CHS News

What a day for our Cross Country teams ! CHS swept all four county championships:

• Varsity Girls are 3-PEAT County Champions: 2022, 2023, and 2024
  
• Varsity Boys are Returning County Champs
• JV Girls are County Champs
• JV Boys are County Champs

A BIG EAGLES CONGRATULATIONS to the our extraordinary cross country athletes, as well as Coaches McCoy and Graff!!!

Left to Right: Gabriella Fikes, Sunny Yuan, Ariela Camacho Bucks, Allison Crumley, Kaylee Beal, Emily Graff, Riley Herdson, Caitlin Fritz, Carolyn Shadrick, Sarah Mahaney

Left to Right: Brody Buck (team manager), Peter Bank, Brian Toth, Mehdi Ibrahim, Ian Doll, Ben Yang, Jason Oberley, David Herzberger, Jack Arrington, Harper Koenig, Tate Hancock, Joe Kim (team manager)

Congratulations to all Senior athletes, as well as Marching Band members, who are playing their last season of Fall Sports! We are so proud of you!!!

CHEERLEADERS

Left to Right: Ariya Weaver, Haylee Simmons, Anna Wang, Jiwon Kim, Julia Kuta, Leila Mammel

FOOTBALL

Left to Right: Hudson Levy, Brandon hill, Daytron Graham, August Dedrick, Efrain Francis Tamayo, Jaisel Sudhakar, Braxton Young, Pal Patel, Luke Willhite, Griffin Roberts

MARCHING BAND

On October 22, 2024, our ELA elective Advanced Composition class led our annual celebration of National Writing Day. From chalking the sidewalks leading into the building with lines of poetry to hosting a haiku competition to decorating their themed Why Write shirts, the young writers offered the student body a chance to interact with writing in creative ways. The main activity was class takeovers, where Advanced Composition students offered the school faculty the chance for their classes to be taught by the young writers, reinforcing curricular goals and objectives using creative writing activities. Throughout the day, Advanced Composition taught 34 classes in a variety of subjects: World History, AP Psych, Chamber Choir, Advanced Topics in Computer Science, Marketing, Discrete Math. It was a quality day of creativity, and the Advanced Composition students are thankful to the teachers who opened their doors to the opportunity.

On October 12th, Horizon Club members staffed the "Kids' Activities" table at the Wine at the Shrine fundraising event at the Shrine of St. Anthony, benefiting Little Portion Farm and the Franciscan Center of Baltimore. Our students helped kids paint the pumpkins they picked at the farm and served hot dogs.

On October 19th, the Horizon Club members volunteered to scare people at Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, "Haunted Experience", at Rockburn Branch Park. They were given costumes and had lots of fun scaring all the people attending the event.

Have you seen any photographs by CHS Junior, Mason Byrd? Mason’s artistic eye captures moments and creates memories. Many of his photos, including photos that he took of our recent homecoming, encompass the Centennial student body, student events, and more. Some of his work can be found in the CHS yearbook.

More information can be found about his photography at masonbyrdproductions.myportfolio.com

• October 7 to November 11 - Ticket Sales Begin for 20,000 Leagues Under the
  
• October 28 - Senior Crab Feast, 6 - 8 PM
  
• October 30 - Haunted House, 5 - 7 PM
• October 30 - End of First Marking Period
  
• October 31 - Professional Work Day, Schools Closed for Students
• November 5 - Election Day, Schools and Offices Closed
• November 7 - 10 - Fall Theatre Production of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Shows at 7 PM on Nov. 7, 8, and 9; 2 PM on Nov. 10 (Buy tickets here)
  
• November 8 - Report Cards Issued @ 4 PM

• November 8 - Scheduling for Parent Teacher Conferences Opens at all Schools at 8 AM
  
• November 10 - Deadline for Online Winter Sports Registration
• November 11 - ASVAB Test Administration, register at ASVAB Registration Form
  
• November 15 - First Day of Winter Sports Tryouts
• November 21 - Winter Athletics Orientation for Parents & Guardians, 5:30 PM
• November 21 - Scheduling for Parent Teacher Conferences Closes at 4 PM
  

Current 8-11 grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend in-person information sessions on HCPSS career academies on Tuesday, November 12, or Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Applications and Research Laboratory, 10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD. The evening will include two 15-minute information sessions beginning at 6:45 PM Details below.

https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2024/09/career-academy-info-sessions-nov-12-and-dec-11-2024/

The Carson Scholars Fund supports two main initiatives: The Carson Scholars Program and The Ben Carson Reading Project. The scholarship program awards students who have embraced high levels of academic excellence and community service with $1,000 college scholarships. If you are interested, please submit a resume and an essay describing your volunteer work for the school and community above and beyond the 75 required service-learning hours to Mr. Kriner in Student Services by Monday, December 2nd. You will be informed by December 18, if you are one of our three school nominees. This will give you ample time to complete the application and submit it by January 13th. Details below.

https://carsonscholars.org/scholarships/prospective-scholars/

The Howard County Public School System's Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) invites all students in grades 8-12 and their families to attend the upcoming BSAP College and Career Opportunities Night on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 6-8 PM at Long Reach High School (6101 Old Dobbin Lane, Columbia, Maryland 21045).

The theme is: Building a Legacy of Excellence! Attendees will explore post-secondary opportunities, connect with representatives from colleges and universities across the nation, network with businesses and community organizations, and learn more about HCPSS pathways. Additionally, students and families can participate in a variety of college and career workshops. Registration is encouraged, not required. For more information, please visit: BSAP College and Career Opportunities Night, Nov. 7 – HCPSS News. Fliers can be found here: English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese

We are spending time this month and throughout the year reminding our staff and students about the importance of preventing and reporting bullying. The role of our parents, guardians, and families is essential in addressing this issue with our students. StopBullying.gov has many great resources for adults and children related to preventing and responding to bullying.

Please remember to reach out to your child’s administrator or counseling if you’d like to discuss anything further, and any acts of bullying can be reported through this form Report an Instance of Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation | Stop Bullying | Howard County Public Schools (hcpss.org). Thank you for being our partners in this important work!

Join us on Wednesday, October 30 from 5-7 PM.

There is something for everyone!

Haunted house, face painting, crafts, and trick or treating for those in costume!

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased on OSP or at the door.

For more information Click here.

World's Finest Chocolates have arrived! Support the CHS Dance Program while satisfying your sweet tooth. We have a variety of bars and they're only $1 each! Buy 1, 2, 3...or a case of 60 to share with your family and friends! Contact rebecca_clark@hcpss.org for more information or use OSP to make a purchase.

CHS Dance FUN PASTA Fundraiser! All your pasta needs in a one-stop shop! Options include fun shapes, Vegan, Organic, Low Carb, High Fiber, High Protein, and so much more! Order online and it’s delivered right to your home. Sales run from 9/23 through 11/1. Thanks for your support!

Shop Now!

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT FOR A WINTER SPORT (Allied Bowling, Boys & Girls JV & Varsity Basketball, Varsity Cheerleading, Indoor Track, and Boys & Girls Wrestling)... Winter Sports Registration is now open thru your Parent's/Guardian's Portal at HCPSS Connect THRU SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH!!!

Please check the online registration instructions and get your paperwork in as soon as possible.

For all students who have registered, the first day of winter sports tryouts is Friday, November 15.

For all parents/guardians of student athletes, the Athletic Orientation Program is on Thursday, November 21, at 5:30 PM in the auditorium.

Let's Go Eagles, Let's Go!

Attention 11th & 12th grade students:

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. It measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in different career areas. Once the results are in, you will discuss them with an education specialist to help you further develop a career path. There is no requirement to speak to military personnel as a result of taking this exam.

The test will be given on November 11th and will begin at 7:50 AM in the Media Center.

Please register using the following link:ASVAB Registration Form

If you would like further information, please contact Ms. Jones (tracey_jones@hcpss.org), Ms. Clearfield (lisa_clearfield@hcpss.org) or Ms. Devore (Lynn_Devore@hcpss.org)

Yearbook sales are here!

To purchase your copy, visit: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1066907/Centennial-High-School/2025-Yearbook/2024100304183132083/CATALOG_SHOP/

Led by the Maryland Center for School Safety (MDCSS) within the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Safe Schools Maryland is an anonymous tip reporting system that allows students, parents, and community members to easily report anonymous safety concerns anywhere in Maryland. Tips received are routed to local and state education, public safety, heath, and/or social services support personnel for follow-up.

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Maryland Safe Schools

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Maryland Safe Schools

The HCPSS Career Readiness Advisors (CRAs) are excited for the 2024-2025 school year, and we would love your help!

Last year, CRAs implemented a Monthly Career Cluster Spotlight series across the county. The Monthly Spotlights allowed students to explore a wide scope of careers while connecting those careers to both the HCPSS curriculum and student strengths and interests.

Each month, we spotlight a different career industry/cluster. We provide students with information about career cluster pathways, curricular connections to that pathway, and opportunities for students to engage with professionals in those clusters.

Here is where you come in: we are looking for community members to share your experience, advice, and insight in your professional line of work.

Please fill out the following form if you are interested in donating a bit of your time and wisdom to HCPSS students.

Thank you!

The Woodworking Club is a brand-new club of more than fifteen students and three Centennial staff members. We are looking for donations of any excess wood boards. Pine, walnut, poplar, and maple would be highly appreciated. Please no plywood.

We also are looking for the donation of a floor model band saw in good condition and a wood lathe.

If you are willing to assist the club, please reach out to Eric Cullings at eric_cullings@hcpss.org

Please do not send in material with your student as we must accept and note it as a donation.

Thank you!

Underclass pictures are ready!

ENJOY 10% OFF your order!

CODE: F202410OFF (Expires July 31, 2025)

Redeem Now

Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card!

Learn more about the Smilesafe program here.

Juniors and Seniors may sign up for the visits in Naviance.

Monday, 10/28

• R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center/University of MD Medical System @ 1 pm

Tuesday, 10/29

• Howard Community College @ 9:45 am
• Howard Community College @ 10:45 am

Wednesday, 10/30

• Dickinson College @ 1:10 pm

Did you miss the cap and gown orders in school on Tuesday? No worries...Cap and gown packages for the Class of 2025 are available at Jostens. The online order window is October 23 – November 9.

If you have any questions, please contact our Jostens Representative, Karen Stewart. She would love to hear from you!

Email: karen.stewart@jostens.com

Office: (301) 206-3999

We are collecting parent/guardian names who might be interested in helping with the Senior 2025 events (Class of 2025) throughout the school year.

Please provide your contact information in the signup genius form - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA5AF2AABF8CF8-51782315-chssenior/172901958#/

If you are interested in helping with the Senior Crab Feast, which is Monday, October 28 from 6-8 PM, add that information in the comments .

If you have any questions about the senior events, reach out to the senior CHS advisors for the class of 2025 - Toni Ireland and Cheryl Beall.

If you have any questions about the signup genius, you can contact Beth at bemoll196@gmail.com. Thank you.

SENIORS ONLY………

It’s time for our first FOOD celebration, so let’s get CRACKIN’.

Monday, October 28 from 6pm-8pm in the cafeteria, we’re hosting our (Seniors only) CRAB FEAST. Enjoy some great food and celebrate with your friends. We’ve checked the date, there’s no CHS evening activities that night.

Don’t eat crabs, not a problem. We will have a FULL buffet to include: pulled pork and sliced turkey.

Vegetarian? We got you covered: the buffet will include PLENTY of veggie friendly dishes: mac/cheese, potato salad (no bacon), coleslaw, green bean salad, garden salad w/Caesar dressing

There’s something for everyone.

The HITCH: We MUST have a minimum of 160 seniors pre-pay for this event by October 20 or we must cancel the caterer. Only $45 (which is cheap for food now days). Sign up on OSP: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/DA041-1730

If the event is cancelled, you will receive a full refund.

By the WAY...the Juniors will be serving you. We appreciate them!!

Only $45 and don’t forget to design and wear your own (appropriate) “crabby” t-shirt for the event. It’s time to Shell-ebrate !!

Senior Portraits are available through Prestige Photography by Lifetouch. Photo sessions are available at our school on the following dates: January 8 and 9.

To schedule your appointment, visit schedule.prestigeportraits.com, click the “Locate My School” link, enter the city and state where our school is located. Once you find the school, click the schools’ name and it will take you to the account to schedule and appointment.

Information about session details and pricing may be found here.

For tips about your upcoming session and outfit inspiration, visit prestigeportraits.com.

Keep current on news and events throughout the school year by checking the CHS website: https://chs.hcpss.org. We have added an A to Z Reference Guide to the website as your one-stop information finder: attendance policies, parking permit applications, food and nutrition services, student technology support, and much more.

All families must update their emergency contact information annually. We’d like Centennial to be the first high school to have 100% of the Family File information to be fully updated, so visit HCPSS Connect today and click submit on the final screen! Read more.

Eagle's Soar tutoring will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays immediately after school in the Media Center from 2:35-3:05 PM for the entire school year. All content areas will be represented with teaching faculty, and honor society students will be supporting as well in many of the content areas. Please make arrangements for your child to attend, as this is a great resource to help them be successful this year. This is a GREAT place to get extra math help if your child is struggling. Unfortunately, transportation is not provided at this time.

EXTRA HELP:

• Eagle's Soar Tutoring – Every Tuesday and Thursday 2:35-3:05 PM in the Media Center (Starts September 17th)
• Math Tutoring – Monday through Thursday after school 2:35-3:05 PM in Room 508 (starts September 19th)
• Eagle Time – Every Wednesday 9:25-9:55 PM (they sign up on the CHS website with the teacher they need help with)

Parking passes have now been issued to Seniors and Juniors. It is important for all students parking on campus to make sure that their parking permit hang tags are visible. Also, please remember that students park in the white-lined spaces.

Still need a permit? Permit applications are on the CHS website.

The CHS Food Pantry was established during the 23/24 school year and has proven to be a great resource for our CHS families in need. We have exhausted many of the items and it needs to be replenished for the new school year.

Donations are requested from our CHS families. Supplies needed include the following items: granola bars, pasta, spaghetti sauce, cereal, mac 'n' cheese, rice, beans, snacks, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, and soup. We with regard to non-food items, we are in need of socks.

Items may be dropped off in Student Services with Ms. DeVore.

Thank you for your support!

Check out the October Newsletter from Skyward Theatre - Centennial's Theatre program for information about our upcoming production of 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, auditions for our Winter Musical Alice by Heart, merch, field trips, and more! LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kEx3UlbQcZ0VUQ2PawiKaXnSaYPOcZHQBd_z_8xrIDU/edit?tab=t.0

After school pizza sales begin next week! Students staying after school can purchase a slice of cheese pizza ($3 per slice, cash only) before heading to their club meeting, extra-curricular program, study session, or athletic practice/game.

Sales will take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and will be fundraisers for the Dance Program, Alpha Achievers, and Science Olympiad. Buy your slice by the gym. All sales are first come, first served.

1. Regular Season Tickets are $5.00 and are only available on the App at GoFan.co.
2. Backpacks are PROHIBITED inside the Stadium.
3. Spectators are to adhere to ALL HCPSS Policies & CHS Procedures in the Student Code of Conduct.
4. No outside food permitted in the Stadium.
5. ALL Students in Grades K thru 8 MUST EACH be accompanied into the Stadium, seated throughout the entire event, being supervised by their parent or guardian.
6. No admittance after the 3rd quarter.
7. Once you leave the Stadium, you may not return.
8. Noise makers are prohibited inside the Stadium.
9. Cheer loudly for your team, not against the opponent, their fans, their band, their cheerleaders or the officials.
10. Students arrange for a ride during the 3rd quarter and notify your ride to pick them up immediately after the game.

The HCPSS Partnerships 2023-2024 Annual Snapshot has just been released. The snapshot includes a link to school system partners including each school’s partners, as well as system wide, curricular, and program office partnerships. The snapshot highlights how partners play a vital role in encouraging students to reach their full potential.

Please remember that all families are required by Policy 9000 to notify HCPSS if they move to a new home address. Current residency documentation must be updated each time residency changes.

On the Regular Bell Schedule:

• AM ARL bus departs at 7:50 AM and returns to CHS at 9:35 AM
• PM ARL bus departs on A DAYS (M, T, TH, F) at 12:45 PM and returns at 2:30 PM
• PM ARL bus departs on B DAYS (M, T, TH, F) at 11:15 AM and returns at 2:30 PM

On the Eagle Time Schedule – Wednesdays:

• AM ARL bus departs at 7:50 AM and returns to CHS at 9:35 AM
• PM ARL bus departs on A DAYS at 12:55 PM and returns at 2:30 PM
• PM ARL bus departs on B DAYS at 11:20 AM and returns at 2:30 PM

Each month, the Career Readiness Advisors spotlight a career industry/cluster. We provide students with information about career cluster pathways, curricular connections to that pathway, and opportunities for students to learn from industry professionals in those clusters.

We are ALWAYS looking for speakers to participate in our monthly virtual panel discussions, and/or to engage with our students as an in-person speaker.

Please click on the following link to share your information:

HCPSS Career Related Speaker Interest Form

When: Tuesday, October 29th, 6-8pm, Miller Branch

What: Learning at Every Age with HCC & HCLS

Who: Ages 11 and up

It's Howard Community College night at Miller Branch! Come discover what these two community partners offer for every stage in your life. Middle school & high school students, and adults will discover:

• Middle school students will learn about what you can do now to prepare for Dual Enrollment with HCC to earn college credits while in high school.
  
• High school students: Hear how HCC can be part of your post high school journey. Explore Dual Enrollment, mentoring, tutoring, & honors programs, learning communities, play video games with students from their E Sports team, and how HCC can help you save money.
• Adults: Discover language, degree and continuing education programs to help you advance your career or enhance your everyday life, to remain a lifelong learner.
• Everyone will get a deep dive into library resources to support your learning at every age and possibly win prizes!

Registration is suggested, but walk-ins are welcome. Register HERE.

Honor Dr. King's legacy and win cash prizes. All entries must be received by November 15, 2025 at 5 PM.

The contests include:

• Oratory Contest: Open to Middle and High School students, this contest challenges participants to express their understanding of Dr. King's message through the art of speech.
• Essay Contest: Also, for Middle and High School students, this competition invites students to articulate their thoughts and reflections on Dr. King's impact and teachings in essay form.
• Poster Contest: Open to Elementary, Middle, and High School students, participants can visually express their interpretation of Dr. King's dream through creative poster designs.

Additionally, we are hosting a Living the Dream Award Contest for individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to making Howard County a better place, embodying the principles that Dr. King championed. We believe that these contests not only honor Dr. King's legacy but also inspire our students to think critically about their roles in serving the community.

Help us share the warmth and support local families by donating new or gently used coats, jackets, or toiletries during the months of October and November. All donations will go to the Howard County Public School System Pupil Personnel Services.

Drop Off Locations:

• Terrific Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, 5850 Waterloo Road, Columbia, Maryland
• Atholton High School, 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, Maryland
• Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, Maryland

We Can't Wait to See You on Saturday! Drive-Thru Medication and Sharps Disposal

A drive-thru FREE and convenient medication and sharps disposal will be held on Saturday, October 26, in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot near the Swim Center from 10 AM - 2 PM.

We are accepting:

• Prescription medication
• Over-the-counter medication
• Vitamins
• Vape devices (with the batteries removed, please!)
• Inhalers
• Sharps (EpiPens, syringes, needles, etc.)
• Veterinary medications
• And more!
  

We are giving away 25 medication storage lockboxes so come at start time because these aluminum combination boxes won't last long!

Learn more!

Free Online Parenting Classes (Open to HoCo grandparents too)

HC DrugFree offers an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that helps parents, guardians and/or grandparents develop stronger relationships with their kids, while also providing skills proven to reduce the risk of youth engaging in substance use or other risky behaviors. These classes are for families with children 9-14 years old (slightly younger and older may register and will be considered) and held on Zoom on November 12, 15, 19, 22, and December 3, from 12 PM – 1:30 PM. For more information and to register, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/currentevents/

Teen Advisory Council

The Teen Advisory Council (TAC) receives Community Service Hours for providing the youth perspective to HC DrugFree's staff and Board of Directors. Youth input increases the effectiveness of HC DrugFree's educational programs, newsletters, website and other services. TAC is open to Howard County students in grades 8 through 12 (public, private and homeschool) who meet monthly during the school year to discuss teen use of alcohol and other drugs and to develop educational messages that promote a vision of a county where youth are drug-free by choice. For more information and to register, go to https://hcdrugfree.org/currentevents/

Know what's happening in Howard County. Sign up for HC DrugFree's free newsletter at tinyurl.com/HCDFNews or follow us on social media to get updates on events as well as information to keep your family safe and informed:

• Facebook: facebook.com/HCdrugfree
• X: twitter.com/chdrugfree
• LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/ch-drugfree

Both in-person and live, virtual, eight-hour college prep classes are being offered in partnership with Atholton, Centennial, Hammond, Howard, Marriotts Ridge, Mt. Hebron, Reservoir, and Wilde Lake high schools and are open to students from all high schools.

CHS students can register for ANY Answer Class at ANY location or online – and a percentage of tuition will be donated to CHS PTSA! School year classes are being regularly added – check here often!

• Centennial High School’s website is a great source of information at https://chs.hcpss.org.
• On Twitter @hcpss_CHS and Instagram @CentennialHS.
• Read the Wingspan, CHS student newspaper
• CHS PTSA https://www.chs-ptsa.org/and CHS Boosters https://www.centennialboostersonline.com/.
• CHS Friends of Music http://www.centennialmusic.org/
• Register to receive school system updates and alerts at https://www.hcpss.org/hcpss-news/, click on Subscribe and select Centennial High School.