards Issued

November 17th: Underclassmen Photo Retakes, Auditorium, During the School Day

November 17th: NHS Induction Ceremony, 7:00 pm, Auditorium

November 23rd - 25th: Parent/Teacher Conferences

• For Glenelg High School events, please use our calendar for the 26-27 school year.
• For the HCPSS Calendar, please use the HCPSS School Calendar for the 26-27 school year.

Congrats to the team as we qualified for the state tournament as a team, finishing 4th at districts.

AJ Lioi led the way with a 79, Kevin Ho - 82 - Mattie Weeks 83, while finishing 4th as an individual for the girls tournament.

Nico Levy and Logan Napolitano both shot 84, will have a county championship playoff to see who rounds off the team of four going to states.

Next up, the individual county championship - Monday at Fairway!

- Nico

- Hashim

- Mattie

- Logan

- AJ

- Kevin

SGA Exec is in need of cars to be used in the Homecoming Parade, on Friday, October 23rd, 2026. We are looking for approximately 6 vehicles. Vehicles can be pickup trucks or convertibles.

If are willing to lend a vehicle for the parade, please contact either Michelle Oland (michelle_oland@hcpss.org) or Stacey Duvall (stacey_duvall@hcpss.org) for more information.

Attention Juniors & Seniors!
Applications for Science National Honor Society (SNHS) are now open! Please read the requirements carefully and complete the application, including all required documents.

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

Link to Application Form
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DI71ikeMqcHCQkVljD8rvdMnKzFX8EldCgtxeqPx828/edit?usp=sharing

Interested in joining SNHS? Be sure to submit your completed application by the deadline!

Are you interested in attending UMBC or just curious about campus life at a Maryland university? Join us on October 20th for a college tour of UMBC! We'll walk the campus and have lunch in the school cafeteria.

Juniors and seniors are welcome to grab a permission slip in Student Services or from Ms. Milton. Secure your space before the trip fills up.

Rho Kappa will hold a fundraiser at the Chipotle in Mt. Airy on Tuesday, October 20th from 4:00 - 8:00pm. Mention GHS Rho Kappa at checkout or enter code: 8A8CQDL at checkout.

Rho Kappa will receive 25% of the proceeds from sales.

Senior Portraits go to https://seniors.legacystudios.com/ to schedule your appointment now. Don't miss the last chance to take your photos in school.

Appointments start October 27 - 29 during the school day.

The PTSA is happy to host the National PTA Reflections Program again this year. There are 6 categories:

• dance choreography
• film production
• literature
• music composition
• photography
• visual arts.

This year's theme is "What My Culture Means to Me," and all entries should be based on that theme. Students may submit artwork in one or more categories by Friday, November 20th. Entries will be judged at our local Glenelg High School level, and the top three entries in each category will advance to the PTA Council level for Howard County.

Use the links for the guidelines and student entry forms.

Please reach out with any questions and to submit entries to our GHS PTSA Reflections chair, Ellen Sowry, at ellenbsowry@yahoo.com.

Homecoming tickets will be on sale October 19–23 during all lunch shifts. Each student attending must purchase a ticket in advance—tickets will not be sold at the door.

If you plan to bring a guest from another school, you must complete the Homecoming 2026 Guest Form prior to purchasing a guest ticket. Guest tickets will only be sold once the completed form has been approved. Forms are available online and in the Main Office.

Monday, October 12 - Friday, October 23

• Homecoming Ticket Sales - During All Lunch Shifts

• Voting - Homecoming court voting will take place through a Google Form. Students be on the lookout in your Canvas Inbox for your grade level’s ballot link

Friday, October 23, 2026

• Pep Rally - during school

• Parade - 4:30 pm, Free Event for all Glenelg Community Members

• Football Game - 6:00 pm vs Long Reach High School, Tickets Sold in Advance

Saturday, October 24, 2026

• Dance - at Glenelg High School from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Tickets Sold in Advance

We are looking forward to kicking off an awesome spirit week at GHS on Monday, October 19th!

GHS Student Spirit Days (voted on by student body):

• Oct. 19: Pajama Day
• Oct. 20: Decades Day: Freshmen 1970s, Sophomores 1980s, Juniors 1990s, Seniors 2000s
• Oct. 21: Teachers Dress Like Students, Students Like Teachers
• Oct. 22: Jersey Day
• Oct. 23: Color Day
• Freshmen: Gray

• Sophomores: White

• Juniors: Black

• Seniors: Red

Friday October 23rd

• Student Pep-Rally- GHS Students only - Friday afternoon prior to dismissal

• Homecoming Parade - 4:30 PM The Marching Unit will march Rain or Shine. The only thing that will cancel our parade would be extreme weather ( lightning, high winds, etc. none of which are currently in the forecast - Phew!) The parade may be modified a bit as some floats may not be weatherproof. Most importantly, we will be showcasing our outstanding marching unit (and yes there will be candy)!

• Clubs, teams, school-based organizations, and our AMAZING Marching Band, colorguard, poms squad and cheer team will participate in this event. In addition, floats, cars and trucks will be driven to showcase our groups. It is a fun and exciting event for the community to come together before the Varsity Football game. The Glenelg community is encouraged to attend and support the fantastic Glenelg students!

• The parade starts on Burntwoods Road, then takes a left onto Roscommon Drive, then turns left onto Castlebar Drive, then left onto Celbridge Drive, then taking the second exit on the traffic circle back onto Burntwoods Road, and finally, a right into the East Parking Lot.

• Homecoming Football game: GHS Vs. Long Reach High School, at 6:00 pm, in the Colosseum. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance at gofan.co - this game WILL sell out. Once we are at capacity in the stadium the event will be closed to those wishing to purchase tickets. This game is a BLACK OUT so wear your GHS Black Glad Gear to show your spirit.

Saturday October 24th

• Homecoming Dance, GHS Gym, Auxiliary Gym, Courtyard and Cafeteria 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Ticket sales end on Friday (10/23). By County policy tickets may NOT be sold at the door. More information on the dance is included below.

• Homecoming Dance Details, Saturday October 24th from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

• Dance/Homecoming Theme: Wonderland

• Suggested Dress: Semi-formal

• Coat Check: There will be a coat (and shoe and bag) check available for students.

• To be admitted to the dance, each student must have a ticket, ID (or show their schedule through Synergy) and arrive by 8:00 pm. Per HCPSS guidelines all students must enter the dance within one hour of the event start time.

• Guests (non-GHS Students) who are attending must be accompanied by the student who purchased their ticket.

• No backpacks, large purses, or outside food/drinks are permitted at the Game or Dance. Students who have backpacks or large purses will need to check them at the coat check as mentioned above.

• Students who depart the dance will not be readmitted.

• HCPSS Policy 1050 applies to all extracurricular activities, including Homecoming. All HCPSS properties and events are drug and alcohol-free. Any student who violates this policy will face interventions and consequences outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

• The entrance to the dance will be at the front of the building through the main entrance.

• Students who are driving should park in the side student parking lots and make their way to the front of the building.

• Students who are being dropped off can be dropped off:

• In the side student/staff lots and make their way to the front of the building

• At the front of the building and do a loop to exit within the bus loop. This option will be most congested.

• Please have a plan in place for a 10 o’clock pick-up. Speak with your child about where you will meet them and have a plan for your easiest option for arrival and departure.

SAT® registration is now open for spring 2027. Many colleges require or consider SAT scores as part of their admission and placement decisions, and your score is a great way to show colleges you’re ready.

Many juniors take their first SAT in the spring, giving them time to receive their scores and decide whether they’d like to take it again. Your SAT score can help keep your college options open, highlight your unique strengths, and even qualify you for scholarships.

Registering early gives you plenty of time to prepare with 100% free practice resources, including tailored practice, skill building on Khan Academy®, and small-group tutoring on Schoolhouse.World.

Register Now

The Glenelg High School Art Department is always accepting donations to help supplement our limited budget and materials. We welcome any art, craft, and photography materials and equipment. We also take magazines, any kind of paper, and anything you might think creative art students could use! Contact Greg English (genglish@hcpss.org).

Many of our teachers have already started sending out communications through TalkingPoints to connect with families. These communications will be automatically sent to your phone number as a text (unless you're using the optional TalkingPoints app). Remember, this is a private one-on-one communication between you and the teacher.

If the messages are being translated into your native language, you have selected that language in your HCPSS Connect - Family File. If you prefer to receive the messages in English, just update your Parent Family File's native language to English.

HCPSS utilizes Family File to collect emergency contact information for students. All parents/guardians must verify and/or update that information for each child, each school year.

Please note, some resources within HCPSS Connect Synergy are not yet available for the 2026-2027 school year, including homerooms, teachers and schedules; and bus transportation.

Update Your Family File Now!

Parents/guardians must log in with their own credentials. Please check to be sure you are not logged in as your child. Your username is your email address provided to your child’s school at the time of registration. If you forgot your password, use the reset link provided on the login page.

To access and complete Family File:

1. Log in to HCPSS Connect Synergy
2. Select the Online Registration/Family File button at the top right of the page
3. Select Family File Verification

Once logged in, parents/guardians will be asked to update or provide the following: family information; parent/guardian contact; emergency contact(s); and student information, including health information, PTA/PTSA directory inclusion, release of information, science agreement, technology survey and arrival/dismissal procedures.

Please ensure phone numbers are identified as mobile to ensure receipt of distinct or school text messages, including emergency notifications, inclement weather closings, etc.

New this year, families can identify additional race options for their children, including a Middle Eastern/North African selection. When completing Family File, parents/guardians will see their child’s current race identification selected and also are asked to reselect/select new race identifiers. This conforms with Maryland State Department of Education requests for school districts to collect both existing and new options.

Resources on completing Family File may be found online. Answers to frequently asked questions on Family File and on HCPSS Connect Synergy are available on the HCPSS Help site.

Many HCPSS families may be eligible to receive benefits through the Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARMs)

Qualifying families can take advantage of a wide range of additional resources and discounts, including free college applications, free or reduced JumpStart dual enrollment tuition, discounted internet through the Comcast Internet Essentials program, and more.

Families must submit a new application every school year. During the first 30 school days, students with FARMs eligibility from the prior school year will continue to receive benefits. Any student whose family has not filled out an application by the 30th school day will have their status changed to full pay until a new application is received.

Parents/guardians are highly encouraged to fill out the applications as soon as possible. It is very important that applications are filled out accurately and completely.

• Apply online

• Apply by mail: Paper applications will be available at all school front offices. Applications can be returned to the school or mailed to HCPSS Food & Nutrition Services, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Answers to frequently asked questions on HCPSS meals and additional meals/nutrition assistance programs can be found on the HCPSS Help site. If you have questions regarding the program, please visit www.hcpss.org/FARMs or contact Food and Nutrition Services at 410-313-6743 or foodsvc@hcpss.org.

For more information about what's going on in Student Services: https://ghs.hcpss.org/about/student-services. Student Services Phone Number, 410-313-5535

Find out what's happening this fall in Student Services

LGBTQ+ History Month - Google Docs (month of Oct)

School Counselors

Ms. Brandt: Last Name A - Ci (kelli_brandt@hcpss.org)
Ms Garcia : Last Name Cj - I (Arlette_Garcia_Gill@hcpss.org)
Ms. Burton : Last Name J - Mo (daria_burton@hcpss.org)
Ms. Devlin: Last Name Mp - Sc (carolyn_devlin@hcpss.org)
Ms. Cutler: Last Name Sd - Z (jessica_cutler@hcpss.org)

Registrar

Ms. Hooks, vanessa_hooks@hcpss.org

College & Career Readiness Advisor

Lindsay Beil, Lindsay_Beil@hcpss.org

HCPSS Graduates:

HCPSS is now using ScribOrder to fulfill all transcript and diploma requests for previous graduates (prior to and including 2025) as well as graduation and diploma verification.

Requests, verification, and secure payments are all managed by ScribOrder. Request progress can be tracked after creating your ScribOrder account. Transcript / Diploma Requests for HCPSS Graduates

Further information may be found here: https://www.hcpss.org/college-career-readiness/transcript-requests/#grads

To reach Chris Reagle, AAM call 410.313.5539 or Email Christopher_Reagle@hcpss.org

For the latest GHS Athletics events visit: GHS Athletics County Sports Zone

Expectations and Guidelines for Games

Entry:

• Ticketing is cashless. Purchase your tickets at: gofan.co
• Your online ticket will be redeemed upon entry. For the fastest entry – purchase tickets in advance and pull up the ticket page on your phone for the workers at the gate.
• DO NOT CLICK REDEEM – let the workers at the gate do this!
• Need more help? Click on the link to a short video guide: https://get.gofan.co/digital-ticketing-guide

Can I purchase tickets for another person using my device?

• Yes! Once you purchase a ticket, select the transfer ticket icon at the top of the screen, select the ticket you wish to transfer, then select transfer tickets at the bottom of the screen.
  • You have the option to share the tickets via text or email
  • Screenshots of tickets purchased or printouts of tickets purchased DO NOT WORK

STADIUM RULES:

• No bikes, backpacks, outside food or drink is allowed in the stadium. Concessions will be sold in the stadium.
• No re-entry is allowed.
• Middle School Students MUST be accompanied by an adult to enter.
• Dogs are NOT permitted in HCPSS Stadiums

EVENT EXPECTATIONS:

We want to remind all spectators of our expectations for all athletic events, both at home and away. We expect everyone to be respectful at our events and to cheer on our teams in a positive manner. Supporting our players and teams should be the main focus. Support our team by cheering for the Gladiators, not against the opposing team’s players, coaches, cheerleaders, marching band, band front, poms, spectators, or the Officials.

We were very proud of the supportive and positive atmosphere created by our students, parents, and community members of Glenelg and want to showcase that. We trust that our community will continue to let the players play; the coaches coach and the officials officiate as we cheer for our teams.

THINGS WE ENCOURAGE:

• Respect the game, respect the officials, respect the players.
• Support our school/community and demonstrate positive sportsmanship.
• Be loud and Be Classy! Let the team hear you, Big Red! Be POSITIVE!
• Stay on our designated spectator side for all games.
• Support all participants of our events. This includes Cheerleaders, Band, Band front (dance and flags), as well as showcased visitors being honored.
• If you need assistance, seek out an event staff member. This applies to home and away events.
• Plan ahead for a way home immediately after the game.

THINGS NOT ALLOWED PER GHS & HCPSS:

• Do not bring outside food & drink into the stadium or gym. Concessions are provided.
• Do not bring noise makers, flags, signage that is not approved by the administration or backpacks.
• Do not use profanity or throw objects.
• Do not target/harass individual players/coaches/referees/or opposing fans.
• Do not enter the playing area. (No storming court or the field.)
• Taunting anyone before, during, or after an athletic event is strictly prohibited. Once you leave the premises, you are not permitted to re-enter.
• ALL HCPSS policies are in place throughout each HCPSS-sponsored event, including athletic events.
• Substances such as tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol are prohibited on school grounds. Spectators under the influence of these substances are also not permitted on school grounds.
• Athletic events in the main gymnasium are subject to the same guidelines and procedures as the stadium with regards to spectator behavior.

For More HCPSS Athletic Information: https://www.hcpss.org/athletics/

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we cheer our students on!

Go Big Red!

• Bell Schedule, Glenelg High School - 7:50 am - 2:35 pm. Read More
• Cell Phone Policy- Click Here for More
• ACT and SAT Dates, 2026 - 2027 ACT Dates Here, SAT Dates Here

• Apply Today for the Free and Reduced Meals Program, Families are encouraged to apply for the federal Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs) program, which encompasses more than free meals. Participation may also qualify students for free/reduced registration for SAT/ACT/AP, reduced program fees, discounted internet and computers, free college applications and more.

• Attendance Policies and Procedures, Please utilize the link to access GHS Attendance Information. A copy of the HCPSS Attendance Policy (Policy 9010) can be found here: https://policy.hcpss.org/9000/9010/implementation/
• Any students who arrive after 7:50 am will sign in electronically using a check-in system called StudentVue. Students should have a copy of their school ID with them to sign in.
• Discretionary absence requests must be completed and attached through email in advance of the absence. Currently, the anticipated last day of school is June 8, 2027. The possibility exists (due to inclement weather, etc) that the school year could extend up until June 16, 2027. Please be mindful in making plans that consist of dates within this window as the days would be utilized for course final examinations which may not be taken early.

• Bus Information, Morning and Afternoon Bus Time Information
• HCPSS Connect Information, Parents/guardians of enrolled HCPSS students do not need to sign up for or manage the HCPSS News account. All subscription information comes directly from the HCPSS Connect system. Text Messages: To comply with wireless carrier requirements, parents/guardians must opt-in to receive HCPSS text message alerts. Standard data fees and text messaging rates may apply based on your mobile plan. If you are unsure if you have already opted in, text the word "YES" to 67587 from the cell phone number on file in HCPSS Connect.

• HCPSS School Calendar, 2026 - 2027 School Year
• HCPSS Student and Parent Handbook, Read more
  
• HCPSS Visitors and Classroom Visits, More information is provided here, and updates and news are here.
  
  • Visitor Sign-In Procedure, Lobbyguard system is where all visitors will sign in at the Front Office. All visitors will need to sign in using their driver's license. Please give yourself a few extra minutes to sign in, and remember to bring your driver's license.
• Health Room Dismissal Procedures, If your student becomes ill at school, they should report to the health room. The nurse or health room assistant will assess your student and call you if your ill student must be picked up and sent home Please come into the Attendance Office with identification to sign out and dismiss your student. If you determine that you want your ill student to drive home, please send an email to our Attendance Email at GHSAbsence@hcpss.org. Once we receive written permission for your ill student to drive home, they will be released.
• School Meals, Please visit the Food Services for the most up to date information regarding school lunches. https://www.hcpss.org/food-services/#linq. LINQ Connect is a secure, online portal that allows families to view breakfast and lunch menus, make online meal payments, monitor their child’s account, schedule automatic recurring payments, set up low balance alerts, submit a Free and Reduced Meals program application, and more. Details and information.

Spook-tacular will take place Friday, October 30th at Color Burst Park. Event information is noted below.

Event Name: Halloween Spook-tacular

Date: Friday, October 30th, 2026

Event Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Volunteer Arrival Time: 4:30 pm

Volunteer Departure Time: 8:30 pm

Number of Volunteers Needed: 35-40

Location: Merriweather District – Color Burst Park

Location Address: 6000 Merriweather Dr, Columbia, MD 21044

Parking located in various locations: Color Burst Park Map

Volunteer Check-in: Next to Allure Nails

Responsibilities: Assisting with set up and clean up, handing out candy to children, directing parents/children throughout park, greeters, manning craft stations, other responsibilities as needed

Split shifts available: No; must be able to volunteer for entire event

Food available for volunteers: sandwich and water

What to wear: Dress for the weather. Halloween accessories encouraged!

NHS/SSL Hours Available: A letter documenting hours served will be available at check-out

Registration deadline: 10/16 or as soon as slots are filled

Register directly with Event Coordinator, phone, email: Cathy Smith cathyvsmith@outlook.com

As students return to school, Howard County police are working to ensure that children, parents and teachers arrive safely. Through an annual back-to-school initiative known as H.A.S.T.E. (Helping Arriving Students Through Enforcement), officers will focus on enforcing driver and pedestrian safety in school zones.

Increased traffic patrols will be in place on roadways surrounding elementary, middle and high schools for the first several weeks of the school year. Officers will focus on drivers who are speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians or driving distracted. They also will be checking for seat belt and child safety seat use to ensure all occupants are properly restrained.

Police are also reminding drivers that buses serving the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) have been outfitted with external cameras. The purpose of the program, which launched in 2021, is to ensure student safety by discouraging motorists from passing buses illegally. The state of Maryland’s fine for illegally passing a school bus is $250.

Additionally, the department’s speed camera program is designed to encourage drivers to slow down in school zones and has tiered fines ranging from $40-425 based on speed. The cameras are rotated among various school zones in the county, which are posted in advance and updated every week at hcpd.org. The site also offers additional information on all the department’s automated enforcement programs and answers to frequently asked questions.

The police department will continue to conduct traffic safety education and enforcement efforts throughout the school year.

Late-night screen time is quietly fueling a widespread sleep crisis among teenagers. Recent research tracking adolescent phone habits reveals that nearly half of all U.S. teens are using their smartphones between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on school nights. The continuous stream of notifications, social media scrolling, and high mental stimulation keeps young brains alert when they should be resting, directly disrupting natural sleep cycles and delaying sleep onset. Over time, these late-night digital habits accumulate into severe, chronic sleep deprivation that negatively impacts mood, emotional regulation, academic performance, and overall mental well-being.

Because sleep is vital for healthy adolescent brain development, experts stress the importance of establishing clear household boundaries around technology at night. High-dopamine activities like scrolling or texting make it nearly impossible for teens to wind down naturally before bed. Families can help protect their children's sleep quality by implementing screen-free wind-down routines an hour before bedtime and charging mobile devices outside of the bedroom overnight to eliminate midnight temptations. Read the full story.