Gladiator Gazette

Dear Glenelg Families,

It feels strange to say “welcome back” when I am just beginning my tenure as principal at Glenelg, but welcome back to another great year at GHS! For those of you who are new to the school (like me)—welcome to Gladiator Country! I have been quickly learning about all of the great things happening here at Glenelg and you will too. Our school community is what we make it and I look forward to collaborating with students, staff, families, and the community to make our school even better than it already is. Our theme for the year is World Cup/World Class, so we’ll be digging deeper into what it means for us to be a world-class school. With the start of the school year only a couple weeks away, here’s more info to help you plan for this coming year. Back-to-School Information 2026-2027

We are happy to help make your child’s school year as successful as possible. The 2026-2027 school year is going to be great! Go Gladiators!

Sincerely,

Nicholas Novak
Principal, Glenelg High School

August 20th: New Student Orientation, 8:40 am

August 20th: Back to School Night, 6:00 pm

August 24th: First Day of School, 7:50 am

September 7th: Schools and Offices Closed

September 17th: Essay Workshop, Media Center, 2:35 pm

September 21st: Schools and Offices Closed

September 30th: 3-Hour Early Dismissal, 11:35 am

October 14th: PSAT for 10th and 11th Grade Students, More Information to Follow

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

October 23rd: Homecoming Parade, 4:00 pm

October 23rd: Homecoming Game, 6:00 pm

October 24th: Homecoming Dance, 7:00 pm

October 27th: End of 1st Marking Period

October 28th: School Closed for Student

November 3rd: Schools and Offices Closed

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

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 (steven_burnett@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.

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