CHS News

NCMS announced the names of more than 34,000 students nationwide who received a Letter of Commendation, recognizing their exceptional academic promise and outstanding potential for academic success.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following CHS students on receiving the Letter of Commendation:

Ashwath Babu, Peter Bank, Ryan Chang, Lucy Choe, Sai Dommaraju, Benjamn Fang, Emily Han, Tate Hancock, David Herzberger, Daud Idress, Joseph Kim, Christopher Lee, Eric Liu, Victor Liu, Daniel Lynge, Eric Ma, Annabelle Mallios, Arthur Nedorezov, Aneesh Potluri, Avyukth Ramreddy, Annelise Rauch, Ava Rose, Aryan Sharma, Ananya Vijay, Benjamin Yang, Zhuoyu Yang, Run Yuan, Raiyan Zaman.

Congratulations to Lori Rudolph, CHS teacher of the blind and visually impaired, for being awarded the 2024-25 Bright Minds Foundation Classroom Project Grant!

Rudloph’s project – From Soup to Nuts: Empowering Students with Visual Impairments in Independent Living Skills Through Experiential Learning Beginning with Cooking – establishes an after school "cooking club" for students in HCPSS middle and high schools who have a significant visual impairment. Students will be empowered to independently plan, shop for, and cook full meals, from "soup to nuts," through an innovative after school program founded in experiential learning. Students with visual impairments do not learn incidentally and thus require hands-on experiences paired with conceptual learning. Along with kitchen safety, they will learn cooking techniques and use of specialty tools. Additionally, these activities provide the students with a sense of agency, improved self-concept, and skills needed to sustain themselves and their families for their entire lifetimes.

Congratulations to the following Senior Varsity Girls Soccer Players:

Pictured left to right: Allison Bryman (#91), Abigail Porter (#24), Menna Hassan (#15), Melanie Ritter #8)

The Horizon Club sponsored their second annual Corn Hole Tournament on September 22nd.

• First Place winners were Zach Kelly and Aariz Khan.
  
• Second Place winners were Keyaan Haider and Evan Ruiz-Lebron.

At the induction ceremony on October 1, the 2024-25 CHS Chapter of Delta Eta Pi welcomed the following new members:

• Ava Collins
• Jayden Foster
• Jiwon Kim
• Jen Littlefield
• Maria Rubio-Pino
• Melinda Liu
• Rei Vlahov
• Coco Ward

This honor society is dedicated to the advancement of dance and dance education in secondary schools, studios, colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning that offer programs in dance instruction in one or more genres; and to recognize and encourage academic excellence and scholarship, dance technique or technical support, choreography, and service to the school and community.

The Centennial High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is excited to announce the Class of 2025.

• Harrison Chaires, 2009 - Lacrosse
• Kare Fisher, 1995 - Track
• Lauren Marcotte, 2020 - Softball
• Jasmine McCree, 2017 - Soccer, Basketball, Track
• Briana Zolak, 1998 - Volleyball
  

On top of these 5 inductees, the committee will also be recognizing two "Teams of Distinction: 1978 Boys Cross Country Team and 1980 Girls Basketball Team.

Please join us at our induction ceremony this spring on Friday, May 9th, 2025 at 6pm in the gymnasium.

Congratulations to all of our inductees!

Congratulations to all of the students who were recognized on Friday morning for Student of the Month for September. We are so proud of you!!!

• October 5 - Emily Scott Memorial Walk, 10 AM, register here
• October 7 - Ticket Sales Begin for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
  
• October 8 - PTSA Board Meeting, 6 - 8 PM
  
• October 14 - Choir Concert, 7 PM
• October 15 - Band Concert, 7 PM
• October 15 - Scholars Leadership Honors Program Welcoming Ceremony, 6 PM
• October 16 - PSAT Testing for Grades 10 and 11
  
• 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 19 - Zumbathon, 9 AM - 12 PM
  
• 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
• November 10 - Deadline for Online Winter Sports Registration
• November 15 - First Day of Winter Sports Tryouts
• November 21 - Winter Athletics Orientation for Parents & Guardians, 5:30 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
  

There is no varsity football game this Friday, October 4.

We had an outstanding day of homecoming events last Saturday! Stay tuned for a special Homecoming Edition of our newsletter, highlighting the events and thanking everyone who worked so hard to make this a memorable day.

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

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Maryland Safe Schools

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Maryland Safe Schools

Please join us tomorrow, Saturday, October 5, at 10 AM for the 3rd Annual Emily Scott Memorial Walk.

Day-of registration will start at 9:30 AM outside of the gymnasium. Dress comfortably for walking and help support this scholarship fund!

PSAT Testing will take place on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, for 10th and 11th graders. Testing will start promptly at 7:50 AM. Please support students in being on time and bringing their charged chromebook.

Seniors have the option of using a discretionary day for college and career exploration. English teachers will be facilitating college essay edits in the cafeteria from 7:50 until 11:00 AM. However, students must sign up in advance. The sign up sheet was sent out on the student Canvas page and shared in the English classes.

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you!

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

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

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

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

Thank you!

The students in the Engineering Design and Development class are requesting that you take a brief survey to assist them with the development of a class project. EDD is the capstone class of the Project Lead the Way pre-engineering academy. Students in this class are expected to develop a product from the inception of the idea through the development, production, and marketing of the product. The students will take their finished product before a patent-style review board in May

The three design teams have each developed a market validation survey to assist them in the development of their solutions and will take less than 6 minutes to complete. They ask that you complete the surveys by October 16, 2024. Thank you for taking the time to complete their surveys. Unless noted, no email addresses will be collected.

Hyperacusis

https://forms.gle/VQkFzVZqHdkG9TcP9

Mobile Device Usage

https://forms.gle/eUtUiPXFiqvukEcc7

Ergonomic Bottle Opener

https://forms.gle/1axfKAopwpjn8Pw6A

Underclass pictures are ready!

ENJOY 10% OFF your order!

CODE: F202410OFF (Expires July 31, 2025)

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

Learn more about the Smilesafe program here.

Students enrolled in Engineering Design and Development (EDD) are in search of mentors to assist them in developing solutions to their final projects. The EDD class requires students to develop a product or system from its formative stages of research and development to a testable prototype and then defend their idea before a patent-style review board of engineering and marketing experts (Read more).

Ideally, mentors should be practicing or retired engineers who guide students through the process of how to solve their problem and develop their solution. A mentor does not need to be a specialist in any particular engineering field, simply one who is willing to give students the benefit of their experience. Mentor meetings may be face-to-face or virtual during school hours once a week for 15-20 minutes. If interested, please contact Eric Cullings at eric_cullings@hcpss.org.

Thank you.

On Wednesday, October 16, dine at The Woodstock Inn and raise funds for Centennial High School PTSA. The good people at The Woodstock Inn will donate 15% of sales to CHS PTSA. Just tell them we sent you anytime on that day!

The Woodstock Inn is located at 1415 Woodstock, MD 21163. The restaurant is open from 11 AM to 10 PM that day.

Help your PTSA and leave the cooking to someone else!

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!

Check out the October Newsletter from Skyward Theatre - Centennial's Theatre program for information about our upcoming production of 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, auditions for our Winter Musical Alice by Heart, merch, field trips, and more! LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kEx3UlbQcZ0VUQ2PawiKaXnSaYPOcZHQBd_z_8xrIDU/edit?usp=sharing "

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

Monday, 10/7

• University of South Florida-Main Campus @ 1:10 PM

• Coastal Carolina University @ 2:05 pm

Tuesday, 10/8

• Coppin State University@ 10:10 AM
• Gettysburg College @ 1:10 PM
• University of Michigan-Ann Arbor @ 2:05 PM

• University of Rochester @ 8:15 AM
• American University @ 10:10 AM
• High Point University @ 1:10 PM
• University of Iowa @ 2:05 PM

• Princeton University @ 9:10 AM
• Notre Dame University of Maryland University @ 1:10 PM
• St. John's College @ 2:05 PM

Friday, 10/11

• University of Richmond @ 8:15 am

The CHS Parent Teacher Student Association Board meets on Tuesday, October 8, at 6 PM. The meeting happens in person in the Media Center at Centennial High School and online via Google Meets.

Join the discussion about how your PTSA plans events and raises funds to help CHS students and staff. All members of the CHS community are welcome.

Need an invitation to the meeting? Email secretary@chs-ptsa.org.

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.

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.

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.