CHS News

On Wednesday, September 25, at Atholton High School, the Centennial Math Eagles earned a come-from-behind victory to take the first math meet of the season.

Trailing by one to River Hill after the individual rounds, our A Team of Albert Cao, Kai Luo, Nathan Lu, Joe Li, and Jeremy Yang earned a perfect score to win the meet by one point! Way to go Eagles!

On Saturday, September 14, The Horizon Club volunteered at The Little Portion Farm on Folly Quarter Road in Ellicott City. Little Portion Farm is a ministry of the Franciscan Friars Conventual focused on providing fresh food to those in need. The food harvested from the farm is donated to the Franciscan Center in Baltimore.

Horizon Club members weeded many rows of blueberry plants and mulched the plants after the weeding. They also assisted in relocating a large wooden structure on the farm. Students arrived at 8:30 AM and worked for almost three hours. We are so proud of the work you did to support the community!

On September 21, 2024, Centennial It's Academic sent five teams (20 students) to Johns Hopkins University. After ten rounds, Centennial earned FIRST PLACE (undefeated) and SECOND PLACE (one loss to our undefeated team). Third place went to Georgetown Day School; fourth and sixth to were taken by two Winston Churchill teams; and fifth place went to Quince Orchard.

Congratulations to:

• FIRST PLACE: Maxwell Swann (senior and captain), Sahil Prasad (freshman), Henry Berger (freshman), Satvik Jain (freshman).
• SECOND PLACE: Jeremy Kantsiper (junior and captain), Brad Cao (junior), Matthew Yang (senior), Jeremy Yang (sophomore).

Other teams:

• 7th place: Ryan Chang (senior and captain), Oyujin Damdinsuren (senior and captain), Shravan Yoagentharan (sophomore), Jeremy Assanassios (junior).
• 8th place: Lyra Su (sophomore and captain), Rosa Kurish (freshman), Ana Lagos (sophomore), Leinani David (sophomore).
• 9th place: Johan Lee (junior and captain), Rohan Sengupta (freshman), Joanna Wu (sophomore), Samir Vempalle (sophomore).

Many thanks to SGA for planning a spectacular spirit week.

• September 23 - Homecoming Guest Forms Due
• September 28 - Homecoming (Breakfast, Parade, Game, Dance)
• September 30 - 2nd Annual Boosters Eagle Golf Classic, register here
• October 3 - Schools and Offices Closed
  
• October 5 - Emily Scott Memorial Walk, 10 AM, register here
• October 14 - Choir Concert, 7 PM
• October 15 - Band Concert, 7 PM
• October 16 - Orchestra Concert and Family Reception, 7 PM
  
• October 16 - CHS PTSA Restaurant Night at Woodstock Inn 11 AM - 10 PM
  
• October 18 - Professional Work Day, Schools and Offices Closed
• October 21 - Marching Bank Showcase @ Oakland Mills High School
  
• October 22 - National Writing Day
• October 22 - Cap & Gown Order Day for Seniors during all lunch shifts
• October 22 - Friends of Music General Meeting, 7 PM
  
• October 25 - Flu Clinic, 7:30 - 11 AM
• October 28 - Senior Crab Feast, 6 - 8 PM
  
• October 30 - Haunted House, 5 - 7 PM
  
• October 31 - Professional Work Day, Schools Closed for Students
• November 5 - Election Day, Schools and Offices Closed
  

Homecoming is here! We're looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, September 28, for an exciting day of Homecoming Events:

• Pancake Breakfast: 8 AM – 11 AM
• Homecoming Parade: 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
• Varsity Football vs. River Hill HS: 12 PM
• Homecoming Dance: 7 PM – 10 PM

Fuel up for a fun morning by joining our school community for breakfast. All you can eat pancakes, sausage, fruit, drinks, and more. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. Online ticket sales will begin next week.

Staging for the parade begins at 9:30 AM in the bus loop at CHS with everyone being in place for the parade no later than 10 AM. The parade will kick off promptly at 10:15 AM!!!

Parade Route:

• Proceed out of the bus loop turning left onto Centennial Lane towards Century Drive
• Turn right onto Century Drive
• Turn right onto Maxine Street
• Turn right onto Centennial Lane
• Turn left into the CHS bus loop (finish)

If you live along the parade route, streets and cross streets may be closed during our parade for the safety of our parade participants. We invite all CHS community members to line the parade route and watch our parade.

We would LOVE for our Future Eagles to join us in the parade. Please email Shalonda Holt at shalonda_holt@hcpss.org or Kelli McDonough at kelli_mcdonough@hcpss.org.

Our varsity team plays against River Hill High School at 12 PM on Saturday, September 28.
Tickets for the game are available for $ through GoFan.

Homecoming Dance Ticket Sales

The SGA is excited to present to the Enchanted Garden Homecoming Dance on Saturday, September 28, from 7 PM to 10 PM. Tickets are required.

Doors open at 7 PM. Please enter through the front doors in the main lobby of the school. All students must be here by 8 PM.

Pizza, drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase in the cafeteria, where we will also be hosting video and board game tournaments.

Each year, the Howard County Public School System partners with the Maryland Partnership for Prevention to bring flu immunizations into our schools for students and staff. This year, they will also be offering the latest Covid vaccine if it is available at the time of the clinics. The clinic at Centennial High School will be held on 10/25/2024 starting at approximately 7:30 am and ending at approximately 11:00 am.

If you would like to be vaccinated against the flu and/or Covid at this clinic, please register at this link: https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/4012752769.

You must provide your insurance information, as MPP will bill your insurance for these vaccines. You will not be required to pay anything. If you have any concerns about the new Covid vaccine, you are advised to speak with your personal physician. All in-school clinics will be closed to registration one week before the clinic date to allow our health room staff time to review and prepare the consents and make sure enough vaccine is ordered. There will be no walk-in registrations accepted on clinic day. If you have any questions, please call your school’s health room at 410-313-2533.

The underclass pictures that were taken on September 10 and 11, are ready!

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card. More about the Smilesafe program here.

October 16, is our first Restaurant Night at Woodstock Inn 11 AM - 10 PM. 15% of sales will be donated to CHS PTSA. Please come out and support our school!

Join us for a Spooktacular night of fun on Wednesday, October 30, from 5 to 7 PM...Trunk or Treat, Face Painting, and Pumpkin Painting!

Wear your costumes and bring your friends! Entry: $10.

Sponsored by the CHS Class of 2027.

Friends of Music Annual Mattress Sale-Saturday, October 19: 10 AM to 5 PM (CHS Cafeteria)

If you or someone you know is looking to replace a bed, now is the time! The Mattress Fundraiser hosted in our very own high school cafeteria will have 25+ different styles of beds on display for customers to try. We have partnered with Custom Fundraising Solutions who works with Mattress Warehouse to transform our cafeteria into a mattress showroom! The beds are new, brand name—including the popular Purple mattress—made to order, available in all sizes, and cost up to 50% less than suggested retail. Text EAGLES to 301-301-3269 for Coupons!

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

Monday, 9/30

• Christopher Newport University @ 8:15 AM
• Binghamton University @ 10:10 AM
• The George Washington University @ 1:10 PM
• Davidson College @ 2:05 PM

Tuesday, 10/1

• Randolph-Macon University @ 9:10 AM
• Haverford College @ 10:10 AM
• University of Mary Washington @ 1:10 PM
• University of California - Berkeley @ 2:05 PM

Wednesday, 10/2

• James Madison University @ 8:15 AM
• Hollins University @ 10:10 AM
• Washington University in St. Louis @ 1:10 PM
• Case Western Reserve University @ 2:05 PM

Friday, 10/4

• Johnson & Wales University - Providence @ 10:10 AM
• Lehigh University @ 1:10 PM
• Temple University @ 2:05 PM

CHS Friends of Music invites you to join us for the October general meeting! It’s a great opportunity to hear about all the incredible things FOM does to support our music programs, meet other dedicated parents, and learn how you can get involved. Whether you’re new to the program or a returning volunteer, your support is vital, and we’d love to see you there! Learn more at: www.centennialmusic.org

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.

Calling all Eagles! The Booster's Annual Eagle Classic Golf Tournament is Monday, September 30, at Fairway Hills Golf Course.

Register here for your foursome or as an individual.

All proceeds support all after school activities and sports.

Due to a printing defect in the 2024 yearbook, all yearbooks will be reprinted. Unfortunately, this will cause delays in distribution. In communication with our publisher, we can expect that a new batch of printed books by September 30th. Please be patient with us as we navigate this. We want you to have the most quality yearbook possible!

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!

Seniors for College Applications!!! October 1 is the deadline to submit ALL material to teachers and counselors in order to ensure that your transcript and letter of recommendations are sent to your college by the November 1 deadline. Students are reminded that all steps must be completed, including submitting your waiver of rights/ transcript release form to the registrar, asking teachers to write your letter, completing both the teacher and counselor information forms in Naviance, matching common app to Naviance, sending a request to teachers in Naviance, AND adding all college that have a November 1 deadline to either Naviance or common app. Students must also verify that the deadlines selected in Naviance are the correct deadlines for your application (ie if you are applying early action, be sure you have selected the early action deadline and not the regular decision deadline). For step by step directions, screencasts, and detailed information on the process, visit the College Application Google Site.

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 !!

It’s hard to believe it’s time to begin planning for graduation!

Cap and gown packages for the Class of 2025 are available at Jostens. The online order window is October 23 – November 9, and there will be an in-school order day on October 22, during all lunch shifts.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

Drive-Thru Medication and Sharps Disposal

A drive-thru 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. Safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medication, EpiPens and other sharps, vitamins, pet meds, vape devices, inhalers, and more! Need student, adult, and medically-trained adult volunteers. Giving away 25 medication lockboxes purchased by HCPSS. For more information and to volunteer, go to : https://hcdrugfree.org/currentevents/

Teen Advisory Council

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.