William Tennent Update

Dear Centennial Families,

I hope you're enjoying the rest of summer. As the new school year approaches, it is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2024-2025 academic year in the Centennial School District (CSD). I am thrilled to continue our journey together and look forward to the opportunities ahead.

Over the past few years, our district has shown tremendous resilience and adaptability. The dedication of our teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members has been nothing short of extraordinary. We have navigated challenges and celebrated successes while maintaining a steadfast commitment to excellence in education.

Our academic progress, as reflected in our local assessments such as IXL and i-Ready and the last PVAAS state data where we met or exceeded over 81% of the growth targets, highlights our significant strides. Recently, we received notification that CSD has improved in several rankings via Niche. Our school district now has an overall "B" and, since 2011, has moved from 179 to 154 in state rankings and from 72 to 55 in the Metro area rankings. This progress is a direct result of our district's hard work and collaboration. Our commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment has remained unwavering, ensuring every student feels supported and inspired to reach their full potential.

Technology continues to play a crucial role in our educational landscape. By incorporating innovative digital tools and resources, we enhance the learning experience and prepare our students for the future. Our classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, enabling students to engage with content in dynamic and interactive ways.

The support from our Board, parents, guardians, and community members has been instrumental in our success. Your involvement and encouragement have created a strong foundation for our students' growth and achievement. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and dedication.

As we embark on the new academic year, we remain focused on building a culture of curiosity, resilience, and empathy. We aim to create an environment where students are valued, empowered, and encouraged to pursue their dreams.

I am excited to share some of the key initiatives and improvements we have been working on this summer in preparation for the new school year:

Teaching and Learning:

• We have continued to update our curriculum to align with state standards, ensuring that our students receive a high-quality education that meets current educational benchmarks.

Communications/Engagement:

• We will be gradually rolling out the use of our new app, ReachWell, throughout the school year. ReachWell will provide a one-stop communication platform for important updates, school news, and direct communication between the district and families. This app will enhance our ability to keep you informed and engaged with your child's education, offering features such as real-time notifications, event reminders, and easy access to school resources. Additionally, ReachWell's translation capabilities make it accessible to our diverse community, ensuring that all families receive information in their preferred language.

Food and Nutrition:

• The SchoolCafe portal remains a valuable resource for managing school meal payments, monitoring student meal programs, and viewing menus. We are committed to making our food services more efficient and accessible.

Transportation:

• We continue using a Global Positioning System (GPS) on all buses, along with a family mobile app, to enhance student safety and provide real-time updates on transportation.

Facilities (not an all-inclusive list, just a sample):

• To continue improving safety in our schools, we have evaluated and are improving our camera systems in all schools.

• Our school facilities staff have thoroughly cleaned all spaces in preparation for the upcoming school year.

• Paving of the back lots at Klinger Middle School has been completed.

• A new walk-in freezer was installed to help improve food services at Log College Middle School.

• New playground mulch has been installed at Willow Dale, McDonald, and Davis Elementary Schools.

• Klinger Middle School upgraded the capabilities of its science programs by installing sinks in the science classrooms.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and development of your children. We look forward to welcoming our students on August 28th and to an outstanding 2024-2025 school year!

Warm regards,

Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D., CAA

Superintendent of Schools

Hello, William Tennent Families.

I hope this message finds you well and relaxed after an enjoyable summer. As we prepare for another exciting school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all our students and their families.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome both returning and new families to our school community. Each new school year brings fresh opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. Our dedicated faculty and staff have been hard at work over the summer, planning engaging lessons and activities that will inspire and challenge our students.

At William Tennent, we believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for student success. We encourage you to stay engaged, attend school events, and communicate with your child’s teachers throughout the year. Your involvement makes a significant difference in our students’ educational experiences. Together, we can ensure we provide a safe and nurturing environment for all our students. We will continue to follow health guidelines and protocols to ensure the well-being of our community. We will also continue to focus on our core values of respect, responsibility, and resilience, which are integral to our school culture.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to William Tennent. Together, we can make this school year a memorable and successful one for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your student’s house principal.

Wishing you all a fantastic start to the school year!

Warm regards,

Dr. Henrich

We are excited to announce a new way for families to receive important updates and school communications! Download the free ReachWell app today then tap the plus button to search for the Centennial School District AND your child's individual school name. We’ll share relevant notifications, upcoming events, updates, due dates, and much more! Download today at http://reachwellapp.com/app!

To see instructions on how to Download the ReachWell App in other languages please use this link to find your language.

Your access code will be sent on August 15th. In order to get access to the new ReachWell App, you need to update a cell phone number for each guardian in Skyward by August 12th, 2024. For directions, see the Skyward section below.

As we kick off the year, please mark your calendars for the following important dates:

**New Student Tours: August 8 and August 20, 2024 at 10am or 1pm

Students who wish to attend a tour may complete the document linked here. Please note that students may only select one date and time for the tour.

**First Day of School:** August 28, 2024

We are excited to welcome students back to campus for a day filled with new experiences. The first day of school is a Black day and students will attend Black classes, periods 1-4. August 29 will be a White day. Students will attend White classes, periods 1-4.

**Underclassmen Picture Day- September 10 and 11, 2024

Pictures will be taken of Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors during English classes

**Back-to-School Night:** September 19, 2024 7-9pm

Join us for an evening of introductions, information, and insights into our curriculum and programs.

**Homecoming 2024

Football Game September 27, 7pm in Alumni Stadium

Dance September 28, 7-10pm in the WTHS cafeteria

William Tennent Website

Centennial School District Calendar

WTHS Bell Schedules

WTHS Daily Announcements

Email the WTHS Attendance Office

WTHS Guidance Counselor Contact Information

Dress Code

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

• The first day of school at MBIT is September 3, 2024.

• Here is the MBIT calendar.
  
  

Athletics & Activities:

• WTHS Athletics Website

• Fall Athletics will begin August 12, 2024 (Football & Golf 8/5/24)

• Athletics Calendar

• Coaches Information

• All student-athletes must complete the following before participating in school athletics:

• PIAA Physical Form (Physical must be completed after 6/1/2024).

• Athletic Handbook

• WTHS Clubs & Activities

Registration for the 2024-25 school year is still open to all incoming students.

Required Information/Documentation needed once online registration is completed

• Proof of Child’s Age - Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, or Valid Passport

• Immunization Records

• Updated report of physical exam and dental exam

• Legal Custody Order if applicable

• Prior school’s report card/transcript

• Emergency contact phone number (2 required)-Click here for the required Fillable Emergency Card

  
  

Proof of Residency-Documentation Must be Current within the past 60 days and in the Applicant's Name

• Property Deed/Mortgage or Current Rental Agreement is required AND

• Three (3) Supporting Documents from the list below, all must be current within the past 60 days:
  Utility Bill, Credit Card Statement, Bank/Loan Statement, Cable Bill, Mortgage Statement, Vehicle Registration, Property Tax Bill, Insurance Statement

Parents/guardians can register a student online. Should you have any questions, please call the CSD Registrar at csdregistration@centennialsd.org or 215-441-6000, Ext. 11046.

In addition to emails and calls you may receive from individual faculty and staff members, William Tennent High School will communicate in a few additional forums:

William Tennent Website

• We encourage you to check the William Tennent High School web page frequently. Here you can find information regarding daily announcements, student schedules, Canvas links, important dates, parent pick-up, and drop-off procedures, school lunch information, and other school-related communications.

Monthly Newsletter: William Tennent Update

• Highlights events, important information, and includes student contributions sent through an eAlert

Social Media

We also encourage you to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram in order to remain up-to-date on the happenings at William Tennent High School.

All students from the Class of 2027 will be registered to take the College Board’s PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test during the school day on the morning of Tuesday, October 15, 2024. These students and their families do not need to do anything additional for registration.

Students from the Class of 2026 are encouraged to register and take the PSAT on October 15, 2024, to determine readiness for the SAT exam and to compete for a national scholarship. The deadline for registration is Friday, August 30, 2024. A registration fee of $18.00 applies for all juniors. This fee may be paid in person to Ms. Heather Malloy in the Guidance Office/College and Career Center with cash or a check made payable to William Tennent High School.

The PSAT does provide many benefits for the students, post assessment, that will help connect them to resources to help ensure future success. Please take a moment to review the presentation regarding the College Board’s PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test that will be shared with students following their return to school. Please contact your child’s school counselor should you have any questions.

Fall sports are upon us! The Fall season officially begins on August 5th (Football / Cheer / Golf) and August 12th (Cross Country / Field Hockey / Soccer / Tennis / Girls Volleyball / Marching Band). Here is a list of important reminders:

All CIPPE forms (PIAA Physical Examination Forms) and parent permission forms are required to be completed and submitted prior to any student-athlete participating in an athletic program. All printed forms are available in the WTHS Athletic Office. The forms can also be accessed here.

Concussion Education & baseline testing

WTHS is a leader in the Suburban One League in Concussion Management for all of our student athletes. Concussion testing will be held on Friday 8/2 and Tuesday 8/6 - Friday 8/9. Athletes will need their chrome book to complete the test. Please have your athletes use the link below to sign up for a time slot or contact our lead Athletic Trainer, Ms. Joslin Poole (215-441-6181 ext. 12504). All potential student athletes must have a baseline test on file prior to any participation. *Including Color Guard

Fall Sports 2024: Concussion Testing

Tryout Information

All of our tryout information for the Fall 2024 season can be found on our William Tennent Athletics Webpage.

Family Pass / Student Pass / Paperless Ticketing

William Tennent High School is proud to partner with Hometown Ticketing to provide a paperless ticketing system. For all weekend and evening events (Football / Volleyball / Wrestling / Basketball / Senior nights) we strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets from our online ticket box office. Our yearly Family and Student Passes are for regular season athletic events only.

Family Pass - $50 (2 Adults / 2 Students)

Student Pass - $25 (1 Student)

Spectator Rules:

Spectators are welcome to purchase tickets to attend WTHS sports events. Spectators may not bring outside drinks, water bottles, etc into the stadium or gymnasium. Student spectators in the stadium and auditorium may not enter with backpacks or bags (other than a small purse). Middle school students will not be admitted without a parent or guardian.

Rising Juniors and Seniors with a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle may now apply for a William Tennent Parking Pass for the 2024-25 school year. The cost of the pass will be $40. This fee will remain the same regardless of the time of year the pass is purchased.

Link to Apply for Parking Pass 2024-25

Once students fill out and submit the request, they will receive a confirmation email from Mrs. Mueller with a permission slip attached for parents to sign. Students should fill out the request separately for each vehicle they plan to drive.

Students should bring the signed permission slip when they come to the high school to pick up their parking pass. Parking passes may be picked up at William Tennent High School on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, August 13th - 1:00 - 3:00pm (Seniors Only)

Thursday, August 15th - 10:00am - 1:00pm (Seniors and Juniors)

Tuesday August 20th - 12:00 - 3:00pm (Seniors and Juniors)

If you have further questions, please contact Mrs. Mueller at (215) 441-6181 x12015.

Good attendance in school is one of the building blocks of school success. Please have your students make every effort to arrive at WTHS with plenty of time to get breakfast and visit lockers before classes if they so choose.

• Students should be in the building and in their classrooms by the time first period begins at 7:30am each day.

• Students who are not in the building by 7:30am are late to school. Students who are not in class when the bell rings at 7:30am are also late to class.

• When a student must be absent from school, parents or guardians are required to submit a written note to the 9th grade office, or send an email to wtattendance@centennialsd.org.

• In order for absences to be excused, PA state code requires written notes or emails to be received within 3 school days.

• Seniors who are enrolled in a study hall period in block 1 or 4 may arrive late to school or leave early during that period with permission. Students seeking late arrival or early dismissal during study hall should access the Study Hall- Early Release/Late Arrival paperwork. Once seniors submit this completed, signed paperwork, they are not required to remain in the building during study hall.

• Students and families are encouraged to read the Board Policy that pertains to attendance:

• Student Attendance

Start Your Career at Centennial!

Please spread the word that Centennial School District is hiring:

If you know anyone who would be interested in these positions, please have them apply. We offer competitive rates, excellent perks, and benefits, including a pension. For questions, please call 215-441-6000, Ext. 11034.

Please check out our employment website for a complete list of vacancies. https://www.centennialsd.org/employment

Open Opportunities:

• Bus Drivers

• Bus Mechanic
• Paraeducators (Instructional Assistants/ Personal Care Assistants)
• Cafeteria/ Recess Monitors
• Athletic Coaches
• Long Term Subs
• Special Education Teachers
• AND MORE!!!

Looking for help with your application? Want to talk to someone in HR about open positions? Join us for our next Walk-In Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 8am-12pm.

The Transportation Department would like to thank you in advance for your patience during the start of the new school year. All pickup times will become more consistent after the first two weeks of the school year.

Centennial 2024-2025 Bus Schedule Information
Please click on the below link. Type in your address to access your child's busing information. Addresses with east, west, north, or south use the abbreviation E, W, N, or S with no punctuation. If that does not work, omit using it in your address.

CLICK HERE to access Infofinder i.

As a reminder, please have your child/children be at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup. If you have any questions, please contact us at 215-441-6000.

Childcare and Shared Joint Custody Forms
Childcare and shared joint custody forms need to be completed yearly and approved by the school administration prior to the start of school. Please click HERE to access the form. All forms need to be submitted by August 16, 2024.

Download the Free Stopfinder App Today!

The app can be downloaded to any iOS or Android enabled device and is available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store.

APPLE APP STORE GOOGLE PLAY

Click here for Stopfinder App Instructions

Forget what you’ve heard about so-called “parent apps.” Stopfinder is redefining the term with its easy-to-use, all-in-one parent engagement app designed by parents for parents. Know in real-time where your child’s bus is, and the ETA, and have the most accurate information about your child’s bus schedule in the palm of your hand.

Dear Centennial Families,

We hope this email finds you healthy, safe, enjoying what is left of the summer, AND looking forward to the start of school!

Please visit the District website, Departments < Technology & Online Learning < 1:1 Initiative Resource webpage, for updates related to Beginning-of-Year Device Information. These include but not limited to: device return and pick up, technology device agreements, care and responsibility agreements, optional accidental damage insurance*, student/family tech support videos, the Community Help Desk Support Portal, and other technology-related items.

*Please note - as outlined on the Student/Family Device Agreement (found on the 1:1 Initiative Resource webpage), the payment window will be open from Monday, August 5 to Monday, September 30. Please see the Accidental Damage Insurance (Optional) webpage for more information.

As a reminder, the Skyward Family Access Portal will be open for completing the Beginning of the Year Information today, Monday, August 5. Skyward and Canvas can now be accessed together via Classlink Family Access. The first time thru this new sign-on will prompt a password creation for verification. With this single sign-on families can now access both Skyward and Canvas in a single location.

Please note: student schedules will not be available in Skyward until Monday, August 12th after 4:00 PM. Student courses will not be visible in Canvas until August 28. All Skyward Beginning of the Year Information must be completed in Skyward to view your child's schedule. *As outlined in the building communications regarding Kindergarten, due to the modified schedule for Kindergarten on August 28 and 29, final Kindergarten teacher assignments and schedules will be available in Skyward on Friday, August 30th after 4:00 PM

For each guardian to receive their individualized ReachWell App verification code, a cell phone must be provided in the 2nd space for telephone numbers in Skyward by August 12th, 2024. There should be a unique cell phone number entered for each guardian, if available. (see image below)

You can opt to update each guardian’s preferred language. This will inform staff of the need for translation or interpretation services. (see image below)

Questions?

• Technical Assistance with Skyward Family Access Portal or login: Building's Educational Technology Support Specialist
• Elementary or middle school schedules: School's Assistant Principal
• High school schedules: Grade-level House Principal

CSD is pleased to announce all parents/ guardians listed in Skyward have been automatically connected to their students in Canvas as observers. To access both Skyward and Canvas please use our single-stream log-in via Classlink Family Access. Courses are not visible in Canvas until August 28.

Centennial School District is proud to once again be able to offer a 100% asynchronous virtual learning pathway for all students in Grades K-12 who may need flexibility that the traditional school day schedule does afford. Registration for Centennial Virtual Learning Academy (CVLA) for Fall 2024 is open until September 5.

Current CVLA students will have access to virtual schedules via the process described above for in-person learners: parents will be able to complete the Beginning of the Year Information in Skyward starting Monday, August 5. Virtual coursework for students in Grades K-9 will be available in Accelerate beginning on August 28. Virtual coursework for students in Grades 10-12 will be available in Canvas beginning on August 28.

Materials for virtual learning can be picked up from the Central Admin Building starting on Monday August 19 at 7am. New CSD students will be issued a device; current CSD students will continue to use their current devices. All students Grades K-12 will have workbooks and novels (and may have additional elective supplies) to pick up.

For any questions or clarifications regarding CVLA, please contact our Online and Digital Learning Coordinator, Kristin Herman, at hermkr@centennialsd.org

The pricing for meals for the 2024-2025 school year will be as follows:

High School Breakfast is FREE for all students; Lunch cost is $3.25

Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Priced Meals will not be charged for Breakfast or Lunch.

Please be sure to check your child(ren)’s Food Service Account at schoolcafe.com for the current balance. Payments can be made online at schoolcafe.com or by paying at the register with cash or check. The District is encouraging families to fill out the Free and Reduced Applications as there are many other benefits that come along with it. You can apply online at schoolcafe.com or contact us to receive a paper application.

Please check out the website for more information.

Also, if you are looking for a job that works with your child(ren)’s schedule, please consider a position in the Food and Nutrition Department. Apply here.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact the Manager of Food and Nutrition, Lori Deni, at denilo@centennialsd.org

There are FREE Family Literacy classes for English as a Second Language (ESL) families in the Centennial School District. Registration for these classes will be open in September 2024. The Free Family Literacy classes are held 3 days a week in the Centennial Administration Building located at 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA 18974. Parents with at least one child from birth to 8 years old, qualify for these classes.

Please call (215)441-6000 Ext. 11085 to leave a message in English, Spanish, Russian, or Ukrainian with your name and phone number.

Click below to download flyers:

English/Spanish
English/Ukrainian

English/Russian

Email: henrju@centennialsd.org
Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 333 Centennial Road, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: 215-441-6000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WTHSPanthers
Twitter: @WTHS_Panthers