CHS News

Madame Doff has been notified by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) of Maryland that she has been awarded a $200.00 grant for promoting the French program here at Centennial during the upcoming National French Week celebration! These funds may be used to continue promoting the already awesome French program during National French Week and beyond!

National French Week is an annual event, which takes place in schools, communities, and AATF chapters across the United States. This year’s theme is Le français -- langue globale.

Congratulations and Félicitations to Madame Doff!

Congratulations to Alexander Barrett on earning his Eagle Scout Award. Alex built and installed two benches and picnic tables for the students and staff at Running Brook Elementary School. The project, which took more than 120 hours to complete, included preparing a detailed proposal and scope of work, fundraising and sourcing materials, and building and installing the final product. The Eagle Scout award is the highest rank that a Scout can achieve in the Boy Scouts of America and is earned by only four percent of all Boy Scouts.

In addition to earning this award, Alex continues to contribute to the community through other projects such as volunteering at Camp Linstead and Scouting for Food. Alex has also earned the Bronze Eagle Palm for earning five merit badges beyond the rank of Eagle Scout.

Senior Crab Feast was back and better than ever! Many thanks to the Senior Class Sponsors, Ms. Ireland and Mrs. Beall, for working with the Senior Class to make this happen. A special thanks to the parent volunteers and the members of the Junior Class who helped serve!

The CHS Speech and Debate Team participated in the BCFL 2 Competition on October 26. Congratulations to our students who placed in the following categories:

• Shalisa Ibad - Honorable Mention in Original Oratory
• Minah Hashmi – Silver in Impromptu
• Shalisa Ibad – Silver in Impromptu
• Ira Ahirrao – Bronze in JV Public Forum

Members of the Sophomore Class of 2027 and their advisors, Ms. Carr and Ms. Stevens, hosted an amazing Halloween event and Haunted House for CHS and the community this week! We were excited to see so many future Eagles from our feeder elementary and middle schools.

There were so many people who worked to make this even so much fun. Special thanks to Mrs. Dow, as well as the CHS news crew for advertisements the event; Dr. Miller and Dr, Scaltz for their support and supervision; Mrs. Beall for selling tickets; Mrs. Flynn and Ms. Khaksari for lending decorations; CHS Dancers for trick or treating; Art Honor Society and their sponsors Mrs. Hensley and Mr. Hannsen for face painting; the Class of 2027 members; and the biggest and spookiest thank for to Mr. Kunkel ( parent of Liam, class of 2027) for helping build, design, and decorate the Haunted House.

Congratulations to all of the students who were recognized as Student of the Month for October! We are proud of your exemplary work.

Varsity Boys Soccer

Field Hockey

A BIG EAGLES CONGRATULATIONS to our Girls & Boys Cross Country Teams and Coaches Kevin McCoy & Chris Graff ON SWEEPING THE 2A REGION CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS at Utica Park in Frederick County!!!

Our Girls Cros Country Team WON THEIR 3RD CONSECUTIVE REGION CHAMPIONSHIP, and our Boys Cross Country Team won their 2ND REGION CHAMPIONSHIP IN THREE YEARS!!!

Varsity Girls Cross Country

Check out how we finished:

• Riley Herdson (senior) – 2nd
• Kaylee Beal (sophomore) – 3rd
• Catie Fritz (senior) – 5th
• Sarah Mananey (freshman) – 11th
• Carolyn Shadrick (junior) – 15th
• Emily Graff (junior) – 17th
• Ally Crumley (senior) – 21st

Varsity Boys Cross Country

Check out how we finished:

• David Herzberger (senior), 3rd
• Jason Oberly (junior), 10th
• Harper Koenig (junior), 12th
• Jack Arrington (junior), 17th
• Tate Hancock (senior), 20th
• Ian Doll (junior), 21st
• Mehdi Ibrahim (sophomore), 33rd

Centennial High School is one of the A. James Clark School of Engineering’s Top 25 Source Schools for 2024-25.

The Top 25 Source Schools are the Maryland high schools that consistently send the most students to the A. James Clark School of Engineering.

View a full list of the 2024–25 Top Source Schools.

The Clark School was also recently ranked at #16 in the country for undergraduate engineering by U.S. News & World Report. From artificial intelligence and autonomous systems to quantum technologies, semiconductors, and healthcare solutions, Clark School engineers become leaders that develop the solutions our society needs. The future is bright knowing that our students will help provide that leadership.

• October 7 to November 11 - Ticket Sales Begin for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
  
• November 5 - Election Day, Schools and Offices Closed
• November 7 - 10 - Fall Theatre Production of 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas. Shows at 7 PM on Nov. 7, 8, and 9; 2 PM on Nov. 10 (Buy tickets here)
  
• November 8 - Report Cards Issued @ 4 PM

• November 8 - Scheduling for Parent /Teacher Conferences Opens at all Schools at 8 AM
  
• November 10 - Deadline for Online Winter Sports Registration
• November 11 - ASVAB Test Administration, register at ASVAB Registration Form
• November 12 - Underclass Picture Retake Day
• November 14 - PTSA Restaurant Night Fundraiser at Squisito Pizza and Pasta
  
• November 15 - First Day of Winter Sports Tryouts
• November 21 - Winter Athletics Orientation for Parents & Guardians, 5:30 PM
• November 21 - Scheduling for Parent/Teacher Conferences Closes at 4 PM
• November 25 - 3-Hour Early Dismissal; Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:30 - 8:30 PM (in person)
  
• November 26 - 3-Hour Early Dismissal; Parent/Teacher Conferences 12:30 - 3:00 PM and 3:30 - 8:30 PM (virtual)
• November 27 - Schools Closed for Students; Parent/Teacher Conferences 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (virtual)
  
• November 28 - 29 - Schools Closed for Thanksgiving
  

Registration for Fall 2024 conferences will be available online 8 AM, Friday, November 8 through 4 PM, Thursday, November 21. Conferences will be held Monday, November 25 - Wednesday, November 27.

Parents/guardians must log into HCPSS Connect with their own credentials. Please check to be sure you are not logged in as your child. Contact our school if you have questions.

Click here for registration directions and more information.

Conference Dates & Times:

• Monday, November 25, 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM (in person)
• Tuesday, November 26, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM (virtual)
• Wednesday, November 27, 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM (virtual)

Lifetouch photographers will be at our school on Tuesday, November 12, to retake pictures for students in grades 9, 10, and 11, who missed picture day.

During the run of 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas, Skyward Theatre will be collaborating with Taharka Brothers Ice Cream to raise money for our program.

Scan the QR code at the door or on the poster or use the code word "SKYWARDICECREAM" to purchase. With your purchase, you will get to choose 8 pints of locally-owned Taharka Brother's Ice Cream! So split with your neighbor, start loading up on ice cream for the holiday, or enjoy it yourself and support Skyward Theatre!

Ice Cream pick up will be on Wednesday 11/13 at CHS until 6:30pm.

Current 8-11 grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend in-person information sessions on HCPSS career academies on Tuesday, November 12, or Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Applications and Research Laboratory, 10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD. The evening will include two 15-minute information sessions beginning at 6:45 PM Details below.

https://news.hcpss.org/news-posts/2024/09/career-academy-info-sessions-nov-12-and-dec-11-2024/

The Carson Scholars Fund supports two main initiatives: The Carson Scholars Program and The Ben Carson Reading Project. The scholarship program awards students who have embraced high levels of academic excellence and community service with $1,000 college scholarships. If you are interested, please submit a resume and an essay describing your volunteer work for the school and community above and beyond the 75 required service-learning hours to Mr. Kriner in Student Services by Monday, December 2nd. You will be informed by December 18, if you are one of our three school nominees. This will give you ample time to complete the application and submit it by January 13th. Details below.

https://carsonscholars.org/scholarships/prospective-scholars/

The Howard County Public School System's Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) invites all students in grades 8-12 and their families to attend the upcoming BSAP College and Career Opportunities Night on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 6-8 PM at Long Reach High School (6101 Old Dobbin Lane, Columbia, Maryland 21045).

The theme is: Building a Legacy of Excellence! Attendees will explore post-secondary opportunities, connect with representatives from colleges and universities across the nation, network with businesses and community organizations, and learn more about HCPSS pathways. Additionally, students and families can participate in a variety of college and career workshops. Registration is encouraged, not required. For more information, please visit: BSAP College and Career Opportunities Night, Nov. 7 – HCPSS News. Fliers can be found here: English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese

On Thursday, November 14, dine at Squisito Pizza and Pasta in the Chatham Station Shopping Center

at 9210 Baltimore National Pike, and raise funds for Centennial High School PTSA. Squisito will donate at least 15% of sales to CHS PTSA.

From now until Nov. 15, order your holiday greenery from Maryland Flower & Foliage Company and help raise funds for CHS PTSA. Brighten your home for the holidays with wreaths, poinsettias, Christmas cactus, cyclamen, and white pine roping. Maryland Flower & Foliage will ship directly to Centennial High School so you can pick them up during the first week of December, just in time to brighten the early days of winter.

CHS PTSA is pleased to work with Maryland farmers to offer you fresh greens and flowers for the season. Located in White Marsh, Maryland, Maryland Flower & Foliage offers a variety of holiday greens to choose from:

• Red, white, pink, and marble poinsettias in a number of sizes

• Fresh Fraser fir wreaths, plain or decorated, in three sizes
• Christmas cactus in two sizes
• Cyclamen in two sizes
• Fresh white pine garlands in 25-foot strands

Hurry! The deadline to place your order online is Friday, Nov. 15.

A portion of your purchase goes to support Centennial High School PTSA.

Sweeten your Holidays with See's Chocolates and Candies!

Anyone who has tasted See's chocolates and candies knows they're some of the finest candies you'll ever find. Lucky for us, CHS PTSA has a See's Candy Storefront this year!

See's will donate 20% of all sales to PTSA. Place an order by Dec. 6, and See's will ship directly to you.

Order your chocolates today!

The Reflections Program Theme for this school year is Accepting Imperfection.

Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories:

• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts

All submissions will be electronic. Please complete this entry form and submit it with your artwork to CHS PTSA Reflections Coordinator, Faith Ayers, at faithayers17@gmail.com. You do not have to complete the top section of the entry form, just fill in the second section.

DUE DATE: November 30, at 5 PM EST

Parents/guardians who work on a federal property in Maryland and/or are a member of a uniformed service can qualify HCPSS to receive federal funding by completing the Impact Aid form online by Dec. 20. Impact Aid supplements the HCPSS operating budget to enhance the teaching and learning that takes place in Howard County classrooms.

Forms are due by December 20, 2024.

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.

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT FOR A WINTER SPORT (Allied Bowling, Boys & Girls JV & Varsity Basketball, Varsity Cheerleading, Indoor Track, and Boys & Girls Wrestling)... Winter Sports Registration is now open thru your Parent's/Guardian's Portal at HCPSS Connect THRU SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH!!!

Please check the online registration instructions and get your paperwork in as soon as possible.

For all students who have registered, the first day of winter sports tryouts is Friday, November 15.

For all parents/guardians of student athletes, the Athletic Orientation Program is on Thursday, November 21, at 5:30 PM in the auditorium.

Let's Go Eagles, Let's Go!

Attention 11th & 12th grade students:

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. It measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in different career areas. Once the results are in, you will discuss them with an education specialist to help you further develop a career path. There is no requirement to speak to military personnel as a result of taking this exam.

The test will be given on November 11th and will begin at 7:50 AM in the Media Center.

Please register using the following link:ASVAB Registration Form

If you would like further information, please contact Ms. Jones (tracey_jones@hcpss.org), Ms. Clearfield (lisa_clearfield@hcpss.org) or Ms. Devore (Lynn_Devore@hcpss.org)

Yearbook sales are here!

To purchase your copy, visit: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1066907/Centennial-High-School/2025-Yearbook/2024100304183132083/CATALOG_SHOP/

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you!

The 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!

Underclass pictures are ready!

ENJOY 10% OFF your order!

CODE: F202410OFF (Expires July 31, 2025)

Redeem Now

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

Learn more about the Smilesafe program here.

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

Wednesday, 11/6

• Marymount University @ 1:10 pm

Thursday, 11/7

• Salisbury University @ 10:10 am

Friday, 11/8

• Johnson & Wales University - Providence @ 8:15 am

Did you miss the cap and gown orders in school on Tuesday? No worries...Cap and gown packages for the Class of 2025 are available at Jostens. The online order window is October 23 – November 9.

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

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 are interested in helping with the Senior Crab Feast, which is Monday, October 28 from 6-8 PM, add that information in the comments .

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.

Senior Portraits are available through Prestige Photography by Lifetouch. Photo sessions are available at our school on the following dates: January 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!

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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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?tab=t.0

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

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.

For more information, including deadlines and submission guidelines, please visit https://bit.ly/2025MLKContests Thank you for your support in promoting these meaningful contests.
Together, we can inspire our students and community to reflect on Dr. King's dream and vision for a better tomorrow

Help us share the warmth and support local families by donating new or gently used coats, jackets, or toiletries during the months of October and November. All donations will go to the Howard County Public School System Pupil Personnel Services.

Drop Off Locations:

• Terrific Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, 5850 Waterloo Road, Columbia, Maryland
• Atholton High School, 6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, Maryland
• Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, 8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, Maryland

Both in-person and live, virtual, eight-hour college prep classes are being offered in partnership with Atholton, Centennial, Hammond, Howard, Marriotts Ridge, Mt. Hebron, Reservoir, and Wilde Lake high schools and are open to students from all high schools.

CHS students can register for ANY Answer Class at ANY location or online – and a percentage of tuition will be donated to CHS PTSA! School year classes are being regularly added – check here often!

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

HC DrugFree offers these educational opportunities for parents and adults.

Guiding Good Choices® is an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that helps parents, guardians and/or grandparents develop stronger relationships with their kids, while also providing skills proven to reduce the risk of children engaging in substance use or other risky behaviors. These free classes are for families with children 9 - 14 years old (or slightly younger and older) and held on Zoom on November 12, 15, 19, 22, and December 3 from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Visit the HC DrugFree website to register for these free classes.

HC DrugFree’s Teen Advisory Council provides the youth perspective to the staff and Board of Directors of HC DrugFree to increase the effectiveness of HC DrugFree’s programs, newsletters, website, and other services. The Teen Advisory Council is composed of Howard County students in grades 8 through 12 (public, private and homeschool) who meet monthly during the school year to discuss teen use of alcohol and other drugs, and to develop educational messages that promote HC DrugFree’s vision of a county where teens are drug-free by choice.

Learn more about the Teen Advisory Council on the HC DrugFree website.

• 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.