CHS News

Congratulations to Mr. Timothy Watson, who was named a Teacher of Merit by the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). The award recognizes teachers who have students who participate in the STS competition, and have encouraged students to pursue careers in STEM.

Mr. Watson has been teaching physics at CHS for 10 years.

We had an outstanding first semester of academic success; participation and award-winning sports achievements; fine arts performances by choir, band, orchestra, dance, and theatre; clubs and activities; field trips and competitions; volunteering and community service; homecoming, and more! CHS rocks!

Congratulations to our fantastic students, staff, and coaches. We are grateful for the support of all our parent groups, families, PTSA, and Boosters.

Friday, January 24, marks the end of the midterm exams and the first semester. Report cards will be issued on February 4. The second semester begins on Monday, January 27, and are we so excited for new classes, more opportunities for sports, performing arts, and student activities; prom; and commencement for the Class of 2025.

Let’s Go Eagles!

Congratulations to our Science Olympiad Team who placed first at the UMBC Invitational this past weekend! More than 1,000 students competed from 72 schools in 23 STEM events!

Congratulations to the following students who placed in their individual events:

• Nicholas Cui and Sarika Jonnala, Fossils, 2nd place
• Martin Meister and Nara Khurts, Wind Power, 1st place
• Rishit Chauhan and Samir Vempalle, Robot Tour, 2nd place
• Pavithraa Saravanan and Ziling Ye, Tower, 3rd place
• Oyujin Damdinsuren and Kelly Ji, Anatomy & Physiology, 3rd place
• Martin Meister and Nicholas Cui, Optics, 1st place
• Nicholas Cui and Henry Berger, Dynamic Planet, 3rd place
• Sarika Jonnala and Sean Yu, Forensics, 1st place
• Pavithraa Saravanan and Ziling Ye, Helicopter, 1st place
• Maxwell Swann and Oyujin Damdinsuren, Chemistry Lab, 2nd place
• Nayeon Song and Sarika Jonnala, Entomology, 1st place
• Martin Meister and Ziling Ye, Air Trajectory, 3rd place
• Rishit Chauhan, Samir Vempalle, Nayeon Song , Experimental Design, 2nd place
• Henry Berger and Sarika Jonnala, Geologic Mapping, 2nd place
• Maxwell Swann and Oyujin Damdinsuren, Microbe Mission, 2nd place
• Joanna Wu and Ethan Burgoon, Optics, 2nd place
• Arya Kamthe, Sylvia Johnson, Ethan Burgoon, Codebusters, 2nd place
• Helen Zhu and Satvik Jain, Geologic Mapping, 1st place
  

The Lunar New Year 2025 will fall on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese Zodiac. The Snake symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and transformation.

In Korea, Lunar New Year is one of Korea’s biggest holidays, celebrating the lunar calendar's new year. It lasts for three days: the day before, the actual day, and the day after.

Families gather to honor ancestors with rituals like charye, eat traditional foods like tteokguk (rice cake soup), and play games like yutnori. Elders are shown respect with a bow called sebae, and children often receive money as a gift.

It’s a time for family, tradition, and rest, with many people traveling to their hometowns.

The festival is observed by many East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others, each with unique customs and rituals, also the names for the festival:

• Korea: Seollal (설날)

• China: Chunjie (春节)

• Vietnam: Tết

If you are wondering where you could join the celebrations, or for a taste of the festival, feel free to scroll down.

Happy Lunar New Year!

• January 15 thru February 26 - Spring Sports Registration Open
  
• January 28 - CHS PTSA Restaurant Night at Yama Sushi
  
• January 29 - Schools Closed for Students (Professional Work Day)
• February 4 - WorldFest, 4-8 PM
  
• February 7 - Schools Closed for Students (Professional Learning Day)
• February 15 - Zumbathon, 9-11:45 AM
  
• February 17 - Schools and Offices Closed (Presidents Day)
• February 21 - Food for the Soul, 6-8 PM
  
• February 22 - Trivia Night Sponsored by CHS Boosters, 6 PM
• February 26 - SENIORS ONLY Wild West Night, 6-8 PM, tickets
• March 1 - Spring Sports Tryouts Begin
  
• March 11 - Spring Sports Orientation, 6 PM
  
• 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 28 - End of 3rd Marking Period
  
• March 31 - Schools Closed for Students (Professional Work and Development Day)
• April 1 - Student Choreography Showcase, 7 PM
  
• April 3 - Awkward Improv, 7 PM
  
• April 4 - Prom at Martin's West, 7 PM
• 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
• May 3 - Annual Boosters Bash, 7 PM
  
• May 19 - 30 - Class of 2025 Graduation Window
  

WIDA ACCESS

Multilingual learners will be taking the Access WIDA assessment from 1/27/25 to 2/7/2025. This means that they may be pulled from some classes to complete this 4 part assessment. Teachers have been notified and advised to allot extra time for students to make up missed assignments due to testing. If you have a question, please contact Ms. Somerville.

NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)

Centennial has been selected as one of the schools to test out the NAEP exam on Friday, February 28, 2025. A selected group of seniors were identified and will participate in testing. Selected students will receive letters on Friday, January 24, 2024, and will attend an information session on Friday, February 7, 2025, during 6th period. These students will miss periods 1-3 and will be allowed additional time to make up any missed assignments on that day. Students will receive a certificate of participation and service learning hours. For more information on the NAEP assessment, visit their site here. Feel free to reach out to Ms. Somerville if you have questions.

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all our students. One of the most critical issues we face as a school community is bullying, which can have lasting effects on children’s well-being, social development, and academic success. We believe that addressing bullying requires a partnership between students, families, and school staff.

Understanding Bullying

Bullying is more than just occasional teasing. It is intentional, repeated aggressive behavior that can be verbal, physical, or social, and it often involves an imbalance of power. While some bullying behaviors can be overt, others are more subtle but just as harmful. Examples of bullying include:

• Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, or damaging property.
• Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, and hurtful comments.
• Social/Relational bullying: Spreading rumors, excluding others, and social manipulation.
• Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass or intimidate someone.

How You Can Help at Home

Parents play an essential role in preventing bullying and supporting their children through difficult experiences. Here are some steps you can take:

• Talk to Your Child: Encourage open communication with your child about their social experiences, both online and offline. Discuss how they should handle situations where they witness bullying or experience it themselves.
• Set a Positive Example: Show your child how to be kind and respectful toward others. Modeling good behavior in your interactions will teach them valuable social skills.
• Monitor Online Activity: If your child uses social media or online platforms, make sure you are aware of their online interactions. Cyberbullying can be particularly damaging, and it’s important to stay engaged with your child’s digital life.
• Reinforce Respect and Empathy: Remind your child that treating others with respect and kindness is always the right thing to do, no matter the situation. Teach them how to stand up for others in a positive way, not by fighting, but by seeking help and offering support.
• Support School Efforts: Be an active partner in your child’s education and in the school’s anti-bullying efforts. Attend parent meetings, participate in workshops, and reinforce school policies at home.

Together, we can build a culture of respect, kindness, and safety in our school, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported. Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe. More information can be found on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website. An online version for reporting is available and can easily and confidentially be used by students, staff, and family members. If you have any questions regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact a school administrator.

Interested in applying to be a Student Delegate to represent Centennial High School's student body in selecting the next Student Member of the BOE?

Students in 9th, 10th and 11th grade can apply at the link below. Applications are due by February 7th. Interviews will be held on February 14th in Dr. Miller's office. Review the presentation below for more information.

The Convention is on March 19, 2025, during the school day and is an approved field trip. Any questions, see Dr. Miller.

CENTENNIAL HS STUDENT DELEGATE APPLICATION FORM FOR 2025

STUDENT DELEGATE INFORMATION

Time is running out to apply for Independent Research or Intern/Mentor next year!

Why might your child want to take one of our GT Advanced Research classes?

• They are looking for a class that will help them stand out from the crowd. Our program is one of a kind, and it looks great on resumes and college applications.

• They enjoy the freedom to choose their own area of research or professional experience. These classes offer students the opportunity to explore ANY talent or area of interest.

• The opportunity to learn college-level research, writing, networking, and presenting skills while still in high school sounds appealing to your child. Many of our undergraduates come back to visit, and they tell us how much taking our classes helped to prepare them for success in college!

• They would thrive in a project-based, academic atmosphere that promotes independence and innovation. These courses are intended for students who are creative, passionate and self-motivated.

• Our GT Research graduates have attended some elite colleges in recent years: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, RIT, Univ. of Penn., Duke, JHU, UMCP Honors Program, Stanford, UVA, USAF Academy, Northwestern U., Michigan, Wake Forest, and Tufts U., just to name a few. Might your child be interested in that type of college?

GT Independent Research and GT Intern/Mentor courses require an application; AP Seminar does not. If planning to apply, students should list the course on their course selection sheet and start the application process early as there are multiple steps involved. Applications for GT Research will be accepted until Friday, January 31st, 2025.

Applications for both courses are available here or on the CHS website:

• Independent Research Application

• Intern/Mentor Application

Until then, if you have any questions about our GT Advanced Research Program, please contact Toni Ireland, the CHS G/T Resource Teacher, at toni_ireland@hcpss.org, or visit our school website at https://chs.hcpss.org/academics/gt

The Scholars Leadership Honors Program would be delighted if you would join us in our observation of Black History Month at the ninth annual Food for the Soul, Words for the Heart. It is an evening of cultural cuisine (fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, candied yams, collard greens, cornbread, and an assortment of desserts) and performances. This event will occur on Friday, February 21st from 6 pm-8 pm in the cafeteria.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Online ticket sales will end on February 20th. Use the link below to purchase your tickets.

Food for the Soul, Words for the Heart Online Tickets

We hope you can join us! Please contact Mrs. Holt (shalonda_holt@hcpss.org) if you have any questions.

Prom will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Martin’s West. Stay tuned for more details on ticket sales.

Anyone who is planning to utilize a discretionary day prior to prom MUST have a note. We can’t wait to celebrate with 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

The CHS PTSA is planning an amazing After Prom event at the Main Event in Columbia for our students. The success of this event depends on volunteers - like YOU!

Please click on the links below to find out more and to sign up to help with planning, events, and prizes!

Subcommittee Volunteers:

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

Event Volunteers:

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

Amazon Raffle Wish List:

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

Join us at the Yougi Castle on Route 40 on January 27, and enjoy a variety of yougrt, flavors, toppings, smoothies, and shakes!

Don't forget to mention CHS Class of 2028 when you order!

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!

Enjoy a delicious meal at neighborhood favorite, Yama Sushi, in Dorsey Search, and support CHS at the same time. Eat in or take out - just mention the Centennial High School PTSA fundraiser when you order, and Yama Sushi will donate a portion of the sale to support our school.

Attention ALL students interested in trying out for a SPRING Sport!!! SPRING Sports Online Registration IS OPEN NOW thru the Parent Portal at HCPSS Connect. All students interested in trying out for a Spring Sport MUST have their Parent/Guardian complete their Online Athletic Registration thru their Parent Portal at HCPSS Connect. REGISTRATION FOR SPRING SPORTS WILL CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH!!!

All incoming 9th graders are to have a Physical examination dated on or after April 1, 2024, all rising 10th, 11th and 12th Grade Students are to have a Physical dated within one year from August 14th, 2023 or dated on or after April 1, 2024. Please contact your Physician today to make an appointment if your child's Physical examination does not the criteria for valid Physicals above. Please contact your physician to make an appointment today if your child's physical examination does not meet the above requirements.

ONLINE ATHLETIC REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS - Parents/guardians are to complete and sign the following Documents thru HCPSS Connect:

Go to https://www.hcpss.org/connect (Links to an external site.);
Do not use your Mobile Phone;
Login to your HCPSS Connect Portal (Parents & Guardian MUST use the parental login. Using your students log in information will not allow you to register);
Once logged in, go to the menu on the left and click the bottom option, “More Options” (Family File, Reports Cards, etc.). ​If you have more than one student make sure you have selected the student from the drop down menu at the top of the page.)
Click on Athletic Registration on the right hand side Menu, select the correct season - Spring;
Complete all of the following forms AND E-Sign each one at the bottom of each page, click Save & Next to go thru each Document…Do not skip or leave any boxes blank.

• Parent Authorization Form
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form
• Concussion Information Sheet
• Concussion Testing Form
• Covid 19 Awareness Form
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form

Upload the following forms: Physical Examination Form. Upload ALL pages of the Physical Examination Form. Older physicals will not be accepted. (File sizes must be lower than 4 MB);
Upload a RECENT Utility bill, preferably a BGE Bill dates February or March 2025; utility bills older than February, 2025, for a Spring Sports Registration will not be accepted.

Reminders:

* Make sure Pop Ups are Allowed;

* Registrations MUST BE DONE on a Parents/Guardians HCPSS Connect Account;

* FILE SIZE Limits of 4MB for Physicals and Utility – Try uploading one page at a time;

* Do Not Use your Cell Phone - users have been receiving error messages when using their cell phones to Register.

* Registration will close on 2/26/25!

All students must have completed their online registration by February 26, in order to tryout. For more information regarding online athletic registration, please log on to the chs.hcpss.org website or see the instructions above.

Cold and flu season is upon us!

How can you help?

• Donate tissues! Our school supply of tissues for classrooms has run low. Please consider dropping off a box of tissues in the front office.
• Practice healthy habits: get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.
• If you have cold and flu symptoms stay at home and rest!

Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) programs are offered at Atholton (Army), Howard (Army) and Oakland Mills (Air Force) high schools. Each JROTC program provides an introduction to career opportunities in the United States Armed Forces and teaches principles of leadership, discipline and civic responsibility.

Any student who wishes to participate in JROTC but does not attend one of the schools that offers the program may apply for participation. Each school has a limited number of additional spaces available. To apply for participation for the 2025-2026 school year, students must contact a JROTC official by December 20th to schedule an interview. Only students who are interviewed during this designated period will be considered for enrollment. Letters of approval/denial/waitlist will be sent home in January.

To schedule an interview, contact the JROTC official for the program of interest:

• Air Force JROTC at Oakland Mills High School: Colonel (USAF, Retired) Bradly Scherer, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, bradly_scherer@hcpss.org or (410) 313-6945
• Army JROTC at Atholton High School: LTC (USA, Retired) William Reinhart, Senior Army Instructor, william_reinhart@hcpss.org or (410) 313-7076
• Army JROTC at Howard High School: Colonel (USA, Retired) William Laigaie, Senior Army Instructor, william_laigaie@hcpss.org or (410) 313-2878

More information about the JROTC program is available online.

If any CHS parent or alumni have a cap and gown (red with blue and white stripe on arms) gathering dust, please donate it. You can drop it off in the front office at Centennial at any time. Thank you!

SAT Boot Camps at CHS - JUST $199*

Sat., & Sun., Feb. 8 & 9, from 9 AM - 1 PM

These prep classes will prepare students for March 8, May 3, and June 7 SATs, and include:

• Taking a Practice Digital SAT Under Simulated Conditions
• How to Use the Bluebook App and its Tools to the Student's Advantage
• Understanding the Test and Its Adaptive Framework
• Strategies for ALL Sections of the Test
• Tips on Guessing, Timing, Scoring, and Confidence-Boosting
• PLUS - A percentage of student tuition is donated to CHS PTSA!

Visit www.theanswerclass.com to view the full class schedule and to register your student for the CHS dates!

*when you register at least one week ahead of your course.

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...

Hey Smarty Pants! Put all that knowledge in your head to good use at Boosters Trivia Night on February 22, at Kiwanas-Wallas Park. Doors open at 6pm, trivia starts at 7pm. $50/person. Ultimate prize: Priceless bragging rights.

https://www.centennialboostersonline.com/trivia-night-22

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!

It’s time to wrangle in another great senior event! The SENIORS ONLY Wild West Night will be held on Wednesday, February 26, from 6 – 8 PM in the CHS cafeteria.

Come enjoy delicious food from Mission BBQ: beef brisket and pulled chicken, along with all vegetarian sides – mac-n-cheese, green beans (no bacon), baked beans, garden salad, and corn bread. Drinks will include lemonade, iced tea, and bottled water, and our culinary classes will provide cherry and apple cobbler with ice cream!

We need a minimum of 150 seniors to pre-pay for this event by February 16. Only $30 per ticket, available on OSP.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Are you a current sophomore that’s ready to take the next step of your leadership journey? Leadership U is a transformative 4-month leadership program for high school juniors in Howard County, MD, offering opportunities to activate your leadership skills, network with peers and community leaders, and make a difference through student-led team projects.

Join us next Tuesday, January 28, at the East Columbia Branch Library for a Leadership U [LU] 2025 Info Session. Beginning at 5:30pm in the Marvin Thomas Room, students and parents are invited to learn more about the program and hear from recent graduates about their LU experience. Can’t make it? Additional info sessions will be held on February 27th and March 19th.

Details such as Info Session registration, application info, and program details are located on the Leadership Howard County website: leadershiphc.org. Check our website or Social Media (@lhcleads) for updates

The Howard County Commission for Women presents the 2024 Student Essay and Poster Contest to commemorate Women's History Month. This year's them is Moving Forward Together - women Educating and Inspiring Generations!

Submissions must be received no later than 5 PM on Friday, February 21, 2025.

For poster/essay contest rules and to enter, go to www.howardcountymd.gov/CFW2025contest.

There will be a program supporting parents/caregivers or parents/caregivers and their school age students at Silhouette Stages on Saturday, February 22nd from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM.

This program is an opportunity for parents to meet, connect and learn, as well as for us to “spill the tea” and share supports and programs available in HCPSS to support LGBTQIA+ students. Silhouette Stages performers will be presenting several selections from their upcoming show, Kinky Boots and will also offer a cast Q&A after the program.

The LGBTQIA+ Commission of Howard County will be providing a lite pizza lunch in the lobby after the show. Registration is required as space is limited. An advertisement is linked here and registration link is included here.

Established in 2015, the SiS Conference has been held annually to cultivate an early passion for the STEM field in high school students from around Howard County. This year’s conference will be held on Saturday, February 1st at Glenelg High School. Local speakers that represent a wide range of STEM-related professions are invited to conduct workshops for the attendees. Students have the opportunity to discover local internships and opportunities through booths that are set up during a light dinner and networking session at the end of the conference. ​

Sign up HERE: https://forms.gle/TVebCwa9KGAKEfFz8Links to an external site.

Flyer: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1SCNPgQ_hdpTYImDlJGqzhE6X6UCRSJfithvAzizc5J4/edit?usp=sharingLinks to an external site.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/sis-conference/home

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.

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

Free Support Meetings:

Looking for a list of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the Howard County area? Learn more

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.