CHS News

We are grateful for everyone who helped celebrate our fantastic staff this week.

• THANK YOU PTSA for our wonderful snacks!

• THANK YOU Boosters and Ms. Prevosto for our pizza luncheon on Friday!

• THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING CLUBS for our delicious luncheon from Wegmans on Wednesday: National Math Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, Delta Eta Pi Dance Honor Society, National Chinese Honor Society, National Honor Society, Yearbook, Robotics Club, Speech/Debate Club, KASA Club, Scholars Leadership and our Anime Club!

We have Eagle Pride!

Congratulations to the following wrestlers who placed in the Regional Tournament:

• Calvin Kraisser - 1st place
• Matt Sedor - 2nd place
• Rei Vlahov - 3rd place

Best of luck to these athletes who will now compete in the State Championship!

The CHS Math team scored a decisive victory at the 7th meet of county season on Wednesday.

Albert Cao, Joe Li, Nathan Lu, and Jeremy Yang all earned 6 out of 6, and Lyra Su earned 5 out of 6 in the individual round to get us off to a commanding lead. Those 5 students then worked together to earn a perfect score in the team round to clinch the victory!

Pictured Right: The A Team crushing it during the Team Round.

Way to go, Eagles!

Left to Right: Nathan Lu, Jeremy Yang, Joe Li, Albert Cao, Lyra Su

We are thrilled to announce that one of our students Anish Potluri has developed and successfully launched the "Synergy Name Picker," a Google plugin designed to enhance classroom participation. This tool allows teachers to randomly select students during discussions, promoting inclusivity and ensuring every voice is heard.

With its intuitive design, the Synergy Name Picker seamlessly integrates into Google Classroom, making it easy for educators to use. This project showcases the student's creativity and technical skills, significantly improving the classroom experience. We are proud of this achievement and the positive impact it will have on teaching and learning! To download the picker and add it to your extensions, you can go to this link synergy name picker and download it through the web store, it has been reviewed and approved by google as safe, and working.

Congratulations to our CHS Science Olympiad teams who took FIRST place and THIRD place at Regionals this past weekend, beating 47 other Maryland Teams. The varsity team advances to States on April 5, 2025!!!!!!!

VARSITY

• 1st Place - Anatomy and Physiology: Oyujin Damdinsuren & Kelly Ji
• 1st Place - Codebusters: Rishit Chauhan, Sean Yu & Henry Berger
• 1st Place - Ecology: Kelly Ji & Maxwell Swann
• 1st Place - Forensics: Matthew Yang & Sean Yu
• 1st Place - Geological Mapping: Ryan Chang & Sarika Jonnala
• 1st Place - Materials Science: Nicholas Cui & Martin Meister
• 1st Place - Microbe Mission: Maxwell Swann & Matthew Yang
• 1st Place - Wind Power: Martin Meister & Matthew Yang
• 1st Place - Write It Do It: Kelly Ji & Nayeon Song
• 2nd Place - Astronomy: Ryan Chang & Samir Vempalle
• 2nd Place - Disease Detectives: Oyujin Damdinsuren & Sean Yu
• 2nd Place - Fossils: Nicholas Cui & Sarika Jonnala
• 2nd Place - Helicopter: Pavithraa Saravanan & Ryan Chang
• 2nd Place -Tower: Pavithraa Saravanan & Jacob Zhang
• 3rd Place - Dynamic Planet: Ryan Chang & Henry Berger
• 4th Place - Air Trajectory: Martin Meister & Matthew Yang
• 4th Place - Bungee Drop: Pavithraa Saravanan & Nicholas Cui
• 4th Place - Electrical Vehicle: Rishit Chauhan & Jacob Zhang
• 5th Place - Experimental Design: Rishit Chauhan, Samir Vempalle & Nayeon Song
• 5th Place - Optics: Martin Meister & Jacob Zhang
• 5th Place - Robot Tour: Rishit Chauhan & Jacob Zhang
• 6th Place - Chem Lab: Maxwell Swann & Oyujin Damdinsuren

JV

• 1st Place - Robot Tour: Neha Parepally & Sylvia Johnson
• 2nd Place - Anatomy and Physiology: Dhruv Veda & Rudra Kar
• 2nd Place - Ecology: Dhruv Veda & Helen Zhu
• 2nd Place - Optics: Rohan Sengupta & Ethan Burgoon
• 3rd Place - Astronomy: Olivia Zhao & Satvik Jain
• 4th Place - Chem Lab: Cindy Zhan & Srihas Kodali
• 4th Place - Disease Detectives: Rudra Kar & Sylvia Johnson
• 4th Place - Entomology: Yi-Sa Li & Satvik Jain
• 4th Place - Materials Science: Cindy Zhan & Olivia Zhao
• 5th Place - Bungee Drop: Jaisai Lingamchetty & Yi-Sa Li
• 5th Place - Codebusters: Rohan Sengupta, Sylvia Johnson & Ethan Burgoon
• 5th Place - Forensics: Cindy Zhan & Neha Parepally
• 5th Place - Microbe Mission: Dhruv Veda & Rohan Sengupta
• 5th Place - Tower: Jaisai Lingamchetty & Harry Peng
• 5th Place - Wind Power: Ethan Burgoon & Neha Parepally
• 6th Place - Experimental Design: Srihas Kodali, Ethan Burgoon & Olivia Zhao
• 6th Place - Geologic Mapping: Helen Zhu & Satvik Jain
  

We are thrilled to announce that two of our talented students from the Competitive Coding Club, Albert Cao and Aryan Sharma, have achieved an outstanding victory by securing first place in Lockheed Martin's prestigious Code Quest competition!

Their hard work, dedication, and exceptional coding skills were on full display as they tackled challenging problems alongside some of the brightest young minds in the field. Throughout the competition, Albert and Aryan demonstrated remarkable teamwork, strategic thinking, and innovative problem-solving abilities, which ultimately led them to triumph.

This achievement not only highlights their technical prowess but also reflects the spirit of collaboration and perseverance fostered within our coding club. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishment and look forward to seeing what they will achieve next. Congratulations to Albert and Aryan on this remarkable success!

Congratulations to CHS junior, Jake Weidemann, Cadet Second Lieutenant, Howard Cadet Squadron, Civil Air Patrol.

Jake is one of eight cadets accepted into the New York Wing Powered Flight Academy, National Cadet Special Activity (NCSA). Here, he will continue to learn how to fly Cessna aircraft after completing the prerequisited ground school, working towards his

solo.

Soar like an Eagle!

Congratulations to Nathan Lu (left) and Jeremy Yang (right) who qualified for the USA Junior Math Olympiad competition. This is an incredible accomplishment as they are in the nation's top 250 underclassmen to move to the next round of USA Math Olympic Team qualifying.

On March 19-20, Nathan and Jeremy will sit for the next exam in an attempt to qualify for the USA Math Olympiad summer program. They will complete a six-question, two-day, 9-hour essay/proof examination.

Congratulations to both and good luck in the next round!

Congratulations to all of the students who were recognized for Student of the Month for February.

We are so proud of your accomplishments!

A BIG EAGLES CONGRATULATIONS to JOSH FRAZIER on becoming the ALL TIME LEADING MENS BASKETBALL SCORER. Josh’s new record breaks a record that was set at CHS more than 30 years ago by Damian Biggs!!!

CHS could not be more Proud of Josh, his work ethic, dedication, and passion for the Game #EAGLEPRIDE!!!

Congratulations to the CHS athletes who competed in the Boys and Girls 2A State Indoor Track Meet on February 21, 2025!

The Girls Team placed third with 62 points, behind Century 72 points and Herford 70 points!

CHS gold, silver, and bronze winners:

• Riley Herdson: first place in the 800 meters
• Relay team of Jackie James, Jada Franklin, Riley Herdson, and Eniya Headspeth: second place in 4x400 meter. **Set a new school record**
• Riley Herdson second in the 1600 meters
• Eniya Headspeth: third place in the 300 meters
  
• Kaylee Beal : third place in the 1600 meters
• Ariela Camacho Bucks: third place in the 3200 meters

  
  

Congratulations to CHS students Anjali Vallabhaneni, Maya Finkelstein, and Ami Mistry, who are featured in an exceptional art show: Art/WORK: Demystifying the Artistic Practice .

The show is at the Howard County Center for the Arts located at 8510 High Ridge Road (last show before it relocates to former Howard County Courthouse in Historic Ellicott City).

Looking ahead: End of March through end of April, there will be an Art 1 showcase at the BOE right up the road!

Fan Favorite: The Mall in Columbia hosts every school in the county for "The Mall Show" during April!

Hope you are able to experience one or all of these inspiring, reflective, and enriching exhibits.

• March 11 - Spring Sports Orientation, 6 PM
• March 13 thru 16 - Little Women the Musical, 7 PM Thursday - Saturday; 2 PM Sunday, tickets here
• March 14 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early (Professional Work and Wellness Day)
• March 25 - Band Concert, 7 PM
• March 26 - Choir Concert, 7 PM
• March 27 - Orchestra Concert, 7 PM
• March 28 - Dancing With the Staff, 7 pm
  
• March 31 - Full Day for Students ***Calendar Change***
• April 1 - Student Choreography Showcase, 7 PM
  
• April 3 - Awkward Improv, 7 PM
• April 4 - End of 3rd Marking Period ***Calendar Change***
  
• April 4 - Prom at Martin's West, 7 PM, tickets here
• April 4 - After Prom, Main Event at The Mall in Columbia, 10:30 PM - 2 AM
• April 5 - Zumbathon, 9 AM
  
• April 14 thru 21 - Spring Break, Schools Closed
• April 25 - ReIMAGINE the Rainbow, 5 - 9:15 PM
• May 3 - Annual Boosters Bash, 7 PM
  
• May 19 - 30 - Class of 2025 Graduation Window
• June 6 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early ***Calendar Change***
  
• June 9 - 13 - Full Days of School ***Calendar Change***
  
• June 16 0 17 Schools Close 3 Hours Early ***Calendar Change***
  
• June 18 - Last Day of School (if no other inclement weather days), 3-hour early dismissal ***Calendar Change***
  

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) 2024-25 school year calendar has been adjusted to meet the State-mandated 180 days for students, based upon the six inclement weather days used up to this point in time.

At its Feb. 27 meeting, the Board of Education approved the following changes:

• Monday, March 31, will be a full day for students, shifting the scheduled Professional Work and Development Day for school staff to Monday, April 14, which is the first day of spring break. HPCSS did request a waiver for the sixth inclement weather day from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), but it was not approved.

• The end of the third marking period will be moved to April 4, from March 28, which accounts for inclement weather days and better balances the number of days in each marking period.

Barring any additional inclement weather days, the last day of school will be Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Updates to the June calendar include the following:

• Friday, June 6: Schools dismiss three hours early; No half-day pre-K/RECC

• Monday, June 9-Friday June 13: Full school day

• Monday, June 16-Tuesday, June 17: Schools dismiss three hours early

• Wednesday, June 18: Last day of school; schools dismiss three hours early

An updated HCPSS calendar can be found online.

Skyward Theatre is selling bouquets made by SOW WONDER (a local florist) that will be delivered on Sunday, March 16th at the 2 PM show!

There are standard bouquets for $20 and premium for $40. Both types of arrangements will include vinyl water bottle stickers and a personalized message from the purchaser. Please visit the link below to purchase and complete your message to your performer.

SOW WONDER Florals CHS Bouquets

Please place your order by this Saturday, March 8.

The Centennial High School Athletic Department will conduct its Spring Athletic Orientation Program for parents and guardians of our spring student athletes next Tuesday, March 11th, beginning promptly at 6:00 PM in the CHS Auditorium. The Spring Coaching Staff will hold their parent/guardian informational break-out sessions immediately following the program to discuss expectations and team-specific policies and procedures.

WHO – ALL parents/guardians of all student athletes participating in a Spring Sport are urged to attend

WHAT – COMAR, HCPSS Policies & Procedures, sportsmanship, and conduct expectations of student athletes and spectators

WHEN – Tuesday evening, March 11th, at 6:00 PM (Coach break-out sessions to follow)

WHERE – CHS Auditorium

Effective Monday, March 3, 2025, the Board of Education approved changes to HCPSS Policy 8080 - Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media, which will change students’ ability to use personal technology devices during the school day.

Please read the Parent Guide: New Student Device Expectations to make sure that you are familiar with the new HCPSS guidelines for the use of cell phones and electronic devices in school

Please read the Message from the Superintendent describing these changes.

This is important!

Please check out this public service announcement created by CHS senior Cristobal Mejia...

Anything you can do on a phone, you can do on a Chromebook (video)

A Night Under the Sea — Prom 2025

Martin’s West

6817 Dogwood Road

Baltimore, MD 21244

Friday, April 4th, 2025

7:00 - 10:00 PM

All students, staff, parents, and community members are invited to join us for an evening of advocacy on Friday, April 25, from 5:00PM - 9:15PM at Centennial High School.

Headlining the evening will be Ellen Oh (author and founder of We Need Diverse Books) and Phil Bilder (author). Following the keynote session, participants will have the opportunity to select from 14 different sessions to attend in two consecutive time blocks. Sessions are informational, interactive, and in some cases, hands-on. Childcare will be provided for students in grades K-5.

While this event is FREE, all participants must register. More information can be found on our webpage, along with the registration form.

When: Saturday, March 15, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Where: Cedar Lane School, 11630 Scaggsville Road, Fulton, MD

What: The HCPSS Special Education Resource Fair provides families with information available from the community and HCPSS to support their students receiving special education and related services (those who have an IEP or IFSP).

Why: Get connected to:

• Recreational Activities

• HCPSS Speech, OT, PT, Vision, and Adapted PE

• Camps

• Community Groups

• Service Providers

• Transition to Adulthood Information

• Assistive Technology

• Behavioral Health

• Howard County Government Resources

• And Much More!

For information, please contact FSRC@hcpss.org. This event is free and registration is not required. The event will be cancelled if HCPSS has an inclement weather closure. This event is part of the HCPSS Parent Empowerment Series including training sessions related to special education and events for families of students with an IEP or IFSP.

Winter is still with us and we are all out of tissues at school.

We are grateful for the donations you have sent already, and hoping that you can send a few more boxes to the front office again!

Leave the cooking to Bare Bones!

Dine in or take out from Bare Bones on Monday, March 10 to support CHS Boosters. 10% of all sales go to Boosters!

Please join us as the Skyward Theatre presents of Little Women the Musical.

Performances are on Thursday, March 13, thru Saturday, March 15, at 7 PM, and on Sunday, March 16, at 2 PM, in the CHS auditorium.

Ticket information and pricing now available!

We are gearing up for commencement for the Class of 2025 and need year help! If you have a cap and gown (red with blue and white stripe on arms) gathering dust, please donate it to the school. We like to have a few “extras” on had in case of emergency during graduation week.

Donations may be dropped off in the front office at Centennial at any time. Thank you!

Attention Juniorss & Seniors!

Our PTSA provides transportation from the prom at Martins West to After Prom at the Main Event. If you are interested in taking the bus, please complete the interest form here:

INTEREST FORM TO TAKE THE PTSA BUS FROM PROM TO AFTERPROM ON APRIL 4, 2025

CHS PTSA Needs Your Help for Late Night/After Prom

CHS PTSA is in desperate need of Sub-Committee Members for CHS Late Night/After Prom. Otherwise, this event will be CANCELLED. A decision must be made by Monday, March 10th, so please read and respond ASAP. Thank you for your help!

CHS Late Night, the after prom party, is a cornerstone event in our school year and a cherished experience for our students. Once again, we face a serious challenge. Despite our best efforts, the PTSA is struggling to secure volunteers to make this event a reality. Without your support, we will have to cancel this beloved tradition due to a lack of manpower. We need volunteers to assist our TWO After Prom chairs with bringing this event to life.

Two signup genius forms to indicate you can help with CHS Late Night, either as a sub-committee member or on the night of the event, are posted on the CHS PTSA After Prom web page, https://www.chs-ptsa.org/after-prom and to all the usual media channels.

The link for the signup genius for sub-committee help is here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45AAAB2FABF4C07-54474995-2025#/

The link for the signup genius for night of the event help is here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45AAAB2FABF4C07-54473263-2025#/

Our 2025 class deserves a memorable after prom celebration, and we believe that, together, we can make it happen. The event is scheduled for April 4, 2025, and your assistance is crucial to its success.

Amazon Raffle Wish List:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2MZJJXH6KCEQX?type=wishlist

CHS PTSA March Board Meeting

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 6-7:30 PM in the CHS Media Center OR

Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/wvf-xjhe-hwh

CHS PTSA After Prom Meeting

EVERY Thursday through April 10, 2025, 7 - 8:30 PM

Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/mcq-dyik-ogb

CHS Nominating Committee

The CHS PTSA is looking for 3 PTSA members to serve on the nominating committee until the General Membership Meeting in June.

The members of the nominating committee for officers of this local PTSA shall be elected by the board of directors at a March CHS PTSA board meeting. The members do not have to be present to be elected but have to agree to serve in this role.

Nominating Committee:

• There shall be a nominating committee composed of 3 members who shall be elected by the Board of Directors. The committee shall elect its own chair.
• The nominating committee shall be elected at least two (2) months prior to the election of officers.
• The nominating committee shall nominate an eligible person for each office to be filled and report its nominees to the general membership at least ten (10) days prior to the general membership meeting in June, at which time additional nominations may be made from the floor.
• Only those individuals who are current members of this local PTSA and who have signified their consent to serve if elected shall be nominated for, or elected to, such office.

The CHS Food Pantry is a great resource for our school community. We have exhausted many of the items and hope that you will continue your generous support to restock the shelves.

At this time, we need personal hygiene items, especially deodorant, shampoo, and toothpaste. We also need cereal, granola bars, rice, pasta, and soup.

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

Thank you for your support!

Join CHS Boosters Club Today!

Support our CHS Eagles by becoming a member of the CHS Boosters Club. Our parent-run volunteer organization raises funds through membership donations and fundraising activities to support CHS student extra-curricular activities. From school sports teams to more than 80 clubs and organizations, including our award winning "It's Academic" team and the CHS "Magic Club" – the Boosters supports them all!

The Howard County Public School System does not provide money for team uniforms, equipment and other fees needed to run student programs. To help parents avoid membership and other costs, the CHS Boosters shares its fundraising efforts across all sports and activities to help our students enjoy a healthy, rewarding high school experience.

Membership is the Booster’s biggest annual fundraiser, and we need your help to support our students. If you have not already done so, please join today! The CHS Boosters is a 501(c)(3) organization so all donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Tax ID # 52-1437160

CHS Boosters have some fantastic fundraising events coming up. Check out their website for more details.

Here are some highlight of what's to come...

Boost your social calendar! Save the date for the annual Booster Bash on Saturday, May 3, at Cushwa Brewing in Columbia at 7 pm. Fun with friends, beer/cocktails, good food and amazing silent auction items. $75/per person. More details coming soon!

Make your summer plans now! Sign up your children for 2025 Booster Summer Camps—Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Mock Trial, Soccer, Strength, Speed and Agility, Volleyball and Wrestling!

https://www.centennialboostersonline.com/summer-camps

Save the date for Booster’s Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, September 26, at Fairway Hills!

You and your family can join CHS PTSA anytime! Join now or add your child to your membership.

Help us meet our membership goals before the end of the year. A PTSA membership can make a thoughtful gift for a family member or anyone in the Centennial community.

Visit our online store to become a member now

As we head into the winter months, families are reminded that in emergency situations (including inclement weather), information will be shared with the community only through the HCPSS website, email and text, Twitter/X and the HCPSS weather hotline. Be sure your Family File is up to date and that you have opted into texts to receive emergency messages.

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.

The Howard County Film Festival is a county-sponsored festival in its 21st year that honors and showcases the incredible talent of aspiring filmmakers across Howard County. Participating high school and middle school students are entered to win trophies, recognition, and prize money for their work.

Donations from the community help keep this amazing program running each year. All proceeds donated will go towards acquiring prize money and awards for our student recipients.

For more information visit the website: https://hocofilmfest.weebly.com/.

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/

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 Charlotte Spitalnic Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Centennial High School class of 2025 student, Charlotte Spitalnic. One or more scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded.

CHS seniors with a passion for choir and/or theater and willingness to share how they have demonstrated leadership and compassion for others are invited to apply.

The application is available at: Scholarship Application Form

HCPSS staff members who fall into one of the following categories, and who are parents or legal guardians of graduating seniors, may choose to present the diploma to their child(ren) at the student's commencement ceremony.

• Current Permanent Staff

• Elementary Lunch/Recess Monitors who have been a Lunch/Recess Monitor since September 30, 2024

• Substitutes who have consistently supported HCPSS by substituting 100+* days since the start of the 2023/2024 school year (*8/28/2023-2/26/2025)

Parents/guardians who wish to present diplomas must notify your child's graduation coordinator by April 11.

The HCPSS Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Office is selling Kente cloth graduation stoles to families for graduating students. Kente is a traditional African textile that was first woven by the Ashanti people in Ghana and West Africa. Today, it is worn to pay homage to African ancestors and to show pride in the heritages of the Diaspora during ceremonial occasions.

Sales will run through April 30, 2025. The flyer for the stole sale can be found linked here.

The HCPSS Hispanic Achievement Program is selling sarapes (stoles) for purchase by Hispanic and Latino graduating seniors. Sales will run through May 2, 2025. Purchases can be made directly here, or read more information and scan the QR Code here.

The Hispanic “sarape” represents the ancient customs of colorful textiles throughout all the ancient indigenous people of Latin America. These bright colors represented their devout spiritualism and the advanced knowledge they possessed. Additional history of the sarapes and the initiative in HCPSS for graduating seniors can be found here in English and Spanish.

Direct questions to Gaston Gamez, Hispanic Achievement Supervisor at (410) 313-6667.

HCPSS today announced the window for the Class of 2025 high school graduations as Monday, May 19, to Friday, May 30, 2025. No graduations will be held on weekends or on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.

HCPSS makes the early announcement of the graduation window to accommodate planning by parents, students, schools and community members. Specific information regarding the dates and times of each graduation ceremony will be finalized in collaboration with Merriweather Post Pavilion and provided by mid-April.

Ceremonies will be held in person at Merriweather Post Pavilion, except for Cedar Lane School, which will hold its graduation ceremony at the school.

Full HCPSS commencement information can be found online.

Seniors,

If you are attending a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university as a full-time or part-time student, you are eligible to apply for a State Delegate or Senatorial Scholarship.

State Delegate Scholarship:

https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/pages/financialaid/programdescriptions/prog_delegate.aspx

Senatorial Scholarship: https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/ProgramDescriptions/prog_senatorial.aspx

ENTER YOUR ADDRESS to find out the name of your State Senator and State Delegate (they will appear at the bottom of the list): https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District

Please come to Student Services to see Ms. DeVore if you need any assistance. Continue to check for Scholarships in Naviance and on the Bulletin Board outside Student Services.

Now is the time to get in your applications for scholarships to obtain additional funding for college. In Naviance, under Scholarships, you can search for all available scholarships by date or name.

A scholarship document is also updated every month that features the current scholarships and due dates in Naviance, here's the link:

24-25 Scholarship document

Upcoming scholarships and deadlines are also POSTED on the bulletin board outside Student Services. Please check this bulletin board regularly.

The Community Foundation of Howard County has many scholarships available, but the due dates are not published yet. ALL the available scholarships are posted on the board.

Many are targeted to specific interest areas such as:

• Students whose life has been impacted by cancer (either themselves or a family member)

• Service on the Special Olympics Howard County Swim Team and Special Olympics Howard County

• Pursuing a degree in Fine Arts, Nursing, STEM, pre-law, agriculture or field related to farming

• Community and athletic involvement

• Students who participated on a SAC/HC travel or recreational team

  
  

Any questions? Please stop in Student Services for assistance.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter with the financial support of the Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc., offers financial assistance to graduation high school seniors in Howard County, pursuing higher education.

Scholarships to be awarded for the 2024-25 school year:

• Marian and Brother Cecil G. Christian Memorial Scholarship: $4,000
• Bro. Freeman Louis Sands, Sr. Memorial Scholarship: $2,000
• Outstanding Scholarship Awards: Four awards of $1,500 each

Details regarding eligibility and applications may be found at www.apakpl.org and www.alphafoundationhc.org.

If you still need to order a cap and gown (comes with tassel) for graduation, it must be ordered by contacting our representative at Jostens. See her contact information below:

KAREN STEWART

301.206.3999 ∙ Office

Email: karen.stewart@jostens.com

In addition to graduation caps and gowns, Jostens also offers a range for products including graduation announcements, class rings, jewelry, and more. Check out the Mascot Shop for great keepsakes.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Android

Maryland Safe Schools

Apple

Maryland Safe Schools

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

Next Thursday, February 27, Leadership Howard County will be hosting another opportunity for current high school sophomores to learn about Leadership U [LU] and hear directly from recent graduates about their experience.

LU is a transformational leadership program that seeks to equip young leaders with a network of peers and community leaders as well as the tools to effect meaningful change. Interested sophomores are encouraged to join us at our next info session! Registration strongly recommended: Leadership U 2025 - February Information Session - Leadership Howard County

What: Leadership U Info Session

When: Thursday, February 27, 6pm

Where: Miller Branch Library, Patapsco Room

Registration Link: Leadership U 2025 - February Information Session - Leadership Howard County

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!

CHS PTSA teams with HC DrugFree to help spread the word about keeping drugs out of Howard County classrooms and communities.

HC DrugFree has many opportunities for students and families:

Free Classes for Students

The 8-class series will run across the following Mondays: February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, April 7, 28 and May 5 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. More information can be found on our website and flyer.

Click here to register Ho Co middle school students.

Free Parenting/Grandparenting Classes

Open to parents, guardians and grandparents residing in Howard County or with school-age children/grandchildren residing in the County. Evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors. The curriculum was written for families with children 9-14 years olds, but we believe it is appropriate for K-12 families.

Class dates: March 18, 21, 25, 28 and April 1 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Visit HC DrugFree’s website for more information and register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Spring2025GGC

Drive-Thru Medication and Sharps Disposal

Saturday, April 26 in the Wilde Lake Village Center Parking Lot near the Swim Center from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 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 100 medication lockboxes.

For more information: https://hcdrugfree.org/drug-take-back-day-1/

Teen Advisory Council

Open to Howard County students in grades 8-12. Earn Community Service Hours and make meaningful contributions to the community. Next meeting: Monday May 19, 2025, from 5:30-7:00pm on Zoom. For more information, visit: https://hcdrugfree.org/teen-advisory-council/

Ho Co Film Fest: HCDrugFree PSA Category

HC DrugFree's 2024-25 public service announcement (PSA) Category theme is: Make the Call: Help Without Hesitation.

This category was chosen to allow teens the opportunity to create PSAs informing their peers and the community about Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law. Learn more about our PSA Category and the April 1 film submission deadline.

Maryland's Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who seek help during a medical emergency related to drug or alcohol use. Under this law, people who call 911 to assist someone experiencing an overdose or other serious medical issue may be protected from arrest, prosecution, and certain legal penalties for minor drug and alcohol offenses. Learn more about the Good Samaritan Law.

We Need Your Support!!!

“It isn’t the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives.”

Your support allows us to continue to provide our resources and programs to the community. To make your tax-deductible donation, donate online at hcdrugfree.org/donate or mail a check to:

HC DrugFree

5305 Village Center Drive

Suite 206

Columbia, MD 21044

Resources

DEA's Drugs of Abuse Resource Guide:

Education plays a critical role in preventing substance use and misuse. The 2024 DEA Resource Guide is designed to be a reliable resource on the most commonly used and misused drugs in the US and provides important information about the harms and consequences of drug use by describing a drug’s effects on the body and mind, overdose potential, origin, legal status, and other key facts. Learn more

Additional Resources

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Marylanders who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis should call or text 988. Learn more at 988.maryland.gov. Maryland veterans and their loved ones can call 988 and press 1 to transfer to the Veterans Crisis Line. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for LGBTQIA+ support.

Additional Resources

For more information, contact:

Joan Webb Scornaienchi

Executive Director

HC DrugFree

5305 Village Center Drive, Suite 206

Wilde Lake Village Center

Columbia, MD 21044

Admin@hcdrugfree.org

www.hcdrugfree.org

• 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.