CHS News

Maryland sent one team to the National All-Star Academic Tournament, which is the premier high school event for teams of high school players representing their state. The Maryland team included Anurag Sodhi (outgoing senior from Centennial), Satvik Jain (incoming freshman from Centennial), Rachel Ezrielev (outgoing senior from Richard Montgomery), and Evan Gniadek (upcoming senior from Quince Orchard).

Our team went 14-4 (18 games, 45 minutes each over two days) and we came in 2nd in the nation. This was our best finish ever (previously Maryland hit 4th place two years ago). Congratulations to Missouri for a come from behind victory in the final winner-take-all game.

This marks the end of the pre-college quizbowl career of Anurag Sodhi, who started with us in 4th grade at CLES and is arguably the best science player in the nation.

We are so proud of the following students who competed at FBLA Nationals in Orlando, Florida, this summer: Rishikesh Selvamani, Liam Phillips, Brad Cao, Qingyang Zhang, Batool Haider, and Hibah Mehreen.

Congratulations to Brad Cao and Rishikesh Selvamani, who placed first in the nation in Data Analysis!!!!

• August 26 - First Day of School
• September 2 - Labor Day, Schools & Offices Closed
• September 3 & 4 - Senior Portraits
• September 10 - PTSA Meeting, 6 PM
  
• September 10 & 11 - Underclass Pictures
• September 18 - Professional Work Day, Schools Close 3 Hours Early
  
• September 28 - Homecoming (Breakfast, Parade, Game, Dance)
• September 30 - 2nd Annual Boosters Eagle Golf Classic
• October 5 - Emily Scott Memorial Walk, 10 AM
  

The first day of school is Monday, August 26, from 7:50 AM to 2:35 PM.

It’s the start of a new school year, Eagles and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am!! Yesterday’s New Student Orientation, Open House, and Back to School Night were spectacular!

The CHS Marching Band’s Pass & Review is tonight, Friday, August 23, at 7:30 PM. I hope you’ll join me for this annual tradition to celebrate the new school year!

The first week of the 2024-25 school year was a celebration of community. Our heartfelt thanks to the following groups who gave our staff a big Eagle welcome:

• SGA and Cheerleaders for welcoming staff to the building on August 15
• SGA and Cross Country Team for helping us tie-dye our staff shirts
  
• Our SGA for providing a delicious staff breakfast on August 15
• The PTSA Hospitality Committee for providing an awesome welcome breakfast on August 20
• The CHS Boosters for providing a fabulous pizza lunch for staff on August 21

• The Performing Arts families and community for providing an amazing array of snacks on August 22, as well as providing snow cones for our open house

Finally, this weekend, please take some time to prepare yourself for the new school year, so that you’re ready to go Monday morning. Make sure you:

• Go to bed early on Sunday night.
• Wake up with plenty of time to eat breakfast.
• Get to your bus stop early.
• Bring your fully charged Chromebook (and your charger).
• Bring a copy of your schedule. (Student schedules are now available for all families by logging in to HCPSS Connect Synergy.)
• If you drive to school, remember that students park in the white-lined parking spaces.
• Review the traffic patterns and drop off procedures below. DO NOT drop off students on Centennial Lane.
• Food and drink are ONLY allowed outside at the picnic tables or in the cafeteria.
• Read all the important back to school information below.

Looking forward to the best year ever!

Dr. Miller

Update Your Family File

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.

Apply for Financial Aide

The HCPSS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.

Parents/guardians must submit a new application every school year to maintain their student’s eligibility.

Update Your Medication Forms

Students who require medication to be administered during the school day need to have new forms (dated on or after July 1st) completed for this fall. For your convenience, you can find these forms on-line at the HCPSS website. Read more.

Getting to School

The official school hours for Centennial High School for the 2023-2024 school year, as set by the HCPSS Board of Education, will be 7:50 AM to 2:35 PM. Bus schedules will be available online.

We believe that the safest way for students who do not drive themselves to get to school is by accessing the transportation provided. However, we do understand that there may be occasions when it is necessary to drive your student to school. When that happens, please follow the procedures listed below to help ensure the safety of all students during school arrival time.

Students who must be driven to school are to be dropped off from the sidewalk next to Burleigh Manor, along the tennis courts, and to the auditorium entrance at the side of the building following the established traffic pattern. Drivers are NOT to use the parking aisles to drop off students.

Students may NOT be dropped off along Centennial Lane. Parents are to refrain from making U-turns on Centennial Lane as it impedes traffic and contributes to unsafe conditions for students and drivers.

Students who are driving themselves to school are encouraged to arrive early to avoid being tardy. Traffic jams occur daily during the morning rush along Centennial Lane. We very much appreciate your partnership to ensure our commitment to student safety.

Students who arrive at/after 8:00 AM are considered tardy and may receive disciplinary consequences.

Students can arrive as early as 7:00 AM, as our cafeteria is open. Between 7:00 AM and 7:40 AM, students are permitted to wait outside or go to the cafeteria. Students enter through the main doors in the bus loop area (they have to walk on the sidewalk at the auditorium entrance to the front) that lead directly into the cafeteria. Students may NOT go to classrooms before 7:40 AM unless they have a pass from a teacher.

Bus Locator

The online HCPSS bus locator tool is now available and can be found on the HCPSS Transportation webpage. Bus information also can be found in Family File via HCPSS Connect Synergy. With some overlapping school start times and/or transportation exemptions, it is possible that buses for different schools will arrive at bus stops around the same time. Please review your child’s bus number and be sure they know it and check before boarding the bus.

Walk Area Maps

Walk area maps for some schools recently have been updated. Please consult your school’s map to determine if any changes affect your address. Families can find 2023-2024 student walk area maps for each school on the school’s website under View School Details.

Centennial Class Shirts—Order yours today!

Show your school spirit and rep your class--CHS Class Shirts & Sweatshirts have been part of the CHS tradition for almost 20 years! Get yours in time for Homecoming 2023!

Use the link below to order your Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior shirt/sweatshirt--hurry because our online store closes on Sunday, September 17th at 11:59pm. All shirts will be delivered to CHS during spirit week.

Link to order: CHS Online Store

Questions: rebecca_clark@hcpss.org

NOTE: This is not the same shirt that is given out when you make a donation to your graduating class! This item can only be purchased using the link above.

Student Technology Devices

To help remove technology barriers and advance equitable student learning outcomes, HCPSS has moved to a 1:1 student-to-device ratio. All students have or will be provided with a Chromebook. These devices are required for all county and state testing and assessments. HCPSS Technology and Devices information

Students who do not currently have an HCPSS issued device should report to the Media Center to have one assigned on Monday, August 26.

Lockers

All students will be assigned a locker. Students may come to the front office before the school day begins, during their lunch shifts, or during Eagle Time to report a broken locker or request help with a locker.

Parking Permits

Permission for students to drive and park vehicles on school system property is a privilege. Parking spaces for students at Centennial High School are limited. Accordingly, in order to be granted this privilege, applications for parking permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis in priority order: 1) Seniors; 2) Students enrolled in Work Study/Intern Mentor Programs; and, 3) Juniors.

Permits will be issued in this order through the end of the third week of school. Beginning September 18th, remaining permits will be issued in the order applications are received. Permits will not be reserved for students who do not yet have a valid Maryland Driver's License. Students ARE NOT required by the school system to attend a ‘Safe Driving’ presentation this school year.

To apply for your permit:

• Login to HCPSS.me.
• Complete the application packet and save as a pdf.
• Take a photo of your driver’s license.
• Follow this link to submit the online application. The information collected through the online application is required by HCPSS.
• Your submission will be reviewed, and you will be notified via email once it is accepted.

For questions about applying for a parking permit at CHS please contact Marie Dow at marie_dow@hcpss.org.

Attendance

Please follow these procedures to report an absence:

Absence notes and tardy notes for excused absences are to be emailed to CHSabsence@hcpss.org. Students who bring in physical notes may drop them off in the front office before the start of the school day.

Discretionary absence requests must be completed and attached through email in advance of the absence. The last possible day of school for the 23/24 SY is June 18th. If there are any make-up days added to the end of the year, we need you to be available to take exams on any day from June 7-18. Any requests for Discretionary Absences during that window of time will not be approved. Likewise, Discretionary Absences will not be granted during the week of January 16th, mid-term exam week. For questions about attendance, please reach out to our Attendance Secretary, Diane Howse at diane_howse@hcpss.org.

Support the Groups Who Support Us

The CHS PTSA offers programs, services, and supports to enhance the high school experience for all students, teachers, and parents. Join the PTSA now by logging into the CHS PTSA website.

The CHS Boosters serve all student extracurricular activities, including sports teams, school clubs, and student organizations. Join the Boosters now by logging into the CHS Boosters website.

Friends of Music supports vocal and instrumental music at CHS to guarantee the sustainability of these programs and to provide vital support to our music directors. Help our talented musicians thrive by joining us today through the FOM website: http://www.centennialmusic.org/.

It is important to support organizations that do so much for us and our students. We are a community!

Students that registered to take the SAT at CHS on August 24, have been moved to the September 7, administration. Please contact Andrea Covington (acovington@hcpss.org) directly if you have questions or concerns.

Classes at ARL start on Monday, August 26. The ARL bus is Zum Bus # 233057.

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

Senior parents are invited on Wednesday, September 11th at 7pm in the auditorium to hear what senior students heard during their English class (September 9th - 11th ) to introduce Student Services staff and roles, explore all careers, college information, understanding college applications, transcript requests, letters of recommendation, Naviance, financial/scholarships, and more.

Check out the Newsletter from Skyward Theatre — Centennial's Theatre program for information about shows, auditions, merch, and more!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s-sCgDMz_O_-NNapA6xdx-sU2paywZE4Jh0rceV0HtQ/edit?usp=sharing

Our annual donation campaign is up and running! This year we will be in charge of securing a Prom location and beginning the early planning process for next year's Prom. We can't do this without your support! Read more

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.

Each year, our school receives folders for all of our students from J.M. Gaske, Inc. This is a generous donation, which showcases the spirit of support in our community. Many thanks to the following donors who work with the Gaske company to sponsor our school folders:

• Shannon’s Saloon & Restaurant, 9338 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
• Jiffy Lube, 9267 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
• Tri County Roofing, 45 Magna Way, Westminster
• Rob’s Barber Shop, 3424 North Chatham Road, Ellicott City
• Pinot’s Palette, 11105 Resort Road, Ellicott City
• The Flower Basket, 69141 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
• Rosario Realty, 3635 St. John’s Lane, Ellicott City

Many thanks to Mary Sipes and the Columbia, Maryland, team of Arium AE, for donating backpacks and school supplies to our school!!!Mary reached out to us early in August, to see what supplies we needed for students returning to school at the end of the month. We are so grateful for the generous community support for our school.

Please join us on Saturday, October 5, for the 3rd Annual Emily Scott Memorial Walk to benefit the Emily Scott Award presented by the Bright Minds Foundation! Last year we were able to give out FIVE scholarships to high school seniors, including two students from Centennial High School.

Registration is open now!

The event will cost $20 per registrant. The $20 price will guarantee a t-shirt for the walk up until Thursday, September 12th, 2024. After September 12th, a t-shirt will not be guaranteed as our vendor needs a few weeks to fulfill our order. The link to register is located here.

Please Note: Day of registrations will be accepted for $10. Please bring a check made payable to “Centennial High School” or exact change in cash and arrive by 9:45am. There will be no walk shirts for day of registrations!

Unable to attend the walk?

Register for the event using the above link and you can walk virtually with us, or make a donation towards the Emily Scott Award. Please use this link to make a donation of any amount. We appreciate your generosity!

Please vote for our school in the Big, Bold Back-to-School Challenge. One vote per email address!

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. Preventing bullying is an important part of this goal. HCPSS Policy 9460 states that bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation are prohibited in HCPSS. Our administration and staff have been trained and made aware of this policy as well as preventative and responsive measures.

We know how important your role is in not only supporting your children, but also reporting possible incidents as you become aware of them. The Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimidation (BCHI Reporting Form should be used to report all alleged incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation that occur at school or have a connection back to the school setting that create a risk of harm to other students while they are at school or interfere with the educational environment. An online version is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. Hard copies of this form are available in the main office, staff workroom, school counseling office, media center, and health services office. If you believe your child has been bullied, please complete and submit this form as soon as possible and/or assist your child in doing so.

Once the form is submitted, school administrators will ensure the parent/guardian of both the alleged target and alleged offender are aware of the report and will begin an investigation within two school days of receiving the report. Parents/guardians can expect a school administrator to reach out to them during the investigation. Once the investigation is completed, parents/guardians will be provided with written notice of the outcome of the investigation within fifteen days of receiving the complaint, excluding extenuating circumstances.

There are times when incidents of peer conflict or code of conduct offenses may occur that may not be bullying but may need follow up action. If you become aware of something that falls under conflict and/or a code of conduct offense, please notify a school administrator via email or phone call so that they can become aware and follow up as needed.

Lastly, cberbullying is bullying using electronic media like computers, cell phones, and game systems. Our digital interconnectedness makes bullying different and more damaging than it’s ever been before. It allows hatred and publicly humiliating gossip or photos to be instantly far-reaching and inescapable as electronic media is everywhere. It can NOT simply be ignored. In October 2013, the State of Maryland enacted Grace’s Law, making misuse of interactive computer services a criminal offense. Its purpose is to prohibit anyone from using electronic media (computers, tablets, phones, etc.) to maliciously engage in conduct that inflicts serious emotional distress on a minor and/or places that minor in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. A person who is found guilty of violating this law is subject to imprisonment and/or fines.

While all of this information will be reviewed with students at school, we are asking you to do the same at home. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring all of our students feel a sense of safety and belonging in their school communities! More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

Senior Portraits are available through Prestige Photography by Lifetouch. A photo session are available at our school on the following date:

August 12
September 3, 4, and 5
October 7, 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.

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

• 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.