CHS News

David Riddler, CHS National Board Certified Social Studies teacher and department team leader, has received a Fulbright Teacher Exchange award for 2025-26, from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Mr. Riddler is one of approximately 400 master teachers and administrators who participate in the Fulbright Teacher Exchages each year. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections and work to address complex global challenges.

Congratulations, Mr. Riddler!!!

The CHS Marching Eagles started rehearsing on August 11, in the height of the hot weather, and they are back and ready for the 2025-26 school year.

The CHS Marching Eagles will give a preview performance of their fall 2025 show "Star Wars" that features music from the Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Come get a first look at the show this Friday, August 22 at 7:30 PM in the CHS Stadium. Admission is free! All are welcome!

On Tuesday, August 19, the CHS PTSA treated the staff to a wonderful breakfast with a wide array of food donated by the CHS community. What a wonderful welcome back. We appreciate each and every one of you!

A very special thanks to the CHS Hospitality Team (left to right): Martha Love, Lorri Raney, Cindy Lin, and Tammy Aliyeva Kamenetskiy.

It may have been overcast outside on Wednesday, but there was a slice of sunshine on our plates when the CHS Boosters hosted a pizza lunch for the staff from Trattoria Amore in Dorsey Hall. What a wonderful break in the middle of a busy day!

Thank you for your thoughtful generosity!

Rebecca Clark and Darby Bates, Booster's president!

(With Mr. Ahearn and Mr. O'Brien enjoying a slice...or two!)

Our staff enjoyed a fabulous snacks, snacks, and more snacks this week provided by the CHS Friends of Music. We were overwhelmed by the variety of choices - truly something for everyone!

We are grateful to Yvonne Shiau and Soon Bartlett (pictured left to right) for coordinating the donations from so many generous families!

• August 25 - First Day of School
• September 1 - Labor Day, Schools & Offices Closed
• September 10 - Senior Parent Night, 7 PM
• September 11 - ARL Back to School Night, 6:30 PM
• September 17 - Schools Close 3 Hours Early
• September 18 & 19 - Underclass Pictures
• September 23 - Schools and Offices Closed
• September 26 - 3rd Annual Boosters Eagle Golf Classic at Fairway Hills
  
• September 27 - Homecoming (Breakfast, Parade, Game, Dance)
• October 5 - Emily Scott Memorial Walk, 11 AM
• October 8 - Senior Crab Feast, 6 - 8 PM

The first day of school is Monday, August 25, from 7:50 AM to 2:35 PM.

It’s the start of a new school year, Eagles and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am!! Our New Student Orientation, Open House, and Back to School Night on Thursday were spectacular!

The CHS Marching Band’s Pass & Review is tonight, Friday, August 22, at 7:30 PM. Please join us for this annual tradition to celebrate the new school year!

The first week of the 2025-26 school year was a celebration of community. Our heartfelt thanks to the following groups who gave our staff a big Eagle welcome:

• Our SGA for providing a delicious staff breakfast and warm welcome on August 14
• The PTSA Hospitality Committee for providing an awesome welcome breakfast on August 19
• The CHS Boosters for providing a fabulous pizza lunch for staff on August 20
• CHS Friends of Music for providing a fantastic array of snacks to welcome back staff

Finally, this weekend, please take some time to prepare yourself for the new school year, so that you’re ready to go Monday morning. Make sure you:

• Go to bed early on Sunday night.
• Wake up with plenty of time to eat breakfast.
• Get to your bus stop early.
• Bring your fully charged Chromebook (and your charger).
• Bring a copy of your schedule. (Student schedules are now available for all families by logging in to HCPSS Connect Synergy.)
• If you drive to school, remember that students park in the white-lined parking spaces.
• Review the traffic patterns and drop off procedures below. DO NOT drop off students on Centennial Lane.
• Food and drink are ONLY allowed outside at the picnic tables or in the cafeteria.
• Read all the important back to school information below.

Looking forward to the best year ever!

Dr. Miller

1. Update Your Student/Family Emergency Information Today

Parents/guardians must verify and/or update emergency information for each child every school year.

This is completed online in Family File, which has several new updates including how and where to access. Full details on updating your Family File are available online.

One exciting new feature is that families now can submit a change of address via Family File, rather than completing a separate form and sending to their school. Full directions and information for families on this new process can be found online.

2. 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.

3. 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. Medical Forms.

4. 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.

Getting to School

The official school hours for Centennial High School for the 2025-2026 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.

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 25.

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.

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 25/26 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!

As a student who attends ARL, there are some important things you need to know to start the school year off right.

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

Transportation to ARL

The ARL bus leaves Centennial High School promptly at 7:50 in the morning. Students are responsible for arriving in time to board the ARL bus before it departs. Students who arrive at Centennial before the departure time may wait in the cafeteria, but should be sure to set alarms and monitor the time to make sure they don’t miss the ARL bus, which leaves our school at 7:50 AM.

Parents/Guardians are welcome to transport their students to the ARL in the morning. There is a designated Student Drop Off lane closest to Route 108 ( follow the signs). Do not pull into the bus lane that is directly in front of the building. Be aware that traffic around campus can be busy in the morning. Parents/guardians should plan on arriving at the ARL campus between 7:55 and 8:00 for morning classes. Students are expected to be walking into the ARL no later than 8:05 and in class by 8:10. Students arriving in class after 8:10 are tardy to the ARL.

Students who wish to drive themselves to ARL must complete a parking permit application. ARL does not have a dedicated student parking lot, and spots are limited. Priority for parking permits will be given to students currently attending HCC dual enrollment programs and to those students who have off-site internships as a part of their academy program. Students who wish to apply for a parking permit should submit an application found linked on the ARL Website. Students will be notified if they are approved or denied a parking permit, and will receive information on how to pick up their parking permit. Please note that student drivers are not able to leave the parking lot until all buses have departed.

Fall Sports pictures will be taken next week:

• Monday, August 25: Cheerleading, Volleyball
• Thursday, August 28: Field Hockey, Girls and Boys Soccer

Be prepared for underclass picture days on September 18 & 19!

• Back to School Night for ARL will be held on September 11th at 6:30 PM.

• ARL Information Nights will be held on November 11, and December 10, from 6 to 7:30 PM. These meetings are for freshmen and sophomores who may be interested in requesting one of the academies. Stay tuned... more information will be coming!

Senior parents are invited on Wednesday, September 10th, at 7 PM in the auditorium to hear what senior students heard during their English class (September 8th - 12th ) to introduce Student Services staff and roles, explore all careers, college information, understanding college applications, transcript requests, letters of recommendation, Naviance, financial/scholarships, and more.

Skyward Theatre at Centennial High School is back and ready for another year filled with fun, color, and surprises! With both Robin Hood and The Cat in the Hat showing up in character this year, there are SO MANY ways you can get involved. Read our August 2025 Newsletter (linked here) for all the information on Skyward Theatre and how YOU can collaborate with us. Students, parents, friends, and family are encouraged to read our newsletter for audition and performance dates, club information, and more!

Link just in case the above hyperlink doesn't work: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w0_-LbTK1Qn1zlrOc2HBkqg8lgsblr7r4XDcm3HP_Vg/edit?usp=sharing

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 2025!

Use the link below to order your Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior shirt/sweatshirt--hurry because our online store closes on Sunday, September 7th at 11:59pm. All shirts will be delivered to CHS in time for spirit week.

Link to order: CHS Online Store

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.

Each year, our school receives folders for all of our students from J.M. Gaske, Inc. This is a generous donation, which showcases the spirit of support in our community. Many thanks to the following donors who work with the Gaske company to sponsor our school folders:

• Bare Bones Grill, 9150 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City

• The Flower Basket, 69141 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
• Jiffy Lube, 9267 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City
• Rob’s Barber Shop, 3424 North Chatham Road, Ellicott City
• Rosario Realty, 3635 St. John’s Lane, Ellicott City
  

• Shannon’s Saloon & Restaurant, 9338 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City

• Tri-County Roofing, 45 Magna Way, Westminster

This year we are offering a “passport” incentive for junior activities throughout the year. If you purchase the passport now, you will get discounted rates on all of the fun things planned for this school year. See below for the breakdown:

• Class of 2027 Laser Tag, September 24, 7 - 9 PM

Cost per student: $15; discounted passport price: $10

• Class of 2027 T shirt

Cost per shirt: $15; discounted passport price: $14

• PROM at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, April 25, 7 - 10 PM

Cost per student: $90; discounted passport price: $66

• Class of 2027 Picnic at Centennial Park, June 4, 10 AM - 1:45 PM

Cost per student: $15; discounted passport price: $10

Total cost: $135, discounted cost $!00

By purchasing early, you will not only secure a spot for our events but also save $35!! What a deal!! If you are interested, the deadline to purchase is September 20, and can be purchased here:

Online Passport Payment

Thanks for your support!

Dear CHS families,

Based on revisions to Board of Education Policy 5200 Student TransportationLinks to an external site., the distance students may walk to school has decreased. As a result, more households in our school community will be eligible for bus transportation for the 2025-2026 school year.

Please view the online map that shows the updated non-transportation (walk) area for our school. extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.hcpss.org/f/schools/walk-areas/25-26/chs.pdf

Families can use the 2025-2026 Attendance Area LocatorLinks to an external site. to verify their transportation status.

The following addresses are now eligible for transportation service:

• Abby Ln (all addresses)
• Carrigan Dr (all addresses)
• Cragsmoor Ct (all addresses)
• Cragsmoor Rd (all addresses)
• Font Hill Dr (3402-3520 & 3401-3525)
• Grosvenor Dr (3602-3700 & 3605-3647)
• Gwynn Park Dr (9672-9722 & 9673-9721)
• Jay Dr (all addresses)
• Oak Hill Dr (all addresses)
• Riverside Cir (all addresses)

A new map depicting this change will be reflected on the HCPSS school information website and the school and bus locator application

Please join us for the 4th Annual Emily Scott Memorial Walk on Sunday, October 5th at 11AM on the track in the CHS stadium. Help us memorialize CHS Alumni, Emily Scott '18, and earn funds to give out scholarships to graduating Howard County seniors. To sign up, visit the Online Payment System.

If you have questions, please reach out to emilyscottmemorialscholarship@gmail.com.

Thanks!

The SGA presents Hollywood Lights Homecoming on Saturday, September 27th, from 7 PM-10 PM. Early bird tickets are on sale now through September 17th, for only $13 on OSP, with ticket prices rising after the 17th to $15.

Guest forms for non-CHS student guests are available in the Front Office and due no later than Monday, September 22nd.

Star Passes are also on sale for only $6 and include a slice of pizza, bottle of water, bag of chips, and coat check, and additional pizza, drinks, and snacks will be available for cash purchases at the event. Contact Dr. McDonough or Mrs. Holt with any questions.

In an effort to begin to expose students to the wide range of careers in today's society we are looking for in person speakers to partner with us to engage students. We also want to leverage the resources within our own community. If you are interested in helping to broaden student exposure through your career journey, please take a few minutes to complete this form. We’re looking for careers that students can access from any of the post high school pathways (Military, Job, 2yr/4yr, Trade school, Apprenticeship).

The Class of 2028 board is selling flannel pajama pants and sweatpants. You can choose 1 of 2 different designs.

The red flannel pajama pants are offered in either blue or red and come in men’s and women’s sizing. The red pants will be with white lettering, and the blue pants will be with red lettering.

The sweatpants will be offered in 5 colors and are unisex sizing. The lettering for the black, white, red, and grey sweatpants will be blue. The lettering for the blue sweatpants will have red lettering. Sizing for the flannel pajama pants range from XS-4XL while the sizing for sweatpants range from S-4XL. All items are $35.

Place your order no later than Friday September 5th by clicking the following link:

https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/DA041-1751

In the description box be sure to indicate the size (be sure to indicate men’s or women’s size if ordering flannel) and which design you would like to order (vertical or horizontal).

If you have any questions please feel free to contact erin_parisi@hcpss.org and danielle_holzman@hcpss.org.

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.

The Senior Crab Feast will take place on Wednesday, October 8th, from 6-8 PM in the CHS cafeteria!

We'd love for all seniors to join us. There will be BBQ, crabs and sides. Tickets are on sale now on OSP for an early bird discounted price of $40.00. Ticket prices go up on 9/8/2025. If you have questions, please contact Elizabeth_Engle@hcpss.org

Senior Portraits are available through Legacy Studios. Photo session are available at our school on the following dates:

• November 6
• November 7
• December 3

Please go to www.seniors.legacystudios.com to book your appointment today (make sure you select "Centennial High School - Ellicott City" when you type in your name in the search bar).

Numerous packages are available, so please review all of your options!

Questions? Please contact Mr. VanWestervelt (VW), CHS yearbook sponsor, directly at rus_vanwestervelt@hcpss.org.

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.

New Date: Friday, Sept. 27, 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Location: Oakland Mills High School

This districtwide event is open to all HCPSS families and will feature:

• A session with Superintendent Bill Barnes

• Resource tables hosted by HCPSS offices and local organizations

• Information on programs, resources, and services available throughout the school year

• Childcare and language access provided

For additional information, please visit the Family Academy Kickoff HCPSS News Post

Links to an external site..

Flier: English

Links to an external site. | Spanish Links to an external site. | Chinese Links to an external site. | Korean

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

• Centennial High School’s website is a great source of information at https://chs.hcpss.org.
• Instagram @CentennialHS
• Facebook @www.facebook.com/chs.hcpss.org
• 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.